Review of Defect Inspection Method of Cable Terminals

As the XLPE (Cross-linked polyethylene) and EPR (Ethylene propylene rubber) cable terminals are increasingly utilized in transmission and distribution networks, as well as the traction power supply systems of the high-speed railways, their defects and failures have attracted considerably attentions for both the industry and the scholars. Simultaneously, the standards for the safe operation of the electricity system are becoming increasingly stringent. As a relatively weak link in the cable insulation, the cable terminals have a high failure rate during its operation. Therefore, this study summarizes the most prevalent forms of cable terminal faults discovered by field operators and researchers, as well as the methods commonly employed to detect cable terminal failures. This paper can provide an overall horizon to the freshman of this field and give a comprehensive summary of the current trend in defect inspection method of cable terminals.