Cable Conditioning with the PFL-4000

Here is the theory on how we utilize a 16 kV thumper to locate and pinpoint faults on higher voltage rated cables.
The 33 kV cable is good for just that, 33 kV, but only if the cable is uncompromised. Once a fault or other defect
compromises the cable, it will no longer hold 33KV. The new maximum voltage level is quite rapidly derated,
especially if the fuses, or other circuit protection does not react immediately, and sometimes this deration occurs
even if they do. So, although it may be a 33 kV rated cable, if it is faulted it will no longer withstand 33 kV. Lets us
for the sake of argument say the cable will hold 28 kV, after a fault occurs, which is still at a voltage level above the
maximum rating of the PFL 4000. By burning the cable down over a period of time, we will lower the thump
impedance until it is within the thump rating of our 4000 unit, hence, the reason we put 10mA more of burn current
into the 4000. If we examine the chart below, we will see that we have the situation we have just described above. By
using the superior burn capability of the PFL-4000, we can achieve thump capability quite rapidly. That being said,
we still have customers who feel more comfortable with units of higher voltage ratings and there are times when the
higher voltage may be needed; for example if burning is not a procedure that is allowed. The bottom line is, it will
be a trade off sometimes between the higher energy and the higher voltage, but let your customer make the choice
based on his needs and maintenance methods.