EA Technology CableData® Collector
- Perfect for smarter cable testing for safer networks
The CableData® Collector from EA Technology is a powerful online testing system designed to identify and measure Partial Discharge (PD) activity in live medium and high voltage (MV/HV) cables. As electricity networks continue to age, asset managers face the challenge of balancing reliability with cost efficiency. The CableData® Collector provides the insights you need to detect potential faults before they cause costly outages - all without taking cables offline!
Why Partial Discharge Testing Matters
Partial Discharge is one of the leading causes of insulation failure in MV/HV cables. Left unchecked, it can progress into full breakdowns, resulting in unexpected outages, expensive repairs, and even major safety hazards. Traditional offline testing methods require circuits to be de-energised and often involve costly and disruptive procedures.
The CableData® Collector solves this problem by allowing engineers to detect and analyse PD while cables remain energised. This makes it a quick, safe, and non-intrusive solution for assessing the true health of distribution networks.
Key Benefits of the CableData® Collector
- Identifies cable defects before they lead to failure
- No need for cable outages – keeps the network live during testing
- Quick, safe, and non-destructive
- Expert analysis and condition reporting
- Portable and easy to use – lightweight and robust design
- Cost-effective – supports Condition Based Maintenance strategies
How the CableData® Collector Works
The CableData® Collector detects PD activity by measuring the tiny high-frequency signals generated when electrical discharges occur within cable insulation.
- Clip On: Radio Frequency Current Transformers (RFCTs) are attached around the earth straps of the cable.
- Plug In: The RFCTs connect directly to the CableData® Collector unit.
- Collect Data: Signals are transferred via USB to a laptop, where the dedicated CableData® Analysis Studio software records and processes the results.
The software then provides detailed reports highlighting:
- The severity of PD activity
- Location of PD events within the cable
- Evidence to assess the risk of future failure
- Recommendations for maintenance or replacement
Technical Highlights
- Supports single and three-phase cables
- Compatible with most insulated cable types up to several miles long
- Capture windows: 153µs, 76µs, and 38µs for flexible measurement
- Measurement range: 14pC – 200,000pC
- Auto-ranging gain control for reliable readings
- Portable design: machined anodised aluminium housing, weighing just 570g
- Operating range: 0°C to 60°C with up to 90% humidity (non-condensing)
What comes with the CableData® Collector?
- CableData® Collector unit
- 3 x RFCT sensors
- 4 x 5m BNC cables
- Phase reference transformer and mains cable
- Data and power USB cable
- Analysis software on USB stick
- Instruction manual and calibration certificate
- Protective rugged carry case with foam insert
The supplied Radio Frequency Current Transformers (RFCTs) are connected to the earth braid of the cable as shown in below examples:
The supplied High Frequency Current Transformers (HFCTs) Units:
Real-World Success Stories
Electricity North West (ENW): By using the CableData® Collector, ENW tested 191 cables across its network. The system accurately predicted which circuits were at risk of failure, helping ENW save up to £900,000 in avoided replacement costs. Case Study 1 and 2.
INEOS Grangemouth: Routine tests revealed PD activity in critical cables. Using EA Technology’s monitoring solutions, including RFCTs and CableData® tools, INEOS was able to keep its plant operational while monitoring the situation safely. This proactive approach prevented potential outages worth millions.
These examples prove the CableData® Collector is not only effective but also a vital part of modern asset management strategies.
Applications
- Power distribution operators
- Industrial facilities with private HV networks
- Utilities managing extensive underground networks
- Organisations implementing Condition Based Maintenance programmes
By providing fast and accurate PD data collection, it enables asset managers to prioritise repairs, extend cable life, and improve overall network reliability.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Does the CableData® Collector require a shutdown?
A. No. The system works online, so there’s no need to de-energise circuits during testing.
Q2: How long does a test take?
A. Typically 5–10 minutes per cable, far quicker than traditional offline testing which can take several hours.
Q3: What type of cables can be tested?
A. It works with most MV/HV insulated cable types, including XLPE and PILC, across both single and three-phase circuits.
Q4: Can it locate the source of the Partial Discharge?
A. Yes. Using reflected signals and CableData® Analysis Studio, the system can estimate the position of PD along the cable route.
Q5: Is specialist training required?
A. The device is designed for ease of use and requires minimal technical skill to collect data. Expert analysis can then be carried out by trained engineers or EA Technology specialists.
Why Choose EA Technology’s CableData® Collector?
The CableData® Collector is a proven, reliable solution that helps utilities and industries make informed decisions about their cable assets. With its combination of portability, accuracy, and ease of use, it allows more cables to be tested in less time, supporting smarter and safer networks.
Take control of your underground assets and prevent unexpected failures - choose the EA Technology CableData® Collector for your next condition assessment programme.