Document Number: ECP 11-0008

Version: 4.0
Date: 10/02/2016

THIS IS AN UNCONTROLLED DOCUMENT, THE READER MUST CONFIRM ITS VALIDITY BEFORE USE
ENGINEERING COMMISSIONING PROCESS

ECP 11-0008

LV CABLE TESTING PROCEDURE

Network(s): EPN, LPN, SPN & Private Networks

Summary: This procedure details the requirements for the on-site testing of all new and
existing low voltage cables prior to their connection to the network.

Owner: Paul Williams Date: 10/02/2016

Approved By: Sotiris Georgiopoulos Approved Date: 28/03/2016

This document forms part of the Company’s Integrated Business System and its requirements are mandatory throughout UK
Power Networks. Departure from these requirements may only be taken with the written approval of the Director of Asset
Management. If you have any queries about this document please contact the author or owner of the current issue.

Applicable To
UK Power Networks External
All UK Power Networks G81 Website

Asset Management Contractors

Capital Programme ICPs/IDNOs

Connections Meter Operators

HSS&TT

Network Operations
UK Power Networks Services

Other
LV Cable Testing Procedure Document Number: ECP 11-0008
Version: 4.0
Date: 10/02/2016

Revision Record

Version 4.0 Review Date 04/12/2020

Date 10/02/2016 Author Stephen Tucker
Why has the document been updated: Updated re business feedback.
What has changed:
 Authorised Person replaced with Competent Person (Section 1).
 Pilot and multi-core cables removed from the scope (Section 2).
No change to Test form ECP 11-0008a
Version 3.0 Review Date 04/12/2020
Date 04/12/2015 Author Stephen Tucker
Why has the document been updated: Document renumbered to align with other commissioning
documents.
What has changed:
 Renumbered from EOS 09-0010 and reformatted as a commissioning procedure.
 Appendix A form moved to new test form ECP 11-0008a.
Version 2.0 Review Date 12/06/2018
Date 05/05/2015 Author Paul Williams
Why has the document been updated: Periodic review.
What has changed: No content change, new template inserted and rules applied
Version 1.1 Review Date 30/10/2015
Date 06/12/2012 Author Lee Strachan
Document reviewed for publishing on G81 website

Version 15/08/2012 Review Date

Date 1.0 Author Paul Williams
Original

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LV Cable Testing Procedure Document Number: ECP 11-0008
Version: 4.0
Date: 10/02/2016

Contents

1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 4
2 Scope ....................................................................................................................... 4
3 References ............................................................................................................... 5
4 Abbreviations and Definitions ................................................................................ 5
5 Equipment ................................................................................................................ 5
6 General ..................................................................................................................... 6
7 Continuity Test ........................................................................................................ 6
7.1 Preparation ................................................................................................................ 6
7.2 Test Method .............................................................................................................. 7
8 Insulation Test ......................................................................................................... 8
8.1 Preparation ................................................................................................................ 8
8.2 Test Method .............................................................................................................. 8
9 Results and Remedial Action ................................................................................. 9
10 Test Equipment ....................................................................................................... 9
11 Certification ............................................................................................................. 9

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LV Cable Testing Procedure Document Number: ECP 11-0008
Version: 4.0
Date: 10/02/2016

1 Introduction
1.1 This procedure details the on-site insulation and continuity testing requirements for
low voltage cables. The purpose of such testing is to demonstrate that low voltage
cables can be safely connected to the system.
1.2 The testing regime detailed in this procedure is designed to avoid unnecessary
overstressing and to prolong the life of the apparatus. It should identify any gross
defect, damage or earths left connected at a remote end. The testing regime is
based on current practice from the relevant British and International standards
together with current practice used on the three networks. Consideration has been
given to the safety of field staff and the availability of test equipment.
1.3 This procedure shall be carried out by a Competent Person having appropriate
training and experience.
1.4 This procedure shall be carried out in accordance with the requirements of the UK
Power Networks Distribution Safety Rules.
1.5 This procedure assumes that the underground cable has been installed in
accordance with ECS 02-0019 (Installation of Underground cables LV to 132kV).
1.6 The results of all tests, adjustments and all relevant remarks shall be recorded on
the appropriate test form.
1.7 This procedure supersedes the following documents:

 LPN: E5-6-3 – Tests Associated with the Connection or Re-connection of Low

Voltage Services.
 LPN: E5-6-3-1 – Low Voltage Service Tests.
 SPN: Section 3.2.2 of the SPN Cable Jointing Manual.

2 Scope
2.1 This procedure and the associated test form applies to the insulation and continuity
testing of LV cables (600/1000V) cables in EPN, LPN, SPN and private networks
and includes:

 New underground LV cable before it is connected to the system for the first
time.
 Existing underground LV cable with no services connected to it after it has been
de-energised for more than one month.
 New overhead insulated LV cable before it is connected to the system for the
first time.
 Existing overhead insulated LV cable1 after it has been modified, repaired or
diverted.
 Existing overhead insulated LV cable1 after it has been de-energised for more
than one month.

1
For the purpose of this procedure overhead insulated LV cable includes aerial bundled conductor (ABC),
concentric service cable and any other overhead line conductor covered in permanent insulation.

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LV Cable Testing Procedure Document Number: ECP 11-0008
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Date: 10/02/2016

3 References
3.1 This procedure should be read in conjunction with the following references:

 UK Power Networks’ Distribution Safety Rules

3.2 This procedure should be used with the following test forms:

 ECP 11-0008a LV Cable Test Form.

4 Abbreviations and Definitions

4.1 The following abbreviations are used throughout this procedure.

Term Definition

LV Low voltage. Refers to voltages below 1000V.

5 Equipment
5.1 The following test equipment is required to carry out the tests detailed in this
procedure:

 An approved insulation testing instrument, capable of applying 500V or 1000V

dc for insulation testing.

5.2 Before use the test instrument shall be checked to ensure that it is in a satisfactory
and safe working condition:

 Ensure that the instrument contains charged batteries by pressing the battery
test button
 If the instrument is equipped with more than one voltage range, select the 500V
range.
 Connect an approved set of test leads to the instrument and with the leads held
apart, select the Megohms range (MΩ).
 Operate the instrument. The reading obtained should be infinity ( ).
 Connect the ends of the test leads together; select the ohms range (Ω).
 Operate the instrument. The reading obtained should be zero (0).

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LV Cable Testing Procedure Document Number: ECP 11-0008
Version: 4.0
Date: 10/02/2016

6 General
6.1 Testing of LV cables shall be carried out on each section of cable before it is
connected to another:

 After the cable is installed (or re-installed) and before energisation for the first
time.
 After the cable has been intentionally left de-energised for more than one month
or sooner if there is any question as to its integrity.

6.2 For new and re-commissioned equipment the interval between testing and
energisation from the system should be the minimum practicable.
6.3 All new LV cable should, following installation, be successfully tested once at the
voltage specified in this procedure.
6.4 All LV cable which has been de-energised and has knowingly had the insulation
affected or altered shall be subjected to an insulation test as specified in this
procedure.
Dispensation to vary from the test methods and voltage levels set out in this
standard can be granted by the UK Power Networks’ Head of Engineering
Standards

7 Continuity Test
7.1 Preparation

7.1.1 It is essential before energisation to ensure the cable is continuous from end to
end. This will check that the cable is laid as planned and that any route joints have
been completed.

7.1.2 This test shall be carried out prior to a new section of cable being pot ended. If the
section of cable is to be energised at a later date or has been installed by a third
party, the results of the continuity test shall be recorded on test form ECP 11-0008a
and passed to the UK Power Networks person or third party who is responsible for
carrying out the insulation test in Section 8 and the final electrical LIVE connection.
In this case, it is not necessary to carry out an additional continuity test on the
previously tested cable.

7.1.3 This is also an important check to ensure that no customers or street furniture are
connected to cable under test before an insulation test is carried as specified in
Section 8.

7.1.4 All cables shall be treated as LIVE until proved DEAD.

7.1.5 Personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety equipment appropriate for LIVE LV
jointing shall be worn at all times.

7.1.6 Before a continuity test is carried out the cable shall be tested with an approved
voltage testing device (i.e. Drummond test lamp) to ensure that it is dead.

7.1.7 The conductors of all ends of the cable to be tested shall initially be separated at all
ends and an approved method of temporary insulation shall be applied to the
remote end(s) of the cable.

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LV Cable Testing Procedure Document Number: ECP 11-0008
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7.2 Test Method

7.2.1 Connect the test leads of the test instrument between the phase conductor to be
tested and the neutral/earth or earthed metallic sheath and select the ohms range
(Ω).

7.2.2 Operate the instrument. The reading obtained should be infinity ( ) Ω.

7.2.3 Repeat the test for each phase conductor in turn.

7.2.4 If on a new section of cable with no customers connected, the results show that a
direct connection exists between any of the phases and neutral/earth or the earthed
metallic sheath, the cable shall not be energised and a fault location shall be
carried out.

7.2.5 If for an existing section of cable, which has been left de-energised for more than 1
month, the results show that a direct connection exists between any of the phases
and neutral/earth or the earthed metallic sheath, the first assumption must be that a
service must be connected and this must be located and the cut-out fuse removed.

7.2.6 The test must then be repeated until the cable is proven to have no connection
between a phase and neutral/earth or the earthed metallic sheath. If after all cut-out
fuses have been located and removed, the cable under test still has a connection
between a phase and neutral/earth or the earthed metallic sheath, the cable shall
not be energised and a fault location shall be carried out.

7.2.7 At the remote end of the cable under test, connect the phase conductor to be
tested, to either the neutral/earth conductor or the earthed metallic sheath. For a
cable with more than one end, this test needs to be completed on each remote end.

7.2.8 Operate the instrument. The reading obtained should be zero (0) Ω.

7.2.9 Repeat the test for each phase conductor. Below is an example of the test
sequence to be carried out on a three-phase service plastic concentric service or
four-core ABC cable:

 L1 phase and neutral/earth conductors.

 L2 phase and neutral/earth conductors.
 L3 phase and neutral/earth conductors.

7.2.10 On completion of the test remove the connection between the phase and
neutral/earth or earthed metallic sheath prior to making the connection to the
network.

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LV Cable Testing Procedure Document Number: ECP 11-0008
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Date: 10/02/2016

8 Insulation Test
8.1 Preparation

8.1.1 All cables shall be treated as LIVE until proved DEAD.

8.1.2 Personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety equipment appropriate for LIVE LV
jointing shall be worn at all times.

8.1.3 Before an insulation test is carried out the cable shall be tested with an approved
voltage testing device (i.e. Drummond test lamp) to ensure that it is dead.

8.1.4 The conductors of all ends of the cable to be tested shall be separated at all ends
and an approved method of temporary insulation shall be applied to the remote
end(s) of the cable. Particular attention shall be paid to possible connection
between the cable under test and any part of a customer’s installation, earth and
any third party that may be in the vicinity.

8.2 Test Method

8.2.1 An insulation test shall be carried out between every pair of conductors and each
conductor and earth or neutral/earth.

8.2.2 Connect the test leads of the test instrument between a pair of conductors on the
cable to be tested and select the Megohms range (MΩ).

8.2.3 Operate the instrument. The reading obtained should be greater than 50MΩ.

8.2.4 Repeat the test for every combination of phase neutral and earth conductors. Below
is an example of the test sequence to be carried out on a three-phase service
plastic concentric service or four-core ABC cable:

 L1 phase and L2 phase conductors.

 L2 phase and L3 phase conductors.
 L3 phase and L1 phase conductors.
 L1 phase and neutral/earth conductors.
 L2 phase and neutral/earth conductors.
 L3 phase and neutral/earth conductors.

8.2.5 On completion of each test ensure that the test leads are not removed from the
cable until the test button on the megger has been released and the test lead
connected to the phase conductor has been connected to the neutral/earth
conductor to discharge any stored charge to earth.

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LV Cable Testing Procedure Document Number: ECP 11-0008
Version: 4.0
Date: 10/02/2016

9 Results and Remedial Action

9.1 If the required values for the insulation and/or continuity test cannot be obtained on
site, the LV cable shall not be connected to the network, until the defect causing the
results has been located and repaired.

9.2 When an LV cable is to be installed and tested by another member of UK Power

Networks staff or a third party, the results shall be recorded, kept with the project
file and passed to the UK Power Networks person or third party responsible for
making the final electrical LIVE connection.

10 Test Equipment
10.1 Record the make, type, serial or asset number and calibration date of all test
equipment used during commissioning on the test form.

11 Certification
11.1 When all the tests have been satisfactorily completed, sign and date the test form.
The complete test form should be filed with the relevant job pack.

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