CABLE ASSET CATEGORY

Category Types Size

Cable 33kV XLPE 630mm2 1 core Aluminium
300 mm2 1 core Copper
400 mm2 1 core Copper
500mm2 1 core Copper
630 mm2 1 core Copper
120 mm2 3 core Copper
185 mm2 3 core Copper
22kV PILC 70 mm2 3core Aluminium
185 mm2 3core Aluminium
400 mm2 3core Aluminium
XLPE 70 mm2 1core Aluminium
150 mm2 1core Aluminium
240 mm2 1core Aluminium
500 mm2 1core Aluminium
 CABLE ASSET CATEGORY
Category Types Size
Cable 11kV PILC 25 mm2 3core Aluminium
75 mm2 3core Aluminium
120 mm2 3core Aluminium
185 mm2 3core Aluminium
300 mm2 3core Aluminium
XLPE 70 mm2 1 core Aluminium
500 mm2 1core Aluminium
95 mm2 Aluminium Triplex
150 mm2 Aluminium
Triplex
240 mm2 Aluminium
Triplex
95 mm2 3core Aluminium
150 mm2 3core Aluminium
240 mm2 3core Aluminium
 CABLE ASSET CATEGORY
Category Types Size
Cable LV PVC 300 mm2 1core Aluminium
500 mm2 1core Aluminium
500 mm2 1core Copper
630 mm2 1core Copper
XLPE 25 mm2 4core Aluminium
70 mm2 4core Aluminium
120 mm2 4core Aluminium
185 mm2 4core Aluminium
300 mm2 4core Aluminium
PILC 25 mm2 4core Aluminium
70 mm2 4core Aluminium
120 mm2 4core Aluminium
185 mm2 4core Aluminium
300 mm2 4core Aluminium
 CABLE MAINTENANCE MATRIX
Condition Monitoring Technologies XLPE PILC LV
Purpose Technologies 1C 2IS 3AR C IS AR C IS AR
Insulation Integrity Insulation Resistance 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
Tangent Delta 9 9 9 9 9 9
Partial Discharge 9 9 9 9 9 9
Mapping
Dielectric 9 9 9 9 9 9
Spectroscopy
Sheath Integrity HVDC Sheath Test 9 9 9
Connection Integrity Contact Resistance 9 9 9 9 9 9
Test
Metallic Sheath 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
Continuity
Thermography 9 9 9

1
C – COMMISSIONING : Newly installed cables prior to first energization
2
IS – IN SERVICE :Condition-based maintenance practice
3
AR – AFTER REPAIR : After replacement of faulty section
 CABLE MAINTENANCE TESTING
Insulation Integrity : Insulation Resistance
CABLE MAINTENANCE TESTING
Insulation Integrity : Tangent Delta
 CABLE MAINTENANCE TESTING
Insulation Integrity : Partial Discharge
 CABLE MAINTENANCE TESTING
Insulation Integrity : Dielectric Spectroscopy
 CABLE MAINTENANCE TESTING
Sheath Integrity : HVDC Sheath Test
 CABLE MAINTENANCE TESTING
Connection Integrity : Contact Resistance
 CABLE TESTING EQUIPMENT
Insulation Integrity – MV XLPE Cable
Task Maintenance Test Testing equipment Minimum Technical Specification

Max voltage: 57kVrms

Max current: 90mA
Tan-delta Test Set with
Tan-delta Test Freq range: 0.01Hz – 1.0Hz
VLF HV Source
Max Load: 2µF at 0.1 Hz
Waveform: Sinusoidal
Tan Delta Range: 0.1 to 1000 10-3
Max voltage: 40kV
PD Mapping Test Set with Max current: 40mA
VLF HV Source Freq range: 0.01Hz – 1.0Hz
Max Load: 2µF at 0.1 Hz
Partial Discharge Waveform: Sinusoidal
Insulation Mapping Test
Max voltage: 60kVpeak
Integrity
PD Mapping Test Set with Max current: 7mA
OW HV Source Freq range: 50Hz-500Hz
Max Load: 2.0 µF
Min PD: 1pC-100nC
Max Output Volt: 30kVpeak
Tan-delta Test Set with
Dielectric Max current: 15-40mApeak at the rate of
sweep frequency analyzer
Spectroscopy Test 0.01-2.5Hz
Max Load: 10µF
Freq Range: 0.0001-100Hz
Max voltage: 10kV dc
Insulation Resistance Megohmeter Test Set (3
Max current : 2mA
Test Terminal Tester)
Max resistance: 5TΩ (digital meter)
 CABLE TESTING EQUIPMENT
Insulation Integrity – MV PILC Cable
Task Maintenance Test Testing equipment Minimum Technical Specification

Power Frequency Tan- Max voltage: 200V

Tan-delta Test
delta Test Set Max current: 50mA
Frequency: 50Hz

Max voltage: 40kVpeak

PD Mapping Test Set with
Max current: 40mA
VLF HV Source
Freq range: 0.1Hz – 1.0Hz
Max load: 2µF at 0.1Hz
Partial Discharge Waveform: Sinusoidal
Mapping Test

Insulation PD Mapping Test Set with Max voltage: 60kVpeak

Integrity OW HV Source Max current: 7mA
Freq range: 50Hz-500Hz
Max Load: 2.0 µF
Min PD: 1pC-100nC

Dielectric Tan-delta Test Set with

Max voltage: 200Vpeak
Spectroscopy Test sweep frequency analyzer
Max current: 50mApeak
Freq range: 0.0001 – 1kHz

Insulation Resistance Megohmeter Test Set (3 Max voltage: 10kV dc

Test Terminal Tester) Max current : 2mA
Max resistance: 5TΩ (digital meter)
 CABLE TESTING EQUIPMENT
Insulation Integrity – LV Cable

Task Maintenance Testing Minimum Technical

Test equipment Specification

Max voltage: 10kV

Insulation Megohmeter
Insulation Max current : 2mA
Resistance Test Set (3
Integrity Max resistance: 5TΩ
Test Terminal Tester)
(digital meter)
 CABLE TESTING EQUIPMENT
Sheath Integrity – MV XLPE Cable

Task Maintenance Testing Minimum Technical

Test equipment Specification

Output voltage: 20kV DC

Sheath HVDC DC Pressure Output current: 20mA
Integrity Sheath Test Test Set Maximum Testing
Duration: 30 min
 CABLE TESTING EQUIPMENT
Connection Integrity – MV XLPE Cable
Task Maintenance Test Testing equipment Minimum Technical Specification

Max current : 0-200A

Contact Resistance Milliohmmeter Test Set (4
Resistance Range: 0-500 µΩ
Test Terminal Tester)
Resolution: 1 µΩ

Measurement Ranges:
Max Voltage: 600Vrms
Digital Multimeter Max Current: 10Arms
Resistance Range: 400Ω – 40MΩ
Metallic Sheath Capacitance range : 5nF – 5µF
Continuity

Max current:10A
Milliohmmeter resistance
Integrity of Resistance range: 0-5 Ω
Test Set
Connections Continuity Selection Mode

Temperature Range: 0oC – 500oC

Sensitivity: ± 0.3oC
Focal range: 0.4m to infinity
Should be able to measure:
1. Absolute value of hot spot temperature
Thermography InfraRed Camera 2. Colour thermal image of focused
object
3. Isotherm temperature
4. Dual spot delta temperatures
5. Measured temperatures shall be
corrected for effects of solar emittance,
atmospheric temperature.
CABLE TESTING RESULTS’ INTERPRETATION
TIER 1

Maintenance Condition Indicator

Tests/Condition
Thermography 1

Tan delta 2

Insulation resistance 3

Operation and 4
maintenance performance
Age 5
CABLE TESTING RESULTS’ INTERPRETATION
TIER 1 – Contact Resistance
This test is done during installation. If any concern identified then it is
rectified before putting the cable into service. Therefore this test results
are not consider for condition assessment while the cable is in service.

Results Score Remarks/Action

Less than 50 µΩ in - The connection is

all the phases healthy and can be
put into service

> 50 µΩ but less than - The connection can

100 µΩ in any be put into service
particular phase or all with caution
the phases
> 100 µΩ in any - The connection must
particular phase or all be replaced
the phases
CABLE TESTING RESULTS’ INTERPRETATION
TIER 1 – Thermography
This test is done on exposed terminations during cable in-service at every 24 months interval
under normal condition. This test results are considered for condition assessment while the cable
is in service.

Results Score Action

The hot spot temperature 3 Normal. The monitoring

difference between phases is frequency of 24 months can
less than 5 degree be maintained.
centigrade

The hot spot temperature 2 The monitoring frequency

difference between phases is should be revised to 12
> 5 degree centigrade but months.
less than 10 degree
centigrade

The hot spot temperature 1 The monitoring frequency

difference between phases is should be revised to 3
> 10 degree centigrade but months.
less than 20 degree
centigrade

The hot spot temperature 0 Remove the cable from

difference between phases is service and perform tan delta
> 20 degree centigrade tests immediately.
 CABLE TESTING RESULTS’ INTERPRETATION
TIER 1 – Tangent Delta
This test is done on cables at regular interval of 24 months under normal condition. This test results are
considered for condition assessment while the cable is in service.

Results Score Action

XLPE: 3 Normal. The monitoring

tan δ (2 U0) < 1.2 E-3 and [tan δ frequency of 24 months can be
(2 U0) - tan δ (U0)] < 0.6 E-3 maintained.
PILC:
tan δ (50Hz) < 2.3 E-3

XLPE: 2 The monitoring frequency

1.2 E-3 ≥ tan δ (2 U0) < 2.2 E-3 should be revised to 6 months.
and
0.6 E-3 ≥ [tan δ (2 U0) - tan δ
(U0)] < 1.0 E-3
PILC:
2.3 E-3 < tan δ (50Hz) < 3.0 E-3
XLPE: 1 The monitoring frequency
2.2 E-3 ≥ tan δ (2 U0) < 2.8 E-3 should be revised to 3 months.
and
1.0 E-3 ≥ [tan δ (2 U0) - tan δ
(U0)] < 1.5 E-3
PILC:
3.0 E-3 < tan δ (50Hz) < 3.5 E-3
XLPE: 0 Remove the cable from service
tan δ (2 U0) ≥ 2.8 E-3 or [tan δ (2 and perform Tier 2 tests
U0) - tan δ (U0)] ≥ 1.5 E-3 (whichever applicable)
PILC: immediately.
tan δ (50Hz) ≥ 3.5 E-3
 CABLE TESTING RESULTS’ INTERPRETATION
TIER 1 – Insulation Resistance Test
This test is done on cables at regular interval of 24 months for MV cables and 60 months for LV
cables under normal condition. This test results are considered for condition assessment while the
cable is in service.
Results Score Action

XLPE: 3 Normal. The monitoring

DAR value ≥ 1.6 periodicity of 24 months for
MV cables and 60 months for
PILC: LV cables can be maintained.
PI value ≥ 3.0
XLPE: 2 The monitoring periodicity
1.1 < DAR value < 1.5 should be revised to 6 months
for MV cables and 24 months
PILC: for LV cables.
1.5 < PI value < 3.0
XLPE: 1 The monitoring periodicity
1.0 < DAR value < 1.1 should be revised to 3 months
for MV cables and 12 months
PILC: for LV cables.
1.0< PI value < 1.5
XLPE: 0 Remove the Cable from
DAR value < 1.0 service and perform Tier 2
tests (if applicable)
PILC: immediately for MV cable.
PI value < 1.0 Replace LV cables.
CABLE TESTING RESULTS’ INTERPRETATION
TIER 1 – O & M Performance
Results Score Action

Operation and 3 -
Maintenance are normal

Some abnormal operating 2 -

conditions experienced
and/ or additional
maintenance above normal
occurring

Significant operation 1 -
outside normal and/or
significant additional
maintenance is required.

Severe abnormal operating 0 -

conditions experienced
and/ or additional
maintenance above normal
occurring
 CABLE TESTING RESULTS’ INTERPRETATION
TIER 1 – Age
Results Score Action

XLPE: 3 -
Under 10 years

PILC:
Under 20 years
XLPE: 2 -
Between 11 to 20 years

PILC:
Between 21 to 30 years
XLPE: 1 -
Between 21 to 30 years

PILC:
Between 31 to 40 years
XLPE: 0 -
Above 30 years

PILC:
Above 40 years
 CABLE TESTING RESULTS’ INTERPRETATION
TIER 1 – Data Quality
Results Score Adjustment Action

All Tier 1 testing equipment were Subtract 0 -

calibrated within the recommended
calibration frequency AND results are
reliable.

One or more of the Tier 1 testing Subtract 0.5 -

equipment were calibrated between 0
and 6 months past the recommended
calibration frequency.

One or more of the Tier 1 testing Subtract 1.0 -

equipment were calibrated between 6
and 12 months past the recommended
calibration frequency.

One or more of the Tier 1 testing Subtract 1.5 -

equipment were calibrated more than 12
months past the recommended
calibration frequency.
CABLE TESTING RESULTS’ INTERPRETATION
TIER 2

Maintenance Test

Dielectric spectroscopy

Partial discharge

Note: A zero score of ANY Tier 1 test or measurement may be

adequate in itself to require immediate call for Tier 2 test to be
conducted. A negative Total Cable Condition Index Value would
require immediate de-energization, or prevent re-energization, and
planning for replacement.
CABLE TESTING RESULTS’ INTERPRETATION
TIER 2 – Dielectric Spectroscopy
Results Score Adjustment Action

XLPE: Subtract 0 Normal. The monitoring periodicity

Good response:
No significant gap between the
frequency sweep responses at
different voltages.
PILC:
% Moisture Content < 0.5
XLPE:
Non deteriorated response:
Significant gap between the
frequency sweep responses at
different voltages with
hysteresis effect.
PILC:
0.5 < % Moisture Content < 2.0
XLPE:
Voltage dependent response:
Significant gap between the
frequency sweep responses at
different voltages with hysteresis
effect.
PILC:
2.0 < % Moisture Content < 2.5
XLPE:
Leakage current response:
Wide gap between the frequency
sweep responses at different
voltages with hysteresis and
leakage current effects.
PILC:
% Moisture Content > 2.5
of all Tier 1 tests can be
maintained at 24 months. Practice
partial discharge test if necessary.
Subtract 0.5 Retest the cable for dielectric
spectroscopy after 6 months. The
monitoring periodicity of all Tier 1
tests should be revised to 6
no months.
Subtract 1.0 Retest the cable for Dielectric
Spectroscopy after 3 months.
Arrange for replacement of
defective section(s).
Subtract 1.5 Indicates serious problem requiring
immediate evaluation, additional
testing and consultation with
experts. Recommendation is to
remove from service immediately
and replace the cable.
CABLE TESTING RESULTS’ INTERPRETATION
TIER 2 – Partial Discharge
Results Score Action
Adjustment

Severity Index < 2 Subtract 0 Normal. The monitoring

periodicity of all Tier 1 tests
can be maintained at 24
months. Practice partial
discharge test if necessary.
Subtract 0.5 Retest the cable for partial
2 < Severity Index < 5 discharge after 6 months.
The monitoring periodicity of
all Tier 1 tests should be
revised to 6 months.
5 < Severity Index < 7 Subtract 1.0 Retest the cable for partial
discharge after 3 months.
Arrange for replacement of
defective section(s).

Severity Index > 7 Subtract 1.5 Indicates serious problem

requiring immediate
evaluation, additional testing
and consultation with
experts. Recommendation is
to remove from service
immediately and replace the
cable.
 CABLE TESTING RESULTS’ INTERPRETATION
TIER 2 – Partial Discharge (Severity Index)

The related parameters are shown in equations 6.1 – 6.6.

K=k1*k2………….………….. Equation (6.1)
k1 = Vi/Vo………….………….. Equation (6.2)
k2 = Ve/Vo………….………….. Equation (6.3)
where,
k1 = Inception Voltage Factor
k2 = Extinction Voltage Factor
Vi = Inception Voltage
Ve = Extinction Voltage
Vo = Phase Voltage

A = Qm/Qa………….………….. Equation (6.4)

where,
A = Discharge Factor
Qm = Maximum Discharge
Qa = Average Discharge

D = Nm/NT………….………….. Equation (6.5)

where,
D = Density Factor
Nm = Number of Discharges @ L ± 10m
NT = Total Number of Discharges
L = Location of Highest Discharge

S = (A·D)/K………….………….. Equation (6.6)

where,
S = Severity Factor
K = Critical Factor
CABLE TESTING RESULTS’ INTERPRETATION
Flowchart
CABLE TESTING RESULTS’ INTERPRETATION
Cable Condition Index Value – TIER 1
N Condition Indicator Score Weighting Total Score
o Factor

1 Thermography 0.70

2 Tan Delta 0.80

3 Insulation Resistance 1.00

Operation and Maintenance

4 0.53
History

5 Age 0.30

Tier 1 Cable Condition Index

(Sum of Individual Total score)
(Condition Index should be between 0 and 10)

6 Cable Data Quality Indicator Score Adjustment

(value can be 0, -0.5 ,-1.0 or -1.5)

Final Tier 1 Cable Condition Index Value

(Condition Index should be between 0 and 10)
CABLE TESTING RESULTS’ INTERPRETATION
Proposed Action – TIER 1

Final Tier 1 Cable Condition Suggested Course of Action

Index Value

≥ 7.0 and ≤ 10.0 (Good) Maintain the normal frequency of

Tier 1 test.

≥ 3.0 and < 7.0 (Fair) Revise frequency of Tier 1 tests

to 6 months interval. Make
arrangements for Tier 2 tests.

≥ 0.0 and < 3.0 (Poor) Perform Tier 2 tests immediately.

CABLE TESTING RESULTS’ INTERPRETATION
Cable Condition Index Value – TIER 2
No Condition Indicator Score Weighting Factor Total Score

1 Thermography 0.70

2 Tan Delta 0.80

3 Insulation Resistance 1.00

4 Operation and Maintenance 0.53

Performance

5 Age 0.30

Tier 1 Cable Condition Index

(Sum of Individual Total score)
(Condition Index should be between 0 and 10)
6 Cable Data Quality Indicator Score Adjustment
(value can be 0, -0.5, -1.0 or -1.5)

Final Tier 1 Cable Condition Index Value

(Condition Index should be between 0 and 10)

7 Tier 2 Partial Discharge Score Adjustment

(value can be 0, -0.5, -1.0 or -1.5)

8 Tier 2 Dielectric Spectroscopy Score Adjustment

(value can be 0, -0.5, -1.0 or -1.5)

Total Cable Condition Index Value

(Condition Index should be between 0 and 10)
A negative Total Cable Condition Index Value would require immediate de-
energization, or prevent re-energization, and planning for replacement.
CABLE TESTING RESULTS’ INTERPRETATION
Proposed Action – TIER 2

Total Cable Condition Index Value Suggested Course of Action

≥ 7.0 and ≤ 10.0 (Good) Continue O&M without restriction.

Maintain the normal frequency of Tier 1
test. Repeat Tier 2 test as needed.

≥ 3.0 and < 7.0 (Fair) Repeat both Tier 1 & Tier 2 test after 6
months from this condition assessment
activity.

≥ 0.0 and < 3.0 (Poor) Reduce the load based on expert
judgment and arrange for replacement of
section(s). If necessary online condition
assessment such as partial discharge
monitoring can also be undertaken while
waiting for the replacement.