The division's origins trace back to 1960 as the Discharge Detection Laboratory at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) campus. Equipped with basic testing facilities for AC/DC testing, discharge detection, and cable insulation characterization, it focused on fundamental cable testing. Between 1977 and 1978, the laboratory relocated to its own campus adjacent to IISc and was renamed the Insulation division. The division's focus expanded to include testing of PILC and PVC cables, low-voltage capacitors, and insulating materials. As the division's activities evolved to include condition monitoring, it was renamed the Diagnostics, Cables & Capacitor Division. In 2016, the division was further restructured as the Cables & Diagnostics Division, consolidating Diagnostics, Cables, and Insulating materials testing.

Presently, Cables & Diagnostics Division comprises of 

1. Power Cables Laboratory
2. Diagnostics Laboratory
3. Insulation Laboratory

All the three laboratories have consistently augmented the test facilities to cater to the requirements of the Power sector.

• Diagnostic Laboratory
• Insulation Laboratory
• Power Cables Laboratory

Research capabilities / expertise:

• Failure Evaluation of high voltage Equipment at site
• Power industry and utility-related specific problems
• Development of Nano Dielectrics

Clientele :