Transmission Cable Field Testing
Third-party testing using a proven approach ensures safe and reliable cable system operation with a greatly reduced risk of cable failure.
Our Global Team
Canada
Ken D'Silva
T&D Senior Business Development Director, CanadaOur Global Team
United States
Aron Sexton
T&D Senior Business Development Director, United StatesOur Global Team
United Kingdom
Anuj Nayyar
T&D Business Development Director, United KingdomOur Global Team
Germany
Stefan Maetzold
T&D Business Development Director, GermanyOur Global Team
International
Shahrokh Zangeneh
Senior Vice President Sales, InternationalOverview
A high voltage transmission cable is a critical part of the electricity network. These insulated cables consist of a conductor and insultation and are used for transmitting power underground between substations or to offshore platforms via subsea cables. They are designed to last from 30-50 years but often last much longer. Generally, when cables are installed, it is critical to screen out any defects to help avoid major financial implications associated with assessing and repairing cables post-operation.
We ensure high in-service reliability of newly laid, solid dielectric transmission class cable systems prior to being energized by identifying any life-limiting latent and/or installation-related defects using AC HiPot and partial discharge (PD) testing. We can also provide low-voltage tests to ensure the bonding and grounding scheme is functioning as intended.
We have built internationally recognized field test capabilities utilizing a combination of state-of-the-art test equipment and experienced, trained, and dedicated personnel. Our teams operate locally in North America, the UK, and the European Union. Each region has local technical expertise in high-voltage cable system testing.
Why Us?
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Unparalleled Experience
Having over 40 years of experience conducting partial discharge (PD) testing of cable systems, we have pioneered many different technologies for PD measurements on cables, gas-insulated switchgear, and transformer systems.
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Large and Complex Systems
With our larger resonant test sets and unique daisy-chained PD approach, we have tested some of the longest and most complex cable systems in the world. This includes commission-testing more than 7,500 km of transmission class cable.
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Extensive Research Experience
Our continuous commitment to refining and developing specific PD sensor technologies and PD signal processing techniques enables us to remain as leaders in the transmission cable industry.
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Proven Methodology
Our proven test methodologies help utilities and power generation companies across the globe manage their operational risks in a controlled, measured, proactive, and cost-effective manner.
Technical Abilities
Core Capabilities
- Commissioning Testing of newly laid cable systems to international and local standards
- Sequence Impedance Measurements
- Contact Resistance and Sheath Potential Bonding Measurements
- Maintenance Testing of field-aged cable systems via online or offline electrical tests (condition assessment)
- Locating cable system faults
- Post Failure Root Cause Analysis of cable system components
- Training Courses on lifecycle management of HV & EHV cable systems
Comprehensive Transmission Cable Field Testing Capabilities
- Commission testing up to 500 kV XLPE cables with lengths of up to 120 km of 230 kV XLPE cable using AC Withstand and distributed PD Monitoring to IEC and AEIC standards to ensure an installation-related defect-free, cable system.
- Offshore commission testing of 69 kV-138 kV array cables, with lengths up to 40km using light, weight mobile test sets. These enable AC withstand testing as per IEC 60840 and IEC 63026 off array-cable systems from an off-shore platform.
- Asset Condition Assessment on up to 345 kV class XLPE/EPR cables via off-line PD at over-voltage, using Tand and where applicable, Dielectric Spectroscopy.
- Asset Condition Assessment on self-contained, low-pressure, and high-pressure fluid-filled cable systems using off-line PD tests and Tand Tip-Up electrical tests. Dissolved Gas Analysis and Degree of Polymerization tests may also be performed.
- Forensics analysis of failed cable components to identify root causes of failure and lessons learned. We have full laboratory capabilities for forensics and can perform all material tests and investigations internally.
Risk Mitigation
We provide risk mitigation of forced outages for older (>25 year plus) and critical solid dielectric and fluid-filled transmission class cable systems by identifying insulation defects. Asset condition assessments such as Off-Line PD at elevated voltage, limited withstand, LIRA, Tan Delta, and dielectric spectroscopy testing are used to develop life extension strategies such as repairs or replacement.
Our Proven Experience
Quality Assurance & Technical Standards
- AEIC CS-9
- Specification for Extruded Insulation Power Cables and Their Accessories Rated Above 46kV through 345 KVac
- CIGRE TB 728
- Guidelines for On-site Partial Discharge Assessment of HV and EHV Cable Systems
- CIGRE TB 841
- For AC and DC Cable Systems with New Technologies
- IEC 60840
- Power cables with extruded insulation and their accessories for rated voltages above 30 kV (U<sub>m</sub>= 36 kV) up to 150 kV (U<sub>m</sub> = 170 kV) - Test methods and requirements
- IEC 62067
- Power cables with extruded insulation and their accessories for rated voltages above 150 kV (Um = 170 kV) up to 500 kV (Um = 550 kV) - Test methods and requirements
- IEC 63036
- Electrical interface specification for phase-cut dimmer in phase-cut dimmed lighting systems
- IEEE 48
- IEEE Standard for Test Procedures and Requirements for Alternating-Current Cable Terminations Used on Shielded Cables Having Laminated Insulation Rated 2.5 kV through 765 kV or Extruded Insulation Rated 2.5 kV through 500 kV
- IEEE 400
- IEEE Guide for Field Testing and Evaluation of the Insulation of Shielded Power Cable Systems Rated 5 kV and Above
- IEEE 400.3
- Partial Discharge Testing of Shielded Power Cable Systems in a Field Environment
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