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Main tasks for daily cable maintenance

2022-09-29

By monitoring the cable's load, it’s possible to track changes in its current carrying capacity, enabling proactive control of overloading and providing insights into the cable’s operational status. Since overloading poses significant risks to cables, regular measurement and monitoring of cable loads are essential. Cable loads can be measured using clamp-on ammeters, ensuring that the cable operates within its specified, safe, continuous current-carrying capacity.

　　The main tasks involved in daily cable maintenance:

　　1. Load Monitoring

　　To prevent premature aging of cable insulation, the line voltage should not be too high—typically, it should not exceed 15% of the cable's rated voltage.

　　2. Temperature Monitoring

　　The operation of cables is influenced by environmental and cooling conditions, and in the early stages of a cable fault, localized temperature increases may occur. Therefore, it is essential to monitor the cable's temperature.

　　Using various instruments to measure the temperature of cable line jackets, cable connectors, and other components aims to prevent cable insulation from exceeding its maximum allowable temperature, thereby extending cable lifespan and proactively avoiding potential cable failures.

　　Cable temperature measurements should be conducted during summer or when the cable load is at its peak. Select sections where cables are most densely packed, or where heat dissipation is poorest and external heat sources have the greatest impact. When measuring temperatures of directly buried cables, also measure the surrounding soil temperature. The thermocouple thermometer used for soil temperature readings must be installed at a distance of at least 3 meters from the cable.

　　Newly installed cable cold heads should be monitored regularly using an infrared thermometer, and during scheduled power outages for maintenance, personnel should be assigned to securely tighten their conductive connection points. Since the connections in cable cold heads rely on mechanical pressure—such as from double-head screws—to ensure reliable electrical contact, both normal operating currents and fault-induced short-circuit currents are transmitted through these compression interfaces. As a result, thermal expansion/contraction and electromagnetic vibrations can potentially lead to poor contact over time.

　　3. Preventing Small Animals from Damaging Cables

　　In recent years, there have been numerous incidents caused by ants biting through cables—often overlooked during cable installation. After local residents report such issues or when relevant authorities are alerted, it’s crucial to step up patrol activities targeting cables. This is especially important for underground cables, where excavation inspections may be necessary. If significant ant activity is detected, immediate action should be taken: promptly report the issue to higher-level officials and implement appropriate remedial measures right away.

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