DISTRIBUTION COMMISSIONING WORK INSTRUCTION

HIGH VOLTAGE XLPE CABLES

Purpose: This instruction covers testing of new and aged High Voltage XLPE cables to confirm the integrity of the cable.
Note: XLPE cables must never be tested with a High Voltage DC Cable Tester (Hipot), as it may cause damage to the cable. Test must be carried out
after installation, alteration, repair or cut-in and before putting back into service. For testing after repair of obvious faults refer to the relevant
instructions.

Name of Officer: _______________ Pay No.: _______________ Date: ___/___/___

Location of the cable (From: To: ): _______________________________ Work Package No.: ________________
Section 1: Cable Description, Function and Visual Inspection:
ITEM DESCRIPTION VALUE DONE? COMMENTS
If Please
applicable Tick
1. Rated Voltage:
Length of the cable (approx.):
No of in-line joints:
Size of the cable:
Cable function:
Stock code:
Check if cable is correctly installed and there is no sign of damage.
Check if the cable is clearly marked for each phase.
2. In preparation for the tests, wherever possible, disconnect the cable from the
equipment on both sides and make the area safe. If cable can not be
disconnected ensure that the equipment connected to cable will not be
affected. If the end side of the cable cannot be positively isolated, a second
person should stand guard at the end of the cable during tests and a two-way
radio must be used for communication.
Section 2: End to End and phasing Test:
This test is to be carried out using a resistance box of 2 meg Ohm resistor (if using Western Power equipment) and a 500V megger in order
to positively distinguish the cable end and phases.
3. Connect the resistor between Red and White phase, with the Red phase R:---------
earthed through resistor box. Meggering is carried out at the other end of the W:---------
cable. Test each core to earth and record the values. Values must be: Red Zero, B:----------
White: 2Meg Ohm, Blue infinity (Open circuit).

20. HIGH VOLTAGE XLPE CABLES DMS 1641396.doc Page 1 of 3

High Voltage Tests
Section 1: Insulation Resistance (Megger) Test:
This test is to be carried out using a 5KV Megger between conductors and screen for the duration of 1 minute. Values greater than 10,000MΩ are
acceptable. Connect the leads of the megger test to phase conductors and screen sequentially with respect for polarity.
ITEM DESCRIPTION DONE? COMMENTS
MΩ Please
Tick
4. Red phase to screen test @ 5KV
White phase to screen test @ 5KV
Blue phase to screen test @ 5KV

Section 2: Sheath Integrity Test:

This test confirms the integrity of cable sheath. Damaged or punctured sheath will allow moisture to enter the cable.
This test is to be carried out using a 5KV Megger between screens and earth for the duration of 1 minute. Values greater than 1,000MΩ for new cables
and 100MΩ for aged cables (more than 10 years) are acceptable. Connect the leads of the megger test to conductors’ screens and earth sequentially with
respect for polarity.
5. Red phase screen to earth test @ 5KV
White phase screen to earth test @ 5KV
Blue phase screen to earth test @ 5KV

Western Power Commissioning Officer: (Please print name and sign):

Date: Pay No:

Section 3: Very Low Frequency (VLF) Test:

This test is to be carried out if the cable under test is a transformer cable with length of more than 250 metres and/or the cable has in-line joints. Feeder
cables should all be VLF tested regardless of the length. Repetitive or successive VLF testing of the cable should be avoided.
The test is performed using a VLF tester. Test will be carried out between conductors and screens (which shall be earthed) for the duration of 60
minutes at a voltage of 3VΝ @ 0.1 Hz as per the below table. Test will return acceptable results when no breakdown occurs.
System Voltage Phase to Neutral Voltage Test Voltage 3 VN System Voltage Phase to Neutral Voltage Test Voltage 3 VN
6.6KV 3.8KV 11.5KV 22KV 12.7KV 38.0KV
11KV 6.35KV 19.0KV 33KV 19.1KV 57.0KV
The test can also be performed between all conductors connected together at both ends, and screens connected to earth.

20. HIGH VOLTAGE XLPE CABLES DMS 1641396.doc Page 2 of 3

 ITEM DESCRIPTION VALUE DONE? COMMENTS
If Please
applicable Tick
6. Set the VLF tester to apply the required voltage @ 0.1 Hz frequency for
duration of 60 minutes. Record the applied voltage: (KV)
Pass/Fail
Phases to screen (earth): ------------

ITEM DESCRIPTION VALUE DONE? COMMENTS

If Please
applicable Tick
7. All cable connections/terminations are made and tightened to the required
manufacturere/NBU standard?

Western Power Commissioning Officer: (Please print name and sign):

Date: Pay No:

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