Preventing AC-driven Corrosion Failures in Low-voltage Cables through Silicone-gel Injection

Low-voltage cables form the last link in the power grid by delivering service to homes and businesses. Relative to the total amount of installed underground cable, low-voltage cables are responsible for a disproportionately large number of service interruptions throughout the world. Failures on low-voltage cables are often attributed to a loss of ampacity due to corrosion. Evidence of silicone-gel injection of these cables as a preventative measure against corrosion will be presented through laboratory experimentation using an ac-driven corrosion cell and field measurement of insulation resistance prior to and following injection.