hi-pot and partial discharge tests

[JLuc]

Hi all,

we would like to do a qualification test on a new 15 kV switch.

We need to do a 60 HZ 36kV test for one minute, AND a partial discharge test on the insulator (14 inches).

I would like to know some manufacturers/models that can supply a good test set that can achieve that, because we are planning on buying new equipement.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

 

[slavag]

Hi JLuc.
Once I asked same Q.
Please see attached.
thread238-198748
Hope that help.
Best Regards.
Slava

 

[ausphil]

jluc,

be aware that the thread referred to is for VLF tests sets.

you are requiring power frequency (50 or 60Hz depending on where you are), as you are testing small capacitance objects. A number of the same manufacturers produce these test sets, but you may want to go to the hipotronics, phenix, haefely, tettex, baur, or hubbell sites to try to find what you want.

test sets at this voltage level are a dime a dozen (or 10c a dozen outside the US), but you must be careful to specify the correct current rating for what you are to be testing - ie if you test only one insulator you probably wont need as much test current as if you tested 10 panels of switchgear (again it all depends on the capacitance of the equipment that you need to test).

as far as pd equipment is concerned, a totally different story. firstly, there is the IEC 60270 standard that dictates the requirements of pd test equipment. then there is the whole concept of pd testing that isn't a small field. if you haven't already done so, see if you can see some pd testing being performed. it is not a switch on, take a reading, switch off and produce a report type of test. do some research into what you are trying to do, what you are trying to measure, what the readings mean, what the problems with the measurements are etc, before you even enter the wide range of equipment that you could consider purchasing. it may be cheaper and more successful to get a good test company to perform these measurements. we've recently purchased the omicron pd equipment (previously mtronics), as well as currently looking at the power diagnostics equipment. They are 2 different sets for 2 different applications.

in summary, just be careful when purchasing test equipment.

phil