Unlike old times when people were not much concerned about the type of power cables. At present, the demand for high quality, durable, and efficient power cables has increased. Though there are a wide variety of power cables available in the market, for high voltage applications or high current transmission, only XLPE Power Cable is considered best. These cables are known for their high performance and lasting durability. But despite all that, we cannot neglect the fact that they require maintenance to deliver reliable performance for several years. To ensure that their electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties remain intact, it is a must to maintain them properly. We at Deshraj Cable Industries, being known for delivering an exceptional range of XLPE power cables, are sharing a few maintenance tips in this blog that will help in extending the life of these cables with ease.
Regular Visual Inspections
Maintenance starts with regular inspection and that is the first thing that we recommend when choosing XLPE power cables. Inspecting them after every few days will help one to catch early signs of damage with ease. One must look for discoloration, swelling, surface cracks, or deformation of the sheath of XLPE cable. Presence of these kinds of damages indicate overheating, UV damage, or mechanical wear. Once you have detected these signs of damage, it is advised to work on their repairing right away before they lead to costly failures.
Monitoring Electrical Load and Temperature
Overloading is one of the most common causes of premature cable failure. Every XLPE Power Cable is designed to carry a specific current load, and exceeding this limit can cause insulation to overheat and degrade. To prevent such problems, keep a check on the current loads and temperature. Ensure that the current load is equivalent to the current carrying capacity of these cables. Ensure that they offer excellent thermal resistivity as well as stated during the time of purchase. Both these checks will help saving these power cables from deteriorating early and will help enhance their life.
Perform Insulation Resistance Testing
Insulation resistance testing is a non-destructive way to check the health of your XLPE Power Cable. A sudden drop in resistance often indicates presence of moisture or insulation breakdown. These tests should be conducted from time to time, especially before and after high-load seasons. This proactive measure helps in detecting insulation degradation before it leads to a short circuit or fire hazard. If you wish to keep these power cables in excellent working condition instead of causing any damage, go for insulation resistance testing.
Keep Terminations and Joints in Check
Cable joints and terminations are often the weakest points in a power distribution system. Poor quality built or environmental stress at these connection points can cause electrical arcing, overheating, or even explosions. One must ensure that terminations are properly sealed, clean, and tight. Always use high-quality jointing kits and follow recommended procedures from trusted manufacturers to ensure long-lasting and safe connections.
Conclusion
Using a well-maintained XLPE Power Cable can last for more than 30 years, offering stable performance and high reliability. But like any asset, these cables require regular attention and care. From monitoring load and temperature to checking joints and conducting periodic tests, regular maintenance is the key to extending the lifespan and ensuring uninterrupted power supply. At Deshraj Cable Industries, we not only manufacture high-quality XLPE Power Cables. But we also empower our clients with the knowledge and maintenance tips to keep these cables running at their best for several years.