Failure mode and effects analysis for MV XLPE cable systems

A considerable part of the distribution utility assets are cable systems. The XLPE cables with their accessories such as joints, terminations and ducts are extensively used in distribution grids. So analyzing their potential failure modes, causes and effects could be more important to increase system reliability, safety and maintainability. This study is a part of the project consultancy services for preparation of network asset maintenance standards & associated asset management documentation that carried out by Monenco consulting engineering company (Iran) for Majan Electricity Company SAOC (MJEC), Oman. In this study, function and characteristic of each cable system component are defined. Then each component failure mechanisms, causes and related effects on the system operation and personal safety are explained. After identifying failures and their severity, detection methods and compensating provisions for each failure are represented. Finally, in the worksheet tables, all failure mechanisms, causes, effects, detection methods and compensating provision are summarized. Along with theoretical studies, MJEC's outages and records are investigated to find out and categorized failure causes.

Keywords:

XLPE cable , FMEA , detection method , compensating provision