NATIONAL GRID SA

Title: Work Instructions Index Number:

WI-NG-6460-002-041
Commissioning of XLPE Power Cables Page Number: Revision Number:
(13.8kV and 33kV) 2 of 7 01

2.0 RESPONSIBILITIES
- Anyone working in testing location during the commissioning stage must follow the
safety instructions as per SEC rules and CSD employees are responsible for
applying safety rules in all places which they are working in.
- Project site engineer is responsible for committing the contractor to prepare testing
and commissioning places to be done in proper climate conditions as per Company
policies, procedures and accepted temperatures the relays, devices and test
equipment can be tested or operated within it.
- CSD staff are responsible for witnessing the activities according to approved
specification and design
- CSD employee shall not start any test until the T&C Contractor engineer providing
the following:
o The T&C Contractor Engineer certification from the manufacturer of the Partial
Discharge (PD) measuring unit.
o Test forms.
o The Manufacturer written confirmation must be provided during the base design
that all cable terminations and joints shall be performed under the direct strict
supervision of terminations and joints manufacturer according to TES-P-104.04
o Factory Tests Results.
o Approved drawings.
o Test equipment valid calibration certificates.
o Contractor engineer pre-qualification certificate.
o Technical Data Schedule
CSD employee is responsible to check and witness all activities required for
13.8KV and 33KV XLPE Power Cables following all of this work instruction.
- CSD employee is responsible for recording the status of any test 13.8KV and
33KV XLPE Power Cables in its checklist and test form as per this work
instruction.
- CSD employee shall refer to the Technical Data Schedule, and the approved High
Voltage test procedure, especially in case of any dispute about test values.

Policies and Procedures Management System Website: http://ngridsa-apps/amas/ TP-NG-6250-001-007

 NATIONAL GRID SA

Title: Work Instructions Index Number:

WI-NG-6460-002-041
Commissioning of XLPE Power Cables Page Number: Revision Number:
(13.8kV and 33kV) 3 of 7 01

3.0 Work Instruction

3.1 Mechanical Check and Visual Inspections
Item Description Reference / Criteria Limit
Inspect for physical damage or defects and verify the 11-TMSS-04
1. thickness, insulation, conductor/insulation, metallic
sheath, metallic shield, jacket and conducting layer.
All cables shall be marked with “Property of Saudi 11-TMSS-04
2.
Electricity Company” in both Arabic and English.
Check cable bends to ensure that the cable is no TES-P-104.05
longer under tension. Minimum Bending Radius ≥
3. (20 x d) (diameter of the
cable) or as specified by the
manufacturer
Check for proper cable Support, clamping, trays, TCS-P-104.03
4.
blocking and proper grounding.
5. Check that phases are identified and color coded.
Verification of exact route length as per approved
6.
drawings from termination to termination.

3.2 Electrical Tests

Item Description Reference / Criteria Limit
1. Conductor Continuity and Phasing Test:-

To ensure the continuity and phasing of the cable

conductor from terminal to terminal, the cable conductor
shall be tested using a minimum of 1000 V dc.
2. IEEE Std 1185-2010

Cable Insulation Test:- The minimum acceptable

insulation resistance is
Prior to performing the high voltage test on the cable calculated with Equation
and after high voltage test, cable insulation test at 5000 R = (V+I) X 305 /L
V dc shall be performed for one (1) minute between any Where:
possible combination of conductors in the same cable R = insulation resistance,
and between each conductor and ground, with all other MΩ
conductors in the same cable grounded. V = rated voltage in kV
L = cable length, m
305 = unit length of cable,
MΩ –m/kV
Policies and Procedures Management System Website: http://ngridsa-apps/amas/ TP-NG-6250-001-007
 NATIONAL GRID SA

Title: Work Instructions Index Number:

WI-NG-6460-002-041
Commissioning of XLPE Power Cables Page Number: Revision Number:
(13.8kV and 33kV) 4 of 7 01

3. DC Voltage Test Of The Oversheath:- IEC 60502-2 Edition 3.0

2014-02
Where an ‘after installation’ test of the oversheath is
performed, a dc voltage of 4 kV per millimetre of IEC 60229 Edition 3.0
specified thickness of extruded oversheath shall be 2007-10
applied with a maximum of 10 kV dc between the
underlying metallic layers and the outer electrode, for a No breakdown of the
period of 1 min. oversheath shall occur
All metallic layers under the oversheath shall be during the test.
connected together. This test requires that the
oversheath has an outer “electrode” which may be moist
backfill or a conductive layer. No breakdown of the
oversheath shall occur during the test.

Note: - For the test to be effective, it is necessary that the

ground makes good contact with all of the outer surface
of the oversheath. A conductive layer on the oversheath
can assist in this respect.
4. AC High Voltage Test:- IEC 60502-2 Edition 3.0
2014-02
1. 5 kV DC insulation tester before and after high
voltage test for one (1) minute. IEC 60060-3 First edition
2. An AC voltage test for 60 min with the RMS rated 2006-02
voltage value of 3 U0 at a frequency of 0.1 Hz applied
between the conductor and the metal screen/sheath IEEE Std 400.2–2004
(VLF).
Follow Table No.1 (column 3& 4)
3. In the case of a new cable is jointed with an old
existing cable portion, the soaking test shall be done
for 24 hours at rated voltage
5. Partial Discharge Test:- IEC 60502-2 Edition 3.0
2014-02
1. Calibration of the measuring system in the complete
test circuit shall be carried out before starting the test IEC 60885-3:2015
in accordance with Clause 5 of IEC 60270:2000. The
calibrator used shall comply with IEC 60270.
2. Achieve the best Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) by Q Less than 10 pC
achieving the lowest possible background noise by
increasing the centre frequency of the measurement
system gradually to achieve sensitivity (background
noise) below 10 pC, but not exceeding 10 MHz as the
measurement frequency.
3. The sensitivity of the measuring system is defined as
the minimum detectable discharge pulse, qmin (in pC)

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 NATIONAL GRID SA

Title: Work Instructions Index Number:

WI-NG-6460-002-041
Commissioning of XLPE Power Cables Page Number: Revision Number:
(13.8kV and 33kV) 5 of 7 01

that can be observed in the presence of background

noise. The value of qmin shall be determined by the
evaluation of the background noise level and shall not
be more than twice the apparent noise level.
4. The analysis should be done based on both the
magnitude of the PD and the pattern shape in the
PRPD (Phase Resolved Partial Discharge) to identify
the type of PD if any.
5. The Partial Discharge Test shall be carried out in
accordance with IEC 60885-3, except that the
sensitivity as defined in IEC 60885-3 shall be 10 pC or
less.
6. For three-core cables, the test shall be carried out on
all insulated cores, the voltage being applied between
each conductor and the screen.
7. The test voltage shall be raised gradually to and held
at 2 U0 for 10 s and then slowly reduced to 1.73 U0
then take the measurement of PD (see Table 1).
8. There shall be no detectable discharge exceeding the
declared sensitivity from the test object at 1.73 U0.
9. The partial discharge shall be measured during the
soak test if the new cable is jointed with an old existing
cable portion using wireless PD sensor based on
mutual agreement among CSD, T&C Contractor and
Cable Supplier.

Table No. 1: Test Voltage Levels Test Voltage Levels for 13.8 KV and 33 KV Power
Cables Power Cables
High Voltage Test Partial Discharge
U U0 Apply 2 U0 Measure PD at
Voltage Test Time Period
for 10 s 1.73 U0
kV kV kV Minutes kV kV
13.8 8 24 60 16 13.8
33 19 57 60 38 33

Note:
U0 is the rated voltage between conductor and earth or metal screen for which the cable
is designed.
U is the rated voltage between conductors for which the cable is designed.
The test voltage to be applied shall be subject to agreement among CSD, T&C Contractor
and Cable Supplier.

Policies and Procedures Management System Website: http://ngridsa-apps/amas/ TP-NG-6250-001-007

 NATIONAL GRID SA

Title: Work Instructions Index Number:

WI-NG-6460-002-041
Commissioning of XLPE Power Cables Page Number: Revision Number:
(13.8kV and 33kV) 6 of 7 01

4.0 REFERENCES

Index / Reference
Number
PR-NG-6460-002
CL-NG-6460-002-041
IEEE Std 1185-2010
IEC 60060-3 First
edition 2006-02
IEC 60502-2 Edition
3.0 2014-02
IEC 61442 Second
edition 2005-03
11-TMSS-04
TCS-P-104.03
TES-P-104.05
IEC 60229 Edition 3.0
2007-10,
IEC 60885-3:2015
IEEE Std 400.2–2004
Title
Project Commissioning Procedure
Checklist for Commissioning of 13.8kV and 33kV XLPE Power
Cables
IEEE Recommended Practice for Cable Installation in Generating
Stations and Industrial Facilities
IEC 60060-3 High-Voltage Test Techniques Part 3: Definitions and
requirements for on-site testing - Edition 1.0
Power cables with extruded insulation and their accessories for
rated voltages from 1 kV (Um = 1,2 kV) up to 30 kV (Um = 36 kV)
Test methods for accessories for power cables with rated voltages
from 6 kV (Um = 7,2 kV) up to 30 kV (Um = 36 kV)
11kV, 13.8kV, 33kV & 34.5kV Medium Voltage Power Cables
Trenches and ducts
Cable Installations, Engineering Requirements
Electric cables – Tests on extruded oversheaths with a special
protective function
Electrical test methods for electric cables –
Part 3: Test methods for partial discharge measurements on
lengths of extruded power cables
IEEE Guide for Field Testing of Shielded Power
Cable Systems Using Very Low Frequency (VLF)

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 NATIONAL GRID SA

Title: Checklist Index Number:

Checklist for Commissioning of XLPE Power Cables CL-NG-6460-002-041
Page Number: Revision Number:
(13.8kV and 33kV)
1 of 3 01

1.0 Equipment General Data and Information

Substation
Bay/Panel
Equipment Serial No

2.0 Mechanical Checks and Visual Inspections

Item Description Done Remarks

1. Inspect for physical damage or defects and verify the thickness,
XLPE insulation, conductor/insulation, metallic sheath, metallic
shield, jacket and conducting layer.
2. Ensure that all cables are marked with “Property of Saudi
Electricity Company” in both Arabic and English.
3. Check cable bends to ensure that the cable is no longer under
tension.
4. Check for proper cable Support, clamping, trays, blocking and
proper grounding.
5. Check that phases are identified and color coded.
6. Verify the exact route length as per approved drawings from
termination to termination.

3.0 Electrical Tests

Item Description Done Remarks

1. Perform the Conductor Continuity and Phasing Test to
ensure the continuity and phasing of the cable conductor from
terminal to terminal, using a minimum of 1000 V DC.
2. Perform the Cable Insulation Test at 5000 V DC for one (1)
minute between any possible combination of conductors in the
same cable and between each conductor and ground, with all
other conductors in the same cable grounded.
3. Perform the DC Voltage Test Of The Oversheath.
A DC voltage of 4 kV per millimetre of specified thickness of
extruded oversheath shall be applied with a maximum of 10 kV
d.c between the underlying metallic layers and the outer
electrode, for a period of 1 min.
All metallic layers under the oversheath shall be connected
together. This test requires that the oversheath has an outer
 NATIONAL GRID SA

Title: Checklist Index Number:

Checklist for Commissioning of XLPE Power Cables CL-NG-6460-002-041
Page Number: Revision Number:
(13.8kV and 33kV)
2 of 3 01

“electrode” which may be moist backfill or a conductive layer.

No breakdown of the oversheath shall occur during the test.
Note: - For the test to be effective, it is necessary that the ground
makes good contact with all of the outer surface of the
oversheath. A conductive layer on the oversheath can assist in
this respect.
4. Perform the AC High voltage test:-
1) Perform the Cable Insulation Test at 5 kV DC insulation
tester before high voltage test.
2) Apply an AC voltage test for 60 min with the RMS rated
voltage value of 3 U0 at a frequency of 0.1 Hz between the
conductor and the metal screen/sheath.
Follow Table No.1 (column 3& 4) in WI-NG-6460-002-041.
3) Perform the Cable Insulation Test at 5 kV DC insulation
tester after high voltage test.
4) Perform the soaking test In the case of a new cable is jointed
with an old existing cable portion for 24 hours at rated
voltage.
5. Perform the Partial Discharge Test:-
1) Calibrate the measuring system in the complete test circuit
before starting the test in accordance with Clause 5 of IEC
60270:2000. The calibrator used shall comply with IEC
60270.
2) Achieve the best Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) by achieving
the lowest possible background noise by increasing the
center frequency of the measurement system gradually to
achieve sensitivity (background noise) of below 10 pC not
exceeding 10 MHz as the measurement frequency.
3) Ensure that the Value of qmin is not more than twice the
apparent noise level.
(qmin is the sensitivity of the measuring system is defined as
the minimum detectable discharge pulse, qmin (in pC) that can
be observed in the presence of background noise which is
determined by evaluation of the background noise level).
4) Raise the test voltage gradually to and held at 2 U0 for 10 s
and then slowly reduce it to 1.73 U0 then take the
measurement of PD.
5) Ensure there is no detectable discharge exceeding the
declared sensitivity from the test object at 1.73 U0.
6) Analyze the PD based on both the magnitude of the PD and
the pattern shape in the PRPD (Phase Resolved Partial
Discharge) to identify the type of PD if any.
7) Carry out the Partial Discharge Test in accordance with IEC
60885-3, except that the sensitivity as defined in IEC 60885-
3 shall be 10 pC or less.
 NATIONAL GRID SA

Title: Checklist Index Number:

Checklist for Commissioning of XLPE Power Cables CL-NG-6460-002-041
Page Number: Revision Number:
(13.8kV and 33kV)
3 of 3 01

8) For three-core cables, the test shall be carried out on all

insulated cores, the voltage being applied between each
conductor and the screen.
9) Measure the partial discharge during soak test in case of new
cable is jointed with an old existing cable portion using
wireless PD sensor based on mutual agreement among CSD,
T&C Contractor and Cable Supplier.

CSD T&C Contractor Item Number

Name
Sign.
Name
Sign.
Name
Sign.
Name
Sign.
Name
Sign.