TR-XLPE cables for utility power distribution: 20 years of field proven, value added performance

For the past 20 years, the North American Utility Industry has been using water tree-retardant, crosslinked polyethylene (TR-XLPE) as the preferred medium voltage (5-46 kV) insulation for primary distribution cables. This technology has laid to rest earlier concerns of water-tree degradation of regular crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) and high molecular weight thermoplastic polyethylene (HMW-PE). In this paper, earlier concerns are briefly reviewed, followed by highlighting the importance of TR-XLPE, its proven performance and benefits. Both laboratory and field aging performance of TR-XLPE cables are addressed. In addition, the value-added attributes for utilities in terns of 'total owning costs' through the life of distribution cable systems are summarized.