Auxiliary cables for generating stations

THERE ARE THREE general characteristics of steam generating station design that distinguish this particular cable application problem from others. Maximum reliability is one characteristic. The failure of a power or control cable may cause the shutdown of a great part or all of the power station. The total cost of the cable system in an average power system will be about 1 or 2 per cent of the total station cost. Increasing the cost of the cable system would not be out of order if an appreciable increase in reliability could be obtained. In the case of a utility distribution system, an increase of 1/64 inch of insulation applies to hundreds of miles of cable and represents a major item of cost, while in a central station, it is a relatively minor item and therefore, the use of insulation classes well above operating voltage may be fully justified.