Scoop: Internal Arc test on cable box compartment of a distribution transformer

Proposal test procedure.

Due to the rising requests from DNV GL clients concerning internal arc test on a high voltage cable box
compartment of a distribution transformer, the following proposal is made.

Guideline:
Internal arc test on a distribution transformer is indeed not covered by any IEC standard therefore a procedure
which will result in a Test Report “Client instruction” is needed to define a test method as well validation of
the test results.
As addressed above, no certificate can be issued since this test is not recognized and addressed in IEC
standards.

The following proposal is made by using as guideline the IEC standard 62271-202 Edition 2.0 2014-03 and the
IEC 62271-200 Edition 2.0 2011-10.

Contents:
Internal arc test might not be performed if the following components are intended to be installed with the
transformer in the field:

Earth-shielded interconnector equipped with insulated earth shielded connections in accordance with IEC
60050-461:2008, 461-10-15 “separable connector which has a fully screened external surface”
(Reference - IEC 62271-202 sec AA.6: Test procedure)

Internal arc test need to be performed on high voltage solid insulated interconnections equipped with
insulated connections according to IEC 60050-461:2008, 461-10-16 “separable connector which does not
have a screened external surface “ or 461-10-21 “ indoor termination with additional insulation at
the bushing connection and used in an air-filled terminal box “ (Reference - IEC 62271-202 sec AA.6:
Test procedure)

Additionally:
Test is not required to be performed if the transformer is protected by High Rupturing Capacity (HRC)
current-limiting fuses. (Reference - IEC 62271-202 Flow-chartAA.6 and AA.7)
However test can be agreed between manufacturer and user

Test:
The most severe internal arc test is the condition of a three-phase fault.
Based on flow-chart (AA.6 and AA.7) addressed in IEC 62271-202 this condition will be required in the event of:

1- No Solid insulated interconnections

2- No protection by circuit-breaker

Please refer to the flow-chart AA.6 and AA.7 for phase to phase, phase to ground and three-phase test
conditions.

DNV GL Headquarters, Veritasveien 1, P.O.Box 300, 1322 Høvik, Norway. Tel: +47 67 57 99 00. www.dnvgl.com

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Test set-up:
 Indicator type, distance to the test object based on the internal arc classification as defined in IEC
62271-200.
 The indicator will be required to be placed all around the distribution transformer.
 Cable box compartment will require to be fitted with all components as used in the field (type of supply
cable, type of cable connector, type and bushing and type gasket/seal/compound) (note 1)
 Test will be carried out with the intended transformer and cable box combination, the transformer is
not required to be fitted with active parts as well oil inside the tank. Special consideration
needs to be taken in account by the manufacturer when the bushings are somehow supported by the
active parts inside the transformer.
 See page 3 for an example of test set-up.

Validation:
Test will be carried out as per client instruction therefore the procedure for test criteria shall be included in the
report as well any drawing verification required by the manufacturer/end user. (note 1): The laboratory can
provide for additional fee: cable, cable connector, bushing, gasket or any other accessory intended to be used
in the cable box compartment, but the responsibility lies always to the manufacturer

Test procedure:
Supply circuit, three phase test

The supply circuit shall be three-phase and all three connected cables shall be energized.

Feeding arrangements
Feeding direction as follows:

For the connection to the cable box compartment will be per connected as in service.

Arc initiation:

General,

The arc shall be initiated between all the phases under test by means of a metal wire of about 0,5 mm in
diameter.

The point of initiation shall be located at the furthers point, downstream tin the current path from the
supply.

No room simulation is applicable.

This test is only for Accessibility A (Authorized personnel)

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Figure 1 mounting frame for vertical indicators

Figure 2 position of the indicators

No.

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Arrangement of indicators,
Indicators shall be places at each classified side on a mounting rack, at a distances 300 mm from the
indicators to the cable box.

Indicators shall be fitted vertically at all classified sides of the transformer up to a height of 2000 mm
evenly distributed, arranged in a checkboard pattern, covering 40 % to 50% of the area.

Black cretonne (cotton fabric approximately 150g/m2) shall be used for the indicators.

Test parameters

Voltage

The test shall be performed at any suitable voltage up and including the rated voltage.

Current

The current should remain constant, the peak of the current should be met, time duration can be
extended until the integral of the a.c. component of the current (I*t).

Peak current

The instant of closing shall be chosen so that the peak current is flowing in one of the outrer phases. And
a major loop also occurs in the other outer phase.

The peak value of the prospective current shall be set to 2,5 times (50Hz) or 2,6 (60Hz) the r.m.s. value
of the a.c. component.

Frequency

Rated frequency of 50 Hz or 60Hz, the frequency at the beginning of the test shall be between 48Hz and
62Hz. At other frequencies it shall not deviate from the rated value by more than 10%.

time duration

Standard recommended values stated by IEC 62271-200 4.101.5 are 0,1 s, 0,5 s and 1 s

Test criteria:

 Correctly secured doors and covers do not open.

 No fragmentation of the enclosure occurs (no ejection of fragments or of other parts of the switchgear
of an individual mass of 60g or more occurs)
 Arcing does not cause holes by burning through.
 Indicators do no ignite due to the effect of hot gases or burning liquids
 no evidence of arc inside the tank shall be visible.
 no holes in the tank walls.
 no deformations evidence of damage in the bushing.
 no opening on the cable box compartment that might results in direct access to live parts.
 Deformation might be allowed but the deformed part shall not reach any indicators.
 Additional requirements from manufacturer/end user.

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G MB MS L PT TO
U 

U 

U 

G = Generator TO = test object U = voltage measurement to earth

MB = Master breaker L = reactor I = Current measurement
MS = make switch
PT = Power transformer (KEMA)

Pictures of the cable compartment before test still under construction, only one cable is connected:

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