By sion932 
Abstract: GB/T 18889-2002 is a critical Chinese national standard specifying test methods for power cable accessories with rated voltages ranging from 6 kV (Um=7.2 kV) to 35 kV (Um=40.5 kV). This standard, modified from the international standard IEC 61442, plays a pivotal role in ensuring the reliability, safety, and performance of medium-voltage power cable accessories in power transmission and distribution systems. This article elaborates on the background, scope of application, key technical requirements, and international alignment of GB/T 18889-2002, providing a comprehensive technical reference for engineering practitioners and standardization researchers.
1. Introduction
Power cable accessories are essential components in power systems, responsible for connecting cable segments, terminating cables, and ensuring the effective transmission of electrical energy. The performance of these accessories directly affects the stability and safety of the entire power grid. Against the backdrop of the rapid development of China’s power industry, the need for standardized test methods for power cable accessories has become increasingly prominent. GB/T 18889-2002, officially released on November 25, 2002, and implemented on June 1, 2003, was formulated to address this need. As a recommended national standard, it superseded the previous JB/T 8138.1-8138.6-1995 series standards, establishing a unified and scientific test framework for medium-voltage power cable accessories .
2. Basic Information and Scope of Application
2.1 Basic Standard Information
GB/T 18889-2002 is categorized under the Chinese Standard Classification (CCS) K13 (Cables and Their Accessories) and the International Standard Classification (ICS) 29.060.20 (Cables). It is proposed by the China Electrical Equipment Industrial Association and supervised by the National Technical Committee for Standardization of Wire and Cable (TC213). The standard was primarily drafted by the Shanghai Electric Cable Research Institute, a leading institution in China’s wire and cable industry .
2.2 Scope of Application
The test methods specified in GB/T 18889-2002 are applicable to type tests of power cable accessories for extruded insulation power cables complying with GB/T 12706.2 and GB/T 12706.3, as well as paper-insulated power cables complying with GB/T 12976. Specifically, the standard covers accessories for power cables with rated voltages from 3.6/6 (7.2) kV to 26/35 (40.5) kV. It should be noted that the standard focuses on type tests, which are conducted to verify the design and performance consistency of cable accessories before mass production .
3. Key Technical Requirements and Test Methods
GB/T 18889-2002 defines a series of critical test methods to evaluate the electrical performance, thermal stability, and reliability of power cable accessories. The core test items are detailed as follows:
3.1 AC Voltage Test
This test is conducted in accordance with Clause 4 of GB/T 18889-2002 and Clause 4 of IEC 61442:2005. The test specimen is subjected to an AC voltage of 54 kV for 5 minutes, and no breakdown shall occur during the test. This test aims to verify the insulation strength of the cable accessories under normal AC operating conditions .
3.2 DC Voltage Test
As specified in Clause 5 of GB/T 18889-2002 and Clause 5 of IEC 61442:2005, the DC voltage test requires applying a 48 kV DC voltage to the test specimen for 15 minutes. The absence of breakdown indicates that the cable accessories can withstand the electric field stress under DC conditions, which is crucial for applications involving DC power transmission or transient DC conditions .
3.3 Impulse Voltage Test
The impulse voltage test is performed under two conditions: ambient temperature and high temperature (95 °C ~ 100 °C). For the high-temperature impulse test (Clause 6 of GB/T 18889-2002), the conductor of the cable is heated and stabilized at 95 °C ~ 100 °C for at least 2 hours. Then, 10 positive and 10 negative impulses of 125 kV are applied, and no breakdown is allowed. This test assesses the ability of the cable accessories to withstand transient overvoltages (such as lightning overvoltages) under normal and high-temperature operating conditions .
3.4 Partial Discharge Test
Partial discharge tests are carried out at both ambient temperature and 95 °C ~ 100 °C (Clause 7 of GB/T 18889-2002). The test voltage is gradually raised to 24 kV, held for 10 seconds, and then slowly reduced to 20 kV. Partial discharge is a key indicator of insulation degradation, and this test helps detect potential insulation defects in the cable accessories that may lead to long-term reliability issues .
3.5 Heating Cycle Voltage Test
In accordance with Clause 9 of GB/T 18889-2002, each heating cycle consists of at least 8 hours, including at least 2 hours at a steady temperature 5 °C to 10 °C above the maximum normal operating temperature of the cable conductor, followed by at least 3 hours of natural cooling to within 10 °C of ambient temperature. The test specimen undergoes 30 cycles in air and 30 cycles under water at 95 °C ~ 100 °C and 30 kV, with no breakdown permitted. This test evaluates the thermal aging resistance and insulation stability of the cable accessories under cyclic thermal stress, simulating real-world operating conditions where the cable temperature fluctuates with load changes .
4. International Alignment and Significance
GB/T 18889-2002 is modified from IEC 61442:1997 (Test methods for accessories for power cables with rated voltages from 6 kV (Um=7.2 kV) up to 30 kV (Um=36 kV)). The main difference between the two standards is that GB/T 18889-2002 extends the rated voltage range from 30 kV (Um=36 kV) to 35 kV (Um=40.5 kV), adapting to the specific needs of China’s power grid development . This modification ensures that the standard is both aligned with international advanced practices and tailored to domestic application scenarios.
The implementation of GB/T 18889-2002 has significant implications for China’s power industry. It provides a unified technical benchmark for the production, testing, and quality control of medium-voltage power cable accessories, promoting the standardization and modernization of the industry. By ensuring the reliable performance of cable accessories, the standard contributes to the stability and efficiency of power transmission and distribution systems, supporting the safe operation of the national power grid.
GB/T 18889-2002 is an important national standard that regulates the test methods for medium-voltage power cable accessories. With its clear scope of application, comprehensive test items, and international alignment, the standard plays a crucial role in guaranteeing the quality and reliability of cable accessories. As China’s power industry continues to develop, GB/T 18889-2002 will remain a key technical reference, supporting the safe and efficient operation of power systems. Future revisions of the standard may further align with the latest international standards (such as IEC 61442:2023) and incorporate new technical requirements to adapt to the development of new types of power cables and accessories .
References
[1] General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People’s Republic of China. GB/T 18889-2002, Electric cables—Test methods for accessories for power cables with rated voltages from 6kV(Um=7.2kV) up to 35kV(Um=40.5kV) .
[2] Standard Search Network. GB/T 18889-2002 Basic Information and Implementation Status .
[3] China Standardization Information Public Service Platform. GB/T 18889-2002 Standard Plan and Adoption Status .
[4] Shanghai Electric Cable Research Institute. Drafting Notes on GB/T 18889-2002 .
[5] China Electric Power Research Institute. Type Test Report for Power Cable Accessories (CEPRI-EETC 08-2020-1049) .