PD in Power Cables

Power cables are essential to supply loads in distribution‐class and transmission‐class utility networks, where overhead lines are not possible due to space, esthetic, reliability, or safety considerations. This chapter is concerned with partial discharge (PD) testing of medium voltage AC cables as well as high‐voltage AC power cables. It provides a brief overview of medium voltage and high‐voltage cable design and aging, concentrating on shielded polymer‐insulated and mass‐impregnated (MI) power cables rated 5kV and above, as well as their accessories such as terminations and joints. Cable insulation can be polymeric, MI cables, or oil‐filled cables, which can be further subdivided into pipe‐type and self‐contained fluid‐filled cables. The chapter also focuses mostly on polymeric cables, with some notes about MI insulation.