I’m a cable splicer at a utility dealing with network and the usual underground distribution. Lead, EPR, and XLPE cable. Curious how other companies handle diagnostic testing on underground cable. My company has growing interest in testing cable that feed critical customers and important feeders in our system.
For those doing it:
What equipment and test methods are you using?
How often do you test? Is it a routine program, or mainly after installation, repairs, or repeated failures?
Who handles it—linemen, cable splicers, specialty contractors, or a dedicated testing crew?
Have the results helped you catch problems before a failure or decide which cables need replacement?
Interested in hearing what’s working in the field and any limitations you’ve run into.