PILC Replacement & Cable Longevity
Published 19 Oct 2018
PILC Replacement & Cable Longevity
-
Guest Blog: John M Perez -Â Director at Quanta Underground Power Services
PILC Cables
For many years now many companies across the utility industry have been in a race to remove and replace PILC type cables from their systems. The reasons that I hear most from engineers and system engineers for removing and replacing these cables are two-fold; no field talent or cable splicers capable of performing PILC cable joints, maintenance and construction, and fear of cable manufacturers discontinuing cable production.
While these are both valid arguments, the other side of the discussion must center around the longevity of both PILC cables and the newer rubber and XLP cable types that are used for PILC replacement.
As I am currently aware, the only XLP or rubber type cables that will fit into a 2 1/2″ – 3″ cable duct are newer compact conductor and thin-wall insulation cable. The oldest PILC cable that I have worked on and placed back into service was from 1923.
I am certain that the utility where this cable was installed received a proper return on the investment of this cable being installed and maintained. With this being said, the question becomes, what is the projected longevity of the newer compact type cables? Will they hold up for more than 80 years, or will they fail sooner?
Which would require greater maintenance and associated costs.
PILC Cable Splicing
Being intimately involved with PILC cable splicer training from candidate selection, to training, to cost per student, and cost per trainer (materials included), I understand the costs associated with this labor intensive type of cable splicer training that not all candidates may have the skills to complete.
See how The Lazy Q Ranch in the US is a global centre of excellence for safeguarding and upholding the Craftsmanship of Splicing PILC Cables – read how James Craven (Chief Instructor at Quanta Services, Inc.) is passionate, proud and determined to skill-up the next generation of PILC Splicers.
So, the question now becomes, does the cost of training an employee to install, construct, and maintain a PILC cable system that is widely known to last for decades, greater than or equal to the cost of doing the same for rubber and XLP type cables?
While I have heard many arguments for and against, I still cannot place an actual dollar value on the differences. But, I would truly love to see some cost analysis that may have been previously performed. If any exist.
From my humble perspective, PILC is the more cost effective alternative.
The longevity of PILC cables seems to be unrivalled.
One of the reasons, I believe, that PILC cables stand the test of time has to do with the pride that most Cable Splicers take in their work.
Before anyone corrects me, I am very aware that the insulating properties of oil and paper around a copper conductor is almost unrivalled.
From proper installation, moisture testing, proper splicing, cable support, and bonding this work is performed at a different level by true Craftsman. The number of PILC Cable Splicers is low, this making us a fairly elite group. Now, this does not mean that all PILC Splicers are true Craftsman. Some Splicer, like in almost every trade, simply make it by. Limited quality.
Back to the original question; Is PILC or rubber and XLP type cables the better investment for cable longevity and reliability?
My conclusion, from a non-engineer, is that PILC cable will always be the winner. Hands down.
Other opinions welcomed.
MV Cable Accessories
Thorne & Derrick, Specialist Distributors of LV HV Cable Jointing & Electrical Equipment are leading UK Suppliers of 3rd Party Type Tested MV Cable Accessories (Nexans | 3M | Pfisterer Stockists). To promote MV Cable System Integrity, we have recently Partnered with BASEC – British Approvals Service for Cables – their MV Cable Approval Scheme is committed to combating Non-Compliant cables entering the market-place and introducing potentially catastrophic future O&M problems.
