How to Select the Best Configuration for Power Cable Main Insulation Fault Testing？

To ensure the safe and reliable operation of power systems, it is crucial to locate power cable main insulation faults quickly and accurately. For 35kV, 10kV, and 380V power cable systems with main insulation faults, short circuits, open circuits, grounding, or high-resistance faults, the following testing configurations and methods are recommended.

I. Application Scope

Applicable to main insulation faults, short circuits, open circuits, grounding, and high-resistance faults in 35kV, 10kV, and 380V power cable systems.

II. Testing Objective

To rapidly and precisely locate the exact position of the fault point for excavation, repair, and power restoration.

For more complex cable faults, the following testing methods are recommended:

1. High-Resistance Fault Elimination Method:
   Use a high-voltage breakdown source to fully puncture the fault point, then use a fault locator to measure the distance to the fault. Finally, use a pinpoint locator for precise fault location.

2. Conduit Fault Elimination Method:
   When the cable runs through PE or PVC conduits, sound synchronization and echo within the conduit make it difficult to locate the fault by listening to discharge sounds. The synchronized acoustic–magnetic method combined with noise reduction effectively eliminates this issue. Since magnetic signals are interference-free, they allow for precise pinpointing.

3. Water-Ingress Fault Elimination Method:
   When a cable fault occurs underwater, the discharge sound becomes muffled, and direct contact with the water surface is restricted, making pinpointing difficult. The synchronized acoustic–magnetic method combined with the step voltage method can effectively resolve this. Magnetic signals remain unaffected, and the step voltage method enables water surface contact for accurate location.

III. Testing Solutions

IV. Recommended Product Configuration for GDZX ZX-A Series Power Cable Fault Testing

All the above testing instruments are available with corresponding models on our official website.
Contact us today for personalized recommendations and the optimal configuration to meet your testing needs.