Underground Cable Fault Finding

Fault locators are essential tools for personnel who install and repair underground electrical and communications cable.

Underground cable fault finding.

But finding the exact location of the cable fault needs special techniques. For further resources why not check out our video support library and our electrical testing electrical safety blog. Two of the popular techniques are the murray and varley loop tests for locating faults in underground cables this article explains about few other popular techniques for locating faults in underground cables viz. If the fault is on secondary cable knowing the exact route is even more critical.

The cable fault location process has multiple steps and it s vital that it s completed as quickly and safely as possible to minimise the time that customers are without supply. Following are the types of loop tests. Correctly used ground fault locator and cable fault locator equipment can accurately identify the location and depth of underground cable even when it is inside conduit and can pinpoint breaks or faults in underground cable. We manufacture a wide range of fault location instruments that have been developed to be easy to use.

Cable fault on two cables. When one or more cable conductors cores break it leads to discontinuity. This discontinuity also occurs when the cable comes out of its joint due to mechanical stress. However you should understand that there is no single method or combination of methods that is best.

We ve assembled helpful technical guides on cable testing and cable fault location from leading manufacturers in the field if you are looking for something specific don t hesitate to contact us. Cable faults can be easily located if a sound cable runs along with the grounded cables. There are many locating methods coupled with new detection technologies that make this task much easier and less time consuming. Loop tests for locating faults in underground cables.

Finding the type of a fault in underground cables using a megger should not be a difficult task. A common approach to test cable and determine insulation integrity is to use a hi pot test in a hi pot test a dc voltage is applied for 5 to 15 min. Finding the location of an underground cable fault doesn t have to be like finding a needle in a haystack. Route tracing is used to determine where the faulty cable lies and pinpointing is the process of determining the exact position of the cable fault.

Loop tests to finding cable faults. Other industry standard tests are given in aeic cs5 94. This is known as open circuit fault. In cable identification the faulty cables are identified from the fault free cables at the already determined site.

These kinds of tests are carried out on short circuit faults or earth fault in underground cables. Open circuit fault as the name suggests this fault involves an open circuit in the conductors.