Method for diagnosing insulation degradation in underground cable

A method of diagnosis of insulation degradation in a portion of underground electric distribution cable comprising the steps of:

• i) measuring the current flow at first and second locations of the cable utilizing a current sensor at a plurality of current frequencies or direct current;
• ii) determining the current flow difference at each said frequency or direct current;
• iii) analysing the results of the current flow difference determination according to one or more of the following diagnostic analyses to assess the need for cable replacement:
• i) a harmonic current analysis, or
• ii) a tangent delta or loss angle diagnostic;
• wherein such method is carried out on-line, without disconnection of said cable from the electric distribution circuit, the current flow is measured at said first and second locations of the cable utilizing first and second optical current sensors at a plurality of current frequencies or direct current, and the results of the current flow difference determination are analyzed according to one or more of the following diagnostic analyses to assess the need for cable replacement:
• a) a corrosion test on the cable to ensure the safety of conducting tests thereon by measuring the difference in the direct current in the concentric neutral wires of said cable between said first and second locations;
• and, if said concentric neutral wires are not corroded to an extent which might be a hazard;
• b) a partial discharge analysis by determining whether partial discharge activity is present using existing methods of analyzing partial discharge applied to said current difference between said first and second locations;
• and
• c) one of the following diagnostics, depending on the type of insulation material:
• i) a harmonic current analysis if the insulation layer is cross-linked polyethylene, or
• ii) a tangent delta or loss angle diagnostic if the insulation layer is paper insulated lead covered, or
• iii) either or both of a harmonic current analysis and a tangent delta or loss angle diagnostic if the insulation layer is ethylene propylene rubber.