Tools for quality assessment of distribution cable networks

Asset owners and system managers of distribution networks are increasingly aware of the necessity to be able to demonstrate the condition of their network. A combination of, at the one hand, a strong growth of the demand to be able to prove the condition of network components and at the other hand the technical possibilities led to a strong growth in the development of applicable diagnostics for condition assessment. This article is an initiative of the NUON utility, Pirelli Cable systems and the Delft University of Technology. It is aimed at giving directives for the application of diagnostics for the different cable-types in the most common circumstances. The contents of this article is based on a mix of practice experiences, scientific insight and design knowledge of components. It also informs about the differences to be aware of applying diagnostics for medium- and high (>36 kV) voltage cables either paper-lead or extruded cable connections or combinations of both