A new generation tree retardant insulation compound for medium voltage power cable

This paper describes the results of full scale cable testing of novel tree retardant cross-linked polyethylene (TRXLPE) insulation technology. Comparisons are made to cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) and historical TRXLPE reference standards. Cables were aged under accelerated conditions using various voltage stress and thermal load cycle conditions. Parameters measured include accelerated cable life tests (ACLT), retention of AC breakdown strength, water tree analysis and dissipation factor. Electron micro graphic imaging revealed the size and distribution of micro voids in the new TRXLPE to be smaller than the historical reference standard TRXLPE, supporting its extended life under these conditions.