IEEE Draft Guide for the Selection, Testing, Application and Installation of 300 V to 500 kV Cables Having Radial-Moisture Barriers and/or Longitudinal Water Blocking

Abstract

This guide provides detailed information relating to the design, testing, application and installation of various types of electrical cables in order to reduce the deleterious effect of moisture and chemical ingress and resultant failures in service. This includes single and multiconductor cables over a complete range of voltage ratings. Testing criteria and installation methods covered along with many technical references.

Scope

This guide provides cable manufacturers and users with extensive information on the design, testing, application, and installation of cables that make use of radial-moisture barriers and/or longitudinal water blocking. Cable types addressed are rated from 300 v to 500 kV and include power, communication, control and instrumentation cables. This guide addresses means of protecting cables from the entrance of moisture through the use of polymeric super absorbent and other materials for longitudinal water blocking of stranded conductors and other spaces within cables. The use of metallic sheaths and longitudinally applied, metallic tapes with sealed seams will likewise be addressed.

Purpose

The guide provides information on the use of radial moisture barriers to block the flow of moisture into cables. The guide also provides information on blocking the longitudinal movement of moisture through the cable's conductor, interstices, and interfaces. Cable manufacturers and users will find this information of value in the selection, testing and installation of cables having radial-moisture barriers and/or longitudinal water-blocking systems. There is an extensive amount of information in this guide that refers to the Insulated Conductors Engineers Association (ICEA), Association of Edison Illuminating Companies (AEIC), Canadian Standards Association (CSA), the International Council on Large Electrical Systems (CIGRE), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and British publications. These organizations, and otherres, have developed recommendations, standards and specifications that are pertinent to cables with radial moisture barriers and longitudinal water blocking. Inclusion of a discussion of these documents in the guide presents the user of the guide with a more complete picture for setting of requirements for the performance of cables with radial and/or longitudinal moisture protection. Users making use of cable designs with such protection can expect to avoid cable failures from moisture intrusion.

Topic

Power, Energy and Industry Applications