Recommendations for additional testing for submarine cables from 6 kV (Um = 7.2 kV) up to 60 kV (Um = 72.5 kV)

Since the introduction of renewables in the electricity network, offshore wind as a concept has been very popular. In the last years the voltage of such inter array cables has increased and are now in the HV cable range. Industrial cost pressure has led to cable designs with either non-traditional water barriers or wet cable designs. Therefore, a new test regime has been suggested to cover these new designs.

The TB 722 covers additional testing not covered by existing standards or recommendations.

New qualification tests are (depending on cable design):

• Accelerated water ageing
• Impact
• Side wall pressure
• Mechanical weld property
• Adhesive bond ageing
• Abrasion
• Accessory corrosion

In addition Routine tests and Test after installation has also expanded.