High-Voltage Transmission Underground Cables

Both fluid-filled and XLPE High Voltage Underground cables are an essential part of many urban transmission systems. While they offer a number of distinct advantages in certain environments, they are expensive to maintain and replace. Adding to these maintenance costs, many fluid-filled installations have been in operation since the early twentieth century, and a great number of these systems are being operated outside their original design parameters.

The objective of the Transmission Underground Cables Interest Group (TUCIG) is to provide a forum for the exchange of information on cable asset management and to establish and promote techniques and tools for improving the management of fluid-filled and XLPE High Voltage underground cable systems. The group’s current focus is developing a Reference Manual for Transmission Cable Systems, which will include the compilation of best work practices and procedures for the design, maintenance and operation based on utility experience.

Topics and Issues:

• Asset Health Index Models
• Preventative & Corrective Maintenance
• Strategies for Life Cycle Management
• Means of Minimizing Environmental Impact