Quality & Testing

Cables are released against the test regime defined by the standard the project is specified to. Three levels are distinguished, and they are not interchangeable:

Routine tests are carried out on every manufactured length — conductor resistance, voltage withstand and, where the standard requires it, insulation resistance. A length that fails does not leave the plant.

Sample tests are carried out on a defined number of lengths from a production batch and cover dimensional checks — conductor construction, insulation and sheath thickness, overall diameter.

Type tests are carried out when a design is qualified and are not repeated for every order. They demonstrate that the construction meets the electrical, thermal and ageing requirements of the standard.

The test items, the standard they are performed to and the report format are confirmed with each enquiry, because they vary with voltage class, insulation material and the authority reviewing the project.