Enhancing QA/QC Procedures for HV and EHV Cable Systems

The CIGRE Working Group B1.76 has addressed this pressing need through the development of the Technical Brochure “Enhancing QA/QC Procedures for HV and EHV Cable Systems.” This brochure provides a comprehensive, structured framework for QA/QC practices adapted specifically to the lifecycle of HV and EHV cable systems. It responds to a previously identified gap in existing standards, which tend to address either general quality management systems or specific technical requirements, but rarely combine both into an integrated, lifecycle-oriented approach. 

At its core, the brochure aims to establish a holistic view of quality management, spanning from early project definition and design through development, manufacturing, transport, installation, and commissioning. The approach recognises that cable system quality is not determined by isolated processes but by the consistent interaction and alignment of all lifecycle phases. Each phase influences subsequent stages, and deficiencies at early stages can propagate into failures during installation or operation. 

A central contribution of the brochure lies in its clear conceptualisation of QA and QC within cable system projects. QA is defined as the framework that provides confidence that project requirements will be met, focusing on processes, planning, and methodology. QC, in contrast, verifies compliance with these requirements through measurement, testing, and inspection. Together, they ensure that cable systems meet performance, safety, and reliability expectations while generating verifiable evidence of compliance. 

The brochure emphasises that quality management must be project-specific. Cable projects vary significantly in complexity, scale, and risk profile, from local distribution links to strategic interconnectors transmitting gigawatts of power. Consequently, the acceptable level of risk and required quality assurance effort must be adapted accordingly. The definition of quality objectives, evidence requirements, and verification processes should therefore be sepcifiedfor each project during the early design phase. 

A detailed examination of stakeholder roles is another key aspect of the brochure. Successful QA/QC implementation requires a clear understanding of responsibilities among suppliers, customers, subcontractors, third-party inspectors, accrediting bodies, and marine warranty surveyors. Particular emphasis is placed on interface management, as many failures originate at the boundaries between organisations or project phases. The brochure highlights the importance of well-defined contractual frameworks, documentation requirements, and communication processes to mitigate these risks. 

The document further provides extensive procedural guidance for procurement and project execution. Starting from the request-for-information (RFI) stage through supplier qualification, tendering, contract negotiation, and post-award activities, the brochure outlines structured QA/QC activities to ensure supplier capability and alignment with project requirements. This includes recommendations for audits, evaluation criteria, technical specifications, and contract clauses that embed quality requirements throughout the procurement process

A significant contribution of the brochure is the systematic analysis of QA/QC practices across the lifecycle phases of cable systems. For each phase; design and specification, development, manufacturing, transport and storage, installation, and commissioning, the brochure identifies current practices, highlights typical gaps based on industry experience, and proposes practical recommendations.