Technology of Electrical Automatic

Cable Partial Discharge Detection and Monitoring

Cable partial discharge detection with Blue Jay PD3000

Cable partial discharge detection is a crucial measure for ensuring the safe operation of the power system. By regularly inspecting cables for partial discharges, potential faults can be identified and addressed promptly, extending equipment life and enhancing the reliability of the power grid.

Partial Discharge in Cables

Definition & causes of cable partial discharge

Cable partial discharge is an electrical discharge or spark phenomenon that occurs in electrical cables. This is often due to imperfections in the cable’s construction, such as poor workmanship, water treeing, manufacturing defects, or excessive bending. While these defects may not completely bridge the insulation, they can lead to partial discharges, which can potentially cause a short circuit. Moreover, partial discharge (PD) in cables can have several detrimental effects on the cable’s performance such as cable insulation degradation.

Effects of Partial Discharge in cables
Effects of cable partial discharge

Where does cable partial discharge occur?

Cable partial discharge typically occurs at inner or near cable joints and terminations. They can develop between the conductor and insulation, within voids in the insulation, between insulation layers, or between the insulation surface and the cable’s shield.

Types of PD in cables

As for partial discharge in cable, there are three types, including void PD discharges, surface PD discharges, and corona PD discharges.

Void partial discharges in cables occur when air pockets or voids exist within or on the surface of the insulating material. These voids significantly weaken the insulation’s dielectric strength. Under the influence of a high-voltage electric field, the gas within the void ionizes, leading to a partial discharge in cables.

Void partial discharges in cables

Cable Surface partial discharge is a type of electrical discharge that occurs on the outer surface of a cable’s insulation. It’s often caused by physical damage like scratches, abrasions, or punctures on the cable sheath, the aging of the cable’s insulation, or the accumulation of dirt, moisture, or other contaminants on the cable’s surface.

surface partial discharge in cables

Corona PD discharge in cables may be caused by high voltage, conductor geometry, Humidity, temperature, and air pressure environment, etc. For example, if the cable has air within the void or the wrong installation of termination or splice, the corona PD discharge will occur in the cables.

Corona PD discharge in cables

Cable Partial Discharge Detection and Monitoring Solution

A partial discharge detection and monitoring solution is required to monitor cable partial discharge for the cable conductor, bus bar or near-ground point, cable joint, and cable termination shields.

Here are some common solutions for partial discharge in cables.

PD types in cablesCable Partial Discharge Detection Solution by SensorCable Partial Discharge Detection Solution By PD3000
Void partial dischargeUHF PD Sensor
HFCT PD Sensor
AE Contact Probe sensor
TEV Sensor
The PD300 can monitor cable PD activity in short and long cable systems. No matter what type of cable partial discharge, PD3000 is your best and cost-effective solution.
Suface partial dischargeAirborne Acoustic Sensor
Acoustic Contact Sensor
UHF PD Sensor
TEV PD Sensor
Corona partial dischargeAE PD Sensor
Ultrasonic PD Sensor
HFCT PD Sensor
PD3000 partial discharge monitoring system for cables

PD3000 partial discharge monitoring system for cables

Compatible with various sensors

Monitoring a wide range of partial discharge activities

Strong anti-interference ability