Cable sheath
damage detection

Cable sheath damage detection using timed DC voltage

During operation, power system cables can be damaged. Such damage is caused by various destruction processes, i.e.: cable ageing, installation errors, lightning strikes, etc. In order to locate the damage, various measurement methods are employed to test the insulation resistance and cable conductor continuity. However, such measurements is only preliminary measurements taken prior to the whole range of operations to be conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis. GK-Elektro performs inspections and repairs of entire cable systems. Here, we explain what is meant by cable sheath damage detection using timed DC voltage.

Step-by-step damage detection

Thanks to the use of modern equipment, it is possible to quickly and precisely pinpoint areas where high-voltage cables are damaged, but this involves taking several steps. Firstly, an initial survey of the cabling and any electric equipment is conducted to identify potential sections posing a risk to the entire system. Detection of damage to the cable sheath or other mechanical damage is performed with diagnostic equipment for voltage test measurements. Once the damage location has been narrowed down, a measurement is performed using timed DC voltage on the damaged cable. Voltage is constant when its value does not change with time. It facilitates detection of any abnormalities and deviations from applicable standards. The final stage of the damage detection process consists in pinpointing the exact location of the fault. In this way, the damage detection process is based on step-by-step identification which initially contributes to damage location pinpointing and is followed by precise measurements with specialised equipment and detection of not only the specific location, but also the cause of the damage.

vLoc3-5000 Megger cable damage spot detection kit

Step-by-step damage detection

Thanks to the use of modern equipment, it is possible to quickly and precisely pinpoint areas where high-voltage cables are damaged, but this involves taking several steps. Firstly, an initial survey of the cabling and any electric equipment is conducted to identify potential sections posing a risk to the entire system. Detection of damage to the cable sheath or other mechanical damage is performed with diagnostic equipment for voltage test measurements. Once the damage location has been narrowed down, a measurement is performed using timed DC voltage on the damaged cable. Voltage is constant when its value does not change with time. It facilitates detection of any abnormalities and deviations from applicable standards. The final stage of the damage detection process consists in pinpointing the exact location of the fault. In this way, the damage detection process is based on step-by-step identification which initially contributes to damage location pinpointing and is followed by precise measurements with specialised equipment and detection of not only the specific location, but also the cause of the damage.

Damage detection methods

Common types of damage include defects causing moisture penetration into the cable structure, which results in electrical treeing and corrosion damage. The process of cable sheath damage detection is intended to eliminate this type of hazard and performed using one of the methods employed for fault detection in live networks. There numerous detection methods used depending on the individual case and the technical condition of a given system. Numerous devices employed for this purpose are universal instruments used not only to detect damage, but also short-circuits, wire breaks and other power line damage.

Cable sheath damage detection using timed DC voltage – GK-Electro offering

GK-Elektro company offers services including inspection, periodical and diagnostic cable line measurements, as well as professional expertise helping rectify any kinds of system faults. Cable sheath damage detection using timed DC voltage is a basic method used to detect high-voltage line operation disturbances in telecommunications systems, industrial or household systems.