Mechanisms, procedures, and instruments to detect faults and defects of electro-optical oceanic cable arrays in SSW vs. FW

All marine cable systems must be immersion tested prior to final delivery. Selecting and determining the tests and environments is a compromise between risk and consequence of early system mortality versus the cost and time of the testing. Reasons, methods, and instruments for insulation resistance testing in natural seawater or simulated seawater vs. natural or fresh water in hydropressure and/or soak tanks are discussed here. Voltmeters, ohmmeters, and meggers detect and locate two general models of electrical faults. Detection, failure analyses, and a novel method of freezing to determine defect location are also presented.