Fault Detection Methods for Water-Cooled Cables in Induction Furnaces

The water-cooled cable connects the frequency converter and the induction coil. It is composed of twisted pure copper wires (diameter Φ0.6–Φ0.8 mm) and forms part of the load circuit. During operation, the cable is subjected to tension, torsion, and bending due to furnace tilting, which may eventually cause fractures at flexible joints (typically on the furnace side). A broken cable will prevent the converter from starting.

Steps to Diagnose Cable Breakage:

Disconnect the water-cooled cable from the capacitor’s output copper busbar.

Set the multimeter to resistance mode (200Ω range).

Measure the cable’s resistance:

Normal: Resistance ≈ 0Ω.

Breakage: Resistance → ∞ (open circuit).

For accurate detection, tilt the furnace to a pouring position to let the cable hang freely, ensuring any break is fully separated.