Life of Electrical cables

Service-Age of Medium Voltage Power Cables: Life, Testing, and Maintenance Introduction Power cables are the lifelines of any electrical system, ensuring reliable energy transfer to equipment and utilities. While many types of cables exist in the market, their performance and life expectancy depend heavily on installation practices, operating conditions, and maintenance. Typically, electrical cables last 20–30 years under optimal conditions. However, environmental factors such as open-air exposure, trenches, conduits, cable trays, load cycles, and frequent start-stop operations can significantly influence cable health. In the United States, the aging MV (medium-voltage) cable infrastructure has become a pressing issue. Many utilities and industries rely on networks that are decades old, raising the question: How do we accurately assess the condition of service-aged power cables? What Is a Service-Age of Cables? A cable is considered service-aged after five years of ...