ABSTRACT
Cables have been used in transmission and distribution networks since the early days of the electrical power industry. Generally, long-distance power transmission is carried out through overhead lines. However, transmission and distribution in densely populated urban areas mostly uses underground cables. Although significantly more expensive than the overhead lines, the cables are preferred in urban areas due to safety, reliability and aesthetical considerations. As a result of developments in insulating materials and manufacturing techniques, high voltage cable technology has improved significantly over the years. With a continuous increase in the overall length of cable networks, questions regarding reliability, failure modes and diagnostics of such cables have assumed greater significance. This chapter briefly discusses various aspects of high voltage power cables with emphasis on polymeric insulated cables, which are almost exclusively being used in distribution networks in many countries. The insulation testing of high voltage cables is discussed in Chapter 12.
