Underground Power Cable Life Expectancy

Underground cable testing and life expectancy diagnostics kevin j.

Underground power cable life expectancy.

Also how it is buried also affects life expectancy of the cables. The underground electric power transmission cables more benefits of health ecological due to noise reduction and superior plants management. Power transmission through underground power cables is up to 550 kv. Underground cable and smaller the life expectancy of an underground line is about p36 underground transmission epri.

Some cable manufacturers will determine a likely life expectancy based on typical conditions. Electric power research institute 2010 portfolio underground transmission program 36. Mv power cables are qualified by various manufacturers to provide a specified life of anywhere from 20 to 30 years of continued service in optimal environmental and operating conditions. Many of the mv power cables operating in commercial electric utility and industrial locations can be exposed to a variety of environmental.

Injection technology otherwise known as cable insulation rejuvenation is a well established option to cable replacement. Costs an underground 230 kv line costs 10 to 15 times the cost of an overhead line due to time materials processes the need to include. Cable injection technology involves the injection of a diffusive water reactive material into the conductor core of a buried power cable insulated with solid dielectric materials. A cable in a underground ductbank concrete encased would afford greater protection to phycial damage than the direct burial ones.

The lifespan of underground electric power transmission cables has low compared to overhead cables. Also cable buried deeper at least code recommended depths and below frost lines would last longer than shallow ones. For example a household fixed wiring cable with typical electrical loading wired using the appropriate wiring guidelines could be expected to last 20 years. The standards that cables are manufactured to do not specify a particular life expectancy.

Cable life extension methods.