Degradation of a FR-EPDM Cable Removed from a Nuclear Power Plant

Abstract

To evaluate the degradation degree of the flame-retardant ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (FR-EPDM) insulation of a control cable removed from a nuclear power plant operated for 23 years, the leakage current of the cable was compared with those of new and degraded cables with the same insulation, using the current integration method. As a result, it has become clear that the aging of electrical insulation should not be a concern as long as cables of the same type are used under similar environmental conditions to the removed one.