Failure Analysis Of Polymeric-Insulated Power Cable

This paper presents the findings of a survey conducted in Ontario to elucidate the contributing factors in primary-distribution, power-cable failures. Water treeing, although important, was involved in fewer failures than expected. Although a sensitivity analysis, was precluded by insufficient data on installed plant, four cable parameters were identified as contributing to water treeing. Internal defects (inclusions) were more prevalent than expected. No examples of electrical treeing were found.