User Guide

smartCOUNT

5200 MI - 2019/10
We make every effort to develop this product further. You will therefore appreciate that we reserve the right to
change the scope of delivery at any time in respect to the layout, design and technology.

Any duplication, reproduction or translation of these instructions, or extracts thereof, is not permitted without the
written approval of Tridelta Meidensha GmbH.
All rights with regard to the copyright law are explicitly reserved for Tridelta Meidensha GmbH.

The manufacturer can only assume responsibility for the safety-related properties of the equipment in accordance
with the statutory regulations, if the maintenance and service work as well as modifications are carried out by the
manufacturer itself or by duly authorized persons who act in accordance with the manufacturer´s instructions.

The purpose of these statements in the installation instruction is to describe a technique of installing this product
orderly. Tridelta Meidensha GmbH has no influence over the surrounding conditions that may have effect at the
installation of this product. The client is responsible to ensure that the technique of installation is suitable for his
surrounding conditions. The obligation of Tridelta Meidensha GmbH lies exclusively on the general terms and busi-
ness conditions. Tridelta Meidensha GmbH would not take any responsibility of damages, which may occur through
coincidence, direct or indirect application of this product.

© 2019/10 Tridelta Meidensha GmbH

This symbol indicates an important information inside the document. Please read this information careful-
ly and make sure, that everything was understood correctly to avoid mistakes.

This symbol indicates a safety related instruction inside the document. This instruction has to be followed
! mandatory to avoid injuries and damages.
Content

1. Overview............................................................................................................................................................................... 6

2. Installation Guide................................................................................................................................................................ 7

2.1. Preparations ...........................................................................................................................................................8

2.1.1. Create a new user account.....................................................................................................................8

2.1.2. Selection of a suitable smartphone......................................................................................................10

2.1.3. Install the smartCOUNT App..................................................................................................................10

2.2. App handling...........................................................................................................................................................10

2.2.1. Using the NFC Interface..........................................................................................................................11

2.2.2. User Login...................................................................................................................................................11

2.2.3. Configure the smartCOUNT Datalogger ............................................................................................12

2.2.4. Read data.....................................................................................................................................................14

2.2.5. “Single Shot” function..............................................................................................................................15

2.2.6. Upload Data................................................................................................................................................15

2.2.7. Reset Device...............................................................................................................................................16

2.2.8. Logout and deinstallation .......................................................................................................................17

2.3. Install a smartCOUNT Device on a surge arrester........................................................................................18

2.3.1. Safety rules..................................................................................................................................................18

2.3.2. Install a smartCOUNT Datalogger.........................................................................................................18

2.3.3. Install a smartCOUNT Transponderpad...............................................................................................20

2.3.4. Install the data cable.................................................................................................................................21

2.3.5. Charging the smartCOUNT Datalogger..............................................................................................23

2.4. Troubleshooting.....................................................................................................................................................24

2.5 Disposal....................................................................................................................................................................25

3. smartCOUNT features and benefits.............................................................................................................................. 26

3.1. Automatical Data Acquisition and Leakage Current Trend........................................................................26

3.2. smartCOUNT App and NFC Transponderpad ..............................................................................................26

3.2.1. smartCOUNT App features.....................................................................................................................26

3.2.2. NFC Communication.................................................................................................................................27

3.2.3. Using the smartCOUNT Device as conventional surge counter..................................................27

3.2.4. Correction of voltage deviation.............................................................................................................27

3.2.5. Data Export in CSV and Excel................................................................................................................27

 3.3. smartCOUNT Cloud..............................................................................................................................................28

3.3.1. Login page...................................................................................................................................................29

3.3.2. Arrester Overview page...........................................................................................................................29

3.3.3. Arrester details page................................................................................................................................30

3.3.4. Account page.............................................................................................................................................33

3.3.5. Support page..............................................................................................................................................33

3.4. Cloud based current calculation........................................................................................................................34

3.5. Self-sufficient power supply................................................................................................................................35

3.6. Durability under Environment.............................................................................................................................36

3.7. Data Security ..........................................................................................................................................................37

4. Arrester Condition Monitoring Theory.......................................................................................................................... 39

4.1. Surge Arrester Discharge Current....................................................................................................................39

4.2. Surge Arrester Leakage Current.......................................................................................................................39

4.3. IEC 60099-5 method B2.....................................................................................................................................42

4.4. Application of measurement method B2........................................................................................................42

5. Guideline for leakage current assessment.................................................................................................................. 44

5.1. Temperature influences and compensation...................................................................................................44

5.2. Humidity and rain effects.....................................................................................................................................45

5.3. Polluted arresters...................................................................................................................................................45

5.4. Detect humidity ingress.......................................................................................................................................46

5.5. Discover degrading surge arresters.................................................................................................................47

5.6. Taking impulse currents into account..............................................................................................................48

5.7. Cases and recommendations.............................................................................................................................49

6. Technical Data and dimensions...................................................................................................................................... 51

Warning!
Any work on surge arresters must only be carried out after the relevant lines have been isolated and
! earthed. Always observe the currently valid international and national safety regulations.

When in operation, the surge arrester is connected to the high-voltage lines. It must therefore be ensured
that only suitably trained and qualified personnel can access the surge arrester during the installation
work.
 1. Overview
The smartCOUNT System is a state-of-the-art monitoring system for diagnosis of high-voltage surge arresters by
means of impulse- and leakage current analyzation.

smartCOUNT
Cloud

The smartCOUNT System is consists of:

• The smartCOUNT Datalogger for arrester data acquisition
• The smartCOUNT Transponderpad for downloading these data to a smartphone
• The smartCOUNT Cloud for calculation, visualization and evaluation of the measuring results.
• The smartCOUNT App to download the data via NFC with an Android smartphone

The downloaded data can be uploaded to the smartCOUNT Cloud and accessed by a browser. Alternatively, the
data can be transmitted by USB cable from smartphone directly to a computer. Every smartCOUNT Datalogger
contains a unique ID, which is forwarded together with each data record and which assigns the data records to the
correct arrester.

• A smartCOUNT Device consists of 2 main

hardware components:
- smartCOUNT Datalogger smartCOUNT
- smartCOUNT Transponderpad Datalogger
• The smartCOUNT Transponderpad compris-
es a data cable in available in different
lengths.
smartCOUNT
• A smartphone with NFC is necessary to read Transponderpad
out the arrester data.
• The smartCOUNT Cloud offers the best over-
view about the connected surge arresters and
the according data

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2. Installation Guide
The installation of the smartCOUNT System takes place in several steps which must be proceeded according to the
following installation diagram. Please read the according sections of the User Guide to ensure that those steps are
executed correctly.

Start Start

Install a smartCOUNT Datalogger

Section 2.3.2 User Account no Create user account
existing? Section 2.1.1

Install a smartCOUNT Transponderpad yes

Section 2.3.3

smartCOUNT no Install the smartCOUNT App

App installed? Section 2.1.3
Install the data cable
Section 2.3.4
yes

Charging the smartCOUNT Datalogger Login to smartCOUNT App

Section 2.3.5 Section 2.2.2

Configure the smartCOUNT Datalogger

Section 2.2.3

Upload Data
Section 2.2.6

 smartCOUNT Device is configured and ready to work

 A entry for smartCOUNT Device and the surge arrester was created in the smartCOUNT Cloud
It is recommended to check the correctness of the entry according to Section 2.2.3

Alternatively it is possible to connect the data cable of the smartCOUNT Transponderpad with the smartCOUNT
Datalogger and to Charge and Configure the smartCOUNT Datalogger before installation on the surge arrester.
This alternative installation procedure can be used, if the smartCOUNT Datalogger is not accessible after
installation.

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 Start Start

Connect the smartCOUNT Transponderpad User Account no Create user account

existing? Section 1.1.1
to the smartCOUNT Datalogger
yes

Charging the smartCOUNT Datalogger smartCOUNT no Install the smartCOUNT App

Section 1.3.5 App installed? Section 1.1.3

yes

Login to smartCOUNT App

Section 1.2.2

Configure the smartCOUNT Datalogger

Section 1.2.3

Upload Data
Section 1.2.6

à smartCOUNT Device is configured and ready to use (automatical startup after charging with leakage current)
à A entry for smartCOUNT Device and the surge arrester was created in the smartCOUNT Cloud
It is recommended to check the correctness of the entry according to Section 1.2.3

Install a smartCOUNT Datalogger

Section 1.3.2

Install a smartCOUNT Transponderpad

Section 1.3.3

Install the data cable

Section 1.3.4

2.1. Preparations
2.1.1. Create a new user account
The smartCOUNT System offers the possibility of a secure, anonymous and flexible data management and simpli-
fies the handling of arrester related data of the substation, a high-voltage line or of a whole fleet of surge arresters.
It is necessary to create an online user account to use the full feature set of the smartCOUNT System.

Simply visit the smartCOUNT Cloud

https://smartcount.tridelta-meidensha.de
If the website is not available, read Troubleshooting code (A01).

If you haven’t created a user account yet, click on “Register”.

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In the following form, you have to enter your personal data. Username and password are necessary for the login in
the smartphone App and to access the user account on the website later on. Your email address is mandatory to
verify the authenticity of your user account. Therefor you will automatically receive an email with confirmation link.
Your data will be encrypted and stored securely inside the smartCOUNT Cloud. At the end you will be asked for
entering the “captcha”, a random string of characters. The captcha is necessary for securing the website from spam
and is mandatory for the registration process. If you can´t read the captcha clearly, refresh the page in your
browser.

All input fields are mandatory. Assign a personal user name at line „New User Name“. It may happen, that your
desired user name is already assigned to another user. In this case you have to choose another user name. Enter at
least 6 symbols for a secure password at line “New Password” and repeat your input at “Repeat Password”. Type in
your desired email address at line “New email Address” and repeat your input at “Repeat email Address”. Avoid copy
and paste, enter your information manually to avoid mistakes. Click on “Create account” to submit your data. Always
keep your registration data safely and easily retrievable. Your data will be submitted to the smartCOUNT Cloud and
stored encrypted and secure.

You will now receive a confirmation email from the smartCOUNT Cloud within a few seconds. Open the email and
click on the contained confirmation link. Don´t answer on this email. Your account will be activated immediately for
usage. If you haven´t received a confirmation email, read Troubleshooting code (A02)

For more information about the smartCOUNT Cloud, read the 3.2 of the User Guide.

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 2.1.2. Selection of a suitable smartphone
The use of the smartCOUNT System requires a Smartphone for the purpose of data download, data management
and data forwarding. The basic requirements for correct operation of the smartphone are:

• A smartphone with integrated NFC Module (the information can be found in the datasheet of the smart-
phone or can be asked from the manufacturer or dealer)
• Operating system Android 4.0 or later

2.1.3. Install the smartCOUNT App

Make sure to have the correct clock time set on your smartphone. The time from the smartphone is later
used to set and correct the clock time on the smartCOUNT Device.

The smartCOUNT App is handling and transmitting the acquired arrester data. This App has to be installed on the
smartphone previously.

a) Ensure there is enough free memory capacity on the smartphone. At least 100 Mbytes are required
b) Confirm the installation from unknown sources (if necessary) in your security configuration of the
smartphone
c) Download App from smartCOUNT website
1. Visit http://smartcount.tridelta-meidensha.de with your smartphone
2. Login with your user account data (section 3.3.1).
3. Click on “support” and click on the download link “smartCOUNT App”
d) Or Download the App by scanning the QR Code on the label of the smartCOUNT Datalogger
e) Or Download the App from Google Play Store by searching for “smartCOUNT”
f) Permit access to the required functions of your smartphone
g) Activate NFC in the communication settings of your smartphone

The app will be installed on your smartphone. It is recommended to create a shortcut on the main screen of the
smartphone.

The installation of a new App version from other sources than the Play Store may require a deinstallation
of the previous App version.

2.2. App handling

The smartCOUNT App will appear on a random place in your app screen of the smartphone or exactly there, where
you drop the icon. Open the app by clicking on the smartCOUNT icon with Tridelta symbol.

smartCOUNT

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2.2.1. Using the NFC Interface
The data exchange between the smartCOUNT System and the Smartphone takes place with Near Field Radio
Communication which works over small distances of a few centimeters. Smartphones with NFC Function comprise
an Antenna for the New Field Communication. This antenna is positioned inside on any spot of the backside of the
Smartphone. The exact position of the antenna differs from Smartphone to Smartphone. Thus the positioning of the
Smartphone on the smartCOUNT Transponderpad plays a role for a successful connection. Most Smartphones
have a centric positioned NFC antenna; some might have it positioned eccentrically.

The smartCOUNT Transponderpad works with an approach mode, which generally works as follows:

a) Activate NFC data transmission on the smartCOUNT App (e.g. Single Shot)
b) Bring your Smartphone closer to the Transponderpad
c) NFC data transmission will be initiated between Transponderpad and Smartphone

Repeat this procedure to get a feeling of the sensitivity distance and the best positioning of the smartphone on the
smartCOUNT Transponderpad.

a) b) c)

NFC data transmission will only be initiated by approaching the Transponderpad after activation of the
NFC data transmission. It is recommended to position the Smartphone centric on the smartCOUNT Tran-
sponderpad, try to find the best positioning for your certain Smartphone. Do not deviate left, right, up or
down during a connection, keep the Smartphone on the smartCOUNT Transponderpad until the data
transmission is completed.

2.2.2. User Login

For full functionality of the data logging function and usage of the online data management, it is necessary to connect
your smartphone to your user account. Proceed as follows:

• Open the main menu of the app (button top left )

• Click on „Login“
• Enter your user name and password, which you have assigned before (section 2.1.1). Pay attention as the
app distinguishes upper and lower case.

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 The smartCOUNT App will notify “Successfully logged in” if your smartphone has successfully been assigned to the
account. The User Account will remain logged in after leaving the App but will be logged out by deinstalling the
smartCOUNT App from the Smartphone.

If the App indicates an error, read Troubleshooting code (A03).

2.2.3. Configure the smartCOUNT Datalogger

After you have successfully logged in your user account to the smartphone, full functionality of the App is activated.
The next fundamental step is to provide data about the surge arrester, where the particular smartCOUNT System is
or will be mounted. Important measuring parameters are written in the smartCOUNT Datalogger as well. You can
proceed this step in two different ways:

a) Before installation of the smartCOUNT Device on site

b) After installation of the smartCOUNT Device on site

In each case, the data cable must be connected (User Guide section 2.3.4) and the smartCOUNT Datalogger must
be charged (User guide section 2.3.5)

Activate NFC, open the App and click on „Configure Device“ in the main menu.
Fill the form in the App as follows:

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Choose manufacturer Choose manufacturer of the arrester, on which the smartCOUNT Deviece
• Tridelta is installed
• Other Manufacturer Mandatory information

Site Type in the name of the city, area or substation

Berlin S/S 1 (individual text and symbols)
Optional information

Position Type in the name of the transformer, bay or place

Transf. 2 (individual text and symbols)
Optional information

Phase Type in the name of the Phase

L1 (individual text and symbols)
Optional information

Max. System Voltage Um (P-P) Choose maximum system voltage phase-phase

420 kV (dropdown menu of IEC and ANSI voltages)
Mandatory information

Tridelta Product Code Type in the Product Code, if it is a Tridelta Arrester

2313.6-0336.00 (numbers in fixed structure for example 2313.6-0336.00)
Mandatory information in case of Tridelta Arrester

Type Type in the name of the Arrester

SBKC336 (optional field - individual text and symbols)
Optional information

Class Choose the Arrester Class

(dropdown menu of IEC Classes)
Mandatory information in case of Non-Tridetla Arrester

Frequency Choose the voltage frequency

50 Hz (dropdown menu 50Hz, 60Hz and 16,6Hz)
Mandatory information

Uc [kV] Type in the Continuous Operating Voltage of the Arrester

268,8 (only Numbers – read from label)
Mandatory information

Manufacturer Type in the Manufacturer (if different than Tridelta)

Tridelta (optional field - individual text and symbols)
Optional information

Interval Options Choose measurement interval

1/week - every hour
11:00 AM - once a day at certain time (UTC)
Monday - once a week at certain day and time (UTC)
Mandatory information
Set up Confirm the filled form by pressing “SETUP”
Afterwards put your smartphone on the smartCOUNT Transponderpad

“successfully proceeded device setup”

--> smartCOUNT Device is ready
If the App indicates an error, read at Troubleshooting code (A04).

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 After configuring the smartCOUNT Datalogger, it starts recording cyclic leakage current measurements. The smart-
phone now contains the entered configuration data set of the according surge arrester. Now the configuration data
set can be uploaded to the smartCOUNT Cloud by clicking on “Upload Data” in the main menu of the smartCOUNT
App. Finally, a record in the Arrester Overview of the smartCOUNT Cloud is created. The configuration data set of a
smartCOUNT Datalogger can be overwritten by repeating this process.

Arrester Overview

The User Account which was used to configure the device will be the only User Account to which access
via NFC will be provided subsequently. This feature allows highest data security of your smartCOUNT
Devices in the field.

2.2.4. Read data

Depending on the chosen measuring interval, the smartCOUNT Datalogger will measure and permanently store
leakage current data each hour / day / week. Impulse currents (lightning or switching overvoltages) will be recog-
nized, measured and stored as well. Proceed as follows to read out these data sets:

a) Activate NFC transmission of Smartphone

b) Open smartCOUNT App
c) Click on „Read Data“
d) Put the Smartphone on the smartCOUNT Transponderpad
e) Wait until the App indicates a successful data download

If the App indicates an error, read at Troubleshooting code (A04).

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2.2.5. “Single Shot” function
The Single Shot function enables the user to perform an instant leakage current measurement with compensation of
line voltage deviation. The input of the prevailing voltage reading (phase to earth) is required. Proceed as follows for
performing a Single Shot:

a) Activate NFC transmission of smartphone

b) Open smartCOUNT App
c) Click on „Single Shot“
d) Input of Actual Voltage Phase-Ground
e) Select frequency
f) Put the Smartphone on the smartCOUNT Transponderpad
g) Wait until the App shows the measured current values

A prior login is not necessary for “Single Shot”

If the App indicates an error, read at Troubleshooting code (A04).

The Single Shot function also works, when the user is not logged in (without user account). The smartCOUNT
System can now be used as classic surge counter, showing impulse count, peak/√2 current and additionally 3rd
harmonic current.

2.2.6. Upload Data

As soon as data sets were stored in the Smartphone after a proceeded “Read Data” or a “Single Shot” measure-
ment, the data sets can be uploaded to the smartCOUNT Cloud. The according user has to be logged in to the
smartCOUNT App. Proceed as follows.

a) Activate WiFi or mobile data of the Smartphone. Check the internet connection.
b) Open smartCOUNT App
c) Click on „Upload Data“
d) Wait until the App indicates „Successfully uploaded Data“

If the App indicates an error, read at Troubleshooting code (A03).

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 The standard destination for the uploaded data is the smartCOUNT Cloud. The cloud address is preconfigured in
the menu under “Settings”. This address should only be changed in coordination with Tridelta Meidensha.

2.2.7. Reset Device

For certain purposes it might be necessary to restart or to erase all the data and configurations from the device. For
instance:

• A new account shall be assigned to the smartCOUNT Datalogger

• The device shall be installed on another surge arrester
• A malfunction requires a reset of the device

To proceed a device reset:

a) go to menu point “Settings”

b) click on “Execute” under Factory Reset
c) put the smartphone on the smartCOUNT Transponderpad
d) wait until the App indicates a successful device reset
e) if the App indicates an error, read at Troubleshooting code (A04).

All data sets will be ultimately erased from the smartCOUNT Datalogger. Already uploaded datasets will
remain on the Cloud.

Wait until the App indicates a successful Device Reset. If the App indicates an error, read at Troubleshooting code
(A03).

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2.2.8. Logout and deinstallation
In seldom cases it might be necessary to logout from the smartCOUNT App or even to deinstall it. Therefore
proceed as follows.

a) Open the smartCOUNT App

b) Use „Upload Data“ to upload all remaining data sets on the smartphone.
c) Click on “Login” in the main menu and in the next page on “Logout”
d) Confirm that all still remaining data sets will be erased

The user account will be logged out from the smartCOUNT App and all recorded data sets will be
erased from the Smartphone. Already uploaded datasets remain on the Cloud.

For deinstallation of the App, navigate to Android application manager. Click on the smartCOUNT App and choose
“deinstall App”. The App will be erased from the smartphone. The according structure of folders and system data will
be kept.

For more information about the smartCOUNT App, read the section 3.2 of the User Guide.

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 2.3. Install a smartCOUNT Device on a surge arrester
Following tools are required for the installation of the smartCOUNT System.
• Open end spanner 19 mm
• Torque wrench 1, adjusted to 45 Nm
• Torque wrench 2, adjusted to 8 Nm
• 19mm socket spanner for torque wrench 1
• 17mm open end spanner attachment for torque wrench 2
• Kickstart set (Battery and clip are part of delivery)
• Continuity tester or multimeter

2.3.1. Safety rules

• Isolate and ground lines before installation, check de-energized parts for voltage!

! •
•
Wear personal protective equipment!
Check all fittings after installation!
• Check correct earth connection on smartCOUNT Datalogger and smartCOUNT Transponder-
pad with a continuity tester!

2.3.2. Install a smartCOUNT Datalogger

The smartCOUNT System is based on the evaluation of impulse and leakage currents, which flow
through the arrester. For this reason the arrester has to be necessarily mounted on an insulating base.

Insulating base

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Installation procedure for smartCOUNT Datenloggers:
a) Fix the smartCOUNT Datalogger with its angled terminal on the lower terminal of the surge arrester with
M12 bolt, washers, lock washer and M12 nut. Tighten the fitting with open end spanner 19mm and torque
wrench 19mm with 45 Nm.

Angled terminal must be connected to the surge arrester. Straight terminal should be connected to
! ground.

45 NM

Pay attention to ensure the following minimum clearances

max. 30
min. 50

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 b) Connect the ground cable with M12 bolt, washers, lock washer and M12 nut (not included) to the straight
terminal of the smartCOUNT Datalogger. Use an open end spanner 19 mm and a torque wrench 19 mm to
tighten the fitting with 45 Nm.

45 Nm

The fittings are mechanical and electrical connections at the same time. The tightness and electrical
! conductivity of the connections has to be checked after installation.

2.3.3. Install a smartCOUNT Transponderpad

One of many possible solutions is to fix smartCOUNT Transponderpad on the base frame of the according surge
arrester. A drill hole with a diameter of 13mm is necessary. Fix the smartCOUNT Transponderpad with M12 bolt,
washers, lock washer and M12 nut on the metal base frame. Tighten the fitting with an open end spanner 19mm and
a torque wrench 19mm with 45 Nm.

Ø13 mm

45 Nm

20 5200 MI - 2019/10
2.3.4. Install the data cable
Transponderpad and data cable are one unit. Order the Transponderpad with a sufficient cable length to
provide enough cable for an easy installation.

The installation distance represents the clearance between the mounting surface of the lower arrester terminal and
the drill hole for the Transponderpad.
Installation distance

The data cable is weather- and UV-resistant and made for outdoor installation. We do not recommend to lead the
cable through pipes or canals to prevent cable damages and influences to the data transmission.

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 Procedure for connecting the data cable to the smartCOUNT Datalogger.
a) Plug in the data cable in the RJ45 Jack of the smartCOUNT Datalogger. The plug “clicks”, when it is
connected correctly to the jack.

Unlatching the cable goes easy by pressing back the lever on the plug with a screwdriver. Don´t pull the
cable with force, it will move out smoothly when the lever is pressed back.

b) Screw in the cable gland with sealing insert (yellow) by hand until the ring seal (black) reaches the plastic
dome of the smartCOUNT Datalogger. Apply the cap of the cable gland by hand and tighten it by using
a torque wrench with 17mm open end spanner with 8 Nm. The cable gland is tight at 8 Nm. Do not apply
more torque in order to protect the plastic dome against damages.

8 Nm

22 5200 MI - 2019/10
2.3.5. Charging the smartCOUNT Datalogger
After installation the internal energy storage is empty and needs to be charged, to proceed a configuration or even
a Single Shot measurement. There are two options in this case:

a) Either use the Kick-start set (a part of delivery) to charge the smartCOUNT Datalogger quickly within 5
minutes.
- High voltage must be switched off to prevent any damage or injury.
- Polarity is irrelevant.
- The Kickstart Set can be used several times until the battery is depleted.
- Remove the Kickstart Set afterwards!
- Do not short circuit the battery clamps.

b) Or switch High Voltage to the line and wait for the power to come up after a slow charge wit the surge
arrester leakage current. This might take hours or days depending on the surge arrester specific leakage
current.

It´s recommended to charge the device with the Kick-start set and to proceed a device setup directly after the instal-
lation and charging. The smartCOUNT Datalogger will automatically switch in operation, a while after the voltage is
switched to the line.

Never use the Kick-start set under high voltage to prevent injuries and damage to the equipment!
!

The smartCOUNT System is ready for use!

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 2.4. Troubleshooting
No. Error Possible reason Approach
A01 Website not Website under maintenance Try to reach the website another day
available
No internet connection Check your network and www access

Outdated Browser Try a recent browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox)

Typing error in URL Check correct noting:

https://smartcount.tridelta-meidensha.de
A02 No confirmation Email moved to spam or trash Open email or move it from spam or trash folder to
email received folder main folder
Email blocked by firewall or Contact your mailserver provider and ask for trans-
another safety related mission of the email to your post box
software
Wrong email address typed Carry out a new registration
into registration form
A03 Login failed or Typed in wrong username or Check username and password for typing
upload not password mistakes. Check, if caps lock is activated.
possible Server under maintenance Try to login another time

No Internet connection Connect with the internet or mobile data

Serveradress wrong Check the server address in the App under

„Settings“. The correct address is:
https://smartcount.tridelta-meidensha.de/appdata/
A04 App Error Code smartCOUNT Datalogger Try it again later
discharged
RTIMEOUT Smartphone incompatible Check Smartphone compatibility (NFC, Android 4.0
WTIMEOUT or higher);
OINTERRUPT
App Version incompatible Download newest App version
READFAIL
OPENFAIL NFC connection interrupted Avoid deviating the Smartphone during NFC data
WRITEFAIL transmission;
FORMATERROR Check Smartphone positioning;
BUFFERSIZE Approach Smartphone from distance
RETURNCODE
UNKNOWN
Data cable defect or not Check datacable for defects
correctly plugged in Check the correct connection of the plug in the
smartCOUNT Datalogger
Any hardware damage Report the Error Code to the Manufacturer

A05 Nothing applicable, problem not solved Contact our support

No solution found on Website under „FAQ“ mailto: smartcount@tridelta-meidensha.de

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2.5. Disposal

The smartCOUNT Device consists of lead-free and RoHS compliant materials and can be disposed in an environ-
mentally-friendly way. The waste disposal contractor must observe the applicable local regulations.

Components of smartCOUNT Device are:

• Plastic and glass-fibre reinforced plastic

• Copper, Aluminium, tin, stainless steel and galvanized steel
• Silicon and Lithium for electronics and included battery
• Ceramics

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 3. smartCOUNT features and benefits
The values given in the following charts are only exemplary and should not be understood as minimum,
maximum or typical values.

3.1. Automatical Data Acquisition and Leakage Current Trend

Every time, when a serious condition estimation shall be done on a surge arrester, it is not simply necessary to know
the prevailing leakage current amplitudes or the impulse count. But it is very helpful to know how the condition of
the surge arrester changes during its lifetime.

Therefore the smartCOUNT Datalogger performs an automatic data acquisition every hour, day or week – just like
you prefer. The interval is defined in the smartCOUNT App during the device configuration. The data is permanently
stored in the internal Datalogger memory. 1000 records can be stored before the data is downloaded from the
smartCOUNT Device. If no download was carried out, the smartCOUNT Datalogger starts overwriting the oldest
records.

The smartCOUNT Datalogger

• Performs cyclic data acquisition

• intervals hourly / daily / weekly are available
• Stores 1000 records (date, time, temperature, 3rd harmonic
current, peak/√2 current)
• Overwrites the oldest records, if the internal memory is full
• Corrects the influence of harmonics from the voltage
• The leakage current trend can later be assessed within the smart-
COUNT Cloud

3.2. smartCOUNT App and NFC Transponderpad

The data transmission between the smartCOUNT Device and the smartCOUNT Cloud is proceeded with a smart-
COUNT App which requires a suitable smartphone (according to Chapter 2.1.2). The app is provided via Google
Playstore or as direct download from the smartCOUNT website.

3.2.1. smartCOUNT App features

In the smartCOUNT App, all necessary functions for data transmission are provided, including:

• login/logout link the smartphone with the according user account

• configure device for configuring the measuring cycle and arrester properties
• read data to read out the automatically recorded data from the smartCOUNT Datalogger
• single shot to read the momentary impulse count and leakage current data
• upload data to upload
• device reset to make a factory reset of the smartCOUNT Datalogger

A registration on the smartCOUNT Cloud is necessary to get full access to these features. If no registra-
tion is done, the app will not be assigned to an account and for security purposes, the access to the
smartCOUNT Device is prohibited. The functions configure device, read data, upload data and reset
device are not available. Only the function single shot is usable.

26 5200 MI - 2019/10
3.2.2. NFC Communication
The communication between smartphone and the smartCOUNT Device is handled by the smartCOUNT Transpon-
derpad which is an antenna for Near Field Communication (NFC). With NFC it is possible to exchange bidirectional
data over a short distance of a few centimeter without plugging in a cable. The smartCOUNT Transponderpad does
not require an extra power source. Depending on the amount of data, a data down- or upload can have a duration of
a few seconds to about 2 minutes. The data transmission of the functions single shot, configure device and device
reset take less than 5 seconds.

The smartCOUNT Transponderpad and Android App

• Allow Communication between smartCOUNT and smartphone

• Perform data exchange via Near Field Communication (NFC)
• provide different functions for user account handling, configuration
and resetting of the smartCOUNT Datalogger and for data down- and
upload
• Do not require an extra power source
• Require an Android smartphone with NFC

3.2.3. Using the smartCOUNT Device as conventional surge counter

With the “single shot” function, the operator is able to proceed a proactive measurement of the prevailing leakage
current, regardless of the cyclically acquired records. This allows the operator to have a quick overview about:
• peak/√2 current
• 3rd harmonic current
• Temperature
• Impulse count

Moreover this function gives more than just the information of a conventional surge counter with leakage current
meter.

3.2.4. Correction of voltage deviation

A Single Shot also enables the operator to indicate a prevailing phase-ground voltage, which might be deviating
from the nominal phase-ground voltage and consequently influences the calculated resistive currents. This Single
Shot data record will be uploaded to the smartCOUNT Cloud, if desired. There the previously entered phase-
ground voltage will be updated for this single record and the calculated resistive current will be normalized
accordingly.

5200 MI - 2019/10 27
 3.2.5. Data Export in CSV and Excel
All the measurement data downloaded from the smartCOUNT Device is stored in the static app memory, which is
not accessible from the user. But after each data download, the app creates 2 accessible CSV files per device, one
for leakage current and one for impulse current in the path:
main internal storage directory\Download\Tridelta\...

Access this folder with your File Manager of the smartphone. You can also download those files via USB cable to a
computer or send them to another destination. Each file is named with the unique ID of the smartCOUNT
Datalogger.

Both CSV files are always created after a “Read data”. A second “Read data” on the same smartCOUNT
Device will overwrite the according CSV files. Secure your CSV files before the next “Read data” on the
same device. Otherwise information might be lost.

The CSV file for leakage current data contains no resistive current but 3rd harmonic current. Resistive currents are
only available in the smartCOUNT Cloud.

3.3. smartCOUNT Cloud

The smartCOUNT Cloud is an online data service, where all uploaded data from the smartCOUNT App is handled.
It consists of a SQL database and is accessed through the webpage smartcount.tridelta-meidensha.de by a web
browser. Only by using the smartCOUNT Cloud it is possible to have access to all features and benefits of the whole
smartCOUNT System. These are:

• Leakage current trend curve and impulse current chart

• Comfortable data upload without cable to the smartCOUNT Cloud
• Access to all gathered data from computer, tablet or smartphone by web browser
• Full overview of the uploaded data of the corresponding account
• List of installed smartCOUNT Devices with
• Arrester details page
• Calculation of resistive currents acc. IEC 90066-5, Method B2
• Compensation of temperature influences
• Compensation of voltage deviation (for Single Shot)
• Automatical alert on the arrester overview page and via email, as soon as a surge arrester exceeds its criti-
cal current threshold
• List of cyclic leakage current measurements
• Support area with important links, downloads, news, videos and FAQ

A registration on the smartCOUNT Cloud and an authentication of the confirmation eMail is necessary to
get access to these features.

28 5200 MI - 2019/10
3.3.1. Login page

Go to https://smartcount.tridelta-meidensha.de and click on “Login”. Enter your previously registered User name and
Password.

3.3.2. Arrester Overview page

After logging in, the browser directs to the “Arrester Overview” page, where all previously configured smartCOUNT
Devices from this Account were uploaded.

The list shows furthermore all the information previously configured in the smartCOUNT App
• the device ID (unique, automatically created)
• the status of the connected surge arresters
• the date, site, position and phase of installation
• the arrester product code (only Tridelta arresters)
• type and continuous operating voltage
• the maximum system voltage (Phase-Phase) connected

The list also comprises the features

• sort all columns by pressing on in the head row in each column
• filter columns by pressing on above the table
• Download the list of entries as CSV by pressing on

It is possible to delete a complete entry by clicking on the corresponding recycle bin. The entry will be
deleted permanently.

5200 MI - 2019/10 29
 3.3.3. Arrester details page

By clicking on an entry in the “Arrester overview”, the “Arrester details” page of the according smartCOUNT Device
will open. On the top of the page, an information box will summarize the information about the corresponding surge
arrester, like it has been configured in the smartCOUNT App during the installation/configuration procedure.
Inside the information box it is also possible to enter a Critical Peak/√2 Current Threshold. The surge arrester entry
will be marked as “critical”, if the peak/√2 current exceeds this value. This function mainly allows the user to specify
the limit for the peak/√2 current based on own experiences for example concerning surface pollution induced
peak/√2 currents. (note section 5.3)
To specify a Critical Peak/√2 Current Threshold, type in the maximum allowed peak/√2 current in µA and click on
“Set”.

Secondly the Arrester details page offers a chart, showing the arrester data visually including:
• Current curve of resistive and peak/√2 current
• Trend curves for resistive and peak/√2 current
• Critical current thresholds for resistive and peak/√2 current
• Impulse currents with amplitudes, date and time
• Everything together in one chart with date/time filter

The different curves can be hidden/shown by clicking on the according entry of the legend in the chart.

30 5200 MI - 2019/10
The Arrester details page loads the records of the past 12 months. Also the chart will initially show the last 12 months
of records. In the Date Filter in the top left corner, the range of the date/time axis can be extended to get a better
overview about the current trend of a bigger period or can be reduced to get a closer view to specific interesting
dates/times.

To define the date/time range for the Arrester details page, enter date and time of begin and end of the desired
range in the format DD.MM.YYYY hh:mm:ss
By pressing

By defining a bigger period than 12 months the page will take more time for loading.

The loaded entries will be shown below in the lists for

• Cyclic Leakage current measurements
• Single shot measurements
• Impulse currents

All of those lists will be displayed reduced with maximum 50 entries and can be shown or hidden completely.

The list for cyclic leakage current measurements shows the Record ID, which is already generated inside the smart-
COUNT Datalogger and is unique for every Device. Furthermore following values are given per entry:
• Date and time (Coordinated unified time UTC)
• Measured ambient temperature
• 3rd harmonic current
• Resistive current
• Peak/√2 current

The list also comprises the features

• sort all columns by pressing on in the head row in each column
• filter columns by pressing on above the list
• Download the list of entries as CSV by pressing on
• Single records can be deleted by pressing
• All records can be deleted by pressing

5200 MI - 2019/10 31
 By clicking on the corresponding recycle bin, the entry will be deleted permanently. Greyed out values
have been rated as invalid due to implausibility. Those values are shown in the list but not in the chart.

In the list for Single shot measurements following values are given per entry:
• Date and time (Coordinated unified time UTC)
• Measured ambient temperature
• Actual Voltage Phase-Ground
• 3rd harmonic current
• Resistive current
• Peak/√2 current

The list also comprises the features

• sort all columns by pressing on in the head row in each column
• filter columns by pressing on above the list
• Download the list of entries as CSV by pressing on
• Single records can be deleted by pressing
• All records can be deleted by pressing

By clicking on the corresponding recycle bin, the entry will be deleted permanently. Greyed out values
have been rated as invalid due to implausibility. Those values are shown in the list but not in the chart.

The recorded impulse currents will be shown in the lists at the bottom of the page. The first list shows the number of
impulse currents categorized in their magnitudes. The second list shows the impulse current entries, their unique ID,
their date and time of occurrence and their magnitude.

32 5200 MI - 2019/10
The second impulse current list also comprises the features
• sort all columns by pressing on in the head row in each column
• filter columns by pressing on above the list
• Download the list of entries as CSV by pressing on
• Single records can be deleted by pressing
• All records can be deleted by pressing

By clicking on the corresponding recycle bin, the entry will be deleted permanently.

3.3.4. Account page

On the Account offers the possibility to:
a) assign a new user name to your account
b) assign a new password to your account
c) assign a new email address to your account

One or multiple preferences can be changed at one time. Password and eMail Address must be entered twice to
confirm the correct input.

3.3.5. Support page

The support page offers different useful information like
• News
• Videos/Animations for install procedure
• FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
• Downloads for App, Manual, Installation guide
• Useful links to websites and publications
• Support request link

5200 MI - 2019/10 33
 By pressing “Logout” in the top right page menu, the session will be ended and the account will be logged out on
this browser. The page will redirect to the Login page.

3.4. Cloud based current calculation

The major benefit of the smartCOUNT Cloud, is the integrated calculation of 3rd harmonic leakage currents to
temperature compensated resistive leakage currents. The smartCOUNT Cloud contains a database comprising all
Tridelta surge arrester types, their Voltage-Current-characteristics as well as their Temperature-Current-Characteris-
tics. For non Tridelta surge arrester types there are equivalent surge arrester class dependent models included.

The resistive current is calculated within the Cloud with the function

- is a function of U/Uc and the surge arrester class or the Tridelta surge arrester type
- is a function of temperature and the surge arrester class or the Tridelta surge arrester type

All resistive currents will be calculated involving the type//class of the surge arrester and will be normalized to the
standard operating condition at ambient temperature=20°C inside the smartCOUNT Cloud.

This means that the smartCOUNT System can be applied on each gapless ZnO Surge Arrester!

34 5200 MI - 2019/10
3.5. Self-sufficient power supply
The smartCOUNT Datalogger powers itself by harvesting energy from a basically infinite energy source –
smartCOUNT powers itself by the leakage current

µPower stable output

Harvester voltage
load

supply

+
Capacitor
Rectifier circuit –

Figure 3.5.1 – smartCOUNT power supply schematic

When delivered, the smartCOUNT Datalogger comes in off-state but with a basic charge of the internal power
supply unit. Depending on the charging current, a freshly installed smartCOUNT Datalogger will need more or less
time to charge up and to change to working order.

Charging current r.m.s. Latest operational after

2,0 mA 1 day
1,0 mA 2 days
0,4 mA 5 days
>10,0 mA (Charge with included 9V Kickstart-set) 5 minutes

Figure 3.5.2 – exemplary smartCOUNT Datalogger charge-up conditions

Once a smartCOUNT Datalogger is charged and has changed to working order, it will remain working until the
system voltage is switched off. Even with switched off system voltage, the power supply unit retains energy for a few
hours.

The minimum required leakage current for a stable power supply is 200 µA r.m.s.

When a smartCOUNT Datalogger is out of energy it will:

Power down and will not be usable

Retain all recorded datasets
(max. 1000 leakage current datasets and 1000 impulse current datasets)
Retain date and time

5200 MI - 2019/10 35
 3.6. Durability under Environment
The smartCOUNT Device was designed to endure the most challenging environmental conditions on installation
sites – just as a state-of-the-art surge arrester. Those conditions might be:

• Intense UV irradiation
• High temperatures up to +60°C
• Low temperatures down to -40°C
• Atmosphere with high salinity
• High air humidity, rain and fog
• Snow and icing
• High pollution areas
• Strong electromagnetic fields

To ensure the performance of the device, smartCOUNT System was intensively tested under

all these environmental conditions in a 24 months field test.

Figure 3.6.1 – smartCOUNT under field test

36 5200 MI - 2019/10
3.7. Data Security
The whole smartCOUNT System, comprising smartCOUNT Datalogger, smartCOUNT Transponderpad,
smartCOUNT App and smartCOUNT Cloud is a secure and highly available system. The complete data chain from
the Datalogger up until the Cloud is secured against unauthorized access.

User
[User ID, Name,
Password]
Name, Password, E-maill

Confirmation, E-mail

Name, Password

User ID

User ID, Configuration Data

User ID check, Arrester Data

The main security key for the communication between the components of the smartCOUNT System is the unique
user ID, which is assigned one single time, when an account is created in the registration form of the Website of the
smartCOUNT Cloud.

The login on the smartCOUNT App with these account data will be verified according the correctness by dialing the
smartCOUNT Cloud. The smartCOUNT Cloud will authenticate the dial with the correct account data by handing
over the according unique user ID. The user ID will be kept statically on the smartCOUNT App until the user is
logged out by logging out from or deleting the smartCOUNT App.

During the first Configuration of a smartCOUNT Device by using the “Configure Device” feature of the smartCOUNT
App, the unique user ID will be assigned to the connected smartCOUNT Datalogger. Afterwards this certain smart-
COUNT Datalogger will be solidly personalized with this user account. All following communication actions (except
Single Shot) between the smartCOUNT App and the smartCOUNT Device will only be possible with the similar
account login on the App. A smartCOUNT App with an account login different from the account that was personal-
ized on the smartCOUNT Datalogger will have no access to the functions
• Read Data
• Configure Device
• Reset Device

This principle ensures that no unauthorized person is able to have influence the Data of the configured smart-
COUNT Device.

5200 MI - 2019/10 37
 The Single Shot function represents an exception. By performing a Single Shot measurement on a
smartCOUNT Device, no sensible data can be changed or accessed. A Single Shot enables the operator
to use the smartCOUNT Device with its basic function of leakage current measurement and impulse
count notification, just like a conventional surge counter.

All account related data stored in the smartCOUNT Cloud will be securely encrypted and stored as a 60-symbol-ci-
pher. A backup server guarantees high data availability, even in case of Data loss on the main server. A backup is
created daily for the last 7 days, every week for the last 4 weeks and every month for the last 12 months. The latest
valid backup will be recovered automatically. The backup server is encrypted accordingly to the main server. The
server is located on 3 Datacenters in Germany and Finland. It is a redundant managed server type with SSL encryp-
tion, integrated security concept, Anti-Virus, integrity test and permanent self-monitoring. The provider of the
smartCOUNT Cloud server is an independent, professional and certified german hoster and server provider.

38 5200 MI - 2019/10
4. Arrester Condition Monitoring Theory
The main purpose of a surge arrester is to protect the primary equipment like transformers from dangerous overvolt-
ages. A surge arrester breakdown will directly lead to an outage of the connected transformer or the complete
substation. To prevent scenarios like this, it is necessary to detect a defect surge arrester before any major incident.
A surge arrester monitoring device like smartCOUNT is the right choice to discover and signalize defect surge
arresters by monitoring the surge arrester leakage current permanently.

The values given in the following charts are only exemplary and should not be understood as minimum,
maximum or typical values.

4.1. Surge Arrester Discharge Current

For many years, condition monitoring of surge arresters meant to count the number or to estimate the amplitude of
discharged currents in the surge arrester due to overvoltages. Today, a proper signal analysis of the surge arrester
leakage current is much more meaningful, than just impulse counting. Especially because todays surge arresters
consist of MOV blocks which are not essentially ageing due to the number of discharged surge currents. Neverthe-
less, the recognition of a surge current together with information about its amplitude and its date and time of
occurrence might be helpful by the assessment of the surge arrester leakage current behavior.

4.2. Surge Arrester Leakage Current

ZnO Surge Arresters have a complex impedance, which consists of a resistive and a capacitive component due to
the material structure of Zinc Oxide. Under AC-Voltage, this results in two currents: One sinusoidal capacitive current
phase shifted -90° to the voltage signal and one resistive current which is in phase with the voltage and is not sinu-
soidal but rather shaped as a periodic pulse signal. Both components are superimposed to the total leakage current
(Figure 4.2.1)

Voltage
Capacitive current
Resistive current
Total Leakage Current
0

10

20

30

40

Figure 4.2.1 – Total leakage current, capacitive and resistive current component

5200 MI - 2019/10 39
 The capacitive current component I cap (r.m.s.) of the surge arrester leakage current is approximately shifted by -90°
to the voltage phase and has an almost proportional dependency from the amplitude of the system voltage. It is not
influenced by temperature and is negligibly impacted by the grade of degradation of the surge arrester metal oxide
resistors.

The resistive current component I res (r.m.s.) of the surge arrester leakage current is in phase with the voltage and
shows pulse shaped current spikes at the highest points of the voltage amplitude. It is exponentially dependent from
the voltage and sensitive to temperature and to the grade of degradation of the surge arrester metal oxide resistors.
(Figure 4.2.2) The resistive current is nearly proportional the real power loss in the surge arrester.

1,6
normalized and
1,4
compensated resistive
current (20°C)
compensated 3rd harmonic
1,2 current (40°C)

capacitive current (20°C)

1,0
U/Uc

0,8

0,6

0,4

0,2

0,0
1 10 100 1000
current [µA]

Figure 4.2.2 – Capacitive and resistive current component

Two further important values for the condition assessment of the surge arrester play a role: Capacitive and resistive
current are superimposed to a total leakage current signal which contains the peak/√2 current and harmonic
currents. (Figure 4.2.3)

Figure 4.2.3 – peak current and 3rd harmonic current in the total leakage current

40 5200 MI - 2019/10
The peak/√2 value I_peak (peak/√2) of the surge arrester current is the maximum point of the total leakage current
divided by √2 and always orientated on the predominating component (capacitive or resistive) of the current. At low
voltage levels (approx. <U_c), the peak/√2 current orients itself on the value of the capacitive component. At higher
voltage stresses, primarily in a range above Ur (rated voltage), the peak/√2 current orients itself on the value of the
resistive component.

The 3rd harmonic current I_3rd (r.m.s.) is the current value of next odd multiple frequency of the natural current
frequency and shows a very similar behavior to the resistive current which qualifies the 3rd harmonic current as a
physical equivalent of the resistive current which is easy to measure, exemplary shown in Figure 4.2.4.

10000
3rd harmonic current (20°C)

resistive current (20°C)

1000
current [µA]

100

10

1
0,4 0,5 0,6 0,7 0,8 0,9 1,0 1,1 1,2 1,3 1,4
U/Uc

Figure 4.2.4 – 3rd harmonic current related to resistive current

5200 MI - 2019/10 41
 4.3. IEC 60099-5 method B2
The surge arrester IEC standard for selection and application of surge arresters (IEC 60099-5) describes different
diagnostic methods for surge arresters. The most common measurement method B2 is described as third order
harmonic analysis with compensation for harmonics in the system voltage.

Method B2 assumes that harmonics in the surge arrester leakage current arise from the impact of the resistive
current component to the total leakage current. The 3rd harmonic current is considered as the harmonic current
which is most equivalent to the resistive current and thus the 3rd harmonic shall be measured and related to the
resistive component.

Method B2 also explains that harmonics in the system voltage have an influence on the harmonic content of the total
leakage current of a surge arrester and thus produce measuring errors in the determination of the 3rd harmonic
leakage current. According to the standard, Method B2 requires a compensation function to minimize the influence
of voltage harmonics to the measured 3rd harmonic current. (Figure 4.3.1)

600

400
total leakage current [µA]

200
Current

Voltage Harmonic Error

0
Current Harmonics

- 200

- 400

- 600 1. Harm 2. Harm 3. Harm

time

Figure 4.3.1 – typical surge arrester leakage current and harmonic error induced by voltage noise

4.4. Application of measurement method B2

The resistive current is a good representative value for the surge arrester condition due to its high sensitivity and
logarithmic growth over the whole leakage current area of the V-I-Curve. Unfortunately it can´t be measured directly
but can be determined as proposed in the measurement method B2. Then the resistive current is based on the third
harmonic content of the leakage current, which is extracted from the leakage current spectrum by using a digital
Fast Fourier Transformation algorithm, short “FFT”. The ratio between 3rd harmonic current and resistive current
depends from the voltage ratio U/Uc, the temperature of the MOV blocks and the type of the according MOV block.
(Figure 4.4.1)

The measurement procedure in particular:

a) Digital sampling of the total current signal using a high performance 32 Bit Microcontroller
b) Creation of the total current spectrum by means of a Fast Fourier Transformation algorithm
c) Compensation of the 3rd harmonic error amount due to the influence of harmonics in the system voltage
using an integrated electric field probe
d) Conversion of the compensated 3rd harmonic current to a resistive current with a voltage ratio dependent
factor corresponding to the type of MOV block
e) Normalization of the resistive current to standard condition: 20°C and U/Uc = 0,8

42 5200 MI - 2019/10
 Total leakage current

Current
Voltage Harmonic Error
Digital sampling Current Harmonics

FFT
Compensation of
voltage harmonics

1. Harm 2. Harm 3. Harm

1,2
Normalization of resistive
current to 20°C and 0,8×Uc
1,0

0,8
U/Uc

0,6

0,4
normalized and compensated
resistive current (20°C)
0,2 Conversion of 3rd harmonic to resistive compensated 3rd harmonic
current (depending MOV type) current (40°C)

0,0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
current [µA]

Figure 4.4.1 – Principle procedure for determination of the resistive leakage current component

smartCOUNT determines the resistive current according to IEC 60099-5 Annex D, Method

B2

5200 MI - 2019/10 43
 5. Guideline for leakage current assessment
The following chapter describes special cases which may lead to misunderstanding of the measured data. Tempera-
ture and grid related influences like harmonics in the system voltage play a minor role since there are existing
methods for rough compensation of them. Weather and pollution still influence the arrester current by adding surface
currents and hence errors to the measured values. A humidity ingress or successive degradation of MOV blocks are
the most common reasons for surge arrester failure and need to be detected early. Only proper understanding of
measured leakage current values, preferably available as periodically logged long term data, guarantees early fail-
ure recognition and the making of a correct decision for replacing a surge arrester. Thus, the most frequent cases of
leakage current behavior are explained and set in relation to the according practical scenario. Side effects and their
impact on the measurement results are discussed and recommendations for a proper condition assessment of surge
arrester are given.

5.1. Temperature influences and compensation

Usually temperature impacts on the resistive leakage current from the ambient temperature is compensated by
measuring the ambient temperature and by multiplying the measured raw value with a correction factor based on a
temperature compensation model. Of course temperature models also differ between varistor types but can be
approximated for all varistor types or roughly linearized for one specific ratio U/Uc in order to simplify the compensa-
tion procedure.

But there is another influence on the temperature compensation algorithm that arises from the temperature meas-
urement itself. Usually the temperature sensor is built inside the monitoring device and the measured temperature
differs from the ambient temperature due to the temperature constant of the monitoring device and how long it
takes until the ambient temperature has been conducted to the temperature sensor. The temperature constant of
the monitoring device and surge arrester should be roughly the same in order to replicate the same temperature
impact on both. Furthermore the influence on the temperature sensor and the varistor will be mismatched due to
differences in the capability of the arrester housing and shell of the monitoring device to reflect sunlight. Varying
sunlight radiation angles and partial shading will influence temperature calculations. These factors lead to an effect
that has been observed on surge arresters in the field, called over-compensation, where a compensation value is
subtracted, that is larger than the nominal temperature deviation. Finally with rising ambient temperature, the resis-
tive leakage current neither rises, nor stays stable, it sinks. This leads to a ripple in the resistive leakage current, due
to night and daytime temperature fluctuations, outlined in Figure 5.1.1.

resistive current [µA] temperature [°C]

200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
2017.05.16
2017.05.16
2017.05.17
2017.05.17
2017.05.17
2017.05.18
2017.05.18
2017.05.19
2017.05.19
2017.05.20
2017.05.20
2017.05.21
2017.05.21
2017.05.22
2017.05.22
2017.05.22
2017.05.23
2017.05.23
2017.05.24
2017.05.24
2017.05.25
2017.05.25
2017.05.26
2017.05.26
2017.05.27
2017.05.27
2017.05.27
2017.05.28
2017.05.28
2017.05.29
2017.05.29
2017.05.30
2017.05.30
2017.05.31
2017.05.31
2017.06.01
2017.06.01
2017.06.01
2017.06.02
2017.06.02
2017.06.03
2017.06.03
2017.06.04
2017.06.04
2017.06.05
2017.06.05

Figure 51.1 - ripple effect due to temperature over-compensation

44 5200 MI - 2019/10
 This problem can be handled most effectively by measuring at night to mainly eliminate the influence from sunlight.
It might also be necessary to check, if the correct arrester type has been assigned during the configuration process
of the monitoring device.

5.2. Humidity and rain effects

As high voltage surge arresters are usually installed outside, they are affected by rain and humidity or fog. Effects on
the leakage current, caused by these conditions can be figured out by means of meteorological data. High peak/√2
currents correlate directly with very heavy rain and storm (area marked in blue). Fluctuating peak/√2 values with low
changes in the amplitude can be related to continuous, steady rain, heavy fog and high humidity (area marked in
green). Humidity and rain produce only marginally fluctuating values on the resistive current trend.

1800 peak/√2 current [µA]

1600 resistive current [µA]
1400
1200
current [µA]

1000
800
600
400
200
0
01.10.17
05.10.17
09.10.17
13.10.17
17.10.17
21.10.17
25.10.17
29.10.17
02.11.17
06.11.17
10.11.17
14.11.17
18.11.17
22.11.17
26.11.17
30.11.17
04.12.17
08.12.17
12.12.17
16.12.17
20.12.17
24.12.17
28.12.17
date
Figure 5.2.1 – Influences rain and humidity to the peak/√2 current

Humidity and rain induced peak/√2 current values always fall back to their nominal value under dry conditions. The
resistive current is influenced only marginally.

5.3. Polluted arresters

In heavily polluted areas, like deserts, industrial parks and coastal areas, exposed surge arresters often show depos-
its of conductive sediments on their housing after a certain time period. Figure 4.3.1 shows the behavior of the surge
arrester leakage current in a coastal desert climate with salt fog as well as humidity in the morning followed by hot
and dry ambient conditions. Under dry air the peak/√2 current and the resistive current are stable on their nominal
value. In the morning hours, where salty water vapor condenses on the surge arrester housing surface, the meas-
ured peak/√2 current will start rising. During hot and dry daytime, the peak/√2 current falls back to a level that is
lower than the maximum value but still higher than the nominal current of a clean housing. This behavior repeats
with every daily cycle with gradual rise in the daily maximum value as well as the subsequent nominal value to which
the peak/√2 current falls back, when the arrester housing is drying. This behavior is due to the continuous growth of
a pollution layer with high salinity and humidity during salt fog exposition.

5200 MI - 2019/10 45
 6000
peak/√2 current [µA]
resistive current [µA]
5000

4000
current [µA]

3000

2000

1000

0
08.05.17
09.05.17
09.05.17
10.05.17
11.05.17
12.05.17
12.05.17
13.05.17
14.05.17
15.05.17
15.05.17
16.05.17
17.05.17
18.05.17
18.05.17
19.05.17
20.05.17
21.05.17
21.05.17
22.05.17
23.05.17
24.05.17
24.05.17
25.05.17
26.05.17
27.05.17
27.05.17
28.05.17
date
Figure 5.3.1 - high leakage current due to accumulating pollution

Especially wet salt layers have a high conductivity, thus the prevailing capacitive current is superimposed by very
high sinusoidal currents that are in phase with the voltage. The nominal value rises and the dried off surface pollu-
tion layer remains partially conductive. The conductivity of the pollution layer rises with the cross section of the salty
layer. The resistive current is marginally affected because the total current is approximately sinusoidal and primary
contains a predominant 1st harmonic, a small 3rd harmonic from the ZnO current and high frequent distortion.

Cleaning the polluted surge arresters eliminates surface currents and brings the leakage current back to its normal
value (Figure 5.3.2)

1600
resistive current [µA] peak/√2 current [µA]
1400
1200
1000
800
600 polluted cleaned
400
200
0
9:00

10:00

11:00

12:00

13:00

14:00

15:00

16:00

17:00

18:00

19:00

Figure 5.3.2 – recorded leakage current with polluted porcelain housing and after cleaning

5.4. Detect humidity ingress

Humidity ingress is the most common reason for surge arrester breakdowns mostly induced by a tightness issue on
the sealing system. When humidity has entered to a surge arrester with enclosed gas volume, the air humidity inside
the arrester rises and consequently, a conductive water film will condense on the internal surfaces. A creepage
current will establish along the inner insulator surface and along the stack of MOV blocks. Single MOV blocks or
complete sections are short-circuited. The non-short-circuited sections of the MOV block stack are overloaded
which finally leads to a thermal runaway.

46 5200 MI - 2019/10
The peak/√2 current will show stochastically rising and falling amplitudes due to the moistening, drying-off and
remoistening of certain conductive creepage current paths. An impact to the resistive current will show up, if single
MOV Blocks or complete MOV sections are humid and thus short-circuited. This scenario is alarming. A surge arrest-
er exchange is absolute necessary (Figure 5.4.1).

16000
resistive current [µA]
14000
peak/√2 current [µA]
12000
10000
curent [µA]

8000
6000
4000
2000
0
00:00
02:00
04:00
06:00
00:00
02:00
04:00
06:00
08:00
10:00
12:00
14:00
16:00
18:00
20:00
22:00
00:00
02:00
04:00
06:00
00:00
02:00
04:00
06:00
08:00
10:00
12:00
14:00
16:00
18:00
20:00
22:00
time
Figure 5.4.1 – recorded leakage current under humidity ingress

5.5. Discover degrading surge arresters

Degradation takes place, when the power loss in the stack of MOV blocks in a surge arrester is rising due to a
change in its V-I-characteristic after an energy overload or as a result of aging. This case of a surge arrester fault
manifests in a continuously rising resistive current. This scenario is alarming as well because rising resistive currents
lead to rising surge arrester temperatures and finally to a thermal runaway. A surge arrester exchange might be
necessary. For Tridelta Surge Arresters, the smartCOUNT Cloud system provides a critical resistive current thresh-
old and gives a notification that this surge arrester is considered as critical (Figure 5.5.1).

100

90
resistive current
80 Critical resistive current [µA]
70
resistive current [µA]

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
days

Figure 5.5.1 – rising resistive current due to degradation

5200 MI - 2019/10 47
 5.6. Taking impulse currents into account
Previously surge counters (and monitoring spark gaps) have been used to estimate the condition of a surge arrester.
The essential information about the arrester condition was derived from the number (and amplitude) of the discharg-
es, the arrester has handled in its lifetime. Of course, the estimation of the arrester condition based on the change of
the V-I-characteristic is rather precise. But it might be necessary to take the discharged currents into account and to
relate them to the behavior of the temporal leakage current as well.

One possible case might be the overload of a surge arrester due to discharges with an amplitude or energy higher
than specified. Subsequently, the resistive current will show a successive rise and no recovery, which is critical and
requires an immediate arrester replacement. (Figure 5.6.1).

Figure 5.6.1 – rising resistive current caused by sudden degradation due to impulse overload

Another possible case is the occurrence of discharges, followed by a heating of the MOV blocks and consequently
a step up of the resistive current and slow recovery to the nominal value afterwards while cooling down (Figure
5.6.2).

Figure 5.6.2 – rising and recovering resistive current caused by temporary heating of the MOV blocks due to
discharges

48 5200 MI - 2019/10
5.7. Cases and recommendations
The following pictograms show the most common cases of leakage current behavior. The corresponding back-
ground information and recommendations are summarized accordingly.

peak/√2 current resisitve current CASE A

Sudden spike in peak/√2 current
Later recovery of the nominal value
Reason: Current affected by heavy rain, humidity

Arrester is ok

peak/√2 current resisitve current CASE B

Cyclic resistive current swing
Reason:Temperature or voltage fluctuation, wrong configuration

Check the monitoring device configuration

Configure automatic measurements at night
Arrester is ok

peak/√2 current resisitve current CASE C

Periodic spiking and peak/√2 current, rising nominal value
Reason: Surface pollution

Check and clean the arrester to prevent outer flashover

Recovery of nominal value
Arrester is ok

peak/√2 current resisitve current CASE D

Very high fluctuating peak/√2 currents and low change in resistive
current
Arrester surface is clean (and dry)
Reason: Humidity ingress

immediately replace the surge arrester

5200 MI - 2019/10 49
 peak/√2 current resisitve current CASE E
Rising values of resistive (and peak/√2) current; successively over life-
time or immediately after impulse current
Reason: MOV degradation

Check more frequent and call the Manufacturer

replace surge arrester preemtively

It is recommended to configure the smartCOUNT Datalogger for daily measurement at night. Conse-
quently an effect according to CASE B is eliminated. Furthermore over 2 years of memory capacity for
leakage current datasets can be used before overwriting the oldest entries.

It is recommended to configure the smartCOUNT Datalogger for hourly measurement to receive a

highly resolved leakage current trend. This is necessary if a surge arrester shall be monitored with
regards to surface pollution (CASE C) or humidity ingress (CASE D) or if the surge arrester has shown
resistive current anomalies according to CASE E.

50 5200 MI - 2019/10
 6. Technical Data and dimensions

Measuring range
total leakage current 0 µA to 50 mA peak/√2
3rd harmonic leakage current 0 µA to 5 mA r.m.s.
resistive leakage current 0 µA to 5 mA r.m.s.

Leakage current resolution 1 µA

frequency 16,6 Hz
50 Hz
60 Hz
measurement cycle 1/hour
1/day
1/week
surge counting classification (8/20 µs) x ≤ 100 A
100A < x ≤ 1000 A
1000A < x ≤ 5000 A
5000A < x ≤ 10.000 A
10.000A < x ≤ 40.000 A
40.000A < x ≤ 100.000 A
memory (cyclic buffer) 1000 leakage current entries
1000 impulse current entries
time stamp format YYYY-MM-DD
hh:mm:ss
operating temperature -40 to +60 °C

1 1 1
data cable length
2 2 2 3 3 3
1 to 30 m 4 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 6

TRIDELTA
TRIDELTA
TRIDELTA smartCOUNT
smartCOUNT
smartCOUNT
with NFC
withTransponderpad
NFCwith
Transponderpad
NFC Transponderpad 3344 Dr(E)
3344 Dr(E)
3344 Dr(E)
A A A A A
118 118 118 116 116 116
72 72 3172 31 31
103

103

103

SW SW SW
20 20 20
5

B B B B B
25

25

25
40

40

40

5 5 5
21

21

21

Ø 1 Ø 1 Ø 1
3 3 3
30 30 30
82

82

82

Ø 1 Ø 1 Ø 1
3 3 3

C C C C C
193,5

193,5

193,5

13

13

13

45Ā 45Ā 45Ā

Ø

Ø
178,5

178,5

178,5

Ansicht vonAnsicht
unten /von unten
Ansicht
/ von unten /
6

6
12

12

12

View from below

View from below
View from below

152 152 152

90 90 90
D D D D D
Seitenansicht
Seitenansicht
/ SideviewSeitenansicht
/ Sideview / Sideview Frontansicht
Frontansicht
/ FrontviewFrontansicht
/ Frontview / Frontview
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Geprüft Geprüft 11.11.19
Geprüft 11.11.19 Kirchner
11.11.19Kirchner Kirchner TRIDELTA
TRIDELTA
TRIDELTA 01 01 01
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GmbH
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GmbH GmbH 5200 MI - 2019/10 51
1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 6
Tridelta Meidensha GmbH
Marie-Curie-Straße 3 Telephone: +49 (0) 36601 93 283 00 arrester@tridelta-meidensha.de
07629 Hermsdorf / Germany Fax +49 (0) 36601 93 283 01 www.tridelta-meidensha.de