UNIT- V

High Voltage Testing of Electrical

Apparatus
 High Voltage Testing of Electrical Apparatus
Syllabus

 Destructive / Laboratory test procedures (PART-A)

 Test on Insulators
• Dry and wet flash over tests
• Withstand tests with impulse and A.C.
 Testing of Circuit Breaker, Bushings and Surge Diverters
 High voltage tests on Cables
 Impulse testing of Transformers

 Non-destructive Testing (PART-B)

• Measurement of dielectric constant and loss factor
• High voltage Schering Bridge
• Partial Discharge measurements
 Part-A
 Laboratory test procedures
 Test on Insulators
• Dry and wet flash over tests
• Withstand tests with impulse and A.C.
 Testing of Circuit Breaker, Bushings and Surge Diverters
 High voltage tests on Cables
 Impulse testing of Transformers
 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DESTRUCTIVE AND
NON DESTRUCTIVE TEST
DESTRUCTIVE TEST NON DESTRUCTIVE TEST

Used for finding out the properties of the

Used for finding out defects of materials.
material.

Load is applied on the material. Load is not applied on the material.

Due to load application, material gets No load applications, so no chance for

damaged. material damage.

Special equipment's are required. No requirement of special equipment.

Expensive. Non expensive.

Skill is required. Less skill.

e.g.- tensile test, compression test, e.g.- dye penetrate test, ultrasonic,
 Laboratory test procedures
Introduction
• Electrical equipment must be capable of withstanding high
voltages during operation. Thus by suitable testing procedures
we must ensure that this is done.

• High voltage testing can be broadly classified into testing of

insulating material (samples of dielectric) and tests on
complete equipment.

• The tests carried out on sample of dielectrics consist generally

of the measurement of permittivity, dielectric loss per unit
volume, and the dielectric strength of the material.
 Test on insulators
Insulators are critical components in high-voltage systems, providing electrical
isolation between conductors and supporting structures.
To ensure their reliability and efficiency, various tests are performed.
Types of Insulator Tests
Insulator testing is classified into three main categories:
• Type Tests – Performed on sample insulators to verify their design.
• Routine Tests – Conducted on each manufactured insulator for quality
assurance.
• Acceptance & Performance Tests – Conducted on insulators before installation
or during maintenance.
Main tests -:
 Withstand test
 Flash-over test
 Dry flash-over test
 Wet flash-over test
 Visible discharge test
 Puncture Test
 Mechanical Strength Test
 High Voltage Routine Test
 Temperature Test
 Dry flash over test
Procedure
• The insulator is cleaned and dried.
• It is placed in a test setup with high voltage
HV Electrode
applied across its terminals. |
• The voltage is gradually increased until a |
flashover occurs (a visible arc or breakdown). ----|---- (Insulator)
• The voltage at which the flashover happens is |
|
recorded.
Ground
• This is repeated ten times. There shall be no
damage to the insulator.
• The mean of at least five consecutive flash over
voltages must not be less than the value
specified in specifications.
 Wet flash over test
• If the test is carried out under artificial rain, it is called wet
flash over test.
• The insulator is subjected to spray of water.
HV Electrode
|
Procedure
|
• The insulator is placed in the test setup and sprayed with (Insulator with water spray)
water to simulate rain conditions (typically at a controlled |
conductivity of 100 µS/cm). |
• High voltage is applied across the insulator terminals. Ground
• The voltage is increased gradually until a flashover occurs.
• The flashover voltage is recorded.
 Differences
Parameter Dry Flashover Test Wet Flashover Test

Condition No moisture, dry air Simulated rain/moisture

Lower (due to moisture

Flashover Voltage Higher
reducing insulation)

Evaluate insulator strength in Assess performance in wet

Test Purpose
dry conditions conditions
 Withstand tests with impulse

Procedure

• The insulator should be mounted so as to simulate practical

conditions.
• A 1/50 µs wave of the specified voltage (corrected for
humidity, air density etc.) is applied.
• Flashover or puncture should not occur. (if puncture occurs,
the insulator permanently damaged).
• The test is repeated five times for each polarity.
 Circuit Breaker - Testing
Introduction
• The circuit breaker is an essential electrical
device designed for damages caused by faults as
overloads, short circuit and ground faults so
that’s why it is called a protective device.

• It automatically detects excessive current flow,

and interrupts the circuit to prevent overheating,
equipment damage or fire hazards.
Testing:
• Short Circuit Test
• Dielectric Test (Insulation
Resistance Test)
• Thermal Test
• Mechanical Tests
 1. Short Circuit Test

Purpose: To test the circuit breaker's ability to interrupt a high fault

current.

Procedure:
– The circuit breaker is connected to a test circuit with a high
short-circuit current source.
– The breaker is closed, and a fault is simulated.
– The breaker is commanded to open, and the arc extinction
process is observed.
– Voltage and current waveforms are analysed to check
performance.

Outcome: Ensures the breaker can handle real short circuits safely.
 2. Dielectric Test (Insulation Resistance Test)
Purpose: To measure the insulation resistance of the circuit breaker.
Procedure:
• A megger (insulation resistance tester) is connected across the insulation.
• A DC voltage (e.g., 500V, 1kV) is applied, and resistance is measured.
• Higher resistance indicates better insulation.
Power Frequency Withstand Test (High Voltage Test)
Purpose: To check the insulation strength of the circuit breaker at power frequency (50
Hz or 60 Hz).
Procedure:
• A high voltage is applied across the open contacts, and from phase to
ground.
• The voltage is gradually increased to the test value (e.g., 1.5 times the rated
voltage).
• The circuit breaker should withstand this voltage without breakdown for a
specified time (usually 1 minute).

Outcome: Ensures the insulation is not degraded.

 3. Thermal Test

Purpose: To check the heating effect of continuous current on breaker contacts.

Procedure:
– The breaker carries its rated current for a long time.
– The temperature of contacts and other parts is measured.
– It should not exceed safe limits.

4. Mechanical Tests
• A C.B. must open and close at the correct speed and perform such operations
without mechanical failure.
• The breaker mechanism is, therefore, subjected to a mechanical endurance type
test involving repeated opening and closing of the breaker.
• B.S. 116: 1952 requires 500 such operations without failure and with no
adjustment of the mechanism.
• Some manufacture feels that as many as 20,000 operations may be reached
before any useful information regarding the possible causes of failure may be
obtained.
• A resulting change in the material or dimensions of a particular component
may considerably improve the life and efficiency of the mechanism.
 Bushings - Testing

• High-voltage bushings are

critical components in
electrical equipments such as
transformers, circuit
breakers, and switchgear.

• To ensure their reliability

and safety, they undergo
several tests.

• These tests verify their

insulation strength, dielectric
properties, and mechanical
integrity.
Various Tests:

• Power Frequency Withstand Test (High Voltage Test).

• Impulse Voltage Test.
• Partial Discharge (PD) Test.
• Power frequency flash over and puncture test.
• Dissipation Factor (Tan Delta) Test.
• Power Factor Test.
• Visual and mechanical inspection.
1. Power Frequency Withstand Test (High Voltage Test)
Purpose:
•To check the insulation strength of the bushing at power frequency (50 Hz or 60 Hz).
Procedure:
•The bushing is installed in the test setup.
•A high AC voltage (1.5 times the rated voltage) is applied across the bushing for 1
minute.
•The bushing should withstand the voltage without breakdown or excessive leakage
current.

Outcome:
•Passes if no flashover or insulation failure occurs.

2. Impulse Voltage Test

Purpose:
• To test the bushing’s ability to withstand lightning and switching surges.
Procedure:
• A high-voltage impulse (e.g., 1.2/50 µs) is applied.
• The response waveform is analysed.
Outcome:
• Passes if no insulation failure occurs
3. Partial Discharge (PD) Test
Purpose:
• To detect small dielectric breakdowns inside the bushing insulation.
Procedure:
• The bushing is connected to a high-voltage AC source.
• A sensitive detector measures the PD level in pico Coulombs (pC).
• If PD exceeds the acceptable limit, the insulation may have defects.
Outcome:
• Ensures long-term reliability by detecting insulation weaknesses.

4. Power frequency flash over and puncture test

• (Under Oil): The bushing is immersed fully in oil. This test is carried out to
ascertain that the internal breakdown strength of the bushing is 15% more than
the power frequency momentary dry withstand test value.
5. Dissipation Factor (Tan Delta) Test
Purpose:
• To measure dielectric losses and insulation aging.
Procedure:
• A test voltage is applied, and the dissipation factor (tan δ) is
measured.
• A higher tan δ indicates insulation deterioration.
Outcome:
• Should be within acceptable limits (typically < 0.5%)

6. Power Factor Test

Purpose:
• To assess insulation condition by measuring the power
factor of the insulation.
Procedure:
• A low-frequency AC voltage is applied.
• Power factor values are measured and compared to
standard values.
Outcome:
• Should be within acceptable limits (typically below 0.5%).
7. Visual and Mechanical Inspection

Purpose:
• To check for physical damage and mechanical integrity.

Procedure:
• Examine for cracks, moisture ingress, or contamination.
• Check mechanical strength by applying mechanical loads.

Outcome:
• No visible defects, cracks, or mechanical failures should be
present
 Surge Diverters - Testing

• Surge diverters (also known as

surge arresters) are essential
protective devices in high-
voltage power systems.

• They protect electrical

equipment from lightning and
switching surges.

• To ensure their reliability,

various tests are performed.

• These tests check insulation

strength, discharge capability,
and overall performance.
 Lightning Arrester

• Lightning Arrester :- A device

designed to protect electrical
equipment from high transient
voltage and to limit the duration and
frequency the amplitude of follow-
current.

• Surge arrester are usually connected

the electrical conductor of a network
and earth through they may
sometime be connected across the
windings of equipment or between
electrical conductor.
Lightning Arrester: Surge Arrester (or Surge Protector):

Purpose: Purpose:
Primarily designed to protect external structures and associated Protects internal electrical systems and equipment from over
electrical components from direct lightning strikes. voltages caused by a variety of sources, including lightning,
switching operations, and other transient voltages.
Function:
Attracts and diverts incoming lightning strikes into the ground, Function:
providing a low-impedance path for the lightning current. Limits voltage on equipment by discharging or bypassing surge
current, preventing damage to sensitive equipment.
Testing of Surge Diverters
• Power Frequency Withstand Test
• Impulse Current Withstand Test
• Front of wave spark over test
• Residual Voltage Test
• Energy Absorption Test
• Leakage Current Test
• Aging Test (Long Duration Test)
• Radio Interference Voltage (RIV) Test
1. Power Frequency Withstand Test
Purpose:
• To verify the insulation strength of the surge diverter under normal operating voltage.
Procedure:
• A high AC voltage (typically 1.5 times the rated voltage) is applied across the surge
diverter.
• The voltage is maintained for 1 minute.
• The insulation should not break down or show excessive leakage current.
Outcome:
• The surge diverter passes if it withstands the applied voltage without failure.

2. Impulse Current Withstand Test

Purpose:
• To test the surge diverter’s ability to handle high surge currents.
Procedure:
• High-magnitude impulse currents (e.g., 10 kA, 8/20 µs) are applied multiple times.
• The arrester should remain intact without insulation failure.
Outcome:
• Passes if no damage or change in electrical characteristics is observed.
3. Front of wave spark over test
• In order to ensure that the surge diverter flashes over for very steep fronted
waves of high peaks, this test is conducted using an overvoltage having a rate
of rise of 1OO kV/µs, per 12 kV of the rating.
• The estimated maximum steepness of the waves are specified in standards and
specifications.
• The test is done by conducting hundred per cent spark over voltage test for
increasing magnitudes of the standard impulse wave.
• The time to spark over is measured.
• The volt-time characteristic of the diverter is plotted, and the intersection of the
V-I characteristic and the line with slope of the virtual steepness of the front
gives the front of a wave spark over voltage.

4. Residual Voltage Test

Purpose:
• To measure the voltage across the surge diverter when it conducts a surge current.
Procedure:
• A standard impulse current (e.g., 8/20 µs waveform) is applied.
• The voltage across the arrester is measured.
• The residual voltage should be within specified limits.
Outcome:
• Ensures the arrester limits voltage effectively during a surge.
5. Energy Absorption Test
Purpose:
• To check how much energy the surge diverter can absorb without damage.
Procedure:
• Multiple high-energy impulses are applied to simulate real surge conditions.
• The arrester is monitored for temperature rise and physical changes.
Outcome:
• The arrester should not degrade or fail under the specified energy levels

6. Leakage Current Test

Purpose:
• To measure the leakage current under normal operating voltage.
Procedure:
• The surge diverter is energized at its rated voltage.
• Leakage current is measured using a sensitive instrument.
• An increase in leakage current over time indicates insulation degradation.
Outcome:
• Leakage current should remain within specified limits (typically in
microamperes).
7. Aging Test (Long Duration Test)
Purpose:
• To evaluate the long-term performance of the surge diverter.
Procedure:
• The arrester is subjected to continuous voltage and periodic impulse surges.
• Performance is monitored over an extended period.
Outcome:
• The arrester should not show deterioration in insulation or electrical
performance.

8. Radio Interference Voltage (RIV) Test

Purpose:
• To measure radio-frequency noise generated by the arrester.
Procedure:
• The arrester is energized, and radiated interference voltage is measured.
• Excessive RIV indicates poor insulation or internal defects.
Outcome:
• Passes if RIV remains below acceptable levels
 Cable Testing
• High-voltage power cables must undergo various tests to ensure their insulation integrity,
dielectric strength, and overall reliability.

These tests are classified into Type Tests, Routine Tests, and Commissioning Tests
based on their purpose and timing

Types
High-voltage cable testing is categorized
into three main types:
• Type Tests – Conducted on a sample
to verify design compliance.

• Routine Tests – Conducted on every

manufactured cable to ensure quality.

• Commissioning (Acceptance) and

Maintenance Tests – Conducted on-
site before and after installation
 1. Type Tests (Performed on Sample Cables in the Factory)
These tests are conducted on a sample of the cable to verify its design and
compliance with standards.

• Power Frequency Withstand Test

• Impulse Voltage Test
• Heating Cycle Test

a) Power Frequency Withstand Test

Purpose: To check the dielectric strength of the cable insulation.

Procedure:
– The cable is immersed in water or placed in a controlled environment.
– A high AC voltage (typically 2.5 times the rated voltage) is applied for 5
minutes.
– The cable should not show breakdown or excessive leakage current.

Outcome: Ensures the cable insulation can withstand normal operating conditions.
 b) Impulse Voltage Test
Purpose: To test the cable's ability to withstand transient over voltages (e.g.,
lightning surges).
Procedure:
– A high-voltage impulse (1.2/50 µs waveform) is applied to the cable.
– The waveform response is analysed for abnormalities.
– The test is repeated several times.

Outcome: Passes if no insulation breakdown occurs.

c) Heating Cycle Test
Purpose: To simulate thermal stress due to load variations.
Procedure:
– The cable is subjected to rated current cycles, heating and cooling
alternately.
– Temperature and insulation performance are monitored

Outcome: Ensures that the cable can withstand temperature fluctuations

 2. Routine Tests (Conducted on Every Manufactured Cable)
These tests are performed on each cable before delivery to ensure consistent
quality.

• High Voltage DC Test

• Partial Discharge (PD) Test
• Conductor Resistance Test

a) High Voltage DC Test

Purpose: To detect insulation defects.
Procedure:
– A DC voltage (3 to 4 times the rated voltage) is applied for 15 minutes.
– Leakage current is monitored.
Outcome: Passes if leakage current remains within acceptable limits.
b) Partial Discharge (PD) Test

Purpose: To detect minor defects in insulation before they lead to

failure.
Procedure:
– A high AC voltage is applied below the breakdown level.
– Discharge activity is monitored in pico Coulombs (pC).
Outcome: The cable is acceptable if the PD level is below the
specified limit.

c) Conductor Resistance Test

Purpose: To ensure the conductor has the correct resistance.
Procedure:
– The resistance is measured using a low-resistance ohmmeter.
– The value is compared with standard values.
Outcome: Confirms proper conductor material and size.
 3. Commissioning (Acceptance) and Maintenance Tests
These tests are performed after installation and during periodic
maintenance to verify cable health.

• Very Low Frequency (VLF) AC Test

• Insulation Resistance Test (Megger Test)
• High Voltage Breakdown Test

a) Very Low Frequency (VLF) AC Test

Purpose: To check insulation strength after installation.
Procedure:
– A low-frequency (0.01–0.1 Hz) high-voltage AC is applied.
– The test is performed for about 15 minutes.

Outcome: Passes if the cable does not experience insulation

breakdown.
b) Insulation Resistance Test (Megger Test)
Purpose: To measure the insulation resistance of the cable.
Procedure:
– A DC voltage (500V to 10kV) is applied using a megger.
– The insulation resistance (in MΩ) is recorded.

Outcome: Higher resistance indicates good insulation quality.

c) High Voltage Breakdown Test

Purpose: To determine the voltage at which insulation fails.
Procedure:
– Voltage is gradually increased until breakdown occurs.
– This test is destructive and used for research.
Outcome: Determines the insulation’s maximum voltage rating.
 Impulse Testing of Transformers
• Impulse testing of transformers is conducted to assess their ability to
withstand transient high-voltage surges.
• These surges may occur due to lightning strikes or switching operations
in power systems.
• The test ensures the reliability of the insulation system, and helps to
identify potential weaknesses.

Types of Impulse Tests

Impulse tests are classified into two main categories:

• Lightning Impulse Test – Simulates the effect of lightning surges.

• Switching Impulse Test – Simulates switching over voltages in high-

voltage systems.
 1. Lightning Impulse Test
Purpose:
• To evaluate the transformer's ability to withstand surges caused by
lightning.
• Impulse Voltage Waveform (1.2/50 µs)
• 1.2 µs – Front time (rise time to peak voltage).
• 50 µs – Time for the voltage to decay to 50% of its peak value.
Test Procedure:
• The high-voltage winding of the transformer is connected to an
impulse generator, while the low-voltage winding and tank are
grounded.
• A standard lightning impulse wave (1.2/50 µs) is applied.
• The voltage and current waveforms are recorded and analysed
using an oscilloscope.
 Types of Lightning Impulse Tests:
• Full-Wave Impulse Test – The complete waveform is
applied.
• Chopped-Wave Impulse Test – The wave is artificially
interrupted using a rod gap at 2-5 µs.
• Reduced-Wave Impulse Test – The wave is applied at a
lower magnitude (typically 50-75% of the full voltage).

Pass/Fail Criteria:
• No insulation breakdown (no sudden collapse of voltage).
• No internal discharges detected.
• Voltage and current waveforms must not show distortions.
 2. Switching Impulse Test
Purpose:
• To test insulation against over voltages generated during switching
operations in high-voltage networks.
• Impulse Voltage Waveform (250/2500 µs)
• 250 µs – Front time (slower rise compared to lightning impulses).
• 2500 µs – Time for voltage to decay to 50% of its peak value.

Test Procedure:
• A switching impulse waveform is generated using an impulse generator.
• The impulse is applied to the high-voltage winding while the low-voltage
winding is grounded.
• The response is recorded and analysed.

Pass/Fail Criteria:
• The waveform should not show abnormal distortions.
• No partial discharges or insulation failures should occur.
Impulse Test Circuit Setup:

The basic components of an impulse test setup include:

• Impulse Generator – Generates high-voltage impulse waves.
• Voltage Divider – Measures the applied impulse voltage.
• Test Transformer – The transformer under test.
• Oscilloscope / Digital Recorder – Captures and analyses waveforms.
• Grounding and Protective Devices – Ensures safe testing conditions.
 Part-B

Non-destructive Testing
• Measurement of dielectric constant (Tan- Delta) and
loss factor - High Voltage Schering Bridge
• Partial Discharge Measurements
 NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING
• Non destructive testing (NDT) consists of the important methods used for evolution and
quality control of metal components.
• During testing, the metal component does not get damaged.
• These tests are used to locate or find out the defects or flaws in the component.

ADVANTAGES OF NDT
• The equipment's are easy to handle.
• Defects can be defected without damaging the components.
• Methods are quick and accurate.
• Components can be sorted out on the basis of electrical, magnetic or chemical
properties.
• Test results and other information can be conveniently recorded on paper films,
cassettes and floppies.
 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DESTRUCTIVE AND
NON DESTRUCTIVE TEST
NON DESTRUCTIVE TEST DESTRUCTIVE TEST

Used for finding out defects of materials. Used for finding out the properties of the
material.

Load is not applied on the material. Load is applied on the material.

No load applications, so no chance for Due to load application, material gets

material damage. damaged.

No requirement of special equipment. Special equipment's are required.

Non expensive. Expensive.

Less skill. Skill is required.

e.g.- dye penetrate test, ultrasonic, e.g.- tensile test, compression test,
 Introduction
• It implies assessment of the quality of electrical insulation finish provided to the
equipment.
• It is required in order to ensure satisfactory service of the equipment over the
stipulated life span.
• The measurement techniques adopted are mainly electrical.
• As it implies, the non-destructive test measurements should not cause any damage
to the equipment yet reveal the quality and condition of the dielectric performance.
• These tests are done to assess the electrical properties like resistivity, dielectric
constant & loss factor over a wide frequency range.

Dielectric Constant
• Dielectric constant is the ratio of the substance’s permittivity to the permittivity of
free space, ……………
r
force F = 1/4 ( / ), force of metal = 1/4 ( / )
F\ = = K
Dielectric constant = K = , where = 8.85˟ /
where is
,for air = 1, for water = 80, for metal =
• The characteristics of a dielectric material are determined by the dielectric constant
and it has no unit.
 Dielectric loss
• The loss appearing in the form of heat due to reversal of electric stresses
compelling molecular rearrangement is known as dielectric loss.
• Dielectric loss is when a dielectric material is subjected to the A.C.
voltage, the electric energy is absorbed by the material and is dissipated in
the form of heat.
Dielectric loss angle
 tan ⸹ is called as loss angle or dissipation factor or loss tangent.
 Helps to determine the quality of dielectrics.
 The cable and its insulation is compared to a parallel plate capacitor.

tan ⸹ =

• Where is resistive current and capacitive current.

• Perfect cable insulation ⸹=0
• tan ⸹ help to find out the life expectancy of dielectrics.
 Measurement of Dielectric Properties with
Schering Bridge
• For the measurement of active power loss in the dielectric on applying ac
voltage, this bridge circuit was developed by H. Schering in 1919.
• Since then it is used widely for HV measurements and non-destructive
testing for quality assessment of the factory finish and working state of
dielectrics in different equipment.
• Figure below shows circuit of Schering bridge.
• The portions of the circuit shown under screening are all at low voltage.
• Only the test object Cx and the standard capacitor C2 are at high voltage.
• C2 must be an active power loss free (R2 = infinity) capacitor.
• The bridge is equipped with over voltage protective devices.
• By adjusting resistor R3 and the capacitor C4 the bridge can be balanced.
• When the bridge is balanced, the following relation holds good, considering Rx and Cx to
be in parallel

On comparing the real and imaginary parts of the equation, we obtain:

The other quantities required to be determined can also be derived as follows;

For the power frequency of 50 Hz, ω = 100π.

If R4 is chosen to be equal to 1000/π, and since tanδ = ωR4C4 , It is measured directly on
balancing the bridge by varying C4 and putting its value in Farads.
 Partial Discharge
• An electrical discharge which partially bridge the dielectric between two conductors is
called as partial discharge.
• Examples: cavity discharge in the insulation (cable and power capacitors), surface
discharge/gliding discharge on insulation (insulator and bushings) and corona discharge
(around the conductors and at the sharp edges of conductors).

Fig.- (a) cavity discharge in the insulation cable, (b) cavity discharge in the insulation power
capacitors, ,(c) surface discharge/gliding discharge on insulation (insulator and bushings)(d)
corona discharge around the conductors(e) corona discharge at the sharp edges of conductors
 Partial Discharge
• In general, weak point in an insulation like voids, cracks and other imperfections
are considered as defect in the insulation. They lead to partial discharges and
result into premature breakdown of the insulation.
• Cavity discharge is internal discharge hence can’t be visualized whereas
surface discharge and corona discharge are external discharge, hence can be
visualized.
• Internal defects like in insulations are more danger as cavity discharge can’t be
visualized. They deteriorate the insulation gradually and finally premature
breakdown occurs. When this happens in the machines huge financial loss occurs
and continuity of the supply to the customers is interrupted.
• Therefore partial discharge test is conducted to detect defect, if any, in
insulations.
 Equivalent Circuit of Insulation With Cavity
• Electrical insulation with void/cavity can be represented by an electrical
equivalent circuit as shown.
• When voltage V is applied across this insulation, and act as capacitance
potential divider. The voltage appearing across the cavity is as given.
• If this voltage is higher than the BDV of the cavity, Cavity will breakdown.
This is as good as closing of the switch ‘S’.
 PD Measurement Principal
• The voltage and the discharge current waveform are shown in figure. When the first
breakdown across the cavity occurs the voltage across it become zero. Once the
voltage become zero the spark gets extinguished and again the voltage rises till
breakdown occurs again. This process repeat again and current pulses as shown are
obtained both in the positive and negative half cycles.
• When cavity breaks down it releases the charge stored in it (Δ = Δ ) this
charge is dispersed in the dielectric material across the capacitance and .
• Under this condition, a pulse voltage is applied across capacitance and . If we are
able to measure the amplitude of this pulse, measurement of discharge magnitude is
possible.
 Terms Associated With Partial Discharge
Electric discharge: it is the movement of electrical charges through an
insulation(dielectric) medium.
Partial Discharge: an electrical discharge that partially bridges the dielectric
or insulating medium between two conductors.
Discharge inception voltage: it is the medium voltage at which discharges of
specified magnitude start occurring when an increasing AC voltage is applied.
Discharge extinction voltage: it is the voltage at which discharges of specified
magnitude stop recurring when an applied AC voltage, which is more than
inception voltage, is reduced.
Discharge magnitude: it is the quantity of charge, as measured at the terminals
of a sample due to a single discharge.
Discharge energy: it is the energy dissipated by a single discharge.
Average current: it is the average value of the discharge current
during a cycle due to a single or multiple discharges. , the average
current over an interval ‘T’ can be expressed as under.
q = apparent charge in discharge and m = number of discharge
in the interval.

Quadratic rate: it is the average value of the square of the

discharge magnitudes ‘D’ given as,

Discharge detector: it is a device or an instrument used for either

detecting and/or measuring the discharges.
Sensitivity: it is the magnitude of the smallest individual discharge
that can be measured under particular test condition.
Resolution: it is the minimum interval between two discharge
which can be measure without the magnitude of one discharge
affecting the other.
PD Measurement using Straight Detector
• High voltage Transformer: used to supply the test voltage. It must be free from
internal discharges.
• Resonant filter: it is used to prevent any pulses starting from the capacitance of
the windings and bushings of the transformer.
𝒙 : Capacitance of the test object.
𝒄 : it is the coupling capacitor.
𝒎 : it is the detection impedance.
• The signal developed across the impedance is passed through a band pass
filter and amplifier and displayed on a CRO or counted by a pulse counter multi-
channel analyzer unit
• The sinusoidal voltage is displayed on the CRO screen of a partial discharge
detector with an elliptical display.
 Calibration of PD Detector
• Partial discharge detector are connected across a measuring impedance and the
signal measured across this impedance is read by the detector.

• The signal voltage developed across depends on the circuit parameters and
and also on the internal circuitry of the instrument.
Hence, the calibration of the detector is necessary.

• The calibration is done by injecting a pulse having a charge of known magnitude into
the detecting system.

• For this purpose, a square wave generator and a calibrating capacitor( ) are usually
used.

• The magnitude of the charge injected is = ; where is the magnitude of the

voltage pulse. The rise time of the pulse is about 0.1 nano sec, and the pulse width
varies from 10 to 20 micro sec. the output voltage of the pulse generator can be varies
from 10 micro volt to 100 micro volt in steps. The value of lies between 1000 and
2500 pF.

• If the calibrating pulse is directly injected at the H.V. terminal of the test object, the
magnitude of the calibration pulse will be = . Thus the detector is calibrated.
 Different Partial Discharge Patterns

• Corona pulse in a point-plane spark gap geometry are shown in (a) when the voltage
applied is greater than that of inception voltage. Multiple pulses appear and all the
pulses are of equal magnitude.
• A typical discharge pattern in cavities inside the insulation is shown in (b). This pattern
of discharge appears on the quadrants of the ellipse (around positive as well as
negative peaks). The number and magnitude of the discharge on both the positive and
negative cycles are approximately the same.
• A typical discharge pattern from a void bounded on one side by the insulation and the
other side by a conductor is shown in (c). This pattern of discharge is common in
insulated cables when the discharge is made up of a large number of pulses of small
magnitude on the positive cycle and a much smaller number of large magnitude pulses
on the negative half-cycle.
• PD in mineral-oil
impregnated paper

• PD at High voltage point

(Line-end corona)

• PD at earth against
High voltage
(earth-end corona)
• PD caused by metallic
parts at free potential

• PD due to bed contacts

• Surface discharge
 Minimum Recommended IR Values
Maximum Rating of Minimum Test Voltage DC Recommended Minimum
Equipment in Volts Insulation Resistance in
Mega Ohms
250 500 25
600 1000 100
5000 2500 1000
8000 2500 2000
15000 2500 5000
25000 5000 20000
35000 15000 100000
46000 15000 100000
69000 15000 100000
Indicative values of tan-delta of different Elect. appliances
Equipment Tan⸹ for Fresh Tan⸹ for Fresh Capacitance
equipment equipment range

Power Capacitor 0.0002 As agreed up on 10uF ……2000uF

between Mfr and
Purchaser
Power Cable (XLPE) 0.0005 0.01 Approx. 250
pF/Mtr
Power Cable (PVC) 0.01 0.1 Approx. 500
pF/Mtr
Insulating Oil <0.0001 0.001
(capacitor)
Insulating Oil (others) 0.0001 0.001 Depends on Cell as
per IEC250
Insulating Board 0.01 0.05
Power Transformer 0.01 0.05 500 pF ….5nF
Bushing 0.003 0.01 200 pF ….1500nF
Rotating Machines 0.01 As agreed up on 10 nF ….1uF
between Mfr and
Purchaser
References:
• E. Kuffel and W.S. Zaengl, J.Kuffel, ‘High voltage Engineering
fundamentals’, Newness Second Edition Elsevier , New Delhi, 2005.
• S.Naidu and V. Kamaraju, ‘High Voltage Engineering’, 5th Edition, Tata
McGraw Hill, Fifth Edition, 2013.
• NPTEL Lectures – HV Engg.
• IEEE/IEC/IS Standards – HV Engg.
• Online resources
https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/ebooks/bookPdfWithBanner.jsp?fileName=6
047607.pdf&bkn=6047607&pdfType=book
Thank You!

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