HV XLPLE Cable sheath testing

[power2020]

Any one please discuss regarding HV XLPE cable sheath testing. Where DC Hipot test kit terminals to be connected for cable sheath testing?
Advanced thanks.

 

[dpmac]

There are slight variations but standard procedure is to apply DC test voltage (10kV is typical) to lead sheath and apply ground/return to test set to outside of cable jacket. Cable jackets can be semi conducting using graphite or semi-conducting material.

Not as easy as it sounds sometimes. The best thing to do is to obtain drawings from the MFG on how the ends were sealed for shipment, how the cable will be installed (link boxes connected, etc). This will explain how the cables are sealed and therefore how you will test on the reel. Mfg. typically remove some outer semi conducting layer for reel testing so that part is simple. You want to insure testing is performed per the MFG instructions.

After pulling tests can be identical to reel tests if sealed ends are left intact.

Final tests after all installation require require some thought and inspection of cable run to insure no inadvertent grounding of sheath through clamps etc.