'REPAIR OR REPLACE' RELIABILITY ASSESSMENT OF PRIMARY XLPE DISTRIBUTION CABLE SYSTEMS IN THE UTILITY INDUSTRY A PRAGMATIC APPROACH TO A COMPLEX PROBLEM

摘要

When assessing the reliability of distribution cable systems, it is important to consider all contributing factors; the cable itself, the splices and terminations and any devices like transformers, switches, etc. There are a number of different diagnostic and preventive maintenance methods available. Their suitability in a given situation will depend on the expectation of the utility customer, in terms of what he is trying to assess, and the type of answer (result) which a particular test method can generate. There is not one universal test method, which can provide all the answers. The paper presents a combination of two representative methods that can be used as a basis to answer the question whether to repair or replace a XLPE (Cross-Linked Polyethylene) distribution cable. In addition, a general introduction to the various test and diagnostic methods is presented, and basic differences between them are discussed.