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Description / Abstract:
The introduction of cables with extruded dielectric insulation
and of modern splicing technology has imposed new conditions and
restrictions on cable fault locating. The use of excessive high
voltages and energies during ac, dc, and surge testing of
service-aged power cable systems with extruded dielectric
insulation may overstress insulation, creating defects that become
faults after the cables are returned to service.
This guide is intended to be applied to medium-voltage
distribution cables. Medium-voltage distribution systems generally
operate at system voltages above 1 kV and up to 34.5 kV
nominal.
The end user of the cable circuit should evaluate the necessity
for verifying the integrity of extruded dielectric insulated
cables, and, if they are in critical service, proceed to perform
the high-voltage/energies testing. If not detected during
dielectric tests, defects in dielectric materials may result in
cable failures during the transient voltage surge episodes while in
service.
Purpose
This guide is intended to provide trouble-shooting and testing
personnel with information to quickly identify a faulted cable
section and/or locate a cable fault with minimum risk of further
damaging serviceable cables, terminations, and equipment.