Smart Tests for Medium Voltage Cables in Renewable Energy Plants: The Case Study of a PV Plant Located in Italy

The vigorous development of renewable power plants requires the installation of medium-voltage underground cable networks for the wiring of internal skids and the grid connection. Given the complexity of these networks, which are typically extensive and include a high number of joints, the required pre-commissioning tests should follow a pragmatic engineering approach and be completed within a reasonable timeframe. This paper focuses on field testing procedures for medium-voltage cables prior to energization, including electric resistance, oversheath integrity, and insulation integrity tests. For each test, key performance indicators are described in detail, along with acceptable variability ranges to support the accurate interpretation of results in practical applications. The implementation of the tests on the medium-voltage network of a photovoltaic plant in southern Italy is presented as a real-world application of the proposed assessment procedures.