Assessment of the Accuracy of Cable Sheath Fault Location Device and Enhancement of its Performance

As power system networks are being constantly upgraded and extended, there is a greater importance in the reliable transmission of electrical power and fault finding techniques, especially for cables installed underground. Damage to a cable’s protective sheath can damage a cables life span and also lead to disruption of system operation and loss of supply. This study includes research into the literature and techniques used to locate these faults accurately. Bridge resistance and volt drop measurement techniques are the main methods used by sheath fault location devices to locate faults accurately. This task is made more difficult because such devices are hindered by a limited test current. This study carries out an analysis of the accuracy of a leading cable sheath fault location device, which utilizes the volt drop method. Testing was conducted across a series of circuits and a comparison of accuracy was made between this device and a range of measurement devices. After a thorough analysis of test results was carried out, a new method of sheath fault location was developed and examined with the aim of improving fault location accuracy.