Power Cables Laboratory offers comprehensive testing for power cables and accessories of voltage rating 1.1kV up to 400 kV, encompassing all insulation and sheathing materials, including specialized cables with enhanced fire safety, UV resistance, and high-temperature tolerance.
Chronicle of the laboratory
Laboratory has its inception early during 1970s to establish facilities s for Low voltage PVC & PILC Cables
In the mid-1980s, established a facility for testing cables up to 66 kV.
By 1990, it had expanded its capabilities to include testing XLPE power cables and cable systems up to 220 kV ac, successfully testing the first 220 kV cable in 1995.
In 2015, the division established a facility for pre-qualification testing and testing of cables up to 400 kV.
Key milestones include the first pre-qualification testing of a 220 kV cable system in India in 2019, followed by an extension Pre-qualification test in 2021.
In 2022, the division achieved another significant milestone by conducting the first type testing of a 400 kV cable system in India.
Currently, the division is conducting the first pre-qualification test on a 400 kV cable system, commencing in November 2023.
CPRI's comprehensive power cable testing facilities, along with the national and international standards they adhere to, are outlined below.
Products | Standards |
PILC cables up to 33 kV | IS 692, IEC 55-1, BS –6480 |
Elastomeric,& Polymeric insulated Power cables up to 400 kV
| IS 7098 Part I,II, & III, IS 1554 Part I.& II, IS 694, IS 9968 Part I & II IEC 60227, IEC 60245,IEC 60840, IEC 62067 ,IEC 60502 –1,IEC 60502-2, BS 6004, BS 5467,BS 6231,BS 6387,BS-7211,BS -6500,BS 7835, BS 6622,
|
Aerial bunched cables, Mining Cables | IS 14255, IS 14494
|
Fire survival Cables, LSZH Sheathed Cables | IS 17505-Part I-2021, BS-7846, BS 6724 |
Halogen Free Fire Retardant Cables | IS 17048 |
Cables for Photovoltaic applications. | IS 17293-2020, BS EN 50618 |
Cable joints & Terminations from 1.1kV up to 400 kV | IS 13573, IS 13705, IEC 60502-4, BS EN 50393,CENELEC HD 629 IEC 60840, IEC 62067 |
Covered conductors | BS EN 50397-1 |
Power Cables Laboratory is NABL accredited and also takes up special testing requirement as per customer request. Our expertise extends to providing consultancy services for failure analysis of in-service cable systems, catering to utilities and process industries.
Smt. K. P. Meena
Additional Director & HoD
Cables and Diagnostics Division,
Central Power Research Institute,
Prof. Sir C V Raman Road, PB No. 8066,
Sadashivanagar PO, Bengaluru – 560080
email: meena[at]cpri[dot]in Phone: +91 9731551059
