Analysis of Field Failure Data on HMWPE- and XLPE-Insulated High-Voltage Distribution Cable

The paper summarizes the results from Phase I of EPRI Research Project 1782-1 (EPRI Report EL-3501). Fifteen utilities supplied data on failures and operating parameters for more than 34,000 miles of HMWPE- insulated cables and 47,000 miles of XLPE-insulated cables. Data reduction and statistical analyses identified important predictors of high failure rates. For HMWPE, these are age, operating stress, and year of installation. Age and insulation wall thickness are the most important predictors of high failure rates for XLPE cable.