Evaluation of an in-service aged ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR)insulated distribution cable

An 18-year-old EPR-type compound insulated cable was removed from service for the purpose of evaluating its condition. AC breakdown test, microscopic examination, moisture analysis, tensile/elongation, and a U-bend plate test were performed on various pieces of the cable. The results, together with the trouble-free performance of other cables of this type on Northeast Utilities' system, suggest that cables of this particular type will provide trouble-free service over their expected lifetime (at least forty years)