MV cable test.

[bkl25]

I have a 6km run of 6x 800mm XLPE 33kv rated cable (2xpostive 2x Neg , 2xNeutral ) for 25kv rail system. The run consists of 6 joints for each cable. Spec says to DC pressure test at 76kv , which i understand is a pass / fail test.. Considering the amount of moisture in jointing pits when joints were done , would there be a better cable test to perform ? to check integrity of cable and joints ..Partial discharge? VLF?

 

[VLFit]

Thanks for your entry.The easiest and least expensive method would be to VLF test the cables for 30 minutes. Apply the IEEE400.2 test standards. If no failure ocurrs, the cable should be good for many years. Remember, everything is new. All you are trying to do is expose damage or defects caused during installation. Keep it simple and VLF hipot it. The PD test is good but not needed in this case.

vlfit