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MV Cable Testing

MV cable testing

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Fahad Shaik
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469 views5 pages

MV Cable Testing

MV cable testing

Uploaded by

Fahad Shaik
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Testing medium voltage (MV) cables is critical to ensure their performance, reliability, and

safety in service. The testing procedures are standardized and involve various tests at different
stages of the cable's lifecycle, such as during installation, commissioning, and periodic
maintenance. The following details the common MV cable testing procedures.

1. Visual Inspection

Before any electrical testing, a thorough visual inspection is conducted to identify any visible
damage or defects, such as:

 Cuts or abrasions in the cable insulation.


 Incorrect cable bending radius.
 Improper cable terminations or joints.
 Moisture ingress in terminations or joints.

2. Insulation Resistance Test (IR Test)

The insulation resistance test is one of the most fundamental tests for evaluating the condition
of the insulation system of MV cables.

Purpose:

To assess the insulation's ability to resist leakage current and identify defects such as moisture,
contamination, or insulation degradation.

Test Procedure:

 A megohmmeter (commonly called a megger) is used to apply a DC voltage across the


insulation.
 The test voltage depends on the rated voltage of the cable, typically 5 kV DC for cables
rated between 3.3 kV to 33 kV.
 The voltage is applied for 1 minute and the insulation resistance is measured in
megohms (MΩ).
Acceptance Criteria:

 The insulation resistance should be high (several hundred MΩ or more).


 A lower resistance value could indicate moisture ingress or insulation breakdown.

3. Very Low Frequency (VLF) Test

The Very Low Frequency (VLF) test is commonly used for testing MV cables because it
provides reliable data on the integrity of the cable's insulation. VLF tests are safer and more
practical than traditional power frequency withstand tests.

Purpose:

To evaluate the insulation strength by applying an AC voltage at a low frequency (usually 0.01
Hz to 0.1 Hz), simulating real operating conditions without exposing the cable to excessive
stress.

Test Procedure:

 A VLF test set is used to apply an AC voltage at 0.1 Hz.


 The voltage applied is typically 2 to 3 times the operating voltage of the cable.
 The test is conducted for 30 minutes.

Acceptance Criteria:

 No breakdown of the cable insulation should occur during the test.


 This test is a pass/fail test, with any sign of failure indicating a major defect in the cable.

4. High-Potential (Hi-Pot) Test

The Hi-Pot test is an older method of testing MV cables and involves applying a high voltage to
ensure that the insulation can withstand extreme electrical stress.

Purpose:
To assess the insulation’s capacity to withstand over voltages that may occur during operation
(such as from lightning strikes or switching surges).

Test Procedure:

 A DC or AC high voltage is applied between the cable conductor and the ground.
 The test voltage is higher than the operating voltage, typically 1.5 to 2.5 times the
cable's rated voltage.
 The test is conducted for 15 minutes for DC and 5 minutes for AC.

Acceptance Criteria:

 No insulation breakdown or significant leakage current should occur.


 A significant leakage current or insulation failure indicates that the cable insulation has
deteriorated.

5. Partial Discharge (PD) Test

The Partial Discharge test is a non-destructive test that detects the presence of partial
discharges within the insulation, which can lead to long-term insulation failure.

Purpose:

To identify localized weak points or defects in the insulation that could eventually cause a
complete breakdown.

Test Procedure:

 The test voltage is applied at 1.2 to 2.0 times the operating voltage.
 The PD detector captures electrical pulses caused by partial discharges within the
insulation.
Acceptance Criteria:

 The test aims to detect and localize any partial discharges within the cable's insulation.
 No PD activity should be detected for the cable to pass the test.

6. Sheath Continuity Test

This test checks the integrity of the metallic sheath or screening of MV cables.

Purpose:

To ensure that the cable's sheath provides a continuous path for fault currents and has no breaks
or discontinuities.

Test Procedure:

 A low resistance ohmmeter is used to measure the continuity of the cable sheath.
 The sheath is tested by applying low voltage DC to ensure that it provides a complete
circuit.

Acceptance Criteria:

 The measured resistance should be low (in the milliohm range), indicating continuous
and intact metallic sheath or screen.

7. Tangent Delta Test (Tan δ Test)

The Tan δ (Delta) test measures the dielectric losses in the cable insulation. This test helps
assess the quality and aging condition of the insulation.

Purpose:

To determine the level of dielectric loss in the insulation and whether it is suitable for continued
use.
Test Procedure:

 A VLF or power frequency AC voltage is applied across the insulation.


 The test measures the tangent of the loss angle (tan δ), which indicates how much
energy is lost in the insulation.

Acceptance Criteria:

 Lower tan δ values indicate healthy insulation, while higher values suggest insulation
aging or defects.

8. Commissioning Test

After all testing is completed and verified, a final commissioning test is conducted to ensure the
proper installation and operational readiness of the cable.

Test Procedure:

 The cable is energized at its normal operating voltage.


 The cable is monitored for signs of abnormal operation, such as excessive heat, abnormal
currents, or insulation breakdown.

Conclusion

MV cable testing is critical to ensure the cables' integrity, safety, and performance throughout
their lifecycle. The testing procedures range from basic insulation resistance tests to advanced
partial discharge and VLF testing, ensuring the cable's insulation system is robust and reliable.
Adhering to IEC standards and following manufacturer recommendations for each type of test
ensures that MV cables perform optimally under various operational conditions.

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