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The paper presents an approach to testing old cable, damaged during atmospheric discharges. A description of the cable is given and a series of tests in the field is proposed in order to evaluate the cable insulation condition. First, the results of the insulation resistance and capacity obtained by the DC test voltage are given and explained. The results of the insulation resistance and capacitance tests as well as the values of the dielectric loss factor tgδ, obtained at sine wave voltage, frequencies of 0.1Hz (VLF), were then interpreted. The example shows a good value of tgδ as well as a breakthrough in cable insulation, and the characteristic changes in the measured cable parameters during the test are highlighted. The advantage of estimating the insulation state by measuring the dielectric loss factor method is emphasized. Finally, the importance of systematic data collection for a particular cable type and the ability to determine the residual life with minimum insulation stress are highlighted.