SPEC F075

April, 2010

Field Electrical HI-POT Testing Guidelines

Acceptance Testing Acceptance testing is performed to detect any defects in cable insulation and terminations which may have resulted from poor workmanship or mechanical damage. This proof test confirms the integrity of the insulation and accessories before the cable is placed into service. After installation and before the cable is placed in regular service, the test voltages specified in the ICEA S-97-682 Table should be applied for 15 consecutive minutes. Record the leakage current at one minute intervals for the duration of the test.

ICEA DC Field Test Voltages ICEA S-97-682 Utility Shielded Power Cables Rated 5,000-46,000 Volts
Rated Voltage Phaseto-Phase ( kV) Conductor Size Nominal Insulation Thickness (Insulation Level) 100% mils 90 140 115 175 175 220 260 280 345 445 mm 2.29 3.56 2.92 4.45 4.45 5.59 6.60 7.11 8.76 11.3 mils 115 140 140 175 220 320 345 420 580 133% mm 2.92 3.56 3.56 4.45 5.59 8.13 8.76 10.7 14.7 Maximum DC Field Test Voltages ( kV) During or After Installation 100% 28 36 56 80 84 100 132 133% 36 44 64 96 100 124 172 First 5 Years 100% 9 11 18 25 26 31 41 133% 11 14 20 30 31 39 54

AWG/kcmil 5 8 15 25 28 35 46 8 - 1000 > 1000 6 - 1000 > 1000 2 - 1000 > 1000 1 - 2000 1 - 2000 1/0 - 2000 4/0 - 2000

mm 2 8.4 - 507 > 507 13.3 - 507 > 507 33.6 - 507 > 507 42.4 - 1013 42.4 - 1013 53.5 - 1013 107.2 - 1013

DC test voltages are applied to discover gross problems such as improperly installed accessories or mechanical damage. DC testing is not expected to reveal deterioration due to aging in service. There is some evidence that DC testing of aged cross-linked polyethylene cables can lead to early cable failures. Information on this subject is available in EPRI project report TR-101245, Effect of DC Testing in Extruding Cross-Linked Polyethylene Insulated Cables. Dimensions and weights are nominal; subject to industry tolerances.

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