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Identifying MV Cable

09/30/2012 1:46 AM

We have Distribution network, 11 kV cable buried between Transformer and RMU(Switchgear), where we are not able to identify transformer 1 and 2 from the which Fuse switch is feeding to make labeling (since the cable is buried)

In this condition, please provide the any method to identify the transformer numbers without taking the outages (shutdown).

Specification:

PILC cable 3 core @ RMU to Transformer

Voltage 11 kV

Fuse rating 80A at Fuse switch.

Capacity of transformer - 1500 kVA.

Thanks in advance,

Nassar-----

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#1

Re: Identifying of MV Cable

09/30/2012 2:15 AM

If you can access the cables at each end (say in terminal enclosures), you might be able to measure the amperages, and thus determine what matches what.

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#2

Re: Identifying of MV Cable

09/30/2012 2:32 AM

@Tornado

Thanks for our replying,

As you said, it is diffucult to open the cable termination @ RMU side since it is compound filling, and even for accessing the cable @ termination shutdown is required.

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#3

Re: Identifying of MV Cable

09/30/2012 2:37 AM

There is no other alternative.

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#4

Re: Identifying of MV Cable

09/30/2012 3:08 AM

This now becomes less certain, but if one transformer is noticeably warmer than the other, and the known loads are significantly different, you may be able to correlate.

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#5
In reply to #4

Re: Identifying of MV Cable

09/30/2012 3:10 AM

That is real clever!

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#6

Re: Identifying of MV Cable

09/30/2012 6:43 AM

Contact your local distribution company. They should have high precision radio locators. I used one a few years back on a MV system management course. Part of the training network had deliberately crossed cables in the same trench as part of the cable location training. We successfully identified the cables. This is the unit we used. Expensive which is why I suggest your local distribution company.

Considering the safety implications, ruling out an outage wouldn't be acceptable as defence in the event of an accident. Production does not override safety.

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#7

Re: Identifying MV Cable

09/30/2012 10:45 PM

Disconnect the fuses in power off condition and try to see continuity of the cables.

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#10
In reply to #7

Re: Identifying MV Cable

10/01/2012 1:48 AM

OP wants a solution "without taking the outages (shutdown)."

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#8

Re: Identifying MV Cable

10/01/2012 12:33 AM

Switch off one feeder for some time.

Measure the temperature of both cables with infra red thermometer.There should be variation in temperatures measured .Colder one is not connected with load.

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#11
In reply to #8

Re: Identifying MV Cable

10/01/2012 1:49 AM

OP wants a solution "without taking the outages (shutdown)."

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#9

Re: Identifying MV Cable

10/01/2012 1:40 AM

It is a good practice to attach cable identification number(tags) at both ends of each cable for identification.

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#12
In reply to #9

Re: Identifying MV Cable

10/01/2012 1:52 AM

You are right. That is the standard practice. But in OP's case, it was overlooked, we can see the mess now.

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#13

Re: Identifying MV Cable

10/01/2012 5:38 AM

Guys,

Cannot a simple high frequency signal not be transmitted over each cable in turn?

Send HF signal over cable 1, perhaps by Induction? and measure the output level of each cable.

Now switch the HF signal to the other cable and the ratios should reverse.

Label the cables apppropiately! Do it NOW

QED.

Good Luck

Sleepy

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#15
In reply to #13

Re: Identifying MV Cable

10/03/2012 10:15 AM

Sleepy wake up!

TonyS above already covered this method, and with a commercial device to boot. (RD5000 WL)

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#17
In reply to #15

Re: Identifying MV Cable

10/03/2012 1:07 PM

LoganA

But Tony said that his solution was expensive so I threw in a DIY approach.

Good Luck Guys

Enjoy

Sleepy

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#14

Re: Identifying MV Cable

10/01/2012 11:30 AM

Nassar, there are 3 different ways to accomplish what you seek:

First, you can do as Tornado suggests and try to correlate current readings. Even if you can't get access individual conductors in the PILC cable, you should be able to access the other side of the interrupting device (circuit breaker, contactor, fuse, etc.) and use a clamp-on ammeter. Ideally the switchgear has an installed ammeter for each interrupting device, but that is not always the case.

Second, you can do as TonyS recommends and use a RF locator. These can be used with the cable energized. If the local utility is unwilling or unable to assist, a larger electric contractor in the area may also have one, or they are available for rent depending on your area.

Third and simplest, don't worry about it. If and when the cable fails it will be very easy to correlate the blown fuse or tripped breaker with the de-energized transformer.

If none of these options will work for you but you still need to know which cable serves which transformer, accept the fact that you will have to arrange for a one-time outage to verify source and load.

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#16
In reply to #14

Re: Identifying MV Cable

10/03/2012 10:20 AM

I like the third option best; especially the unintended consequences that will follow...

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#18
In reply to #16

Re: Identifying MV Cable

10/03/2012 2:09 PM

What unintended consequences? If the cable fails, the result will be the same with or without labels. The only real advantage of the labels is if they're going to take an outage on one of the loads. The OP indicated he wasn't interested in methods which required an outage.

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#19

Re: Identifying MV Cable

10/03/2012 11:39 PM

There are some remote magnetic sensors available which will tell you the ampere in the current even it is undergorund . Check with the same.

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