Practical experience of partial discharge measurement and location on power cables

Unlike other items of plant installed in a High Voltage power network, the design limitations and dimensions on energy cables are effectively restricted by two dominant factors: conductor size and insulation thickness. These two factors have allowed and encouraged cable designers to operate insulation at the highest stress levels of any plant connected on the power system. To allow these high stress levels to be used reliably and ensure long service life, it is important to maintain a high standard of material and manufacturing quality during production. For this purpose, a partial discharge test has been a routine requirement for over 25 years