A Comprehensive Review of Cable Monitoring Techniq

Cables are critical to the safe and reliable operation of nuclear power plants (NPPs) since they are widely used as a connection medium for various safety-critical equipment. This review aims to assess the condition of medium- and low-voltage cables in Canadian NPPs by examining numerous inspection methods and electrical testing techniques, including dielectric spectroscopy and polarization/depolarization current analysis. The findings reveal that while these techniques provide precise diagnostic insights, they often require cables to be disconnected and de-energized, posing significant operational constraints. Consequently, on-line cable monitoring has emerged as a focal point of interest, particularly for new reactor developments and large-scale refurbishments of existing NPPs. The paper benchmarks existing technologies and offers a state-of-the-art review of modern methodologies for cable assessment, detailing commercially available solutions and ongoing research. This comprehensive analysis highlights the applicability of these methods in nuclear power settings, thus underscoring the importance of maintaining cable integrity for the safety and efficiency of NPP operations.