ANSI/IEEE Std 400-1980

(Reaffirmed 1987)

(Reaffirmed 1988)

IEEE Guide for Making

High-Direct-Voltage Tests on
Power Cable Systems in the Field

Published by The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc 345 East 47th Street, New York, N Y 10017, USA

October 28-I 9 8 0 SH07914

 A n American National Standard
IEEE Guide for Making High-Direct-Voltage
Tests on Power Cable Systems in the Field
1. Introduction
1.1 Need for Testing. While cable is intensely
tested by the manufacturer before shipment,
it may be subject to damage or improper
treatment in shipment or installation. Con-
sequently, further testing of completed in-
stallations before being placed in service is
widely practiced. Additionally, many users
find that with time alternating voltage will
cause deterioration or defects or reveal damage
- caused in manufacturing or installation which
were undetectable by factory and installation
tests. Hence, periodic testing after time in ser-
vice has been found t o be a useful practice.
Just as the factory and installation test volt-
ages are frequently too low t o detect minute
defects, maintenance test voltages have often
been found to be too low to locate defects
which subsequently failed in service. Since
users tend t o mix cable types in service, it has
also become evident that the test voltage
should be related to the circuit basic impulse
level (BIL) rather than t o the type and thick-
ness of the insulation. These principles have
been followed in the development of this guide.
The traditional method of testing the insula-
tion of high-voltage cable has been t o subject it
to a high alternating potential in the factory.
Because of the size and weight of the test trans-
former and equipment, it has not been prac-
tical t o employ alternating voltage testing on
cable at its installed location. Many installed
cables have therefore not been tested, or a high
direct voltage has been used. The supply unit
for the direct voltage may be relatively small
and light, suitable for transporting to most
field locations. The direct voltage used has been
related to the prescribed alternating test volt-
age by a ratio, fixed for an individual insulation
7
type, but varying between types of insulation.
The establishment of such a ratio lacks scien-
tific basis and many engineers believe that the
direct test voltage should be related to the ulti-
mate dielectric strength of the insulation.
Experience has shown that the application of
high direct voltage deteriorates sound insula-
tion very slowly, if at all, so the duration of the
direct voltage test is not highly important.
Since the direct voltage strength of cable in-
sulation approaches the impulse strength, it is
logical to relate the direct voltage test levels to
system BIL as shown in Table 1. For effective-
ly grounded systems having a reduced BIL, the
test voltage to be applied shall therefore be
selected t o accord with the BIL rather than
with the rated voltage.
Many users of appreciable quantities of cable
apply tests t o newly-installed cables before
placing them in service. The principle of main-
tenance testing, while not widely used at pre-
sent, is found practicable, especially with
polymer-insulated cable, in reducing service
failures from faults of the cable or its acces-
sories. Such maintenance tests are found at least
partially effective in detecting cables which are
approaching failure. With such procedure some
users note substantial reductions of service
failures with polymeric cable systems [4].l
Most users, however, do not practice main-
tenance testing.
The decision to employ maintenance testing
must be evaluated by the individual user, tak-
ing into account the costs of service failure,
including intangibles and the costs of testing.
This guide does not purport to require that
testing be performed, either at the time of in-
stallation or periodically thereafter for main-
~
l N u m b e r s in brackets correspond t o those in the
References, Section 3 of this guide.
IEEE
Std 400-1980 IEEE GUIDE FOR MAKING HIGH-DIRECT-VOLTAGE

Table 1 ,--.
Field Test Voltages for Cables up t o 69 kV System Voltage

Installation Maintenance
System Voltage System BIL Test Voltage* Test Voltage*
kV rms kV (direct voltage, kV (direct voltage,
(phase-to-phase) kV (peak) conductor t o ground) conductor t o ground)
2.5 60 25 20
5 75 35 25
8.7 95 40 30
15 110 55 40
25 150 80 60
34.5 200 100 75
46 250 120 90
69 350 170 125

*Maintained for a duration o f 1 5 min

NOTES:
( 1 ) Voltages up t o 70% of system BIL for installation and maintenance testing may be con-
sidered in consultation with the suppliers o f the cable and the accessories. (See 5.2.)
( 2 ) When equipment, such as transformers, motors, etc, is connected t o the cable circuit
undergoing test, voltages lower than the recommended values may be used t o comply with
the limitations imposed by the connected equipment.

tenance. It sets forth the consensus of present- 2. Definitions and Terminology

ly-known good practice in testing methods,
with interpretation of results. It is hoped that
use of this guide will increase the fund of
knowledge on the subject and result in more
meaningful testing procedures and methods.
1.2 Purpose. The purpose of this guide is:
(1)t o provide uniform procedures for per-
forming highdirect-voltage acceptance tests
and maintenance tests on power cables (includ-
ing accessories) in the field
(2) t o provide guidelines for evaluation of the
test results
(3) to define terms which have a specific
meaning in the guide
1.3 Scope. This guide presents procedures and
test voltage values for acceptance and main-
tenance highdirect-voltage testing of power
cable systems. It applies to all types of in-
sulated cable systems rated between 2000 V
and 69 kV and intended primarily for the
transmission or distribution of power. It is not
intended t o apply t o communication cables,
control cables, high frequency or other special
purpose cables.
It is recognized that the procedures and tests
outlined here may be applied t o cables outside
this scope and that information of some value
may thereby be obtained.
2.1 Impulse Voltage
basic impulse level (BIL). Impulse voltage
which electrical equipment is required t o with-
stand without failure or disruptive discharge
when tested under specified conditions of
temperature and humidity. Basic impulse
levels are designated in terms of the crest volt-
-
age of 1.2 50 p s full wave impulse voltage
test [2].
2.2 Current
absorption current. Current resulting from
charge absorbed in the dielectric as a result of
polarization [ 31 .
capacitance current. Current which charges the
capacitor formed by the capacitance of the
cable under test [ 31 .
conduction (leakage) current of the cable in-
sulation. Current resulting from conduction
through the insulating medium or over surfaces
(such as terminations). Corona discharge from
external energized elements will be indicated
as conduction current.
direct current (dc). Unidirectional current; as
used in this guide, the term denotes a practical-
ly nonpulsating current [ 31 .

8

TESTS ON POWER CABLE SYSTEMS IN THE FIELD
A 2.3 Voltage
high direct voltage. A direct voltage above
5000 V supplied by test equipment of limited
capacity.
rated voltage. For cables, either single-conduc-
tor or multiple-conductor, the rated voltage is
expressed in terms of phase-to-phase voltage of
a three-phase system. For single-phase systems
a rated voltage of fi the voltage t o ground
should be assumed.
2.4 Field
The term field or in the field refers generally
t o apparatus installed in operating position.
However, it may include material not yet in-
stalled or material that has been removed from
its operating environment.
cable accessories. Those components of a cable
system which cannot be readily disconnected
from the cable and which will be subjected to
the full test voltage applied t o the cable system.
2.5 Tests
acceptance test. A test made after installation
- marked degree. Contamination of termination
but before the cable is placed in normal service.
This test is intended to detect shipping or in-
stallation damage and t o show any gross de-
fects or errors in workmanship on splicing and
terminating.
maintenance test. A test made during the op-
erating life of a cable. It is intended t o detect
deterioration of the system and t o check the
entire workmanship so that suitable mainten-
ance procedures can be initiated.
3. References
3.1 Standards References
[l] IEEE Std 141-1976, Recommended Prac-
tice for Electric Power Distribution for Indus-
trial Plants (IEEE Red Book)
[2] IEEE Std 4-1978, Standard Techniques for
High Voltage Testing
[3] IEEE Std 62-1978, Guide for Field Testing
Power Apparatus Insulation
3.2 References
[4] LEE, R. H. Installation Problems and Test-
IEEE
Std 400-1980
ing of Cable 5 t o 35 kV. IEEE Transactions on
Industry Applications, vol IA-11, Nov/Dec
1975, pp 654-663.
[5] MORRISON, W. G. and LEE, R. H. Test-
ing of Cable Systems for Improvement of Re-
liability. Conference Record of the Industrial
and Commercial Power Systems Conference,
Milwaukee, Apr 1972.
4. General Considerations
4.1 Environmental Influences
4.1.1 Temperature. The dielectric strength of
some cable insulations is reduced at elevated
temperatures. This necessitates a reduction of
the test voltages at higher temperatures.
Temperature gradients in the cable insulation,
caused by heat dissipation from the conductor,
can result in unusual potential distribution
upon application of a high direct voltage.
4.1.2 Atmospheric Conditions. High humid-
ity and conditions favoring condensation on
exposed surfaces can affect test results to a
surfaces can greatly increase conduction cur-
rent and reduce flashover levels. Relative air
density affects the measurement of test voltage
by gaps or similar means and the flashover at
terminations. At elevations higher than 3300 f t
(1000 m), over-insulation of terminations is
required t o withstand both working voltages
and prescribed test voltages. Wind can cause er-
roneous current readings as in 6.2.
4.1.3 Extraneous Electric Fields. Although
field tests on cable are often made in the vicin-
ity of energized equipment, extraneous elec-
trical fields will have little influence on direct
voltage test results. Due to the stress and ioni-
zation of air between the circuit on test and
nearby energized circuits, it is possible that
flashover may occur. When spacing is marginal,
unusual precautions may be required to pre-
vent this. Such precautions may include in-
sertion of grounded shielding t o protect ad-
jacent circuits in service.
4.2 Test Equipment
4.2.1 High-Direct-Voltage Test Set. The test-
voltage source should:
(1) provide the maximum (negative polarity)
[ 31 test voltage required, plus some margin
(2) provide means of increasing voltage con-
 ~
IEEE
Std 400-1980
tinuously or in small steps
( 3 ) have the capability of providing satisfac-
tory voltage regulation
(4)have output sufficiently filtered t o pro-
vide an acceptably pure direct-voltage [ 31
(5) provide voltage and current indications
that can be read precisely. Resolution of 0.1
P A on the lowest current range is desirable.
4.2.2 Power Supply. A well-stabilized power
supply for the high-direct-voltage generator is
essential. Even minor variations in this supply
will cause major variations in the output cur-
rent indication.
4.2.3 Discharge Resistor. A resistor with a re-
sistance not less than 10 000 R per kV of test
voltage may be used t o discharge the cable
after testing (see 5.2). This resistor shall be de-
signed t o withstand the full test voltage with-
out flashover and t o handle the discharge en-
ergy without overheating. An insulating hook
stick and a flexible conductor shall be pro-
vided t o connect the resistor across the cable
terminal and ground.
4.3 Safety of Personnel. High-voltage testing of
cables embodies all of the normal hazards as-
sociated with working on energized circuits.
There are two facets involving additional haz-
ards. Cable circuits normally will have one or
more ends remote from the test area. These
ends must be cleared and guarded for person-
nel safety. A circuit voltage indicator suitable
for safe application t o an energized circuit
is recommended. This is t o assure that circuits
are deenergized before starting the tests. Cables
have high capacitance and dielectric absorp-
tion. Particular attention and special tech-
niques are required in discharging cables after
testing t o eliminate personnel hazards.
Following application and subsequent dis-
charge of a high direct voltage, a charge build-
up can result in a cable from which the ground
has been removed as a consequence of the very
long time constants associated with absorption
effects. For this reason grounding procedures
are recommended in 5.2.
5. Test Method
5.1 Precautions. All components require de-
energizing before testing. Checking with a re-
liable voltage indicator is recommended. While
10
IEEE GUIDE F O R MAKING HIGH-DIRECT-VOLTAGE
the indicator is in contact with each com-
ponent and indicating no voltage, a ground
connection should be applied t o the component
and remain attached at all times except when
test voltage is being applied. This applies t o
all unenergized metallic parts in the vicinity.
All ends of components being tested require
guarding from accidental contact, by such
means as barriers, enclosures, or a watchman a t
all points. The ends require separation from
all elements not t o be subjected t o test and by
distances not less than 1 in (2.5 cm) per 10 kV
of test potential.
Breakdown or terminal flashover may gen-
erate abnormal voltage surges, so consideration
should be given t o the installation of suitable
gaps at each end in series with a 50 s2 nonin-
ductive resistor t o provide relief from such
overvoltages. This resistor must be capable of
dissipating the energy stored in the charged
cable and must not flash over. Such a gap,
even at the test set end, may be necessary t o
protect the test against transient overvoltages.
It may be desirable t o reduce corona current
at the bare metal extremities of cable or
terminations by covering these with plastic
envelopes, plastic or glass containers, or suit-
able electrical putty t o reduce or grade stress
concentrations.
5.2 Procedures. Disconnect all equipment not
t o be included in the test but leave all ground
connections intact. Prepare cable for testing,
in accordance with 5.1. Clean insulator surfaces
with a dry cloth and, if necessary (in severely
polluted areas), apply silicone grease t o mini-
mize leakage currents and prevent flashover. If
necessary, wrap exposed conductor surfaces
with several layers of polyethylene film to
minimize corona. (See also 6.2.)
Check the operation of the test set in ac-
cordance with the manufacturer’s recommenda-
tions. Where concern exists about accidental
flashover, this check should include a voltage
withstand test with a suitable margin. The cur-
rent indication can be checked by connecting
a short piece of small wire t o the test lead and
raising the voltage until corona is heard from
the ends of the wire. A microammeter of 0 t o
10 or 0 t o 50 PA should indicate current. If
leakage current in the test equipment is sub-
stantial, this current should be measured and
subtracted from test current readings. This cur-
rent measurement may be repeated at the end
of the test.

TESTS ON POWER CABLE SYSTEMS IN THE FIELD
- The ground lead for the test set should be
connected t o local ground or, in the absence of
a local ground, t o the metallic shield of the
cable. For ungrounded cable terminations, the
metallic shield should be connected t o local
ground, if available, during direct voltage test-
ing. Connect the high-voltage test lead t o the
first conductor or conductors t o be tested. Re-
move the ground lead from the cable conduc-
tor. When multiconductor belted or non-
shielded cable is tested, each conductor should
be tested separately with the remaining con-
ductors grounded.
Before applying the test voltage, the cable
system should be allowed t o cool to ambient
temperature (see 4.1.1 and 6.2). The initially
applied voltage shall not exceed 1.8 times the
rated alternating-current phase-to-phase volt-
age of the cable. The voltage may be increased
continuously or in steps t o the maximum test
value. If continuously, the rate of increase
shall be approximately uniform and shall not
be more than 100% in 10 s and not less than
100% in 60 s. If in steps, duration at each step
should be long enough for the current t o reach
a steady value (1min suggested) or t o show un-
readably low current values. Current readings
at each voltage step should be taken at the end
of the step duration. Apply voltage slowly
enough t o prevent overloading the power
supply
Maximum test voltage should be maintained
for 15 min. Current magnitudes should be re-
corded at 1 min and 15 min after the maxi-
mum test voltage has been reached.
Recommended test voltages for cable systems
rated up t o 69 kV are set forth in Table 1.
When, in the opinion of the user, it is neces-
sary t o use more stringent test voltages, the
higher level should be determined in consulta-
tion with the suppliers of the cable and cable
accessories. The maximum voltage applied t o
cable systems should not exceed 70% of system
BIL. When considering these higher voltages,
the user should be cognizant of the possible
overvoltages that may result as indicated in
5.1 and Appendix B1.
If the step method of voltage increase is em-
ployed, a minimum of five steps is desirable
when current readings are taken at each step. If
any equipment is included beyond the cable
and its terminations, the insulation strength of
-- such equipment must be taken into considera-
tion.
11
IEEE
Std 400-1980
At the completion of the test period, volt-
age can be reduced by returning the control
of the high-direct-voltage generator t o zero and
permitting the cable t o dischare: through the
cable system and the test set. For cable lengths
exceeding about 1000 f t (300 m), the time re-
quired for this discharge may be burden-
some. To expedite the process, a resistor, as
described in 4.2.3, may be placed between the
conductor and ground. This resistor can con-
veniently be built or supported on the end of
an insulating hook stick, the lower end of the
resistor being grounded with a flexible conduc-
tor. After the voltage is reduced t o 40% or less
of original value or a failure is experienced,
the conductor should be solidly grounded (by
applying a flexible grounded lead by means
of an insulating hook stick) and should remain
grounded until ready for service or further
testing. A retest should not be started until the
cable has been grounded for a period at least
four times the duration of the previous test.
6. Evaluation of Results
6.1 Current-Time Relationships. The test cur-
rent will momentarily increase for each volt-
age increment due t o the charging of the
capacitance and the dielectric absorption
characteristics of the cable. Both of these
decay, the first in a few seconds, the latter
more slowly, ultimately leaving only the
conduction current plus any external surface
leakage or corona currents. The time required
t o reach steady-state current depends on in-
sulation temperature and material. This time
could be of the order of hours for laminated
oil impregnated insulation.
If, without any increase in applied voltage,
the current starts t o increase, slowly at first
but at an increasing rate, gradual insulation
failure may be in progress. This process will
probably continue until eventual failure of the
cable unless the voltage is rapidly reduced. Rub-
ber and nonpressurized impregnated paper in-
sulations will usually exhibit this type of in-
sulation failure; other insulations rarely exhibit
this type of failure. One criterion of a satis-
factory test in high-direct-voltage testing is a
decrease of current with time at a fixed voltage
application. While this may be partially ob-
IEEE
Std 400-1980
scured by corona current, voltage regulation
and insufficient meter damping, the absence
of an increase in current with time is generally
a practical criterion for acceptance. (See also
6.2.)
If, at any time during the test, a violent in-
crease in current occurs, accompanied by trip-
ping of the test set circuit breaker, failure or
flashover has probably occurred in the cable,
a splice, or at a termination. A failure can be
confirmed by the inability t o sustain the sec-
ond application of the test voltage.
Even in the event of the indication described
above, it is practicable in some cases t o return
the cable t o service for a short period. This
should be done only after determining that
slowly increasing reapplication of the test volt-
age does not initiate recurrence of the break-
down within the cable or accessories before
reaching a safe value above the peak of the
phase-to-ground potential.
6.2 Resistance Values. Readings of voltage ( E )
and conduction current ( I ) observed during
the high-direct-voltage test may be used t o cal-
culate the effective insulation resistance ( R )
of the cable system by means of Ohm’s Law,
R = E/I. A useful relation is:
kV
thousands of megohms = -
PA
Calculating and plotting resistance vs volt-
age, in conjunction with a step-voltage test, is
an aid in evaluating the insulation condition
and is frequently an even more sensitive
indicator of approaching current avalanche
failure than is the dynamic behavior of the
microammeter itself. A substantial reduction
in insulation resistance with increasing voltage
is such an indication. This phenomenon should
not be confused with the onset of external
corona.
The comparison of the calculated resistance
of the three conductors of a circuit is a useful
indicator of an anomalous condition of the in-
sulation of one or more of the cables. Although
no clear guidelines for such a comparison can
be given, an anomalous condition is likely if
this ratio of insulation resistance is greater than
3 t o 1for cables longer than 3000 f t (1000 m).
Somewhat higher resistance ratios can be per-
12
IEEE GUIDE FOR MAKING HIGH-DIRECT-VOLTAGE
mitted for cables about 1000 f t (300 m) in
ir- -
length.
The insulation resistance characteristics and
terminating conditions vary so widely that a
statement here of absolute values of resistance
would be misleading. Comparison of resistance
values with those obtained when the cable sys-
tem was installed is useful.
All cable insulations exhibit a negative
temperature resistance coefficient; increased
temperature will therefore always result in
lower insulation resistance. Several types of
compounds used for filling cable terminations
exhibit much lower resistances and higher nega-
tive temperature resistance coefficients than
those of the oil-paper cables they terminate.
For this reason, terminations should be allowed
t o cool t o ambient temperature before testing
takes place. Some factory prefabricated termin-
ators may also exhibit relatively low resistance
and moderately high negative temperature re-
sistance coefficients.
Humidity, condensation, and actual precipi-
tation on the surface of a termination can in-
crease the leakage current by several orders of
magnitude. Humidity also increases the corona
current, which is indicated in the total leakage
current.
Wind prevents the accumulation of space
charges at bare energized terminals. This results
in an increase of corona. A plastic envelope or
container tends to retain this space charge even
in the presence of wind.
Additional current of the order of ten t o
several hundred times the cable conduction
current can be caused by equipment included
in the test beyond the cable and its termina-
tions.
When equipment in addition t o the cable and
its terminations is included in the test, the
sensitivity required t o note approaching
avalanche conditions outlined in 6.1 may not
be attained due t o the preponderance of the
equipment leakage current. In such cases,
avalanche or runaway conditions may be noted
only when the failure mechanism is far ad-
vanced. Reduction of voltage may not be pos-
sible before actual breakdown occurs.
All of the above factors should be considered
when comparing or evaluating the apparent
insulation resistance of a cable circuit.

TESTS ON POWER CABLE SYSTEMS IN THE FIELD
-\ Appendix
(These Appendixes are n o t a part of IEEE Std 400-1980, IEEE Guide for Making High-Direct-Voltage Tests on
Power Cable Systems in the Field.)
Appendix A
Reasons for Testing
A l . Cable with Extruded Dielectric
A l . l Acceptance. A high direct voltage test
made before placing a cable in service will
normally reveal gross imperfections, almost
complete perforations of the insulation, im-
proper materials or practices used in splicing,
terminating, etc, but will not indicate the small
imperfections that may exist from installation
and handling (oversharp bending, etc) or built-
in defects such as gaps in semiconducting
coverings. The acceptance test will, in most
cases, reveal defects that would otherwise cause
failure within a very short time.
A1.2 Maintenance Tests. Exposure t o normal
- alternating voltage for a moderate period is re-
quired before the progressive insulation de-
terioration at imperfections can be revealed by
high-direct-voltage testing.
The action of corona at an insulation defect
weakens this portion of the insulation. The
principle of periodic high-direct-voltage testing
as a maintenance practice is t o apply a high
enough test voltage t o cause test failure of in-
sulation which is so weak (and deteriorating)
as t o risk failure in service before the next test.
Factors t o be considered are:
(1)deterioration rate of insulation in service
(2) interval between tests
(3) safe withstand voltage of sound cable in-
sulation
Deterioration rate is highly variable and not
amenable t o scientific analysis. Experience in-
dicates that deterioration rates of defects and
damaged insulation are highest for new or
newly-installed cables and that a major propor-
tion of this deterioration is detectable by test
during the first three years of service. Relative-
ly frequent testing during the first three years
will therefore detect the bulk of advancing
deterioration, permitting longer intervals be-
-- tween tests after that time.
13
IEEE
Std 400-1980
While expected improvements in cable per-
formance following acceptance and main-
tenance testing cannot be quantitatively indi-
cated for wide ranges of insulation materials
and applications, one well-controlled test pro-
gram [5] conducted over a period of ten years
showed that service failures attributable to in-
sulation deterioration in elastomeric cables
could be largely eliminated with maintenance
tests repeated at intervals of one t o three years.
A2. Cable with Laminated Dielectric
A2.1 Acceptance Tests. As with cable with
extruded dielectric, an acceptance test before
placing in service normally reveals gross dielec-
tric defects, weaknesses or errors which would
result in failure within the first year or so.
A2.2 Maintenance Tests. Laminated-dielec-
tric cable, when pressurized, is much less sus-
ceptible t o progressive deterioration from par-
tial discharge action a t imperfections. When the
dielectric is not pressurized, however, migra-
tion of oil and the subsequent appearance of
voids in the insulation will permit degradation
from corona action. A major cause of failure of
these types of cable is failure of the enclosing
sheath and ingress of water. This condition is
aggravated by cyclic loading of the cable. How-
ever, actual failure does not occur immediately
after a breach of the sheath. Insulation resist-
ance decreases and dielectric losses increase
progressively after the initial moisture encroach-
ment. Actual failure may not occur for several
months. The usefulness of maintenance tests
on this cable type depends largely upon the
frequency of the testing. Results published t o
date [5] indicate that intervals of less than one
year may be necessary t o obtain substantial
improvements in service reliability.
IEEE
Std 400-1980
Appendix B
Protection Against Possible Severe Voltage
Conditions due t o Flashover
B1. Possible Service Voltage Conditions. If dur-
ing the course of a high-voltage test a flashover
should occur, either in the cable itself or at the
terminations, voltage surges of a polarity oppo-
site t o the test voltage are initiated. These
travel along the cable and produce reflections
at the terminals as described by travelling wave
theory. Before any reflections occur, the travel-
ling wave voltage tends to neutralize the cable
test voltage and relieve the prevailing voltage
stress. However, at an open-circuited terminal
the surge voltage doubles with the same polar-
ity and therefore produces a polarity reversal at
the terminal. This polarity reversal is subse-
quently imposed on the cable as well. While the
maximum reversed voltage from conductor t o
ground would appear t o be less than equip-
ment BIL, the effects of the reversals on stress
14
between conductors and shield are uncertain.
Cables and terminations could be subject to
damage or multiple failures when terminals are
not surge protected and an initial flashover or
failure takes place.
B2. Surge Protection Requirements. The ef-
fects of test flashover occurrences can be mini-
mized by preventing reflections at the termin-
als. This could be accomplished by installing
a protective device which will withstand test
voltage but flashes over if subjected to a
voltage of opposite polarity of the same mag-
nitude or significantly less, say 60 or 70%.
Such a device can be connected to ground
through a resistor approximately equal to the
cable surge impedance, thereby minimizing
reflections at terminals.