COMMISSIONING TESTS FOR HV UNDERGROUND CABLES (UP TO 33KV) SWP

1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE * Note: This course is part of Cable Joining Training. Staff
performing HV Cable Testing should complete this training if not
The purpose of this Standard Work Practice (SWP) is to standardise
competent.
and prescribe the method for pre commissioning and commissioning
tests on high voltage underground cables. Where new cables are 3. DOCUMENTATION
jointed to existing cables the test requirements are modified as Hazchat On-site risk assessment
described in this SWP to cater for the aged insulation of existing
SP0407R01 Commissioning Tests for New HV Cables (up to 33 kV)
cables.
Job Safety Analysis
2. STAFFING RESOURCES SP0407R02 Testing HV Cables Supplementary Information
Electrical Fitter and/or Mechanic or Cable joiner. SP0407R03. Commissioning Test for HV Underground Cable (up to
Competent Assistant. 33kV) SWP SP0407 - Field Instruction
Safety Observer where required. SP0407C01 HV Cable Commissioning Test Report Form
Required Training SP0407C04 Commissioning Tool – HV Cables (Up to 33kV)
Staff must be current in all Statutory Training relevant for the task. SP0506. Substation Primary Plant and Secondary Systems Field
Testing SWP
All workers must have Completed Field Induction or have recognition
of prior Ergon Energy Field Experience. SWMS001. Working at Heights - Poles & Ladders
Contractors must have completed Ergon Energy's Generic SWMS002. Working at Heights (Mobile Elevated Work Platform
Contractor Worker Induction. P53. Operate the Network Enterprise Process
Additional Training (as required) AS2067-2016 Substations and High Voltage Installation Exceeding 1
Training Course Description for Authorisations or Certificates. kV a.c.

Switching Operator Lines BS0435:1984

Switching Operator Assistant 4. KEY TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT (as required)

Safe Entry to High Voltage Enclosures and Authorised Pole Rescue Kit.
Switchboard Rescue kit.
Access / Test Permit Recipient and Authorised
Confined Space Monitoring and Rescue equipment.
Safe Work in Confined Spaces
Roadway warning signs.
* Test HV UG Cables up to 33kV
Barricading.
Confined Space Awareness

Page 1 of 13 Standard Work Practice SP0407 Ver 16

Ergon Energy Corporation Limited ABN 50 087 646 062

COMMISSIONING TESTS FOR HV UNDERGROUND CABLES (UP TO 33KV) SWP
Work site communication equipment (e.g. 2-way radio). Ensure test equipment suitable for task. Confirm all test equipment
is within current test date, calibrated and operational. Ensure all
An insulated operating stick and tool head.
persons required to use test equipment are competent in its
Insulating Gloves applicable to the task. operation.
Dry chemical fire extinguisher. Assign adequate staffing resources with required competencies to
5kV Insulation Resistance Tester (10 kV for 12.7/22 and 19/33 kV safely complete task.
cables). Persons performing electrical testing must ensure electrical
Additional Equipment for testing Major Cables equipment is tested to confirm electrical work performed is
electrically safe.
• Very Low Frequency (VLF) high voltage Test Set for XLPE
All staff to wear appropriate PPE including applicable class of gloves
cables;
if required. Ensure class 00 gloves, and insulated mats are used
• DC high voltage test set for Paper Lead cables. while working on or near exposed live LV parts.
5. TASK STEPS Use roadway warning signs/ barricading to control vehicle and
pedestrian traffic around work zone and relevant exclusion zones
5.1 On Site Risk Assessment around live parts.
Prior to performing this activity any hazards associated with
Ground conditions and potential slip/fall hazards in travel path
prerequisite tasks at the worksite shall be identified and assessed
with appropriate control measures implemented and documented in considered in Hazchat On-site risk assessment.
accordance with Hazchat On-site risk assessment. Identify locations defined as confined spaces and ensure compliance
If any risks cannot be managed or reduced to an acceptable with confined space entry requirements.
level, do not proceed with the task and seek assistance from Ensure exclusion zones are maintained at all times while near
your Supervisor. exposed live parts.
5.2 Preliminary Steps and Safety Management Caution
Ensure appropriate construction and operational drawings are on Where it is identified that barriers or shields cannot prevent
hand. contact with the adjacent energised cable terminations (eg
Use correct methods to positively identify the cable to be tested, Magnefix cable termination kits), all HV within the exclusion
including ensuring that cable number (where allocated) has been zone shall be isolated, tested and earthed in accordance with
securely attached. P53 High Voltage Isolation and Access Procedures prior to
gaining access to HV cable terminations.
Ensure that the associated switchgear operational nameplates are in
place and securely attached. For other termination kits barriers or shields shall be used to prevent
contact with adjacent energised cable terminations.

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Ergon Energy Corporation Limited ABN 50 087 646 062

COMMISSIONING TESTS FOR HV UNDERGROUND CABLES (UP TO 33KV) SWP
Confirm cables to be tested are isolated from all HV & LV systems puncture by a nail XLPE can withstand many times it’s rated voltage
including secondary sources of supply and tagged, and locked where without failure (typically > 14 times Uo for new cable).
provision is made, in accordance with P53 Operate the Network
Most failures of XLPE cable are related to moisture ingress into joints
Enterprise Process. or terminations or incorrectly applied terminations and joints (both
Comply with SWMS001. Working at Heights - Poles & Ladders workmanship and materials may be inadequate).
and SWMS002. Working at Heights - Mobile Elevated Work One aim of testing of HV cables is to expose, in controlled
Platforms when working aloft. conditions, any faults that will result in premature failure of the cable
Ensure ground-based persons are clear of no go zone while work is and associated terminations.
performed aloft. It has been established that DC high voltage testing of deteriorated
Use equipment to sample atmosphere and ventilate trenches prior to XLPE cables can accelerate the deterioration process and lead to a
personnel entry in accordance with confined space entry reduction in cable life.
requirements. DC high voltage testing of new XLPE cables is not recognised to
Confirm cable terminations and lightning arresters/surge diverters cause cable deterioration, however in order to adopt a standard
are unbolted to perform tests where required. approach VLF AC testing is preferred instead of DC high voltage
testing for new and aged XLPE cables.
Position “HV Test in Progress” signs at all ends of the HV cable prior
to testing. Where public access is possible, position Safety Observer The cable tests described below are to be carried out after
and barricade exposed ends of cable during insulation test. installation and termination has been completed.
Refer to SWP SP0506 Substation Primary Plant and Secondary In addition to the tests outlined below, a sheath integrity test should
Systems Field Testing for information on control of hazards and be done after installation and prior to termination to verify that cable
risks associated with testing of high voltage cables. damage during installation has not occurred.
Take note of: As described in later sections, testing of new or aged paper lead or
XLPE cables is as per the following sequence:
• Stored charge in the core under test.
• Record information;
• Stored charge in the sheath of the cable under test.
• Sheath Test;
• Induced stored charge in the sheath and core of cores/cables
adjacent to the one under test. • Insulation Resistance Test;

5.3 General • Phase Out;

It is noted that the insulating qualities of XLPE are very good, and • High Voltage Withstand including subsequent IR Test (additional
that except in the case of major insulation damage such as physical to major cable testing only);
• Final Checks.

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Ergon Energy Corporation Limited ABN 50 087 646 062

COMMISSIONING TESTS FOR HV UNDERGROUND CABLES (UP TO 33KV) SWP
Pre-terminated cables such as transformer leads in padmount voltage that can be sustained under normal operating conditions at
substations should be tested as per this SWP. They are classed as any time.
minor radial cables and do not require a high voltage withstand test.
For multi-core cables, the cores should be identified in one of the
Regarding the use of DC testing such as insulation resistance or following ways:
leakage measurement during a high voltage DC withstand, there is a
• By a printed numeral and word on the outer surface of each core
phenomenon called electro endosmosis (evident in older insulation
eg 1 ONE;
rather than XLPE) that causes a lower IR reading (higher leakage
current) when the positive terminal is connected to the grounded side • By a printed word on the outer surface of each core eg RED;
of the insulation being tested.
• By colour-marking semi conductive tape or coloured stripes
It is therefore preferred, where the test equipment allows a choice, to throughout the full length of the cable.
connect the positive terminal to the cable screen during test.
5.5 Verify Sheath Integrity.
5.4 Check and Record Cable Identification.
A sheath integrity test at a voltage of 1000V dc applied for 1 minute
The outermost surface of cables should be embossed, printed or, in should be carried out with an insulation resistance tester, between
the case of PVC sheath, may be indented, with the manufacturer’s the outermost metallic layer and earth. This will identify if there has
name, year of manufacturer, together with the following information. been any damage to the sheath during/after installation.
Cable Designated Notes:
Legend To Be Marked
Voltage
• The screen shall be isolated at both ends and also at any mid
1.9/3.3 (3.6) kV Electric Cable 1.9/3.3 kV circuit bonding for this test.
3.8/6.6 (7.2) kV Electric Cable 3.8/6.6 kV • A sheath integrity test should be done after installation (prior to
6.35/11 (12) kV Electric Cable 6.35/11 kV termination) to verify that cable damage during installation has
not occurred, and repeated when terminations are complete.
12.7/22 (24) kV Electric Cable 12.7/22 kV
• Some newer cables may have a semi-conductive outer sheath.
19/33 (36) kV Electric Cable 19/33 kV This is used to provide improved lightning performance and a
more reliable mechanism for detecting sheath faults. The semi-
Note:
conductive HDPE does not require additional bonding to earth.
Indications of rated voltages are expressed in the form as shown
The reading for cable sheath resistance should be greater than the
above designate the following Uo/U (Um).
acceptance value set out below for HDPE sheathed cables.
‘Uo’ is the r.m.s. voltage to earth of the supply system for which the
cable is designed and U is the r.m.s. voltage between phases of the
supply system for which the cable is designed. Um is the highest

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Ergon Energy Corporation Limited ABN 50 087 646 062

COMMISSIONING TESTS FOR HV UNDERGROUND CABLES (UP TO 33KV) SWP
This test is required for XLPE and paper lead cables. layers should be tested as well – a further indication of possible cable
damage.
Distance 250m 500m 1000m 2000m
Note that this test is not required if these layers are bonded together,
Cable size M M M M for example at joints.
11kV or less If a section of new cable is joined to an existing cable, the sheath test
should be completed prior to bonding of the two screens.
400mm2 250 125 60 30
A sheath test of the completed cable should also be carried out for
185 - 240mm2 300 150 75 37
reference, but it is not expected that all aged cables will pass a
35mm2 500 250 125 62 sheath test.
22kV or more Caution: Where the cables to be tested are not disconnected from
the ABB Safelink RMU the following actions must be taken to
185 - 630mm2 500 250 125 62 minimise the risk of injury or damage:
35mm2 400 200 100 50
1. The Earth Switch on any energised ABB Safelink RMU must not be
Data is not presently available for cables larger than the cables switched from the EARTH to OFF position when the connected HV
specified above; however the insulation resistance should not be Electrical Apparatus are under access (i.e. the Busbar of the RMU
significantly lower than the figures above. must be de-energised using double isolation before the Earth Switch
For PVC sheathed cables, the acceptance value is 1 M. can be operated).

Earth the screen after test for at least 5 minutes. 2. After operating the Earth Switch the switching operator must
Where the prescribed values cannot be achieved the connection visually confirm that the correct switch state is displayed by the
arrangement should be first checked. indicator. If the indicator is incorrect or in an indeterminate state
personnel must stay well clear of the RMU and associated cable(s)
Where applicable the assistance of a high voltage test specialist may and contact the Switching Co-ordinator for further instructions.
be sought and the Asset Manager must be advised where the value
remains low. 5.6 Core Insulation Test
The Asset Manager will decide if sheath resistance values lower than Prior to the high voltage withstand test (if required), the cable shall
the prescribed figures will be accepted. be tested for insulation resistance (IR).

Cables with a suspected or confirmed sheath fault are not to be The test voltage used for the core insulation test is specified in the
energised. table below.

If the cable has two insulated metallic layers (the cable screen and
brass tape termite protection) then the insulation between these

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Ergon Energy Corporation Limited ABN 50 087 646 062

COMMISSIONING TESTS FOR HV UNDERGROUND CABLES (UP TO 33KV) SWP
New Cables Aged Cables Distance 250m 500m 1000m 2000m
Uo/U DC Test Voltage DC Test Voltage Cable size G G G G
(kV ph to earth) (kV ph to earth)
22kV or more
1.9/3.3 1 1
630mm2 20 10 5 2.5
3.8/6.6 1 1
185mm2 35 17 9 4
6.35/11 5 5
35mm2 60 30 15 7.5
12.7/22 10 5
Data is not presently available for cables larger than the cables
19/33 10 5
specified above; however the insulation resistance should not be
The core insulation resistance is to be measured A to B+C+E, B to significantly lower than the figures above.
A+C+E, and C to A+B+E; The IR reading for aged XLPE cables should be greater than 1
The insulation resistance shall be recorded 1 minute, 2 minutes and Gohm.
5 minutes after application of the voltage. The cable screen should be earthed during the above measurement.
For very long cables it may take longer than 5 minutes for the Earth the cable conductors after test for at least 5 minutes.
resistance value to stabilise in which case a final reading is taken
and the measurement terminated at 10 minutes. Where the prescribed values cannot be achieved the connection
arrangement should be first checked.
Conversely, the 2 and 5 minute readings may not be required for
short cables if the reading has already stabilised. Termination leakage may need to be ‘guarded’ out of the
measurement to ensure accurate results (refer figure 1).
No breakdown of the insulation shall occur.
Where applicable the assistance of a high voltage test specialist may
The reading for IR for new XLPE cables should be greater than the be sought and the asset manager must be advised where the value
acceptance values set out below. remains low.
Distance 250m 500m 1000m 2000m The Asset Manager will decide if insulation resistance values lower
Cable size G G G G than the prescribed figures will be accepted or if remedial works will
be undertaken.
11kV or less
How to use the Guard Terminal
400mm2 16 8 4 2
In cable insulation tests, wind a conductive wire around insulation of
185 - 240mm2 20 10 5 2.5 the cable under test and connect it to the Guard Terminal with the
35mm2 40 20 10 5 Guard Lead as per diagram.

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Ergon Energy Corporation Limited ABN 50 087 646 062

COMMISSIONING TESTS FOR HV UNDERGROUND CABLES (UP TO 33KV) SWP
This is to move out the surface leakage resistance of the cable to 5.8 Carry Out High Voltage Withstand Test And Record
make the test results accurate. Leakage Currents.
Figure 1 Typical guard connection A routine high voltage withstand test shall be carried out on all major
HV underground cables which are defined as:

33kV, 66kV, 110kV and 132kV cables.

22kV cables greater than 185mm2 Cu or 300mm2 Al

11kV cables greater than 240mm2 Cu or 400mm2 Al

All zone substation cables and feeder exit cables.

A high voltage withstand test is not required on minor radial

distribution cables. Categorisation of a cable as a “minor radial cable”
will in most cases be self evident.
Prior to any high voltage withstand testing being carried out, check
that the cable screen connection to earth has been reinstated and
that the test equipment earth is securely connected to this bond.
Ensure that the capacitance of the cable under test does not exceed
Note: the output capability of the test equipment.
One of the cores is used to transfer the guarded leakage at the ALL (XLPE and Paper Lead) cable shall be tested with a VLF
remote end to the meter so that it does not impact on the measured alternating voltage whose waveform shall approximate a sinusoidal
insulation resistance. waveform of frequency 0.1 Hz.
5.7 Verify Phasing And Cable Continuity And Prepare NOTE: VLF is the preferred method for testing ALL types of cables.
Cable For Testing In the past DC has been used on Paper Lead (PILC) cables, DC can
still be used on PILC cables but only if VLF testing is unavailable.
Verify cable phase identification and continuity by using a continuity
tester or diode box.
Ensure that any surge diverters or voltage transformers are The voltage shall be increased gradually and maintained at full value
disconnected from the cable so as not to impact on insulation for the specified period. Note that a 30 minute testing period has
resistance measurements or high voltage withstand testing. been specified for XLPE cables on the basis that 89% of cable
failures are likely to occur in the first 30 minutes.

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Ergon Energy Corporation Limited ABN 50 087 646 062

COMMISSIONING TESTS FOR HV UNDERGROUND CABLES (UP TO 33KV) SWP
The value of test voltage used is specified in the following table for NOTE: Even though the test voltages (below) are greater than the
new cables. 75% for aged cables, damage to the cable is mitigated by the
reduced testing time.
This table applies where the cable is NOT connected to switchgear
or where there is no likelihood of overstressing an open point in the
switchgear by the application of the test voltage.
VLF Test Voltage 50Hz AC Test
DC Test Voltage
DC Test DC Test VLF Test 50Hz AC Test Voltage (kV RMS
(kV peak ph to
Voltage Voltage Voltage Voltage (kV Uo/U (kV ph to earth) ph to earth)
earth)
Uo/U (kV ph to (kV ph to (kV peak ph RMS ph to
earth) ph) to earth) earth) 1 min 1 min 1 min

15 min 15 min 30 min 1 min 15 min 1.9/3.3 6 6 5

3.8/6.6 12 12 11
1.9/3.3 7 10 6 10 6
6.35/11 19 19 14
3.8/6.6 15 20 12 20 12
12.7/22 33 33 24
6.35/11 25 34 19 28 16
19/33 45 45 32
12.7/22 50 - 38 50 29
For single core screened cables, the test voltage shall be applied
19/33 75 - 57 70 40
between the conductor & metallic screen. Triplex cables shall be
In the case of aged cables (say 5 years or older), 75% of the test considered as three independent single core screened cables.
voltages in the above table should be used.
Where multiple single core cables are being tested simultaneously,
If the high voltage withstand test voltage would overstress the the remote ends of the cables should be connected together to limit
insulation of connected switchgear, for instance by being applied to the surge energy impact should one cable fail during test
one side of an open isolator when the other side of the isolator was
Where two or more cables are connected in parallel (in order to
energised at system voltage, it is preferred to disconnect the cable
obtain a higher current rating), the parallel cores do not have to be
from the switchgear.
tested individually – they should be tested as a single core.
Alternatively, where this is impractical, a reduced test voltage and
For multicore cables having individual screening of cores, the test
duration applies as per the following table.
voltage shall be applied between each insulated conductor and
The below test voltages have been altered to account for the metallic screen.
possibility of aged switchgear, so they do not have to be further
The cores shall be tested in the configuration as described in the test
reduced to account for aged cables.
report form to stress phase-phase insulation at the crutch whilst
stressing the phase-earth insulation.

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Ergon Energy Corporation Limited ABN 50 087 646 062

COMMISSIONING TESTS FOR HV UNDERGROUND CABLES (UP TO 33KV) SWP
For multicore cables without individual screening but an overall Refer to SP0407R02 for further information.
screen (eg. belted cables) the test voltage shall be applied between
Earth conductors after test for at least 5 minutes.
each insulated conductor and all adjacent conductors and metallic
screen. An alternative to the VLF high voltage withstand test for XLPE cables
is to use a one minute or fifteen minute 50 Hz AC high voltage
The conductors may be suitably connected in groups as described in
withstand test.
the test report form to reduce the number of tests.
Although technically the 50 Hz withstand is a better test, it is
The cable has passed the high voltage test if no disruptive discharge
recognised that the difficulty in supplying the associated high level of
occurs. Note that some VLF sets may show a reduction in output
50 Hz charging to a cable in a field situation will preclude this test
voltage in the event of cable failure but not trip out – this is still
being used in most situations.
considered a failure and the output voltage should therefore be
monitored throughout the test. The test voltages specified have been derived from AS2067 and
AS1824, recognising that the test requirements of AS1429.1 are for
Caution – In all cases, cores not under test shall be earthed at all
routine tests at the manufacturer’s works and may be too onerous for
times. Due to capacitive coupling, it is likely that unearthed cores not
a terminated cable, especially considering any switchgear bushings
under test will be charged up by the electric field from the core under and bus work that will be subjected to the test voltage.
test and present a hazard to test staff.
The 50 Hz AC high voltage withstand test can be useful when a pitch
Caution – Some cable boxes may have internal clearances cable box precludes disconnection of a transformer from the cable (in
insufficient to withstand the voltage applied during a high voltage which case 75% of the stated test voltage shall be used).
withstand test and therefore they will flashover during test. This may
also occur if cables are not in their final position during testing – for 5.9 Post High Voltage Withstand Test Core Insulation Test
example lugs not bolted up or boots installed.
After completion of the high voltage withstand test, the cable shall be
As a rule of thumb, allow 1 inch (25mm) per 10 kV RMS test voltage re-tested for insulation resistance as per paragraph 5.6. There
for air insulation during testing. If this clearance cannot be obtained, should be no decrease in insulation resistance due to insulation
use additional insulation such as insulated mats where the clearance damage.
is reduced.
It is noted that in a very good insulation system such as XLPE it may
Heat-shrink tubing or boots rated at the same voltage as the cable take several hours for polarization of the insulation to return to its
are satisfactory, but remember that these are NOT suitable for original state.
personal protection from high voltage because they are not regularly
During this time the insulation resistance measurement may be
tested.
significantly lower than the original measurement, however the
Such insulation therefore should only be used where other personnel minimum acceptable values of paragraph 5.6 are still applicable.
safeguards are in place (for example exclusion zones, earthed
metallic barriers). As a rule of thumb, allow 1 mm of insulating
material per 10 kV RMS test voltage.

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Ergon Energy Corporation Limited ABN 50 087 646 062

COMMISSIONING TESTS FOR HV UNDERGROUND CABLES (UP TO 33KV) SWP
5.10 Insulation Condition Diagnostic Assessment in place, insulating covers/boots/guards in place, switchgear
reassembled.
For subtransmission and transmission cables, as well as distribution
cables of strategic importance, the Asset Manager (via the Project Verify that the cable number is clearly marked at both ends of the
Manager) may specify that additional testing is required prior to the cable and the switchgear associated with the cable has an
cable being energised to provide a ‘footprint’ for future management operational number/name clearly marked.
of the cable. Verify that cable box clearances meet or exceed the requirements of
Such tests may include Partial Discharge, Dielectric Dissipation BS 0435:1984.
Factor, Internal Relaxation Current, Polarisation Depolarisation Rated Enclosure Phase to Phase Phase to Earth
Current, Oscillating Wave or other tests.
Voltage Type clearance (mm) clearance (mm)
5.11 Final Checks 12 kV Fully Insulated 45 32
Verify, if applicable, that the cable screen earthing has not shorted
Air Insulated 127 (184) 76 (160)
any frame leakage protection.
24 kV Fully Insulated 100 75
Verify that single core cables do not have a continuous ferrous
metallic path around them. This may be in the form of cable glands, Air Insulated 242 (322) 140 (280)
cable clamps, or cable box entry. Trefoil clamping arrangement is
36 kV Fully Insulated 125 100
preferred for single core cables.
Verify that the cable screen is earthed at the correct end/s (for new Air Insulated 356 (437) 222 (380)
distribution cables both ends will normally be earthed however this For comparison, AS2067 clearances are shown in brackets and
must be validated with the design). should be used where vermin entry or cable box contamination is
Confirm where the design requires one end only to be earthed that possible.
any control measures specified for hazardous voltages that may 5.12 Finalise Results
appear at the unearthed screen end under fault conditions are in
place. For minor cables test results shall be approved by the workgroup
supervisor or his delegate.
Such control measures may be signage, insulation, surge diverters
or personnel guards/barriers. If the cable has a separate metallic For major cables the test results are to be approved by the Project
screen and outer metallic termite protection (brass tapes) then the Manager or his delegate before the cable is placed into service. In
brass tapes should be earthed at the same earth locations as the most cases this will be a delegated approval to the supervisor of the
metallic screen. cable test team.
Verify that cable assembly has been completed eg surge diverters A copy of the test results is to be sent to the Project Manager, and a
and/or voltage transformers reconnected, cable lugs securely bolted copy retained by the work group carrying out the test. Additionally, a

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Ergon Energy Corporation Limited ABN 50 087 646 062

COMMISSIONING TESTS FOR HV UNDERGROUND CABLES (UP TO 33KV) SWP
records copy of the test report SP0407C01 is to be emailed to the For minor HV Cables only that can’t be remotely energised then the
Ergon e-mail address “Cable Test Results”. following additional measures shall be taken.
The filename of the test report should be the following format: • Perform the high voltage withstand as per paragraph 5.8 and/or
Location_From_To_CableNumber_Date.doc • Confirm insulation resistance test was carried out and within
Where:- tolerances

Location = geographic location eg Smith St • Inspect cable terminations to ensure they are not damaged

From = source end of cable eg Mareeba Sub • Ensure terminations are not porcelain or oil filled *
To = destination end of cable eg HVL12 • Inspect switching device (e.g. ABS/HV Links) is operational
Cable Number = unique cable ID (if allocated) • Consider the effect of ferroresonance **
Date = date of test yyyyymmdd eg 20060129 • Close switch
These results will be subsequently filed at \\ecasd01\Protection\Test The Switching Operators Assistance will ensure that the switching
Data - (Test-Commissioning-Maintenance)\Region\Cable Tests\Town device closes correctly. If the device doesn’t function correctly DO
NOT attempt to reopen. Comply with the requirements of P53 HV
5.13 Energise HV Cable Switching and Access.
It is preferred that a remote switching device is used to energise any
* Caution – If the terminations are porcelain or oil filled then the
new HV cables (including plant) for the first time. The earth fault
cable shall be energised remotely. If this is not possible then a
protection operating time of the cable’s protection system may be
voltage withstand test as per paragraph 5.8 shall be carried out.
reduced during the initial cable energisation. Ensure the auto reclose
on the feeder is blocked for the duration of the switching. **Ferroresonance
In power systems, the most common place to find ferroresonance is
The remote switching device for energising must have full fault make with a three phase distribution transformer energised through an
capabilities. It is envisaged that the remote switching device would underground cable of moderate length. Under no load, or very light
be an RMU further upstream at a safe distance from the cable to be load conditions, the capacitance of the cable is sufficient to
energised or a remotely controlled circuit breaker. precipitate ferroresonant behaviour under single phase switching
Because not all minor HV Cables have to undergo an applied high conditions (e.g. the operation of an HV fuse or asynchronous
voltage withstand test as per paragraph 5.8, and where the cable operation of single phase 11kV switches such as a drop-out fuse
doesn’t have to supply customer load within a 24 hour period the unit.)
cable should be energised and left until supply is required. This will
minimise loss of supply or damage should a fault develop The four most effective methods of controlling ferroresonance
are:
Prior to loading the cable, a phase out must be completed. In a radial
a) three-phase switching;
system, a phase rotation check must be used in lieu of a phase out.
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COMMISSIONING TESTS FOR HV UNDERGROUND CABLES (UP TO 33KV) SWP
b) single-phase switching at transformers; ferroresonance. However in a distribution network, alternative
c) resistive load on the transformer; and supply is often provided by paralleling the low voltage network to
d) limiting cable length. adjoining substations. Should the LV network not be disconnected
before HV switching, back energisation of the transformer would
Methods (a) and (d) require action on the part of the system occur. Therefore this option is generally unavailable. Similarly on
designer. commissioning a transformer, there is usually no load available for
Methods (b) and (c) require special operating procedures to ensure this option to be used.
that there is effectively no length of cable being energised or de-
energised at the same time as the transformer, or the presence of
some load.

Three-phase Switching
The use of ganged three-phase switching is one of the most effective
and commonly used methods of avoiding ferroresonance.

Single Phase Switching at Transformers

The practice of switching at the transformer terminals themselves is
a particularly effective means of controlling ferroresonance. By doing
this, the cable length between the transformer and the switch is
essentially zero and the only possible capacitance in the network is
that of the internal capacitance of the transformer.
This is a particularly suitable method and can be applied in
distribution systems using single-phase switchgear. Where a
cable transformer combination is to be energised, the cable only
should be energised and then the transformer. Conversely on
de-energising, the transformer only should be de-energised first and
then the cable. Both sets of switchgear can then be single phase
operating.
Since the critical cable length, which is actually proportional to the
critical cable capacitance, is inversely proportional to the function of
the square of the voltage, the critical capacitance for higher system
voltages is quite small and the transformer capacitance can become
significant. Refer Table 1

Resistive Load on the Transformer

A resistive loading of 2 to 3% is generally sufficient to control
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COMMISSIONING TESTS FOR HV UNDERGROUND CABLES (UP TO 33KV) SWP
Table1

Page 13 of 13 Standard Work Practice SP0407 Ver 16

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