500 Hz accelerated ageing test.

XLPE-insulated power cables are known for their sensitivity to water. Even a small water content in the insulation material might lead to the growth of water-trees over a period of time, and water-trees that have grown sufficiently large will lead to a breakdown.

The 500 Hz ageing test is a technique used to determine the sensitivity of cables to water-trees. During this test a 500 Hz voltage is applied to the cable while it is immersed in water. The quality of the insulation material can be determined in just 4 months, since energizing the cable at 500Hz for 4 months is equivalent to a lifetime of several decades at normal operating conditions.

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