Advanced Insulation Analysis Using Megger Insulation Testers

Although the insulation resistance test can be applied as a simple Go/No Go test, it can also be used to give more extensive diagnostic information. While most endusers generally make spot tests (test voltage applied for a short, but specific period of time, after which a reading is taken), other types of insulation tests can give critical information not available with the spot test. The most common voltage used for non-destructive diagnostic insulation tests is 5 kV. The first of these tests is the Polarization Index (PI), a time-resistance test. A time-resistance test takes successive readings at specified times. The PI test involves taking readings at one minute and ten minutes and then comparing them in ratio form (10 minutes test result/1 minute test result). Good insulation generally shows an increase in resistance over the ten minute period, but with contaminated insulation, the polarization effects are masked by high leakage currents and readings are flat. The Megger BM25 automatically takes the ratio of the values. Following is a guide to PI test results:

Insulation Condition Poor Questionable Okay Good

PI Result Less than 1 1-2 2-4 Greater than 4

The PI value can give a guide to the condition of the insulation, although the figures should always be interpreted in the context of history and experience. If PI falls by 30% or more, remedial action such as cleaning, or further tests should be considered. PI is a far more sensitive parameter for monitoring the drying out process for a winding than a one minute spot test. The PI test cannot, of course, tell everything about the insulation. Be aware of the fault mechanisms that are ignored by this test:

If the insulation does not possess significant polarization (absorption) current, then it cannot produce a meaningful result; this condition can occur in simple insulator pieces constructed of very good dielectric materials. If multi-layered insulation fails in one of the layers while other retain high resistances, the PI test will not give an indication of the problem; this condition can be identified by another, relatively new, diagnostic insulation test, the Dielectric Discharge test.

The Dielectric Discharge (DD) or "re-absorption current" test operates during the discharge of the dielectric, but unlike other related techniques that look at the response of the insulation during discharge, it is a simple, low cost, practical test. This technique was developed by EDF, Frances power utility company. As all three components of current (charging, polarization and leakage currents) are present during a standard insulation test, the determination of polarization (absorption) current is potentially confused by the presence of the leakage current. Instead of measuring the polarization current during an insulation test, the DD test looks at the de-polarization and capacitive discharge currents at the end of an insulation test. The Megger BM25 makes the DD test automatically. Dielectric Discharge Test Process The insulator must first be charged for a sufficient time to be "stable" (charging and polarization are complete and the only remaining component of current is leakage current). The insulator is then discharged and the current that flows is measured. This current constitutes the capacitive discharges and the "re-absorption currents", combining to give the total "dielectric discharge". The current is measured after a standard time of one minute, which is greater than the primary time constant of the discharge. The result is not affected by surface leakage, which is effectively shortcircuited. The current is dependent on the overall capacitance and the final test voltage. Dielectric discharge is measured as follows: Dielectric Discharge = I1 min / V x C Dielectric Discharge Results The DD test can identify excess discharge currents that arise when a layer of multi-layer insulation is damaged or contaminated, a condition that will be missed by both the spot test and the Polazization Index test. Discharge current will be higher, for a given value of voltage and capacitance, if an internal layer is damaged. The time constant of this individual layer will mismatch the other layers, giving rise to a higher value of current than for insulation that is good in this respect. Homogenous insulation will have a DD value of 0 while good multi-layer insulation will have a value up to 2. The following table is a guide to DD test results:

Insulation Condition Bad Poor Questionable

DD Value Greater than 7 4-7 2-4

Okay Homogenous

Less than 2 0