Oil-Insulated Cable Testing
The PLUS ES testing group provides reliable and efficient cable and fault location services, helping you quickly and accurately identify power system faults. Our team leverages advanced technologies and tools to locate underground cables and pinpoint faults on cables rated up to 132kV and above, ensuring minimal downtime and enhanced network reliability.
Our comprehensive diagnostic capabilities include VLF (Very Low Frequency) testing up to 90 kV, DC testing and fault locating up to 150 kV, as well as cable tracing and identification. For precise fault location, we employ primary and secondary (pinpoint) methods such as bridge location, pulse echo, decay method, impulse current, and the Surge Impulse Method (SIM), among others. These techniques enable us to deliver fast, accurate results for even the most complex underground cable systems.
40+
Years Of Experience
250+
Growing Team
100%
On Time Delivery
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Register WebinarChallenges we solve
Oil contamination and degradation can silently erode cable performance, increasing the likelihood of unexpected failures that disrupt supply and drive up repair costs.
Water intrusion is one of the biggest threats to underground and submarine cables. Left unchecked, it weakens insulation, creates safety risks, and often leads to catastrophic failure.
Ageing infrastructure and undetected defects make it difficult to predict when or where faults will occur. When they do, businesses face extended downtime, expensive emergency repairs, and potential regulatory consequences.
Due to the lack of availability of cable jointers and repair technicians with experience on traditional oil-insulated cables, it can lead to costly repairs or full replacement.
Why choose PLUS ES?
End-to-end oil-filled asset management
Our experienced oil handling specialists take care of the full lifecycle of your assets. From in-house oil sampling and NATA-certified testing to leak detection, degasification, and emergency response, we ensure your equipment is safe, compliant, and performing at its best.
End-of-Life decommissioning
Provision of specialty services to responsibly decommission oil-filled cables, ensuring that the majority of oil is purged from the asset prior to abandonment. Installation of wiped end caps and removal of oil joints and tanks, to ensure environmental diligence is achieved.
Advanced diagnostics for faster fault resolution
We use cutting-edge technologies such as VLF testing up to 90kV, DC fault locating up to 150kV, and precision pinpointing methods like bridge location, pulse echo, and impulse current. This means we can quickly locate underground faults, minimise downtime, and restore supply with accuracy and efficiency.
Extend the life of your asset
Undertake oil flushing and top-ups, to replace existing oil with fresh synthetic oil cable oil. Gauge and alarm panel replacement/refurbishment. Installation of standalone remote oil cable monitoring systems, including interfacing with the customers’ SCADA systems to provide live and alarm states.
Decades of proven experience with critical networks
PLUS ES has constructed, operated, and maintained Australia’s largest high-voltage underground cable networks. Our expertise covers a significant variety of cable types, including oil and gas-insulated cables, UGOH pole terminations, and submarine cable works. Including full lifecycle management through construction, maintenance, and decommissioning projects, making us a trusted partner for utilities, governments, and large infrastructure operators.
How you can start your journey with PLUS ES?
Engage our cable specialists early
to assess the health of your oil-filled assets and identify risks before they become failures. Our team can design a tailored maintenance program to extend the life of your network.
Schedule a diagnostic review
to leverage PLUS ES’s advanced testing capabilities, from VLF and DC testing to pinpoint fault location, ensuring faster fault resolution and reduced downtime.
Partner with PLUS ES for ongoing asset management
and emergency response. With in-house oil sampling, NATA-certified testing, leak detection, and repair expertise, we provide end-to-end support to keep your network safe, compliant, and reliable.
Diagnostic Methods & Offer
We offer a comprehensive suite of diagnostic methods, including
- In-house cable oil degasification and pumping
- Organisation of oil sampling and NATA-certified oil testing
- Pressure gauge and alarm checks, calibrations
- Pressure gauge and remote telemetric, installation and repair
- Oil cable leak detection & repair
- Gas cable leak detection & repair
- Emergency oil cable response and pumping
- VLF (Very Low Frequency) testing up to 90 kV
- DC testing and fault locating up to 150 kV
- Cable tracing and cable identification
- Primary and secondary (pinpoint) locating for cables up to 132 kV and above, using techniques such as:
- Bridge location
- Pulse echo
- Decay method
- Impulse current
- SIM (Surge Impulse Method), among others
With these capabilities, PLUS ES ensures fast, precise fault detection and cable diagnostics to keep your power systems operating safely and reliably.
Testimonials
Delivered submarine cable maintenance for a power company.
Completed oil cable leak detection and repair for a Distributed Network Service Provider.
Provided emergency response and NATA-certified oil testing for Energy Generator.
Repairs for Major Industry.
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