DC Field Test for Medium-Voltage Cables: Why Can No One Agree?

Industry standards for shielded medium-voltage cables (5–46 kV) have recently been revised, changing the dc test voltages for field tests and test durations and limiting tests to newly installed cables. The following industry groups’ specifications and standards provide different guidelines for dc field tests for cross-linked polyethylene and ethylene propylene rubber insulated cables: IEEE, Insulated Cable Engineers Association (ICEA), and the Association of Edison Illuminating Companies (AEIC). These specifications and standards are discussed, showing the differences in the recommendations and why the differences exist. The conclusion provides a guide for dc field testing shielded medium-voltage cables based on these industry standards.