Failure analysis of cable accessories using Finite Element Method Magnetics (FEMM) software

Cable accessories such as joints and termination are a crucial part in cable installation. High percentage of MV breakdown is due to cable accessories failure. Improper installation of cable accessories and design are among the main cause of failures. Finite element software´s, such as Finite Element Method Magnetics (FEMM) can be used to analyses failures of cable accessories. This article will present the use of FEMM software to simulate electromagnetic stress and other electrical characteristic of the cable accessories. Factors influencing FEMM analysis such as design of cable accessories and electrical characterization of material are discussed. The results of FEMM analysis is then utilized as a reference in the root cause analysis process.