Field testing shielded power cable systems is not a one-size-fits-all process. Different IEEE 400 series standards address different test methods, including VLF testing, high-voltage DC testing, partial discharge diagnostics, damped AC testing, and overall insulation evaluation.
Based on the IEEE 400 series information provided, the key standards include:
| IEEE Standard |
Main Focus |
Application Area |
| IEEE 400-2023 |
Field testing and evaluation of insulation of shielded power cable systems rated 5 kV and above |
General field testing and evaluation guidance |
| IEEE 400.1-2018 |
Field testing of laminated dielectric, shielded AC power cable systems using high-voltage direct current |
HVDC field testing |
| IEEE 400.2-2024 |
Field testing of shielded power cable systems using very low frequency below 1 Hz |
VLF cable testing |
| IEEE 400.3-2022 |
Partial discharge field diagnostic testing of shielded power cable systems |
PD testing and diagnostics |
| IEEE 400.4-2015 |
Field testing of shielded power cable systems with damped alternating current voltage |
DAC testing |
| IEEE 400.5-2021 |
Field testing of DC shielded power cable systems with high direct current test voltages |
DC cable testing |
The important point is that these standards are not interchangeable. Each standard supports a different test purpose. In practical equipment selection, the first question should not be “Which instrument has the highest voltage?” but rather “Which test method does the project require?”
RCCE’s BAUR cable testing product lineup can be mapped directly to many of these test applications.
IEEE 400-2023: The General Framework for Cable Insulation Evaluation
IEEE 400-2023 is the broad guide for field testing and evaluating the insulation of shielded power cable systems rated 5 kV and above. It provides the overall framework for understanding test methods, evaluation goals, and field testing considerations.
In equipment selection, IEEE 400-2023 usually points the user toward a more specific method. For example, if the application requires VLF testing, IEEE 400.2 becomes relevant. If the project requires partial discharge diagnostics, IEEE 400.3 becomes the key standard. If the work involves high-voltage DC testing, IEEE 400.1 or IEEE 400.5 may apply.
Relevant RCCE product categories and products include:
IEEE 400.2-2024: VLF Cable Testing Below 1 Hz
IEEE 400.2-2024 is the key reference when the project requires Very Low Frequency, or VLF, testing of shielded power cable systems.
VLF testing is commonly used for medium-voltage cable commissioning, maintenance testing, and condition assessment. Because power cables have high capacitance, VLF equipment is often more practical for field testing than large power-frequency test systems.
RCCE offers several BAUR products that fit this application area.
BAUR Frida TD
Frida TD - BAUR VLF testing and diagnostics unit w/ tan delta
Frida TD is suitable for users who need a compact VLF testing and diagnostics unit with tan delta measurement. According to the RCCE product page, Frida TD supports cable testing up to 15 kV rated voltage, VLF truesinus® technology, tan delta measurement, automated testing sequences, USB data transfer, and test data management through PC software.
Frida TD is a good fit for:
- Medium-voltage distribution cable testing
- Portable VLF field testing
- VLF withstand testing
- Tan delta insulation ageing assessment
- Utility and service teams that need a compact field unit
BAUR VIOLA and VIOLA TD
BAUR VLF Product Category
VIOLA and VIOLA TD are positioned for medium-voltage cable applications up to 35 kV. VIOLA provides VLF cable testing capability, while VIOLA TD adds tan delta diagnostics.
These systems are a strong fit for:
- 35 kV class medium-voltage cable testing
- Utility cable maintenance
- Electrical contractors
- Higher-capacity VLF field testing
- VLF plus tan delta condition assessment
BAUR PHG 80TD and PHG 80TD/PD
PHG 80TD/PD - BAUR VLF Diagnostic Test System with truesinus
For users who need more than basic VLF testing, PHG 80TD/PD provides a more complete diagnostic platform. RCCE describes the PHG TD/PD system as a multifunctional cable testing and diagnostics system designed for medium-voltage networks. It combines VLF testing, tan delta diagnostics, and partial discharge diagnostics to provide a more complete view of cable condition.
PHG 80TD/PD is suitable for:
- Medium-voltage cable diagnostics
- VLF withstand testing
- Tan delta measurement
- Partial discharge diagnostics
- Monitored Withstand Test, or MWT
- Utility and industrial cable condition assessment
IEEE 400.3-2022: Partial Discharge Field Diagnostic Testing
IEEE 400.3-2022 focuses on Partial Discharge, or PD, field diagnostic testing of shielded power cable systems. PD testing is used to detect localized insulation defects, such as joint problems, termination issues, voids, contamination, moisture-related defects, or localized insulation deterioration.
PD testing is especially valuable when the goal is to find developing defects before they become service failures.
Relevant RCCE products include:
BAUR PD-TaD 62
PD-TaD 62 - BAUR Portable Partial Discharge Diagnostics System
PD-TaD 62 is a portable partial discharge diagnostics system used with a BAUR VLF generator. RCCE lists its applications as partial discharge testing and location, VLF cable testing with parallel partial discharge testing, and parallel partial discharge and dissipation factor measurement.
This makes PD-TaD 62 useful for users who want more diagnostic value from one field test setup. It supports a combined workflow that can detect localized weak points through PD measurement while also evaluating insulation ageing through tan delta values.
PD-TaD 62 is suitable for:
- Medium-voltage cable PD testing
- Partial discharge location
- VLF testing with parallel PD testing
- PD plus tan delta diagnostics
- Mobile cable diagnostics teams
BAUR liona
Liona - BAUR Online Partial Discharge Spot Tester
For users who need online PD testing while the cable remains in service, BAUR liona is another relevant RCCE product. RCCE describes liona as an online partial discharge spot tester that can test cable routes during normal network operation. It supports fast online PD testing, automatic PD evaluation, and continuous monitoring of a cable route for up to 30 days.
Liona is suitable for:
- Online PD spot checks
- Critical cable route monitoring
- In-service cable diagnostics
- Medium- and high-voltage cable PD screening
- Condition-based maintenance programs
IEEE 400.1 and IEEE 400.5: High-Voltage DC Testing
IEEE 400.1-2018 and IEEE 400.5-2021 relate to high-voltage direct current testing applications. IEEE 400.1 addresses HVDC field testing for laminated dielectric, shielded AC power cable systems, while IEEE 400.5 focuses on field testing DC shielded power cable systems using high direct current test voltages.
When selecting equipment, users should confirm whether the test object is an AC cable system, a DC cable system, a cable sheath, or another insulation system. That distinction affects test voltage, polarity, method, duration, and safety requirements.
Relevant RCCE products include:
BAUR PGK 25
PGK 25 - BAUR DC Hi-Pot Testing Unit
PGK 25 is a portable DC Hi-Pot testing unit for low- and medium-voltage cable testing. RCCE describes it as a DC voltage testing device with continuously adjustable output voltage, an integrated timer, automatic discharge triggering, and voltage measurement directly at the high-voltage output.
PGK 25 is suitable for:
- Low- and medium-voltage DC withstand testing
- Portable field DC Hi-Pot testing
- Cable maintenance and commissioning checks
- Field teams that need a lightweight DC high-voltage tester
BAUR PGK 110HB
PGK 110HB - BAUR AC/DC Hi-Pot Test Device
PGK 110HB is a higher-capacity AC/DC high-voltage test device. RCCE describes the PGK HB series as generating continuously adjustable test voltages at mains frequency or optionally DC with positive or negative polarity. It can be used for medium- and high-voltage cables, as well as switchgear, busbars, and insulating elements.
PGK 110HB is suitable for:
- Medium- and high-voltage cable testing
- AC/DC Hi-Pot testing
- Switchgear, busbar, and insulation component testing
- Applications requiring higher output capability
IEEE 400.4-2015: DAC Testing Requires Separate Confirmation
IEEE 400.4-2015 covers field testing of shielded power cable systems using Damped Alternating Current, or DAC, voltage. DAC testing is a separate diagnostic method and should not automatically be replaced with VLF, HVDC, or PD testing unless the project specification allows it.
Based on the RCCE product pages reviewed, the clearest directly listed product connections are for VLF, tan delta, PD, DC Hi-Pot, sheath testing, and cable fault location. If a project specifically calls for IEEE 400.4 or DAC testing, users should contact RCCE to confirm available BAUR DAC solutions, rental options, or suitable project-specific alternatives.
Sheath Testing, Fault Location, and the Complete Field Workflow
In real field work, cable testing often goes beyond one standard or one instrument. A complete cable maintenance workflow may include:
- VLF withstand testing
- Insulation condition assessment
- Tan delta measurement
- Partial discharge detection and location
- Cable sheath testing
- Cable route tracing
- Fault pre-location and pin-pointing
RCCE also offers products that support these broader field workflows.
BAUR SHIRLA
SHIRLA - BAUR Cable Sheath Fault Locator
SHIRLA is an all-in-one cable sheath testing and fault location system. RCCE describes it as being used for cable and cable sheath testing, fault pre-location, and sheath fault pin-pointing using the step voltage method. It also includes an integrated high-voltage DC source for locating low-resistance and high-resistance faults.
SHIRLA is suitable for:
- Cable sheath testing
- Sheath fault pre-location
- Step voltage fault pin-pointing
- Underground cable maintenance
- Reducing unnecessary excavation
BAUR Syscompact 400
Syscompact 400 - BAUR Cable Fault Location System
Syscompact 400 is a portable cable fault location system used for pre-location and pin-pointing of faults on power cables. It can support field crews after a cable fault occurs and helps narrow down the practical repair area.
Syscompact 400 is suitable for:
- Cable fault pre-location
- Fault pin-pointing
- Underground cable repair
- Utility and industrial field service work
- Broader cable testing and repair workflows
Product Selection Summary
| Application Need |
Related Standard Direction |
Relevant RCCE Products |
| General field testing and insulation evaluation |
IEEE 400-2023 |
BAUR VLF, PHG TD/PD, PGK, PD-TaD systems |
| VLF cable withstand testing |
IEEE 400.2-2024 |
Frida, Frida TD, VIOLA, VIOLA TD, PHG 80TD |
| VLF plus tan delta diagnostics |
IEEE 400.2-2024 |
Frida TD, VIOLA TD, PHG 80TD |
| VLF plus tan delta plus PD diagnostics |
IEEE 400.2 / IEEE 400.3 |
PHG 80TD/PD, PD-TaD 62 |
| Partial discharge field diagnostics |
IEEE 400.3-2022 |
PD-TaD 62, liona |
| Online PD screening |
PD condition monitoring |
liona |
| DC Hi-Pot testing |
IEEE 400.1 / IEEE 400.5 direction |
PGK 25, PGK 110HB |
| Cable sheath testing and fault location |
Field maintenance workflow |
SHIRLA |
| Cable fault pre-location and pin-pointing |
Fault location workflow |
Syscompact 400 |
| DAC testing |
IEEE 400.4-2015 |
Confirm available DAC solution with RCCE |
Final Recommendation
If a project specification simply references “IEEE 400,” do not select equipment based on that phrase alone. IEEE 400 is the general framework. The right instrument depends on the required test method.
For VLF field testing, start with BAUR Frida, VIOLA, and PHG systems available from RCCE.
For tan delta diagnostics, consider Frida TD, VIOLA TD, or PHG 80TD.
For partial discharge testing and location, review PD-TaD 62 or liona.
For DC Hi-Pot testing, look at PGK 25 or PGK 110HB.
For sheath fault location and cable fault location, SHIRLA and Syscompact 400 can complete the field workflow.
The standard defines the test method. The equipment determines how effectively, safely, and efficiently that test can be performed in the field. By connecting the IEEE 400 series standards with RCCE’s BAUR product lineup, users can make a more practical equipment choice based on the actual application, not just the model name.
Contact us
