A description is given of a recently completed facility for testing cross-linked polyethylene insulated cables (CV cables). The main body of the facility is an AC 2000 kV transformer. A closed SF/sub 6/ gas-insulated (GIL) bus connects to it, and a testing cable is slipped onto its edge. A standard capacitor connects to the GIL to measure the tan delta of the testing cable. The facility adopts a new insulation design that is different from conventional technology in many ways. It has proved to be capable of testing breakdowns in 275- and 500-kV CV cables. The advantages of the facility are enumerated. >