Post-irradiation effect analysis on XLPE-insulated LV cables used in nuclear power plants

Abstract

This paper investigates aging of low voltage cables used in nuclear power plants by the means of the dielectric spectroscopy technique. Aging has been performed on XLPE cables through high temperature and different dose rates in order to evaluate the electrical response under different aging conditions. Test have been carried out immediately after aging and years after the radiation source has been turned off. Significant changes in dielectric response have been observed due to post-irradiation effects, suggesting that degradation continues even after the aging source has been removed.