A numerical model was applied to compare the thermal performance of two premolded power cable joint designs. High temperature gradient developed across the cable joint housing as a result of electrical connector degradation showed large differences between two designs; likewise, their temperature distribution at the outside of the housing also appeared very different. Consequently, this could cause inaccurate diagnoses if the surface temperature was used as the sole diagnostic parameter in the field monitoring with an infrared camera. From the results of the modeling calculations, a direct relation was established between the inside and outside temperatures of the housing for each design. This relation, together with the known conductor current intensity, could constitute a reliable diagnostic technique for power cable joints. Significance of the results are discussed.
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