Introduction: Current IEC cable standards do not have a long term corrosion tests, because there is no scientifically proven evidence suggesting a problem exists. This project addresses the issue and will recommend management policies and influence cable specifications. UK Power Networks is particularly interested in keeping water out of cables for as long as possible because some UK design cables have a copper wire / aluminium foil screen combination.

Objectives: This project studies the performance of the materials used for cable The main objective of this project was to quantify and to model water uptake across the polyethylene or polyvinylchloride outer sheath of cables, as a function of time and service conditions. The project aimed to establish life expectancies of different cable sheath combinations.