Development of Water-Tree-Retardant XLPE Cables

A new water-tree-retardant XLPE has been developed for power cables after intensive studies of various materials. The new XLPE is filled with an organic polymer that acts as a barrier against water-tree propagation. Cables having this new insulation material generate far fewer and smaller water trees and have a voltage life in water at least four to ten times longer than normal XLPE cables.