A study of the interfacial breakdown in cable joints

This paper examines the interchangeability of cable adapters in premolded T-connectors from the standpoint of their interfacial dielectric performance based upon measurements of the breakdown voltage and the interfacial pressure. The design differences between cable adapters vary from materials composition to small dimensional changes. As a result, the dielectric strength at interfaces between the cable, the cable adapter and the connector housing is affected. Furthermore, aging also reduces the interfacial pressure as well as the dielectric property of grease at the interfaces. A reduction in dielectric strength could initiate the development of partial discharges and eventually lead to the dielectric breakdown in service