Ageing mechanisms and diagnostics for power cables - an overview

This paper describes briefly the main ageing and failure mechanisms and will indicate the advantages and limitations of the diagnostic tests available for the different insulation systems used in distribution and transmission cable systems. SC21 of CIGRE has addressed the subject of ageing factors and diagnostics of cable systems and has published three reports covering both fluid-filled and extruded cables. The reports describe ageing factors and several diagnostic methods, their purpose, and guidelines for use.