Meeting Details

Predictive Tests for Medium Voltage Cables & Systems

Date: Thursday, September 23^rd, 2010

Location: SRP Information Services Building (ISB), 1600 N Priest Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281

Speaker: Ashley Harkness, Emerson Process Management

Topic: "Predictive Tests for Medium Voltage Cables & Systems"

Medium voltage cables and systems are often a neglected part of the electric power system. But if ignored they will eventually fail and may cause lengthy outages, injury, or even death.

Various Medium Voltage condition assessment tests are available and there are many applicable industry standards.

Which test should I use?
What are the pros and cons?

To answer these and other questions, this presentation will briefly look at the following topics:
•How do cable systems deteriorate?
•What do industry standards say about testing?
•What information do the various test methods provide?
•What test methods are appropriate during a system’s life?
•Which tests maximize the effectiveness of my maintenance dollar?
•What is Partial Discharge (PD) and how does it impact my medium voltage systems?
•How can PD testing improve my system uptime, reliability, and safety?

The presentation will include specific examples of “real life” Partial Discharge testing of medium voltage cables and systems.

Speaker Bio:
Ashley Harkness comes to us from Emerson Electrical Reliability Services (ERS), the largest independent testing company in the United States servicing the commercial and industrial electrical market.

Mr. Harkness joined the company (then known as Electro-Test, Inc.) in 1982. His duties have included a wide spectrum of specialized electrical measurement and testing projects including European Community Electromagnetic Compatibility testing, basic insulation level (BIL) impulse testing, process & control instrumentation acceptance and testing, electrical equipment forensic investigations, and electrical product safety testing. In addition, Ashley is a technical resource with company-wide training responsibilities.

Since 2005, Mr. Harkness has been the technical manager for the ERS Medium Voltage Systems (Switchgear and Cables) On Line Partial Discharge Initiative. In this capacity, he has taken a lead in direct application of test equipment and processes, training of technical staff, and customer sales presentations.