IEEE 1234-2007

The introduction of cables with extruded dielectric insulation and of modern splicing technology has imposed new conditions and restrictions on cable fault locating. The use of excessive high voltages and energies during AC, DC and surge testing of service-aged power cable systems with extruded dielectric insulation may over stress insulation, creating defects which become faults after the cables are returned to service. This guide is intended to be applied to medium voltage distribution cables. Medium voltage distribution systems generally operate at system voltages above 1kV and up to 34.5 kV nominal. The end user of the cable circuit should evaluate the necessity for verifying the integrity of extruded dielectric insulated cables, and, if they are in critical service, proceed to perform the high voltage/energies testing. If not detected during dielectric tests, defects in dielectric materials may result in cable failures during the transient voltage surge episodes while in service.

This guide is intended to provide troubleshooting and testing personnel with information to quickly identify a faulted cable section or locate a cable fault with minimum risk of further damaging serviceable cables, terminations, and equipment.

New IEEE Standard - Superseded. Tests and measurements that are performed on shielded power cables to identify the location of a fault are described. Whenever possible, the limitations of a particular test and measurement to locate a fault are provided and recommendations are made regarding specialized fault-locating techniques. A fault characterization chart is included as an aid to select a fault-locating technique.