Transformer Testing

Life of a transformer

Life of a transformer With proper maintenance

Service/repair;
Oil regeneration
Drying
New/refurbished bushings
New/refurbished LTC
Etc...

Diagnostic testing

Extra years in service!

Transformer stress factors

Electrical Stress
Develops within the insulation material separating conductors at different
potentials. It ages the dielectric materiel (even at rated voltages)

Thermal Stress
Develops across all assembly components. It ages the dielectric material
(even at rated temperatures). Stress to insulation worsened by high
temperature and repeated changes in temperature.

Mechanical Stress
Deforms/displaces assembly components. High shock events during shipping
displaces components. High current events deform the windings.

Chemical Stress
Oil additives have deteriorated insulation components.

Environmental Stress (contaminants)

Salt and other corrosive substances in the environment have deteriorated
tanks and peripheral equipment.

Applicable Standards

IEEE C57.12.90
Standard test code

IEEE 62
Field test guide

Component

IEEE 62
by
Megger

Windings

Bushings

Insulating oil

Cellulose insulation

Load
Tap changers

De-energized

Core

Test
Resistance
Ratio/polarity
Excitation current
Short-circuit impedance
Frequency response analysis
Insulation resistance
Capacitance
Power factor/tan delta
Dielectric frequency response
Induced voltage/partial discharge
Capacitance
Power factor/tan delta
Dielectric frequency response
Partial discharge
Temperature (Infrared)
Water content
Dissolved gas
Dielectric strength
Particle count
Power factor/tan delta
Interfacial tension
Acidity
Visual
Color
Oxidation stability
Moisture content
Contact/winding resistance
Temperature (Infrared)
Ratio
Timing (make before break)
Motor current
Limit switch
Contact pressure (resistance test)
Centering
Ratio
Visual inspection
Insulation resistance
Frequency response analysis
Ground test

Megger products
MTO
TTR
Delta/TTR
MLR/FRAX
FRAX
S1
Delta/IDAX
Delta/IDAX
IDAX
Delta/IDAX
Delta/IDAX
IDAX

KF
OTS
IDAX/Delta

IDAX-MODS
MTO
TTR
MTO

MTO
TTR
6

MIT/S1
FRAX
MoM/DLRM

Transformer testing tool-box from Megger!

MTO

Winding resistance measurements
1 or 2-ch measurement
Single or dual current injection (HV and
LV simultaneously)

Tap-changer testing
Winding resistance/tap
Timing/Maker-before-break verification

Automatic demagnetization of
transformer core
Important to perform before all kinds on
excitation current tests (Delta, TTR,
FRAX)
Recommended in IEEE as standard
procedure before taking the transformer
in service

TTR

Transformer turn-ratio measurement

Polarity and phase deviation test

Excitation current measurement

MIT/S1

DC insulation testing

Insulation resistance
Polarization index
Step voltage
Dielectric discharge

10

Delta

10 kV insulation testing @ 50/60 Hz

Tan delta/power factor and capacitance

Winding winding
Winding tank
Bushings
Oil

Excitation current measurement

HV TTR

11

IDAX

Insulation diagnostics
(DFR/FDS) from mHz to kHz
Tan delta/power factor and
capacitance

Winding winding
Winding tank
Bushings
Oil

Automatic moisture assessment

of cellulose insulation (MODS)

12

MLR

Short-circuit impedance/leakage
reactance measurement @ 50/60
Hz

Capacitor bank testing

13

FRAX

Sweep frequency response analysis

from Hz to MHz

Excitation impedance measurement

Short-circuit impedance testing

FRSL (Frequency response of stray
losses) measurements

14

Microohmmeters

Low resistance measurements of;

HV leads and connections

Ground connections
weep frequency response analysis
from Hz to MHz

Winding resistance on small

transformers (DLRO10), < 10kVA

15

Oil testing

Dielectric strength (OTS)

Moisture content (KF)

16

Transformer testing tool-box from Megger!

17