Moisture Detection in 13.8kV Motor Peckerhead

[poseidonsampmeter]

Does anyone know of a moisture detection device that I can install in a 13.8kV Motor peckerhead?

Been looking but can't find anything.

Open to all suggestions if this isn't the thing I should be looking for.

Thanks

 

[waross]

Tried and true method of keeping electrical enclosures dry.
All types of enclosures.
Transformer junction boxes, relay cabinets, control panels in a car wash etc.
Drill a 1/8 inch hole at the low point to let any condensation out.
Prevention is better than detection.

 

[poseidonsampmeter]

Tried and true method of keeping electrical enclosures dry.
All types of enclosures.
Transformer junction boxes, relay cabinets, control panels in a car wash etc.
Drill a 1/8 inch hole at the low point to let any condensation out.
Prevention is better than detection.

Yeah, we drilled two little weep holes in the junction box to let it drain.

 

[Gr8blu]

And install a breather drain. Depending on the environment you might need something specific (think "classified environment"). The drain tends to keep smaller critters (bugs, for example) out of the area too.

The big question is whether you have liquid ingress (either from rain, snow, washdown, etc.) or accumulation (condensation). If it is condensation, add some anti-condensation heaters to keep the interior above the dewpoint. But don't forget the drain.

 

[waross]

If it is condensation, add some anti-condensation heaters to keep the interior above the dewpoint. But don't forget the drain.

I have found a sealed enclosure to present a special case for condensation.
A change in the atmospheric pressure or possibly a change in temperature can force moist air or surface moisture past many seals.
Once moisture enters or or condenses inside the enclosure, it is not easily removed by atmospheric "pumping".
Hence the drain holes.
Anti-condensation heaters are most effective when there is a thermal mass involved, such as the iron core of a motor or transformer.
Some motors have the leads well sealed where they enter the peckerhead.
In some motors, the leads enter the peckerhead through a large, unsealed opening in the motor frame.
If there is any chance that moisture in the peckerhead can migrate to the windings, you should definitely have anti-condensation heaters near or on the motor core.
A 13.8 kV motor that is in an area where moisture accumulates in a peckerhead should have anti-condensation heaters in the motor.
Worth repeating:

If it is condensation, add some anti-condensation heaters to keep the interior above the dewpoint. But don't forget the drain.