By: Ken Cloud

HV Diagnostics Inc
office: 678-445-2555
Cell: 678-761-2621
email: Ken@hvdiagnostics.com
www: www.hvdiagnostics.com
Medium Voltage Cable Testing using Very Low
Frequency (VLF - less than 1Hz, 0.1Hz to 0.01Hz)
Withstand Testing using VLF
Tan Delta Testing using VLF
Partial Discharge Testing using VLF
IEEE Field Testing Standards using VLF
HVA60, PD60-2/TD Instruments and Use
Software - Use, reporting, and PD analysis
Perform VLF, Tan Delta, and Partial Discharge
Cable Test
Cable Components, Electrical Model, & Defects
VLF AC withstand test
Why AC and not DC test
RMS and Peak AC Voltage Levels
Cable Nameplate Ratings
Why Very Low Frequency Instruments are used
Operating Voltages
IEEE 400.2-2013 Test Types, Voltage Levels, and Durations
IEEE 400.2-2013 TD Evaluation Criteria and Evaluation
Partial Discharge: IEEE-48, IEEE-404, IEEE-386
HVA, TD, & PD Instruments and Use
Software: HVA, TD, & PD - Use and Analysis
Perform Cable Test
 We are the largest supplier of VLF Cable Testing
and Diagnostic Equipment in North America.
All models comply HVA34: Smallest Lightest VLF Unit on the Market
weighing only 45 lbs. Can easily test 5000 ft of cable
with IEEE400, 400.2 at full voltage and frequency. For 5-25kV Cables
and 400.3
HVA30-7: High Powered VLF Unit designed for
network installations – >38,000ft of cable. For 5 to
25kV Cables.

HVA60: Lightest Unit on the market – can tests all

cables up to 35kV rated. Can test
10,000 ft of cable at full Voltage and Freq.

HVA90: Can test up to 69kV transmission cable and

all MV cables incl. 46kV.

HVA120: Max Voltage level - 85kV rms / 120kV Peak

HVA200: Max Voltage level -142kV rms / 200kV

Peak. Can test up to 138kV cable.
Power to charge a cable
S = 2πF*C*V^2
F = Frequency -------- (Determined by VLF)
C = Capacitance ------ (Cable Capacitance)
V = Voltage ------------ (IEEE Test Voltage)
Ex. You have 1000ft of cable. The cable has a capacitance of 100
pF/ft, and the Maintenance test voltage is 16kV

S = 2 π*60Hz*(100pF/ft*1000ft)*16,000V^2= 9650.97 VA
9659.97 VA/110 VAC = 87.74 Amps

S = 2 π*0.1Hz*(100pF/ft*1000ft)*16,000V^2= 16.1 VA
16.1 VA / 110VAC = .146 Amps or 146mA

The Power to charge a cable is 600 times less using VLF.

 IC I


IR V

IR 1
tan( )  DF  
I C  RC
Can’t We Just Google “Cable Testing
or Cable Diagnostics” ?

www.hvdiagnostics.com
IEEE Std 400.2™-2013
Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers
www.ieee.org
NETA
National Electrical Testing Association
www.neta.org
EPRI
Electric Power Research Institute
www.epri.com
NEETRAC
Nation Electrical Energy Testing Research and
Application Center
www.gatech.edu
www.hvdiagnostics.com
Why perform a test?
What type test?
When should a cable test be performed?
What type of cable is to be tested?
What voltage levels and durations?
What type of Test Equipment to be used?
What cable condition; New or Old?
When should I Stop or Continue a Test?
www.hvdiagnostics.com
New Cable Installation – “Acceptance Test” –
Installation Issues, Manufacturing Defects
(Voids, Delamination etc), Transportation.

Existing Cable – “Maintenance Test” –

Environment, Degradation Aging, Corrosion etc.

Cable on Reel- “Installation Test” –

Manufacturing Defects, Transportation Damage.

www.hvdiagnostics.com
Types : Water Trees, Voids, Workmanship,
Electrical Trees, Water Degradation, Shield
Corrosion etc.

Location of these Potential

Defects – Splices, Cable,
Terminations, Shield (corrosion).www.hvdiagnostics.com
 Conductor
Conductor or Strand Shield
Insulation

Insulation Shield

Metallic Shield/Neutral

Jacket (Recommended)
Tape Shielded, Concentric Neutral, Drain
Wires, LC Shield, OR UNSHIELDED?
Type of Insulation?

www.hvdiagnostics.com
EPR – Black / Pink / Brown /Orange /White
(EPR - Ethylene Propylene Rubber)

XLPE – PE / XLPE / TR-XLPE

(XLPE - Cross Linked Polyethylene)

Butyl Rubber

The Type and /or Interpretation of the

Diagnostic Method used will often
depend on the type of insulation
medium. www.hvdiagnostics.com
Separable Connectors – Elbows / T Bodies

Cold Shrink and Heat Shrink Terminations

Push On Stress Cones

Taped Terminations – made up stress cone

Porcelain Bushing / “pot head”

www.hvdiagnostics.com
Can Terminations be Unlanded?
- that is disconnected from
electrical apparatus on both
ends such as Motors / Switchgear /
Lightning Arrestors / VT’s / Transformers
etc.

Do you have sufficient Clearance on the

ends of the cables to avoid flashovers OR
excessive leakage OR Corona.
www.hvdiagnostics.com
Access and clearance
is sometimes not an
issue.

And Sometimes it is…..

www.hvdiagnostics.com
 Std Insulated
Term. Bagging Blanket

Leakage
Current

www.hvdiagnostics.com
Good Clearance

Bottom
Corona Protection – use Line:
“Donuts”
Housekeeping and preparation are
Cleaning the end –
important.

Keep Shields grounded at

all times – Landed.

Clean Test Equipment www.hvdiagnostics.com

Q: Can cable be de-energized?
Q: Can Cable Ends be “unlanded” ?
Q: What is the length of the cable? Too
Short or too long for a particular test?
Q: I have heard / read that a VLF test is
possibly a destructive test while a
diagnostic test is not?
www.hvdiagnostics.com
Type 1: The Non-Monitored or Simple
Withstand test

Type 2: A Monitored / Diagnostic Test or Smart

Withstand when combined with a Withstand
Test
www.hvdiagnostics.com
VLF HV Power Supply

P/
V
F/I

Pump

Passed

Fails

www.hvdiagnostics.com
Historically a traditional DC Withstand Test was
performed in the field to verify the electrical
integrity of the insulation of a MV cable. The
cables either “held” the voltage or they did not.

Also referred to as a “Hipot” or “Pressure Test”

Although during a DC hipot some simple

parameters were sometimes measured like
leakage current etc, traditional DC withstands
tests where essentially pass / fail type tests.
 www.hvdiagnostics.com
Ref: IEEE400-2012
 Power Required to Energize this network is
essentially determined by the resistance R.

The capacitance “C” once charged, required no

additional energy from the test source.
Final current is due to insulation resistance R and is typically
displayed in nA or µA or converted to Mega/Giga Ohms.
 The Reasons for DC no longer being
recommended on MV extruded cables?
Potentially Damaging to Aged Extruded Cables

Ineffective in detecting many types of cable insulation

defects compared to AC for both new and aged cables.

Ref: NETA Documents provided:

New Testing Requirements for Medium-Voltage Cables.
Demystifying Medium Voltage Cable Testing and Diagnostics.
Bottom Line:

• DC is No longer recommended by IEEE for

Field Testing MV extruded shielded cables.

Note: DC is not damaging to PILC cables, but

still is not as effective as AC.
 Question:
Is the DC Hipot or “Meggering” Still
Recommended for Field Testing of Extruded
MV Cables under IEEE / Cenelec (IEC)
Guidelines.
A Single Water Tree (WT) Progression to a
Resultant Cable Failure:
Note: Only one of what may be many thousands of WTs needs to
convert to a Electrical Tree to cause the Cable to Fail.
Lab Experiment:

Three HV
Sources used:
• DC
• AC power freq
• AC VLF
 Lab Experiment: DC Test:
Even at DC Levels
up to 100kV - No
breakdown occurs.
Needle /
XLPE Conductor
Insulation
Defect
AC Test:
Cable Defect goes to
complete failure.
1/25” / 1mm
insulation gap
The Ineffectiveness of DC to Detect Insulation
Defects During a Field Test.
PD does not occur under DC while it can occur
under AC conditions
Example: Needle Fault
@ Power Freq. @ 0.1Hz Sine
Even at a DC Levels
up to 100kV No
XLPE breakdown occurred

Needle Conductor

1/25” gap

www.hvdiagnostics.com
AOnHipot
MV Extruded cables,
is still used it is but it is now a AC
on cables,
recommended to use AC energizing
(albeit Low Frequency) Hipot and not a DC
voltage source such as VLF (Very Low
Hipot .
Frequency) and not DC.

Even that
Note during a Simple
current VLFatest,
is NOT measure of good or
additional
bad parameters
condition of a cablecan
– itbe
is a normal and
measured, like capacitance,
natural part of energizing a capacitor (cable).
insulation resistance, charging
current.

www.hvdiagnostics.com
 current voltage

0 10
Time(seconds)

0.1Hz: 1 Cycle is 10 seconds longggggg…..

Installation Test

Acceptance Test

Maintenance Test
This test is conducted after the installation of the
cable but before the installation of accessories like
the splices and terminations. Its purpose is to
detect any transport, manufacturing, storage or
installation defects.
This test is performed after the installation of the
accessories, but before energization of the cable.
It checks for installation defects of the complete
cable system, as well as defects as a result of
shipping, manufacturing or storage.
This test is made during the operating life of the
cable. Its main function is to assess aging and /or
serviceability of the cable system i.e. is it fit for
normal system operating conditions?
Installation Test
New Cable: Before installation of Splices or
Terminations.

Acceptance Test
New Cable: After installation of Splices or
Terminations.

Maintenance Test
In-service Cable: Terminated aged cable, may
contain Splices.
 Peak RMS x 1.4 = Peak
RMS (Sinewave) 40%
Dif

The Cable “sees” and “feels”

the phase to ground operating
voltage and not the
conventional Phase to Phase
Voltage as per the cable rating
or nameplate.
So Vo or Uo is often used in
IEEE for the RMS P-G Voltage www.hvdiagnostics.com
Peak to Peak: Full, top to bottom peak of a sine wave.

RMS value: What everyone uses, what is read on a

multi-meter.
RMS = Vpeak / sqrt 2

Phase to Phase (RMS) : Nameplate rating, on the jacket

of a cable.
Ex. 15kV (rms, phase to phase) cable

Phase to ground (RMS) : what each cable actually sees.

Phase to ground = (phase to phase) / sqrt 3

2 = 1.41421356) ( 3 = 1.73205081)
 You read 15kV on the jacket of a cable. a) What
does this mean? b) How much voltage does this
cable actually see everyday?

a) 15kV = nameplate rating, it’s 15kv RMS, phase

to phase

b) The voltage the cable actually sees everyday is

phase to ground. To find this, take 15kV RMS and
divide it by the sqrt of 3.
15kV/ sqrt 3 = 8.66 kV RMS, phase to ground
www.hvdiagnostics.com
See Table 3 of IEEE 400.2-2013 standard, page
#11, for VLF withstand voltage levels in both
sinusoidal and cosine-rectangular waveforms.
Note 1: If the operating voltage is a voltage class lower than
the rated voltage of the cable the “Maintenance” test voltage
should correspond to the operating voltage class.

Note 2: The “Maintenance” test voltage levels are

approximately 75% of the “Acceptance” test voltage level or
magnitude.

Note3: Some test sets have a maximum voltage level that is

up to 5% below the voltage levels in the test voltage table.
These test sets are acceptable to be used. However, there is
a possibility that the cable may be “under tested” or stressed.

Ref: IEEE 400.2-2013

Voltage Waveshape and Frequency

Voltage Amplitude

Duration
 RMS Applied
Voltage

Total Current
(mainly Ic)

Capacitance

Cable Failure
Real
Resistance

Actual Applied Instantaneous

Waveform Voltage
The current IEEE recommended test duration
for aged cable is 30 minutes at 0.1Hz.

If the circuit is considered important, consideration

should be given to extending the test time to 60
minutes at 0.1 Hz.
 The recommended test time for an Installation
or Acceptance withstand test on new cable
circuits is 60 minutes at 0.1 HZ.

A 15 to 30 minute withstand test time can be

considered if the monitored characteristics
remains stable for at least 15 minutes with no
failure. Please note that the recommended test
time for a withstand test is 30 minutes.
 Percentage of Cables that Failed during Testing
versus Time to Failure

80

70

60
Compared to the general cable
50
population, the VLF Tested Cables
had a less than 4% chance of failing
40 in service. (ref: 3)

30

20

10

0
12 30 45 60
Time to Failure (min)
Common Questions / Concerns

 Is a VLF test a Destructive Test?

 Can a utility expect cascading failures after

exposing a cable to a VLF withstand test?
 “we do not want the cable system to fail! “
 The question is - do you want a operational failure OR do you
want the failure to occur during a controlled test outage?

Accessory Failure Under Accessory Failure During a

System Operation while Utility OR VLF Test Failure – very little
person was in Manhole – collateral damage.
potentially very high collateral
damage.
 “ What About Future Performance? “
 Cables and feeders that pass a VLF test along with
cables that fail and are fixed or repaired are less likely
to fail in service that those cables that have not been
tested.

 System reliability is enhanced by “surgically weeding”

out the “bad actors”.
 Cable Performance After Testing

1.8 Uo, 30 minutes

70
60 Test
50 Result
40 Pass
FOT
Service Failures [% of Tests]

30 28.3%
20

10

3 3.2%
2

2 Years
1

10 100 1000
Time [Days since Test]
Ref: Neetrac CDFI Project
Easy to apply with minimum training.
Can be used on complex and long cable systems.
Weeds out serious defects in a cable system for
new and old installations in a controlled
environment.
Simple DOES NOT mean or imply ineffective –
Case studies show that these “simple” tests result
in improved cable system operational reliability.
If Test Fails – it must be repeated from scratch
after repairs made.
www.hvdiagnostics.com
Insulation Resistance:

If Cable Capacitance is > 5nF and < 0.5 μF;

the resistance should be > 50MΩ

If Cable Capacitance is > 0.5μF and < 2 μF;

the resistance should be > 20MΩ
Phase A (L1):
Voltage /Current/Capacitance/Resistance/Frequency

Phase B (L2):
Voltage /Current/Capacitance/Resistance/Frequency

Phase C (L3):
Voltage /Current/Capacitance/Resistance/Frequency
 Monitored or Smart Withstand Test
Diagnostic Interface
VLF HV Power Supply
P/
V
F/I

Pump

You now
hook up the
EKG to the
patient.

www.hvdiagnostics.com
 IC I


IR V

IR 1
tan( )  DF  
I C  RC
 Simple Smart
Uses HVA only Uses HVA and Tan Delta
AC Hipot Test AC Hipot + Tan Delta Diagnostic
1 step 4 steps
30 or 60 minute test Three 3 minutes tests + one 30
Pass/Fail or 60 minute test.
(Total test time = 39 / 69 minutes)
All steps are monitored by the TD.
Must pass 3 TD criteria and the
pressure test (hipot)
Doctor Physical Stress Test
Analogy Step one: 3 min crawl Step two: 3 min walk

Step one: 30 min run Step three: 3 min jog Step four:30 min run
Q

www.hvdiagnostics.com
The addition of one or more diagnostic
measurement interfaces that are used during
the application of a test voltage.

The most common diagnostics used are:

a) Tan Delta monitored as the voltage is

stepped up to the withstand voltage

b) Partial Discharge monitored at and

above the operating voltage.
Note : No PD activity is associated with Water
Trees. Therefore Do Not use PD to detect WTs.
Note : No PD activity is associated with Water
Trees. Therefore Do Not use PD to detect WTs.
The most widely used and successful
method of detecting water trees in
extruded cable is to measure the Tan
Delta of the cable. It also detects
concentric neutral corrosion.

Note: Partial Discharge measurements

(on-line or off-line) cannot detect
water trees and therefore is not an
effective tool in the detection of WT.
 IC IR

IR 1
tan( )  DF  
I C  RC
Measuring Tan Delta / Dissipation Factor

IR 1
tan( )  DF  
I C  RC

IC I
I

IR IC
V 
IR V
Tan Delta measures the Dielectric losses in the
MV Cable. In the field this is usually done at a
reduced frequency - 0.1Hz (VLF)
IC I

δ voltage



IR V

current

IR 1
tan( )  DF  
I C  RC
Absolute TD Number (Mean) at a Voltage
(typically 8 to 10 measurements done at each
voltage.

Gradient of TD with Voltage (DTD or Tip Up):

Typical done from 1.5Uo to 0.5Uo (comparison
of mean values)

Standard Deviation(VLF-TDTS) of TD results at a

constant Voltage (typically 0.5Uo, 1Uo, 1.5Uo
and 2Vo (or IEEE W/S Voltage limit)
 5nF is the specified min load req. for the Tan
Delta Instrument ( to measure an appreciable
current it needs some load ).
Example:
5kV Cable, 100pF/ft Capacitance – what is
the min length required to perform a
test.?
Answer:
5E-9 F/ 100E-12 F/ft = 50 ft of this cable.
www.hvdiagnostics.com
Bluetooth has a maximum
range of 300ft / 100m. Very low
energy. System is approved for
use inside Nuclear Power
Plants.
Keep TD test lead taut
away from ground
potential.

Support Cable at the base of

the termination (low potential
area).
DO NOT OVERLOOK
CABLE GROUNDS!
www.hvdiagnostics.com
If you absolutely do not want to apply any more
stress beyond what the cable see’s everyday.
• Set the Number of Voltage Steps to use –
Recommendation is 4 Voltage Steps.

• Specify the Voltage Levels to be applied at

those steps. Important is Uo and IEEE
Voltage Level.

• Specify the Time Duration at each voltage

step. www.hvdiagnostics.com
 Take a 15kV Rated In Service Cable:
So IEEE Test Voltage is 16kV RMS (from
Table)
So Test Voltages
Calculate voltageare 4/8/12/16kV
steps which are
based on operating
approximately
voltage: 0.5Uo,0.5Uo,
1.0Uo,1Uo, 1.5Uo
1.5Uo and and 2Uo.
2.0Uo.

Note: Never recommended to go above the

IEEE test voltage – treat this as a Voltage max.
www.hvdiagnostics.com
Math: Uo = nameplate rating Vp-p RMS / sqrt(3)

Example: You are running a Maintenance test.

Nameplate cable rating is 25kV.
Uo = 25kv/sqrt(3), Uo = 14.4kV
Let’s say the test voltage is 14kV

0.5*Uo = 7kV
Uo = 14kV
1.5*Uo= 21kV
VIEEE = 24kV (from Table IEEE400.2-2013)
Math: Vo = nameplate rating Vp-p RMS / sqrt(3)

Example: You are running a Maintenance test.

Nameplate 5kV-operating at 4160V phase to
phase
Uo = 4160V/sqrt(3), Uo = 2401V
Let’s say the test voltage is 2400V

0.5*Uo = 1.2kV
Uo = 2.4kV
1.5*Uo=3.6kV
VIEEE = 7kV (from Table IEEE400.2-2013)
Math: Vo = nameplate rating Vp-p RMS / sqrt(3)

Example: You are running a Maintenance test.

Nameplate cable rating is 35kV.
Uo = 35kv/sqrt(3), Uo = 20.207kV
Let’s say the test voltage is20.0kV

0.5*Uo = 10kV
Uo = 20kV
1.5*Uo=30kV
VIEEE = 33kV (from Table IEEE400.2-2013)
 It is important to spend enough time at
each voltage step to collect 6 – 16 (approx)
data points to get a sample size to calculate
the STD. So about 3 minutes per voltage
step.
For the final voltage step, if above Vo of the
cable, then duration of at least 30 minutes /
60 minutes should be applied.
www.hvdiagnostics.com
See Tables 4, 5, and 6; section 5 of the IEEE Std
400.2-2013.

IEEE Guide for Field Testing of Shielded Power

Cable Systems Using Very Low Frequency (VLF)
(less than 1 Hz)
 Tan Delta Results resulting in
failure of 5kV EPR Cable (ID LC_U3) 1986 Installation

70
68.6

4.0k
V 64.0 64.2
Tan Delta Value (E-3)

63.6

60 Std Dev = 0.20%

0.00%
0.01%
0.24%

30 Std Dev = 0.01%

0.00%

26.8
2.0kV
26.7 26.7
26.6

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Number of Tan Delta Measurements at 2.0kV and 8.0kV
 Tan Delta Measurements of 25kV Cable: Operated at
25kV. Test Voltage 14kV then stepped to 21kV first cycle.
XLPE. Failed at Joint. ID: D_M_B4_B5.

110
109.97
Std Dev = 1.07%
0.00%
0.21%
0.32%
0.42%
0.46%
0.61%
0.83%
Tan Delta Value (E-3)

100 102.76
14kV TD Test
Data Cable Failed
95.63
at next voltage
90 step - 21kV. `
89.82
88.39

85.13

80 81.67

78.66

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Number of Tan Delta Measurements
 Tan Delta Comparison of Good Values versus
Poor Values resulting in failure of 15kV EPR Cable
ID: BM_T_F_ and ID: DEM_DO_

40
37.6 36.9 37.3 37.3 37.3
Tan Delta Value (E-3)

36.4 36.4
35.7 12kV TD Data failed at
30 Std Dev = 0.06%
0.00%
0.13%
0.10%
0.08%
0.07% next Voltage Step 16kV:
“A” Phase

20 EPR, 15kV Cable,

16kV Test Voltage
Std Dev = 0.00%
“B” Phase

10 11.5 11.5 11.5 11.5 11.5 11.5 11.5 11.5

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Number of Tan Delta Measurements
Neutral tape corrosion resulting in a high
resistance between overlapping layers creating
a “spiraling taped shield” around the cable
resulting in a increase in impedance.
Limit the testing time on Good cables.
Extend the testing time on cables that show
“abnormalities”.
By stepping up the voltage, limit test failures on
highly degraded cables before the failure
occurs.
Some defects can escape detection by the
monitored diagnostic, can be caught by the
withstand voltage applied.
 Tan Delta Results resulting in
failure of 15kV XLPE Cable: Cable ID LC_U1B

24
Test Voltage 16kV
W/S Level for 15kV
Tan Delta Value (E-3)

Cable
22

21.3 21.3 21.2 21.0 21.0 21.0 21.0 20.9

20
Std Dev = 0.02%
0.00%
0.01%

18

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Number of Tan Delta Measurements
 Tan Delta Results resulting in
failure of 35kV XLPE Cable

24 6000 ft Cable with Failure during

Test in T-Body Termination
Tan Delta Value (E-3)

22
Increase Voltage
Std Dev = 0.00% to 30kV. Failure
at 27kV.
5
5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0

18

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Number of Tan Delta Measurements at 20kV
TD Field Test Result: 1975 21kV HMWPE Cable
(Cont.)

Cable Failed after 7 minutes

at 23kV.

Poor TD results
at 6kV (0.5Vo)

www.hvdiagnostics.com
VLF Withstand Test with TD Monitoring on Long
PILC / XLPE Hybrid Cable.

63
62
Cable Fails
61
Cable Fails in 750
60
in 70 seconds
59 seconds
T D (E -3 )

A Phase
58
C Phase
57
56
55
54
53
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
TD Sample Number (10 seconds)
 Tan Delta Results of 15kV Mixed Insulation Cable
before and after singular splice replacement

13 500 ft Long Test W/S Voltage

700 Hybrid Applied 16kV
PILC/EPR/XLPE
600 Network Cable
Tan Delta Value (E-3)

500

400
Initial VLF TD Test
300

200
Second Test:
100 Results after splice replacement.

10 30 50 70 90 110 130 150 170

Number of Tan Delta Measurements at 16kV
www.hvdiagnostics.com
www.hvdiagnostics.com
www.hvdiagnostics.com
www.hvdiagnostics.com
Cable Passes all tests 

Cable Fails under test voltage – dielectric failure

– cable cannot be re-energized. 

Cable Passes voltage test, but fails one or more

diagnostic test .

Risk / Reward: Test Failure versuswww.hvdiagnostics.com

Ops Failure?
 IEEE 400 (OmniBus)
Guide for Field Testing & Evaluation of
the Insulation of Shielded Power Cable
Systems Rated 5kV and above

IEEE 400.1 IEEE 400.2 IEEE 400.3

Field Testing of Laminated Field Testing of Shielded PD Testing of Shielded Power
Cables Rated 5kV and above Power Cables using Very Low Cables in the Field
using DC. Frequency VLF Environment

Note1 - there is no IEEE AC 60hz field withstand testing std. for MV

Cables

Note2 – there is no IEEE DC field testing std. for extruded cables.

1. Identify testing objectives.
2. Identify cable systems to be tested.
3. Review specifications and operating conditions
of cable and cable system components to be
tested.
4. Select and apply suitable field tests.
5. Record information and/or documentation for
analysis.
6. Perform recommended corrective actions on
cable system. Ref: IEEE400
On New Cable : Use nameplate rating to
determine correct testing voltage level.
Existing Cable: Is Nameplate Rating still
applicable?
Combination of new and existing Cable?
Determine Installation, Acceptance and
Maintenance Test modes – which is applicable?.
Verify that the test equipment can achieve the
appropriate testing voltage levels
Insulation Types: Known or Unknown

Insulation Types: Laminated or extruded?

Insulation Types: Hybrid Combinations

Req. to determine which TD assessment criteria

IEEE 400.2-2013:

Voltage Levels: Section 5, Page 11, Table #3 .

Monitored Withstand Duration: Section 5, Page 10.

IEEE 400.2-2013:
TD Assessment Criteria: Section 5, pages 19, 20 & 21.
Table 4 (Page #19): XLPE

Table 5 (Page #20): EPR

Table 6 (Page #21): PILC

Length of Cable: Known / Unknown

Are the splice locations known?

Is cable terminated?

Too Long can be a issue for HV power supply

Too short can be a issue for Tan Delta meas.

Cable splices and terminations. Types?

Termination Types: Stress Cones and Separable

connectors.

Do you have the appropriate interface to test

these cable terminations – specifically the
separable connectors.

Can cable be de-energized.

For a correctly Terminated Cable

Isolate and discharge cable

Unland: Remove any other electrical apparatus
connected to cable – motors, switchgear, lightning
arrestors.
Add any adapters to ends if req.
Install Corona Protection “donuts”
Clean terminations properly
Support terminations correctly
Adequate Clearance from grounds / other
apparatus.
Ensure Shield remain grounded.
Cable without terminations (for example a new
installation)

Ensure cable is safely isolated and grounded.

Perform proper Cut-backs
Correctly use and install temporary Stress Cones
Install Corona Protection “donuts”
Clean terminations properly
Support termination properly
Ensure Shield are grounded.
Proper grounding of Shield particularly when
cable is not in its final location/ position or
configuration. Often overlooked.
Calculate the “Uo” value.
Uo and Vo are the same value.
Are there any previous TD results?
Generally apply 4 voltage steps
0.5Uo, 1Uo, 1.5Uo and IEEE Test Voltages (see
table)
Test Durations at least 6 data points at lower
voltage levels.
Final duration for Withstand should be min 30min
or max 60 min.
Keep frequency at 0.1Hz
Remember to check that all Coms and
instruments are working before heading out to
field.

Enter database information into the TD

Software – do not forget this.

Save all data after or during each test.

Use appropriate and approved Cable Cleaning
agent. Dry fast and leave no residue.
Appropriate cable lubricant – Silicone.
Wipes / rags – preferable lint free.
Cable termination tools – Crimpers, Strippers etc.
Proper Grounding cables or jumpers
Discharge and grounding Stick
Tools needed – pliers, screw drivers, clamps,
tapes, rope, cable ties etc.
Insulating blankets ( not to be placed over cable
to be tested)
Additional batteries (Not required with HVA28TD)
Definition of PD: A localized electrical breakdown –
only partially bridges insulation.

PD’s themselves do not collapse the applied voltage

like a cable fault does.

PD’s are singular events that should be statistically

analyzed.

Only PD generating sites can be detected.

Not all defects in cable system generate PD – for

example water trees do not generate PD.
Some fundamental facts about PD

 It’s a Partial Breakdown of the Insulation that does not completely bridge the
insulation
 For PD to occur you need a void or gap
 Not all defects generate PD
 A Free electron/s needs to be available
 The pressure in the void must have a suitable pressure
 The voids must be large enough - Paschen’s Law
 The applied voltage needs to be high enough
 The location of the PD site is important
 The PD signal must be able to reach a detector with reasonable recognizable
form
 A PD pulse is small – both in duration and amplitude - few nS wide and mV in
amplitude.
 You need an AC Energization Source and suitable PD Detector/s to detect PD

Partial discharge “PD”:

THE Fundamentals
Size of defect
Location
Type of Material/s
Applied Voltage
Temperature
Pressure
Time
Attenuation
Capacitive: Capacitive Couplers

Inductive: HFCT’s

Ultrasonic/Acoustic: Dish type probes –

tracking, corona

Electro-magnetic: Antenna that detects Electro-

magnetic waves
Factory and Field Electrical Tests are different !!
Applied Voltages are Different
Test Durations are Different
Acceptance Criteria are Different
Components are tested individually in
Factory, while we have a cable system in
Field
Environmental conditions in the field – like
noise, temp, humidity etc.
Ageing & Degradation modes

Factory versus field

Coulomb: the charge transported by 1 ampere in 1
second, also the amount of charge of a 1 farad
capacitor charged to a potential difference of 1
volt.
Unit Symbol: “C”, Pico Coulombs pC (10-12) or
“mV”
In XLPE and EPR cables:
Voids, Interfaces, Electrical Tree/s, Defective
Accessories, between energized electrode and
floating conductor
etc.
Dry, Brittle Insulation, Cracked Paper,
Waxing, Voids, Moisture, Tracking.

Ref: Kema

© HV Diagnostics Inc
PDIV:
Voltage at which Ground Shield
++++++++++
repetitive PD starts
to occur. Void in
--
Insulation.
++
High stress
PDEV: before
breakdown
Voltage at which
repetitive PD ceases. - - - - - - - - -- - -
Conductor

PDIV ≠ PDEV
 Ground Shield
++++++++++
The measured PD is
Void in
a result of the Insulation.
transient change in Low stress
just after
the electric field breakdown.
distribution.
- - - - - - - - -- - -
Conductor
 Ground
Shield Ground Shield
++++++++++ ++++++++++

-- Void in Low stress

++
Insulation. After
High stress breakdown
before
breakdown

------------ ------------
Conductor Conductor
 Corona
Protection Generally Best Sensitivity
AC for PD Detection.
Source
Z

PD Splice
Acquistion
 Corona Corona
Protection Protection
Not as sensitive as
AC Capacitor, but may have
Source
better noise rejection.

PD Splice
Acquistion

NETA 2018 Conference

PD Free Test Lead does not
have a ground connection
on the Coupling Capacitor
end of lead. Grounding?
Calibration pulse Injected into one end of cable

NOTE: It is not possible to calibrate when

performing an Online PD test, only Offline

You then often don’t know, what you don’t know

with online !
Calibration Pulse Injection Point
This is just one PD event of what could be many
thousands

The whole PD trace takes no more than a few micro

seconds to occur.
PRP Can be useful to determine the type of PD –
Corona, Internal, Tracking etc.
NETA 2018 Conference
 You will need to identify the
correct cable with PD – don’t
simply assume.
Using an EZ Cable
ID Tool to ID the
right cable

there will be no smoking gun

 PD Detection relies on PD Propagation
and this Is effected by:

 Dispersion

 Attenuation

Practical Considerations
Propagation of hf signals
 Same Pulse
Width
Reduced
Amplitude
Reduced Energy

Attenuation
 Increased Pulse
Width
Reduced Amplitude
Constant Energy

Dispersion
 Increased Pulse
Width
Reduced Amplitude
Reduced Energy

Attenuation and dispersion

Pulses become
potentially
undetectable
Particularly with old
tape shielded cables
and long lossy
cables.
 Where is the PD pulse now?
Pulses can become
potentially
undetectable
Add Resultant
The some real
world
Signal noise !!

NETA 2018 Conference

 A quick TDR test can assist
here!

OLD tape shielded EPR MV

Cable
 Partial Discharge Waveform Echogram (TDR) Generated by a Partial Discharge in a Cable

triggering of PD detector and reflection on near end reflection on far end

near end (Test End) source of PD far end

cable

PD detector

231
 Partial Discharge Waveform Echogram (TDR) Generated by a Partial Discharge in a Cable
Calculations - 1st and 2nd Impulse
Direct Impulse
Second Impulse

near end (Test End) source of PD far end

cable

PD detector

distance from far end = time • pulse velocity / 2

distance from near end = cable length – distance from far end

232
 Partial Discharge Waveform Echogram (TDR) Generated by a Partial Discharge in a Cable
Calculations - 1st and 3nd Impulse

Direct Impulse

near end (Test End) source of PD far end

cable

PD detector

time = 2 • cable length • pulse velocity

233
PHG TD PD Training By: Craig Goodwin

PD

2x Cable Length

time

Distance to fault
from far end

HV Diagnostics Inc: Ph: 678 445 2555 234

PHG TD PD Training By: Craig Goodwin

PD
Distance to fault
from far end

time

2x Cable Length

HV Diagnostics Inc: Ph: 678 445 2555 235

PHG TD PD Training By: Craig Goodwin

Draw the PD reflections of Length vs Time

 Various PD event sites in a cable or splice.

 From both near and far ends of cable

terminations.

HV Diagnostics Inc: Ph: 678 445 2555 236

PHG TD PD Training By: Craig Goodwin

PD in the Cable Termination

PD

time

Slightly wider and shorter

reflection from far end
HV Diagnostics Inc: Ph: 678 445 2555 237
PHG TD PD Training By: Craig Goodwin

PD in the Cable Termination

Distance is same whether PD

occurs in near or far termination

PD time

HV Diagnostics Inc: Ph: 678 445 2555 238

PHG TD PD Training By: Craig Goodwin

PD

Joint

time

Distance to fault Joint Reflection

from far end

HV Diagnostics Inc: Ph: 678 445 2555 239

PHG TD PD Training By: Craig Goodwin

PD
Joint

time

Distance to fault Joint Reflection

from far end

HV Diagnostics Inc: Ph: 678 445 2555 240

Example of Single PD Detected
Trace
Individual PD Record TDR
Wave pattern showing PD
amplitude and location.

Location of a PD site is the

Distance between different
time (colored) cursors:

PD (Apparent) Amplitude
PHG TD PD Training By: Craig Goodwin

Example of PD Location on PILC cable.

242
Setup
PD Calibration
PD Amplitude detection (Single
pulse)
PD Location (req. two pulses using
TDR technology, Note: VOP).
Analysis
Cable Topology
Type of Cable – Insulation Type?
Length of Cable?
Condition of Cable – New / Old?
Type of Shield?
Condition of Shield?
Terminations?
Can we test without Terminations?
Splices – Location of Splices?
Cable Isolation
Cable Test Setup / Isolation
Are Terminations Unlanded / Disconnected?
Disconnected from:
Switchgear
Motors
Lightning Arrestors
Transformers
Cable ends Isolated from ground sources.

Type of Shield?
Condition of Shield?
Terminations?
STD Applicable For: Limits
IEEE48* TERMS No PD to 1.5Vo
IEEE404* Joints / Splices No PD to 1.5Vo
IEEE386* Separable No PD to 1.3Vo
Connectors
IEEE400.2/.3 Cables No PD to IEEE400.2
levels

* Note these are factory standards and

not field test standards.

Cable Testing and Diagnostics–

HV Diagnostics Inc
Ref: IEEE 400.2-2013
Is there a way to locate the
possible cause of the rapid TD tip
up that occurred from 12kV up ?
 The Far end of
the cable under
test
Corona Suppression of the
far end of the cable was
not complete

NETA 2018 Conference

NOTE: Acoustic Detectors
while very useful for
externally generated PD
are limited when the PD is
internal.
One Simple Easy Setup with
Combined Diagnostics and
Monitored Withstand Capability
Performing a PD and TD test
using a 200kV VLF Source in
the Field
HVD Suite: Screen Shots 1

Click on “Grid Management”

to start…. new test
HVD Suite: Screen Shots 2
Click the “+” sign to start a new
test.
HVD Suite: Screen Shots 3

Enter Cable information:

Important to get information
correct, cable VOP (v/2) can
be corrected later.
HVD Suite: Screen Shots 4

Enter From Start (Station A) to End

of Cable (Station B) and if all info
correct, click on the “Topology” “^”
which is the layout.
HVD Suite: Screen Shots 5

Right Click to
activate “split” or
“remove” menu.
HVD Suite: Screen Shots 6

The splice positions are now Now Click on PD to

shown in the Topology run a PD test.
Window as blue lines .
HVD Suite: Explanation Screen Shot
7
HVD Suite: Explanation Screen Shot
7
Now you generally have to
proceed by pressing “Next” to step
through PD calibration followed by
PD measurement
Until you end up with a PD Map
Diagram showing PD (if any?)
Type of insulation and semi-conducting
material used.

Accessories

Workmanship

General degradation

Type of Shielding
Neutral tape corrosion resulting in a high
resistance between overlapping layers creating
a “spiraling taped shield” around the cable
resulting in a increase in impedance.
HF attenuation limits the use and viability of HF
Diagnostic techniques – like Partial Discharge
Detection and TDR (Time Domain Reflectometry
-CFL)
Large 5nC Manually Injected PD
Pulse • Large 5nC Calibration Pulse
Injected into a 2000ft/610m run
of cable.

• One TDR Trace shows a open

end and the other a manual
installed ground to help
identify the end of the cable.
You find PD in a cable, how do you know which
cable, which phase – there is no hole or damage
most of the time. Remember you are often
somewhere in the middle of the cable and not
the ends.
You have to cut into a cable, are you on the right
cable?
You have a fault on a cable, but are not sure
about exactly which cable is faulted.
Generally you need to ID cables – multiple
reasons.
Model:
EZ Cable ID
 TDR1205
Waveform

TDR Controls

Test Leads
TDR Menu
Low voltage pulse sent down the cable
Pulse duration in the order of a few
nanoseconds to a few microseconds.
Increases of impedance between cable
conductors causes a positive reflection
Decreases of impedance cause a negative
reflection
Broken strands cause an increase of impedance
and a positive reflection
The more broken strands that exist at a point,
the larger the reflection occurs
A lot of broken strands along the cable can
absorb most of the pulse’s energy causing the
other end to be unidentifiable
 Cable Start Open End Reflection

Cable End
TDR Instr.

Same Polarity Reflection

for Open Cables
 Cable Start Grounded Far End

Cable End
TDR Instr.

Opposite Reflection
for Cable Shorts
 Sensitivity vs. HF Attenuation
2 ns Pulse length
Ringing

TDR
Connection Cable Connection Cable End

25 ns Pulse length
Ringing Reduction
 Cable Start Location of Splice

Cable End
TDR

25 ns Pulse Length

Cable Testing and

Diagnostics 2009 – HV
Diagnostics Inc
Large Pulse Widths = Sensitivity Loss
100 ns Pulse Length

Splice Location

500 ns Pulse Length

Splice Location Loss of Sensitivity

 Location of
Cable Start Neutral Corrosion

Cable End
TDR Instr.
 Location of
Cable Start Location of Splice Neutral Corrosion

Cable End
TDR Instr.
Model 1205
 Test and Diagnostic Selection Matrix: Expanded from
IEEE400- 2012
Method New Extruded Old Extruded PILC Old Hybrid Unjacketed Accessories
Acceptance Maintenance Laminated Combo (Splice & Term)

Shield Type Tape CN Tape CN Mixed Mixed CN Mixed

DC Withstand Testing X X X X  X X Limited

VLF AC Withstand Test        

Tan Delta / Dissipation        

Factor Test

Partial Discharge Test –     

Offline
Limited Limited Limited

Partial Discharge Test –  

Online
Limited Limited Limited Limited Limited Limited

Smart VLF W/S Test -        

combination with TD

Smart VLF W/S Test -     

combination with PD
Limited Limited Limited

TDR (Time Domain 

Reflectometry)
Useful Useful Not Useful Useful Useful Limited Useful