Cables Life Span
Cables Life Span
(OP)
Anyone knows the life span of a power cables supplying submains if not loading it to not more than 80% of its full current rating.
When was the last time you drove down the highway without seeing a commercial truck hauling goods?
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RE: Cables Life Span
For exposed or overhead installation I do not really know.
We are doing a project which includes replacing equipment and LV cables installed in 1949 in good operating conditions. I would consider it an exception.
RE: Cables Life Span
Admittedly, properly installed PILC makes a very robust installation, impregnable to the hydrocarbons available in this particular environment, but it does give an idea of the lifespan.
In the same environment there are some original switchgear components and transformers still plugging away today, SIXTY years later.
In 1994, I tested a station service transformer, single-phase, 45kv-120/240v that was dated 1902. Still in service. Lightly loaded, but still in service.
Hoever, a betting man would say thrity years max, twenty years for a safe bet, assuming proper installation and a reasonable environment.
old field guy
RE: Cables Life Span
Although I didn't go and move it around, the wire looked fine. Several others of the same vintage looked about the same.
I have seen at industrial site where the insulation was 25 years old and if was cracked, although it was said that a combination of a very hot location and defective insulation was the cause.
My house was built in 1967 and the original wire looks ok, it's not brittle. That's 39 years and holding.
I've also seen houses built in the 70's that were real POS.
My conclusion? You gotta look at each situation individually. BUT, good wire in a good location installed properly will last a "long" time.
RE: Cables Life Span
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