Electrical Tests

BASEC conducts several electrical tests on cables. These tests are specified in cable and material standards and are called up for a variety of cable types.

Voltage Test (breakdown)

Voltage Test (breakdown)

The high voltage test is used to detect defects, e.g. pinholes in the insulation of a cable.

Example Cables

BS 5467

All power/distribution cables will normally have at least one voltage test applicable.

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Test Methods & Equipment

A.C. and/or D.C. high voltage test set. Most power cable specifications will contain details of the test voltages and durations to be applied.

Insulation Resistance

Insulation Resistance

Insulation resistance tests can give an indication of cable insulation manufacturing consistency and also if there are any contaminants in the insulation material.

Test Methods & Equipment

500 V d.c. megohmmeter. The test method is specified in BS EN 50395

Long Term Resistance to DC

Long Term Resistance to DC

This test is designed to assess the long term resistance of insulation to a d.c. the voltage applied between the water and the conductor.

Example Cables

BS 7211

Single core and multicore cables which utilise thermoplastic PVC insulation.

Test Methods & Equipment

A 220 V d.c. Supply & a heated water tank containing a saline solution. The test method is specified in BS EN 50395.

Conductor Resistance / Armour Resistance

Conductor Resistance / Armour Resistance

The conductor resistance test verifies that both the amount and quality of conductor material in a cable are sufficient.

Test Methods & Equipment

Microhmmeter using the four wire Kelvin bridge principle. A lot of the requirements for conductor resistance can be found in BS EN (IEC) 60228. Armour resistance requirements are normally found in the cable specifications themselves.

Watch test

Flexing Test

Flexing Test

Flexing tests are used to assess multicore flexible cables liable to be subject to regular flexing during use. The test checks the correct operation of the cable at rated current and voltage and that no short or open circuits occur.

Example Cables

BS 6004

Flexible cable types used on portable equipment and extension leads.

Test Methods & Equipment

Two pulley moving carrier cycles 30,000 times whilst the cable is loaded with test weights and subject to rated supply current and voltage. The monitoring equipment checks for open circuits and short circuits between conductors or between the conductors and the test frame.