Utilities and industrial plants across North America make extensive use of medium voltage (5 to 35 kV) power cables. In many cases, these cables are approaching or have already exceeded their design life. The question then becomes: How does a company maximize the service life of its medium voltage cables? This article will discuss various methods of on-site cable condition assessment or diagnostic testing. Condition assessment testing doesn't just mean simple "proof or "high-pot" testing. Condition assessment testing (although it should find serious defects) is not a simple goo-go test, but is designed to provide a ranking of the cable system and assist in prioritizing future cable maintenance and replacement. After all, no cable test has yet been developed which will determine the "remaining life" of a cable. The ultimate purpose of cable condition assessment is to improve system reliability and minimize long-term cost.
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