TYPES OF CABLE FAULTS

Cables are generally laid directly in the ground or in ducts in the underground distribution system. For this reason, there are little chances of faults in underground cables. However, if a fault does occur, it is difficult to locate and repair the fault because conductors are not visible. Nevertheless, the following are the faults most likely to occur in underground cables:

(i) Open-circuit fault
(ii) Short-circuit fault
(iii) Earth fault.

(I) OPEN-CIRCUIT FAULT:

When there is a break in the conductor of a cable, it is called open circuit fault. The open-circuit fault can be checked by a megger. For this purpose, the three conductors of the 3-core cable at the far end are shorted and earthed. Then resistance between each conductor and earth is measured by a megger. The megger will indicate zero resistance in the circuit of the conductor that is not broken. However, if the conductor is broken, the megger will indicate infinite resistance in its circuit.

(II) SHORT-CIRCUIT FAULT:

When two conductors of a multi-core cable come in electrical contact with each other due to insulation failure, it is called a short-circuit fault. Again, we can seek the help of a megger to check this fault. For this purpose, the two terminals of the megger are connected to any two conductors. If the megger gives zero reading, it indicates short circuit fault between these conductors. The same step is repeated for other conductors taking two at a time.

(III) EARTH FAULT:

When the conductor of a cable comes in contact with earth, it is called earth fault or ground fault. To identify this fault, one terminal of the megger is connected to the conductor and the other terminal connected to earth. If the megger indicates zero reading, it means the conductor is earthed. The same procedure is repeated for other conductors of the cable.

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