Troubleshooting Common Faults of Mining High-Voltage Cables: Short Circuit / Insulation Aging? 5 Key Solutions

Troubleshooting Common Faults of Mining High-Voltage Cables: Short Circuit / Insulation Aging? 5 Key Solutions

Mining high-voltage cables are the core of the power supply system in underground mines, directly related to production safety and operational continuity. The underground environment is humid, dusty, and prone to mechanical impacts, leading to frequent faults such as short circuits and insulation aging. Failure to handle these faults in a timely manner may easily cause safety accidents. This article summarizes 5 key solutions to help operation and maintenance personnel quickly locate and handle faults, ensuring stable power supply.

Solution 1: Accurately locate short-circuit fault points. A cable fault tester can be used: the low-voltage pulse method for detecting low-resistance short circuits and the high-voltage flashover method for locating high-resistance short circuits. Combined with underground roadway signs, the fault location can be accurately locked, avoiding blind excavation and troubleshooting, and improving efficiency. At the same time, focus on inspecting vulnerable parts such as cable joints and bends, which are high-incidence areas for short circuits.

Solution 2: Graded treatment of insulation aging. Use an insulation resistance tester to detect insulation performance. If the insulation resistance decreases but has not completely failed, insulation repair agent can be used for spraying treatment; if severe aging causes cracks and damage, the damaged section must be immediately cut off, new joints made, and withstand voltage tests conducted. Daily moisture-proof sealing should be done well to avoid moisture intrusion accelerating aging.

Solution 3: Optimize laying and protection. Most short circuits and insulation aging are related to mechanical damage. It is necessary to standardize the cable laying path, keep away from sharp rocks and rotating parts of equipment, and install protective sleeves at corners; cables in underground transportation roadways need to be suspended and fixed to avoid being crushed and collided by mine cars, reducing fault causes from the source.

Solution 4: Ensure joint sealing and explosion-proof treatment. Joints are weak links for faults. Special mining explosion-proof joints should be selected and manufactured in strict accordance with standard procedures to ensure tight sealing; regularly check the temperature of joints, and handle overheating in a timely manner to prevent joint oxidation and loosening from causing short circuits or insulation failure.

Solution 5: Regular comprehensive inspection and maintenance. Establish a regular inspection mechanism, and use professional equipment to test cable insulation resistance, DC withstand voltage and other indicators every quarter; before reusing long-term idle cables, conduct a full set of performance tests; at the same time, keep inspection records, predict fault risks, and achieve proactive prevention and control.