An assessment of field aged 15 and 35 kV ethylene propylene rubber insulated cables

Abstract

Data are provided from laboratory evaluations performed on ten 15kV and five 35kV ethylenepropylene copolymer rubber (EPR) feeder cables, made by one manufacturer and ranging in service age from 2 to 22 years.The evaluations consisted of visual examination of cable components, including the presence of water trees in the insulation and physical and electrical tests to establish changes which may have occurred in service. The data are used to establish an in-service rate of degradation for cables, up to 13 years in service, made with one type of EPR formulation. Based on an extrapolation of the breakdown voltage test results, it is expected that this type of cable will have a service life in excess of 30 years.