Electric characteristics of nuclear power plant cables at accident simulation

RISI is currently conducting research on representative samples of NPP cables both during long-term aging and accident simulation, since insulated electrical cables are used to provide instrumentation signals, power, or control to virtually all remotely operated power plant equipment. The objectives of this program are to determine the suitability of these cables for extended life (beyond 40-year design basis) and to assess various cable condition monitoring techniques for predicting remaining cable life. The cables are being aged for long times at relatively mild exposure conditions with various condition monitoring techniques being employed during the aging process. Following the aging process, the cables are being exposed to a sequential accident profile consisting of high dose rate irradiation followed by simulated design basis loss-of-coolant accident steam exposure. This paper presents some results of a study of NPP cables electrical characteristics at normal and accidental conditions. 6 figs