Water contamination in a cross-linked polyethylene cable joint

An analysis of splice failures on a cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulated cable is performed with particular interest in the effects of contaminants and the adsorption of water on surface track resistance of the splice pencil. Many cable users do not give sufficient consideration to the hygroscopic nature of XLPE surfaces when developing splicing procedures. This paper examines some of the effects of water on XLPE cable joints and presents procedures to eliminate its detrimental effects.