Self-repairing secondary underground residential distribution cable part. II. History, applications and demonstrations

For pt.I see ibid., p.797-802 (2001). Improved secondary cable was conceived in the mid 1960s in an effort to minimize mechanical damage and subsequent electrical failures that were a result of cable insulation being damaged by cuts, scrapes or other means. The development of ruggedized cables enhanced reliability by providing superior mechanical abuse resistance without compromising the electrical properties of the XLPE insulation. While this design has received wide acceptance with noticeable cable life improvement, failures are still occurring at a relatively high rate within a large number of utility systems. A new generation of secondary cable, designated, self-repairing cables, offers utilities new options for secondary applications to improve overall reliability in a cost-effective manner. Utility field trials are now in successful demonstration. Handling and installation are to be identical to conventional cables and further testing has confirmed full compatibility of components.