Deliverables on Underground Assets

Summary of past deliverables related to distribution underground assets

1: Deliverables on Underground Assets

2: Historic Deliverables on Underground

Recent deliverables on distribution underground assets.

2023

Number	Name	Brief Description
Improve UG Asset Life and Performance
3002027534	Distribution Underground Switch Guide: 2023 Update	This report is an update to a multi-year project investigating the life cycle performance of MV UG switches. The work from this historic research thread has produced a body of knowledge around underground switch life cycle performance. This report includes content for inclusion in the Medium Voltage Switch Design Review and Condition Assessment Reference Guide, under development, including chapter drafts for the Introduction and Overview, Switch Materials and Applications, Review of Industry Standards, Case Study Examples and References chapters. Findings from this work can be used to inform your material specifications, inspection / maintenance and diagnostic approaches to achieve better performance of your switch fleet.
3002026866	Cable and Cable Accessory Performance: 2023 Update	This report is an update to a multiyear project investigating the performance of medium voltage (MV) cable and cable accessories. The 2023 research sought to understand and illustrate the impact of various design and craft practice approaches on the anticipated health and performance of MV cable accessories. The report provides results from forensic examinations of early life failures of cold shrink cable joints installed on EPR insulated cables, installation damage truncating the life of a trifurcating cold shrink transition joint (PILC-to-EPR), and an early life failure of a pre molded straight joint (EPR – EAM). Findings from this work can be used to inform your material specifications, inspection / maintenance and diagnostic approaches, and craft practices associated with accessory preparation to achieve better performance and improved reliability.
3002027553	Medium Voltage Cable Aging: 2023 Update	This report describes two research streams into the performance of medium voltage (MV) EPR insulated cables. The first describes the development of a research project to understand the expected performance of new, non-traditional, EPR insulation technologies, including lead free EPR and EAM. The second is focused on documenting cable knowledge in the form of references to assist utilities in managing their cable fleets. This report contains the first four chapters of a cable reference book intended to provide historical background and practical insight into the aging performance and management of medium voltage cables.
3002026934	Underground Distribution Automation Assets	This report summarizes work performed in 2023 to examine the life cycle performance of MV automated UG switches. The report includes findings from the forensic examination of a failed G&W Trident-SR, an automated underground switch. The report also includes discussion of inspection tools and technologies for distribution automation assets based on learnings from multi-year research into these assets. Findings from this work can be used to inform your material specifications, inspection / maintenance and diagnostic approaches to achieve better performance from your automated switch fleet.
Tools for UG Ascertaining Asset Health
3002026867	Infrared Thermography in Underground: 2023 Update	This report provides an update of a multi year reach project to inform the use of IR as a diagnostic tool for underground cables and cable accessories. The report includes a description the test bed which will be used to examine heating of cable system components subjected to loading in the laboratory including the data to be acquired and analyzed, and a description of the test approach, including the analysis used to select representative load profiles to be used in the testing. This research is aimed at producing information to better understand the implications of design and preparation practices on connector performance and life, and to inform infrared thermography.
3002026868	Network Transformer Monitoring: 2023 Update	This report describes the test set and results from testing of a remote DGA monitor designed for use on network transformers when deployed on units using ester based insulating fluids. In addition, the report includes a Case Study of a utility approach for leveraging dissolved gas analysis results to manage their network transformer fleet. Results from the research will inform remote gas monitor selection, and aid utilities in incorporating DGA into their network transformer fleet management approach.
Structures
3002026870	Manhole Event Research Summary 2019–2022	This report is a Powerpoint presentation which summarizes key learnings from a multiyear project investigating risk mitigation of manhole events, including testing to understand gas produced when LV cables overheat and arc. This presentation will underpin a 2024 taskforce webcast to identify next steps in this research. Results from this research will inform sensing technologies for early identification of conditions which could lead to manhole events, as well as remote manhole monitor selection, deployment, and settings.
3002026869	Equipment and Structure Corrosion: 2023 Update	This report is an update of a multiyear research project to better understand the corrosive environment of underground vaults and how it may impact metallic components to inform tank material selection and corrosion management approaches. The report includes a review of corrosion science techniques for determining the corrosivity of vault water solutions and describes field sample sets made up of metals that are being deployed and aged for one year in in-service vaults. Results from this research will aid utility fleet managers in managing corrosion of UG assets.
Knowledge
3002026871	Bronze Book: 2023 Update	The Bronze Book is a reference aimed at utility engineers and personnel involved in the planning, design, manufacture, installation, operation, and maintenance of underground distribution systems. For 2023, EPRI added a new chapter on Cable Quality. The Cable Quality chapter includes content on cable manufacturing processes and modifications to design, manufacturing, materials and testing approaches to improve cable quality. It also describes where problems can occur and provides guidance for collaborating with cable manufacturers to improve specifications and reduce the likelihood of cable system failures.
UG Repository	Underground Practices Repository_2023	Provides access to an online repository of underground practices to facilitate comparisons and aid decision-makers in identifying practices in place at other utilities that can be applied to their utility to improve performance.

See 2022 | Historic

1 - Deliverables on Underground Assets

Summary of past deliverables related to distribution underground assets

Recent deliverables on distribution underground assets.

2022

Distribution Underground Switches: 2022

This report is an update on to a multi-year project investigating the life cycle performance of MV UG switches. It includes content for inclusion in a Medium Voltage Switch Design Review and Condition Assessment Reference Guide, under development, from findings from multiple historic forensic examinations of UG switches of various types.

Findings from this work can be used to inform your material specifications, inspection and diagnostic approaches, and maintenance to achieve better performance in your switch fleet.

Cable Accessory Research: 2022

This report is an update to a multiyear project investigating the performance of medium voltage (MV) cable accessories. The 2022 research included the performance of forensic investigations of various accessories as well as continued longer-term research to understand and illustrate the impact of various workmanship approaches on the anticipated health of MV cable terminations as determined by the presence of partial discharge (PD).

Findings from this work can be used to inform your material specifications, inspection and diagnostic approaches, maintenance, and craft practices associated with accessory preparation to achieve better performance and improved reliability.

Infrared Thermography in Underground: 2022

This report is a provides an update to a multiyear project investigating the performance of low voltage (LV) cable accessories. In addition, the 2022 research included the design and partial construction of a MV cable accessory test bed which will enable analysis of MV connectors and cable materials subjected to heating in the laboratory, and inform the use of IR as a diagnostic tool.

This research is aimed at producing information to better understand the implications of design and preparation practices on connector performance and life, and to inform infrared thermography.

Network Transformer Monitoring: 2022 Update

This report describes the test set up and initial testing of a remote DGA monitor designed for use on network transformers when deployed on units using ester based insulating fluids.

Results from the research will inform remote gas monitor selection.

Risk Mitigation of Manhole Events: 2022 Update

This report is an update to a multiyear project investigating risk mitigation of manhole events, including testing to understand gas produced when LV cables overheat and arc. 2022 research included study of EAM and PILC cable materials exposed to arcing.

Results from this research will inform sensing technologies for early identification of conditions which could lead to manhole events, as well as remote manhole monitor selection, deployment, and settings.

UG Corrosion Identification and Assessment: 2022 Update

This report is an update to a multi-year project investigating inspection and assessment techniques for underground equipment. 2022 research included a focus on corrosion inspection and assessment of padmounted equipment. Research included a data discovery exercise to identify potential use cases for leveraging AI / image processing technology to aid inspectors.

Results from this research will aid utility fleet managers in managing corrosion of UG assets.

Bronze Book: 2022 Update

The Bronze Book is a reference aimed at utility engineers and personnel involved in the planning, design, manufacture, installation, operation, and maintenance of underground distribution systems. For 2022, EPRI added content on connectors to Chapter 15, Cable Accessories.

Low-Voltage Secondary Network Systems Reference – Hard Copy

This deliverable is a comprehensive, stand-alone reference on network systems. It includes content on network components and their operation, network designs, protection, modeling, arc flash reduction, and distributed generation on network systems.

Underground Practices Repository_2022

Provides access to an online repository of underground practices to facilitate comparisons and aid decision-makers in identifying practices in place at other utilities that can be applied to their utility to improve performance.

2 - Historic Deliverables on Underground

Summary of past deliverables related to underground distribution assets

Historic Deliverables

Title	Category	Product ID
Cable Accessory Research: 2022	Cable Accessories	3002024695
Low Voltage Cable Accessory Research: 2021 Update	Cable Accessories	3002021663
Medium Voltage (MV) Cable Accessory Research: 2021	Cable Accessories	3002021661
Low-Voltage Cable Accessory Research: 2020 Update	Cable Accessories	3002018974
Low Voltage Cable Accessory Research: 2019 Update	Cable Accessories	3002017510
MV Cable Accessory Research: 35-kV Termination Investigation	Cable Accessories	3002016384
Evaluation of Connectors for Medium-Voltage Cables	Cable Accessories	1019598
Evaluation of Medium-Voltage Cable Joints	Cable Accessories	1014439
Separable Connectors Construction Guide -- DVD: Procedures that Lead to Longer Connector Life	Cable Accessories	1007462
Proceedings: Separable Connector Workshop: November 7-8, 2001, PSE&G Training Center, Edison, New Jersey	Cable Accessories	1006884
Estimation of the Future Performance of Solid Dielectric Cable Accessories	Cable Accessories	1001725
Medium-Voltage Cable Joints - DVD: Installation, Design, Failure Analysis	Cable Accessories	1011507
NIPSCO Uses EPRI-Tested Technology to Identify Cable Problems and Save Money	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	IN-107941
Cable Reliability Management Strategies	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	1002257
Medium Voltage Cable Failure Trends: Research Status Report	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	1002256
Shield Losses in Medium-Voltage Cables	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	EL-5478
Maximum Safe Pulling Lengths for Solid Dielectric Insulated Cables, Volume 1: Research Data and Cable-Pulling Parameters	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	EL-3333-V1
Optimization of the Design of Metallic Shield-Concentric Conductors of Extruded Dielectric Cables under Fault Conditions	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	EL-3014
Effects of Controlled Amounts of Moisture on the Performance of Paper-Insulated Lead-Covered Cables	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	1023115
Distribution Class Nanodielectric Cable: Status Report and Future Prospects	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	1023039
Condition Assessment of Belted PILC Cables After 7 to 68 Years of Service	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	1022749
Underground Distribution Cable Fleet Management	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	1021997
Nanodielectrics for Underground Distribution Cables and Cable Systems	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	1019939
Nanodielectrics for Underground Distribution Cables and Cable Systems	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	1017688
Development of a Method to Introduce Controlled Amounts of Moisture in PILC Cables	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	1014868
Nano-Composite Dielectrics on Medium-Voltage Model Cables	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	1013885
State of the Art of Thin Wall Cables	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	1001895
State of the Art of Thin Wall Cables Including Industry Survey	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	1001734
Demonstration of Nanocomposite Dielectric on Medium-Voltage Model Cables	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	1015893
MV Cable Accessory Research: 2020	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	3002018965
Approaches for Cable Locating and Abandoning Underground Cable	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	3002021691
Ground Penetrating Imaging Radar Phase II	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	1006152
Procedures for the Examination of the Metals Used in Electrical Power Cables	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	1011273
Paper Insulated Lead Covered (PILC) Cable	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	1010213
AEP Removes a Record 4500 Feet of Cable Using EPRI Technique	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	IN-107734
Truck Redesign Lets Con Edison Realize Full Potential of New Cable Removal Technique	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	IN-106157
Effect of DC Testing on Extruded Crosslinked Polyethylene Insulated Cables--Phase II	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	TR-101245-V2
Detroit Edison Halts DC Proof Testing to Reduce XLPE Cable Failure Rate	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	IN-105789
Advanced Cable Fault Locator: Volumes 1 and 2: Volumes 1 and 2	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	EL-7451-V1
Advanced Cable Fault Locator: Volumes 1 and 2: Volumes 1 and 2	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	EL-7451-LV2
Advanced Cable Fault Locator	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	EL-6765
Distribution Systems – Underground Distribution: Evaluation of Advanced Cable Diagnostics-Gas Detection of Melted Insulation	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	3002006121
Evaluation of Line Resonance Analysis (LIRA) for Diagnosing Defects in PILC Cables	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	1019595
Advanced Diagnostics: Life Estimation of Extruded Dielectric Cables	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	1011499
Feasibility of Guided Wave Inspection of Electrical Cable	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	1010209
In-Service Performance Evaluation of Underground Distribution Cables	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	1009017
Guide for Non-Destructive Diagnosis of Distribution Cable Systems	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	1001731
Advanced Diagnostics: Estimation of Life of Extruded Dielectric Cables	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	1001727
Advanced Diagnostics: Estimation of Life of Extruded Dielectric Cables: Interim Report	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	1001726
Assessment of Paper-Insulated Lead-Covered Cable Condition: Electrical, Chemical, and Metallurgical Condition	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	1001724
Estimation of Remaining Life of XLPE-Insulated Cables: Distribution Cable Aging and Reliability Issues	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	1000273
Research to Develop Guidelines for Cathodic Protection of Concentric Neutral Cables, Volume 3	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	EL-1970-V3
Research to Develop Guidelines for Cathodic Protection of Concentric Neutral Cables, Volume 2	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	EL-1970-V2
Research to Develop Guidelines for Cathodic Protection of Concentric Neutral Cables, Volume 1	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	EL-1970-V1
PSE&G Failure Analysis Investigation ECTN 2004	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	1012050
Infrared Thermography in Underground: 2022 Update	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	3002024696
Infrared Thermography in Underground: 2021 Update	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	3002021666
Sensors for Underground Distribution Systems	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	1017686
Underground Distribution Sensors	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	1015888
Low-Cost Sensors to Monitor Underground Distribution Systems	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	1013884
Low-Cost Sensors to Monitor Cable Temperature: Interim Report	Cable, Cable Materials and Diagnostics	1012304
Protecting Electrical Equipment from Red Imported Fire Ants	Other Undergrounding Topics	TR-109987
Distribution Grid Resiliency: Undergrounding	Other Undergrounding Topics	3002006782
Distribution Grounding of Underground Facilities	Other Undergrounding Topics	3002001289
Overvoltages in Underground Systems, Phase 2 Results	Other Undergrounding Topics	TR-109669-R1
Overvoltages in Underground Systems, Phase 1 Results	Other Undergrounding Topics	TR-109669
Low Voltage Secondary Network Cable Reliability Study	Other Undergrounding Topics	TR-104863
EPRI Underground Distribution Systems Reference Book: 2022 Update	Practices and References	3002024700
Managing Urban Underground Systems: 2018 Survey Results	Practices and References	3002012906
Underground Distribution	Practices and References	1019596
Urban Networks Simulation Tools	Practices and References	1017690
Transmission and Distribution Apps (TDApps) Urban Underground Practices Repository	Practices and References	3002022525
Underground Distribution System Practices: 2020 Updates	Practices and References	3002018971
Underground Distribution System Practices Repository	Practices and References	3002016387
EPRI Urban Underground Practices Repository	Practices and References	3002012907
Urban Network Practices: Portland General Electric	Practices and References	3002010169
Urban Network Practices: Duke Energy Florida	Practices and References	3002007997
Underground Distribution: Urban Network Practices Survey - 2015	Practices and References	3002006136
Urban Network Practices: AEP Ohio	Practices and References	3002006135
Urban Network Practices: ESB Networks	Practices and References	3002004882
Urban Network Practices: Energex	Practices and References	3002003253
Urban Network Practices: Georgia Power Company	Practices and References	3002003252
Urban Network Practices	Practices and References	1024836
Underground Distribution: Urban Network Practices Survey - 2012	Practices and References	1024393
Urban Network Practices: Ameren Missouri	Practices and References	1024391
Urban Network Practices: Pacific Gas and Electric Company	Practices and References	1023268
Urban Network Practices	Practices and References	1022689
Urban Network Systems Practices	Practices and References	1019935
Distribution Cable Fleet Management: Catalog and Assessment of Industry Practices	Practices and References	1019934
Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) Underground Distribution Systems Practices	Practices and References	1019597
Urban Underground Distribution Practices	Practices and References	1017689
Urban Network Systems - Technologies and Best Practices	Practices and References	1015894
Urban Network System Practices	Practices and References	1013888
EPRI Low-Voltage Secondary Network Systems Reference Book	Practices and References	3002023996
EPRI Underground Distribution Systems Reference Book: 2020 Revision	Practices and References	3002018091
EPRI Underground Distribution Systems Reference Book: 2019 Edition	Practices and References	3002016390
EPRI Underground Distribution Systems Reference Book - Supplemental Content, Chapter 6 Content: Overcurrent Protection	Practices and References	3002006895
EPRI Underground Distribution Systems Reference Book	Practices and References	1012306
Low-Voltage Secondary Network Systems	Practices and References	3002022947
Low Voltage Secondary Network Training, Overview and Review of Network Components	Practices and References	3002016389
UG Corrosion Identification and Assessment: 2022 Update	UG Equipment	3002024701
Underground Structure/Equipment Corrosion: 2019 Workshop Summary	UG Equipment	3002016386
Network Transformer Monitoring: 2022 Update Evaluation of Online Monitor with Alternative Insulating Fluids	UG Equipment	3002024698
Distribution Underground Switches: 2022 Update	UG Equipment	3002024694
Distribution Underground Switches: 2021 Update	UG Equipment	3002021660
Distribution Underground Switches: 2020 Update	UG Equipment	3002018960
Distribution Underground Switches: 2019	UG Equipment	3002016383
Distribution Underground Switch Testing and Analysis: 2018 Update	UG Equipment	3002012872
Distribution Underground Switch Testing and Analysis	UG Equipment	3002010153
Dissolved Gas Analysis for Network Transformers: 2021 Remote Sensor Evaluation	UG Equipment	3002021662
Dissolved Gas Analysis for Network Transformers: 2020 Remote Sensor Evaluation	UG Equipment	3002018966
Assessment of Dissolved Gas Analysis for Network Transformers: Case Studies and Test Development	UG Equipment	3002016385
Manhole Arc Recognition System (MARS)	Underground Event Research	3002005002
Manhole Event Risk Management Strategies	Underground Event Research	1015889
Manhole Event Risk Management	Underground Event Research	1013886
Underground Structure Monitoring Guiding Alarm Settings and Monitor Deployment	Underground Event Research	3002022789
Underground Assets: Risk Mitigation of Manhole Event	Underground Event Research	3002018957
Evaluation of Gases Generated by Heating and Burning of Cables	Underground Event Research	TR-106394
Risk Mitigation of Manhole Events: 2022 Update	Underground Event Research	3002024693
Risk Mitigation of Manhole Events: 2021	Underground Event Research	3002021659
Testing the Effectiveness of a Short-Arm Restrained Manhole Cover and Frame Combination: Southern California Edison Manhole Supplemental Project	Underground Event Research	3002017160
Underground Assets: Risk Mitigation of Manhole Events	Underground Event Research	3002016391
Underground Structure Risk Mitigation — 2017-2019 Project Highlights: Manhole Supplemental	Underground Event Research	3002015181
Testing the Effectiveness of Manhole Cover and Frame Combinations Used to Mitigate Event Damage at Underground Structures: Eversource Manhole Supplemental Project	Underground Event Research	3002014761
Testing the Effectiveness of Covers and Baffles Used to Mitigate Event Damage at Round Enclosures: PG&E Round Enclosure Supplemental	Underground Event Research	3002012503
Underground Structure Risk Mitigation: 2017–2018 Manhole Supplemental	Underground Event Research	3002011871
Risk Mitigation of Underground Structures: Test Approach and Results	Underground Event Research	3002011647
Gas Explosion Tests on Pacific Gas and Electric Company Round Manhole Covers with the Swiveloc CPR-II - Controlled Pressure Release Manhole Cover Restraint System	Underground Event Research	1020559
Gas Explosion Tests on East Jordan Iron Works Rectangular Composite Secondary Box Covers for Con Edison	Underground Event Research	1019482
Gas Explosion Tests on Con Edison's Prototype Covers	Underground Event Research	1019477
Manhole Event Gas Explosion Modeling	Underground Event Research	1018404
Reducing Manhole Risk: DTE Energy and EPRI Collaborate on Landmark Project to Enhance Safety	Underground Event Research	1018073
Manhole Event Gas Explosion Modeling	Underground Event Research	1016476
Final Report on Explosion Tests of Clogged Vented Covers for Con Edison at Lenox	Underground Event Research	1015223
Rain Shedding and Rainwater Runoff Tests on Cast Iron Vented Manhole Covers for Con Edison	Underground Event Research	1015222
Measurement of Air Exchange in Interconnected Underground Structures for Con Edison	Underground Event Research	1015221
Manhole Cover Tests for Con Edison at the EPRI Manhole Testing Facility	Underground Event Research	1015220
Manhole Event Mitigation Strategies	Underground Event Research	1012305