AEP is experienced in conducting line hardware standard mechanical and electrical tests, insulated aerial lifts, and accelerating aging tests for distribution polymer insulators. We also inspect medium voltage cable prior to installation; and

• Line Hardware Standard Mechanical & Electrical Tests — ANSI C29, Tests for Power Insulators
• Insulated Aerial Lifts are the highest voltage routine testing--up to 765 kV class trucks that require 900 kV--we do. Standard services include the following:
  • General electrical inspection of insulating sections and components of the leakage current monitoring system.
  • Electrical tests in accordance with ANSI A92.2-1990, Section 5.4.
  • Chassis resistance measurement from front to rear grounding stirrup and from turntable to grounding stirrup.
  • Test report with set up photographs
  • Corona photographs will be provided for aerial lifts rated 345 kV and above
  • Services will not include mechanical inspection or hydraulic oil dielectric test. AEP will maintain a record of the test results for comparison with future tests of the same aerial lift.
  
  
• Tracking Wheel—The tracking wheel is widely accepted as an accelerated aging test for distribution class polymer insulators. Several samples are placed in the wheel chamber and subjected to a controlled conductivity spray and voltage to evaluate the resilience of the polymer compounds and hydrophobic surface treatments under simulated dry-band arcing conditions.
• URD Cable Inspection—Have your medium voltage cable inspected by AEP before you install it. We purchase more than 4 million feet of cable per year for our own distribution system and have developed a quality assurance program that has dramatically improved the quality of the cable we put in the ground, providing more reliable service to our customers. This URD quality control inspection program is now available to you.
  
  Our experience has shown that it is best to physically examine a cable sample, including a microscopic defect count, rather than attempt high voltage PD testing. We’ve developed guidelines from AEIC Specifications for XLPE and EPR insulated cables. AEP’s comprehensive URD cable acceptance inspection program (based on AEIC CS5-94) improves the procurement process and the quality of installed cable.
  
  Send us a sample or, if you prefer, we can conduct a routine inspection program.

  Samples will be dissected for the following:

  • Specially-adapted video and computerized image manipulation provide exact dimensional analysis of precision cross-cuts.
  • Cable jacket, neutral strands and center conductor from a four-inch section are examined for quality of assembly.
  • The remaining insulation, conductor shield and insulation shield are cut into wafers for microscopic defect inspection.
  • Pass/fail results are reported within five days to allow timely release of acceptable cable for field installation.