Cable lines / 11.07.2025

Cable line selection

It is not enough to have money to buy a good cable. It is also important to find the time and knowledge to make the necessary calculations and select the best way to lay a cable line, taking into account the screen bonding type. Today, let’s look at a simple calculation example of a double-circuit

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Cable lines / 07.07.2025

Sheath voltage limiter selection

For lines with single-core cables, there is a problem of selecting the optimal screens’ bonding type. It is especially relevant for 110-500 kV lines, where grounding of screens on both sides is almost prohibited, and 99% of lines have either grounding of screens on one side or cross-bonding of screens. In both cases, it is

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Overvoltages and protection / 06.07.2025

Surge arrester optimal location

Dear colleagues, let me please start a series of “green posts” on electromagnetic transients and protection against them. In general, I have to admit that there are too many experts in this area in the world, and it seems to me sometimes, they are ready to fight brutally for their right to exist under this

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Cable lines / 03.07.2025

The system of correction factors

In cable catalogues, in addition to the main types of cables, there are simplified recommendations on cable selection. They are given as a table with capacity currents for basic laying conditions (Ib), as well as a series of 5-8 additional tables with various correction factors (K). It is important to note that the system of

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Overvoltages and protection / 01.07.2025

Where does flashover occur?

Lightning processes are statistical processes. It is hardly possible to study such processes by considering a lightning strike to the line with specific parameters (current, front) or by considering a specific lightning wave coming from the line to the switchgear. To calculate the probability, I normally use ATP/EMTP, which has been changed for the convenience

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Cable lines / 25.06.2025

EMTP statistical calculations for cables

To protect the transformer from lightning surges, the metal-oxide arrester (MOA) is often placed directly at its bushings, at a distance of no more than 2-3 m. This creates an impression that the transformer will be fine. In fact, this is a false impression, and the effect on the windings depends not only on the

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Cable lines / 19.06.2025

Three-core cable screen design

Three-core cables of medium voltage 6-35 kV, as a rule, are used only for small core cross-sections – up to 240 mm2 (although there are 300, 400 and more). Each of the three phases A, B, and C on top of XLPE insulation has its own individual screen, most often made of copper tape (foil)

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Cable lines / 13.06.2025

Equivalent depth of the current

There is one important concept in the calculations of power transmission lines – this is the equivalent depth of current in the ground (Dg). In symmetrical operating modes (normal mode and three-phase short circuit), there is no electric current in the ground, and this depth is not interesting to us. However, in any unbalanced modes

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Cable lines safety / 09.06.2025

Cable line transition tower damages

One of the weak points of cable lines is cable joints and terminations. Despite all the efforts of specialists who develop and install the joints/terminations, there are still many damages. The consequences of damage will vary depending on the location features. There are at least the following typical locations:1️⃣ Joints in the ground.2️⃣ Joints in

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Cable lines / 05.06.2025

Cable duct fire

The materials of the outer sheath of cables usually differ depending on whether the cable is laid in the ground or above the ground (in places where oxygen is available). To avoid cable fires (for example, due to a short circuit), cables for open laying are provided with a non-flammable outer sheath. However, when laying

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