Non destructive water-tree detection in XLPE cable insulation

Water treeing is one of the major causes of premature failures in cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) cables operating in a wet environment and widespread replacement of failed cables has been very costly to many utilities. There are several techniques presently available to detect water treeing in cables that could help prioritize their cable replacement programme. The TB provides information to select the best water tree detection method and improve the interpretation of the test results to get an accurate assessment of the condition of cable systems.