On-site diagnosis of power cables using damped AC voltages.

A way of detecting bad-workmanship or any other weakspots in cables, joints or terminations is by means of off-line PD-diagnosis. The cable system will be temporarily energized with an attenuated alternating voltage, so called damped AC-voltage (DAC), during this temporarily energizing partial discharge data will be stored, which will provide enough information to assess the condition of the insulating system and support asset management decisions for necessary repair or replacement activities. PD diagnosis is a well established technology for cost effective condition based maintenance.