COURSE OVERVIEW:

The operational integrity of underground distribution networks relies heavily on the health of power cables and the precision of their diagnostic testing. This course provides a technical deep dive into the insulation characteristics of medium and high voltage cables, focusing on the physics of dielectric breakdown and the evolution of moisture ingress. Participants will explore the mechanics of "Water Treeing" and electrical treeing, learning how to distinguish between transient surface leakage and permanent insulation degradation.

The scope of this training addresses the full spectrum of modern diagnostic techniques, from traditional insulation resistance to advanced Very Low Frequency (VLF) and Partial Discharge (PD) analysis. It covers the technical nuances of "Time Domain Reflectometry" (TDR), focusing on the interpretation of pulse reflections at joints, terminations, and fault points. The curriculum provides a detailed focus on the methodology of "Fault Pinpointing," ensuring that excavation is directed with surgical precision to minimize system downtime and repair costs.

Coverage includes the implementation of rigorous safety protocols for high-voltage testing and the interpretation of IEEE and IEC standards for cable acceptance. Attendees will learn to utilize "Thumping" technologies safely, manage "Jacket Fault" location using step-voltage methods, and analyze "Tan-Delta" results to predict remaining cable life. By combining metrology theory with practical field-based fault-finding workflows, the course equips professionals with the expertise required to maintain high-reliability underground power infrastructures.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

• Define the primary dielectric properties of XLPE, EPR, and PILC cables.
• Identify the mechanical and environmental causes of underground cable failure.
• Execute "Insulation Resistance" (IR) and "Polarization Index" (PI) tests.
• Perform "Very Low Frequency" (VLF) withstand testing on aged cable assets.
• Analyze "Partial Discharge" (PD) signatures to locate incipient insulation flaws.
• Interpret "Tan-Delta" (Dissipation Factor) results for cable health assessment.
• Utilize "Time Domain Reflectometry" (TDR) to map cable length and joints.
• Apply "Arc Reflection" and "Impulse Current" methods for high-resistance faults.
• Execute "Fault Pinpointing" using acoustic and electromagnetic sensors.
• Conduct "Jacket Integrity" testing and locate sheath-to-earth leaks.
• Implement "Earthing and Discharge" safety protocols for HV cable testing.
• Document "Test Reports" and "Fault Analysis" for asset management systems.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

This course is intended for Electrical Engineers, Cable Technicians, Maintenance Supervisors, and Utility Operations Personnel responsible for underground network reliability.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximize the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.