Methods for testing nuclear power plant cables

Nearly all of the operating U.S. commercial nuclear power plants (NPPs) are seeking, or have already received, license renewal from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). As such, the nuclear industry is directing increased attention toward ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the various working components in NPPs, including the thousands of miles of power and signal cables that tie together complex plant systems. Because wholesale cable replacement is not an affordable option for aging NPPs, in-situ techniques for assessing the condition of installed cables are of critical importance. The goal of the research presented in this report is to refine existing techniques and to develop novel cable monitoring and testing methods for new and aging NPPs in the U.S. and worldwide.