Utility URD cable experience

The large numbers of failures of primary underground residential distribution (URD) cables that utilities are experiencing is addressed. The major problems are defined and discussed and methods are suggested whereby the utility cable engineer could best find solutions. The problems and decisions fall into two general categories: those that concern existing in-service cables, and those that concern future URD cable designs. The discussion of existing cables covers cable replacement criteria, estimation of life remaining, cost-effective replacement methods, and concentric neutral corrosion. The discussion of future cables covers insulation selection, cable/conduit design, and life expectancy (the first two issues apply to replacement cables as well).<>