scope:

This guide provides an introduction to failure analysis. It is the first in a series of guides covering failure analysis for cables, joints, terminations, and separable insulated connectors used on shielded power cable systems rated 5 kV through 46 kV. Each subsequent guide will address failure analysis of a specific component of the underground power cable system. The following guides are planned for the series.

- Guide for Investigating and Analyzing Shielded Power Cable Failures on Systems Rated 5 kV through 46 kV.

- Guide for Investigating and Analyzing Joint Failures on Systems Rated 5 kV through 46 kV. 

- Guide for Investigating and Analyzing Termination Failures on Systems Rated 5 kV through 46 kV.

- Guide for Investigating and Analyzing Separable Insulated Connector Failures on Systems Rated 5 kV through 46 kV.

Purpose

The purpose of this guide is to provide an introduction to the concepts of failure analysis, how it can be used, and the value that can be obtained. The guide covers some of the commonly used methods employed in failure analysis and how these methods can be applied in determining the cause of failure for the components used in the construction of an underground power cable system. The guide is based on the application of flow charting methods to the analysis of a failure. Ultimately, the guide will serve as a source for documenting known failure mechanisms and will provide a format for the documentation of new failure mechanism once they have been identified.