Designing an underground power transmission system requires considerable expertise and experience. The calculations and decisions that are made, result in the selection of a specific cable, and require that such a cable be manufactured to very definite and rigid specifications. The specifications ensure that the cables will perform to the design requirements efficiently and safely.

In Canada, the standards for the design and testing, of high-voltage transmission cables are the applicable requirements of AEIC, IEC, IEEE and CSA.

The raw materials used in the manufacture of the cables, are subject to quality control and evaluation tests. They consist of a variety of physical, mechanical, electrical and chemical tests, usually governed by the material purchasing specifications of the wire and cable company and ASTM Standards.

Following the manufacture of the cable, the routine tests that would be carried out on each length of cable may include conductor resistance, high-voltage test, ionization factor, spark test of jacket, sheath thickness measurement, power factor and dielectric strength of impregnating liquid, expulsion test.

Extensive laboratory facilities and highly qualified personnel are essential for the sophisticated and exacting tests on high-voltage transmission cables, to ensure their quality and reliability in service.

Various tests are carried out in the manufacturer's laboratory, to ensure that the quality assurance standards are met or exceeded.