Method of testing of XLPE cable insulation resistance to partial discharges and electrical treeing

Abstract

The paper gives a method of model XLPE medium voltage cable insulation testing for partial discharges and electrical treeing with a point to plane test geometry. Based on this method, a comparative estimate of insulation resistance to treeing and partial discharges have been made. XLPE crosslinked by different methods (steam medium and hot nitrogen medium) and with varying contents of inorganic filler kaolin were tested. The characteristics of partial discharges were measured by means of a pulse height analyser characterized with a microscope. The data have been analysed statistically.