Proper maintenance of your undersea cables can reduce downtime and minimize the expenses associated with replacing damaged equipment. This blog series introduces a 5-step plan for inspecting and testing your cables, along with practical tips for general handling to maximize the efficiency of your equipment:
- Step 1: Visual Inspection
- Step 2: Testing Electrical Conductor Resistance
- Step 3: Testing Insulation Resistance
- Step 4: Testing Fiber Optics
- Step 5: Termination Handling & Inspection
- General Handling Advice: Storing and Unpacking
- General Handling Advice: Reeling, Installation and Deployment
- When should you call DeRegt?
In this blog, we will discuss methods for testing your cable's electrical components to confirm they are functioning correctly.
Conduct Routine Inspections
Ensure that routine inspections are carried out to verify that your equipment remains in optimal condition. Regular checks of the cables and connectors should be integrated into the service life as a standard operating procedure.
It is advisable to inspect the equipment prior to significant operations, offshore shipping, and storage. Additionally, we suggest maintaining a cable log that tracks usage hours, faults, maintenance activities, and inspections. This log will be useful for comparing baseline data with future test results.
Testing Conductor Resistance
Before conducting tests on any electrical equipment, ensure that all connectors are de-energized during inspection, cleaning, connection, or disconnection. It is also crucial to verify that both ends of the connectors are clean and dry.
Using a conductor resistance (C.R.) meter, begin by testing the resistance of the leads and calibrating the meter to zero. Next, attach the test clips to both ends of the cable and measure the conductor continuity and resistance on each core and screen. Record the results and compare them with previous results and the original manufacturing data.
If there is a lack of signal continuity or if the electrical resistance across the cable has increased compared to previous results, this may indicate damage to the cable or connections. You might need to replace the connectors or remove the damaged section of the cable and re-terminate it before redeployment.
Advantages of Testing and Inspection
By adhering to a consistent schedule of inspections and tests, you can keep your subsea cables and terminations in working order, thereby avoiding downtime and the associated high costs. Partnering with DeRegt ensures that your equipment remains functional throughout its entire lifespan, ultimately saving you both time and money.
For new insights and additional tips to maintain your marine cable in excellent condition, download the DeRegt Seismic Guide on Cable Handling.
