Cable Testing Services: Ensure Safe Cable Performance
New cables must demonstrate that they are safe to energize and will hold up during operation. Aging cables must be inspected at regular intervals to determine the rate of deterioration and to detect the formation of defects. Our NETA-accredited technicians will perform the proper tests and make expert recommendations for repairs and preventive maintenance.
Ensure correct cable installation and prevent avoidable and costly arc flash incidents with cable testing from the experts at Quad Plus.
Why Testing Your Cables is So Important
Cable testing technicians observe the performance of cables in conditions that are at or above normal operating conditions. Different tests are used to find defects and weaknesses in cables before they fail or cause performance problems.
Here are 5 reasons why testing your cables is critical.
When to Know It’s Time to Test Your Cables
Identifying a potential fault or failure before it occurs allows you to make repairs promptly and avoid equipment damage or worker injury when an arc flash occurs.
According to the NETA Standard for Acceptance Testing, new cables should be tested before voltage is ever applied. NETA Standards for Maintenance Testing say that medium-voltage cables should be tested at least every 36 months.
Common Cable Problems and How Testing Can Catch Them
Large industrial and manufacturing facilities rely on a network of cables to power their operations. Testing all new cables before use and regularly inspecting existing cables will identify any problems so technicians can uncover the cause and correct any issues.
The most common cause of failure in aging cables is insulation deterioration. Over time, insulation can break down due to heat, moisture, mechanical stress, or certain chemicals. Eventually, electrical failures such as short circuits or arcing will happen. Other common problems with industrial cables include sheath degradation, which can lead to thermal problems, electrical overloading, and jacket abrasion.
When new cables fail, it is typically due to defects in manufacturing or improper installation. Another possibility is an incorrect cable used for an application. Undersized cables pose a serious fire risk, and incorrectly rated cables can fail under stress. Technicians will ensure that new cables are installed according to all industry standards and test each cable to ensure proper operation according to manufacturer specifications.
Our Full Range of Cable Testing Services
Every Quad Plus cable testing technician is a NETA Certified Technician. This means they have completed the required coursework, passed challenging exams, and met all requirements for on-the-job experience. They are qualified to test, inspect, and maintain industrial electrical equipment, including cables, switchgear, transformers, and circuit breakers safely and effectively. Our technicians will then interpret the collected data to provide recommendations to correct existing problems and prevent potential problems in the future.
Common Types of Cable Testing
Quad Plus performs multiple testing types during acceptance testing of new cable installations and maintenance testing of cables already in service. These tests include:
DC high potential testing is typically not recommended for EPR and silicone-rubber compounded cables due to the premature failure this test can cause. However, it is still valid for PILC (oil-impregnated, paper-insulated, lead-covered) cables.
Cable fault location and tracing is an essential task when faults are detected during testing or when equipment begins to fail due to cable issues. Various cable fault detection methods and equipment are used to locate the problem, including those on underground cables.
The Quad Plus team can locate, isolate, and trace a cable fault on shielded cables. Our experienced and qualified engineers use proper testing equipment to interpret the data and ensure your cables are safe for operation.
Cutting-Edge Techniques We Use for Cable Testing
If testing issues arise or equipment failures occur during operation due to expected cable problems, we can verify, trace, and locate the source of the faulty shielded cable.
We identify the faulty cable through Megger IR tests and pre-locate it with Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) or Arc Reflection Method (ARM). We use ARM with TDR and acoustic/electromagnetic receivers to examine the cable for faults. We will be able to detect the location of the cable fault through radar indication.
Understanding how to read the radar is essential to quickly finding the fault since most cables are underground or in enclosed piping extending up to miles.
Custom Cable Testing Solutions Just for Your Facility
Our engineers are trained by manufacturers and bring a wealth of knowledge across various sectors. With hands-on experience in thousands of control systems and production lines, they collectively make us an unparalleled service provider in the field.
Keep Your Facility Safe and Reliable with Cable Testing
Don’t let the fear of electrical failures and unplanned downtimes plague your operations.
With Quad Plus Cable Testing Services, you get the highest level of reliability and safety, backed by years of expertise. Get peace of mind knowing that your cables can handle the demands of your industrial environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cable testing is used to determine the functionality of electrical cables and their connections. Technicians use various testing techniques to uncover problems such as deteriorating materials or incorrect installation so repairs can be made before faults and failures occur.
The most important reason to test cables is to uncover problems before they lead to worker injury, damage to expensive equipment, and cause costly downtime. Regularly testing industrial electrical cables ensures reliable operation of machinery and equipment and a safe workplace. Testing can also provide a long working life by finding and correcting problems before replacement becomes necessary.
Cable testing and inspection ensure that all regulatory requirements are met and industry standards are followed. They also help identify defects and problems in a cable that could lead to safety and performance problems in the future.
