New test method for evaluation of corona-caused aging in fiber-optic cables

Fiber-optic communication cables installed on high voltage transmission line structures are subject to high electric fields, which may cause corona discharge near the grounded cable support. This corona discharge, in the long term, deteriorates the cable jacket, which may result in puncture and failure. This paper proposes a new test method to evaluate the corona resistance of fiber-optic cable jackets. The feasibility of the method has been demonstrated by testing five different cables for 3000 hours. The test results show that the proposed method is suitable to determine corona resistance. The authors propose that the new method be considered for an IEEE standard on fiber-optic cable.