New developments in lead-sheathed cables

Recent research on traditional paper-insulated lead-sheathed high voltage power cable indicates that reductions in production cost and an increase in sheath uniformity can be accomplished together with a reduction in the overall cable diameter. A continuous extrusion process was used with a reduced alloy content Pb-As alloy (1/2 F3) sheath. A total of 35 metric tons of sheath was produced and then characterized for important performance characteristics. Further reduction in cable diameter should be possible with a new proposed design. This design should still confer a significant service life advantage for a paper-insulated lead sheathed cable compared to designs of XLPE or EPR with a lead sheath, or a design of impregnated paper insulation with a metallic sheath other than continuously extruded lead. The new design is explained in detail, including projected costs, that will allow optimum electrical and physical properties for a three conductor compact sector 15 kV cable, made in accordance with AEIC Specifications for Impregnated Paper-Insulated Metallic Sheathed Cable, Solid Type, 11th Edition, dated October 1990, Publication AEIC CS1-90.