Summary of service failure of high voltage extruded dielectric insulated cables in the united states

Over the last ten years, tree-like growths have been observed in high molecular weight polyethylene (HMW) and crosslinked polyethylene (XLP) high voltage cables removed from utility service. Recently, the failure rates of these types of cables have been increasing and electrochemical trees have been identified as one of the major causes of these failures. There is concern for the remaining service life of presently installed cable due to this cause.