Remote control revealed, page 7

High voltage vexation, page 2

Acoustic pinpointing progress, page 5

Published by Megger Hong Kong Limited Issue 1 - 2014

CIRED - Knights of the round table

Andrea Bonetti STRI AB Vsters Sweden Dr. Murari Saha ABB AB Vsters Sweden

ELECTRICAL TESTER
SHORT NOTES FROM THE PANEL SESSION DISCUSSIONS

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Use of the IEC 61850 standard in smart grid protection schemes to

increase the security of the protection system (Andrea Bonetti)

CIRED ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE CIRED, the major International Electricity Conference and Exhibition, is the leading forum where the electricity distribution community meets every two years in various European venues, with a worldwide perspective and participation. The 2013 CIRED Conference is the 22nd in the series and took place between 10th and 13th June in Stockholm, at the Kista-fair in Kista. Fourteen round tables were organized for this event. Murari Saha (ABB AB) and Andrea Bonetti (Megger Sweden AB), both of whom are Swedish representatives of the IEC Standardization Committee on Smart Grid, were invited to be part of the speaker panel for Round Table 3 (RT3), addressing relay protection challenges under the title of New protection schemes for grids with decentralized generation. The scope of RT3 was set by this statement: Decentralized generation in distribution grids is becoming more and more important and requires new strategies and functions for grid and generation protection. This is a challenge for grid protection in MV grids as well as in LV grids and it calls for adaption strategies and new protection schemes. Therefore, new performance of protection equipment in MV and LV grids with or without communication will be addressed. The round table will give an overview of the current state of the art in decentralized protection, and also a glimpse into the future. The convener of RT3 was Dr Lothar Fickert, from the Technical University of Graz, Austria. The speaker panel comprised Prof Dr Siegfried Lemmer, SIEMENS AG, Germany; Dr Alexander Apostolov, OMICRON, USA; Laurent Karsenti, EDF, France; Andrea Bonetti, Megger Sweden AB, Sweden; and Dr Murari Saha, ABB, Sweden. Approximately 150 people participated in the Round Table (RT3) session, illustrating the wide interest in protection problems relating to the new power system created by distributed generation. This short article is a report of the main concepts that were raised by the speakers and the main questions that were posed by the audience. Each of the panellists gave a presentation as an introduction to the discussion. The topics of these introductions were: New protection schemes for grids with decentralized generation (Dr Siegfried Lemmer)
New protection schemes for grids with DERs (Dr Alexander Apostolov) Protection schemes: distributed generation impact 50.2 Hz issue unsolicited islanding (Laurent Karsenti)

Smart grid protection a manufacturers perspective (Dr Murari Mohan Saha)

Dr Lothar Fickert In his introductory presentation, Dr Fickert made two particularly signicant points: As protection is a very sensitive and difcult subject, there is a need to do a lot of education at all levels, from universities to the organizations. There is the risk that inexperience in protection could result in complicated schemes that may reduce the efciency of the protection system. As the smart grid MV networks appear to be more meshed than radial, we may need to draw inspiration from HV network protection competence, where there is long-established experience. Can we get inspiration from HV network experience? Dr Sigfried Lemmer Dr Lemmer emphasised one of the major objectives of relay protection: the capability to protect the power system. This means that if the primary system changes, we need to reect these changes in what is commonly called the secondary system. Some important changes in the power system are current in-feeds at new locations that were not present when the protection system was designed, and different transient behaviour of the in-feeds during power system faults. From the system protection point of view, some consequences of these new factors in the power network are: Sympathetic tripping (unwanted trip) Relays that use non-directional fault detection, which are typical in MV radial networks, are fooled by short circuit currents coming from another direction. Different fault detection algorithms, including additional measurement quantities, should be considered (directional overcurrent relays for instance). Blinding (due to external fault current in-feed) This phenomenon, which is due to additional fault current not seen by the protection relay, may require settings changes in some protection relays. Presence of negative sequence components in the faulty electrical quantities This phenomenon has to do with the different transient behaviour of the new infeeds: the injection of negative sequence system from the inverters. This phenomenon is new and does not happen with conventional mechanical generators. Dr Alex Apostolov Dr Apostolov explained that considering the situation from point of view of testing, we

CIRED brought ABB, Siemens, EDF, STRI, Megger and other major players together to discuss new protection schemes for decentralised generation. Pictures: courtesy of Dr. Lothar Fickert

need to ensure that the protection systems are properly tested, but when you test something you need to know how it works. The short-circuit transient from inverters is just 2 or 3 ms long, which is very different from the behaviour we are familiar with (mechanical inertia of generators). One hypothesis is that new protection relays may need to be able to recognize such transients. From the testing point of view, we will see more and more need for system tests for example, end-to-end testing and we will increasingly see the need to test remote units linked by communication that must also be included in the testing. Considering IEC 61850, we are already seeing the meaning of SCL changing from Substation Conguration Language to System Conguration Language. This is a sign that at IEC 61850 level there is also a need to take a wider view of the power system, which has impact on communication requirements. From the technical point of view we are seeing a wider approach in communication: Wide Area Network GOOSE messages. These can be used over any type of communication including, for example, UDP Multicast. Laurent Karsenti Laurent Karsenti brought examples from EDF experience, and pointed out the problem of islanding detection, mentioning the so-called 50.2 Hz Issue. This applies specically to France, but there are similar issues in other European countries: Germany, 13 GW of distributed generation, disconnecting at f > 50.2 Hz Italy, 12 GW of distributed generation, disconnecting at f > 50.3 Hz France, 1 GW of distributed generation, disconnecting at f > 50.2 Hz At the present time, there is no recognized method to detect islanding. The idea is to isolate the DG generators, but not all at the

same time. One of the main Smart Grid issues is not to disconnect on the basis of frequency, and to try to keep the DG connected, possibly with help of (smart) load shedding. Andrea Bonetti Andrea Bonetti said that some of the new phenomena in MV networks are well known, although sometimes for different reasons, to the HV protection community. Weakened in-feed is an HV power system fault situation that well describes the fact that DGs tend not to contribute to the fault current for a sufcient period of time to allow the relay to detect the power system fault. Weakened in-feed protection communication schemes offer some proven solutions for reliable fault clearance. With all of the doubts about how to handle the new protection system, it comes as good news that the use of IEC 61850 GOOSE messages to implement protection schemes is able to provide higher security than the use of the conventional technology. This is because the GOOSE technology allows the implementation of communication supervision on the receiving relay (IED), which can take a local decision on what to do (setting change) when a communication failure is detected. Dr Murari Saha Dr Saha discussed how changes power system topologies will require changes in protection strategies. It is very probable that in the short term we will see more and more differential protection schemes in Smart Grids; they are well consolidated and the community has several years of experience in their development, commissioning, operation and maintenance. Despite the need for competence in communication issues, it is still very important to remember that communication is at the service of the protection system, and not viceversa. We need more power system engineers to be able to specify the correct requirements

continued on page 2
1

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but when we start to talk about cloud communication, we must admit that the technical community has little experience and this is a serious question mark. We really need to be careful on this issue, because one serious failure in the communication network may affect the complete protection system! This happened recently in Austria, but no explicit information on when, where and what was given. Another problem of todays communication systems is that they cant cope with a power black-out for more than 1 or 2 hours. Q: How was the frequency value of 50.2 Hz decided? A: It was decided at the time when DG generation was a minor partner in the power generation. The idea was that in the case of problems, the best solution was to get rid of what at that time was considered not signicant for the power system. But now the DGs are starting to be signicant in the power network and the question is how can we take this into account? One thing that would probably help in nding a strategy would be to have a European approach on Smart Grid strategies, rather than the country-by-country approach we have today. Conclusions The panel session concluded with a lively discussion in which all the speakers participated. The discussion emphasised the importance of education in relation to power system knowledge for modelling and understanding the complexity of modern power networks with distributed generation. Also discussed was the ageing problem in the workforce of European utility and manufacturing companies and the need for younger staff members.

Contents
Knights of the CIRED table.........................1
Andrea Bonetti & Dr. Murari Saha Megger Sweden AB Vsters Sweden

continued from page 1

on the communication system, with focus on the two major issues of the protection system: dependability and security. Dr Saha also mentioned two pilot Swedish projects on Smart Grid: the Stockholm Royal Seaport and Gotland, where ABB is a major partner. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS RELATING TO THE PRESENTATIONS Q: Do we really need to consider all of these new phenomena for the entire network? A: If they are very few, they are not relevant, but when they are signicantly more, there is a serious need to act. Changing relay settings is one possible solution in the short term, but also we need to be prepared to install different protection schemes or different types of protection in the longer term. Q: The protection system is generally intended to work alone, as far as possible, from the local measuring point. It seems that we are now asking protection systems to rely strongly on the communication network. Is that good? A: When communication is part of the protection scheme, there is a lot of experience in how communication failures must be handled so as to minimize effects on reliability and security. Line differential protection schemes can be mentioned as a practical example. The problem is that so far we have managed with various sorts of point-to-point communication links, even if complex,

Knights of the CIRED table.........................2

Andrea Bonetti & Dr. Murari Saha Megger Sweden AB Vsters Sweden

High voltage vexation..................................2

Andrew Boughtwood - Managing Director

There was wide interest in the CIRED round tables theme of dencentralised protection, Pictures: courtesy of Dr. Lothar Fickert

Transformer training news........................3

Tony Wills - Technical Support Group Manager

A Concise Guide to Oil Sampling...............3

Paul Swinerd - Product portfolio manager

Testing Circuit Breakers..............................4

Nils Wacklen - Product manager,

Utilities are, in general, satisfied with the performance of modern numerical protection systems and have good operational experiences. However, with the complexity of Smart Grid with distributed generation, maintaining the protection performance means addressing new challenges and the protection principles must treat both security and dependability as being of the highest importance. During the discussion it was also mentioned that IEC Technical Committee 95 is setting up ad-hoc group AHG2: New protection requirements for the smart grid. This shows the importance of this topic being correctly addressed at institutional level. As nal comment it can be said that, as a result of the round table session and associated discussions, we have understood that we have enough competence to realise that we dont have enough competence on this new power system! Experience, studies, and care will, however, lead to good solutions. Presentations from the round table are available online at www.cired2013.org/round-tables.html

Cable Testing Seminar News.......................4

Georg Halfar - Marketing Manager, Megger Germany

Progress in Acoustic Pinpointing.............5

Peter Herpertz- Product manager,

Transport never stands still.......................5

Nick Hilditch - Marketing Manager

Fault Location in Power Cables................6

Peter Herpertz - Product manager,

Remote control insulaiton testing.............7

Clive Pink - new product development manager, Megger Instruments Limited

The quirky side of engineering.................7

Keith Wilson - Electrical Engineer

High voltage vexation

Andrew Boughtwood Managing Director, Megger Limited underground cables where aging is a serious concern and locating faults is difcult. Finally, to make life even more challenging for companies in the power sector, there are nancial penalties in place for customer supply interruptions and customer minutes lost. In summary, there are all the ingredients of a perfect storm lack of money to buy new plant, old plant thats prone to agerelated failure, and tough penalties if anything does go wrong! Whats to be done? Theres no complete solution, of course, but a strategy thats proving very useful is asset optimisation. In simple terms, this means maintaining and where necessary, repairing assets to the highest standard thats possible and affordable, and then putting those assets to the best use. The key to success, particularly with older assets, is accurately determining their current condition and this depends on effective testing. Fortunately, in recent years much progress has been made in the design of test equipment for power plant. New methods of testing power transformers using sweep frequency response analysis (SFRA) allow potential problems to be identied without the need to dismantle the transformer, as would previously have been necessary. Similar progress has been made in circuit breaker test sets, which now allow the condition of the contacts and mechanical components to be conveniently and accurately assessed without disassembly. And in the eld of underground cable testing, the latest techniques allow insulation condition to be reliably determined. When faults do occur, they allow the precise location to be determined, so that remedial action can be taken quickly and with a minimum amount of excavation. Across the board, the new generation of power test equipment yields its largest benets when it is used for condition assessment and the detection of incipient faults, as the knowledge gained from accurate and dependable test results makes truly effective asset optimisation possible. Incipient faults can be tackled before they have the opportunity to develop into full-blown breakdowns, and assets that are revealed to be past their prime can be transferred to less demanding or less critical duties to make best use of their remaining life. Its clear that regular testing of assets to determine their current condition has much to offer, but there are two possible objections. The rst is the lack of suitably trained test technicians in a world where de-stafng and de-skilling are the order of the day. Fortunately, the best developers and manufacturers of test equipment have found ways of responding to these issues, and the latest test equipment is now much easier and faster to use. Even tasks like testing protective relays and protection systems, which have, in the past, been seen as demanding very high levels of expertise, have now been simplied by providing support for preloaded test sequences for common relay types and schemes. And its not only ease of use thats been addressed, safety has also been considered. For example, the best circuit breaker analysers now support dual-ground testing which, as its name suggests, allows tests to be performed with both sides of the circuit breaker grounded. This technique virtually eliminates the hazards associated with induced voltages, even when testing in substations and other difcult environments. Dual-ground testing is nothing less than an essential feature where tests must be carried out by personnel irrespective of their circuit breaker expertise. The second objection to regular testing of assets is cost. After all, weve already seen that budgets are tight, so what justication can there be for allocating money to the purchase of new test equipment, and to the use of costly technician time for testing assets dont seem to have any problems? The answer is simple. How much would the unexpected failure of one key asset cost? Including consequential costs, the sum is almost certainly going to be many times the cost of the test equipment and test time that would have been needed to predict and probably prevent that failure. And theres every prospect that, over a period of time, a programme of regular condition based testing will prevent more than just one failure, and thus will cover its costs many times over. It would be unrealistic in the extreme to suggest that testing with the latest test equipment is the solution to all of the concerns that the electricity supply industry is facing today. Nevertheless, it is true to say that testing has an important role to play and that, even if it only reduces the pressures in the industry a little, this is surely a worthwhile gain.

Q&A..................................................................... 8 Blogs & Tweets................................................ 8

Jo Vanoli - Marketing Assistant

Glass insulators............................................. 8
Ian Bensted - Technical support group,

When you have nished with this magazine please recycle it.

The rights of the individuals attributed in Electrical Tester to be identied as authors of their respective articles has been asserted by them in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. Copyright Megger. All rights reserved. No part of Electrical Tester may be reproduced in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photo-copying, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of Megger. To request a licence to use an article in Electrical Tester, please email electricaltester@Megger.com, with a brief outline of the reasons for your request. All trademarks used herein are the property of their respective owners. The use of any trademark in this text does not imply trademark ownership rights in such trademarks, nor does use of such trademarks imply any afliation with or endorsement of Electrical Tester by such owners. A printed newsletter is not as interactive as its email equivalent so to help you nd items quickly on www.megger.com, we have underlined key search words in blue. Note from the Editor - Time for your say. We have introduced a Questions and Answers section and would like your input. If you have any questions or stories that you think we could use, then please email electricaltester@megger.com Views expressed in Electrical Tester are not necessarily the views of Megger. The word Megger is a registered trademark

Wrestling simultaneously with concerns that include the ongoing paucity of funds for investment, ageing and even life-expired plant, and an increasing shortage of skilled engineers and technicians, the electricity supply industry is under pressure as never before. Theres every reason to believe the pressure will increase rather than decrease in the coming years. Lets take a closer look. The shortage of funds for investment has any number of roots. The recession is certainly one, as is the pressure from the shareholders of power companies for returns that are at least steady and preferably increasing even though market conditions are difcult. The need to shut down existing generating capacity to meet environmental requirements and as a result, to invest in new power stations is another major issue thats diverting budget away from routine plant maintenance and replacement. With these factors in mind, we should be under no illusion that funds except for those allocated to specic projects, like the construction of the proposed new nuclear power station at Hinckley Point in the UK will be more readily available in future. They wont, and the power industry must nd ways to cope with this protracted dearth of cash. The industrys cash problems are compounded by the age of much of the plant currently in use, which is either close to or beyond its design life. This applies not only to capital items power transformers, circuit breakers and the like but also to cables and, in particular, to

Editor Nick Hilditch. T +44 (0)1304 502232 E electricaltester@megger.com Megger Regional Ofce: Megger Hong Kong Limited Workshop No. 8, 26/F, Mega Trade Centre, 1-6 Mei Wan St., Tsuen Wan, NT, Hong Kong T +852 2618 9964 E meggerhongkong@megger.com www.megger.com/asia

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Training The concise guide to oil that sampling transforms

Tony Wills Technical Support Group Manager Paul Swinerd Product portfolio manager If the proper procedures are not followed when collecting samples of insulating oils for testing, the validity of the test results is always open to doubt. This short article provides useful hints on how to avoid sampling problems, thereby ensuring that reliable test results are obtained rst time, every time. Two things are particularly important when taking oil samples. The rst is to ensure that the proper sampling procedure is followed, and the second is to ensure that all of the essential information is properly recorded. If the sample is to be sent to a test house for testing, the test house should advise on the information needed, as well as the volume of the sample and the type of container to use. For oil samples from transformers, the information generally required is:
n n n n n n n

Transformers play a crucial role in every power transmission and distribution network. For this reason, its essential to be able to accurately determine their condition and, if problems occur, to diagnose these accurately and quickly. However, transformer testing is not only a complex area, its also one where test equipment and technologies are constantly evolving, and one where poor technique can lead to safety hazards. All of this means that transformer testing is an area where highquality training is of vital importance. But what form should that training take? The answer is that it should have a large practical content to give the trainees the condence and experience they will need to put their newfound knowledge to good use in the eld. Nevertheless, the training should also offer sufcient theory to provide a sound underpinning for the practical work, and to facilitate the interpretation of the test results. Course topics should include a review of transformer basics and the theory of testing, safety requirements, ratio testing on voltage and current transformers, winding resistance testing, magnetisation tests, frequency response analysis, frequency domain spectroscopy and the applications of insulation resistance and highpotential testing.

n n

n n n n n

Description of the sample List of tests to be performed Transformer nameplate information Type of transformer Type of insulating uid Any leaks noted Insulating uid service history (has it been dried, etc) Transformer service history (has it been rewound, etc) Type of breather Type of insulation, including temperature rise rating Details of cooling equipment (fans, radiators, etc) Temperature of top of uid, read from gauge Actual uid temperature measured Fluid level Vacuum and pressure gauge readings

You need to always remember sample, test and dispose in the proper manner
n

Dont be tempted to use old engine oil bottles, as even a few parts per million of engine oil will cause the sample to fail a breakdown test. Do let the oil ow down the side of the sample bottle, or use a clean tube run to the bottom of the bottle. This will prevent air mixing with the oil. Do store oil samples in the dark if they are glass or clear plastic bottles, as mineral oil deteriorates if exposed to UV light.

practice to measure the oil temperature using the last bottle that will be discarded, as this avoids putting the thermometer into the actual sample.

For load tap changers, it is also advisable to record the counter reading, the selector range and the sweep range. Sampling should be performed in accordance with the appropriate standard. In the USA, there are two relevant standards:
Transformer diagnostics discussing IDAX & software benefits
n

Safety Before taking samples, ensure that all of the required permissions and permits have been obtained. Ensure that everything needed for locking out and/or tagging out is to hand. Make sure that the PCB (polychlorinated biphenyl) content of the oil, if any, is known and that the equipment is labelled. PCB is very hazardous and requires special handling. Use the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) and correctly rated tools. Check the area for electrical and tripping hazards. Check for wildlife snakes, bees and other creatures like transformers! Check that the transformer is under positive pressure are the pressure gauges reliable? Could they be blocked or broken?

D923 - Standard Practices for Sampling Electrical Insulating Liquids D3613 - Standard Practice for Sampling Electrical Insulating Oils for Gas Analysis and Determination of Water Content

Another essential topic is working with software to maximise the amount of useful information that can be extracted from the test results. To provide the trainees with genuine experience of transformer testing, they should have access during the course to real transformers on which to perform their measurements. It is in order to meet these requirements that Megger has developed its latest two-day transformer testing course. This has been formulated by and will be presented by test experts from the company who have wide experience of transformer working. The course is suitable for all those who work with HV/MV and LV power transformers, the only prerequisite for trainees being a working knowledge of industrial electrical safe systems of work. The courses are held at Meggers new purposedesigned training centre in Dover England, between 12th -13th Novbember 2013 - which is equipped with specimen transformers and the latest in transformer test equipment. The courses are realistically priced, and the fee includes comprehensive documentation and a certicate of completion, as well as refreshments and lunches on both days. To ensure that all delegates have adequate access to test equipment and ample time for questions and discussions, the number of places on the course is strictly limited. Demand is invariably high, so those interested in attending should enquire about the course and request a booking form as soon as possible by calling the training hotline on 01304 502 241 or by sending an email to uktraining@megger.com.

Internationally, there are two further sampling standards:

n

Taking the sample n Wherever possible, try to take samples during times of relatively steady loads and temperature in other words, when the equipment is at equilibrium. (This is particularly important with trans formers, as if the sample is taken after the transformer has cooled following a long period of running at full load, the breakdown voltage of the oil will be much lower than normal. This is because moisture in the paper insulation will have migrated to the oil during the period of full load, and will not yet have had time to migrate back. This is usually considered to be a normal phenomenon, but it is possible that it may also be a factor in so-called sudden death transformer incidents where, for no apparent reason, a seemingly healthy transformer suddenly fails. This is another good reason for recording as much information about the transformer as possible and for trending results to look for unexplained changes).
n

IEC 60475 Ed. 2.0 - Method of Sampling Insulating Liquids IEC 60567 Ed. 3.0 Oil-lled electrical equipment Sampling of gases and of oil for analysis of free and dissolved gases Guidance

These IEC standards should be consulted together, especially as part of IEC 60567 has been transferred to IEC 60475. Hints for taking oil samples The sample must be representative of the oil in the equipment, which means cleanliness extremely important.
n

Do not take samples when it is raining or snowing, or when the relative humidity is above 50%, as there is a high probability that samples taken in these conditions will be contaminated. Do not take samples when it is windy, as dust blown by the wind may contaminate the sample. Try not to take samples when the ambient temperature is high, as perspiration is a common source of contamination problems.

NEVER try to take a sample from a transformer under negative pressure. Air could be drawn into the transformer and cause it to fail. Sampling equipment n Take extra sample bottles and syringes theyre often needed.
n

Samples are normally drawn from a drain valve or sampling cock, and this must be cleaned both inside and out before the sample is taken to ensure dirt does not fall into the sampling container. The drain valve is at the bottom of the equipment, where all of the sludge, water and contaminant particles collect. It is important therefore, to ush the system thoroughly to ensure that the sample is drawn from the main bulk of the oil. This may involve removing two litres of oil, or more if the equipment has been out of service for some time.

Ensure that the sample bottle seals are air tight. Use only ground glass syringes. If rubber hose is used, discard after each sample is taken.

n n

The Megger guide to insulating oil down dielectric break testing

This article is an extract from a new publication The Megger Guide to Insulating Oil Dielectric Breakdown Testing. Copies of this publication, which provides comprehensive guidance on oil test techniques and equipment, can be obtained from Megger, or can be downloaded in (pdf) format from www.megger.com

Flushing the system n When ushing the system, a spare sample bottle is usually repeatedly lled and emptied into the waste. It is good

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Stay on the ball with cable test
Very disruptive with the potential to create huge nancial losses few would deny that this is a fair description of power cable faults. Its easy to see why test equipment suppliers are putting so much effort into developing effective methods not only for nding cable faults rapidly, but also for accurately determining the condition of cables so that the risk of faults can be minimised. For engineers and technicians involved with cable testing, this development effort undoubtedly opens up new opportunities for working more efciently and more effectively, but it also creates a problem: how to stay up to date with the latest developments in this fastmoving eld. An excellent solution is to attend symposia and conferences, since this not only provides an opportunity to listen to expert speakers, but also to exchange ideas with other delegates who also grapple regularly with the challenges of cable testing. Of course, there is a snag seminars and conferences are often expensive to attend. Its not at all unusual for delegate fees to run to hundreds of pounds, Euros or dollars a day. But this isnt always the case; for those who want to make the most of their hard-pressed budgets, there are some excellent events that are actually free to attend. One such is the UK cable test seminar, which is hosted by SebaKMT. The next of these seminars, which will be the third of these very popular events, is being held at the National Motorcycle Museum near Birmingham in the UK on Wednesday, December 4th 2013. It will address current key issues in the testing of power cables on systems from 11 kV to 132 kV, recent developments in cable test technology and the particular problems associated with cable testing in offshore applications. Although the seminar is free to attend for anyone with a professional interest in power cable testing, booking is essential as the number of places available is limited. An early application is strongly advised as, based on the experience of the previous two highly successful seminars, demand is expected to be high. Sessions at the seminar will be presented by some of Europes leading experts in cable testing technology, including Peter Herpertz, Product Manager, Power at SebaKMT, Hein Putter, Product Manager, Testing and Diagnostics at SebaKMT, and Andrew Barclay from Kinectrics. All of the presentations will concentrate on the ways in which well-planned and wellexecuted cable testing regimes, based on the use of the most appropriate technologies, can signicantly reduce downtime, disruption and operating costs while greatly enhancing safety for the test technicians and engineers and for the general public. In addition to beneting from the invaluable insights and information provided by the formal sessions, delegates attending the seminar will also have ample opportunity to meet informally with their peers for the exchange of ideas and experiences, and to discuss their own particular cable testing requirements and problems with experts from SebaKMT, who have wide practical experience in almost every area of the electrical industry. The delegates will also be able to inspect the latest cable test products. The third UK cable test seminar is a one-day event, which starts at 09:00 and nishes at approximately 16:00. Complementary refreshments and a light lunch will be provided. The venue has ample free parking and is located conveniently close to motorway, air and rail networks, as well as Birmingham City Centre. To reserve a place, those wishing to attend this important seminar should contact Megger by email at ukenquiries@megger.com, or by telephone on 01304 502 236.

Safe testing of circuit breakers with DualGround technology

Nils Wacklen - Product manager, circuit breaker testing, Megger Sweden This article provides general information about the testing of MV and HV circuit breakers and, in particular, discusses the important safety benets that can be achieved by using DualGround test methods. Tests on circuit breakers must always be carried out in accordance with applicable standards, local regulations and best practice. Information obtained from the circuit breaker instruction manual and nameplate can also be a useful aid to testing. In every case, safety is of the highest importance those performing the tests must always be careful to follow all safety instructions and regulations. In addition, before carrying out any tests, a visual inspection should be made to determine whether there are any signs of damage. An important requirement for circuit breakers is dependability. After long periods of inactivity, they must function perfectly when needed. The best opportunity to test for this is the rst-trip test. The rated operating sequence (which is also known as the standard operating duty or standard duty cycle) is the specied operating sequence that the CB must be able to perform at specied ratings. Breaker manufacturers normally specify these sequences and corresponding rated times, which are dened in IEC 62271-100. Safety Many regulations and laws require all electrical equipment to be grounded on both sides before any maintenance work is carried out. During circuit breaker maintenance, however, the most basic and important test main contact timing is usually performed without this basic safety prerequisite. The reason is simple: conventional technology simply does not offer a safe way of carrying out timing tests on circuit breakers. Now, however, DualGround/ DCM technology offers a much safer approach to testing, as will be explained shortly. DualGround testing First introduced in 2006, this novel testing technique offers greatly increased safety for personnel, and is suitable for use with circuit breakers of all types. It is non-intrusive and does not require any special preparatory information. Despite these benets, the basic method of working and the interpretation of results remain unchanged, except that testing is much faster and easier.

Circuit Breaker testing - Sardinia

With DualGround testing, it is possible to carry out timing tests on the main contacts of a circuit breaker while both sides of the breaker are grounded. This means that personnel can be kept at a safe distance from dangerous voltages a safe area can be created around the circuit breaker under test and clearly marked with security fencing. In this way, the risk of accidents involving arcs and electrocution is eliminated. The main contact timing data obtained using this new technology is directly comparable with measurements made using conventional methods of testing. For test personnel, the major difference is that they can carry out their work more quickly and more safely, but everything else remains familiar. Even though safety protocols dictate that both sides of a breaker should be grounded during eld tests, conventional timing methods require the ground to be lifted on one side of the breaker to allow for the test instrument to sense the change in contact status. This means that the test cables and the instrument form a path for capacitive coupled current while the test is being performed. In contrast, the DualGround method allows reliable measurements to be made while both sides of the circuit breaker are grounded, which makes the test faster and easier. The DualGround technique also makes it possible to test circuit breakers in GIS, generator and transformer applications where conventional timing methods require the removal of jumpers and busbar connections, tasks that are often difcult and time consuming. Timing with both sides of the circuit breaker grounded Timing measurements are difcult to make with both sides of a circuit breaker grounded. However, the DualGround or dynamic capacitance measurement (DCM) method of timing gives accurate and dependable results, even when the ground resistance is low. There is no lower limit on ground loop resistance: even if the ground loop has a lower resistance than the main contact/arcing contact path, the method still works. This is particularly important when testing GIS breakers and generator breakers, and is also relevant for AIS breakers that have farily low resistive grounding appliances, say a couple of milliohms. The reason for the superiority of the DualGround/DCM test technology is that it uses a high frequency to achieve resonance in the test circuit. The resonant frequency varies when the circuit breaker changes state, and this variation can easily be used to determine when the contacts close and open.

There are other technologies that use dynamic resistance measurement (DRM) to time circuit breakers with both sides grounded. A current is injected and the voltage drop across the circuit breaker is recorded, allowing the resistance to be calculated. The breaker state is determined by evaluating the resistance graph against an adjustable threshold. If the resistance is below the threshold, the breaker is considered closed and if it is above the threshold the breaker is considered open. Difculties arise when it comes to setting this threshold since it has to be below the ground loop resistance (which is initially unknown) but above the resulting resistance of the arcing contact (which also is unknown) and the ground loop in parallel. This is because, according to the IEC standard, it is the closing/ opening of the arcing contact that determines the breakers operation time, not the closing/ opening of the main contact. The difference between main and arcing contact operation time can, depending on contact speed, be as much as 10 ms. Further, a 95 mm2 copper grounding cable of length 2 x 10 m has a resistance of about 3.6 m, neglecting connection resistances. Arcing contacts also usually have resistance ranging from a couple of milliohms up to about 10 m depending on the type of breaker and the condition of the arcing contact. Taken together, these factors make setting the thresholds for DRM testing an almost arbitrary task. And, with instruments that dont record and display the resistance graph, setting the threshold becomes even more difcult. Additionally, a test method built on evaluation against thresholds is more sensitive to the effect of induced ac currents in the test object. When both sides of a circuit breaker are grounded, a loop is formed with a large area exposed to the magnetic elds from surrounding live conductors. These elds induce a current, which can be as large as tens of amps, in the circuit breaker/grounding loop. This is a very signicant proportion of a test current of, say, 100 A. If the evaluation threshold is close to the limit, such an induced current would denitely impair the accuracy of the timing results. In contrast, the DualGround/DCM method for contact timing is completely unaffected by 50/60 Hz induced currents and interference. This article is an extract from The Circuit Breaker Testing Guide, copies of which can be obtained free of charge from Megger or downloaded in (pdf) format from www.megger.com.

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Progress in pinpointing
Peter Herpertz - Product manager, power, SebaKMT Germany Acoustic pinpointing is a well-established and widely used technique for determining the precise location of faults in underground cables, but it has always had shortcomings that have made it difcult to apply in many practical situations. A new generation of pinpointers has been introduced which addresses these shortcomings, making acoustic pinpointing an even more versatile and convenient tool for the cable test technician. The principle of acoustic fault pinpointing for buried cables is very simple: a surge generator discharges its capacity into the cable, causing a ashover at the fault location. The ashover produces both an electromagnetic eld and acoustic (audible) noise. Since the electromagnetic eld travels at the speed of light and the noise at the speed of sound, a pinpointer with a detector for the electro-magnetic radiation and an acoustic pick up for the audible noise can determine the distance to the fault by measuring the time difference between the arrival of the two signals. When the pinpointer is positioned so that the time difference is minimised, it is directly above the fault location. In commercial pinpointers, further renements are usually incorporated so that the instrument shows not only the distance to the fault, but also the direction. Limitations remain, however. One of the most signicant is that, in reality, the acoustic pickup receives noise not only from the ashover at the fault location, but also from a wide range of other sources, including nearby road trafc, pedestrians and even voices. This unwanted noise makes it difcult for the pinpointer to select the required audible signal and measure its arrival time, which means that the instrument gives unreliable readings. Attempts have been made in the past to minimise this problem, usually by providing electronic ltering, and this approach has achieved a degree of success. The new generation pinpointers go much further. They use a rugged specially designed acoustic pick-up, combined with a newly developed system of background noise reduction (BNR). The BNR system is not simply noise-cancelling technology, but is a radically new approach that has been developed in conjunction with leading technical universities. The basis for this novel system is a detailed understanding of the acoustic behaviour of the sound produced by the ashover, research having conrmed that all ashovers produce a sound that has a characteristic pattern. This pattern is detected, evaluated and recognised

The new generation of acoustic pinpointers gives dependable information with minimal disruption

by the new BNR system, which compares the sounds produced by two ashover events at the same cable fault. After the second event, the BNR system correlates the acoustic signals, and keeps only those parts that are identical or near identical in both. Other parts of the signal, which correspond to unwanted noise, are discarded, leaving only the sound of the ash-over. The results are impressive in the headphones, the background noise is almost inaudible, and the new pinpointers give accurate, stable results in locations where older products are simply unusable. Background noise is not the only problem that has plagued pinpointers. Many operators like to monitor the noise from the ashover by wearing headphones while they are using the instrument. Thats ne, except that in some circumstances the noise level in the headphones can be very high and may even exceed the maximum levels laid down in legally binding regulations designed to prevent hearing damage. In addition, placing the sensitive microphone down in a new location can also create a very loud noise in the headphones. The new instruments have addressed issues in two ways. The rst is to include a limiter

that prevents the output of the headphones exceeding 85 db(A), and the second is a proximity detector that automatically mutes the headphones when the user places their hand near to the pinpointer as they reach for the instrument in order to reposition it. Complexity is another issue that has frequently been seen as a shortcoming of acoustic pinpointers. Too many adjustments, and displays that give so much information that it becomes hard to interpret are common user complaints. The new units are designed for convenience with automatic sensitivity adjustments for both the electromagnetic and acoustic detection channels, and displays that clearly show the direction and distance to the fault without confusing clutter. The use of modern colour display technology also brings another important benet the display can be easily seen under all lighting conditions, even in direct sunlight. At this point, it should be mentioned that the use of acoustic pinpointers of the type described in this article is not the only way

to determine the precise location of cable faults. In the case of sheath faults in particular, pinpointers that use the step voltage method of cable fault location are another valuable option. Their use and mode of operation will be covered in a future article but, for the present, it is worth noting that the new generation acoustic pinpointers are optionally available in the form of combination instruments that also provide facilities for step voltage pinpointing. These instruments are particularly convenient as they provide the use with a full range of pinpointing facilities in a single compact and cost-effective device. Excavating underground cables is costly and often disruptive so, before a cable is dug up to repair a fault, its essential to have dependable information about the exact location of that fault. Acoustic pinpointing has long been seen as one of the best ways of obtaining this information and now the new generation of pinpointers, exemplied by the digiPHONE+ and digiPHONE+ NT set from Megger, is making this invaluable technology even more reliable and even easier to use.

Transport never stands still

Nick Hilditch Marketing Manager, Megger Limited In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there was no doubt that when it came to transporting goods and people, the train was king. And it was in this era that the Grapevine, Texas, gained its railroad connection as a stop on the line between Missouri and Fort Worth, which was opened in 1888 to provide transport for the cotton that grew in great abundance in the area. But no technology ever stands still and, by the time that the notorious bank robbers Bonnie and Clyde visited Grapevine in 1934 and killed two motorcycle patrolmen during their sojourn, road transport was already in the ascendant. As a result, many railroad routes around the world saw their trafc diminish until they were ultimately left to wither and die. The Grapevine Railroad, however, was one of the lucky few to be spared the fate of

Ancient and modern - the historic railroad track in Grapevine, Texas boasts some fascinating rolling stock as well as a modern EV charger

total destruction. Saved by the preservation movement, it continues to operate today as a tourist attraction, often working with motive power provided by steam locomotives, including one that dates from 1896 and holds the record for the oldest continuously operating steam engine in the southern USA. Of course, it would be wrong to think that the Grapevine Railroad has been entirely untouched

by progress. Indeed, as the photograph shows, the railroad operators are well prepared for the next transport revolution, with electric vehicle charge points already installed alongside the railroad track, providing a striking juxtaposition of new and old technologies. With this in mind, its interesting to speculate what sort of historic transport sites our successors will be visiting in a hundred or so

years time. A preserved lling station perhaps or even a preserved motorway service area. And what will the fuelling points of day look like? Will electric charging points reign supreme, or will they themselves have succumbed to the march of progress? We will, of course, let you know in a future edition of Electrical Tester probably issue 425, or thereabouts!

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ELECTRICAL TESTER
Overview measurements with a TDR The following overview measurements should be carried out with a time domain reectometer (TDR): Comparative measurement measured length compared with length on cable plan. If necessary, correction of propagation velocity V/2. Joint/splice calibration Comparison of faulty and fault-free conductors Storage of reectograms for future comparison Equipment: Teleex VX reectometer, (used in Centrix, Variant, and R30 fault location systems) Teleex SX reectometer Digiex Com reectometer, Easyex Com time domain reectometer. Fault classication results Short circuit 0 ohm A short circuit is a direct metallic connection between conductors, indicating that the conductors are touching one another or have fused together. This means that acoustic pinpointing techniques will fail. Because of the direct metallic contact, no acoustic noise will be produced at the fault. On the other hand, a short circuit can be very easily seen using classic TDR reection measurements. Nevertheless, an attempt should be made to change the fault to higher resistance, using a high energy surge wave generator, so that acoustic pinpointing can be undertaken. Low-resistance fault greater than 0 ohm Low-resistance faults make it impossible to charge the cable. These faults are, however, visible with almost any surge wave generator based high-voltage pre-location or pinpointing method. Very high resistance faults The resistance of many of these faults is so high that ignition is not possible using the normal voltage of a surge wave generator. These faults can be charged up to their ashover (breakdown) voltage. The entire energy stored in the cable capacitance is discharged via the fault. Decay and Decay-plus pre-location methods can be used, as well as acoustic pinpointing. Faults due to contact with earth Pre-location can be carried out using the bridge method and/or the voltage drop method. Which faults can be seen with a reflectometer? These faults are visible: All impedance changes below the cable impedance for example, parallel and series resistive faults Insulation test sets with an analogue display have proved to be particularly suitable for cable testing as they make it easy to see, for example, anomalies during charging which can indicate faults due to the presence of moisture. With very high resistance faults, DC must be used to establish the breakdown voltage of the cable fault. Equipment: insulation test set 500 V, 1 kV, 2.5 kV, 5 kV integrated insulation test set up to 1 kV Measuring the resistance of a fault When choosing which pre-location method to use, it is very important to have accurate knowledge about the resistance and the phase relation of the fault. The results of the resistance and distance measurements should be carefully recorded. With multiple faults, the Joint/splices Strong reections cause by impedance changes Damaged areas and pressure points Water ingress Changes in cross-section Contact problems caused by corrosion These faults are NOT visible: Faults with resistance many times the impedance of the cable. In theory, these faults should be visible, but the change in the TDR trace is so small that it gets lost in the normal noise or disappears due to attenuation. With modern cables and correctly tted joints/splices, the changes in impedance can be so small that they are not visible, especially in telecom cables. Faults that normally have a near innite resistance, such as faults that behave like spark gaps. These faults are ignited by applying a DC or VLF voltage. The breakdown voltage depends on the distance between the conductors. Where a cable of unknown length has been severed, it is possible to confuse the end of the cable with the point at which it has been severed. When there is doubt, short-circuiting the far end of the cable will quickly confirm whether this type of fault is present. In all cases, depending on the type of fault, the reections can sometimes be so small that they are inconspicuous and, therefore, undetectable. If you would like to see the rst part of the article email us at electricaltester@megger.com The next article in this series will deal in more detail with time domain reectometry and reection measurements.

Fault location in power cables

Peter Herpertz- Product manager, power, SebaKMT Germany There are two main reasons for testing power cables; to determine the condition of the cable, and to locate a fault on the cable. This article, which is the second in our series on power cable testing, provides an overview of a systematic approach for each of these cases, and then goes on to discuss fault classication. A SYSTEMATIC APPROACH Testing cable condition The objective of the test is typically to check the quality a cable before installing it, or to detect and remedy potential defects in the cable, which might otherwise jeopardise reliable operation. When testing a cable for potential defects, a common technique is to generate ashovers at the sites of the defects, which can then be located using the standard fault location techniques mentioned later. Depending on the type of cable insulation and the type of test object (cable or accessory), the following types of test voltage should be used: Paper insulated lead-covered cable (PILC) DC voltage AC voltage 50/60 Hz VLF (0.1 Hz) PE/XLPE cable AC voltage 50/60 Hz VLF (0.1 Hz) Components (joints, terminations, etc.) DC voltage AC voltage 50/60 Hz Alternatively, the cable can be tested nondestructively using dielectric diagnosis and partial discharge techniques. The rst diagnostic technology is the Tan Delta technology, based on 0.1 Hz VLF voltage for most insulation materials. In cables with PE and XLPE insulation, dielectric diagnosis based on IRC (isothermal relaxation current) analysis makes it possible to determine how much the cable has aged, while with PILC cables, RVM (return voltage measurement) analysis allows the moisture content of the dielectric to be accurately assessed. Partial discharge measurement is used for recording, locating and evaluating partial discharges in the insulation and ttings of medium voltage cables, and can reveal a wide range of actual and potential defects. Cable fault location The steps needed for determining cable fault locations can be divided into ve main categories: fault classication identifying the type of fault pre-location determining the distance to the fault route tracing determining the route of the cable pinpointing determining the exact position of the fault cable identication determining which of several cables is faulty The main diagram shows the outline procedure for identifying and locating cable faults. Measuring techniques for cable fault location Basic tests DC test to determine ashover voltage Sheath fault test VLF test to determine ashover voltage Pre-location TDR pulse reection measurements ARM (Arc Reection Method) ARM plus ARM power burning Decay-plus (ARM igniting the fault with using a DC generator) Decay (travelling wave method, oscillation method) Impulse current decoupling (ICE) Three-phase impulse current decoupling (ICE) ICE plus (low-voltage networks only) High-voltage bridge method (pre locating sheath faults) Voltage-drop method (pre-locating sheath faults) Fault conversion Burning Power burning Route tracing Line location Line routing Pinpointing Audio frequency generator (twist eld and minimum turbidity / distortion methods) Surge wave discharges (acoustic eld method, acoustic pinpointing) Sheath fault pinpointing Cable and phase identication Phase identication on grounded systems Phase identication and phase determination on live systems FAULT CLASSIFICATION Introduction The rst step in locating a cable fault fault classication must be very thorough. Accurate plans of the cable route, knowledge of the cable network and of any civil engineering work that may affect it can often provide the rst clues to the location of the fault, and also help to guard against misinterpretation of test results. Insulation testing and resistance measurements can then supply information about the characteristics of the fault. After these measurements have been made, a reection measurement device (time domain reectometer TDR) is used to determine the cable length and to detect the presence of joints/splices and other changes in impedance. It is good practice and important always to compare the results from conductors that are faulty with the results from good conductors. The more information that is gathered during these preliminary tests, the easier and more reliable will be the overall fault location process. Insulation testing By measuring the insulation resistance between the conductors and the cable shield (phase-tophase and phase-to-shield), the insulation test indicates the type of fault. The results of the insulation test, which are important in deciding how to proceed with the fault location process, can be classied as follows: No fault (no deviation between the resistance values) High-resistance (ashing) cable fault (measurements in the kilohm or megohm range) Low-resistance fault (contact between conductors or between conductors and shield/screen)

faults are often in parallel with each other. A drawing often helps with evaluation. In low-voltage cable networks employing only plastic-insulated cables without shielding or armouring, it is recommended that the PEN conductor is disconnected on both ends, and then a check carried out to see if there are any faults indicated by excessive leakage current due to contact with the earth. Equipment: low-resistance ohmmeter, up to 10 ohm.

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underwater power cables during the cable laying operation, so that any problems can be immediately detected. Automation, made possible by an IRT with remote operation facilities is the key, allowing the necessary tests to be performed reliably and on-schedule without the need for operator intervention. Its clear that remote control of HV IRTs, while a simple concept, has much to offer, but its full potential will only be realised if it is well implemented. A crucial requirement is impeccable isolation between the remote control interface and the measuring circuits, as this is essential for safe operation. And particularly in production line applications, a clearly visible beacon that provides at-a-glance conrmation that the remote control system is functioning is often a useful feature. Until recently, nding an IRT to meet these requirements was difcult. The new S1 range of HV insulation testers which are available in both 5 kV and 10 kV versions, constitute a new generation of instruments that have been designed with remote control and other features needed by demanding users, such as exceptional noise immunity rmly in mind. Providing remote control facilities for a highvoltage insulation test set may initially seem like a relatively small enhancement but this provision has the potential to open up a wide range of operational opportunities, and to provide many ways of improving operator safety. If youre about to buy a new HV IRT, therefore, you may well nd it worthwhile considering looking for a product that offers well-implemented remote control.

Remote control of insulation testing

Clive Pink, new product development manager, Megger Instruments Limited Enhanced safety, greater convenience and the possibility of automation are just three of the important benets offered by high-voltage insulation test sets that have provision for remote control. In this article, we discuss these and other benets, and also look at some applications where they are of particular value. Traditionally, high-voltage insulation resistance testers (IRTs) have been designed for manual operation; the user connects the instrument to the device under test (DUT) and, after setting the operating parameters, presses the test button on the instrument itself to initiate the test. For many applications, this method of working is convenient and entirely appropriate, but thats not always the case. Consider, for example, a motor manufacturer who, in order to improve productivity and reduce labour costs, wishes to automate insulation resistance testing of items like stators and rotors, or even smaller components like rotor bars, as they come off the production line. Undoubtedly a test jig will be used to provide the necessary connections to the item under test, but the test itself can only be carried out automatically if an IRT with facilities for remote control and test result transfer is used.
Using the remote control can make testing quicker, easier, and above all safer

a hard-to-access location and, quite apart from the inconvenience, if the IRT has to be operated locally, there may well be safety concerns over working at height with HV equipment. Remote control provides a complete solution, as it means that even if the tester is on top of the transformer, it can be operated safely and conveniently from ground level. Working at height is far from being the only safety issue that remotely controlled insulation resistance testing can help to eliminate. Not infrequently, testing must be carried out in electrically hazardous environments, such as EHV substations. In such cases, once the test set has been put in place and connected, the user can, with the benet of remote control, retreat to a safe distance, and perform the testing with virtually no risk. The IRT could even be left in place and monitored remotely in instances where it is necessary to look for changes in insulation resistance over a period of time. Another interesting example is the testing of products during development. Because there may be a signicant risk of the product failing during the test, it is often desirable to carry out such tests within a test cage or other enclosure. With remote control, the insulation tester can be conveniently located within the enclosure and connected to the DUT by short leads, while the operator initiates the tests from a safe location outside the enclosure. With such an arrangement, it is also easily possible to use a solenoid-operated lock on the enclosure door, and arrange for this to be

linked with the test sets remote-control system so that the test cannot be initiated until the door is proved closed and locked, and the door cannot be opened while the test is in progress. Siemens Subsea is an example of a company that has beneted from some of these options, as Chris Harrison, a senior engineer with the company explains. For us, insulation testing is a commonplace activity. The introduction of a remotely operable IRT is allowing us to improve our electrical testing safety, as it means we can now site the IRTs within interlocked test bays. A further advantage is that with the remote control facility, we can control the testing from our in-house software, which means we can semiautomate certain processes. This offers signicant time savings, and reduces our paperwork burden by allowing us to log test data directly to our own network locations. At Siemens Subsea, the availability of a remotely operable IRT has made it possible for us to take an exciting step forward toward our long-term goal of semi-automating our test routines. There are many other applications where the opportunity for automation offered by remote control is a major benet. These include the testing of underwater cable during manufacture, where the insulation resistance test has to be repeated at regular intervals while the pressure on the cable which is held in a pressurised tank during testing is raised. Similarly, it is usually considered desirable to perform regular insulation resistance tests on starting reading, I found it hard to stop, so it might be better to keep the book at home rather than on your desk! I dont want to spoil your fun by telling you too much about the content, but one example surely wont hurt. Did you know that in the late 18th century there was much bitter contention about whether lightning conductors should be pointed or have knobs on the end? And that one of the principal supporters of pointy conductors was none other than Benjamin Franklin, who also signed the American Declaration of Independence? Even King George III got involved on the side of the knobs, of course! This book is an entertaining read and a great way of passing a few spare minutes. Reading it probably doesnt quite qualify as continuing professional development, but it will certainly introduce you to (vaguely) engineering ideas and concepts that youre not likely to nd elsewhere! Buses, Bankers and the Beer of Revenge is available in hardback from the IET on-line bookshop for a mere 15 / $23 / 18. The hardback version is also available from local

When choosing an insulation resistance tester, make sure the main controls can be operated with a glove

Remote control also offers big advantages in testing transformers, circuit breakers and similar equipment routinely used in power transmission and distribution systems. In these applications, particularly when the testing is being carried out in an electrically noisy environment, it is advantageous to keep the test connections as short as possible. However, if testing is being carried out on top of a large transformer, keeping the connections short inevitably means that the IRT will be in

The most up-to-date insulation resistance testers offer high noise immunity, remote control and ease of use

The quirky side of engineering

Keith Wilson Electrical Engineer Engineering is, for the most part, a serious business but it does have a quirky side that can be both entertaining and amusing. And, if you want a glimpse of this quirky side, there are few better places to look than the Eccentric Engineer column that appears regularly in E&T, a magazine published by the UKs Institution of Engineering and Technology (the IET). But maybe you dont receive the magazine or perhaps you just dont have time to read it. In either case, Buses, Bankers and the Beer of Revenge, a new book by Justin Pollard, will make sure that you dont miss out. A collection

Lightning conductors: pointed or with a knob on the end?

of 50 of the best stories from the Eccentric Engineering column, its a delightful and amusing read for anyone with an engineering background. My only caution is that, once Id

Amazon sites or, if youre so enthusiastic that you would like to start reading it in the next few minutes, theres also a Kindle version.

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Q&A
Q: Is there any good reason to choose an insulation test set that offers a high output current as preference to one with a lower output current? A: There are actually several reasons to choose a test set with a high output current. Possibly the most important is that a high output current will mean that the item under test will be charged more quickly, which means that the test can be completed in a shorter time, and also that theres less risk that the readings will be taken before the test voltage has had time to stabilise properly. And, if youre using the instruments guard terminal, dont forget that a lot of output current may

ELECTRICAL TESTER
Q: Why do some of the latest insulation testers have facilities for remote control? A: These facilities are useful in a wide range of applications. For example, when testing a large item such as a power transformer, the tester can be positioned on top of the item near to the terminals so that the test leads are kept short, and operated from a much more convenient and much safer location, using the remote control option. Also, its sometimes necessary to carry out tests in locations that are hazardous, such as inside an energised sub-station. In these cases, once it has been connected, the test set can be operated from outside of the hazardous area, greatly increasing the safety of the operator. Finally, in production line test applications, its often desirable to control the tester automatically, and the remote control facility offers a convenient way of achieving this, and of providing any safety interlocks that may be needed.

High-voltage insulation testing at 5 kV and 10 kV is a subject that comes up regularly in the questions received by our technical support group, so in this issue were providing answers for some of the questions were most frequently asked in relation to this important and interesting topic. well be diverted via the surface leakage of the item under test. Unless the instrument has a high output current capability, this could mean that the output voltage will collapse and the test results will not be valid. Q: Sometimes it seems impossible to get consistent test results when performing insulation tests the readings just wont stabilise. This seems to happen a lot, for example, in substations. Whats the problem, and what can be done about it? A: In cases of this type, the source of the trouble is almost always induced noise in the measuring circuit. Noise pick up on the test leads can be reduced by keeping them as short as possible, and by using screened test leads. With screened leads, the screen is connected to the insulation test set guard terminal, so that the noise currents are diverted away from the measuring circuits. These measures cant help, however, if the noise is being picked up by the item under test rather than the test leads. In such cases, the only effective solution is to use an insulation test set with high noise immunity and effective ltering. Instruments are now available with noise immunity of 8 mA, which is enough to ensure reliable operation in the toughest conditions, such as EHV substations. They also have adjustable long time constant ltering, which allows users to choose between faster operation, when noise levels are only moderate, and slower operation but enhanced noise rejection when working in the most challenging environments.

Blogs and tweets

Jo Vanoli Marketing Assistant Social media is becoming commonplace in almost every industry in the world. Youll be hard pushed to nd a blog about a particular subject that does not exist. We thought wed share a few of the blogs and twitter accounts we keep an eye on for developments in the electrical power industry: Energyblogs.com Blogs from a wide variety of contributors looks at topics such as green issues, energy storage and different types of power supply. The blog allows for comments to encourage debates as well as the option to share across a variety of social media platforms. Electrical ReView electricalreview.co.uk/blog This looks at the energy industry in the UK. Topics can range from the latest piece of legislation that affects the industry to potentially controversial plans to build new nuclear power stations. This blog also has Twitter account (@elecreviewmag) that they use to alert people when new topics go up on the blog and general industry news. Utility Week utilityweek.co.uk Articles and blogs about the utilities sector across Europe, offering a broader view of the utilities market so you can keep abreast of everything thats going on in the industry. Their Twitter feed is @utilityweek. They tweet mainly links to article off the site and pieces of industry news. Electric, Light and Power www.elp.com A site with a wide range of blogs and articles looking at all aspects of the electrical utilities business in the USA. They run an eNewsletter, which is a nice way to keep up to date with

the industry direct to your inbox. Their Twitter account: @POWERGRIDmag is mainly tweets from their print publication and denitely worth checking out. Protec Equipment Resources www.protecequip.com This US based distributor of test equipment posts from industry experts discussing the use and effectiveness of different types of electrical testing equipment. They have a Twitter feed at @ProtecEquip where they tweet links to the latest blog posts and other useful industry information. Indian Power Sector www. indianpowersector.com A useful website on the power sector in India, with comment and analysis on regulation, power plant, renewable energy and power companies. They tweet news, articles and comments from @indianpowersector. IntelligentUtility www.intelligentutility.com/ The sites main attention is on the Smart Grid, and has a mainly US focus. Intelligently written,

the site has some useful articles showing how utilities are coping with the changes affecting the industry, as well as discussing some interesting business issues. IEEE Spectrum www.spectrum.ieee.org/energy The news magazine of the IEEE, the worlds largest professional association for the advancement of technology, has a huge amount of articles, posts, comments and analysis on the global energy sector. Issues include the environment, nuclear, renewables, policy and smart grid. An incredibly valuable resource that tweets from @IEEEorg, posts videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/ spectrummag and has a Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/IEEE.org. PacWorld www.pacw.org Published by Omicron and often focusing on Omicron products, the web site also has some excellent non-branded articles on issues affecting power test, protection and control.

Glass insulators - a threatened species

Ian Bensted Technical support group Not so very long ago, pole-mounted glass and ceramic insulators like those in the photograph were a common sight in almost every country, along with the overhead telephone wires they supported. Now those wires have been removed and sold for scrap, replaced by multicore cables and even bre optic links that are, in many areas, as likely to be found underground as at the top of a pole. As a result, the insulators that once played such an important role in our telephone networks have been abandoned, of little value or interest except to a small group of collectors who avidly seek out rare examples with unusual shapes or associations with longdefunct railway companies. However, while glass and porcelain insulators may be a threatened species in the telecommunications sector, the same is most certainly not true in the world of power distribution and transmission, where the larger cousins of the telephone/telegraph insulators continue to be used in huge quantities, often in critical applications. These insulators are incredibly reliable but, in common with every other electrical component, theyre not entirely without problems, which means that from time to time it may be necessary to perform tests to check their performance. In principle, this is easy all thats needed is a high-voltage dc insulation resistance tester. In practice life, as always, can be a little more complicated, and its probable that thousands or even tens of thousands of insulators have been discarded unnecessarily because of apparently unsatisfactory insulation resistance test results. But why? The answer is surface leakage. During its life, almost every

Green glass insulators, as seen in Paris, Texas.

insulator will accumulate a surface coating of dirt, which can provide a leakage path of surprisingly low resistance. Carry out a simple insulation test, and youll read the resistance of the leakage path rather than that of the insulator. Fortunately, theres a convenient remedy use an insulation resistance test set with a guard terminal, and connect this terminal to a bare wire wrapped around the insulator. That way, the test set can allow for the leakage current and give a true indication of the condition of the insulator. If a dirty insulator passes this test it doesnt mean, of course, that its t for return to service until its been properly cleaned. However, it does almost certainly mean that theres no need to discard the insulator and spend money on replacing it with a new one.

Clearly, insulation resistance testers with a guard terminal can save money by discriminating between insulators that have failed and those that are merely dirty. A word of caution is, however, necessary. Guard terminal performance can vary widely between instruments from different manufacturers. Indeed, with some instruments, guard terminal performance can be very poor indeed, leading to misleading and unreliable test results. When specifying or buying a high-voltage insulation tester, therefore, its certainly important to choose a unit with a guard terminal, but its equally important to check on the performance of that guard terminal. And, if the instrument manufacturer is unable or unwilling to provide that information, the best advice is to steer well clear!

Megger ELECTRICAL TESTER Issue 1 - 2014

www.megger.com/asia