The use of a cable health index enables condition information to be used consistently to assist with the end-of-life decision-making process and to approximate expenditure expectations in future years. The Cable Health Asset Index Software is meant to simplify the implementation of index-based evaluation of cable assets by utilities, providing an easy-to-use graphical user interface and a fully accessible and modifiable database built upon the index itself, outlined in an associated report.

CEATI’s Transmission Underground Cables Interest Group collected a large body of documentation from individual utilities, supplemented it with other industry practices, and organized it into a standard format for the development of this three-part reference manual. Since the source documents reflect the procedures of many prominent power utilities, this reference manual provides information that is equivalent to “best in class” practices.

Three videos were developed to enhance the Transmission Underground Cable Reference Manual. These videos offer visual aids that demonstrate a wide range of work procedures that are detailed in written form within the reference manual: Video 1 - Cable Pulling Procedures; Video 2 - Cable Jointing Procedures for XLPE; Video 3 - Cable Terminations Procedures for XLPE.

This report focuses on technologies applicable to the assessment of electrical hazards in underground vaults with energized transmission cables. Technologies are reviewed in terms of their ability to detect signs of cable degradation. A subsection of the report focuses on ways to reduce the incident arc flash energy on workers inside the vault. This report provides additional insight on current industry tools, measurement equipment, and safety procedures to use before entry. The safety methods and decision-making guidelines described in this report are meant to cover both present-day and novel hazard analysis methods. Users can consult this guide for assistance in using the details of their specific application to develop a reasonable hazard analysis strategy. This report also assesses the limitations of current practices.

Since cable replacement costs are extremely high, utility engineers and asset managers are required to provide a detailed justification for these replacement projects to their senior management and regulatory agencies. This is typically accomplished through the preparation and submission of a business case justification. A solid case recommends a solution beneficial for the business. This is also a key marketing opportunity to sell a proposal by justifying why the utility should commit resources to your proposal. This guide provides a “best in class” template to elucidate the key points and rationale behind the business case and how it should be prepared. Included in Appendices A, B, and C are examples of business cases for three types of underground cable systems: LPFF, HPFF, and XLPE.