Pre Qualification Test on 220 KV Cable System – CPRI Experience

Abstract

With the development of XLPE cables and associated accessories up to 500 kV voltage level, XLPE Cable Systems are becoming the main back bone of the Power Distribution and Transmission system. The basic requirement of power cable is that it shall withstand the electrical, thermal, mechanical and environmental stresses imposed on it during its expected life of 25 to 35 years. Generally the development of cable for EHV applications is achieved through increased stress design, which demands very stringent quality requirements during production of cables and development of accessories. Since different designs are available for cables and accessories, it is essential to carry out long duration test to establish their compatibility and reliability. IEC 62067 for extra High voltage Cable accessories have incorporated the pre-qualification tests to check the long term reliability of the cable system in service before installation. This paper highlights the details of Pre qualification test on 220 KV Cable system conducted at CPRI for the first time in India.