Abstract: To understand the influence of cable surface temperature on cable ignition and flame spread, Jacob's ladder arc is used as fire source, and the surface temperature of cable is controlled by heater. An experimental platform of 110 kV XLPE cable with arc ignition voltage was constructed to study the arc characteristics, cable ignition, and flame spread process. The arc maintenance voltage amplitude is 3 kV, the current amplitude is 0.13 A, and the arc gas temperature is 2 000 K. It is found that with the rise of cable surface temperature from 100 ℃ to 200 ℃, the faster the cable is ignited, and the spread rate of horizontal and vertical flame increases, which leads to the larger damaged area of the cable after combustion.The above research provides an essential reference for cable fire assessment and prevention.

Key words: arc, fire, cable fire, fire simulation, flame spread