Medium-Voltage Cable Systems Field Testing Services

Medium-voltage (MV) cables play an essential role in distributing electricity efficiently and reliably to industrial, commercial and residential sectors. These cables, typically ranging from 1 kV to 69 kV face a variety of challenges including environmental stressors like extreme temperatures and moisture, mechanical damages from physical impacts and vibrations and chemical exposures to corrosive substances. Electrical stresses, such as overvoltages and load fluctuations, along with improper installation and handling, can also significantly impair their performance and longevity. UL Solutions, a global leader in wire and cable testing, provides comprehensive and specialized field testing services for MV cable systems.

Challenges and importance of MV cable testing

MV cables undergo significant stress from the moment they are manufactured to their installation and during their operational life. Environmental factors, mechanical stresses during installation and electrical stresses during operation can all potentially compromise the integrity and functionality of these cables.

Given their critical role in power distribution and the potential consequences of failures, it is imperative for circuit owner    s to conduct thorough testing to evaluate reliability and performance. UL Solutions offers expert MV field testing services for power cables covering voltage levels from 69kV to 345kV with extruded solid dielectric insulation (XLPE, EPR, etc.) and impregnated paper insulation, such as high-pressure fluid-filled (HPFF) cables.

Services offered by UL Solutions

UL Solutions leverages its deep knowledge, extensive experience and state-of-the-art technology to offer a range of customized testing services for MV cable systems:

• Commissioning testing – For newly installed or repaired cable systems, to demonstrate that installation or repair has been executed properly, without any inherent defects.
• Diagnostic testing – To evaluate ongoing performance and identify potential issues in existing in-service and aged cables, allowing for timely interventions to prevent failures and enhance system reliability.

UL Solutions not only provides field testing but also supports business growth and helps customers meet changing compliance requirements. We offer:

• Customized testing solutions – Tailored for unique conditions and requirements of cable systems.
• Testing across the entire life cycle – From the commissioning of new installations to condition assessments of aged systems.

Test technologies and standards

Why UL Solutions for MV cable systems field testing

UL Solutions is capable of performing safety and compliance testing to numerous standards, including:

• The Association of Edison Illuminating Companies (AEIC)
• The Insulated Cable Engineers Association (ICEA)
• The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
• The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
• International Electrical Testing Association (NETA)

Our dedicated team offers decades of experience in evaluating wire and cable systems, so when you look to UL Solutions, you gain a trusted provider that can deliver:

• Expertise – We understand the nuances and intricacies of MV cables and can deliver accurate, reliable testing results.
• Comprehensive services – Our end-to-end testing can assess the performance of MV cables and evaluate system integrity.
• Customization – Our experts can adapt testing methodologies to meet the specific needs of your unique cable. They can work with you to provide the most relevant, actionable insights.
• Objective evaluations – As a trusted third-party testing provider, we offer impartial assessments. Our recommendations are informed by scientific principles and industry best practices.
• Scientific excellence – We use in-depth scientific knowledge and advanced technologies, including finite element method (FEM), and our experts actively participate in the development of testing standards, giving us firsthand insight into emerging trends and best practices.