AVANTIS

Procedure Name: HV Electricity Issue No: 1

Procedure Ref: AV-SWP-44 Date: 27th January 2020

1 27/01/2020 Gareth Haines Tom David Tom David Initial Issue

Issue Date Author Reviewed Approved Reason for Change
No

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AVANTIS

Procedure Name: HV Electricity Issue No: 1

Procedure Ref: AV-SWP-44 Date: 27th January 2020

POLICY
This Avantis procedure covers the testing of power cable installations with voltage rating not exceeding 33Kv .
The tests may take place immediately after the cables are installed or after the cables have been in service for
some time.

ARRANGEMENTS

RISK ASSESSMENT
A risk assessment of the hazards arising from any work activity that might expose any persons to danger from
High voltage will be undertaken by a competent person and a corresponding safe working procedure developed.

GENERAL
The mechanical completion inspection sheet shall be accepted by the client before tests are done

All temporary wiring and test equipment shall be removed after testing is completed

The company will ensure that any personal protective equipment will be suitable for its intended use, well
maintained and properly used.

All connections and covers removed during the tests shall be replaced and the cables left ready for service

The test results shall be recorded on the standard forms contained in the procedure

SAFETY PROCEDURES AND PRECAUTIONS

These procedures shall be carried out in compliance with, in the United Kingdom, the health and safety executive
requirements, site and other appropriate statutory codes, as may be mandatory at the work location. Before
work on any equipment which can be energised, the safety procedures in operation by Avantis shall be adopted.

Before commencing any high voltage tests, the area shall be roped off and warning notices posted. all cables
ends shall be suitably supported and insulated against the test voltage to prevent danger to personnel and
equipment. the area at each end of the cable shall be kept clear of all personnel excepting those involved in the
test.

Care shall be taken to ensure that high voltage and insulation resistance tests are not applied to circuit items,
such as potential transformers, electronic components etc.

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AVANTIS

Procedure Name: HV Electricity Issue No: 1

Procedure Ref: AV-SWP-44 Date: 27th January 2020

High voltage tests shall not be applied to cables with an unacceptable insulation resistance. the cables with a
value below minimum specifie3d shall be examined for mechanical damage or presence of moisture and, if
present, rectified: if neither moisture nor damage is present the decision on whether to apply the voltage tests
shall be made in consultation with the technical authority.

After each high voltage or insulation resistance test has been performed the cable cores shall be connected to
proven earth and the connection shall be removed only when the cable is completely discharged.

INSTALLATION TESTING

INSULATION RESISTANCE TESTS

Insulation resistance tests shall be carried out before the high voltage tests and the values recorded.

The tests shall be carried out between each core in turn, with the remaining cores bunched and connected to the
cable metallic sheath, armour and earth.

For single cores cables, the test shall be made between the conductor and the metallic sheath and armour which
are connected to the earth.

The test voltage shall be applied for one minute.

Table 1 : The test voltages and minimum values of insulation resistance shall be as below.

Voltage designation Uo/U Test voltage (d.c) Minimum resistance up to

1km

Up to 500V 500V 1 M Ohm

600/1,000V 1,000V 10 M Ohm
1,900/3,3000V 1,000V 10 M Ohm
3,800/6,600V 5,000V 100 M Ohm
6,350/11,000V 5,000V 200 M Ohm
8,700/15,000V 5,000V 200 M Ohm

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AVANTIS

Procedure Name: HV Electricity Issue No: 1

Procedure Ref: AV-SWP-44 Date: 27th January 2020

For cable length above 1 km ,

Min.resistance required > Min resist up to 1KM
---------------------------
Cable length (Kms)

If the minimum resistance above are not achieved the client shall advise what further action is required, such as
either proceed with high voltage test, put cable into service, or replace cable.

HIGH VOLTAGE TESTS

High voltage tests are not required on cables with a voltage rating up to and including 600/1,000 volts.

The voltage test on a new installation shall be made with direct current at the appropriate voltage, specified in
table 2 below, and the leakage current recorded.

The voltage shall be increased gradually to the specified value and maintained for 15 minutes, between each
conductor and earth, and between conductors. The tests between each conductor and earth shall be done
before the tests between the conductors.

It should take approximately 10 seconds to reach 75% of the final test voltage and the same time to raise the
voltage from 75% to 100% of the final value.

Table 2: Test voltages on new installed cables, as below –

D.C Test voltage

Voltage designation Uo/U

Between each conductor and Between conductors

earth (Note 1)
(+ to – volts , centre point earth)
(+ volts, to earth)

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AVANTIS

Procedure Name: HV Electricity Issue No: 1

Procedure Ref: AV-SWP-44 Date: 27th January 2020

1,900/3,300 7,000V 10,000V

3,800/6,600 15,000V 20,000V
6,350/11,000 25,000V 34,000V
8,700/15,000 37,000V Note (2)

Note (1) : for cables having metal sheathing and/or armouring , the voltage shall be applied between each
conductor and the earthed sheath/armour.

Note (2) : test no required for cores which are individually screened.
For an existing installation it may not be desirable to subject cables to a full voltage test unless requested
otherwise by the client. The recommended test is the application of the cable rated voltage to the live
conductors for 24 hours before putting the installation back into service.

Factors which affect the decision on whether or not to conduct a high voltage test on existing cables are :-
a) If the main object is to discover as accurately as possible if the cable has weak spots which may lead to
subsequent failure then the high voltage test should be carried out. This is the case where the cable is a single
feeder to critical load or if its replacement after being placed in service would be either inconvenient or
expensive.

b) If the main object is to extract as much life as possible from an existing cable , it is recommended that the high
voltage test should be carried out. This is the case where the consequences of a cable failure are not severe and
do not justify the risk of precipitating the failure of a cable which might otherwise remain in operation for an
indefinite time.

Outer sheath test – buried cable only

Outer sheath tests shall be carried out only where specifically requested. Sheath testing is normally carried out
on high voltage cables (above 600/1,000V grade).

a) This test is conducted to ensure the integrity (that is freedom from damage) of cable’s outer sheath. This
sheath provides a barrier against the ingress of corrosive substances which would lead to eventual damage and
deterioration of the metal armour. Integrity of armour is of prime importance particularly where it forms and
earth continuity conductor.

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AVANTIS

Procedure Name: HV Electricity Issue No: 1

Procedure Ref: AV-SWP-44 Date: 27th January 2020

b) If required, this test is to be carried out before terminating cable armouring and sheath. The cable sheath shall
be tested by applying a test voltage of 4,000 volts DC for each millimetre of sheath thickness, between the
unearthed cable armour or metal sheath and earth, the test voltage shall be maintained for one minute.

c) Repairs to damage sheathing may be carried out using cable manufacturers recommended procedures
approved by the client.

STANDARD FORMS

The following standard forms included as appendices in this procedure shall be sued for recording the results

Appendix 1 - Mechanical completion inspection sheet

Appendix 2 - Test record for cables up to 1Kv

Appendix 3 - Test record for cables from 1Kv TO 33Kv

Appendix 4 - Record for outer sheath tests

REFERENCES: As below or the latest issues thereof (or equivalent IEC standard)

BS 923 1980 - Guide on high voltage testing techniques

BS 5467 1977 (1984) - Specification for armoured cables with thermo – setting insulation for electricity supply

BS 6346 1897 - Specification for PVC insulated cables for electricity supply

BS 6480 1988 - Specification for impregnated paper – insulated cables up to 33,000V

BS 6622 1985 - Specification for cables with extruded cross linked polyethylene or ethylene propylene rubber
insulation for rated voltages from 3,800/6,00V to 19,000,33,000V

Note : BS 6622 - Permits higher test voltages values to be used for a completely new installation , than those
listed in the test procedure
BS 6883 - Is the British industry standard for the offshore oil and gas ship building and marine industries.

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AVANTIS

Procedure Name: HV Electricity Issue No: 1

Procedure Ref: AV-SWP-44 Date: 27th January 2020

BASIC CABLE TESTING METHOD

PURPOSE
To ensure suitable compliance, safety consideration and control of Electrical Testing in-line with the Electricity
Regulations.

EQUIPMENT: Insulation Resistance Tester

INSULATION RESISTANCE (IR) TESTING GUIDE

Operation: CPC to Core
1. Ensure correct PTW isolation procedures for circuit to be tested are followed (Lock-out/Tag-out)
2. If required, remove any equipment susceptible to damage from test
3. Set insulation resistance tester to correct voltage for specific cable being tested:-
a) ≤ 50v set tester to 100v
b) ≥ 50v and ≤ 250v set tester to 250v
c) ≥ 250v and ≤ 500v set tester to 500v
d) ≥ 500v and ≤ 1000v set tester to 1000v
4. Set insulation resistance tester to MΩ
5. Ensure no accidental contact can occur at “non-test end” of cable
6. Connect one test lead to line/core and second test lead to CPC
7. Depress test button and note/record reading
8. Carry out steps 4, 5 & 6 for all cores in cable

Operation: Core to Core

1. Ensure correct isolation procedures for circuit to be tested are followed (Lock-out/Tag-out)
2. If required, remove any equipment susceptible to damage from test
3. Set insulation resistance tester to correct voltage for specific cable being tested
a) ≤ 50v set tester to 100v
b) ≥ 50v and ≤ 250v set tester to 250v
c) ≥ 250v and ≤ 500v set tester to 500v
d) ≥ 500v and ≤ 1000v set tester to 1000v
4. Set insulation resistance tester to MΩ
5. Ensure no accidental contact can occur at “non-test end” of cable
6. Connect one test lead to 1st core and second test lead to 2nd core
7. Depress test button and note/record reading
8. Carry out steps 4, 5 & 6 for all cores in cable

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AVANTIS

Procedure Name: HV Electricity Issue No: 1

Procedure Ref: AV-SWP-44 Date: 27th January 2020

On completion of all testing, re-connect cabling as required and remove LO/TO as necessary

Operation: Point to Point (Continuity Test) Guide

1. Ensure correct PTW isolation procedures for circuit to be tested are followed (Lock-out/Tag-out)
2. Set insulation resistance tester/multi-meter to Ω or continuity (diode symbol with sound waves)
3. With tester switched on, touch/clamp the two test probes together to confirm function (almost zero ohm
reading or continuous beep)
4. At field end of cable, connect 1st core to cable ground/screen/armour
5. At junction box/panel end of cable, connect one test lead to 1st core and second test lead to cable
ground/screen/armour
6. Check tester for either low Ω reading or continuous “beep”
7. Carry out steps 4, 5 & 6 for all cores in cable

On completion of all tests, re-connect cabling as required and remove LO/TO as necessary

RECORDS
Records will be kept of:

• Risk assessments and safe working procedures

• Copies of safe systems of work and any permits to work
• Details of fixed electrical installations including modifications
• Inspections and tests of fixed installations and portable appliances
• Matters relevant to personal competence
• Personal protective equipment provided
• Information and training provided

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