What are the key factors for extending the service life of power cables?

Power cables are an indispensable and important component of modern power systems, and their quality and service life directly affect the safe operation and reliable power supply of the power system. The key factors for extending the service life of power cables involve multiple aspects, including material selection and use, construction and maintenance processes, and operating environment requirements. Here is a detailed introduction:

1. Selection and use of high-quality materials: Choosing high-quality insulation and outer sheath materials can improve the heat resistance, weather resistance, and aging resistance of cables. Generally speaking, materials such as polyethylene, cross-linked polyethylene, and rubber have good insulation properties. In addition, reasonable selection of conductor materials and structures for cables can also improve their conductivity and mechanical strength.

2. Standardization of construction and maintenance processes: The installation, laying, and connection of cables must comply with relevant technical specifications to ensure quality and safety during the construction process. Especially at cable connections and grounding points, reliable and feasible measures should be taken to prevent issues such as poor cable contact, leakage, and short circuits. In addition, regular maintenance and testing of cables to promptly detect and eliminate potential faults can also extend the service life of cables.

3. Proper load operation and overload protection: During operation, the cable should operate within the specified load range to avoid long-term overload work. Proper load operation helps improve the safety and stability of cables, reduce thermal losses and voltage drops. At the same time, it is necessary to install and use overload protection devices, promptly cut off the current of the cable, and avoid overloading and damaging the cable.

4. Good operating environment and conditions: The operating environment of cables is crucial for extending their service life. Long term exposure of cables to harsh conditions such as high temperature, humidity, and acid-base corrosion should be avoided. In the process of cable laying and protection, suitable pipelines, cable trays, and insulation protection layers should be selected to ensure that the cables are kept away from external environmental damage.

5. Correct maintenance and replacement strategy: When a cable malfunctions or ages, timely and appropriate maintenance measures should be taken. Choosing appropriate maintenance methods, such as insulation layer repair, partial replacement, etc., can effectively extend the service life of cables. When the cable can no longer be used, it should be replaced in a timely manner to ensure the safety and reliable power supply of the power system.

In summary, the key factors for extending the service life of power cables include the selection and use of materials, standardization of construction and maintenance processes, appropriate load operation and overload protection, good operating environment and conditions, and correct maintenance and replacement strategies. In practical engineering, it is necessary to comprehensively consider these factors and develop corresponding technical solutions and management measures to improve the quality and reliability of cables and extend their service life.