Testing Procedure for Cable High Voltage Pressure Test

A. Preliminary Work

1. Note down particulars of cable to be tested including substation name, feeder name and
voltage rating of cable.
2. Barricade area in the substation where high voltage test will be conducted with chain or
warning tape and warning notice. Similar arrangement shall be made at remote end station
where cable is terminated.
3. Ensure that no unauthorised person is in the vicinity of the switchgear.
4. Switch OFF the circuit breakers at both ends of the cable. Switch busbar isolator, if any to
OFF position for switchgear at both ends of cable.
5. Check with AC voltmeter on voltage monitoring point (after capacitor voltage divider) or
observe voltage indicator located on the panel. Ensure absence of voltage at the monitoring
points.
6. Turn the cable earth switch at both ends to ON position. The cable is completely discharged
now.
7. Station personnel at both substations to ensure that no unauthorised person is in or near the
area where test would be conducted.
8. Connect output of high voltage test set to circuit spouts of circuit breaker. Insertion of test
probe may be necessary for some switchgear.
9. Turn the cable earth switch to OFF position.
10. If cable phasing check is required (for new or repaired cable which involves jointing only),
conduct phasing check with phasing resistor. Alternatively, cores can be earthed one at a
time at one end while continuity to earth is monitored at the other end.
11. Conduct insulation test on all cores of the cable with an insulation tester.

B. Test on Single Core Cable and 3 Core Cables Where Conductors are Individually Screened

1. Connect test probe of all three phase to HV output terminal of HV test set. Earth points on the
test set and switchgear shall be connected together. Ensure that all connections are secure.
2. Raise test voltage gradually to required DC test voltage and maintain for 15 minutes. No
breakdown of insulation shall occur throughout the test.
3. At completion of test, reduce test voltage gradually. After control knob is returned to minimum
position, switch off the test set. Discharge the cable with a discharge rod until cable is fully
discharged.

C. End of Test

1. Turn earthing switch to ON position for switchgear at both ends.

2. Remove test connections between test set and cable.
3. After all test connections are removed, remove test probes from switchgear.
4. Check once more that no wires or other objects are attached to the switchgear.
5. Restore earth switch to OFF position.
6. Clear test equipment, tools and warning tapes etc. from site.