INVESTIGATION OF THE ELECTRICAL AND PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTIC FOR ETHYLENE PROPYLENE DIENE MONOMER (EPDM) CABLE TERMINATION

Abstract

Polymeric cable terminations are widely used for a variety of electrical applications and are being produced and used in the Arab Republic of Egypt. Polymeric cable terminations find increasing applications in distribution networks. The electrical properties of polymers are strongly influenced by environmentally induced degradation mechanisms. The present work shows an experimental and analytical investigation to check the suitability of the Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) cable terminations for use in medium voltage and high voltage networks. This investigation aimed to improve the performance of the EPDM cable terminations that are used in the Egyptian networks in the environmental conditions of the Arab Republic of Egypt. The effects of salinity caused by the exposure of EPDM terminations near coastal areas and the effects of sand storms were studied. The effect of ultraviolet radiation on EPDM terminations is also investigated. Dry and wet flashover tests were carried out on the EPDM terminations under the effects of the ultraviolet radiation. Finally, the EPDM terminations were tested after being coated by Silicon grease under the above environmental conditions in order to improve their performance and protect them against weathering conditions.