Fault Location System for Transmission-Type Cable

A fault location system was developed for locating nonlinear faults on transmission-type cable. The fault locator measures the distance from terminal to fault as a fraction of the total cable length. A forward wave radar principle is used. The forward wave is generated by the cable breakdown at the fault. Laboratory and field tests indicate that nonlinear faults can be located to within ±10 m. Equipment modifications have been made to measure cable lengths to 10 km and longer. Further field tests and demonstration tests are planned.