NATIONAL GRID SA

Title: Work instructions Index Number: Revision Number: Page Number:

WI-NG-6460-002-041 02 1 of 8
Prepared By: Original Issue Date:
2015-07-01
Revision Date:
Khaled Hisham Hassan
Commissioning Services Division, WOA 2022-06-15
Reviewed By:

Commissioning of
Muhammad Abdulrahman Al-Buhairi, Division Manager
XLPE Power Cables Technical Support & Coordination Division, CSD
Validated By:
(13.8kV and 33kV)
Abdulaziz M. AlKulaib, Division Manager
Standards and Procedures Division, AQPD, Technical Services
Approved By:

Emad A Bawajih, Department Manager (A)

Commissioning Services Department, Technical Services

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The field testing of power cable along with its accessories shall ensure the capability of
the cable to fulfill the company’s specifications and design requirements prior to normal
service. Also to detect the shipping or installation damages and gross cable defects or
error in workmanship in splices.
This work instruction covers the tests and their criteria for field testing of newly installed
13.8KV and 33KV XLPE Power Cables according to National Grid-AS Standards and
Specifications.
All 13.8kV and 33kV XLPE Power Cables must be tested in the factory before delivery
to the site and must be tested by Testing & Commissioning Contractor at the site after
installation to prove that:
 The Power Cable was not subjected to any damage during transportation/installation.
 The Power Cable has been installed correctly.
 The Power Cable is working in coordination with other equipment, as specified.
 The Power Cable is safe for putting into service.

2.0 RESPONSIBILITIES

- Anyone working in testing location during the commissioning stage must follow the
safety instructions as per SEC rules and CSD employees are responsible for applying
safety rules in all places which they are working in.
Policies and Procedures Management System Website: http://ngridsa-apps/amas/ TP-NG-6250-001-007
 NATIONAL GRID SA

Title: Work Instructions Index Number:

WI-NG-6460-002-041
Commissioning of XLPE Power Cables Page Number: Revision Number:
(13.8kV and 33kV) 2 of 8 02

- Project site engineer is responsible for committing the contractor to prepare testing
and commissioning places to be done in proper climate conditions as per Company
policies, procedures, and accepted temperatures the relays, devices and test
equipment can be tested or operated within it.
- CSD staff are responsible for witnessing the activities according to approved
specification and design
- CSD employee shall not start any test until the T&C Contractor engineer provides the
following:
o The T&C Contractor Engineer certification from the manufacturer of the Partial
Discharge (PD) measuring unit.
o Test forms.
o Factory Tests Results.
o Approved drawings.
o Test equipment valid calibration certificates and it is available in the Prequalified
Testing Equipment/Tools List DS-TS-6450-006-001.
o Contractors engineer pre-qualification certificate.
o Technical Data Schedule
- CSD employee is responsible to check and witness all activities required for 13.8KV
and 33KV XLPE Power Cables following all of this work instruction.
- CSD employee is responsible for recording the status of any test 13.8KV and 33KV
XLPE Power Cables in its checklist and test form as per this work instruction.
- CSD employee shall refer to the Technical Data Schedule, and the approved High
Voltage test procedure, especially in case of any dispute about test values.

3.0 Work Instruction

3.1 Mechanical Check and Visual Inspections

Item Description Reference / Criteria Limit

Inspect for physical damage or defects and verify the
11-TMSS-04
1. thickness, insulation, conductor/insulation, metallic
sheath, metallic shield, jacket and conducting layer.
All cables shall be marked with “Property of Saudi
2. 11-TMSS-04
Electricity Company” in both Arabic and English.

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 NATIONAL GRID SA

Title: Work Instructions Index Number:

WI-NG-6460-002-041
Commissioning of XLPE Power Cables Page Number: Revision Number:
(13.8kV and 33kV) 3 of 8 02

Check cable bends to ensure that the cable is no longer

3. TES-P-104.05
under tension.
Check for proper cable Support, clamping, trays, blocking
4. TCS-P-104.03
and proper grounding.
5. Check that phases are identified and color coded.
Verification of exact route length as per approved
6.
drawings from termination to termination.
Check the availability of the rubber seal in the cable
7.
clamps to avoid any damage to the cable outer jacket.
Ensure that the Sheath of single-core cable, which is
connected between MV Equipment and Switchgear, is
8. TES-P-119.10
single point earthed at the Switchgear side and floating at
the other end.
If ring type CTs are installed on power cables, the
grounding of the sheath shall be done such that the
9. TES-P-119.10
sheath current to the ground will not influence CT
secondary current.
The sheath of three core cables rated for 13.8 kV shall be
10. TES-P-119.10
grounded at both ends.
Check cable entry path trench as ducts are to be properly
11.
sealed.
12. Compare cable data with drawings and specifications.
Fire fighting paint to be applied on power cables For
13.
sufficient length from the termination side.

3.2 Electrical Tests

Item Description Reference / Criteria Limit

1. Conductor and sheath Continuity and Phasing Test:-
To ensure the continuity and phasing of the cable
conductor from terminal to terminal, the cable conductor
shall be tested using a DC insulation tester with a
maximum of 1000 V.
2. Cable Insulation Test:- IEEE Std 1185-2010
Prior to performing the high voltage test on the cable
and after high voltage test, cable insulation test at 5000 The minimum acceptable
V dc shall be performed for one (1) minute between any insulation resistance is
possible combination of conductors in the same cable and calculated with Equation

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 NATIONAL GRID SA

Title: Work Instructions Index Number:

WI-NG-6460-002-041
Commissioning of XLPE Power Cables Page Number: Revision Number:
(13.8kV and 33kV) 4 of 8 02

between each conductor and ground, with all other R = (V+1) X 305 /L
conductors in the same cable grounded (for three core Where:
cables). R = insulation resistance,
And between the cable conductor and metallic shield for MΩ
each cable while cables conductors of other phases and V = rated voltage in kV
metallic shields grounded. (For single core cables). L = cable length, m
Also, the dielectric absorption ratio shall be calculated 305 = unit length of cable,
according to the provided equation. MΩ –m/kV
𝐷𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑐 𝐴𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑟𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜
TIME2
𝐼𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 30 𝑠𝑒𝑐. −1 𝑚𝑖𝑛.
𝑎𝑓𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑠𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡
=( )
TIME 1
𝐼𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 15 − 30 𝑠𝑒𝑐.
𝑎𝑓𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑛𝑡
>1.4
3. DC HV Voltage Test Of The Oversheath:-
Where an ‘after installation’ test of the oversheath is
performed, a dc voltage of 4 kV per millimetre of specified IEC 60502-2 Edition 3.0
thickness of extruded oversheath shall be applied by DC 2014-02
HV tester with a maximum of 10 kV HV dc between the
underlying metallic layers and the outer electrode, for a IEC 60229 Edition 3.0
period of 1 min. 2007-10
All metallic layers under the oversheath shall be
connected together. This test requires that the oversheath No breakdown of the
has an outer “electrode” which may be moist backfill or a oversheath shall occur
conductive layer. No breakdown of the oversheath shall during the test.
occur during the test.
5 kV DC insulation tester before and after 10 kV HV test The minimum acceptable
for one (1) minute shall be conducted. insulation resistance is
Note: - For the test to be effective, it is necessary that the same as mentioned in the
ground makes good contact with all of the outer surface of above item #2
the oversheath. A conductive layer on the oversheath can
assist in this respect.
4. AC High Voltage Test:-
IEC 60502-2 Edition 3.0
1. 5 kV DC insulation tester before and after high voltage
2014-02
test for one (1) minute.
2. An AC voltage test for 60 min with the RMS rated
IEC 60060-3 First edition
voltage value of 3 U0 at a frequency of 0.1 Hz applied
2006-02
between the conductor and the metal screen/sheath
(VLF).
IEEE Std 400.2–2004
Follow Table No.1 (column 3& 4)
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 NATIONAL GRID SA

Title: Work Instructions Index Number:

WI-NG-6460-002-041
Commissioning of XLPE Power Cables Page Number: Revision Number:
(13.8kV and 33kV) 5 of 8 02

3. In the case of a new (not Energized) cable is jointed

with an old existing (previously Energized) cable
portion, the soaking test shall be done for 24 hours at
the rated voltage
5. Partial Discharge Test:-
1. The contractor shall use coupling capacitor method.
2. Calibration of the measuring system in the complete
test circuit shall be carried out before starting the test
in accordance with Clause 5 of IEC 60270:2000. The
calibrator used shall comply with IEC 60270.
3. Achieve the best Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) by
IEC 60502-2 Edition 3.0
achieving the lowest possible background noise by
2014-02
increasing the center frequency of the measurement
system gradually to achieve sensitivity (background
IEC 60885-3:2015
noise) below 10 pC, but not exceeding 10 MHz as the
measurement frequency.
IEEE Std 400.2-2013
4. The sensitivity of the measuring system is defined as
the minimum detectable discharge pulse, qmin (in pC)
IEEE Std 400.3-2006
that can be observed in the presence of background
noise. The value of qmin shall be determined by the
The analysis should be
evaluation of the background noise level and shall not
done based on both the
be more than twice the apparent noise level.
magnitude (<10 pC) of
5. The analysis should be done based on both the
the PD and the pattern
magnitude of the PD and the pattern shape in the
shape in the PRPD
PRPD (Phase Resolved Partial Discharge) to
(Phase Resolved Partial
identify the type of PD if any, and the PD pattern
Discharge) to identify the
shape is the main factor to judge the cable and its
type of PD if any, and the
accessories healthiness.
PD pattern shape is the
6. The Partial Discharge Test shall be carried out in
main factor to judge the
accordance with IEC 60885-3, except that the
cable and its accessories
sensitivity as defined in IEC 60885-3 shall be 10 pC or
healthiness.
less.
7. For three-core cables, the test shall be carried out on
all insulated cores, the voltage being applied between
each conductor and the screen.
8. The test voltage shall be raised gradually to and held
at 2 U0 for 10 s and then slowly reduced to 1.73 U0 then
take the measurement of PD (see Table 1).

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 NATIONAL GRID SA

Title: Work Instructions Index Number:

WI-NG-6460-002-041
Commissioning of XLPE Power Cables Page Number: Revision Number:
(13.8kV and 33kV) 6 of 8 02

9. There shall be no detectable discharge exceeding the

declared sensitivity from the test object at 1.73 U0.
10. The partial discharge shall be measured during the
soak test if the new (not Energized) cable is jointed with
an old existing (previously Energized) cable portion
using wireless PD sensor based on mutual agreement
among CSD, T&C Contractor and Cable Supplier.

Table No. 1: Test Voltage Levels Test Voltage Levels for 13.8 kV and 33 kV Power
Cables
High Voltage Test Partial Discharge
U U0
Voltage Test Time Period Apply 2 U0 for 10 s Measure PD at 1.73 U0
kV kV kV Minutes kV kV
13.8 8 24 60 16 13.8
33 19 57 60 38 33

Note:
U0 is the rated voltage between conductor and earth or metal screen for which the cable
is designed.
U is the rated voltage between conductors for which the cable is designed.
The test voltage to be applied shall be subject to agreement among CSD, T&C Contractor and
Cable Supplier.

Policies and Procedures Management System Website: http://ngridsa-apps/amas/ TP-NG-6250-001-007

 NATIONAL GRID SA

Title: Work Instructions Index Number:

WI-NG-6460-002-041
Commissioning of XLPE Power Cables Page Number: Revision Number:
(13.8kV and 33kV) 7 of 8 02

4.0 REFERENCES

Index / Reference
Title
Number
PR-NG-6460-002 Project Commissioning Procedure
Checklist for Commissioning of 13.8kV and 33kV XLPE Power
CL-NG-6460-002-041
Cables
Test Form for Commissioning of 13.8kV and 33kV XLPE Power
DS-NG-6460-002-041
Cables
DS-TS-6450-006-001 Prequalified Testing Equipment/Tools List
11-TMSS-04 11kV, 13.8kV, 33kV & 34.5kV Medium Voltage Power Cables
TCS-P-104.03 Trenches and ducts
TES-P-104.05 Cable Installations, Engineering Requirements
TES-P-119.10 Substation Grounding
IEC 60060-3 First IEC 60060-3 High-Voltage Test Techniques Part 3: Definitions and
edition 2006-02 requirements for on-site testing - Edition 1.0
IEC 60502-2 Edition Power cables with extruded insulation and their accessories for
3.0 2014-02 rated voltages from 1 kV (Um = 1,2 kV) up to 30 kV (Um = 36 kV)
IEC 60229 Edition 3.0 Electric cables – Tests on extruded oversheaths with a special
2007-10, protective function
IEC 60270:2000 High-Voltage Test Techniques – Partial Discharge Measurements
Electrical test methods for electric cables –
IEC 60885-3:2015 Part 3: Test methods for partial discharge measurements on
lengths of extruded power cables
IEEE Std 1185-2010 IEEE Recommended Practice for Cable Installation in Generating
Stations and Industrial Facilities
IEEE Std 400.2-2013 IEEE Guide for Field Testing of Shielded Power Cable Systems
Using Very Low Frequency (VLF)
IEEE Std 400.3-2006 IEEE Guide for Partial Discharge Testing of Shielded Power Cable
Systems in a Field Environment

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 NATIONAL GRID SA

Title: Work Instructions Index Number:

WI-NG-6460-002-041
Commissioning of XLPE Power Cables Page Number: Revision Number:
(13.8kV and 33kV) 8 of 8 02

5.0 REVISION HISTORY

Revision Date Description of Modifications/Reasons for Change

00 2015-07-01 First issue of this Work Instructions.
Reviewed and updated all tests and criteria. Partial Discharge
01 2020-05-10
Test was added.
2022-06-15
Reviewed and updated all tests and criteria. Adding new practical
02
instructions. Added new Data Sheet DS-NG-6460-002-041.

This document shall comply in accordance with the existing Company’s Rules and Regulations.
Any modifications/discrepancies therein found not conformance shall be declared invalid.
For clarification and verification on this document, contact the following:

Engr. Khaled Hesham Hasan

Commissioning Services Division, WOA
Commissioning Services Department
Technical Services Business Unit
Extension No.0238064 Email: KHHasan@ngrid.sa

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 NATIONAL GRID SA
Title: Test Form for Commissioning of XLPE Power Cables (13.8 kV Index Number: DS-NG-6460-002-041
and 33 kV) Rev 00
Main Contractor: T&C Contactor: Contract No.: Substation:

Panel/Bay No: Equip. No.: Dwg. Ref.: Serial No: Page Number: 1 of 3

1. Mechanical Check and Visual Inspection

The checklist CL-NG-6460-002-041 is attached with this Test Form.

2. Electrical Tests

2.1. Conductor and sheath Continuity and Phasing Test

Phase Connection Reading Result

R - earthed  Match  Not match
RED Phase Y - Unearthed  OK  Not OK
B - Unearthed  OK  Not OK
R - Unearthed  OK  Not OK
Yellow Phase Y - earthed  Match  Not match
B - Unearthed  OK  Not OK
R - Unearthed  OK  Not OK
Blue Phase Y - Unearthed  OK  Not OK
B - earthed  Match  Not match

Test Voltage : 1000 VDC

2.2. Cable Insulation Test

Time Measured The calculated value as Dielectric

Phase Result
sec IR per the WI equation Absorption Ratio
15  OK  Not OK
RED
60  OK  Not OK
15  OK  Not OK
YELLOW
60  OK  Not OK
15  OK  Not OK
BLUE
60  OK  Not OK

Test Voltage : 5000 VDC

TIME2
𝐼𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 30 𝑠𝑒𝑐. −1 𝑚𝑖𝑛.
𝑎𝑓𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡
𝐷𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑐 𝐴𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑟𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜 = > 1.4
TIME 1
𝐼𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 15 − 30 𝑠𝑒𝑐.
( 𝑎𝑓𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑛𝑡 )

CSD Contractor T&C Contractor

Name
Sign.
Date:
 NATIONAL GRID SA
Title: Test Form for Commissioning of XLPE Power Cables (13.8 kV Index Number: DS-NG-6460-002-041
and 33 kV) Rev 00
Main Contractor: T&C Contactor: Contract No.: Substation:

Panel/Bay No: Equip. No.: Dwg. Ref.: Serial No: Page Number: 2 of 3

2.3. DC High Voltage Test Of The Oversheath

- A dc voltage of 4 kV per millimetre of specified thickness of extruded oversheath

shall be applied with a maximum of 10 kV dc between the underlying metallic layers
and the outer electrode, for a period of 1 min.
- Note: - For the test to be effective, it is necessary that the ground should be good
contact with all of the outer surfaces of the oversheath. A conductive layer on the
oversheath can assist in this respect.

Test Procedure:

a. Apply the calculated HV DC value (maximum of 10 kV) for one minute to the sheath
for Red Phase.
b. The sheath shall withstand for one minute and the leakage current shall be compared
with the equation in the latest work instruction. (Please note that there is no equation
is provided in the work instruction.)
c. Record the insulation resistance value and the leakage value.
d. Repeat all the above for "Y" phase and "B" phase.

Test Voltage Leakage IR before the IR after the

Phase Result
DC Current test test
RED  OK  Not OK
YELLOW  OK  Not OK
BLUE  OK  Not OK

2.4. AC High Voltage Test

a. Perform the insulation resistance test by 5 kV DC insulation resistance tester before

and after high voltage test for one (1) minute.
b. An AC voltage test for 60 min with the RMS rated voltage value of 3 U0 at a frequency
of 0.1 Hz applied between the conductor and the metal screen/sheath (VLF).
c. Follow Table No.1 (column 3& 4)
d. In the case of a new cable is jointed with an old existing cable portion, the soaking
test shall be done for 24 hours at rated voltage.

No. of Cables IR at 5kV Test Leakage IR at 5kV

Phase Test Results
Per Phase Before HV Test Voltage Current After HV Test
RED
Yellow
Blue

CSD Contractor T&C Contractor

Name
Sign.
Date:
 NATIONAL GRID SA
Title: Test Form for Commissioning of XLPE Power Cables (13.8 kV Index Number: DS-NG-6460-002-041
and 33 kV) Rev 00
Main Contractor: T&C Contactor: Contract No.: Substation:

Panel/Bay No: Equip. No.: Dwg. Ref.: Serial No: Page Number: 3 of 3

2.5. Partial Discharge Test

a. Calibration of the measuring system in the complete test circuit shall be carried out
before starting the test in accordance with Clause 5 of IEC 60270:2000. The
calibrator used shall comply with IEC 60270.
b. Achieve the best Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) by achieving the lowest possible
background noise by increasing the centre frequency of the measurement system
gradually to achieve sensitivity (background noise) below 10 pC, but not exceeding
10 MHz as the measurement frequency.
c. The sensitivity of the measuring system is defined as the minimum detectable
discharge pulse, qmin (in pC) that can be observed in the presence of background
noise. The value of qmin shall be determined by the evaluation of the background
noise level and shall not be more than twice the apparent noise level.
d. Coupling capacitor method shall be used to check the PD
e. The analysis should be done based on both the magnitude of the PD and the pattern
shape in the PRPD (Phase Resolved Partial Discharge) to identify the type of PD if
any.
f. The Partial Discharge Test shall be carried out in accordance with IEC 60885-3,
except that the sensitivity as defined in IEC 60885-3 shall be 10 pC or less.
g. For three-core cables, the test shall be carried out on all insulated cores, the voltage
being applied between each conductor and the screen.
h. The test voltage shall be raised gradually to and held at 2 U0 for 10 s and then slowly
reduced to 1.73 U0 then take the measurement of PD (see Table 1).
i. There shall be no detectable discharge exceeding the declared sensitivity from the
test object at 1.73 U0.
j. The partial discharge shall be measured during the soak test if the new cable is
jointed with an old existing cable portion using HFCT PD sensor based on mutual
agreement among CSD, T&C Contractor and Cable Supplier.

Results
Remarks
RED YELLOW BLUE

3. Test Equipment Used:

Equipment Calibration Calibration Due

# Description Make
Serial No. Date Date

CSD Contractor T&C Contractor

Name
Sign.
Date:
 NATIONAL GRID SA

Title: Checklist Index Number:

Checklist for Commissioning of XLPE Power Cables CL-NG-6460-002-041
Page Number: Revision Number:
(13.8kV and 33kV)
1 of 4 02

1.0 Equipment General Data and Information

Substation
Bay/Panel
Equipment Serial No

2.0 Mechanical Checks and Visual Inspections

Item Description Done Remarks

1. Inspect for physical damage or defects and verify the thickness,
XLPE insulation, conductor/insulation, metallic sheath, metallic
shield, jacket and conducting layer.
2. Ensure that all cables are marked with “Property of Saudi
Electricity Company” in both Arabic and English.
3. Check cable bends to ensure that the cable is no longer under
tension.
4. Check for proper cable Support, clamping, trays, blocking and
proper grounding.
5. Check that phases are identified and color coded.
6. Verify the exact route length as per approved drawings from
termination to termination.
7. Check the availability of the rubber seal in the cable clamps to
avoid any damage to the cable outer jacket.
8. Ensure that the Sheath of single-core cable, which is connected
between MV Equipment and Switchgear, is single point earthed
at the Switchgear side and floating at the other end.
9. If ring type CTs are installed on power cables, the grounding of
the sheath shall be done such that the sheath current to the
ground will not influence CT secondary current.
10. The sheath of three core cables rated for 13.8 kV shall be
grounded at both ends.
11. Check cable entry path trench as ducts are to be properly
sealed.
12. Compare cable data with drawings and specifications.
 NATIONAL GRID SA

Title: Checklist Index Number:

Checklist for Commissioning of XLPE Power Cables CL-NG-6460-002-041
Page Number: Revision Number:
(13.8kV and 33kV)
2 of 4 02

13. Fire fighting paint to be applied on power cables For sufficient

length from the termination side.

3.0 Electrical Tests

Item Description Done Remarks

1. Perform the Conductor and sheath Continuity and
Phasing Test to ensure the continuity and phasing of the
cable conductor from terminal to terminal, using DC insulation
tester with a maximum of 1000 V.
2. Perform the Cable Insulation Test at 5000 V DC for one (1)
minute between any possible combination of conductors in
the same cable and between each conductor and ground,
with all other conductors in the same cable grounded (for
three core cables).
And between the cable conductor and metallic shield for
each cable while cables conductors of other phases and
metallic shields grounded. (For single core cables).
Also, the dielectric absorption ratio shall be calculated
according to the provided equation.
3. Perform the DC HV Voltage Test Of The Oversheath:-
A DC voltage of 4 kV per millimetre of specified thickness of
extruded oversheath shall be applied with a maximum of 10
kV dc between the underlying metallic layers and the outer
electrode, for a period of 1 min.
All metallic layers under the oversheath shall be connected
together. This test requires that the oversheath has an outer
“electrode” which may be moist backfill or a conductive
layer. No breakdown of the oversheath shall occur during
the test.
5 kV DC insulation tester before and after 10 kV HV test for
one (1) minute shall be conducted.
Note: - For the test to be effective, it is necessary that the
ground makes good contact with all of the outer surface of the
oversheath. A conductive layer on the oversheath can assist
in this respect
4. Perform the AC High voltage test:-
1) Perform the Cable Insulation Test at 5 kV DC insulation
tester before high voltage test.
 NATIONAL GRID SA

Title: Checklist Index Number:

Checklist for Commissioning of XLPE Power Cables CL-NG-6460-002-041
Page Number: Revision Number:
(13.8kV and 33kV)
3 of 4 02

2) Apply an AC voltage test for 60 min with the RMS rated

voltage value of 3 U0 at a frequency of 0.1 Hz between the
conductor and the metal screen/sheath (VLF).
Follow Table No.1 (column 3& 4) in WI-NG-6460-002-041.
3) Perform the Cable Insulation Test at 5 kV DC insulation
tester after high voltage test.
4) Perform the soaking test In the case of a new (not
Energized) cable is jointed with an old existing (previously
Energized) cable portion for 24 hours at the rated voltage.
5. Perform the Partial Discharge Test:-
1) The contractor shall use coupling capacitor method.
2) Calibrate the measuring system in the complete test
circuit before starting the test in accordance with Clause
5 of IEC 60270:2000. The calibrator used shall comply
with IEC 60270.
3) Achieve the best Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) by
achieving the lowest possible background noise by
increasing the center frequency of the measurement
system gradually to achieve sensitivity (background
noise) below 10 pC, but not exceeding 10 MHz as the
measurement frequency.
4) Ensure that the Value of qmin is not more than twice the
apparent noise level.
(qmin is the sensitivity of the measuring system is defined
as the minimum detectable discharge pulse, qmin (in pC)
that can be observed in the presence of background noise
which is determined by evaluation of the background
noise level).
5) Raise the test voltage gradually to and held at 2 U0 for 10
s and then slowly reduce it to 1.73 U0 then take the
measurement of PD.
6) Ensure there is no detectable discharge exceeding the
declared sensitivity from the test object at 1.73 U0.
7) Analyze the PD based on both the magnitude of the
PD and the pattern shape in the PRPD (Phase
Resolved Partial Discharge) to identify the type of PD
if any, and the PD pattern shape is the main factor to
judge the cable and its accessories healthiness.
8) Carry out the Partial Discharge Test in accordance with
IEC 60885-3, except that the sensitivity as defined in IEC
60885-3 shall be 10 pC or less.
 NATIONAL GRID SA

Title: Checklist Index Number:

Checklist for Commissioning of XLPE Power Cables CL-NG-6460-002-041
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(13.8kV and 33kV)
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9) For three-core cables, the test shall be carried out on all

insulated cores, the voltage being applied between each
conductor and the screen.
10) Measure the partial discharge during soak test in case of
new (not Energized) cable is jointed with an old existing
(previously Energized) cable portion using wireless PD
sensor based on mutual agreement among CSD, T&C
Contractor and Cable Supplier.

CSD T&C Contractor Item Number

Name
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Name
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