Power Frequency Testing for EHV Cables

I would recommend contacting Hipotronics (http://www.hipotronics.com).

They are part of Hubbell, Inc. and make a full line of the kind of testing equipment you are looking for. Haefely, Tettex and Robinson Instruments are also part of Hipotronics.

Hipotronics

1650 Route 22

P.O. Box 414

Brewster, NY 10509 USA

Phone: 1-800-727-4476

Fax: 845-279-2467

I think they will be able to answer all your questions.

What do you mean power frequency testing it makes no sense. Do you mean load test and or max voltage test? (Break down teasting?) more info would help.

What do you class as EHV any way? If you do not know keep well away from any such equipment it can be fatal to try, if you make a mistake all they will find is a pile of ash.

Actually, power frequency testing of cables makes perfect sense (although for EHV cables, acceptance or proof testing after installation is normally done with DC due to the high cable capacitance and associated charging current).

Power frequency tests by a cable manufacturer could include withstand, puncture, partial discharge, thermal, capacitance, power (dissipation) factor, life, etc.

Extra High Voltage (EHV) is a class of transmission system voltage which, in the USA, is 345 - 700 kV nominal (362 - 765 kV maximum). System voltages above EHV are classified as Ultra High Voltage (UHV).

Standard transmission voltages in the USA are covered by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard C-84.

Dear Sir,

Thanks for your information. Here in India the standard voltage ranges from 11kV, 33kV,66kV,110kV, 220kV,400kV and 765kV. 765kV is very rare in India.

We want to start are new line of business of providing the service of CABLE TESTING during commissioning and are looking out to purchase the required testing equipments.

We are willing to invest on the required infrastructure as the future of Power Sector in India is good both in the short term and long term. There are very few in the country who provide this kind of service.

Can you please recommend some of the field testing equipments that are used in testing of 220kV and 400kV cables during commissioning.

I am sure your information will aid in better decision making at our end.

Best Regards

R.T. Selvam

Chennai

India.

I'm familiar with the grid in India. Spent some time with the TATA Group and National Grid about 12 years or so ago. I also have experience testing underground high pressure pipe type, low pressure oil-filled and solid dielectric underground cable.

The field test equipment you need is generally self-contained as part of the test set. Every field test set I have ever used was manufactured by Hipotronics. Many were owned by the electric utility because they were also used by their maintenance groups. Most of them were mobile and mounted on trailers.

You might review Grid's specifications for UG cable systems and see what kinds of tests they presently require. You probably want to consider offering diagnostic testing and maintenance services in addition to commissioning.

Then, I would refer you to response #1 and recommend that you contact Hipotronics. I'm sure they will be willing to discuss the kinds of test equipment in use by others and recommend a solution for you.

Good luck.

Hello,

Have you purchased the equipment for cable testing?.

I have used different types of equipments in the field as i was in the power utility company.It depends upon at what voltage level you want to play with.But all the equipments have to be imported for which players are available in india.