IEEE STD 56-2016

IEEE Guide for Insulation
Maintenance of Electric Machines
IEEE Power and Energy Society
Sponsored by the
Electric Machinery Committee
IEEE IEEE Std 56™-2016

3 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10016-5997
USA
Authorized licensed use limited to: IEEE Xplore. Downloaded on November 11,2016 at 07:27:53 UTC from IEEE Xplore. Restrictions apply.
IEEE Std 56™-2016

Sponsor
Electric Machinery Committee

of the
IEEE Power and Energy Society
Approved 22 September 2016
IEEE-SA Standards Board
Abstract: This insulation maintenance guide is applicable to rotating electric machines rated from
35 kVA and higher. The procedures detailed herein may also be useful for insulation maintenance
of other types of machines.
Keywords: aging mechanisms, alternating, armature, brush, commutator, core, corona, current,
GLVWULEXWLRQIDFWRU(/&,'HOHFWULFHSR[\¿HOGÀX[*OREDO93,JURXQGZDOO,(((LQVXODWLRQ
,RQL]DWLRQLRQL]LQJUDGLDWLRQPDFKLQHVPDLQWHQDQFHPLFDSDUWLDOGLVFKDUJHSLWFKIDFWRUSRZHU
factor, recurrent surge oscillography, reliability, resistance temperature detector, rotating, RSO,
RTD, semiconducting stress control coating, service, stator, testing, thermal cycling, thermal
deterioration
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.

3DUN$YHQXH1HZ<RUN1<86$
Copyright © 2016 by The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.

$OOULJKWVUHVHUYHG3XEOLVKHG1RYHPEHU3ULQWHGLQWKH8QLWHG6WDWHVRI$PHULFD
,(((LVDUHJLVWHUHGWUDGHPDUNLQWKH863DWHQW 7UDGHPDUN2I¿FHRZQHGE\7KH,QVWLWXWHRI(OHFWULFDODQG(OHFWURQLFV(QJLQHHUV
Incorporated.
3') ,6%1 67'

3ULQW ,6%1 67'3'
IEEE prohibits discrimination, harassment, and bullying. For more information, visit http://www.ieee.org/web/aboutus/whatis/policies/p9-26.
html.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, in an electronic retrieval system or otherwise, without the prior written permission
of the publisher.
Important Notices and Disclaimers Concerning IEEE Standards Documents
IEEE documents are made available for use subject to important notices and legal disclaimers. These notices
and disclaimers, or a reference to this page, appear in all standards and may be found under the heading “Im-
portant Notice” or “Important Notices and Disclaimers Concerning IEEE Standards Documents.”
Notice and Disclaimer of Liability Concerning the Use of IEEE Standards

Documents
IEEE Standards documents (standards, recommended practices, and guides), both full-use and trial-use, are
developed within IEEE Societies and the Standards Coordinating Committees of the IEEE Standards Asso-
ciation (“IEEE-SA”) Standards Board. IEEE (“the Institute”) develops its standards through a consensus de-
velopment process, approved by the American National Standards Institute (“ANSI”), which brings together
YROXQWHHUVUHSUHVHQWLQJYDULHGYLHZSRLQWVDQGLQWHUHVWVWRDFKLHYHWKH¿QDOSURGXFW9ROXQWHHUVDUHQRWQHFHV-
sarily members of the Institute and participate without compensation from IEEE. While IEEE administers the
process and establishes rules to promote fairness in the consensus development process, IEEE does not inde-
pendently evaluate, test, or verify the accuracy of any of the information or the soundness of any judgments
contained in its standards.
IEEE does not warrant or represent the accuracy or content of the material contained in its standards, and
expressly disclaims all warranties (express, implied and statutory) not included in this or any other document
UHODWLQJWRWKHVWDQGDUGLQFOXGLQJEXWQRWOLPLWHGWRWKHZDUUDQWLHVRIPHUFKDQWDELOLW\¿WQHVVIRUDSDUWLFXODU
purpose; non-infringement; and quality, accuracy, effectiveness, currency, or completeness of material. In
addition, IEEE disclaims any and all conditions relating to: results; and workmanlike effort. IEEE standards
documents are supplied “AS IS” and “WITH ALL FAULTS.”
Use of an IEEE standard is wholly voluntary. The existence of an IEEE standard does not imply that there
are no other ways to produce, test, measure, purchase, market, or provide other goods and services related to
the scope of the IEEE standard. Furthermore, the viewpoint expressed at the time a standard is approved and
issued is subject to change brought about through developments in the state of the art and comments received
from users of the standard.
In publishing and making its standards available, IEEE is not suggesting or rendering professional or other
services for, or on behalf of, any person or entity nor is IEEE undertaking to perform any duty owed by any
other person or entity to another. Any person utilizing any IEEE Standards document, should rely upon his or
her own independent judgment in the exercise of reasonable care in any given circumstances or, as appropri-
ate, seek the advice of a competent professional in determining the appropriateness of a given IEEE standard.
,112(9(176+$//,(((%(/,$%/()25$1<',5(&7,1',5(&7,1&,'(17$/63(&,$/
(;(03/$5<25&216(48(17,$/'$0$*(6,1&/8',1*%87127/,0,7('72352&85(-
0(172)68%67,787(*22'6256(59,&(6/2662)86('$7$25352),7625%86,1(66
,17(55837,21+2:(9(5&$86('$1'21$1<7+(25<2)/,$%,/,7<:+(7+(5,1&21-
75$&7675,&7/,$%,/,7<257257,1&/8',1*1(*/,*(1&(2527+(5:,6($5,6,1*,1
$1<:$<2872)7+(38%/,&$7,2186(2)255(/,$1&(8321$1<67$1'$5'(9(1
,)$'9,6('2)7+(3266,%,/,7<2)68&+'$0$*($1'5(*$5'/(662):+(7+(568&+
'$0$*(:$6)25(6(($%/(
Translations
The IEEE consensus development process involves the review of documents in English only. In the event that
an IEEE standard is translated, only the English version published by IEEE should be considered the approved
IEEE standard.
3
Copyright © 2016 IEEE. All rights reserved.
2I¿FLDOVWDWHPHQWV
A statement, written or oral, that is not processed in accordance with the IEEE-SA Standards Board Operations
0DQXDOVKDOOQRWEHFRQVLGHUHGRULQIHUUHGWREHWKHRI¿FLDOSRVLWLRQRI,(((RUDQ\RILWVFRPPLWWHHVDQGVKDOO
not be considered to be, or be relied upon as, a formal position of IEEE. At lectures, symposia, seminars, or
educational courses, an individual presenting information on IEEE standards shall make it clear that his or her
views should be considered the personal views of that individual rather than the formal position of IEEE.
Comments on standards
Comments for revision of IEEE Standards documents are welcome from any interested party, regardless of
PHPEHUVKLSDI¿OLDWLRQZLWK,(((+RZHYHU,(((GRHVQRWSURYLGHFRQVXOWLQJLQIRUPDWLRQRUDGYLFHSHUWDLQ-
ing to IEEE Standards documents. Suggestions for changes in documents should be in the form of a proposed
change of text, together with appropriate supporting comments. Since IEEE standards represent a consensus
of concerned interests, it is important that any responses to comments and questions also receive the concur-
rence of a balance of interests. For this reason, IEEE and the members of its societies and Standards Coordi-
nating Committees are not able to provide an instant response to comments or questions except in those cases
where the matter has previously been addressed. For the same reason, IEEE does not respond to interpretation
requests. Any person who would like to participate in revisions to an IEEE standard is welcome to join the
relevant IEEE working group.
Comments on standards should be submitted to the following address:
Secretary, IEEE-SA Standards Board

445 Hoes Lane
3LVFDWDZD\1-86$
Laws and regulations
Users of IEEE Standards documents should consult all applicable laws and regulations. Compliance with the
provisions of any IEEE Standards document does not imply compliance to any applicable regulatory require-
ments. Implementers of the standard are responsible for observing or referring to the applicable regulatory
requirements. IEEE does not, by the publication of its standards, intend to urge action that is not in compliance
with applicable laws, and these documents may not be construed as doing so
Copyrights
IEEE draft and approved standards are copyrighted by IEEE under US and international copyright laws. They
are made available by IEEE and are adopted for a wide variety of both public and private uses. These include
both use, by reference, in laws and regulations, and use in private self-regulation, standardization, and the pro-
motion of engineering practices and methods. By making these documents available for use and adoption by
public authorities and private users, IEEE does not waive any rights in copyright to the documents.
Photocopies
Subject to payment of the appropriate fee, IEEE will grant users a limited, non-exclusive license to photocopy
portions of any individual standard for company or organizational internal use or individual, non-commercial
use only. To arrange for payment of licensing fees, please contact Copyright Clearance Center, Customer Ser-
YLFH5RVHZRRG'ULYH'DQYHUV0$86$3HUPLVVLRQWRSKRWRFRS\SRUWLRQVRI
any individual standard for educational classroom use can also be obtained through the Copyright Clearance
Center.
4
Updating of IEEE Standards documents
Users of IEEE Standards documents should be aware that these documents may be superseded at any time by
the issuance of new editions or may be amended from time to time through the issuance of amendments, corri-
JHQGDRUHUUDWD$QRI¿FLDO,(((GRFXPHQWDWDQ\SRLQWLQWLPHFRQVLVWVRIWKHFXUUHQWHGLWLRQRIWKHGRFXPHQW
together with any amendments, corrigenda, or errata then in effect.
(YHU\,(((VWDQGDUGLVVXEMHFWHGWRUHYLHZDWOHDVWHYHU\\HDUV:KHQDGRFXPHQWLVPRUHWKDQ\HDUVROG
and has not undergone a revision process, it is reasonable to conclude that its contents, although still of some
YDOXHGRQRWZKROO\UHÀHFWWKHSUHVHQWVWDWHRIWKHDUW8VHUVDUHFDXWLRQHGWRFKHFNWRGHWHUPLQHWKDWWKH\KDYH
the latest edition of any IEEE standard.
In order to determine whether a given document is the current edition and whether it has been amended through
the issuance of amendments, corrigenda, or errata, visit the IEEE-SA Website at http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/
standards.jsp or contact IEEE at the address listed previously. For more information about the IEEE-SA or
IEEE’s standards development process, visit the IEEE-SA Website at http://standards.ieee.org.
Errata
(UUDWDLIDQ\IRUDOO,(((VWDQGDUGVFDQEHDFFHVVHGRQWKH,(((6$:HEVLWHDWWKHIROORZLQJ85/http://
VWDQGDUGVLHHHRUJ¿QGVWGVHUUDWDLQGH[KWPO8VHUVDUHHQFRXUDJHGWRFKHFNWKLV85/IRUHUUDWDSHULRGLFDOO\
Patents
Attention is called to the possibility that implementation of this standard may require use of subject matter
covered by patent rights. By publication of this standard, no position is taken by the IEEE with respect to the
existence or validity of any patent rights in connection therewith. If a patent holder or patent applicant has
¿OHGDVWDWHPHQWRIDVVXUDQFHYLDDQ$FFHSWHG/HWWHURI$VVXUDQFHWKHQWKHVWDWHPHQWLVOLVWHGRQWKH,(((
SA Website at http://standards.ieee.org/about/sasb/patcom/patents.html. Letters of Assurance may indicate
whether the Submitter is willing or unwilling to grant licenses under patent rights without compensation or
under reasonable rates, with reasonable terms and conditions that are demonstrably free of any unfair discrim-
ination to applicants desiring to obtain such licenses.
(VVHQWLDO3DWHQW&ODLPVPD\H[LVWIRUZKLFKD/HWWHURI$VVXUDQFHKDVQRWEHHQUHFHLYHG7KH,(((LVQRWUH-
VSRQVLEOHIRULGHQWLI\LQJ(VVHQWLDO3DWHQW&ODLPVIRUZKLFKDOLFHQVHPD\EHUHTXLUHGIRUFRQGXFWLQJLQTXLULHV
LQWRWKHOHJDOYDOLGLW\RUVFRSHRI3DWHQWV&ODLPVRUGHWHUPLQLQJZKHWKHUDQ\OLFHQVLQJWHUPVRUFRQGLWLRQV
provided in connection with submission of a Letter of Assurance, if any, or in any licensing agreements are
reasonable or non-discriminatory. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the valid-
ity of any patent rights, and the risk of infringement of such rights, is entirely their own responsibility. Further
information may be obtained from the IEEE Standards Association
5
Participants
At the time this guide was completed, the P56 Working Group had the following membership:
Douglas J. Conley, Chair

David L. McKinnon, Vice Chair
James Lau, Secretary
David Agnew Paul Gaberson William McDermid

Kevin Alewine Tyler Gaerke Charles Millet
Ray Bartnikas Anna Gegenava Gavita Mugala
Kevin Becker Richard Gupton Beant Nindra
Tyler Black Gary Heuston Sophie Noel
Stefano Bomben Fon Hiew Ramtin Omranipour
Andrew Brown Richard Huber Howard Penrose
Donald Campbell Claude Hudon Ashfak Shaikh
William Chen Jeffrey Hudson Jeffrey Sheaffer
Ian Culbert Marcelo Jacob da Silva Reza Soltani
Eric David Aleksandra Jeremic Gregory C. Stone
Shari¿ Emad Aleksandr Khazanov Remi Tremblay
Tim F. Emery Amir Khosravi Roger Wicks
Jeff Fenwick Thomas Klamt Joe Williams
Shawn A. Filliben Laurent Lamarre Chuck Wilson
Nancy E. Frost Gerhard Lemesch Hugh Zhu
Melanie Levesque
The following members of the individual balloting committee voted on this guide. Balloters may have voted
for approval, disapproval, or abstention.
Martin Baur Randall Groves Howard Penrose

Thomas Bishop Ajit Gwal Christopher Petrola
William Bloethe Werner Hoelzl Alvaro Portillo
Stefano Bomben Yuri Khersonsky Iulian Pro¿r
Andrew Brown Heshmatollah Khosravi Johannes Rickmann
Gustavo Brunello Joseph L. Koep¿nger Nikunj Shah
William Byrd Jim Kulchisky Ashfak Shaikh
Weijen Chen Lucas Kunz Jeffrey Sheaffer
Douglas J. Conley William Larzelere Suresh Shrimavle
Matthew Davis James Lau Charles Simmons
Gary Donner William Lockley Jeremy Smith
Jeff Fenwick Omar Mazzoni Jerry Smith
Shawn A. Filliben William McBride Wayne Stec
Rostyslaw Fostiak William McCown Gregory C. Stone
Dale Fredrickson William McDermid David Tepen
Nancy E. Frost David L. McKinnon James Timperley
Paul Gaberson Don McLaren Remi Tremblay
Frank Gerleve Charles Millet John Vergis
Alexander Glaninger- Jerry Murphy Kenneth White
Katschnig Arthur Neubauer Dean Yager
J. Travis Grif¿th Michael Newman Hugh Zhu
6
When the IEEE-SA Standards Board approved this guide on 22 September, it had the following membership:
Jean-Philippe Faure, Chair

Ted Burse, Vice Chair
John D. Kulick, Past Chair
Konstantinos Karachalios, Secretary
Chuck Adams Ronald W. Hotchkiss Mehmet Ulema

Masayuki Ariyoshi Michael Janezic Yingli Wen
Stephen Dukes Joseph L. Koep¿nger* Howard Wolfman
Jianbin Fan Hung Ling Don Wright
J. Travis Grif¿th Kevin Lu Yu Yuan
Gary Hoffman Annette D. Reilly Daidi Zhong
Gary Robinson
*Member Emeritus
7
Introduction
7KLVLQWURGXFWLRQLVQRWSDUWRI,(((6WG,(((*XLGHIRU,QVXODWLRQ0DLQWHQDQFHRI(OHFWULF0DFKLQHV
This guide represents the merger of the following two standards:
— ,((( 6WG ,((( *XLGH IRU ,QVXODWLRQ 0DLQWHQDQFH IRU 5RWDWLQJ (OHFWULFDO 0DFKLQHU\
+3WROHVVWKDQ+3
— ,(((6WG,(((*XLGHIRU,QVXODWLRQ0DLQWHQDQFHRI/DUJH$OWHUQDWLQJ&XUUHQW5RWDWLQJ
0DFKLQHU\N9$DQG/DUJHU

Contents
2YHUYLHZ ...................................................................................................................................................

6FRSH ..................................................................................................................................................
3XUSRVH ...............................................................................................................................................
2. Normative references ................................................................................................................................
'H¿QLWLRQV .................................................................................................................................................
4. Safety ........................................................................................................................................................
*HQHUDO ...............................................................................................................................................
4.2 Machine rotation.................................................................................................................................
4.3 Solvents ..............................................................................................................................................
4.4 Asbestos, lead, and other hazardous materials ....................................................................................
6LJQL¿FDQFHRIPDLQWHQDQFH......................................................................................................................
6. Insulation systems in general use ..............................................................................................................

,QVXODWLQJPDWHULDOV ............................................................................................................................
6.2 Armature winding insulation ..............................................................................................................
6.3 Wound rotor windings (three-phase induction machines)...................................................................
6.4 Field winding insulation .....................................................................................................................
6.5 Core and frame-assembly insulation .................................................................................................. 22
6HUYLFHFRQGLWLRQVDIIHFWLQJLQVXODWLRQOLIH ............................................................................................... 22

$JLQJPHFKDQLVPV ............................................................................................................................. 22
$&6WDWLRQDU\DUPDWXUHZLQGLQJDJLQJPHFKDQLVPV .......................................................................... 23
&\OLQGULFDOURXQGURWRU¿HOGZLQGLQJDJLQJPHFKDQLVPV ................................................................
6DOLHQWSROHURWDWLQJ¿HOGZLQGLQJDJLQJPHFKDQLVPV........................................................................ 33
:RXQGURWRUZLQGLQJDJLQJPHFKDQLVPV............................................................................................ 36
'&PRWRUDQGJHQHUDWRU¿HOGZLQGLQJDJLQJPHFKDQLVPV .................................................................
'&PRWRUDQGJHQHUDWRUDUPDWXUHZLQGLQJDJLQJPHFKDQLVPV ..........................................................
'&PRWRUDQGJHQHUDWRUFRPPXWDWRUDJLQJPHFKDQLVPV ...................................................................
6WDWRUFRUHLQVXODWLRQDJLQJPHFKDQLVPV............................................................................................
9LVXDOLQVSHFWLRQPHWKRGV ......................................................................................................................... 45

9LVXDOLQVSHFWLRQVDIHW\ ...................................................................................................................... 45
$UPDWXUHZLQGLQJ ............................................................................................................................... 46
)LHOGZLQGLQJV ....................................................................................................................................
&RUHDQGIUDPHDVVHPEO\....................................................................................................................
,QVXODWLRQPDLQWHQDQFHWHVWLQJ ..................................................................................................................

3ULQFLSOHVRIPDLQWHQDQFHWHVWLQJ .......................................................................................................
7HVWVFRQGXFWHGRQWKH¿HOGZLQGLQJ ..................................................................................................
7HVWVFRQGXFWHGRQWKHDUPDWXUHVWDWRU............................................................................................. 53
&OHDQLQJ .................................................................................................................................................. 65

*HQHUDO ............................................................................................................................................. 65
&OHDQLQJWHFKQLTXHV ......................................................................................................................... 66
Annex A (informative) Bibliography..............................................................................................................
Annex B (informative) Thermosetting resins used in insulation systems ......................................................
$QQH[&LQIRUPDWLYH6WDWRUFRUHLQWHUODPLQDULQVXODWLRQKLJKÀX[WHVWSURFHGXUH ...................................

Annex D (informative) Stator core low energy (EL CID) test ........................................................................
Annex E (informative) Machine condition visual inspection appraisal—Checklist ......................................

IMPORTANT NOTICE: IEEE Standards documents are not intended to ensure safety, health, or envi-
ronmental protection, or ensure against interference with or from other devices or networks. Implement-
ers of IEEE Standards documents are responsible for determining and complying with all appropriate
safety, security, environmental, health, and interference protection practices and all applicable laws and
regulations.
This IEEE document is made available for use subject to important notices and legal disclaimers. These
notices and disclaimers appear in all publications containing this document and may be found under the
heading “Important Notice” or “Important Notices and Disclaimers Concerning IEEE Documents.” They
can also be obtained on request from IEEE or viewed at http://standards.ieee.org/IPR/disclaimers.html.
1. Overview
5RWDWLQJHOHFWULFPDFKLQHVDUHFRPSOH[VWUXFWXUHVWKDWDUHVXEMHFWHGWRYDULRXVOHYHOVRIVWUHVVHVDQGHQYLURQ-
mental factors and therefore require maintenance. This guide provides an authoritative overview of insulation
systems and the various tests and inspections employed for maintenance of them.
1.1 Scope
7KLVLQVXODWLRQPDLQWHQDQFHJXLGHLVDSSOLFDEOHWRURWDWLQJHOHFWULFPDFKLQHVUDWHGIURPN9$DQGKLJKHU
The procedures detailed herein may also be useful for insulation maintenance of other types of machines.
1.2 Purpose
The purpose of this guide is to present information necessary to permit an effective evaluation of the insulation
systems of rotating electrical machines. Such an evaluation can serve as a guide to the degree of maintenance
or replacement as might be deemed necessary, and also offer some indication of the future service reliability of
the equipment under consideration.
2. Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document (i.e., they must
be understood and used, so each referenced document is cited in text and its relationship to this document is
explained). For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the
referenced document (including any amendments or corrigenda) applies.

,(((6WG
,(((*XLGHIRU,QVXODWLRQ0DLQWHQDQFHRI(OHFWULF0DFKLQHV
,(&2IIOLQHSDUWLDOGLVFKDUJHPHDVXUHPHQWVRQWKHVWDWRUZLQGLQJLQVXODWLRQRIURWDWLQJHOHFWULFDO
machines.
,(((6WG,(((6WDQGDUG7HFKQLTXHVIRU+LJK9ROWDJH7HVWLQJ2,3
,(((6WG,(((5HFRPPHQGHG3UDFWLFHIRU7HVWLQJ,QVXODWLRQ5HVLVWDQFHRI(OHFWULF0DFKLQHU\
,(((6WG,(((*XLGHIRU)LHOG7HVWLQJRI(OHFWULF3RZHU$SSDUDWXV,QVXODWLRQ²(OHFWULFDO0DFKLQHU\
,(((6WG,(((5HFRPPHQGHG3UDFWLFHIRU,QVXODWLRQ7HVWLQJRI/DUJH$&5RWDWLQJ0DFKLQHU\ZLWK
+LJK'LUHFW9ROWDJH
,(((6WG,(((6WDQGDUG7HVW3URFHGXUHIRU6\QFKURQRXV0DFKLQHV
,(((6WG,(((6WDQGDUG0DVWHU7HVW&RGHIRU5HVLVWDQFH0HDVXUHPHQW:LWKGUDZQ4
,(((6WG,(((5HFRPPHQGHG3UDFWLFHIRU*HQHUDO3ULQFLSOHVRI7HPSHUDWXUH0HDVXUHPHQWDV$S-
plied to Electrical Apparatus (Withdrawn).
,(((6WG,(((5HFRPPHQGHG3UDFWLFHIRU0HDVXUHPHQWRI3RZHU)DFWRU7LS8SRI(OHFWULF0DFKLQ-
ery Stator Coil Insulation.
,(((6WG,(((6WDQGDUGIRU4XDOLI\LQJ&RQWLQXRXV'XW\&ODVV(0RWRUVIRU1XFOHDU3RZHU*HQHU-
ating Stations.
,(((6WG,(((5HFRPPHQGHG3UDFWLFHIRU,QVXODWLRQ7HVWLQJRI/DUJH$&(OHFWULF0DFKLQHU\ZLWK
+LJK9ROWDJHDW9HU\/RZ)UHTXHQF\
,((( 6WG ,((( 5HFRPPHQGHG 3UDFWLFH IRU 6DIHW\ LQ +LJK 9ROWDJH DQG +LJK 3RZHU 7HVWLQJ
(Withdrawn).
,(((6WG,(((*XLGHIRU7HVWLQJ7XUQWR7XUQ,QVXODWLRQRQ)RUP:RXQG6WDWRU&RLOVIRU$OWHUQDW-
ing-Current Electric Machines.
,(((6WG,(((*XLGHIRU2QOLQH0RQLWRULQJRI/DUJH6\QFKURQRXV*HQHUDWRUV09$DQG$ERYH
,(((6WG,(((*XLGHIRUWKH0HDVXUHPHQWRI3DUWLDO'LVFKDUJHVLQ$&(OHFWULF0DFKLQHU\
,(((6WG,(((5HFRPPHQGHG3UDFWLFHIRU4XDOLW\&RQWURO7HVWLQJRI([WHUQDO'LVFKDUJHVRQ6WDWRU
Coils, Bars, and Windings.
,(((6WG&,(((6WDQGDUGIRU6DOLHQW3ROH+]DQG+]6\QFKURQRXV*HQHUDWRUVDQG*HQHUDWRU
0RWRUVIRU+\GUDXOLF7XUELQH$SSOLFDWLRQV5DWHG09$DQG$ERYH
,(((6WG&,(((6WDQGDUGIRU&\OLQGULFDO5RWRU+]DQG+]6\QFKURQRXV*HQHUDWRUV5DWHG
09$DQG$ERYH

,(&SXEOLFDWLRQVDUHDYDLODEOHIURPWKH6DOHV'HSDUWPHQWRIWKH,QWHUQDWLRQDO(OHFWURWHFKQLFDO&RPPLVVLRQ&DVH3RVWDOHUXHGH
9DUHPEp&+*HQqYH6ZLW]HUODQG6XLVVHhttp://www.iec.ch/). IEC publications are also available in the United States from
WKH6DOHV'HSDUWPHQW$PHULFDQ1DWLRQDO6WDQGDUGV,QVWLWXWH:HVWUG6WUHHWWK)ORRU1HZ<RUN1<86$http://www.
ansi.org/).
2
,(((SXEOLFDWLRQVDUHDYDLODEOHIURPWKH,QVWLWXWHRI(OHFWULFDODQG(OHFWURQLFV(QJLQHHUV,QF+RHV/DQH3LVFDWDZD\1-
USA (http://standards.ieee.org/).
3
The IEEE standards or products referred to in this clause are trademarks of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.
4
7KLVVWDQGDUGKDVEHHQZLWKGUDZQ:LWKGUDZQVWDQGDUGVFDQEHREWDLQHGIURP*OREDO(QJLQHHULQJ,QYHUQHVV:D\(DVW(QJOHZRRG
&286$WHOhttp://global.ihs.com/).

,(((6WG
'H¿QLWLRQV
)RUWKHSXUSRVHVRIWKLVGRFXPHQWWKHIROORZLQJWHUPVDQGGH¿QLWLRQVDSSO\7KHIEEE Standards Dictionary:
*ORVVDU\RI7HUPVDQG'H¿QLWLRQV5VKRXOGEHFRQVXOWHGIRUWHUPVQRWGH¿QHGLQWKLVFODXVH
discharge detector (ionization or corona detector): An instrument that can be connected in or across an en-
ergized insulation circuit to detect current or voltage pulses produced by electric discharges within the circuit.
KLJKÀX[WHVW7KHKLJKÀX[WHVWFRPPRQO\NQRZQDVWKHORRSWHVWULQJWHVWRUIXOOÀX[WHVWLVDWHVWPHWKRG
developed for evaluating laminated magnetic cores to detect shorting between the laminations. The detection
PHWKRGLVDFFRPSOLVKHGE\DSSO\LQJDKLJKHQHUJ\ÀX[GHQVLW\PDJQHWLF¿HOGDWDSSUR[LPDWHO\WKHUDWHGSHDN
QRORDGÀX[WRWKHFRUHDQGWKHQHYDOXDWLQJLIVKRUWVKDYHFUHDWHGDORFDOWHPSHUDWXUHULVHWKDWFRXOGOHDGWR
detrimental heating during operation of the machine.
ionizing radiation3DUWLFOHVRUSKRWRQVRIVXI¿FLHQWHQHUJ\WRSURGXFHLRQL]DWLRQLQLQWHUDFWLRQVZLWKPDWWHU
ORZHQHUJ\ÀX[WHVW7KHORZHQHUJ\ÀX[WHVWFRPPRQO\NQRZQDVWKH(/&,'WHVWLVDWHVWPHWKRGGH-
veloped for evaluating laminated magnetic cores to detect shorting between the laminations. The detection
PHWKRGLVDFFRPSOLVKHGE\DSSO\LQJDORZÀX[GHQVLW\PDJQHWLF¿HOGWRWKHFRUHDQGWKHQHYDOXDWLQJLIVKRUWV
have created a circulating current loop that could lead to detrimental heating during operation of the machine.
power factor (PF): The cosine of the dielectric phase angle or the sine of the dielectric loss angle when tested
under a sinusoidal voltage. The ratio of the power dissipated in the insulation, in watts, to the product of the ef-
fective voltage and current in voltamperes, when tested under a sinusoidal voltage and prescribed conditions.
The insulation power factor is equal to the cosine of the phase angle between the voltage and the resulting
current when both the voltage and current are sinusoidal.
resistance temperature detector (RTD) (resistance thermometer resistor) (resistance thermometer de-
tector): A resistor made of some material for which the electrical resistivity is a known function of the tem-
perature and that is intended for use with a resistance thermometer. It is usually in such a form that it can be
placed in the region where the temperature is to be determined.
semiconducting slot coating: The partially conductive paint or tape layer in intimate contact with the ground-
wall insulation in the slot portion of the stator core. This coating ensures that there is little voltage between the
surface of the coil or bar and the grounded stator core.
stator bar: A unit of winding on the stator of a machine. Two single-turn stator bars make one turn in the stator
winding.
stator coil: A unit of a winding on the stator of a machine comprising of one or more (for multi-turn coils)
turns in the winding.
stator core: The stationary magnetic circuit of an electric machine. It is commonly an assembly of laminations
of magnetic steel, ready for winding.
stator: The portion that includes and supports the stationary active parts. The stator includes the stationary
portions of the magnetic circuit and the associated winding and leads. It may, depending on the design, include
a frame or shell, core, winding supports, ventilation circuits, coolers, and temperature detectors. A base, if pro-
vided, is not ordinarily considered to be part of the stator.
stress control coating: The paint or tape on the outside of the groundwall insulation that extends several centi-
meters beyond the semiconducting slot coating in high-voltage stator bars and coils. The stress control coating
5
,(((6WDQGDUGV'LFWLRQDU\*ORVVDU\RI7HUPVDQG'H¿QLWLRQV is available at http://shop.ieee.org.

,(((6WG
RIWHQFRQWDLQVVLOLFRQFDUELGHSDUWLFOHVZKLFKWHQGWROLQHDUL]HWKHHOHFWULF¿HOGGLVWULEXWLRQDORQJWKHFRLORU
bar end-turn. The stress control coating overlaps the semiconducting slot coating to provide electrical contact
between them.
4. Safety
7HVWLQJDQGPDLQWHQDQFHDFWLYLWLHVVKRXOGEHFRQGXFWHGDQGVXSHUYLVHGE\TXDOL¿HGSHUVRQQHODQGDGHTXDWH
safety precautions should be taken to avoid injury to personnel and damage to property.
It is not the intent of this document to prescribe safety and health requirements. Before starting any work, the
relevant laws, regulatory standards, manufacturer instructions, and company policies should be consulted.
4.1 General
3ULRUWRSHUIRUPLQJDQ\WHVWLQVSHFWLRQRUVHUYLFLQJRIDQHOHFWULFPDFKLQHZKHUHWKHXQH[SHFWHGHQHUJL]LQJ
start up, or release of kinetic or stored energy could occur and cause injury or damage, the apparatus shall be
GHHQHUJL]HGLVRODWHGEORFNHGDQGVHFXUHGWRFRQWUROKD]DUGRXVHQHUJ\3HUVRQQHODQGHTXLSPHQWVKDOOQRW
be considered protected until the appropriate safety procedures have been implemented. Safety procedures
may involve the use of locking devices, warning tags, physical barriers, safety tape, caution signs, and/or
observers as necessary to restrict access to the equipment being maintained. There should be a meeting of all
personnel involved in or affected by the maintenance activities. Test and inspection procedures should be dis-
FXVVHGVRWKHUHLVDFOHDUXQGHUVWDQGLQJRIDOODVSHFWVRIWKHZRUNWREHSHUIRUPHG3DUWLFXODUHPSKDVLVVKRXOG
be placed on personnel and equipment hazards, and the safety precautions associated with these hazards. In
addition, details of the maintenance activities should be discussed to help ensure the successful completion of
WKHSODQQHGWDVNV5HVSRQVLELOLWLHVIRUWKHYDULRXVGXWLHVLQYROYHGLQSHUIRUPLQJWKHZRUNVKRXOGEHDVVLJQHG
DQGGRFXPHQWHG5HIHUWR
4.2 Machine rotation

Some test and inspection procedures are performed with the machine rotating slowly and with cover plates,
guards, and end-shields removed. In the case of hydrogenerators under test, the machine may be operated at
rated speed or at over speed with its covers removed. These tests present mechanical and electrical hazards,
and appropriate procedures are required to prevent injury to personnel and damage to equipment.
4.3 Solvents
3HUVRQVZKRFDUU\RXWFOHDQLQJXVLQJVROYHQWVVKDOOEHLQVWUXFWHGRQWKHVDIHVWRUDJHXVHDQGHPHUJHQF\
actions related to the solvents used. Manufacturer’s recommendations, local procedures, and safety regula-
WLRQVVKRXOGEHIROORZHGWRKHOSHQVXUHWKHSURSHUXVHRISHUVRQDOSURWHFWLYHHTXLSPHQW33(DQGWKHFRUUHFW
handling of waste materials. There are suitable non-toxic solvents that can be used for cleaning the windings/
machines in most cases.
4.4 Asbestos, lead, and other hazardous materials

2SHUDWRUVVKRXOGEHDZDUHWKDWROGHUPDFKLQHVPD\FRQWDLQDVEHVWRVSRO\FKORULQDWHGELSKHQ\OV3&%RU
lead products that could pose a threat to worker health and safety if disturbed. Electrical apparatus that has
been subjected to extreme overheating or other unusual conditions may be contaminated with dangerous or
toxic substances. Chemical sampling and testing may be warranted to determine the presence of hazardous
materials. Clean up or abatement activities may be necessary and workers should take special precautions,
LQFOXGLQJWKHXVHRI33(

,(((6WG
6LJQL¿FDQFHRIPDLQWHQDQFH
Data obtained from online monitoring, regular inspection, and testing programs can provide an evaluation of
the present condition of the equipment, give some indication of long-term trends, and indicate probable need
for future repair or replacement. The insulation systems are the most susceptible to aging or damage due to
these stresses. The service life of an electric machine will, therefore, largely depend on the serviceability of the
insulation systems.
The extent of a maintenance program will depend largely on the operator’s own experience and policy, but
should also take into account the importance of service reliability for the equipment. Where high service
reliability is required, a regular maintenance program involving periodic disassembly and knowledgeable vi-
VXDOH[DPLQDWLRQRIWKHHTXLSPHQWWRJHWKHUZLWKWKHDSSOLFDWLRQRIHOHFWULFDOWHVWVRISURYHQVLJQL¿FDQFHLV
strongly recommended. The size and age of the machine will relate to the applicability of the individual tests
and inspections.
It should be recognized that over-potential tests can damage insulation that is contaminated or in marginal
condition. Where there is uncertainty of the condition of the insulation system, refer to &ODXVH for addition-
al information. Consultation with the manufacturer is recommended for setting up an appropriate mainte-
nance-testing program.
6. Insulation systems in general use

Insulation is present in various machine components, but the complexity of the subject is such that only a gen-
eral description can be given here.
6.1 Insulating materials

Electrical insulation uses many constituent insulating materials in various combinations that result in various
thermal ratings. Some of the material can be found in higher or lower thermal classes depending on the resul-
tant composite insulation system. Some common insulating materials applied to electric machines have the
IROORZLQJWKHUPDOFODVVL¿FDWLRQV
a) Class 105 (formerly Class A): Impregnated cotton, silk, cellulose-based paper, linen (cambric).
b) Class 130 (formerly Class B):0LFDJODVV¿EHUDVEHVWRVHWF7\SLFDOERQGLQJPDWHULDOVDUHVKHOODF
DVSKDOWYDUQLVKDQGVRPHSRO\HVWHUUHVLQV$OVRSRO\HVWHUWHUHSKWKDODWH3(7¿OPVDQGYDULRXVODPL-
nated papers.
c) Class 155 (formerly Class F):0LFDJODVV¿EHU3(7DVEHVWRVHWF%RQGLQJPDWHULDOVDUHXVXDOO\HS-
oxy, epoxy-polyester or acrylic resins.
d) Class 180 (formerly Class H):6LOLFRQHHODVWRPHUPLFDJODVV¿EHUDVEHVWRVHWF%RQGLQJPDWHULDOV
may consist of silicone resins.
Mica is a vital component in most insulation for high-voltage electric machines because it has good dielectric
strength at high temperatures and is resistant to partial discharges. Muscovite and phlogopite are the two forms
of mica that are most commonly used for electrical insulation.
2ULJLQDOO\PLFDZDVXVHGLQWKHIRUPRIODUJHÀDNHVRUVSOLWWLQJV:KHQDSSOLHGLQWKLVZD\LWLVGLI¿FXOWWR
exclude all voids, and some problems with delaminations may occur. Mica is also used in the form of mica pa-
SHUZKHUHVPDOOÀDNHOHWWHVRIPLFDDUHGHSRVLWHGRQDQGERQGHGWRDEDFNLQJWDSH:LWKPLFDSDSHULWLVHDVLHU
to produce an insulating layer with a very low void fraction. However, mica paper is less resistant to partial
GLVFKDUJHVWKDQLVODUJHÀDNHPLFD

,(((6WG
Materials bonded with shellac or with asphalt varnish are termed “thermoplastic”. Materials bonded with
polyester or epoxy resin are termed “thermosetting”. Further information on thermosetting resins will be
found in Annex B.
:KHQPLFDDQGJODVV¿EHUVDUHERQGHGWRJHWKHUZLWKYDUQLVKRUUHVLQWKH\IRUPDFRPSRVLWHLQVXODWLRQV\VWHP
Such a system typically has good thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties.
WARNING
Asbestos may be present in slot packing materials, armor tape and strand insulation of many older windings.
6RPHVORWSDFNLQJPDWHULDOVDQGYDUQLVKHGFDPEULFPD\FRQWDLQSRO\FKORULQDWHGELSKHQ\OV3&%V$SSUR-
priate workplace safety and environmental regulations should be followed when examining, disturbing or
disposing of these materials.
6.2 Armature winding insulation

The armature windings of ac machines are typically stationary and are therefore known as stator windings.
The armature windings of dc machines are rotating. In addition, dc machine rotating elements normally re-
quire various commutator insulations, banding, and other specialized supporting materials.
The armature winding with its associated leads is the main current carrying winding of the machine. The coils
of the armature winding have strands, ground insulation and may have turn insulation. Wedges, blocks, and
other insulated mechanical supports are a part of the armature winding assembly.
The insulation systems listed in through have been used for armature windings.
6.2.1 Strand insulation
The individual strands of armature coil conductors are usually insulated. Strand insulation can be made up of
RUJDQLFUHVLQHQDPHOVSRO\PHULF¿OPVUHVLQERQGHG¿EHUVVXFKDVSDSHUFRWWRQDVEHVWRVJODVVSRO\HVWHU
or combinations thereof) or resin bonded mica.
,QWKHVFRWWRQZDVFRPPRQO\XVHGDVWKHLQVXODWLRQRQLQGLYLGXDOFRSSHUVWUDQGV%\WKHVDVEHVWRV
ZDVLQXVHDVVWUDQGLQVXODWLRQEHFDXVHRILWVKLJKHUWHPSHUDWXUHFODVVL¿FDWLRQ%\WKHVSRO\HVWHUJODVV
¿EHUZDVFRPPRQO\XVHGDVVWUDQGLQVXODWLRQ6RPHPDQXIDFWXUHUVDOWHUQDWHSRO\HVWHUJODVV¿EHULQVXODWHG
strands with strands that have an enamel coating.
6.2.2 Turn insulation
In a coil with more than one turn, groups of strands forming a single-turn (conductor) may be held together and
insulated. Individual strand insulation, as described in , may also serve as turn insulation.
Where dedicated turn insulation is provided for multi-turn coils it usually involves similar materials to those in
the groundwall insulation in the slot section.
6.2.3 Groundwall insulation
*URXQGZDOOLQVXODWLRQLVWKHPDWHULDOLQWHQGHGWRLQVXODWHWKHFXUUHQWFDUU\LQJFRPSRQHQWVHJWKHFRLOVWKH
circuit rings, and connections) from one another and from the non-current-carrying components, which are
usually grounded (such as the core iron, the frame, and other structural members).
*URXQGZDOOLQVXODWLRQWDNHVGLIIHUHQWIRUPVGHSHQGLQJRQWKHW\SHRIPDFKLQHDQGWKHPDQXIDFWXUHU¶VSUDF-
WLFHV*URXQGZDOOLQVXODWLRQLVJHQHUDOO\DGU\W\SHPXOWLOD\HUHGV\VWHPFRPSULVHGRIYDULRXVERQGHGDQG

,(((6WG
¿OOHGLQVXODWLQJPDWHULDOV0LFDEDVHGSURGXFWVDUHJHQHUDOO\SUHIHUUHGLQKLJKYROWDJHPDFKLQHVIRUDWOHDVWD
part of the groundwall insulation system. Typical insulation systems in use are as follows:
a) Phenolic Resins (Class 105 Insulation):3KHQROIRUPDOGHK\GHSKHQROXUHDDQGSKHQROPHODPLQH

UHVLQVDUHV\QWKHWLFSRO\PHUVRIWHQFRPELQHGZLWKFRWWRQRUJODVVIDEULFVWRSURGXFH¿EHUUHLQIRUFHG
composites for use in structural and electrical insulation applications. These materials are normally
XVHGIRUORZHUYROWDJHDQGORZHUWKHUPDOFODVVL¿FDWLRQPDFKLQHV
b) Varnished Cambric (Class 105 Insulation): Due to the absence of mica, this insulation system was
XVXDOO\UHVWULFWHGWRZLQGLQJVUDWHG9DQGEHORZ+HDWWUDQVIHULVUHODWLYHO\SRRUDVLVLWVUHVLV-
WDQFHWRPRLVWXUHDQGRLO$W\SLFDOWHPSHUDWXUHULVHUDWLQJIRUVXFKZLQGLQJVLV&
c) Shellac Micafolium (Class 130 Insulation):,QWKLVV\VWHPPLFDÀDNHVDUHERQGHGWRJHWKHUE\VKHO-
lac to form sheets. These sheets are wrapped and hot pressed around the slot section of the coil. The
end-windings are insulated with tape, such as asphalt-mica, or sometimes only with varnished cam-
bric. Due to the evaporation of the volatiles in the shellac this system may have a high void content and
is thus susceptible to partial discharge damage as well as to reduced heat transfer.
d) Asphalt Micafolium (Class 130 Insulation): As above, except that asphalt is substituted for shellac in
the slot section.
e) Asphalt Bonded Mica Tape (Class 130 Insulation): The entire coil is insulated with asphalt-bonded
KDOIODSSHGPLFDWDSH7KHPLFDÀDNHVDUHERQGHGWRJHWKHUZLWKDVSKDOWDQGDWWDFKHGWRDSDSHUWDSH
%\WKHVVRPHPDQXIDFWXUHUVDGGHGDSRO\HVWHUWHUHSKWKDODWH¿OP3(7¿OPVXFKDV0\ODU6)
tape to allow greater tension to be used during the taping operation. It was common to apply asphalt
varnish as the coil was being taped. Some manufacturers used an autoclave in which vacuum was
GUDZQWRUHPRYHYRODWLOHVIROORZHGE\ÀRRGLQJRIWKHWDQNZLWKKRWDVSKDOWDQGDSSOLFDWLRQRISUHV-
VXUHLQRUGHUWRFRQVROLGDWHWKHOD\HUVRIDVSKDOWPLFDWDSH3ULRUWRLQVWDOODWLRQLQWKHVWDWRUFRUHLWZDV
FRPPRQWRKHDWWKHFRLOVWRUHQGHUWKHPÀH[LEOHDQGWKXVDFKLHYHDEHWWHU¿WLQWKHVORW/LIWFRLOVKDG
to be heated to facilitate bending at the knuckle. Asphalt mica stator coils can be susceptible to delam-
LQDWLRQRU³SXI¿QJ´DVDUHVXOWRIRYHUORDGSRRUYHQWLODWLRQRUWKHXVHRIXQVXLWDEOHDVSKDOWYDUQLVK
The asphalt bonded mica tape insulation system is also vulnerable to tape separation near the end of
the stator core as a result of thermal cycling. This is especially true of windings in long cores such as
turbo alternators.
f) Polyester Bonded Mica Tape (VPI) (Typically Class 130 Insulation):7KLVV\VWHPZDV¿UVWLQWURGXFHG
LQ1RUWK$PHULFDLQWKHHDUO\V$WWKDWWLPHLWLQYROYHGH[FOXVLYHO\WKHXVHRIODUJHÀDNHPLFD
although several advances in both materials and processing technologies have improved the perfor-
PDQFHDQGUHOLDELOLW\VLQFHLWZDVLQWURGXFHG,QWKHYDFXXPSUHVVXUHLPSUHJQDWLRQ93,SURFHVVWKH
coils or bars are placed in an autoclave and subjected to a high vacuum for drying purposes. The tank is
WKHQÀRRGHGZLWKSRO\HVWHUUHVLQDQGSUHVVXUHLVDSSOLHGWRDFKLHYHWKHGHVLUHGLPSUHJQDWLRQ)ROORZ-
LQJUHPRYDOIURPWKHWDQNWKHFRLOVDUHFXUHG7KHUHDUHDGYDQFHGSRO\HVWHUV\VWHPVXSWR&ODVV
g) Epoxy Bonded Mica Tape (VPI) (Typically Class 155 Insulation): It has become common to use epoxy
LQSODFHRISRO\HVWHUUHVLQLQ93,RSHUDWLRQVLQRUGHUWRREWDLQLPSURYHGERQGLQJFKDUDFWHULVWLFVDQGD
KLJKHUWHPSHUDWXUHFODVVL¿FDWLRQ7KLVLPSUHJQDWLRQSURFHVVLVXVHGIRULQGLYLGXDOVWDWRUFRLOVRUEDUV
that are hot pressed in molds, to cure the groundwall bonding resin, prior to inserting them into the
VWDWRUVORWV2QHLPSUHJQDWLQJHSR[\UHVLQWKDWKDVEHHQXVHGLQD93,SURFHVVLVDFDWDO\]HGEOHQGRI
bisphenol-A resin with a hardener. Once the catalyst has been added the resin must be refrigerated in
RUGHUWRUHGXFHUHDFWLYLW\7KHUHDUHDGYDQFHGHSR[\EDVHGV\VWHPVXSWR&ODVV
h) Epoxy Polyester Blend or Hybrid Systems (VPI) (Typically Class 155 Insulation): Some modern insu-
lations systems use a blend of epoxy and polyester resins to achieve a mix of the elasticity and strength
attributes of both base resin systems.
6
Mylar is a registered trademark of Dupont Tejjin Films.

,(((6WG
i) Global VPI (Class 155 up to Class 180 Insulation): The coils or bars are insulated with mica tape over
which are applied the semiconducting slot armor tape and the stress control tape on the end arms. The
coils or bars are installed in an unbonded state in the stator core. The entire core and winding is then
SODFHGLQDQDXWRFODYHIRULPSUHJQDWLRQZLWKUHVLQIROORZLQJZKLFKWKHUHVLQLVFXUHG*OREDO93,
resin choices include epoxy, polyester, polyesterimide, silicone, and combinations of these materials.
To maintain the success of this process on longer machines some manufacturers utilize a slip plane
between the core and coil surface to allow for the longitudinal expansion and contraction of the copper
with respect to the core.
j) Epoxy Bonded Mica Tape (Resin Rich) (Class 155 Insulation): This system involves a mica paper
IRUPXODWLRQLQZKLFKWKHPLFDSDSHURUÀDNHVDUHGHSRVLWHGRQDJODVV¿EHUEDFNLQJWDSH$QXQFXUHG
%VWDJHHSR[\UHVLQLVDSSOLHGGXULQJWKHPDQXIDFWXUHRIWKHWDSH$SRO\HVWHUW\SLFDOO\3(7¿OPRU
fabric layer may be included to make it easier to handle the tape during its application to coils or bars.
Once the bars or coils have been insulated, the B stage resin is cured under elevated temperature and
pressure in one of the following two ways:
In the heated press method, mold angles are applied to the slot section of the coil or bar prior to
insertion in the heated press. The rate of temperature and pressure increase is critical in the bond-
ing process. Additional heaters are used with splints and shrink tape to cure the tape on the end
arms.
2) An autoclave process is used by some manufacturers. This involves the following three major
steps:
— High vacuum to remove moisture, volatiles, and trapped air.
— (OHYDWHGWHPSHUDWXUHDWUHGXFHGSUHVVXUHWRDOORZWKH%VWDJHUHVLQWRÀRZWRDOLPLWHG
extent.
— High temperature and high pressure while the resin cures.
k) Silicone Rubber (Class 180 Insulation): Silicone rubber is a material that is suitable for use at high
WHPSHUDWXUHV:KHQXVHGDVWKHJURXQGZDOOLQVXODWLRQRIDVWDWRUFRLOLWXVXDOO\KDVD¿EHUJODVVEDFN-
LQJ,QWKHDEVHQFHRIPLFDLWLVFRPPRQO\UHVWULFWHGWRORZHUYROWDJHVHJ9DQGEHORZ$
disadvantage of silicone rubber is its vulnerability to mechanical damage.
l) Varnish Dip and Bake (Class 130 Insulation up to Class 180 Insulation): Especially at lower voltages
9DQGEHORZDQGIRUVPDOOVL]HGVWDWRUVVXFKDVVRPHPRWRUVDQGUDQGRPZRXQGGHVLJQVWKH
varnish dip/oven bake process is common. In this case the stator coils are insulated with materials
LQFOXGLQJHQDPHOLQVXODWHGFRQGXFWRUVZLWKDYDULHW\RI¿OPVDUDPLGSDSHUVPLFDWDSHVDQGODP-
inates as ground wall and phase insulation. Following this, the coils are installed in the stator core
and connected together with all applicable lashings and bracing. The varnish or resin is then applied
by dipping, often in automated equipment or by alternate methods such as trickling; or in some cases
as a B-stage coating on the conductors and insulators. Common impregnants include polyesters and
epoxies in a variety of evaporative formulations utilizing aromatic solvents or water as the carrier or
ZLWKDFDWDO\VWDVUHDFWLYHSRO\PHULFFXUH7KHUHDUHPDQ\FXULQJVFKHPHVDVZHOOLQFOXGLQJ89OLJKW
reactive materials, room temperature catalysts, induction or resistance heating, and traditional/auto-
mated ovens.
6.2.4 Semiconducting slot coating
The surface of slot portions of stator coils and bars, including several centimeters of the coil beyond the core,
is normally semiconducting. The semiconducting characteristic is accomplished by the application of semi-
conducting varnish over the armor tape (if any) or by the use of semiconducting armor tapes. These treatments
DUHRIWHQUHIHUUHGWRDVFRQGXFWLYHDQGDUHJHQHUDOO\DSSOLHGWRPDFKLQHVZLWKUDWHGYROWDJHRIN9DQGDERYH

,(((6WG
6.2.5 Stress control coating
Due to the semi-conducting slot coating, the surface of the stator coils and bars just outside of the core is at
ground potential. The surface of the end turn insulation, however, is typically not at ground potential. In order
WROLQHDUL]HWKHHOHFWULF¿HOGGLVWULEXWLRQDORQJWKHFRLORUEDUHQGWXUQDVWUHVVFRQWUROFRDWLQJLVDSSOLHG7KLV
coating can be made from varnishes or tapes that have a non-linear resistance characteristic through the use
of silicon carbide. These stress control coatings are often referred to as grading paint or tape and are generally
DSSOLHGWRVWDWRUFRLOVDQGEDUVLQVXODWHGZLWKWKHUPRVHWWLQJPDWHULDOVLQPDFKLQHVZLWKUDWHGYROWDJHRIN9
and above. Such coatings are less necessary for thermoplastic insulation systems which operate at a lower
electric stress.
6.2.6 Stator slot tightening systems
9DULRXVV\VWHPVDUHXVHGWRVHFXUHWKHVWDWRUZLQGLQJLQWKHVORWWRDFKLHYHHOHFWULFDOFRQWDFWDQGWKHUPDOFRQ-
tact to the core. These are required to maintain this contact when subjected to the operational forces, thermal
mechanical forces, and material shrinkage or creep. These include side packing and top packing in the form
RIÀDWDQGULSSOHVSULQJPDWHULDOV2WKHUV\VWHPVDOVRH[LVW:LWKJOREDOO\YDFXXPSUHVVXUHLPSUHJQDWHGLQVX-
lation systems, the coils are integrally sealed in the core and may require slip layers for control of unmatched
thermal expansion of various slot contents. If the stator coils or bars have semiconducting slot coatings, the
slot side packing should also be semiconducting.
6.2.7 Support insulation
Supports may be nonmetallic or metallic in design. Nonmetallic supports include blocks, spacers, ties, slot
ZHGJHVVORW¿OOHUVHWF1RQPHWDOOLFVXSSRUWVDUHPDGHRIYDULRXVLQVXODWLQJPDWHULDOVLQFOXGLQJZRRGPROG-
HGSDUWVFRPSUHVVHGODPLQDWHVRIFRWWRQDVEHVWRVJODVVRUV\QWKHWLF¿EHUVDQGIHOWSDGVLPSUHJQDWHGZLWK
various types of bonding agents including phenolic, polyester, and epoxy resins. These materials have a range
RIWKHUPDOFODVVL¿FDWLRQVDVZHOODVGLIIHUHQWSK\VLFDODQGHOHFWULFDOSURSHUWLHV0HWDOOLFVXSSRUWVVXFKDVWKH
surge (bull) ring and its supports are insulated where necessary.
6.2.8 Circuit ring (also known as parallel ring) insulation
7KHZLQGLQJVRIDPDFKLQHDVVRFLDWHGZLWKHDFKSKDVHDQGSROHVWDUWDQG¿QLVKDWSK\VLFDOORFDWLRQVDURXQG
the machine which are determined based on the physical location of the phase with respect to other phases in
WKHFLUFXPIHUHQFHRIWKHPDFKLQH9DULRXVZLQGLQJGHVLJQVFDQDIIHFWWKHVHVWDUWDQG¿QLVKORFDWLRQV7KH
main leads of the machine are located generally together at one location; therefore, connections must be pro-
vided between phase groups and from phase groups to the leads. These rings are typically circumferential
and are typically located behind the winding, usually on one end of the machine. These rings complete the
electrical circuits of the phases and often provide multiple parallels between phase groups. The rings are usu-
ally physically parallel to one another; therefore, they are often referred to as circuit rings, parallel rings, or
connection rings.
The rings are typically made of highly conductive copper either in bar, wire, or tubular form. The current
carrying capability depends on the machine size, rating and the arrangement of the phase groups into various
parallel circuits. The voltage difference between adjacent rings and to ground also varies depending on size,
rating and circuit arrangements. In many cases some adjacent rings in the machine will have a voltage between
them that equals the line-to-line operating voltage of the machine.
There are various approaches taken to insulate between the circuit rings. Typically the insulation is the same
materials as used to insulate the armature windings. In some cases the circuit rings have a semiconducting out-
HUFRURQDSURWHFWLRQ2&3OD\HUDWWKHLUVXUIDFHZLWKJUDGLHQWVQHDUWHUPLQDWLRQSRLQWV²WKLVDOORZVWKHULQJV
WREHSODFHGFORVHUWRJHWKHU,QPDQ\FDVHVWKHULQJVGRQRWKDYHDQ\2&3OD\HUWKHUHIRUHWKHFLUFXLWULQJV
VXSSRUWPHFKDQLVPVPXVWEHFDUHIXOO\FRQ¿JXUHGZLWKPDWHULDOVDQGVSDFHVSURYLGHGWRPLQLPL]HVXUIDFH
partial discharge.

,(((6WG
Design considerations for circuit rings include addressing the voltages between rings as well as how they are
FRROHGDQGKRZWKH\UHDFWWRHGG\FXUUHQWVGXHWRFXUUHQWÀRZZLWKLQWKHFRQGXFWRUDVZHOODVSUR[LPLW\HI-
fects of other rings.
Whether circuit rings consist of insulated wires or copper bars, maintenance inspection should include visual
inspection to look for indications of overheating, dusting from looseness, deterioration of the insulation, and
deterioration of surface coatings. Typically the circuit rings are tested for appropriate insulation condition as
part of the winding high potential tests.
6.2.9 Commutator insulation
A commutator is a cylindrical assembly of wedge-shaped copper segments separated from each other and
ground by insulation that is usually mica-based. This structure is mechanically locked together by various
WHFKQLTXHVLQFOXGLQJ9JURRYHVFRQHVDQGVXSSRUWULQJVDWFRPPXWDWRUEDUHQGVVWHHOVKULQNULQJVRYHUULQJ
LQVXODWLRQRQWKHFRPPXWDWRUVXUIDFHDQGKLJKO\WHQVLRQHG¿EHUJODVVEDQGVDSSOLHGLQWRJURRYHVLQWKHFRP-
mutator surface. Small-size units are often compression molded with a high-strength molding compound.
6.3 Wound rotor windings (three-phase induction machines)

The rotating secondary windings of wound rotor ac induction machines are similar to armature windings. The
three-phase winding, with its associated leads and collector rings is the secondary current carrying winding
RIWKHPDFKLQHEXWWKHFXUUHQWPD\EHKLJKHUWKDQWKHVWDWRUFXUUHQW7KHYROWDJHLVXVXDOO\OHVVWKDQ9
but there is no real limit. The coils have ground insulation and may have turn insulation. Wedges, blocks, and
other insulated mechanical supports are a part of the wound rotor winding assembly. They also have banding
or retaining rings because of the centripetal forces. The coils of the winding may be constructed of insulated
rectangular copper conductors wound with the long edge radial in partially closed slots or may be constructed
with strands similar to an armature winding in an open slot.
6.3.1 Partially closed slots—strap or bar windings (generally used on high-speed machines)
The straps may be half straps or open ended full coils. There are usually two to four straps inserted radially in
each partially closed slot. Each strap is insulated with insulation appropriate to the secondary voltage, usually
mica. This insulation may also serve as the ground insulation.
6.3.2 Open or semi-enclosed slots
Coils made of copper wire(s) wound in loops or bars.
6.3.3 Strand (wire) insulation
In wound rotors, the conductors can be wound in loops as full coils or in bars (as half-coils). Strand insulation
FDQEHPDGHXSRIHQDPHOVSRO\PHULF¿OPVUHVLQERQGHG¿EHUVVXFKDVSDSHUFRWWRQDVEHVWRVJODVVSRO\-
ester, or combinations thereof) or resin bonded mica. Aramid paper can be used in high temperature machines.
The turn voltages are generally not high enough to require mica insulation or dedicated turn insulation.
6.3.4 Groundwall insulation
Sometimes wound-rotor groundwall insulation is similar to those listed in 6.2.3. However, usually slot liners
are used to provide ground insulation between the rotor winding and core slots. Common slot liner materials
DUHDUDPLGSDSHUVXFKDV1RPH[DQGSRO\HVWHUJODVVSRO\HVWHURUSRO\HVWHUJODVVODPLQDWHVXVLQJ¿OPV
VXFKDV0\ODU

1RPH[LVDUHJLVWHUHGWUDGHPDUNRI(,GX3RQWGH1HPRXUVDQG&RPSDQ\

Equivalent products may be used if they can be shown to lead to the same results.

,(((6WG
6.3.5 Winding support wedges
Since there are high centrifugal forces imposed on the rotor winding during operation, substantial slot wedg-
es are required to retain the winding in rotating cores. For this purpose, polyester or epoxy glass composite
wedges are used in modern wound-rotor induction motors, while phenolic cotton composite wedges were
commonly used in older motors.
6.3.6 Collector rings
There are three collector rings mounted on a steel hub with insulation to separate the rings from the hub. This
LQVXODWLRQPD\EHPLFDRURWKHUPDWHULDOVDSSOLHGRYHUVL]HWKHQWXUQHGGRZQWRVL]HWRDOORZIRUDVKULQN¿WRI
the rings. The three rings are separated from one another by a distance dependent on the secondary three-phase
voltage. A track-resistant compound is usually applied over all insulating surfaces of the collector.
6.4 Field winding insulation

6.4.1 Field windings
7KH¿HOGZLQGLQJVRIDFPDFKLQHVDUHQRUPDOO\URWDWLQJDQGFDQEHHLWKHUVDOLHQWSROHRUF\OLQGULFDOW\SH7KH
¿HOGFRLOVRIGFPDFKLQHVDUHVWDWLRQDU\DQGDUHFRQVWUXFWHGLQDVLPLODUIDVKLRQWRDFVDOLHQWSROHURWDWLQJ¿HOG
coils, except that they need not be built to withstand the effect of rotational forces. Field coils for dc machines
DUHXVXDOO\DFRPSOH[DVVHPEO\RIH[FLWLQJDQGFRPPXWDWLQJFRLOVHDFK¿WWHGRYHUDQGLQVXODWHGIURPDSROH
piece. Some coils contain multiple windings.
,QDOOFDVHV¿HOGZLQGLQJVKDYHWXUQDQGJURXQGLQVXODWLRQLQVXODWHGPHFKDQLFDOVXSSRUWVDQGOHDGLQVX-
lation. In addition, rotors for ac machines may have collector ring insulation, retaining ring insulation, and
banding insulation.
6.4.2 Turn (conductor) insulation
7XUQLQVXODWLRQRQZLUHZRXQG¿HOGFRLOVXVXDOO\LQFRUSRUDWHVDWKLQLQVXODWLQJOD\HURQWKHVWUDQGLWVHOI9DUL-
RXVPDWHULDOVVXFKDVDVEHVWRVFRWWRQ¿EHUJODVVSDSHUVPLFDVDQGV\QWKHWLFPDWHULDOVKDYHEHHQXVHG
Turn insulation on strap-wound coils usually incorporates various forms of tape or strip material with resin
bonding.
6.4.3 Ground insulation
$YDULHW\RIRUJDQLFDQGLQRUJDQLFPDWHULDOVDUHXVHGIRUJURXQGLQVXODWLRQRQWKH¿HOGFRLOVRIURWDWLQJPD-
chines. Some early machines may have used wood and cambric materials, which may have been replaced in
later machines with phenolic laminates and sheet mica. Mica tapes were also used. Today common materials
are mica laminates, glass laminates, and aramid paper.
6.4.4 Collector insulation
The insulation used on collector rings and leads must be adequate both for support and electrical creepage to
WKHJURXQGHGVKDIW7KHLQVXODWLRQXVXDOO\FRQVLVWVRIODPLQDWHG¿EHUVRUPLFDVXLWDEO\ERQGHGRULPSUHJQDWHG
6.4.5 Brush rigging insulation
The insulated components on brush riggings are generally made from molding compounds, laminated boards,
RUWXEHVPDGHIURPSDSHUFRWWRQRUJODVV¿EHUVVXLWDEO\ERQGHGDQGLPSUHJQDWHG0RLVWXUHUHVLVWDQWVXUIDFHV
are very important for these components.

,(((6WG
6.5 Core and frame-assembly insulation

6.5.1 Stator core interlaminar insulation (core plate insulation)
Stator cores are built up with thin steel laminations insulated from each other to reduce core losses. A variety
of thin insulating coatings, such as varnish, silicates (water-glass), oxides, ceramics and coatings that are com-
binations of organic and inorganic materials. On very small machines or machines where the volts per layer
in the stator core are low, iron oxides produced by appropriate annealing processes are often used. On large
PDFKLQHVZLWKKLJKHUÀX[ZKHUHWKHYROWVSHUOD\HUDUHKLJKHUWKHVWDQGDUGSUDFWLFHLVWRGHEXUUDQGUHFRDW
the laminations.
6.5.2 Insulation punchings
In some designs, where deemed necessary, pieces of thin insulation sheet are cut to the shape of the punchings
and are used to supplement the interlaminar insulation. These layers are also sometimes used as backing for
YHQWLODWLRQOD\HUVZKHUHWKHUHDUHVSRWZHOGHGRUULYHWHGYHQW¿QJHUV7\SLFDOO\WKHPDWHULDOVXVHGDUHJODVV
HSR[\ODPLQDWHVRUDUDPLG¿EHUSDSHUVGXHWRWKHFRPSUHVVLYHFUHHSUHTXLUHPHQWV2OGHUPDFKLQHVZLWKORZHU
WKHUPDOFODVVL¿FDWLRQKDYHXVHGFHOOXORVHRUFRWWRQSDSHULQVXODWLRQSXQFKLQJV
6.5.3 Core tightening through bolt insulation
The core tightening through bolts are insulated from ground along their length with insulating materials suit-
ably bonded. Bolt-end hardware, such as nuts and washers, must also be insulated from ground. Key bars or
bolts, used at the outer diameter of the core for tightening, usually require no insulation. Typically the materi-
DOVXVHGDUHJODVVHSR[\FRPSRVLWHVRUDUDPLG¿EHUFRPSRVLWHVIRUWKHVHLQVXODWLQJFRPSRQHQWVKRZHYHUHS-
oxy mica is sometimes used. In some newer designs, some rods, bolts, nuts and other mechanical components
are fully manufactured of non-conductive glass composite materials.
6.5.4 Other insulating parts
Insulation is sometimes used on bearings or bearing brackets to eliminate shaft currents. Insulation is also
used to isolate temperature-measuring devices such as thermocouples (TCs), resistance temperature detectors
57'VDQGWKHUPLVWRUV
7. Service conditions affecting insulation life

Electric machines and their insulation systems are subjected to mechanical, electrical, thermal and environ-
PHQWDOVWUHVVHVWKDWJLYHULVHWRPDQ\GHWHULRUDWLQJLQÀXHQFHV7KHGHJUDGDWLRQUDWHRIHOHFWULFDOLQVXODWLRQ
systems is substantially greater when these stresses act simultaneously than when they are sequentially applied
(Bartnikas and Morin >%@). A thermal stress applied independently prior to application of electrical stress is
appreciably less deleterious than when the two stresses act simultaneously (Bartnikas and Morin >%@). The
V\QHUJLVWLFHIIHFWVRIHQYLURQPHQWDOVWUHVVHVDUHPRUHGLI¿FXOWWRDVFHUWDLQ$QLQVXODWLRQV\VWHPRSHUDWLQJLQ
the presence of nuclear radiation may, in some cases, have a prolonged life expectancy. For example, polymer-
ic based insulating systems operating in the presence of ionizing radiation may exhibit initially a prolonged
life due to radiation induced cross linking of the polymers (Campbell, Bartnikas, and Eichhorn >%@).
7.1 Aging mechanisms

No machine insulation system that is economically produced is expected to last forever. The thermal, mechan-
ical, electrical, and environmental stresses will gradually reduce the electrical and mechanical strength of the
LQVXODWLQJPDWHULDOV$WVRPHSRLQWWKHPDWHULDOVZLOOKDYHDJHGVLJQL¿FDQWO\,QVXFKDFDVHWKHLQVXODWLRQ
breaks down or cracks under the normal operating voltages or as a result of a transient electrical or mechanical
situation (e.g., from lightning or switching voltage surges, motor switch-on in-rush current or current tran-
sients from faults in the power system that cause large electromagnetic impulses or rapid load changes). If the
22
,(((6WG
insulation breakdown occurs in the stator groundwall or turn insulation, this will rapidly lead to high-power
frequency fault currents and circuit breaker operation. Failure of the strand insulation in stators, or the turn
insulation (and to a limited degree, the ground insulation) in rotors will not result in motor or generator fail-
XUH+RZHYHUSHUIRUPDQFHZLOOEHDGYHUVHO\DIIHFWHGVLQFHWKHPDJQHWLF¿HOGLQWHQVLWLHVZLOOEHZHDNHUDQG
QRQV\PPHWULFDOOHDGLQJWRYLEUDWLRQRUWKHHI¿FLHQF\RIWKHPDFKLQHZLOOEHUHGXFHGGXHWRFLUFXODWLQJ
currents. The circulating currents will cause additional heating that will accelerate insulation aging processes.
Additional failure processes can occur due to on-off cycling of motors or load cycling of generators. Such cy-
cling leads to large and sometimes rapid swings in winding temperatures, and to a lesser extent core tempera-
tures. Such temperature swings can lead to different thermally induced growth among the different winding
components, developing shear stresses between the components.
7KHVLQJOHDQGPXOWLVWUHVVLQWHUDFWLRQVWRJHWKHUZLWKORDGF\FOLQJ\LHOGDERXWGLIIHUHQWLGHQWL¿DEOHIDLOXUH
SURFHVVHVLQVWDWRUZLQGLQJVDQGDERXWPHFKDQLVPVLQURWRUZLQGLQJV:KLFKSURFHVVZLOORFFXULQDVSH-
FL¿FPDFKLQHDQGKRZTXLFNO\WKHIDLOXUHZLOORFFXUZLOOGHSHQGRQWKHIROORZLQJ
a) The design stress levels (operating temperatures, mechanical stress, etc.), the machine designer em-
ployed, and how close these levels are to the insulation material capabilities.
b) How well the windings were manufactured and assembled.
c) The operating environment the user provides. For instance, is the machine run at constant load or cy-
cled? Is it over-loaded? Are oil, moisture, or abrasive particles present?
d) How well the windings are maintained; is the user keeping them clean, and is the user keeping them
tight to prevent vibration, etc.?
Knowing which deterioration processes are occurring is important, since any machine maintenance to extend
winding life should directly address the processes.
7.2 AC Stationary armature winding aging mechanisms

7.2.1 Thermal deterioration
Thermal stresses induce thermal aging of the insulation system whose rate is increased with the service tem-
perature to which it is subjected (Bartnikas and Morin >%@). The deterioration rate approximately doubles
IRUHYHU\&ULVHLQWHPSHUDWXUH7KHDJLQJUDWHLVLQÀXHQFHGE\XQXVXDOO\KLJKWHPSHUDWXUHVRIRSHUDWLRQ
caused by conditions such as overload, high ambient temperature, loss of or restricted ventilation, or loss of
cooling medium, or foreign materials deposited on windings. Long-term operation of a winding at high tem-
perature leads to embrittlement of the insulation bonding resins and delamination.
7.2.2 Thermal cycling
Thermal cycling processes can occur due to on-off cycling of motors, or load cycling of generators. Such cy-
cling leads to large and sometimes rapid swings in component temperatures with different thermally induced
growth among the different winding components, developing shear stresses between them. Such temperature
swings result in accelerated insulation aging.
For example, when a large generator goes from no load to full load in a few minutes, the stator winding copper
temperature goes from a low temperature to a high temperature, and the copper grows axially along the slot.
Immediately after the load increase, the insulation temperature remains relatively low. The result is that the
groundwall insulation experiences a much smaller axial growth than the copper, which expands more than the
JURXQGZDOOWRFUHDWHDVKHDUVWUHVVEHWZHHQWKHWZR:LWKDVXI¿FLHQWQXPEHURIORDGF\FOHVWKHJURXQGZDOO
may separate from the conductors, creating an air gap between the two that can cause the following:
23
,(((6WG
a) ,QVXODWLRQGHJUDGDWLRQIURPSDUWLDOGLVFKDUJH3'DWWDFN

b) Abrasion of turn or strand insulation from relative movement
c) Abrasion of slot ground insulation from radial movement in the slot
d) Failure from contaminant ingress
e) Failure from high end-winding vibration
Inadequate impregnation of the groundwall insulation near the conductor stack is more likely in vacuum pres-
VXUHLPSUHJQDWHGVWDWRUZLQGLQJVWKDQLQUHVLQULFKV\VWHPV)RUYROWDJHUDWLQJVRIN9DQGKLJKHUIDLOXUHV
from the aging mechanisms noted previously can occur in as short a period as 2 years.
7.2.3 Internal water leaks
This problem relates to large hydro and steam turbine generators with direct water-cooled stator windings.
6XFKPDFKLQHVJHQHUDOO\KDYHUDWLQJVJUHDWHUWKDQ09$,IWKHJHQHUDWRULVDSUHVVXUL]HGK\GURJHQGHVLJQ
with hydrogen pressure greater than the water pressure, the possibility of water leaking into the stator winding
insulation is reduced, but not eliminated. The most likely causes of water leaks are improper re-assembly of
EDUWR7HÀRQ hose connections during maintenance, and crevice corrosion cracking of brazed joint between
the bar nozzle and bar copper strands. Other possible causes are porosity of the brazing between bar nozzles
and strands and bar strand cracks.
Small water leaks can have the following three effects on the stator winding insulation:
— 5HGXFWLRQRIWKHJURXQGLQVXODWLRQGLHOHFWULFVWUHQJWKZKLFKZLOOPDNHWKHZLQGLQJPRUHSURQHWRIDLO-
ure if an overvoltage occurs due to switchyard faults, or ac/dc high potential testing.
— 6ORW3'LIJURXQGZDOOLQVXODWLRQGHODPLQDWLRQGXHWRZDWHULQJUHVVSURJUHVVHVWRWKHVORWUHJLRQVRI
line end bars this can lead to winding failure.
— 5HGXFWLRQRIWKHPHFKDQLFDOVWUHQJWKRIWKHJURXQGZDOOLQVXODWLRQ7KLVPDNHVWKHZLQGLQJVXVFHSWL-
ble to failure from high electromechanical forces induced by current surges from the power system, or
out-of-phase synchronization.
7.2.4 Poor impregnation
5DQGRPZLQGLQJVFDQEHYDUQLVKRUUHVLQWUHDWHGE\YDULRXVPHWKRGVLQFOXGLQJWULFNOHGLSRUYDFXXPSUHV-
sure impregnation. Larger form wound machines may utilize resin-rich mica tapes or be vacuum pressure im-
pregnated and cured before insertion into the stator. These machines may also be built utilizing a global vacu-
XPSUHVVXUHLPSUHJQDWLRQSURFHVV*93,DIWHUWKHFRLOVDUHZRXQGLQWRWKHVWDWRU:KDWHYHUWKHGHVLJQWKHVH
treatments are utilized to seal the windings against moisture and contaminants, improve thermal conductivity,
FRQVROLGDWHWKHFRLOVDQGLQIRUPZRXQGPDFKLQHVPLQLPL]HYRLGVL]HDQGFRQWHQWWRFRQWUROWKHOHYHORI3'
activity. If the windings are poorly impregnated, several aging mechanisms can result including destructive
levels of partial discharge, loose conductors or coils resulting in abrasion and premature electrical failure, poor
mechanical support of the coil overhangs as well as allowing contamination of the windings.
7.2.5 Loose coils or bars in the slot
7KLVSUREOHPQRUPDOO\RFFXUVLQFRLOVRUEDUVZLWKWKHUPRVHWUHVLQULFKDQGLQGLYLGXDO93,LQVXODWLRQV\V-
tems, which have cured and consolidated slot sections, if the slot radial and lateral support system is aged,
improperly implemented, operated outside of design, or improperly designed.

7HIORQLVDUHJLVWHUHGWUDGHPDUNDQGDEUDQGQDPHRZQHGE\&KHPRXUV
24
,(((6WG
,IDFRLORUEDULVQRWWLJKWO\KHOGLQLWVFRUHVORWLWZLOOYLEUDWHSULPDULO\LQWKHUDGLDOGLUHFWLRQXQGHUWKHLQÀX-
ence of magnetically induced mechanical forces with a frequency of twice the power supply frequency, i.e.,
+]IRU+]SRZHU7KHPDJQLWXGHRIWKHVHIRUFHVLVSURSRUWLRQDOWRWKHVTXDUHRIWKHFXUUHQWSDVVLQJ
through the conductors and so they vary with machine output. The resulting relative movement between the
winding ground insulation outer surface and the core, which is somewhat serrated, abrades the semiconduct-
ing coating (if applied) and then the groundwall insulation. If not detected soon enough this insulation degra-
dation mechanism can result in a winding ground fault.
7.2.6 Semiconducting coating degradation
This aging process deals with deterioration of the semiconducting coating on the slot section coil or bar in the
DEVHQFHRIYLEUDWLRQGXHWRORRVHQHVV1RUPDOO\IRUPZRXQGVWDWRUZLQGLQJVUDWHGN9DQGDERYHKDYH
such coatings in the form of carbon-loaded tapes, or paints. Semiconducting coatings may be used in lower
voltage windings if supplied from variable voltage and frequency drives.
3RRUTXDOLW\PDWHULDOVDQGWKHUPDODJLQJZLWKVHUYLFHDUHWKHPRVWOLNHO\FDXVHVRIVHPLFRQGXFWLQJFRDWLQJ
degradation. Both of these can lead to the material becoming non-conductive (in localized areas) by oxidation
RIWKHFDUERQSDUWLFOHV,IWKLVRFFXUVRQKLJKYROWDJHFRLOV3'DFWLYLW\EHWZHHQWKHEDUFRLODQGFRUHZLOOVWDUW
to develop in the affected areas. Air-cooled stator windings are more susceptible to this problem since the
SUHVVXUL]HGJDVLQK\GURJHQFRROHGPDFKLQHVVXSSUHVVHVWKHUHVXOWLQJ3'DFWLYLW\,IVORW3'IURPWKLVDJLQJ
mechanism develops in an air-cooled machine it will create ozone, which is a very chemically reactive gas that
combines with other gasses in the air to create nitric acid. This nitric acid can attack insulation and packing
materials in the slot. This can lead to coil/bar looseness, which if not detected early enough, can cause degra-
dation of insulation from abrasion, as described in . Experience indicates that coils/bars with paint-based
coatings are more susceptible to this problem. This aging mechanism will take many decades to cause a failure
LIWKHZLQGLQJLVNHSWWLJKWLQWKHVORWVLQFHPLFDEDVHGLQVXODWLRQKDVDKLJK3'UHVLVWDQFH
7.2.7 Electrical/mechanical (contact) erosion
There are several erosion mechanisms that occur on coil surfaces within the slot that contribute to aging of the
semiconducting coatings and the main groundwall insulation. Over time, these effects can increase in intensity
DQGHYHQFRPELQHZKLFKW\SLFDOO\OHDGVWRIXUWKHUDQGIDVWHUHURVLRQ5HJDUGOHVVRIWKHFDXVHEXWGHSHQG-
ing on the energy available, these erosion mechanisms contribute to aging of the semiconducting coatings.
Some of these mechanisms can occur with very high energy and lead to more rapid aging of the semiconduct-
ing coating as well as the groundwall insulation leading to premature failure. One widely recognized aging
mechanism is a result of electrical/mechanical erosion, which occurs when the electromechanical forces of
operation cause the core-to-coil semiconducting coatings contact to be compromised. This phenomenon could
occur anywhere in the winding.
Under normal operation for most machines, electromagnetic force will be induced, pressing the coil down-
ZDUGLQWKHVORWWRZDUGWKH\RNHDVWKHFRLOFXUUHQWLQWHUDFWVZLWKWKHÀX[WKDWFURVVHVWKHVORW7KLVHOHFWUR-
magnetic force alternates between a full downward force and zero twice per cycle. A small tangential force
DOVRRFFXUVGXHWRFRLOFXUUHQWLQWHUDFWLQJZLWKUDGLDOOHDNDJHÀX[LQWKHVORW0DFKLQHVZLWKORQJWKLQWHHWK
KDYHDQDGGLWLRQDOWDQJHQWLDOIRUFHDVWKHWHHWKWKHPVHOYHVPRYHZLWKWKHURWDWLRQRIWKHURWRUÀX[1RWHWKDW
some coil pitches and some fault conditions can lead to forces in the direction to eject the coil from the slot.
Large machines are built with various stator slot-tightening systems as a means of restraining the coils because
they are subjected to these forces as described in Clause 6:KHQWKHVHWLJKWHQLQJV\VWHPVDUHQRWVXI¿FLHQW
the coil-to-core contact can be compromised.
Two sources of current exist at the coil-to-core contact in the slots of the machine. One is a current, which is
associated with the capacitive charging and discharging of the insulation surface. Higher coil voltages create
KLJKHUFDSDFLWLYHFXUUHQWV7KHRWKHUFXUUHQWLVLQGXFHGD[LDOO\DORQJWKHFRLOGXHWRWKHÀX[LQWKHFRUH%\
GHVLJQWKHUHVLVWLYLW\RIWKHVHPLFRQGXFWLQJFRDWLQJLVNHSWVXI¿FLHQWO\KLJKWROLPLWD[LDOO\LQGXFHGFXUUHQW
DQGDVVRFLDWHGKHDWLQJ$WWKHVDPHWLPHWKHUHVLVWLYLW\RIWKHVHPLFRQGXFWLQJFRDWLQJPXVWEHNHSWVXI¿FLHQW-
25
,(((6WG
O\ORZWRNHHSHOHFWURVWDWLFEXLOGXSDORQJWKHFRLOVXUIDFHVXI¿FLHQWO\ORZ%RWKRIWKHVHFRLOVXUIDFHFXUUHQWV
depend on good contact between the coil semiconducting coatings and core surfaces.
Electrical contact between these surfaces is affected by the contact pressure as more pressure will create a
larger area of contact, and less pressure will create lower areas of contact. Forces, as well as motion of the core
teeth themselves, can change the contact pressure and can result in motion of the coil in the slot which can lead
to arcing. When the area of contact becomes smaller than the capability of the remaining material to carry the
current, an arc occurs. As the semiconducting coatings are eroded, the electrostatic arcing becomes more prev-
alent on higher voltage coils and the combination can lead to higher rates of deterioration. Once the conductive
FRDWLQJVKDYHEHHQVXI¿FLHQWO\HURGHGIURPWKHFRLODQGLWEHFRPHVORRVHLQWKHVORWWKHPRYHPHQWRIWKHFRLO
may also create erosion of the insulation strictly by mechanical abrasion of the insulation with the core.
There are various terms used to describe these phenomena, and some of these terms do not precisely describe
DVSHFL¿FPHFKDQLVP)RULQVWDQFHslot discharge is often used to describe any discharging in the slot; how-
ever, often this term is intended only to describe high-intensity partial discharge that is the breakdown of a
gaseous void. Also, spark erosion may refer to any erosion created by sparking, but it is often used with the
intent of describing only vibration-induced sparking. The term slot poundingLVDOVRXVHGEXWLVOHVVVSHFL¿F
as it does not account for the electrical aspects of the phenomena.
7.2.8 Semiconducting/stress control coating interface failure
This problem is associated with the semiconducting coating deterioration process described in and only
occurs in form windings that have both slot semiconducting and an overlapping stress control tape or paint
coating (normally silicon carbide) just outside the slot. The stress control coating has a characteristic of hav-
ing a resistance that is high in areas of low electrical stress and low in areas of high electrical stress. Since the
end-winding surfaces are at the same potential as the conductors, its purpose is to make the electrical stress
DWWKHHQGRIWKHVHPLFRQGXFWLQJFRDWLQJPRUHXQLIRUP7KLVSUREOHPLVQRUPDOO\FRQ¿QHGWRZLQGLQJVUDWHG
N9DQGDERYHEXWFDQRFFXULQORZHUYROWDJHZLQGLQJVVXSSOLHGIURPSXOVHZLGWKPRGXODWHG3:0YROWDJH
VRXUFHYDULDEOHIUHTXHQF\GULYHV9)'V
If the overlapping electrical connection between the semiconducting and stress control coatings degrades to
EHFRPHQRQFRQGXFWLYHWKHVWUHVVFRQWUROFRDWLQJ³ÀRDWV´DQGLWVYROWDJHZLOOULVHWRWKHYROWDJHRIWKHFRSSHU
conductors due to capacitive coupling. If this happens, a very high voltage separated by a small gap, develops
between the grading and semiconducting coatings on bars/coils near the line ends. This air gap breaks down,
resulting in discharges over the surface of the coil/bar between the two different coatings. Since this discharge
mechanism is parallel to the insulation surface, degradation from it is a very slow process. However, if dis-
charges are present, they may be an indication that the more serious problem of slot semiconducting coating
degradation is also occurring.
7.2.9 Electrical stresses
The service life of an insulation system varies inversely with the voltage, VíQ, where the exponent n is de-
SHQGHQWXSRQWKHVSHFL¿FYROWDJHGHSHQGHQWDJLQJPHFKDQLVP$EQRUPDOYROWDJHVH[FHHGLQJWKHVSHFL¿HG
service rating, such as those caused by switching, lightning surges, or drive systems further accelerates the
DJLQJSURFHVV3DUWLDOGLVFKDUJHVDWKLJKHURSHUDWLQJYROWDJHVPD\SURGXFHVHYHUDOXQGHVLUDEOHHIIHFWVVXFK
as chemical degradation, localized heating, ionic bombardment, and physical erosion. These effects tend to
increase the aging rate.
(OHFWULFDOLQVXODWLRQWKDWRSHUDWHVLQDKLJKVWUHVV¿HOGLVVXEMHFWWRGHWHULRUDWLQJLQÀXHQFHVQRWSUHVHQWDW
ORZHUVWUHVVOHYHOV3DUWLDOGLVFKDUJHFRURQDFDQFDXVHGHJUDGDWLRQRILQVXODWLRQE\FKHPLFDOHIIHFWVDQGE\
ion bombardment. This occurs when the voltage gradient on gas molecules in void spaces in the insulation ex-
ceeds a certain value, depending on the nature of the gas and its pressure and temperature. Ozone and nitrogen
oxides that can attack organic materials in the insulation may be formed. Ozone, nitrogen oxides, and oxalic
acid crystals may be formed when polymeric materials are exposed to discharges. The symptoms of this type
26
,(((6WG
of degradation are mostly whitish deposits. The effects of corona are not manifested to a noticeable degree in
hydrogen cooled machines, since the oxygen content is small and degradation is principally physical pitting
and erosion.
3RVLWLYHDQGQHJDWLYHLRQVDVZHOODVHOHFWURQVJHQHUDWHGGXULQJHDFKSDUWLDOGLVFKDUJHHYHQWDUHDFFHOHUDWHG

LQWKHGLUHFWLRQRIWKHHOHFWULFDO¿HOG7KLVVXEMHFWVWKHERXQGDULHVRIWKHRFFOXGHGFDYLWLHVWRUHJXODUO\RF-
curring bombardment by the charged particles in each half cycle of voltage. The resulting deterioration may
manifest itself in the formation of electrical trees propagating into the dielectric from the void boundaries and
tracking along the inside walls.
7.2.10 Electrical tracking due to contamination
,IHOHFWULFDOWUDFNLQJGXHWRFRQGXFWLYHFRDWLQJFRQWDPLQDWLRQGRHVRFFXUFXUUHQWZLOOÀRZDFURVVWKHVXU-
faces of the winding, especially in the end-winding regions. Such contamination can result from the ingress
of oil from bearings, hydrogen seals in combination with moisture, or carbon particles (such as from carbon
brushes) from the atmosphere. Open enclosure, air cooled machines are most susceptible to this degradation
mechanism.
If the insulation surfaces and blocking between adjacent high-voltage sections of end-winding, or circuit ring
EXVHVLQGLIIHUHQWSKDVHVEHFRPHFRQWDPLQDWHGZLWKFRQGXFWLYHPDWHULDOVFXUUHQWVZLOOÀRZEHWZHHQWKHP
This happens because the surfaces of these sections of winding will rise to the potential of their conductors,
between which voltages approaching the phase-to-phase value are present. If the contamination resistance was
uniform, little deterioration would likely result from these currents. However, dry areas where the resistance is
much higher are commonly present, and as a result, the whole voltage can appear across these high resistances
to cause electrical breakdown of the adjacent air or hydrogen. This discharge degrades and may carbonize the
underlying organic resin and tape. This area then becomes very conductive and the high electrical stress then
transfers to another dry area. In the longer term, an electrical track can develop between phases and can start
eating into the groundwall insulation, potentially leading to a phase-to-phase failure. This mechanism is usual-
O\YHU\VORZDQGFDQWDNHPRUHWKDQ\HDUVDIWHULQLWLDWLRQWRFDXVHDIDLOXUH
7.2.11 Voltage surges
9ROWDJHVXUJHVLQVWDWRUZLQGLQJLQVXODWLRQV\VWHPVLQPRWRUVDQGJHQHUDWRUVDUHWUDQVLHQWEXUVWVRIUHODWLYHO\
high voltage that increase the electrical stress beyond which normally occurs in service. Such voltages can
occur from the following:
a) Lightning strikes
b) 3RZHUV\VWHPJURXQGIDXOWV
c) Out-of-phase generator breaker closing
d) Motor circuit breaker closing and opening
e) 9ROWDJHVRXUFHPRWRUFRQYHUWHUGULYHV
,WLVXQOLNHO\WKDWWKH¿UVWIRXUVXUJHVRXUFHVZLOODJHWKHZLQGLQJLQVXODWLRQEXWWKH\ZLOOFDXVHLWWRIDLOLIWKH
dielectric strength is inadequate, or has been reduced by some other aging mechanism. This is not the case with
converter drives since they can continuously impose high voltages with fast rise times that can cause insula-
tion aging.
9ROWDJHVXUJHVIURPWKH¿UVWIRXUVRXUFHVDUHPRVWOLNHO\WRDIIHFWVWDWRUZLQGLQJVLQPRWRUVRUJHQHUDWRUVZLWK
multi-turn stator coils. When a high frequency voltage is applied, the voltage distribution is non-linear with
DPXFKJUHDWHUSHUFHQWDJHRIWKHYROWDJHDSSHDULQJDFURVVWKH¿UVWFRLOFRQQHFWHGWRWKHSKDVHWHUPLQDO7KLV
non-uniform voltage distribution occurs because the series inductive impedance of the winding is relatively
large compared to the capacitive impedance to ground at this high frequency. In addition, it has been shown

,(((6WG
WKDWWKLVYROWDJHGRHVQRWHYHQO\GLVWULEXWHDFURVVWKH¿UVWFRLO7KHFRQVHTXHQFHRIWKLVXQHYHQGLVWULEXWLRQLV
WKDWLQWHUWXUQYROWDJHVZKLFKFDQEHRUGHUVRIPDJQLWXGHKLJKHUWKDQWKH+]RU+]VWHDG\VWDWHYDOXH
can be induced in the line-end coils. These surges can cause line end coil turn insulation failures if the turn
LQVXODWLRQGLHOHFWULFVWUHQJWKLVWRRORZRUKDVEHHQZHDNHQHGE\LQVXODWLRQDJLQJ²HJWKHUPDODJLQJRU3'
activity at ground insulation-to-conductor interface. Such failures can also occur in motors fed from voltage
source inverters, but most manufacturers appreciate the need to strengthen turn insulation by using mica to
avoid failures from these repetitive voltages.
7KHYROWDJHZDYHIRUPIURPD3:0YROWDJHVRXUFHFRQYHUWHUFDQOHDGWRLQFUHDVHGJURXQGZDOOLQVXODWLRQ
heating, which can increase the winding temperature and thus accelerate the normal thermal aging processes
described previously.
7KH3'PD\EHODUJHUDQGPRUHIUHTXHQWZLWKDFRQYHUWHUEHFDXVHWKHSHDNYROWDJHVDUHXVXDOO\KLJKHUWKDQ
WKHSHDNYROWDJHIURPDVLQXVRLGDOVXSSO\7KHSHDNWRSHDNYROWDJHFDQEHKLJKHUWKDQWKDWIURPD+]RU
Hz supply due to the transmission line effects that may cause the step voltage changes that occur with convert-
ers to possibly double.
The partially conductive coatings that normally cover the coil insulation in the stator slot and the silicon car-
ELGHPDWHULDODWWKHVORWH[LWVDUHLQWHQGHGWRVXSSUHVVWKHSUREDELOLW\RI3'RFFXUULQJRQWKHFRLOVXUIDFHLQ
WKHVORWDQGMXVWRXWVLGHRILW6HYHUDOVWXGLHVKDYHVKRZQWKDWXQGHU3:0YROWDJHWKHVHFRDWLQJVZLOORSHUDWH
at higher temperatures and thus increase the rate of thermal aging, if they are not properly designed (Stone,
et al. >%@6KDUL¿HWDO>%@, Boggs >%@6LQFH3:0YROWDJHZDYHIRUPVFRQWDLQYROWDJHVDWKLJKIUH-
TXHQFLHVIURPWKHULVHWLPHRIWKHYROWDJHVWHSVDQGWKH3:0VZLWFKLQJUDWHKLJKHUFDSDFLWLYHFXUUHQWVÀRZ
WKURXJKWKHJURXQGZDOODQGWKHQWKURXJKWKH3'VXSSUHVVLRQFRDWLQJV7KHVHKLJKHUFXUUHQWVFUHDWHKLJKHUI2R
ORVVHVLQWKHFRDWLQJVWKDQZRXOGRFFXUXQGHU+]RU+]RSHUDWLRQLQFUHDVLQJWKHRSHUDWLQJWHPSHUDWXUH
of the coatings. The effect is exacerbated because the higher frequencies also cause the silicon carbide materi-
als to be less effective in linearizing the voltage along the surface of the coils—which tends to concentrate the
heating to a shorter area.
7.2.12 Environmental factors
In addition to the electrical tracking due to contamination discussed in there are other environmental
factors that can cause winding insulation to age and fail. These include the following:
a) Chemical attack
b) Abrasive particles
c) Ionizing radiation
d) Magnetic material (termites)
7.2.12.1 Chemical attack
Most types of older insulation systems are prone to chemically induced degradation due to the presence of sol-
vents, oil, water, or other chemicals and gasses. For example magnet wire insulation materials such as polyes-
WHUFDQVRIWHQDQGVZHOOIURPH[SRVXUHWRPRLVWXUH*URXQGZDOOLQVXODWLRQXVLQJDVSKDOWYDUQLVKDQGVRPHRI
the earlier polyester bonding agents are prone to softening and swelling and loss of mechanical strength when
exposed to moisture or chemicals.
6RIWHQLQJRILQVXODWLRQPDNHVLWVXVFHSWLEOHWRFROGÀRZ²LHWKHLQVXODWLRQJUDGXDOO\EHFRPHVWKLQQHULQ
areas where mechanical pressure is applied. If the thickness of the insulation is reduced to such an extent that it
can no longer tolerate normal or higher transient voltages, then it will fail.

,(((6WG
Modern stator winding insulation systems are more resistant to most types of chemical attack, but can still be
affected by some chemicals and gasses. However, if epoxy is exposed to oil and water for many years it will
eventually start to degrade. Also, if it is known that a winding will be exposed to a humid environment it can be
designed to be sealed against moisture—e.g., nuclear plant motors that have to survive under main steam line
break conditions.
7.2.12.2 Abrasive particles
Abrasive particles in the cooling gas stream can grind away stator winding insulation to the extent that it fails
under normal or transient voltage conditions. This is most likely to occur in machines with open-air ventilation
operating environments where sand, iron ore dust, etc. are present in the operating environment.
If abrasive particles enter the machine enclosure, they will be blown though the stator windings at high veloci-
W\E\WKHFRROLQJDLU)XUWKHUPRUHVXI¿FLHQWTXDQWLWLHVRIWKHVHPDWHULDOVDWDKLJKHQRXJKYHORFLW\ZLOODEUDGH
WKHLQVXODWLRQVXUIDFHVSDUDOOHOWRWKHLUÀRZWRUHGXFHWKHLUWKLFNQHVV6XFKDEUDVLRQFDQHYHQWXDOO\H[SRVHWKH
winding copper, which leads to failures. The most likely areas to be affected by abrasion are the end-windings
and the sections of winding bridging radial core cooling ducts.
7.2.12.3 Ionizing radiation
3RO\PHUVDUHSDUWLFXODUO\VXVFHSWLEOHWRLRQL]LQJUDGLDWLRQZKLFKLVIRXQGWROHDGWRWKHSURGXFWLRQRIHOHF-
tronically excited states of molecules and the formation of radicals (Bhimani >%@) The extent of the resulting
polymer degradation depends upon the absorbed radiation dose and dose rate (Bawart >%@, Bhimani >%@).
7KHUDGLDWLRQLQGXFHGGHJUDGDWLRQUDWHRIWKHLQVXODWLQJPDWHULDOLVIXUWKHUPRUHLQÀXHQFHGE\WKHHOHFWULFDO
thermal and mechanical stresses to which the insulation may be simultaneously subjected. As the mechanical
properties of the insulating material deteriorate, electrical breakdown ensues when the material reaches its
brittle fracture state.
In cases where the insulating material is only exposed to short intermittent periods of ionizing radiation, its
electrical properties such as conductivity and dissipation factor will exhibit an increase during the irradiation
period as well as for a short period following the removal of the radiation source. The increase in the conduc-
WLYLW\DQGGLHOHFWULFORVVHVLVDGLUHFWUHVXOWRIWKHHOHFWURQVEHLQJH[FLWHGLQWRWKHFRQGXFWLRQEDQG7KH¿QLWH
conductivity—remaining after the removal of radiation—is caused by the still mobile electrons which had
fallen into shallow traps. However, these conduction electrons eventually fall into deep traps and become im-
mobilized. Only when the next radiation exposure takes place can they be emitted. The copious supply of free
electrons during the irradiation periods will also lower the partial discharge inception and extinction voltages;
this abundant availability of free electrons may facilitate the occurrence of pseudo-glow discharges.
There are a number of high-voltage motor applications; for example, reactor coolant pump motors within the
reactor containment area of a nuclear generating station, where radiation levels can be high. If acceptable in-
sulation life is to be achieved, the insulation systems in these machines must contain materials with a high ra-
diation resistance to prevent rapid deterioration of mechanical properties of the binders and backing materials.
Materials such as ceramics, mica, glass and epoxy resins are known to be only slightly affected by the radia-
tion levels seen in these applications. Organic backing, bracing, and bonding materials, on the other hand, are
strongly affected by ionizing radiation while polymers with aromatic rings will tolerate larger doses without
deterioration. Therefore, due to the susceptibility of organic insulations to radiation damage, great care is re-
quired in selecting the proper backing, insulation bonding, and bracing materials for the winding of machines
to be used in a radiation environment.
7KHW\SHVRIUDGLDWLRQIURPQXFOHDUUHDFWRUVDUHSULPDULO\ĮDQGȕSDUWLFOHVJDPPDUD\VDQGQHXWURQV6LQFH
ĮDQGȕSDUWLFOHVGRQRWSHQHWUDWHWKHUHDFWRUVKLHOGWKH\DUHQRWDVLJQL¿FDQWIDFWRU2QWKHRWKHUKDQGJDPPD
rays and neutrons do penetrate this shield, reacting with insulating materials to produce electrons that can be
responsible for radiation damage.

,(((6WG
The two molecular changes that may be produced by radiation in an organic insulation are cross-linking of
molecular chains and bond scission, or cutting of polymer chains. Cross-linking builds up the molecular struc-
ture, initially increasing tensile strength, but then reduces elongation and eventually results in the loss of
impact strength. This changes rubbery or plastic materials into hard, brittle solids. Scission breaks down mo-
lecular size, reduces tensile strength, and usually adversely affects other properties.
0RVWPRGHUQKLJKYROWDJHLQVXODWLRQV\VWHPVFRQWDLQPLFDZLWKEDFNLQJPDWHULDOVVXFKDVJODVVRU'DFURQ
JODVV¿EHUVDOORIZKLFKKDYHIDLUO\KLJKUDGLDWLRQUHVLVWDQFH7KHVXVFHSWLEOHSDUWRIWKHLQVXODWLRQV\VWHPVLV
WKHRUJDQLFLPSUHJQDWLQJUHVLQXVHGWRELQGWKHVHPDWHULDOVWRJHWKHU5HVLQVXVHGPXVWWKHUHIRUHEHFDUHIXOO\
selected to help ensure good insulation system radiation resistance. (Bawart >%@, Bhimani >%@).
Materials susceptible to radiation aging lose their mechanical properties. This makes them susceptible to me-
chanical failure under the stresses imposed, e.g., if the bonding resin becomes brittle, it will crack and de-
lamination may occur, and the failure mechanism associated with this will cause electrical breakdown of the
insulation. It is for this reason that insulation systems used in motors that operate in high radiation areas are
HQYLURQPHQWDOO\TXDOL¿HGE\VLPXODWHGDJLQJDQGWHVWLQJ,(((6WGJLYHVJXLGHOLQHVRQKRZVXFKTXDOL-
¿FDWLRQWHVWLQJ²ZKLFKLQFOXGHVUDGLDWLRQDJLQJ²VKRXOGEHSHUIRUPHG+RZHYHUWKLVLQIRUPDWLRQPD\QRW
apply if the radiation environment is very harsh.
7.2.12.4 Magnetic material (termites)
6PDOOPDJQHWLFSDUWLFOHVPD\YLEUDWHLQWKHDOWHUQDWLQJHOHFWURPDJQHWLF¿HOGV7KHVHFDQZHDULQWRWKHLQVX-
lation. This can then lead to insulation faults. These moving particles are commonly referred to as magnetic
termites.
7.2.13 End-winding vibration
If a stator end-winding is not adequately braced the coils/bars will vibrate relative to their support structure
GXHWRWKHHOHFWURPDJQHWLFIRUFHVFUHDWHGE\WKH+]RU+]FXUUHQWÀRZLQJWKURXJKWKHVWDWRUFRLOVDQG
bars and rotational speed vibration. This relative movement can cause abrasion, cracking and eventual failure
of the insulation. In addition, end-winding vibration can lead to cracking of conductor strands as a result of
high cycle fatigue. Such problems are most likely to occur on form-wound two-pole and four-pole generators
and motors, since such machines have long end-windings, which may have resonant frequencies close to the
frequency of the magnetic forces and rotational speed frequency. End-winding vibration is one of the most
common failure mechanisms of large two-pole steam and gas turbine generators rated at several hundred
megawatts and above. Electromagnetic forces can also cause end-winding vibration problems in hydrogene-
rators with relatively long overhangs compared to short-core lengths. If the end-windings are not adequately
supported, any form-wound stator can fail due to this problem.
Inadequately supported long end-windings in form-wound machines will result in vibration in the radial and
circumferential directions. Assuming the coils/bars are tight in their slots, this will cause them to pivot at the
stator slot exits to cause fatigue cracks in the groundwall insulation just outside of the stator slot, leading to a
phase-to-ground fault.
If the stator end-winding blocking and bracing are loose, then coils and bars can also vibrate relative to one an-
other and their support structure. This coils/bar movement will cause them to rub against blocking, surge rings,
support cones (large generators), and/or other end-winding support structures. This rubbing will cause insu-
lation abrasion and thinning. Fiberglass roving, which is hard, is very effective in cutting through the ground-
wall insulation. Such insulation abrasion, if not corrected, can cause failure of the phase-to-ground insulation.
,QGLUHFWZDWHUFRROHGVWDWRUV+]RU+]HOHFWURPDJQHWLFHQGZLQGLQJYLEUDWLRQFDQFDXVHIDWLJXH
cracking of the brazed connections between top and bottom bars and/or the water nozzles. This can allow wa-
ter to leak into the insulation (see ). Also, if hydrogen becomes entrained in the stator cooling water this

'DFURQLVDUHJLVWHUHGWUDGHPDUNRI(,GX3RQWGH1HPRXUVDQG&RPSDQ\

,(((6WG
can lead to winding failure. This happens because the hydrogen bubbles combined with excessive vibration
can lead to cavitation erosion of the copper conductor strands. The resulting copper thinning together with
the vibration eventually causes the strands to crack from fatigue, allowing large amounts of hydrogen into the
FRROLQJZDWHU,IVXI¿FLHQWK\GURJHQHQWHUVWKHZDWHUV\VWHPWKLVFDQOHDGWREORFNLQJRIWKHZDWHUFRROLQJ
circuit leading to local overheating.
End-winding vibration in direct hydrogen cooled stator winding has led to broken copper strands from high
cycle fatigue. This leads to arcing between strands at the break, causing localized overheating of the insula-
tion. The heating from this type of failure eventually causes the insulation to melt leading to a ground fault.
This type of winding may have resistors installed between the conductors and hollow hydrogen tubes within
WKHVWDWRUEDUVWRJLYHD¿[HGSRWHQWLDOEHWZHHQWKHWZR+LJKHQGZLQGLQJYLEUDWLRQFDQFDXVHWKHVHUHVLVWRU
connections to fail.
&\OLQGULFDOURXQGURWRU¿HOGZLQGLQJDJLQJPHFKDQLVPV

This subclause deals with the common aging mechanisms found in cylindrical rotor windings that are also
called round rotor windings that are used mainly in medium to large turbine generators, but are also starting to
appear in large 2-pole motors supplied from variable speed drives.
7.3.1 Thermal aging
2OGHUF\OLQGULFDO¿HOGZLQGLQJVRIWKLVW\SHFRQWDLQRUJDQLFFRPSRQHQWVZKLFKZKHQWKHUPDOO\DJHGLQVHU-
vice, shrink and allow the inorganic components to be displaced by the cyclic mechanical forces experienced
in operation. This can lead to cracks and gaps in the groundwall and turn insulation resulting in electrical
failure.
6WDUWLQJLQWKHVPRGHUQWKHUPRVHWWLQJUHVLQVDQGJODVVIDEULFVEHJDQWRUHSODFHWKHROGHURUJDQLFPDWH-
rials. The end-winding blocking was changed from phenolic-bonded asbestos cloth laminates to glass cloth
with either polyester or epoxy laminating resins. Similar changes were made in the slot cell insulation. These
FKDQJHVUDLVHGWKHWHPSHUDWXUHFODVVRIWKHLQVXODWLRQWR&ODVV)DQGVLJQL¿FDQWO\UHGXFHGWKHLQFLGHQFH
RIWKHUPDODJLQJ6PDOOHU¿HOGVDUHQRZRIWHQLQVXODWHGZLWKQRQZRYHQDUDPLGVKHHWVDQGWDSHVZKHUHDV
ODUJHU¿HOGVRIWHQXVHQRQZRYHQJODVVODPLQDWHVIRULQVXODWLRQDQGEORFNLQJ
*ODVVODPLQDWHVERQGHGZLWKHSR[\RUSRO\HVWHUUHVLQVDUHFRPPRQO\XVHGIRUERWKWKHWXUQDQGWKHJURXQG
insulation in direct-gas-cooled rotor windings. For some lower ratings, aramid paper insulation is often used
for both the turn and ground insulation. Thermal degradation of these materials may be treated as a chemical
rate phenomenon (described by the Arrhenius relationship) and includes loss of volatiles, oxidation, depolym-
erization, shrinkage, surface cracking, and embrittlement. The higher the temperature, the faster the chemical
reaction, resulting in shortened life of the insulation under thermal degradation.
0RGHUQZLQGLQJVXVHJODVVODPLQDWHLQVXODWLRQV\VWHPVW\SLFDOO\PDGHIURP&ODVV)LQVXODWLRQPDWHUL-
DOVIRURSHUDWLRQDW&ODVV%WHPSHUDWXUHV6LQFHWKHDYHUDJHURWRUZLQGLQJRSHUDWLQJWHPSHUDWXUHLVLQWKH
UDQJHRI&WR&WKHUHZRXOGDSSHDUWREHDQDGHTXDWHWKHUPDOPDUJLQ+RZHYHUWKHPDUJLQLVUHGXFHG
at hot spots in the winding, which are not normally measured directly since some machines have brushless ex-
FLWHUVGLUHFWO\FRQQHFWHGWRWKHURWRU¿HOGZLQGLQJIRUWKRVHZLWKVOLSULQJVRQO\DQDYHUDJHURWRUWHPSHUDWXUH
FDQEHGHULYHGIURPURWRUDPSVDQGYROWV'HSHQGLQJRQWKHW\SHRIWKHFRROLQJJDVÀRZV\VWHPWKHHVWLPDWHG
KRWVSRWWHPSHUDWXUHFRXOGH[FHHG&,IWKLVLVWKHFDVHWKHUPDODJLQJEHFRPHVDIDFWRUSDUWLFXODUO\
ZKHUHVRPH&ODVVPDWHULDOVKDYHEHHQXVHG7KHWKHUPDOGHJUDGDWLRQLVOHVVOLNHO\RQK\GURJHQFRROHG
rotors because of the lack of oxygen, which accelerates chemical aging, and because of the operating tempera-
ture margin usually available in hydrogen-cooled rotors.

,(((6WG
Operating temperatures have a direct aging effect on the insulation materials, as seen in the previous section.
However, when the operating temperature varies due to load changes, start-stops, etc., additional stresses are
set up that accelerate the thermal aging process. The temperature changes cause the expansion and contraction
of the winding copper relative to the insulation, giving rise to insulation aging from abrasion. Unless the rotor
winding design can accommodate this movement of the copper, additional built-up stresses can damage not
only the insulation, but also the winding copper.
During operation, copper losses from the winding and to a lesser extent windage and stray losses from the ro-
tor forging, cause an increase in temperature of the rotor components. The physical location of the components
in the rotor is altered due to the axial thermal expansion caused by the increase in temperature. When the unit
is shut down the rotor cools down and the components contract to their original position, provided that the
copper has not been stretched beyond its elastic limit and there is no restriction to their movement. Depending
on the duty, this expansion-contraction cycle may be repeated hundreds of times during the life of the unit.
The axial movement of the copper tends to abrade the ground insulation, especially toward the end of the rotor
slots. Wear imposed on the winding insulation and other components due to this repeated back and forth move-
ment results in mechanical aging due to thermal cycling.
3HDNLQJDQGWZRVKLIWHGPDFKLQHVDUHPRUHVXVFHSWLEOHWRWKHUPDOF\FOLQJGDPDJHFRPSDUHGWREDVHORDGHG
units because of the higher number of start-stop cycles. Longer rotors are likely to experience a higher level
of damage due to the larger amount of expansion and relative movement. Similarly, modern air-cooled units,
which generally operate at a higher temperature, will be affected more than hydrogen-cooled units.
7.3.3 Abrasion due to imbalance or turning gear operation
7ZRDQGIRXUSROHURWRUVLQODUJHJHQHUDWRUVFDQZHLJKDVPXFKDVWRQV0RUHRYHUWKH\KDYHFRPSR-
nents, such as the windings, that can move independently in the axial, radial, and transverse directions. To help
ensure long-term reliable performance the rotor must run smoothly within acceptable vibration limits under all
operating conditions. High vibration can lead to relative movement of the rotor winding components, which,
in turn, can lead to insulation and copper abrasion. Considerable effort is required to ensure a mechanically
balanced rotor system; starting with the design stage, to factory assembly and testing, site assembly, and setup,
to operating practices and monitoring. Nevertheless, this balance is upset at times due to a number of factors
that result in an increase in rotor vibration, which can cause further insulation damage and even lead to shut-
down of the generator.
Although rotor vibration is a mechanical phenomenon, its origin can be electrical or thermal in nature. Be-
cause of electrical and thermal stresses that build up during operation, additional forces are superimposed on
the distributed weight of the rotor. Initially, these forces may be small; however, the underlying mechanisms
being progressive in nature, the forces can become large enough over time to affect the weight distribution of
WKHURWRU5RWRUG\QDPLFSHUIRUPDQFHLVVHQVLWLYHWRFKDQJHVLQWKHZHLJKWGLVWULEXWLRQSDUWLFXODUO\IRUWZR
pole designs in which the longer and thinner rotor forging is more susceptible to bending forces. The increased
vibration due to rotor unbalance can cause damage to the rotor components, leading to further imbalance. Ulti-
mately, if relative movement occurs between the copper and the insulation or the insulation and the rotor body,
causes abrasion that can lead to turn shorts or ground faults.
Large turbine generator rotors have to be operated on turning gear at very low speeds (a few rpm) to prevent
catenary “sets” in the shaft during unit shutdown. Operation at turning gear speed with low radial rotational
forces on the windings can cause copper-dusting abrasion, particularly when there are two or more conductor
sub-strands that are not insulated from one another and the slot side packing is not tight enough to prevent
sideways strand movement. The copper particles can lead to turn or ground shorts.
32
,(((6WG
7.3.4 Electrical tracking from contamination
,QVXODWLRQLVXVHGWRHOHFWULFDOO\VHSDUDWHWKHFRSSHUZLQGLQJWKDWRSHUDWHVDWYROWDJHVXSWRDERXW9UHOD-
tive to grounded rotor body. The insulation takes many forms and shapes due to the complex nature of the rotor
winding, which must allow for movement due to expansion, and the geometry of the rotor forging, end rings,
balance rings, support rings, slip rings, and connection hardware.
During winding assembly, care is taken to ensure that the isolation between the live copper winding turns and
between copper and ground is maintained at these numerous interfaces. Normally, the creepage paths between
turns and to ground are more than adequate. However during service, contamination at these critical interfaces
can reduce the creepage path to such an extent that turn-to-turn and ground shorts could develop.
Hundreds of interfaces exist in a rotor where insulation separates the live parts from the grounded components
such as the forging, wedges, retaining rings, and balance rings. Intermittent surface discharge between turns or
from the winding components to grounded parts occurs when these insulation interfaces are compromised due
to surface contamination. The discharge results in a chemical reaction of the components involved, producing
carbon and other chemicals. The products of the reaction lodge themselves across the interface, creating a path
of reduced resistance along which subsequent discharges occur.
7.3.5 Repetitive voltage surges
,QJHQHUDWRUURWRUVRIWKLVW\SHWKHDSSOLHGYROWDJHLVDURXQG9GFZKLFKLVZHOOZLWKLQWKHUDWLQJRILQVX-
lating materials used, particularly in modern designs. This voltage further divides between the turns to result
LQDVOLWWOHDV9EHWZHHQWKHPZKLFKLVDZHOOZLWKLQWKHWXUQLQVXODWLRQYROWDJHUDWLQJ7KHWXUQLQVXODWLRQ
ZRXOGODVWLQGH¿QLWHO\XQGHUWKHVHYHU\ORZHOHFWULFDOVWUHVVHV+RZHYHUWUDQVLHQWRYHUYROWDJHVIURPWKHH[FL-
tation supply or system transients, can be orders of magnitude higher, and may lead to insulation degradation.
Events internal or external to the excitation system can induce large transient voltages in the rotor windings.
The occasional spike may not be harmful, but continuous repetitive spikes from an excitation system can
cause gradual deterioration from partial discharges. This aging mechanism is similar to the stator winding ag-
ing process caused by converter drives. Insulation that has already been weakened by other aging mechanisms
LVSDUWLFXODUO\YXOQHUDEOHWRUHSHWLWLYHYROWDJHVXUJHV9ROWDJHVXUJHVDUHPRVWOLNHO\WRFDXVHWXUQWRWXUQ
faults since the insulation between turns is the thinnest and is subject to high levels of mechanical stresses.
7.3.6 Rotational force
At operating speed, rotor winding components are subjected to high mechanical compressive stresses from
URWDWLRQDOIRUFHV,QODUJHWXUELQHJHQHUDWRUVWKHVHIRUFHVFDQH[FHHGWRQVDWWKHZHGJHVDQGWRQV
DWHDFKUHWDLQLQJULQJ6LJQL¿FDQWWDQJHQWLDOIRUFHVDUHDOVRSUHVHQWSDUWLFXODUO\GXULQJVWDUWXSDQGVKXWGRZQ
of the generator. The contribution of the copper conductors to the total stress on the insulation materials is
an important factor. Insulation materials made from quality materials and with adequate design margins can
endure these compressive forces over long-term operation. However, where the materials are weakened due
to inadequate quality control or other aging mechanisms such as thermal aging, the insulation can bend, buck-
OHDQGFUDFNXQGHUWKHLQÀXHQFHRIWKHODUJHURWDWLRQDOIRUFHV7KLVFDQOHDGWRWXUQWRWXUQVKRUWVRUJURXQG
faults. The insulation materials involved include slot liners, turn insulation, slot packing and pads, bracing
materials, and connection insulation. The effects of rotational forces are a function of the design of the wind-
ing slot wedging and end-winding bracing systems, the properties of the materials used, and the frequency of
start-stop cycles.
6DOLHQWSROHURWDWLQJ¿HOGZLQGLQJDJLQJPHFKDQLVPV
There are two types of windings used in salient pole rotors. These are the “strip-on-edge” and “multi-layer
ZLUHZRXQG´W\SHV7KHVWULSRQHGJHZLQGLQJFRQVLVWVRIUHFWDQJXODUÀDWFRSSHUVWULSVEHQWHGJHZLVHWRIRUP
a coil. The type used depends on the rating and speed of the machine. The coil insulating materials and their ar-
33
,(((6WG
rangement are dependent on the winding construction, in that, while the insulation between the coils and poles
can be the same for both types, the turn insulation is quite different.
7.4.1 Thermal aging
All insulating and nonmetallic bracing materials deteriorate with time due to the heat from the windings. The
rate at which component materials deteriorate is a function of their thermal properties and the temperatures to
which they are subjected. If the thermal ratings of component materials have been properly selected, the ther-
mal aging and associated deterioration will occur gradually over an acceptable service life.
&ODVVZLQGLQJPDWHULDOVVXFKDVRUJDQLFYDUQLVKHVVKHOODFVDVEHVWRVERDUGVRUSKHQROLFERQGHGJODVV
¿EHUVXVHGIRUJURXQGWXUQDQGSROHZDVKHULQVXODWLRQDUHPRUHVXVFHSWLEOHWRVKULQNLQJDQGFUDFNLQJXQGHU
WKHLQÀXHQFHRIWKHUPDODJLQJ
0RGHUQVDOLHQWSROHZLQGLQJGHVLJQVW\SLFDOO\XVHDUDPLGSDSHURUUHVLQERQGHG¿EHUJODVVJURXQGDQGDUDPLG
paper turn insulation in strip-on-edge windings, glass laminate pole washers, Dacron-glass-covered high-tem-
perature enamel turn insulation in wire wound poles, and thermosetting bonding resins to provide insulation
V\VWHPVWKDWKDYHDWKHUPDOUDWLQJRIDWOHDVW&ODVV),IWKHVHPDWHULDOVDUHRSHUDWHGDW&ODVV%
temperatures, they should have a more than adequate thermal life. The materials most susceptible to thermal
degradation are organic bonding and backing materials; whereas, inorganic components such as mica, glass,
and asbestos are unaffected at the normal operating temperatures of electrical machines.
7KHWKHUPDOOLIHRILQVXODWLRQDWKRWVSRWVLQZLQGLQJVLVVLJQL¿FDQWO\UHGXFHGVLQFHWKHPDUJLQEHWZHHQRS-
HUDWLQJWHPSHUDWXUHDQGWKHUPDOUDWLQJLVPXFKOHVV7KLVHIIHFWLVPRUHFULWLFDOLQROGHU&ODVVLQVXODWLRQ
V\VWHPVDQGWKHSUHVHQFHRIVXFKKRWVSRWVLVYHU\GLI¿FXOWWRGHWHFW
The following are the most common causes of thermal aging in salient pole windings:
a) Overloading or high air temperatures leading to operating temperatures well above design values.
b) ,QDGHTXDWHFRROLQJZKLFKFDQEHJHQHUDO²HJLQVXI¿FLHQWFRROLQJDLURUFRROLQJZDWHURUORFDOGHDG
spots in the cooling circuit due to poor design, manufacturing, or maintenance procedures.
c) The use of materials that have inadequate thermal properties and consequently deteriorate at an unac-
ceptable rate when operated within design temperature limits.
d) Over excitation of rotor windings for long periods of time.
e) Negative sequence currents due to system voltage imbalance, etc., which leads to circulating currents
on the rotor winding.
Insulation aging from thermal cycling occurs mainly in synchronous motors and hydrogenerators that are
started and stopped frequently.
There are two heat sources within a rotor when a synchronous motor is started. One mainly applies to motors
WKDWDUHVWDUWHGGLUHFWO\RQOLQHFDXVLQJKHDWLQJGXHWRFXUUHQWVÀRZLQJLQWKHSROHWLSVRIVROLGSROHURWRUVRU
the damper winding in those with laminated poles. The other is the I2R losses (heat) generated in the windings
once excitation is applied. Frequent starts and stops cause winding expansion and contraction as a result of the
SUHVHQFHRUORVVRIWKHVHZLQGLQJKHDWVRXUFHV5HODWLYHPRYHPHQWRIZLQGLQJDQGLQVXODWLRQGXHWRWKHGLIIHU-
HQWFRHI¿FLHQWVRIWKHUPDOH[SDQVLRQLQWKHYDULRXVFRPSRQHQWVOHDGVWRLQVXODWLRQDEUDVLRQ
The thermal cycling resulting from frequent starts and stops leads to the cracking of the resin or varnish bond-
ing the insulation system components together. This causes loosening and relative movement between these
components, which increases looseness and abrasion. Also, if the windings are restrained from returning to
34
IEEE Std 56-2016
IEEE Guide for Insulation Maintenance of Electric Machines
their cold position, they may become distorted. Poor design or too-rapid/too-frequent load cycles for the de-
sign are the root causes.
7.4.3 Pollution (tracking and moisture absorption)
Salient pole rotor windings—especially strip-on-edge types—are generally susceptible to failure from con-
tamination by conducting materials because they rely on adequate creepage distances between bare copper
conductors to prevent shorts. Such problems are not con¿ned to machines with open-type enclosures, since oil
leaking from bearings, moisture from condensation, leaking air coolers, and dust from hydrogenerator brakes
can contaminate windings. Such problems can be avoided in wire-wound types by encapsulating the pole
windings and connections to keep contaminants out.
When contaminants such as moisture, coal dust, and oil-dust mixtures cover the surfaces of salient pole wind-
ings, they can produce conducting paths between turns and to ground. This can lead to turn-to-turn failures
(especially in strip-on-edge types) and ground faults. Certain chemicals can also attack insulating materials,
thereby causing them to degrade.
Earlier insulation systems containing materials such as asbestos, cotton ¿bers, paper, etc., bonded by organic
varnishes are much more susceptible to failure from moisture absorption.
7.4.4 Abrasive particles
As with stator windings [see 7.2.11 b)], rotor windings operated in environments containing abrasive dusts can
also experience insulation failures from dust impingement.
Abrasive dust from the surrounding atmosphere carried into the interior of a motor or generator by cooling
air will abrade the rotor winding insulation surfaces. This may eventually expose the conductors in multilayer
wire-wound poles, resulting in turn shorts. Also, the ground insulation in both types of salient pole windings
and their interconnections may be eroded to cause ground faults.
7.4.5 Rotational force
Among the most common causes of failure in salient pole rotor windings are the continuous forces imposed on
them by rotation and the cyclic rotational forces induced by starting and stopping.
The radial and tangential rotational forces imposed on rotor winding insulation system components tend to
distort the coil conductors and inter-coil connections, and crack the coil insulation if they are not adequately
braced. If the pole winding bracing is inadequate or becomes loose, the resulting coil vibration and movement
of the coils on the poles will cause abrasion of the conductor and ground insulation. Inadequate inter-pole
bracing in large, high-speed machines will lead to coil distortion; whereas erosion from loose windings will
occur mainly during starts and stops. Winding looseness can also lead to pole washer and inter-coil connection
cracking from fatigue. Mechanical winding stresses will become excessive and cause serious winding damage
if the rotor is made to run over speed. Inadvertent over speed of the rotor can result from slow response of the
wicket gates in a hydrogenerator after opening its breaker and faulty valves in pumps that allow a head of wa-
ter to drive the pump set at high speed in the reverse direction.
7.4.6 Repetitive voltage surges
The normal dc voltage applied to rotor windings does not cause rotor insulation aging. Also, normal voltage
levels in a rotor winding are usually so low that they will not induce insulation aging even in weakened ma-
terials. Hence, normal operating electrical stress is not an important cause of aging. However transient over-
voltages induced by fault conditions on the stator side, or faulty synchronization can cause aged rotor winding
insulation to puncture.
35
,(((6WG
High transient overvoltages may be induced into rotor windings by phase-to-phase stator winding short cir-
cuits, faulty synchronization, asynchronous operation, or static excitation systems (see ). Such transient
voltages, in conjunction with weak insulation or insulation that has been degraded by thermal or mechanical
aging, can cause failures that are predominantly turn-to-turn. These overvoltages are most severe in salient
SROHZLQGLQJVGXHWRWKHLUGHVLJQFRQ¿JXUDWLRQ
7.5 Wound rotor winding aging mechanisms

2QWKHEDVLVRIWKLVVWDQGDUG¶VPLQLPXPPDFKLQHUDWLQJRIN9$LWLVDVVXPHGWKDWSULPDULO\WKUHHSKDVH
bar-lap/wave-wound rotor windings need be considered. Operating voltages for this type of winding are gen-
HUDOO\OLPLWHGWRDERXW9RUOHVVVRWKHUHLVQRQHHGIRUWKHXVHRILQVXODWLRQPDWHULDOVZLWKDKLJKGL-
electric strength. As a result of the low operating voltage, continuous electrical aging is not a factor. Modern
ZLQGLQJVRIWKLVW\SHW\SLFDOO\KDYHUHVLQERQGHGJODVV¿EHUWDSHDSSOLHGDVFRQGXFWRULQVXODWLRQDQGDUDPLG
SDSHURUSRO\HVWHUSRO\HWK\OHQHWHUHSKWKDODWH3(7¿OPSRO\HVWHUVORWOLQHUV7KHIROORZLQJDUHHOHFWULFDO
DQGPHFKDQLFDOIDLOXUHPHFKDQLVPVWKDWDUHVSHFL¿FWRZRXQGURWRUZLQGLQJVDUHGLVFXVVHGLQ through
. Other features of this type of winding are brazed joints to make connections between bars, end-winding
banding to control mechanical stresses from rotational force, and slip rings to connect each phase to an exter-
nal source for the control of rotor current.
7.5.1 Thermal aging
The thermal aging and its effects in this type of winding is similar to that discussed in for round rotor
windings. The thermal aging effects are similar since the materials used in both windings are similar, and both
DUHVXEMHFWHGWRVLJQL¿FDQWPHFKDQLFDOVWUHVVHVUHVXOWLQJIURPWKHURWDWLRQDOIRUFHV7KHUHIRUHQRGLVFXVVLRQ
on this topic is included under wound rotor windings.
7.5.2 Transient overvoltages
In a wound-rotor induction motor, there is a transformer effect between the stator and rotor windings. Con-
sequently, power-system surge voltages imposed on the stator winding will induce overvoltages in the rotor
winding. This overvoltage may puncture the turn or ground insulation.
3URYLGHGWKHUHLVDGHTXDWHWXUQDQGJURXQGLQVXODWLRQRQWKHURWRUZLQGLQJVXFKYROWDJHVVKRXOGQRWFDXVH
electrical aging; that is, partial discharge is unlikely. Transients will, however, accelerate the failure of insula-
tion that is initially weak, or that has been degraded by thermal or mechanical aging.
7.5.3 Unbalanced stator voltages
Unbalanced stator winding power supply voltages will induce negative sequence voltages and currents in the
rotor winding. These negative sequence currents increase rotor winding heating in all phases and, therefore,
induce accelerated thermal aging of both the turn and ground insulation.
7.5.4 High resistance connections
If a joint between two conductors has been poorly soldered or brazed, it will present a high resistance to the
FXUUHQWÀRZLQJWKURXJKLWXQGHUORDGDQGWKLVZLOOSURGXFHRYHUKHDWLQJRIWKHMRLQWLQVXODWLRQ7KHH[FHVVLYH
amount of heat produced by high-resistance bar-to-bar connections induces rapid thermal aging of the insu-
lation around the connection and on adjacent connections until a turn-to-turn, phase-to-phase, or ground fault
GHYHORSV,QPDQ\FDVHVWKHKHDWJHQHUDWHGLVVXI¿FLHQWWRPHOWWKHVROGHURUEUD]LQJPDWHULDOLQWKHMRLQW$
secondary effect could be thermal damage and failure of the end-winding banding discussed in .
7.5.5 End-winding banding failures
Application of banding over the rotor end-windings is required to brace them against the high rotational forces
LPSRVHGRQWKHPGXULQJRSHUDWLRQ8SXQWLOWKHHDUO\VHQGZLQGLQJEDQGLQJFRQVLVWHGRIDQXPEHURI
36
,(((6WG
turns of round steel wire applied tightly over an insulating layer, which was required to give mechanical and
electrical separation from the conductor insulation. The round wires were bonded together with a low melt-
LQJSRLQWVROGHU7KHGHYHORSPHQWRISUHVWUHVVHGUHVLQFRDWHG¿EHUPDWHULDOSURPSWHGPRWRUPDQXIDFWXUHUV
to start using this material because of its superior mechanical and thermal capabilities, as well as its elasticity.
,IWKHVWHHOZLUHRUUHVLQFRDWHG¿EHUPDWHULDOIDLOVIURPRYHUKHDWLQJRYHUVWUHVVLQJRUSRRUPDQXIDFWXULQJWKH
HQGZLQGLQJVÀ\RXWZDUGXQGHUWKHLQÀXHQFHRIURWDWLRQDOIRUFHVDQGSLHFHVEUHDNRII7KLVUHVXOWVLQDURWRU
winding ground fault, and frequently, a consequential stator winding failure.
7.5.6 Slip ring insulation shorting and grounding
The three slip rings in a wound-rotor motor must be separated from the shaft by a layer of insulation applied
EHWZHHQWKHWZR7KHVSDFLQJEHWZHHQWKHULQJVPXVWEHVXI¿FLHQWWRSURYLGHDQDGHTXDWHHOHFWULFDOFUHHSDJH
distance and barriers are sometimes used to increase this. Also, the two outer rings are usually connected to the
winding leads via studs that pass through the other rings. These studs must be electrically isolated from the slip
ULQJVDQGWKLVLVQRUPDOO\GRQHE\¿WWLQJLQVXODWLQJWXEHVRYHUWKHP7KHIDLOXUHPHFKDQLVPVLQWKLVVHFWLRQ
DOVRDSSO\WRURXQGURWRUDQGVDOLHQWSROHPDFKLQHVZLWKVOLSULQJFRQQHFWLRQVWRWKHLU¿HOGZLQGLQJV
If the slip ring enclosure is contaminated with oil, dust from brushes, moisture, or a combination of these, then
shorting between rings and the shaft and/or between the rings can occur. If this happens, serious damage can
occur to the shaft, the rotor windings, and the slip rings. Also, if the shaft or stud insulation fails due to thermal
aging or mechanical stresses, these types of failures will also occur.
7.5.7 Pollution (tracking and moisture absorption)
All windings are susceptible to aging and failure from this cause, especially if they are not well sealed. Even
though the operating voltages of wound rotors are much lower than those of stator windings, the absorption of
moisture and surface contamination can lead to ground faults if the winding is not sealed. Cracked insulation
or impregnating resin is more likely to occur in this type of winding since it is subjected to high mechanical
stresses.
'&PRWRUDQGJHQHUDWRU¿HOGZLQGLQJDJLQJPHFKDQLVPV
7KHFRQVWUXFWLRQRIGFPDFKLQHVHULHVVKXQWDQGLQWHUSROH¿HOGZLQGLQJVLVVLPLODUWRWKDWRIWKH³PXOWLOD\-
er wire wound” salient pole rotor type discussed in . As such, many of the aging mechanisms are similar.
However, from the descriptions below it can be seen that there are some differences in the failure mechanisms.
7.6.1 Thermal aging
All insulating and nonmetallic bracing materials deteriorate with time due to the heat from the windings. The
rate at which component materials deteriorate is a function of their thermal properties and the temperatures to
which they are subjected. If the thermal ratings of component materials have been properly selected, the ther-
mal aging and associated deterioration will occur gradually over an acceptable service life.
,QROGHU&ODVVZLQGLQJVPDWHULDOVVXFKDVDVEHVWRVEDFNHGPLFDVSOLWWLQJVERQGHGZLWKRUJDQLFYDUQLVKHV
VKHOODFIRUH[DPSOHZHUHXVHGIRUSROHJURXQGLQVXODWLRQDQGDVEHVWRVERDUGRUSKHQROLFERQGHGJODVV¿-
bers were used for pole washers. Also, in early insulation systems organic materials were used to insulate con-
GXFWRUV7KHVHPDWHULDOVDUHPRUHVXVFHSWLEOHWRVKULQNLQJDQGFUDFNLQJXQGHUWKHLQÀXHQFHRIWKHUPDODJLQJ
0RGHUQGF¿HOGSROHZLQGLQJGHVLJQVW\SLFDOO\XVHDUDPLGSDSHURUUHVLQERQGHG¿EHUJODVVJURXQGDQGDU-
amid paper turn insulation in strip-on-edge windings, glass laminate pole washers, Dacron-glass-covered
high-temperature enamel turn insulation, and thermosetting bonding resins to provide insulation systems that
KDYHDWKHUPDOUDWLQJRIDWOHDVW&ODVV),IWKHVHPDWHULDOVDUHRSHUDWHGDW&ODVV%WHPSHUDWXUHV
they should have a more than adequate thermal life. The materials most susceptible to thermal degradation are

IEEE Std 56-2016
IEEE Guide for Insulation Maintenance of Electric Machines
organic bonding and backing materials, whereas inorganic components such as mica, glass, and asbestos are
unaffected at the normal operating temperatures of electrical machines.
The thermal life of insulation at hot spots in windings is signi¿cantly reduced since the margin between op-
erating temperature and thermal rating is much less. This effect is more critical in older Class 130 insulation
systems, and the presence of such hot spots is very dif¿cult to detect.
The following are the most common causes of thermal aging in salient pole windings:
a) Overloading or high air temperatures leading to operating temperatures well above design values.
b) Inadequate cooling, which can be general—e.g., insuf¿cient cooling air or cooling water, or local dead
spots in the cooling circuit due to poor design, manufacturing, or maintenance procedures.
c) The use of materials that have inadequate thermal properties and consequently deteriorate at an unac-
ceptable rate when operated within design temperature limits.
d) Weakening of both turn and ground insulation from this type of aging can cause winding failures from
both ground and inter-turn shorts both of which will make the machine inoperable.
Insulation aging from thermal cycling occurs in motors and generators that are load cycled.
I2R losses (heat) generated in the windings causes the ¿eld winding conductors to expand. Frequent variations
of the ¿eld current causes expansion and contraction as a result of the variations in the I2R losses. Relative
movement of winding and insulation due to the different coef¿cients of thermal expansion in the various com-
ponents will result from the cyclic heating.
Thermal cycling leads to the cracking of the resin or varnish bonding the insulation system components to-
gether. This causes loosening and relative movement between these components, which increases looseness
and abrasion. Also, if the windings are restrained from returning to their cold position, they may become dis-
torted. Poor design or too-rapid or too-frequent load cycles for the design are the root causes. As with thermal
aging, thermal cycling can lead to winding ground faults and inter-turn shorts.
7.6.3 Abrasive particles
As with stator windings [see 7.2.11 b)], ¿eld windings operated in environments containing abrasive dusts can
also experience insulation failures from dust impingement.
Abrasive dust from the surrounding atmosphere carried into the interior of a motor or generator by cooling air
will abrade the rotor winding insulation surfaces. This may eventually expose the conductors in the multi-lay-
er, wire-wound poles, resulting in turn shorts. Also, the ground insulation in ¿eld pole windings and their inter-
connections may be eroded to cause ground faults.
7.6.4 Pollution (tracking and moisture adsorption)
All windings are susceptible to aging and failure from this cause, especially if they are not well sealed. Even
though the operating voltages of dc machine ¿eld windings are much lower than those of stator windings, the
absorption of moisture and surface contamination can lead to ground faults if the winding is not sealed.
38
,(((6WG
7.7 DC motor and generator armature winding aging mechanisms

The following descriptions are based on the assumption that only bar-type armature windings are used for the
size of machine covered by this standard. It should also be noted that this type of winding is similar to that for
the wound rotor type discussed in , so many of the aging mechanisms will be the same.
7.7.1 Thermal aging
The thermal aging and its effects in this type of winding are similar to that discussed under for round
URWRUZLQGLQJV7KLVLVVRVLQFHWKHPDWHULDOVXVHGDUHVLPLODUDQGERWKDUHVXEMHFWHGWRVLJQL¿FDQWPHFKDQLFDO
stresses resulting from rotational forces. Therefore no discussion on this topic is included under dc machine
armature windings.
7.7.2 High resistance connections
If a joint between two conductors or between a conductor and the commutator riser has been poorly soldered
RUEUD]HGLWZLOOSUHVHQWDKLJKUHVLVWDQFHWRWKHFXUUHQWÀRZLQJWKURXJKLWXQGHUORDGDQGWKLVZLOOSURGXFH
overheating of the joint insulation. The excessive amount of heat produced by high-resistance, bar-to-bar
connections induces rapid thermal aging of the insulation around the connection and on adjacent connections
XQWLODWXUQWRWXUQSKDVHWRSKDVHRUJURXQGIDXOWGHYHORSV,QPDQ\FDVHVWKHKHDWJHQHUDWHGLVVXI¿FLHQWWR
melt the solder or brazing material in the joint. A secondary effect could be thermal damage and failure of the
end-winding banding discussed in .
7.7.3 End-winding banding failures
The causes of these are essentially the same as for wound rotor windings discussed in , so no detailed
descriptions are provided in this clause.
7.7.4 Pollution (tracking and moisture adsorption)
The aging and failure mechanisms relating to this are essentially the same as those discussed for wound rotors
windings in , so no detailed description is given in this clause.
7.8 DC motor and generator commutator aging mechanisms

Common aging mechanisms found in direct current machine commutators are covered in through .
7.8.1 Glass band contamination
The glass band tape on glass-banded commutators can fail if contamination such as carbon dust gets under-
neath the band. This banding is usually protected against contamination by covering it with a material such as
DÀXRURSRO\PHUHODVWRPHU6ROYHQWVVKRXOGQRWEHXVHGWRFOHDQFRPPXWDWRUVEHFDXVHFRQWDPLQDWLRQFDQEH
washed under the bands. The purpose of the glass band tape is to continually apply tension on the copper and
insulated segment pack of the commutator during service to maintain stability at high speeds.
7.8.2 Electrical tracking
A buildup of carbon dust behind the commutator risers on the steel shell causes problems with arcing. If car-
ERQGXVWEXLOGVXSRQWKHPLFDSODWHWKDWLQVXODWHVWKHEDUVDQGWKLVMXQFWLRQLVEULGJHGDÀDVKRYHUFDQRFFXU
7.8.3 Commutator wear
$SURSHU¿OPRQWKHFRPPXWDWRUVHUYLFHLVQHFHVVDU\LQRUGHUWRSURYLGHSURSHUFRPPXWDWLRQ7HPSHUDWXUH
DWPRVSKHUHDQGEUXVKJUDGHDIIHFWWKH¿OPDQGLIWKH¿OPLVFKDQJHGHOHFWULFDOO\RUPHFKDQLFDOO\FRPPXWDWRU
wear will be accelerated. Chemical contamination, abrasive dust, and oil vapor will wear away or change the
FRPPXWDWRU¿OPWRDQRQFRQGXFWLYH¿OPHYHQWXDOO\FDXVLQJWKUHDGLQJ7KUHDGLQJLVFLUFXPIHUHQWLDOJURRYHV

,(((6WG
on the commutator caused by an abrasive or electro-chemical action of the brushes, light electrical loading,
light brush pressure, or porous brushes.
Commutator bar surface etching caused by arcing between the brushes and commutator typically looks like
SLWWLQJHURGHGRUEXUQWEDUV,IHWFKLQJLVQRWFRUUHFWHGÀDWVSRWVZLOOGHYHORSRQWKHFRPPXWDWRUVHUYLFH)ODW
spots can also be caused by vibration.
Another problem that can occur is “copper drag”. Copper is dragged over the trailing edges of the commutator
EDUVDQGLWORRNVOLNHVPDOOÀDNHVRUIHDWKHUV,WLVFDXVHGE\DFRQWDPLQDWHGDWPRVSKHUHH[FHVVLYHYLEUDWLRQ
low current density of the brush or the wrong brush grade, or copper imbedded into the brush.
As the commutator surface gradually wears, the undercut portion of the commutator (mica insulation between
copper bars) will eventually protrude above the copper surface. If this is not corrected, excessive commutator
wear and brush wear will develop.
,IWKHSUREOHPVZLWKFRPPXWDWRUZHDUDUHQRWFRUUHFWHGDÀDVKRYHUZLOOHYHQWXDOO\RFFXU
7.8.4 Commutator eccentricity
If the commutator runs off center, the brushes will ride up and down within their holders on every rotation. As
the speed increases, the brushes lose contact with the surface causing burning on the commutator. This eccen-
tricity can be caused by distortion due to wide temperature changes and high speed, a bent shaft, bearings that
are not running true, an offset coupling, and whether the commutator was machined off center.
7.8.5 Commutator brush wear
The wear of commutator brushes may be accelerated by the rough surface of a commutator. A commutator
with excessive runout is considered damaging to the brushes with which it is in contact. Acceptable amount of
runout depends on machine parameters; consult the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for acceptable
values and limits. Silicone vapor or abrasive dust contaminants in the air such as welding fumes or grinding of
metals in the powerhouse will accelerate brush wear. Excessive sparking caused by incorrect brush pressure
and/or an incorrect brush grade will also cause accelerated brush wear.
7.9 Stator core insulation aging mechanisms

This subclause discusses the most common causes of stator core insulation failures in both induction and syn-
chronous machines. Core lamination insulation shorting and mechanical damage can occur from a variety of
aging and failure mechanisms that can be thermal, electrical, mechanical, design, or manufacturing related.
Stator cores used in large turbine generators, hydrogenerators, and motors, which have segmented stator cores,
are most susceptible to failures from these causes. Some of these failure mechanisms will only occur in specif-
ic types of machines, whereas others are applicable to all types.
7.9.1 Thermal aging
Degradation of the core condition due to the effects of thermal aging can occur in all rotating machine laminat-
ed cores. Core overheating will cause accelerated aging of the core insulation if its thermal rating is exceeded
for an extended period of time. This is most likely to occur if an organic varnish is used, since this will dry out
due to loss of solvents by evaporation of low-molecular-weight components. Once this occurs, the varnish
becomes brittle, cracks, and eventually breaks down. As a consequence, interlamination shorts will devel-
op, eddy currents will increase, and this will eventually lead to core melting due to even higher temperature
operation. In large hydrogen-cooled turbo generators, condition monitors may be installed to provide early
detection of core insulation overheating. These monitors detect the presence of materials driven off the core by
excessive heating in the hydrogen cooling gas.

,(((6WG
a) General Core Overheating. The most common causes of general core overheating are as follows:
Loss of cooling water in totally enclosed machines.
2) High ambient air temperatures for open-ventilated, air-cooled machines.
3) Blockage of air inlets in open-ventilated air-cooled machines due to pollution or debris.
4) Complete or partial blockage of cooling-air passageways due to the accumulation of oil, dirt, etc.
5) Turbine generator operation at reduced hydrogen pressure
b) Local Core Overheating. The most common causes of this are as follows:
Inadequate cooling of certain areas of the core due to poor design or blockage by debris (e.g.,
FRROLQJDLURUK\GURJHQÀRZLVWRRORZRUQRQH[LVWHQWLQWKHVHDUHDV
2) Manufacturing errors (e.g., some cooling-medium, passages have been blocked due to missing
holes or cut-outs in the core support structure)
Overheating can, of course, also result from core insulation degradation initiated by electrical or mechanical
aging mechanisms, as described in and .
7.9.2 Electrical aging
(OHFWULFDODJLQJRFFXUVZKHQWKHYROWDJHDFURVVWKHODPLQDWLRQLQVXODWLRQLQGXFHGE\PDJQHWLFÀX[HVHOHF-
tromagnetic forces, or high ground-fault currents causes deterioration. Although direct current and transient
voltages may cause aging, it is normally ac-voltage induced effects that cause the most severe damage. Degra-
dation from electrical aging can occur in all types of stator and rotor laminated cores.
The root causes of electrically induced core insulation degradation can be subdivided into the categories of
overheating due to over or under excitation, winding ground faults, and stator-to-rotor rubs due to unbalanced
magnetic pull effects. These are discussed in .
7.9.2.1 Stator core end overheating due to under excitation
7KHPDLQDLUJDSÀX[LQV\QFKURQRXVPDFKLQHVLVLQWKHUDGLDOGLUHFWLRQ7KLVÀX[LVUHVSRQVLEOHIRUJHQHUDWLQJ
WKHYROWDJHLQWKHVWDWRUZLQGLQJ,QDGGLWLRQV\QFKURQRXVPDFKLQHVKDYHVLJQL¿FDQWOHDNDJHÀX[HVLQWKH
HQGUHJLRQHVSHFLDOO\ZKHQWKHURWRUZLQGLQJLVXQGHUH[FLWHG7KHVHIULQJLQJ¿HOGVDUHSURGXFHGE\FXUUHQWV
in the stator and rotor end-windings and by the discontinuities at the stator and rotor core surfaces. The axial
FRPSRQHQWRIWKLV¿HOGJHQHUDWHVFLUFXODWLQJFXUUHQWVZLWKLQWKHVHJPHQWVRIWKHHQGUHJLRQVWDWRUODPLQD-
tions, generating some additional electrical losses and thus, heat. Some design features that help to reduce
FRUHHQGKHDWLQJDUHVWHSSHGFRUHHQGVVOLWWHHWKDQGÀX[VKXQWVRUÀX[VKLHOGV7KHHGG\FXUUHQWVGXHWRWKH
D[LDOPDJQHWLF¿HOGFDXVHVWUD\ORVVHVLQWKHHQGUHJLRQV7KHD[LDOPDJQHWLF¿HOGLVVHQVLWLYHWRFKDQJHVLQ
ORDGDQGSRZHUIDFWRU'XULQJOHDGLQJSRZHUIDFWRUXQGHUH[FLWDWLRQRSHUDWLRQWKLV¿HOGFDQEHTXLWHKLJKLQ
large machines, especially if they have long end-windings like in large high-speed synchronous machines or
direct-water-cooled windings. This can degrade the interlaminar insulation as follows:
a) Higher temperatures occur, which may reduce the dielectric strength of the interlaminar insulation
over time and also give rise to other stresses due to expansion and relative motion between compo-
nents. Modern inorganic core insulation such as aluminum orthophosphate is capable of withstanding
WHPSHUDWXUHVDVKLJKDV&+RZHYHULQVRPHPDFKLQHV²HVSHFLDOO\LIWKH\ZHUHEXLOWEHIRUH
²WKLVOLPLWLVPXFKORZHU,QDGGLWLRQWKHORQJWHUPHIIHFWRIRSHUDWLQJQHDUWKHFRUHLQVXODWLRQ
rated temperature is that this could reduce its life.
b) The circulating currents in the laminations can result in relatively high voltages being developed be-
tween adjacent core laminations. Under extreme conditions this voltage may be an order of magnitude

,(((6WG
higher than normal. It has been shown that minor defects in the interlaminar insulation may provide a
path for circulating currents, causing further, perhaps serious, local deterioration.
The combined effect of the two previously noted mechanisms in conjunction with other existing stresses can
damage interlaminar insulation in the stator core end regions near the bore. This increases circulating currents
between laminations, causing temperature rise, local weakening, and tooth vibration and breakage from high
cycle fatigue. Some manufacturers install thermocouples in this area of the core during manufacturing to mon-
itor for insulation degradation from such aging mechanisms. A rising trend or a sudden increase in temperature
recorded by these sensors can provide an early warning of the problem.
7.9.2.2 Overheating of back-of-stator core due to over excitation
In order to keep the physical size of large, two- and four-pole synchronous machines within reasonable limits,
LWLVQHFHVVDU\WRH[FLWHWKHVWDWRUFRUHDWDIDLUO\KLJKPDJQHWLFÀX[GHQVLW\/DPLQDWHGVWHHODVZHOODVWKH
lamination insulation, is therefore selected to avoid high core losses. The lamination insulation is chosen for
LWVORZGLHOHFWULFSHUPLWWLYLW\DQGJRRGLQVXODWLRQSURSHUWLHVXQGHUKLJKVWUHVV2YHUH[FLWLQJWKH¿HOGZLQGLQJ
FDQSURGXFHKLJKHUWKDQQRUPDOPDJQHWLFÀX[GHQVLWLHVDQGUHVXOWLQKLJKWHPSHUDWXUHVGXHWRLQFUHDVHGFRUH
losses.
7RUHGXFHWKHVL]HRIVRPHPDFKLQHVWKH\RNHRIWKHFRUHPD\EHUHGXFHGLQVL]HVXFKWKDWWKHÀX[GLVWULEXWLRQ
may be higher in the yoke than in the teeth. This makes these machines more prone to overheating in the core
behind the slot due to over excitation. In general, the core behind the slot has relatively less ventilation than
the teeth; therefore, the temperature increase is particularly steep as the iron begins to saturate. Once the tem-
perature has been elevated, the chances of lamination insulation breakdown are increased. Such a breakdown
would give rise to interlaminar shorts and increased eddy currents, which can cause even higher temperatures.
The higher temperature can also cause mechanical stresses, resulting in distortion and vibration.
$QRWKHUFRQWULEXWLQJHIIHFWGXHWRRYHUH[FLWDWLRQLVWKDWDVWKHFRUHVDWXUDWHVPRUHOHDNDJHÀX[ZLOORFFXUEH-
KLQGWKHFRUHLQWKHIUDPHDQGVXSSRUWLQJFRPSRQHQWV7KLVFDQOHDGWRKLJKHUFXUUHQWÀRZDQGDUFLQJDWDUHDV
of contact between the core and structural components.
When combined, these effects can eventually lead to fusing of laminations, melting of iron, and core failure.
7.9.2.3 Stator winding ground faults in core slots
7KHHQHUJ\DQGKHDWSURGXFHGE\VWDWRUJURXQGIDXOWVLQRUMXVWRXWVLGHWKHVORWUHJLRQDUHRIWHQVXI¿FLHQWWR
melt and fuse the core laminations at the core surface. If this core damage is not repaired when the failed coil
or bar is replaced, the new coil could also fail to ground as a result of the heat generated by the shorted lami-
nations. It is, therefore, important to perform tests to check the condition of core insulation in the vicinity of
ground fault damage before installing a new bar, coil, or winding.
7.9.2.4 Stator core faults from through-bolt insulation damage
In some medium to large motor and generator designs, the stator core pressure is maintained by bolts that pass
though axial holes in the stator core laminations and endplates and have nuts, steel washers, and insulating
washers installed on either end. Core pressure is maintained by keeping these nuts tight. These through bolts
have to be electrically isolated from the core with tube insulation to prevent core insulation shorting; if retain-
ing nuts become loose or the bolts stretch, the bolt insulation can fail from insulation abrasion resulting from
core lamination movement. Should this happen, core lamination shorting and core burning may occur.
7.9.3 Mechanical aging
The most common causes of mechanical degradation in cores are inadequate core pressure applied in manu-
facture, core pressure reduction in service due to relaxation of the core support structure, core vibration, back-
of-core looseness, and mechanical damage causing smearing of the core surface at the bore. Degradation due
42
,(((6WG
to core looseness is predominantly found in large generators and motors with a segmented core construction.
Core insulation damage due to vibration is most commonly found in large two-pole turbine generators. Me-
chanical damage to the core bore due to foreign body impact can occur in any type of machine.
7.9.3.1 Core looseness
:KHQWKHODPLQDWLRQVLQDVWDWRUFRUHEHFRPHORRVHWKH\FDQPRYHUHODWLYHWRRQHDQRWKHUXQGHUWKHLQÀXHQFH
of mechanical vibration and/or electromagnetic forces, and the insulation on them degrades due to abrasion. If
not detected in time, the lamination insulation in the areas of core looseness is removed and lamination short-
LQJRFFXUV7KHHGG\FXUUHQWVWKDWÀRZDVDUHVXOWRIWKLVVKRUWLQJFUHDWHH[FHVVLYHKHDWWKDWFDQHYHQWXDOO\OHDG
to core melting and lamination fracture. Core looseness can also result from vibration caused by the natural
IUHTXHQF\RIWKHFRUHDQGIUDPHEHLQJWRRFORVHWRWKHPDLQWZLFHSRZHUIUHTXHQF\+]RU+]HOHF-
tromagnetic core excitation frequency that occurs in all ac machines.
The stator cores in large machines with segmented laminations are built on axial key bars (often two per lam-
LQDWLRQZHOGHGWRWKHIUDPHRUFRQQHFWHGWKURXJKDVSULQJVWUXFWXUHWRWKHIRXQGDWLRQ$GRYHWDLO¿WEHWZHHQ
HDFKFRUHODPLQDWLRQVHJPHQWDQGWKHNH\EDUSURYLGHVUDGLDOVXSSRUWIRUWKHFRUH,IWKH¿WEHWZHHQWKHFRUH
laminations and key bars is, or becomes loose, then arcing between the two and shorting of the core lamina-
tions at the back of the stator core will occur.
7.9.3.2 Stator core relaxation, fretting, and failure—turbine generators
Core design and manufacturing problems contribute to this type of core deterioration. The following gives
some general information, which may not be applicable to particular situations.
Excessive use of resilient materials during manufacture may contribute to relaxation during service.
Core pressure is another important factor to consider during manufacture. This becomes more critical as the
length of the core increases with the rating. If the core support structure relaxes in service, then the core lam-
inations become loose. The most common location of such looseness is at the stator bore since this is farthest
from where the core pressure is applied.
If the laminations at the core bore are loose at the end of the core, the following sequence of degradation occurs
if this problem is not detected and quickly corrected:
a) 7KHFRUHLQVXODWLRQLVDEUDGHGGXHWRODPLQDWLRQUHODWLYHPRYHPHQWXQGHUWKHLQÀXHQFHRID[LDOHOHF-
WURPDJQHWLFIRUFHVIURPHQGOHDNDJHÀX[HV
b) Core lamination shorting and overheating starts to occur when the core insulation is removed by
abrasion.
c) Eventually, pieces of the lamination teeth will break off due to fatigue failure, and vent spacers may
also break free. Such debris can cause core insulation damage in other locations.
7.9.3.3 Stator core vibration—turbine generators
Some of the causes of high stator vibration in service are as follows:
a) Inadequate support of the core in the stator frame, creating an assembly resonant frequency close to
WZLFHWKHSRZHUVXSSO\IUHTXHQF\+]RU+]
b) Unbalanced phase loading.
c) ,QDGHTXDWHVWDWRUHQGZLQGLQJVXSSRUWFDXVLQJYLEUDWLRQVWKDWDUHUHÀHFWHGEDFNWRWKHFRUH
43
,(((6WG
(YHQZLWKRXWWKHVHIDFWRUVDFHUWDLQDPRXQWRIFRUHYLEUDWLRQH[LVWVGXHWRWKH+]RU+]ovalizing
IRUFHFDXVHGE\WKHPDJQHWLF¿HOG7KHGLVSODFHPHQWRIDORRVHFRUHFDXVHGE\WKHVHIRUFHVPD\UHVXOWLQUHOD-
tive motion between laminations and fretting of the lamination insulation to the point of breakdown.
7.9.3.4 Stator core fretting, relaxation, and failure—hydrogenerators
6LQFHDK\GURJHQHUDWRUFRUHKDVDODUJHGLDPHWHUDQGVKRUWGHSWKEHKLQGWKHZLQGLQJVORWLWLVUHODWLYHO\ÀH[-
ible and the frame is the main support. The magnetic forces between the rotor poles and stator core and the
thermal expansion of the stator core will, therefore, tend to produce displacements in the core.
In general, the displacements and resulting vibration due to magnetic forces between the rotor poles and the
stator core are small in multi-pole generators. When the number of slots per pole per phase is an integer, the
traveling wave produced by the magnetic force has a number of nodes equal to twice the number of poles; this
results in smaller displacement. In the case of fractional slot windings, that is, windings that have a non-integer
number of slots per pole per phase, larger displacement is possible due to wavelengths that can be longer than
the pole pitch. These mechanisms will cause corrosion fretting at the junction of the core to the key bars and
will accelerate the degradation of the core.
However, the bore section is particularly susceptible. It is physically weaker than the section behind the slot
DQGFDUULHVDKLJKHUÀX[GHQVLW\:KHQVWDWRUFRUHEXFNOLQJRFFXUVGXHWRODUJHUWKHUPDOH[SDQVLRQRIWKHFRUH
than the stator frame, the core pressure relaxes in some areas along the stator bore, and the lamination teeth
can vibrate. As these mechanisms weaken, the pressure between the laminations, the teeth are likely to chatter
and break off. The vibration could produce powder as the lamination insulation and lamination wears away.
6HFRQGDU\GDPDJHWRWKHVWDWRUDQGWKHURWRUFDQRFFXULIWKHGHEULV¿QGVLWVZD\LQWRWKHDLUJDS
7.9.3.5 Back-of-stator core overheating and burning
Overheating and burning of the back of a stator core can be caused by a loose connection between the core
laminations and the stator frame. Axial key bars welded to the frame are used for piling the core laminations.
$GRYHWDLO¿WEHWZHHQHDFKFRUHSODWHVHJPHQWDQGWKHNH\EDUSURYLGHVUDGLDOVXSSRUWIRUWKHFRUH7RDOORZ
DVVHPEO\RUVWDFNLQJRQWKHNH\EDUVDFOHDUDQFHLVQHFHVVDU\LQWKH³GRYHWDLO´¿W,IH[FHVVLYHWKLVFOHDUDQFH
will permit relative motion, intermittent contact, circulating currents and overheating during operation.
/HDNDJHÀX[DWWKHEDFNRIWKHFRUHLQGXFHVFXUUHQWVLQWKHNH\EDUV7KHVHFXUUHQWVÀRZWRJURXQGWKURXJK
WKHVWDWRUIUDPHZLWKRXWFDXVLQJDQ\KDUPSURYLGHGWKHUHLVQRSDWKIRUWKHPWRÀRZWKURXJKWKHFRUH7KLVLV
the case if the punchings are in good contact (positive grounding) with the key bars or if they are completely
isolated electrically (insulated key bars). However, should the clearance become excessive at some point, any
core vibration could cause intermittent contact at that point. This can cause cracking of key bar insulation, if
used, or core-to-key bar arcing if uninsulated key bars are used. In either case arcing between cores and key
EDUVFDQUHVXOWOHDGLQJWRRYHUKHDWLQJDQGFRUHPHOWLQJLQWKHORFDODUHD6PDOODPRXQWVRIPHOWLQJDUHGLI¿FXOW
to detect due to inaccessibility and the impracticability of monitoring a large area with thermocouples. An
early indication of this problem is an upward trend in frame vibration due to the increase in core-to-key bar
clearances.
Should a number of intermittent contacts develop on the key bars, the possibility of current transfer between
key bars would increase. The currents would begin to circulate through the low-resistance path offered by the
laminations. The resultant overheating could escalate into failure of interlaminar insulation and an increase in
circulating currents and temperature, leading to fusing of laminations, melting, and ultimately, core failure due
to widespread melting of the laminations.
This problem can be greatly reduced by interconnecting all the key bars at each end of the core by means of
ZHOGHGFRSSHUVWUDSVWRIRUPDULQJIRUFDUU\LQJWKHFLUFXODWLQJFXUUHQWV%HFDXVHUHWUR¿WWLQJFDQEHDPDMRU
task, the best time to do this is during manufacturing.
44
,(((6WG
7.9.3.6 Stator-to-rotor rubs
These types of failures mostly occur in machines that have relatively small air gaps, such as induction motors,
salient pole synchronous motors, or generators. Bearing failures, excessive unbalanced magnetic pull due to
poor air gap eccentricity or migration of stator frame, can allow the rotor and the stator to rub surfaces. If this
occurs, smearing of both the stator core at its bore and the rotor core outside diameter will occur. In addition,
WKHURWRUWRVWDWRUUXEELQJPD\JHQHUDWHVXI¿FLHQWKHDWWRFDXVHUDSLGWKHUPDODJLQJRIWKHVWDWRUZLQGLQJLQ-
sulation and a consequent ground fault. Such rubs can cause shorting of the insulation on both the stator and
laminated rotor.
7.9.3.7 Loose metal components entering the air gap
Bolts and other metallic components that break free from machine internal components can enter the air gap.
Such objects can be projected into the air gap. If this occurs, stator core gouging or smearing and consequent
insulation surface shorting can occur, often at multiple locations. Since large machines have much larger air
gaps and are often more complex in design, they are more susceptible to such damage (Duke et al. >%@(35,
7XUELQH*HQHUDWRU8VHUV*URXS:RUNVKRS>%@).
8. Visual inspection methods

9LVXDOLQVSHFWLRQVRIVWDWRUZLQGLQJVDUHXVXDOO\PDGHDWFRQYHQLHQWLQWHUYDOVLQWKHUDQJHRIWR\HDUV
Machine availability, operating hours, and maintenance history should be considered when selecting the fre-
quency of inspections. Depending on the machine design and physical size, a limited visual inspection can be
conducted with the rotor in place. Stator bar looseness in the end-windings or at the core edge may be visible.
Step iron deterioration may also be detected and the general level of winding contamination can be determined
with the rotor in place. The bushing box area should also be inspected to evaluate the circuit rings and tightness
of the end-winding structure.
5RERWLFLQVSHFWLRQWHFKQLTXHVDUHDYDLODEOHIURPVHYHUDOVRXUFHV7KHVHFDQSURYLGHPRUHGHWDLOVDORQJWKH
airgap than visual inspection from the stator ends. Both stator and rotor surface can be inspected and a visual
record can be produced for future reference.
$URWRURXWLQVSHFWLRQVKRXOGEHFRQVLGHUHGHYHU\WR\HDUVEDVHGRQWKHUHVXOWVRISDVWOLPLWHGLQVSHFWLRQV
and operating information. A rotor out inspection permits detailed rotor and stator condition assessment. Some
testing, such as corona probe and core iron testing, must be performed with the rotor or several poles of a
salient pole machine removed. Major stator repairs such as re-wedging can only be performed with the rotor
removed. This is a major activity and should not be scheduled without good reason.
To achieve maximum effectiveness, a visual inspection program should be directed initially to those areas that
have been shown by previous experience to be most prone to the forms of damage or degradation caused by the
LQÀXHQFHVOLVWHGLQWKLVJXLGH
A suggested condition appraisal, summarizing areas prone to deterioration or damage, is shown in Annex E.
8.1 Visual inspection safety

*HQHUDWRULQVSHFWLRQVPXVWEHFRQGXFWHGZLWKWKHSURSHUVDIHW\SUHFDXWLRQV6RPHRIWKHUHTXLUHPHQWVPD\
EHVLWHVSHFL¿FVLQFHDJHQHUDWRULVRIWHQGHVLJQDWHGD³FRQ¿QHGVSDFH´7KHPDFKLQHVWDWRUZLQGLQJVPXVWEH
grounded with a visible opening in each phase circuit to prevent energizing the machine during an inspection.
Spool pieces in the carbon dioxide line and hydrogen line are to be removed to prevent gas from entering
during the inspection. Oxygen levels are to be monitored during the inspection. The proper turbine generator
or hydrogenerator penstock clearances must be signed prior to the generator inspection. Hydrogenerators have
other additional safety requirements such as the following:
45
,(((6WG
— Locking in place the servomotors for the guide vanes or needles of the machine inlet valve or intake
gate.
— Brakes engaged and/or rotor jacked to prevent water getting into the turbine or rotation while conduct-
ing the inspection.
8.2 Armature winding

8.2.1 Thermal aging
([DPLQDWLRQRIFRLOVPD\UHYHDOJHQHUDOSXI¿QHVVVZHOOLQJLQWRYHQWLODWLRQGXFWVRUDODFNRI¿UPQHVVRIWKH
insulation. These symptoms suggest a loss of bond and separation between insulation layers or between the
insulation and the conductors. (The winding insulation will have a hollow sound when tapped.) The insulation
may also be brittle.
Shrinkage of the insulation may lead to loosening of the coil in the slot or of the bracing. The subsequent vibra-
tion can result in groundwall abrasion and loss of coil semiconducting slot stress control.
8.2.2 Cracking
Cracking of the insulation or in the surface paint may result from prolonged or abnormal mechanical stresses.
A common cause of cracking in armature windings is looseness of the bracing structure.
8.2.3 Girth cracking
&LUFXPIHUHQWLDOFUDFNLQJRIWKHJURXQGZDOOLGHQWL¿HVJLUWKFUDFNLQJ*LUWKFUDFNLQJFDQRFFXURQDVSKDOWLF
ZLQGLQJVSDUWLFXODUO\LQPDFKLQHVZLWKFRUHOHQJWKVJUHDWHUWKDQDERXWPIW3DUWLFXODUDWWHQWLRQVKRXOG
be paid to the areas immediately adjacent to the ends of the slots. Where considerable cracking is observed, it
is recommended that the wedges at the ends of the slot be removed for inspection, as dangerous cracks may
also have occurred just within the slots.
8.2.4 Contamination
Surface contamination adversely affects insulation strength. The most common contaminants are carbon and
other conducting substances such as oil and moisture.
3DUWLFXODUO\GDPDJLQJDUHPDJQHWLFSDUWLFOHVLURQWHUPLWHVWKDWYLEUDWHZLWKWKHHIIHFWVRIWKHPDJQHWLF¿HOG

in the machine.
8.2.5 Carbon deposits
Carbon accumulation over insulation surfaces can provide paths for leakage currents. For example, the risers
(the connection straps between commutator bars and coils) may collect carbon deposits that can initiate elec-
trical tracking, with resultant burning, and subsequent failure.
8.2.6 Abrasion
Insulation surfaces may be damaged by contact with abrasive substances. Abrasion-resistant coatings are of-
ten used to extend the life of windings operating in abrasive environments.
/RRVHVORWZHGJHVRUVORW¿OOHUV
This condition may result in abrasion of the insulation. It can also reduce the effectiveness of coil bracing
against short circuit and other abnormal mechanical forces. The semiconducting stress control system can be
damaged, resulting in slot discharge.
46
,(((6WG
8.2.8 Erosion
Foreign substances impinging against insulation surfaces may cause erosion. Even the high-velocity cooling
air in salient pole machines can, over time, wear down the winding protective paint coating.
8.2.9 Corrosion/chemical attack
Corrosive atmospheric conditions commonly found in chemical plants, rubber mills, and paper manufacturing
facilities can chemically attack some insulation materials. Solvents can swell and reduce the mechanical prop-
erties of insulating materials.
8.2.10 Erosion by partial discharge
Insulation of higher-voltage rated windings can be deteriorated by partial discharges in the slot section and in
the end-windings. Evidence of partial discharge is found on the surface of the coils and is typically white, gray,
or red deposits in areas where the insulation is subject to high electrical stresses. Some experience is required
to distinguish these effects from powdering, which can occur as a result of movement between surfaces such
as in loose end-winding structures.
8.2.11 Rotational forces
The effects of over speed may be observed on dc armatures by distortion of the windings, commutator risers,
looseness or cracking of the banding, or movement of slot wedges.
8.2.12 Commutator condition
Commutators should be checked for uneven discoloration, which can result from short-circuiting due to break-
GRZQRILQVXODWLRQEHWZHHQEDUV7KH\VKRXOGDOVREHFKHFNHGIRUSLQKROHVDQGEXUUVFDXVHGE\ÀDVKRYHU
Commutator groove bands should be carefully inspected for the following:
— Dryness or darkening, which may be an indication of loss in strength due to over-temperature

— Circumferential cracks within the band or at the groove walls, which may admit conductive
contaminants.
Separation of the band at the groove wall may be indicative of internal damage.
5HVWUDLQLQJEDQGVRU³VWULQJEDQGV´WKDWVHFXUHWKHH[SRVHGVXUIDFHRIWKHFRPPXWDWRUFRQHVVKRXOGEHLQ-
spected for separation from the segment surface. Separation at this point is an area for the entry of contaminants.
The area immediately behind the commutator can also be a repository for carbon.
8.3 Field windings

In addition to insulation degradation from causes similar to those listed in , close attention should be direct-
HGWRWKH¿HOGZLQGLQJVOLVWHGLQ through .
8.3.1 Coil distortion
'LVWRUWLRQRI¿HOGFRLOVPD\EHFDXVHGE\DEQRUPDOPHFKDQLFDOHOHFWULFDORUWKHUPDOIRUFHV6XFKGLVWRUWLRQ
may cause looseness that can lead to failure of turn or ground insulation.

,(((6WG
8.3.2 Loose collars or coils
)RUDQROGHU¿HOGSROHDVVHPEO\XWLOL]LQJZRRGRUQRQHSR[\PDWHULDOIRUFROODUVVKULQNDJHRYHUWLPHPD\
FDXVHFROODUORRVHQHVV7KLVORRVHQHVVJUHDWO\GHSHQGVRQKRZWKH¿HOGSROHZDVDVVHPEOHGDQGWKHWROHUDQFHV
VSHFL¿HG7KHSXUSRVHRIWKHFROODURQD¿HOGSROHLVWRLQFUHDVHWKHFUHHSDJHSDWKLQVXODWLRQVXUIDFHSDWK
to ground. While the machine is in service, centrifugal forces will keep the collar tight up against the coil and
VKRXOGQRWFDXVHDQ\GLI¿FXOW\:KHQWKHPDFKLQHFRPHVWRUHVWDVPDOOPRYHPHQWRIWKHFROODULQWKHUDGLDO
and tangential direction may occur. The degree to which it moves radially and tangentially will determine how
quickly, if at all, it degrades the groundwall insulation.
:KHQLQVSHFWLQJDFROODU¿UPKDQGSUHVVXUHVKRXOGEHXVHGWRWU\DQGPRYHWKHFROODULQWKHUDGLDOGLUHFWLRQ
2QDWLJKW¿HOGFROODUQRPRYHPHQWVKRXOGEHQRWLFHG2QDORRVHFROODUVRPHPRYHPHQWLQWKHRUGHURIOHVV
WKDQPPLQUDGLDOPD\RFFXU&RQVXOWWKH2(0LIPRYHPHQWLVGHWHFWHGIRUSRVVLEOHUHPHGLDODFWLRQ
)RUPRGHUQGD\¿HOGSROHDVVHPEOLHVRUUHLQVXODWHGDVVHPEOLHVHSR[\DQG¿EHUJODVVDUHXVHGIRUWKHFROODUV
so shrinkage and looseness should not be an issue. Furthermore, the collars may be sealed against the ground-
wall insulation using silicone, which will assist in the prevention of contamination ingress, as well as prevent-
ing motion of the collar. On a horizontal unit during startup and shutdown, the radial motion of a loose collar
is a greater issue.
7KH¿HOGFRLOLVDVVHPEOHGRQWRWKHSROHERG\ZLWKWKHJURXQGZDOOLQVXODWLRQDOUHDG\LQSODFHRUZLWKWKHFRLO
encased with the groundwall insulation and placed over the pole body. In either case, the coil itself is posi-
tioned onto the pole body using shims held in place with some kind of binder (shellac or varnish). The coil may
have been shimmed along its length additionally to make sure it was secure, though this would depend on the
PDQXIDFWXUHU,WLVSRVVLEOHZLWKWLPHWKDWWKHELQGLQJDJHQWXVHGRQWKHVKLPVGHWHULRUDWHVDQGWKH¿HOGFRLO
LVORRVHZLWKUHVSHFWWRWKHSROHERG\,QPRVWFDVHVLWLVQRWSRVVLEOHWRPRYHWKH¿HOGFRLOE\KDQGEHFDXVHRI
LWVZHLJKW$ORRVH¿HOGFRLOWKDWKDVDEUDGHGWKHJURXQGZDOOLQVXODWLRQZLOOUHVXOWLQSRRUUHDGLQJVGXULQJWKH
LQVXODWLRQUHVLVWDQFHWHVW,WZLOOEHQHFHVVDU\WRLVRODWHWKHSROHDQGGLVDVVHPEOHWRFRQ¿UPWKHFDXVH
8.3.3 Rotor coil tightness
In cylindrical rotors (also known as “round rotor” in ,(((6WDQGDUGV'LFWLRQDU\*ORVVDU\RI7HUPVDQG'H¿-

nitions), evidence of heating of wedges at their contact with the retaining ring body, and “half-mooning” or
cracks on the retaining rings, can be caused by high circulating currents. These currents may be due to unbal-
anced operation, excessive loads, or sustained single-phase faults close to the generator, such as in the leads or
generator bus.
The condition and tightness of end-winding blocking, end-winding distortion, signs of deterioration or move-
ment of the retaining ring insulating liner due to the previously noted effects, and any other looseness should
be noted.
3RZGHUHGLQVXODWLRQRQVXUIDFHVRULQDLUGXFWVLVHYLGHQFHRIFRLOPRYHPHQW5HGR[LGHDWPHWDOOLFMRLQWVLV
evidence of fretting (relative movement of metal parts).
7KH LQWHJULW\ RI ¿HOG OHDG FRQQHFWLRQV DQG FRQGLWLRQ RI FROOHFWRU DQG FROOHFWRUOHDG LQVXODWLRQ VKRXOG EH
checked on a regular basis, since failure of a joint during operation will lead to very serious consequences.
8.3.4 Brush rigging
,QVXODWLRQVXSSRUWLQJWKHEUXVKULJJLQJVKRXOGEHFKHFNHGIRUHYLGHQFHRIÀDVKRYHURUFDUERQL]HGOHDNDJH
paths and cleaned from contamination on a regular basis. Spring pressures and brush alignment should be in-
spected. Abnormal wear should also be documented and remedied as the cause is normally an environmental
issue.

,(((6WG
8.3.5 Collector
$YLVXDOLQVSHFWLRQRIWKHULQJVXUIDFHWKDWORRNVIRUDQ\SLWWLQJGLVFRORUDWLRQVXUIDFH¿QLVKDQGRUXQHYHQ
wear should be performed. Collector rings often use helical grooves to allow for expulsion of dust and debris,
as well as to allow the brush proper contact by preventing the brush from riding on a cushion of air. Check
these grooves for contaminants and measure the groove depth to assure that they are within the manufacturer’s
VSHFL¿FDWLRQ
Inspect for any contamination in the collector housing area, which could destroy the collector contact surface
¿OP&RPPRQFRQWDPLQDQWVDUHDVIROORZVÀXRULQHFKORULQHEURPLQHLRGLQHVLOLFRQHDOFRKROVNHWRQHV
and esters among others. (Note that silicon from common silicone sealants used anywhere near the collector
has often been found to be a very detrimental contaminant.) A visual inspection for cracks in the collector in-
sulation and banding should be performed, and any signs of excessive of uneven heating of arc pitting in the
surface should be noted.
8.4 Core and frame assembly

The following items listed in through DUHFRQVLGHUHGWREHWKHPRVWVLJQL¿FDQWLQLQVSHFWLQJWKH
core and frame assembly.
8.4.1 Stator (armature) core
A close examination should be made at the core surface for evidence of damage. Failure of interlaminar insula-
tion may occur and is usually precipitated by external causes. Among these causes are the following:
— Operation in the far under excited region (round rotor machine)

— Over-excitation
— Mechanical damage due to foreign objects
— Surface rubs
— 9LEUDWLRQ
— Excessive heating due to power arcs created by winding failure
— ([FHVVLYHORVVHVLQWKH¿QJHUSODWHVRIODUJHPDFKLQHV
Failure may also result from rewind processing when excessive heat is applied to insulated laminated cores for
coil removal. Such damage can initiate winding insulation faults and equipment failure. Careful inspection of
the core condition is therefore mandatory whenever the machine in question is out of service for maintenance
purposes. If distress is observed, a loop test is recommended. The loop tests are described in Annex C and
Annex D.
Inspect for looseness of core laminations. Loose core laminations at the air-gap side of the core (teeth)—
particularly at core ends—will vibrate, abrade interlaminar insulation (and ground insulation), short circuit
laminations, and cause heating. Also, vibrating laminations may fatigue, crack, break off, and contaminate the
machine with iron particles. Iron oxide powder deposits (evidence of fretting) are an indication of loose core
iron or loose wedges.
Inspect ventilation ducts for loose or broken ventilation duct separators (I-beam or other spacers). These can
cause core looseness or they can break off, resulting in mechanical damage to coil insulation and to the core
interlaminar insulation.
2YHUKHDWLQJRIWKHHQG¿QJHUSODWHVLVHYLGHQWE\GLVFRORUDWLRQRIWKHSDLQWRUFRPSRQHQWVLQWKHDUHDVDIIHFW-
ed. Abnormal overheating can lead to thermal degradation of the interlaminar insulation.

,(((6WG
(QGÀX[VKLHOGRYHUKHDWLQJZKHQSUHVHQWLVHYLGHQFHGE\GLVFRORUDWLRQRIWKHSDLQWRUFRPSRQHQWVLQWKH

areas affected. When these shields are insulated, abnormal heating can lead to thermal degradation of the
insulation.
8.4.2 Core insulated through bolts
:KHUHWKHVHDUH¿WWHGH[DPLQDWLRQRIWKHLQVXODWHGZDVKHUDQGDVVRFLDWHGSLHFHVLVLQGLFDWHGWRJHWKHUZLWK
YHUL¿FDWLRQRIWLJKWQHVVDQGORFNLQJRIWKHQXWV7KHLQVXODWLRQUHVLVWDQFHRIWKURXJKEROWVWRWKHFRUHVKRXOG
also be checked.
8.4.3 Bearing, hydrogen seal, and other insulation
Whenever bearings and other mechanical parts are disassembled, inspect their insulation for signs of deterio-
UDWLRQ3LWWLQJLQWKHEHDULQJPDWHULDOPD\EHHYLGHQFHRIEHDULQJLQVXODWLRQIDLOXUH5HIHUWR,(((6WGIRU
electrical test procedure.
9. Insulation maintenance testing

9.1 Principles of maintenance testing
A list of electrical tests designed to detect particular areas of weakness is included in this maintenance guide.
Additional information is contained in IEEE Std 62.2. It should be noted that all tests are not applicable to all
machines. The tests listed below have been used generally, either to establish the long-time trends in parts of
WKHLQVXODWLRQVWUXFWXUHRUWRGHWHFWVSHFL¿FW\SHVRIÀDZVWKDWPD\GHYHORSLQSRUWLRQVRIWKHLQVXODWLRQ:LWK
many maintenance tests, the trends measured over a period of years are normally more important than absolute
PHDVXUHGYDOXHVGHWHUPLQHGDWDVSHFL¿FLQVSHFWLRQSHULRG$VXGGHQFKDQJHLQWKHYDOXHVIRUDJLYHQPDFKLQH
should be investigated and the cause determined. Some electrical tests may be potentially damaging to the in-
sulation. The risks with such tests should also be recognized. For example, when a winding that has been pro-
viding good service is tested, but has a fault near ground or neutral connections, the fault may be worsened to a
potentially nonfunctional condition. Where there is uncertainty about insulation condition, it is recommended
that the manufacturer be consulted; if the manufacturer is no longer available, an insulation specialist should
be consulted.
Insulation maintenance tests in this guide have been grouped as follows:
a) 7HVWVFRQGXFWHGRQWKH¿HOG
b) Tests conducted on the armature
7KHLUFODVVL¿FDWLRQDQGLQFOXVLRQLQWKLVPDQQHULVIRUFRQYHQLHQFHDQGWKHVHOHFWLRQRIPDLQWHQDQFHWHVWVZLOO
depend on the user’s own philosophy, performance records, production, and economics. The user is encour-
DJHGWRGLVFXVV¿QGLQJVZLWKWKHPDQXIDFWXUHURULQVXODWLRQVSHFLDOLVWIRULQWHUSUHWDWLRQDQGWUHQGV
The tests are given in synopsis form in this guide; however, further details are provided in Annex C, Annex D,
and in the appropriate IEEE standards to which reference is made.
7HVWVFRQGXFWHGRQWKH¿HOGZLQGLQJ
$OO¿HOGZLQGLQJVKDYHWZRW\SHVRILQVXODWLRQJURXQGLQVXODWLRQDQGWXUQLQVXODWLRQ7KHLQVXODWLRQUHVLV-
tance of the ground insulation can be measured according to IEEE Std 43. In addition, the suitability for ser-
vice can be determined using an over potential test. The insulation resistance or condition of the turn insulation
can be determined by the tests described in the following subclauses.

,(((6WG
There are times when continued operation of a machine in a fault mode may be essential to avoid an outage.
In generators, shorted turns in a rotor can be of a minor nature—unlike shorted turns in the stator—and they
may not necessarily require immediate re-insulation. Although not recommended, rotors have been known to
operate for years with a few random short circuits between successive turns in the rotor winding. However, if
subsequent periodic impedance testing shows the shorting to be progressive in nature, re-insulation will likely
be necessary to ensure reliable operation. Continued operation of large salient pole motors known to have
shorted turns is not recommended, since further damage can occur due to high currents in the shorted turns,
particularly during start operations.
9.2.1 Insulation resistance
Insulation resistance testing is based on determining the current through the insulation and across the surface
when a direct voltage is applied. The current is dependent on the voltage and time of application, the area and
thickness of the insulation, and on temperature and humidity conditions during the test.
6LQFHLQVXODWHGURWRUZLQGLQJYROWDJHVDUHJHQHUDOO\OHVVWKDQ9WKLVWHVWLVQRUPDOO\SHUIRUPHGZLWKD
9LQVXODWLRQUHVLVWDQFHWHVWHU)RU¿HOGZLQGLQJVZLWKVOLSULQJVWKLVWHVWFDQEHSHUIRUPHGE\FRQQHFWLQJ
the insulation resistance tester between one slip ring and the rotor shaft, with the brushes lifted.
,IDV\QFKURQRXVPDFKLQH¿HOGZLQGLQJLVH[FLWHGE\DEUXVKOHVVH[FLWHUWKHQWKLVKDVWREHGLVFRQQHFWHGIURP
this device to allow this test to be performed. IEEE Std 43 outlines a recommended practice for insulation
resistance testing and the corrections to be made for temperature and humidity conditions. IEEE Std 43 also
provides recommended values for minimum insulation resistance for safe operation.
The insulation resistance test is used to determine the insulation condition prior to application of an overvolt-
age test, but in the case of rotors this is seldom done.
9.2.2 Dielectric absorption
In addition to the insulation resistance test, the dielectric absorption or polarization index may be measured
RQ¿HOGZLQGLQJLQVXODWLRQ,QDGGLWLRQWRWKHFRQVLGHUDWLRQVSURYLGHGLQ, IEEE Std 43 outlines a recom-
mended practice for measuring the dielectric absorption.
)RUWKLVWHVWWKHSRWHQWLDOLVXVXDOO\9GF
9.2.3 Winding resistance
$UHGXFWLRQLQUHVLVWDQFHRID¿HOGZLQGLQJRUFRLOPD\LQGLFDWHVKRUWLQJRIFRQGXFWRUVSRVVLEO\FDXVHGE\D
deterioration of the insulation between them. For complete windings or coils with many turns, this method
may not be accurate enough to detect shorted turns.
The rotor winding should be at room temperature before the cold resistance measurement is made and the tem-
SHUDWXUHRIWKHZLQGLQJFDUHIXOO\GHWHUPLQHG)RUV\QFKURQRXVPDFKLQHVLWLVQHFHVVDU\WKDW¿HOGUHVLVWDQFH
and the corresponding temperatures be accurately measured using several thermometers, thermocouples, or
57'VORFDWHGDWVXLWDEOHSRLQWVVLQFHWKHWHPSHUDWXUHULVHRIWKH¿HOGZLQGLQJGXULQJRSHUDWLRQLVFRPPRQO\
GHWHUPLQHGIURPWKHFKDQJHLQUHVLVWDQFH7KHPHDVXUHG¿HOGZLQGLQJUHVLVWDQFHVKRXOGEHFRPSDUHGWRIDFWR-
U\WHVWYDOXHDIWHUWHPSHUDWXUHFRUUHFWLRQDQGDQ\VLJQL¿FDQWGLIIHUHQFHVVKRXOGEHLQYHVWLJDWHG
In measuring the rotor resistance by the voltage-drop method, it is essential that voltage contacts for the volt-
meter be placed directly on the collector rings or exposed leads of the rotor winding.
9.2.4 Field winding voltage drop tests
This test, commonly known as a “voltage drop” test, is sometimes made in the factory and can also be used as
DPDLQWHQDQFHWHVW7KH¿HOGZLQGLQJLVHQHUJL]HGZLWKORZSRWHQWLDODOWHUQDWLQJYROWDJHVXFKDV9RUDW

,(((6WG
OHDVWWKHHTXLYDOHQWRI9SHUSROHDWFRQYHQWLRQDOSRZHUIUHTXHQF\:LWKWKH¿HOGFRLOVFRQQHFWHGLQVHULHV
similar coils should have a comparable voltage drop (on salient pole rotors with springs behind the coils, an ac
WHVWPD\RYHUKHDWWKHVSULQJVLIWKHWHVWFRQWLQXHVIRUPRUHWKDQPLQ
7KLVWHVWLVVXLWDEOHIRUF\OLQGULFDOURWRUZLQGLQJVRIWXUELQHJHQHUDWRUVDQGIRUZLQGLQJVRIPXOWLSOH¿HOGVRI
other machines. When a coil with short-circuited turns has been discovered, the test may be expanded to mea-
sure the voltage drops across individual coil turns.
9.2.5 Impedance test
The presence of short-circuited turns in the windings of cylindrical rotors of turbine generators or individual
¿HOGFRLOVRIVDOLHQWSROHJHQHUDWRUVRUPRWRUVPD\EHGHWHFWHGE\LPSHGDQFHPHDVXUHPHQWVRQLQGLYLGXDO
coils. These measurements are usually obtained by applying a known current or voltage across the coil (a pow-
er frequency source is acceptable but higher frequency sources are preferred). Other parameters such as watts,
power factor, and volts-ampere are then measured. Similar coils should have a comparable impedance. A coil
with a shorted turn will have substantially different values for watts, impedance, and power factor.
The overall ohmic value of winding impedance obtained from the impedance test is useful if an initial reading
with no short-circuited turns is available for comparison. When ohmic values are used for comparison purpos-
es, test results should have been obtained at approximately the same frequency and voltage or current (contin-
gent upon which is the dependent and independent quantity) for the two tests being compared.
,QRSHUDWLRQWKH¿UVWVLJQVRIVKRUWFLUFXLWHGURWRUWXUQVPD\EHLQFUHDVHGURWRUYLEUDWLRQRULQFUHDVHVLQH[FL-
tation requirements.
7KHHIIHFWVRIVKRUWFLUFXLWHGWXUQVRQURWRUYLEUDWLRQPD\EHGXHWRHOHFWURPDJQHWLFRUWKHUPDOLQÀXHQFHV
(OHFWURPDJQHWLFHIIHFWVZRXOGEHLQKHUHQWO\PRUHSURQRXQFHGRQURWRUVZLWKIRXURUPRUHSROHV5HPRYDORI
excitation will often indicate whether the effects are electromagnetic, thermal, or both. If short-circuited turns
cause thermal unbalance, the vibration will vary with temperature and hence will lag any increase in excitation
by the length of time required for heating to occur. If variations from the cold to the hot condition are not too
great, weight adjustments can sometimes be made to keep the vibration amplitude entirely within a satisfacto-
ry range for all temperatures. Otherwise, either thermal balancing or re-insulation of the short-circuited turns
is necessary.
If the primary effect of short-circuited rotor turns is an increase in excitation requirements, re-insulating would
EHGHSHQGHQWRQWKHDELOLW\WRVXSSO\VXI¿FLHQW¿HOGH[FLWDWLRQ²XQGHUQRUPDOUHDFWLYHORDGFRQGLWLRQV²
without exceeding exciter or rotor recommended operating temperature limits.
3DVWH[SHULHQFHZLWKJHQHUDWRUVKDVSURYHQWKDWVKRUWFLUFXLWHGURWRUWXUQVDUHQRWXVXDOO\SURJUHVVLYHLQQD-
ture. Due to the increased excitation current requirements as a result of the short-circuited turn, the average
rotor temperature will likely increase. Changes in excitation requirements may be detected by comparison of a
recent no-load saturation curve with the original curve. If the rotor has a temperature recorder, the chart should
be examined for indications of a sudden drop in rotor resistance at the time vibration appeared.
If the rotor has brushless excitation, the manufacturer's instructions should be reviewed carefully before mak-
ing impedance tests.
9.2.6 Flux distribution tests
In addition to the impedance measurements referred to in of this guide, several other tests are available
by which short circuits between turns of cylindrical rotors can often be detected. Among these are the follow-
LQJPHWKRGVIRUPHDVXULQJWKHÀX[GLVWULEXWLRQ
52
,(((6WG
— 7KHÀX[GLVWULEXWLRQRYHUWKHURWRUERG\VXUIDFHLVGHWHUPLQHGE\PHDVXULQJWKHYROWDJHRQDWHVWFRLO
ZKLOHDSSO\LQJDQDFYROWDJHRIW\SLFDOO\9DW+]RU+]WRWKHURWRUZLQGLQJ7KHWHVWFRLO
is arranged to span adjacent rotor teeth and an iron-cored coil is typically used on the rotor body or an
air-cored coil can be used in the end-windings. The magnitude and sign of the voltage induced in the
FRLOIRUHDFKSDLURIWHHWKLVSORWWHG7KHÀX[SDWWHUQVKRZVDVLJQL¿FDQWFKDQJHLQPDJQLWXGHDQGVLJQ
whenever a short circuit exists in the slot being tested.
— ,QDSRSXODURQOLQHPHWKRGDSUREHLVSHUPDQHQWO\DI¿[HGWRWKHVWDWRUFRUHWRPHDVXUHWKHÀX[GXULQJ
RSHUDWLRQ7KHSUREHLVVHQVLWLYHWRWKHWLPHUDWHRIFKDQJHRIWKHUDGLDOÀX[LQWKHDLUJDS7KHPDJ-
QLWXGHRIWKLVÀX[LVSURSRUWLRQDOWRWKHFXUUHQWÀRZLQJWKURXJKWKHWXUQVIRXQGLQHDFKVORW7KLVÀX[
distribution curve evaluates the active turns in each slot by comparing slot peak magnitudes between
SROHV8VLQJWKLVÀX[GLVWULEXWLRQPHDVXUHPHQWWKHQXPEHUDQGORFDWLRQRIVKRUWHGWXUQVFDQWKHUHIRUH
be calculated for each pole in the rotor with the generator online.
— 7RIXOO\FKDUDFWHUL]HDF\OLQGULFDOURWRUDVHULHVRIÀX[GLVWULEXWLRQVDUHFROOHFWHGDWGLIIHUHQWZDWW
DQGYDURSHUDWLQJFRQGLWLRQV,GHDOO\WKHYDULDWLRQVZLOODOORZWKHÀX[GHQVLW\FXUYH]HURFURVVLQJV
)'=&WRDOLJQZLWKHDFKRIWKHOHDGLQJFRLOVORWSHDNVLQWKHÀX[GLVWULEXWLRQZDYHIRUP:KHQWKH
FDZC value aligns to a particular rotor slot, the maximum sensitivity for detecting shorted turns in that
slot occurs. The coils that are in the slots further away from the FDZC position will have decreased
VHQVLWLYLW\GXHWRDFRPELQDWLRQRIPDJQHWLFÀX[VDWXUDWLRQRIWKHURWRULURQDQGPRGXODWLRQHIIHFWV
9.2.7 Recurrent surge oscillography (RSO) test
7KHUHFXUUHQWVXUJHRVFLOORJUDSK\562WHVWFDQGHWHFWVKRUWHGWXUQVLQURXQGURWRU¿HOGZLQGLQJV7KLVLV

GRQHE\LQMHFWLQJLGHQWLFDOVLJQDOVRQERWKZLQGLQJHQGVDQGWKHQUHFRUGLQJDQGFRPSDULQJWKHUHÀHFWHGZDYH-
IRUPVIURPHDFKVLGHRIWKHZLQGLQJ7KHSXOVHVXVHGLQWKH562WHVWDUHORZYROWDJHW\SLFDOO\DERXW9$
V\PPHWULFDOURWRUZLQGLQJVKRXOGSURGXFHLGHQWLFDOUHÀHFWHGZDYHIRUPV'LIIHUHQFHVLQWKHWZRZDYHIRUPV
FDQEHLGHQWL¿HGE\SORWWLQJWKHWZRZDYHIRUPVQH[WWRHDFKRWKHURUE\VXEWUDFWLQJWKHWZRZDYHIRUPV)RU
example, a turn short in a coil may be represented by a peak in the subtracted waveform, with a time delay pro-
portional to the distance of the turn short from the collector. This test can also identify the location of ground
IDXOWVLQJURXQGURWRU¿HOGZLQGLQJVDQGEHXVHGDVDURWDWLQJWHVWLIWKH¿HOGZLQGLQJLVFRQQHFWHGWRVOLSULQJV
9.3 Tests conducted on the armature (stator)

9.3.1 Insulation resistance test at low voltage
Insulation resistance testing is based on determining the current through the insulation and across the surface
when a direct voltage is applied. The current is dependent on the voltage and time of application, the area and
thickness of the insulation, and on temperature and humidity conditions during the test.
This test is usually made on all or parts of an armature to ground. The test can be performed with or without
a guard electrode. The test primarily indicates the degree of contamination of the insulating surfaces or solid
insulation and will not usually reveal complete or uncontaminated ruptures.
IEEE Std 43 outlines a recommended practice for insulation resistance testing and the corrections to be made
for temperature and humidity conditions. IEEE Std 43 also provides recommended values for minimum insu-
lation resistance for safe operation.
The insulation resistance test is used to determine the insulation condition prior to application of an overvolt-
age test.
9.3.2 Dielectric absorption test
Dielectric absorption testing is the determination of insulation resistance as a function of time. This test, like
the insulation resistance test, is made on all or parts of an armature circuit to ground.
53
,(((6WG
IEEE Std 43 outlines the test procedures and equipment used for the standard method of performing the test,
ZKLFKLVXVXDOO\PDGHDWDWHVWSRWHQWLDORI9WR9GF7HVWVDWKLJKHUSRWHQWLDOVDUHFRPPRQO\PDGH
XVLQJWKHYROWPHWHUDPPHWHUPHWKRGRIUHVLVWDQFHGHWHUPLQDWLRQDVRXWOLQHGLQ,(((6WG
'XULQJWKLVWHVWWKHSRWHQWLDOLVKHOGXQWLOWKHLQVXODWLRQUHVLVWDQFHVWDELOL]HVRUIRUDSHULRGRIPLQ7KH
slope of the time resistance characteristic gives information on the relative condition of the insulation with re-
VSHFWWRPRLVWXUHDQGRWKHUFRQWDPLQDQWV7KHUDWLRRIWKHPLQYDOXHWRWKHPLQYDOXHRILQVXODWLRQUHVLV-
WDQFHLVWHUPHGWKH³SRODUL]DWLRQLQGH[´RU³3,´7KLV3,YDOXHLVXVHIXOLQFRPSDULQJWKHUHVXOWVRISUHYLRXV
tests on the same machine.
Further details of these tests and suggested acceptable polarization indices for certain insulation systems are
contained in IEEE Std 43.
9.3.3 Over voltage tests
Overvoltage tests, also referred to as “high-potential” or “hi-pot” tests, are used to ensure minimum dielectric
strength of the insulation. Such tests are made on all or parts of the circuit-to-ground insulation of the armature
RU¿HOGZLQGLQJ
Many users of large rotating machines apply overvoltage tests periodically and generally at the beginning of a
machine overhaul or the overhaul of related equipment. This allows the detection and possible repair of insula-
tion weaknesses during the scheduled outage.
Overvoltage tests should be applied when possible to each phase in sequence, with the remaining two phases
QRWXQGHUWHVWDQGGHYLFHVVXFKDV57'VWKHUPRFRXSOHVDQGÀX[SUREHVJURXQGHG,QWKLVPDQQHUWKHLQVXOD-
tion between phases is also tested. This is only practical, however, where both ends of each phase are brought
out to separate terminals, as is usually the case in generators. Except for the larger horsepower ratings, most
motors have either three or four leads brought out, precluding a test between phases.
The level of over potential that should be applied will depend to a very large extent on the type of machine
involved, the degree of exposure to overvoltages, and the level of serviceability required from the machine in
TXHVWLRQ6XFKWHVWVVKRXOGEHVXI¿FLHQWO\VHDUFKLQJWRGLVFHUQDQ\ZHDNQHVVRULQFLSLHQWZHDNQHVVLQWKHLQ-
sulation structure that might lead to service failure. The test voltage should not, however, be so high as to cause
an unnecessary breakdown and the user should be aware that overvoltage test can be destructive.
Overvoltage tests may be performed either by alternating or direct voltage methods. The values of test voltag-
es usually are selected as follows:
a) )RU+]RU+]WHVWVWKHRYHUYROWDJHPD\EHUHODWHGWRWKHUDWHGPDFKLQHYROWDJHDQGWHVWVLQWKH
UDQJHRIWRRIWKHOLQHWROLQHYROWDJHDUHQRUPDO)RUUHFRPPHQGHGWHVWOHYHOVUHIHUWR
,(((6WG&DQG,(((6WG&2YHUYROWDJHWHVWVDUHW\SLFDOO\FRQGXFWHGIRUV)RUWHVW
procedures, refer to IEEE Std 4.
b) )RUWHVWVDWYHU\ORZIUHTXHQF\9/)RI+]WKHWHVWYROWDJHLVUHODWHGWRWKHPDFKLQHWHUPLQDO
YROWDJHDQGSHUIRUPHGLQWKHUDQJHRIWRRIWKHUDWHGOLQHWROLQHUPVYROWDJHPXOWLSOLHGE\
IRUWKHFUHVWYDOXHRIWKH+]WHVWYROWDJH(TXLSPHQWIRUPDNLQJRYHUYROWDJHWHVWVDWYHU\ORZ
IUHTXHQF\+]LVDYDLODEOH6XFKHTXLSPHQWLVW\SLFDOO\OHVVLQZHLJKWDQGVPDOOHULQVL]HWKDQWKH
HTXLYDOHQW+]RU+]HTXLSPHQW,WLVSRVVLEOHGXULQJ9/)RYHUYROWDJHWHVWVWRPRQLWRURWKHUSD-
rameters, such as partial discharge and dissipation factor, which provides the operator with additional
data as discussed in (Bawart >%@). For additional information, see IEEE Std 433.
c) For dc tests, the recommended test voltage is a function of the rated machine voltage multiplied by
a factor to represent the ratio between direct (test) voltage and alternating (rms) voltage. The recom-
PHQGHGYDOXHLVIURPWRRIWKHUDWHGOLQHWROLQHYROWDJHPXOWLSOLHGE\(TXLSPHQWIRU
54
,(((6WG
PDNLQJGFYROWDJHWHVWVLVW\SLFDOO\OHVVLQZHLJKWDQGVPDOOHULQVL]HWKDQWKHHTXLYDOHQW+]RU
+]WHVWHTXLSPHQW)RUWHVWSURFHGXUHVUHIHUWR,(((6WG
It should be recognized that if the windings are clean and dry, overvoltage tests may not detect defects that are
in the end turns or in leads remote from the stator core.
9.3.4 Controlled overvoltage test (dc)
A controlled overvoltage test is one in which the increase of applied direct voltage is controlled, and measured
currents are continuously observed for abnormalities, with the intention of stopping the test before breakdown
occurs. This test is often referred to as a “direct-current leakage,” a “step voltage,” or a “ramped voltage” test.
The most common methods are the step voltage or a ramped voltage test. Methods of conducting the test and
LQWHUSUHWDWLRQRIWKHUHVXOWVDUHGHWDLOHGLQ,(((6WGZKLFKZDVGHYHORSHGWRSURYLGHXQLIRUPSURFHGXUHV
for the following:
a) 3HUIRUPLQJKLJKGLUHFWYROWDJHDFFHSWDQFHWHVWVDQGURXWLQHPDLQWHQDQFHWHVWVRQWKHPDLQJURXQG
insulation.
b) Analyzing the variations in measured current so that any possible relationship of the components of
these variations to the condition of the insulation can be more effectively studied.
Many machine operators have found this test to be a useful maintenance tool, although there is some contro-
versy over the interpretation of the test results, and breakdown sometimes occurs without prior indication. The
RSHUDWRULVXUJHGWRVWXG\,(((6WGWRGHULYHVLJQL¿FDQWEHQH¿WIURPFRQWUROOHGRYHUYROWDJHWHVWLQJ
9.3.5 Alternative method of controlled overvoltage test
An alternative test method that has been adopted by some users is the “graded time test,” as detailed in An-
QH[$RI,(((6WG
In this test, an attempt is made to provide a linear relationship of the time-dependent absorption current with
WKHWRWDOOHDNDJHFXUUHQWDQGWKHUHIRUHREWDLQDPRUHVLJQL¿FDQWLPSUHVVLRQRIWKHEHKDYLRURIWKHLQVXODWLRQ
when subjected to increased voltage steps. This phenomenon is discussed in Schlief and Engvall >%@.
$OWHUQDWHJUDGHGWLPHVWHSWHVWSURFHGXUHVDUHIRXQGLQ$RI,(((6WGZKLFKLQFOXGHVWKHHODSVHGWLPH
schedule of the voltage steps in tabular form.
9.3.6 Other overvoltage methods
Other specialized procedures for controlled dc overvoltage testing have been developed for certain applica-
WLRQV7KHUHTXLUHPHQWVRIWKHDSSOLFDWLRQDQGWKHVSHFL¿FLQIRUPDWLRQGHVLUHGIURPWKHWHVWZLOOGLFWDWHZKHWK-
er these methods should be considered.
In addition to the tests outlined previously, there are a number of other special tests that may be useful. Some
of the more frequently used tests and a summary of their performance follow.
9.3.7 Insulation power-factor test or dissipation factor test
7KHVHWHVWVDUHPDLQO\XVHIXORQWKHODUJHUKLJKYROWDJH9RUKLJKHUPDFKLQHV
,(((6WGGHWDLOVWKHUHFRPPHQGHGSUDFWLFHIRUWKHSRZHUIDFWRUWLSXSWHVW
3RZHUIDFWRUYDOXHVRQFRPSOHWHZLQGLQJVDUHDQDYHUDJHRIWKHLQVXODWLRQRIDOOFRLOV7KHSRZHUIDFWRURIWKH
stator insulation will be affected by the test voltage, the type of insulation, temperature of the insulation and
55
,(((6WG
PRLVWXUHDQGYRLGVLQWKHLQVXODWLRQ5HVXOWVDUHDOVRDIIHFWHGE\FRQGLWLRQVH[WHUQDOWRWKHPDLQLQVXODWLRQ
such as the condition of the outer wrapper or slot liner, and the type of stress control coating used.
Increasing power factor on the same machine over a period of time is believed to denote a general deterioration
RIWKHLQVXODWLRQ*HQHUDOO\SRZHUIDFWRULQFUHDVHZLWKDJHLVXVXDOO\VPDOOIRUPDFKLQHVWKDWKDYHFRURQD
control treatment on the slot portion, whereas the increase is usually much greater on machines that have coils
with slot liners constructed of organic materials. The change in power factor of the stator insulation as the test
voltage is raised from some low value to a higher voltage may be indicative of the amount of ionization loss
in, or adjacent to the insulation. It is believed that an increase in ionization loss over a period of years indicates
an increase in the size and number of voids and, hence, is an indication of deterioration within the insulation.
When the coils in a machine can be individually tested, power factor can be used to compare the amount of
deterioration among coils that have been operating at different voltages (e.g., between line coils and neutral
coils).
9.3.8 Slot discharge and corona probe tests
The slot discharge test is conducted for the purpose of checking the adequacy of the ground connection be-
tween the surfaces of the coil and the core. This test is usually applicable to machines with operating voltages
LQH[FHVVRI97HVWVDUHPDGHZLWKWKHZLQGLQJHQHUJL]HGDWDSSUR[LPDWHO\WKHRSHUDWLQJVWUHVVWRJURXQG
Loss of this electrical contact results in a relatively high-energy discharge between the conducting-coil surface
and the core. The energy is that which results from the discharge of a substantial portion of the coil-side capac-
itance. Since greatly accelerated deterioration of the major ground insulation is produced by slot discharge,
early detection and correction of this condition is important.
Slot-discharge analyzers utilize detection circuits resonant in the frequency range where energy from surface
GLVFKDUJLQJLVKLJKDSSUR[LPDWHO\+]ZKLOHEORFNLQJWKH+]RU+]YROWDJHE\PHDQVRIDKLJK
SDVV¿OWHU
Detection is accomplished by connecting the slot-discharge analyzer to the machine terminals, one phase at a
WLPH:KHQDGLVFKDUJHH[LVWVKLJKIUHTXHQF\UHÀHFWLRQVDUHUHDGLO\REVHUYDEOHRQDQRVFLOORVFRSHFRQQHFWHG
WRWKHVORWGLVFKDUJHDQDO\]HURXWSXW/RFDWLRQRIVSHFL¿FFRLOVVXIIHULQJVORWGLVFKDUJHLVDFFRPSOLVKHGE\
a probe test. The probe test utilizes the slot-discharge analyzer in conjunction with a probe that successively
contacts the conducting surfaces of individual stator coils.
The corona probe test is intended to be an indicator and locator of unusual ionization within the insulation
structure. The ability of this test to discriminate between harmful and acceptable levels of general ionization
SKHQRPHQDWKDWQRUPDOO\RFFXULQKLJKYROWDJHZLQGLQJVLVVXEMHFWWRLQWHUSUHWDWLRQ5HIHUWR,(((6WG
for guidelines on corona probe acceptance levels.
This test is sensitive to end-winding surface corona, as well as internal-cavity ionization in the insulation
structure. Compared to slot discharge, the discharge energies involved in surface corona or internal-cavity
ionization may be of a much lower order of magnitude and at higher frequencies. The corona probe is tuned to
a frequency of 5 MHz for detection of these discharges. The energy in the discharge varies as the square of the
voltage across the gap and directly as the effective capacitance at the point of breakdown.
3DUWLDOGLVFKDUJHFRURQDKDVVHYHUDOXQGHVLUDEOHHIIHFWVVXFKDVFKHPLFDODFWLRQSURGXFWLRQRIKHDWDQG

ionic bombardment. The deteriorating effects of corona are dependent on its intensity and repetition rate as
well as the design of the insulation system involved.
Inorganic insulation components such as mica and glass are not affected seriously by partial discharges. Char-
ring or decomposition of organic materials will occur in the vicinity of continued partial discharge activity.
56
,(((6WG
+RZHYHUVXUIDFHHIIHFWVPD\EHOLPLWHGE\LQVXODWLQJ¿QLVKWUHDWPHQWVLQFRUSRUDWLQJSLJPHQWDWLRQWRUHVLVW
attack from the weak acid deposits formed by surface discharges in the presence of oxygen and moisture.
Corona-probe test equipment consists of the following three basic units:
a) Equipment capable of energizing the stator winding at its normal operating line-to-neutral voltage at
rated frequency.
b) An antenna or corona probe. For end-winding corona measurement, the antenna is usually about
PPLQORQJVXUURXQGHGE\DQLQVXODWLRQKRXVLQJDQGPRXQWHGRQWKHHQGRIDORQJLQVXODWLQJ
handle. For internal-cavity-discharge (corona) measurements, a coil that is wound on a ferrite rod
DSSUR[LPDWHO\PPLQORQJE\PPLQGLDPHWHUDQGPRXQWHGRQWKHHQGRIDQLQVXODWLQJ
handle is used. Measurements are made by placing the ferrite rod over the teeth enclosing the coil
being tested.
c) $QDPSOL¿HUDQGLQGLFDWRUIRUFRQQHFWLRQWRWKHDQWHQQDRUDSHDNSXOVHPHWHUIRUFRQQHFWLRQWR
WKHIHUULWHFRURQDSUREH7KHDPSOL¿HULVRQHRIWKHXVXDOW\SHIRUDXGLRIUHTXHQFLHVDQGPXVWUHMHFW
+]+]DQGUDGLRIUHTXHQF\VLJQDOV7KHLQGLFDWRUPD\EHHDUSKRQHVDQRXWSXWPHWHURUDFDWK-
ode-ray oscilloscope.
The peak-pulse meter is a broadband instrument and can be calibrated in various units. The most common unit
used in the industry today is milliamps peak pulse. Measurements may be obtained from the meter itself or by
connecting the meter output to an oscilloscope or chart recorder. Some instruments measure the pulses from
WKHVWDWRUZLQGLQJLQ³PLOOLDPSVSHDNSXOVH´DQGWHVWDFFHSWDQFHOHYHOVDUHJLYHQLQ,(((6WG
The use of the corona-probe test and the evaluation of test data obtained from it have been around since the
VDQGWKLVWHVWLVVRPHWLPHVUHIHUUHGWRDVWKH79$FRURQDSUREHWHVWVLQFHWKH7HQQHVVHH9DOOH\$XWKRULW\
helped to develop and implement it. The ability of the test to distinguish varying intensities of external corona
activity and internal cavity corona has been established. However, the evaluation of data to permit discrim-
ination between harmful and acceptable levels has not yet reached the stage where industry standards are
established.
It should be noted that when performing this test personnel may encroach on recommended limits of approach
to energized equipment. For this reason, this test should only be carried out by experienced personnel and rec-
ommended minimum limits of approach maintained at all times.
Further details of these tests are given in Dakin, >%@ and >%@.
9.3.9 Partial-discharge tests
7KHRIIOLQHSDUWLDOGLVFKDUJH3'WHVWLVXVHGWRKHOSGHWHUPLQHWKHFRQGLWLRQRIWKHJURXQGLQVXODWLRQLQWKH

VORWVHFWLRQVRIDVWDWRUZLQGLQJ$OVRLQZLQGLQJVUDWHG9DQGDERYHDQGORZHUYROWDJHPRWRUVVXSSOLHG
from voltage source converter drives, it can determine the condition of semiconducting voltage stress control
coating in the slot regions. It can also identify degradation of the interfaces between the semiconducting and
stress control coatings in high-voltage windings.
During an off-line test the machine is stationary, de-energized from the system and energized by an ac test
source, so it will be exposed to different stresses from those present in operational service. This happens be-
FDXVHZKHQWKHZLQGLQJLVHQHUJL]HGLQVHUYLFHDWUDWHGOLQHWROLQHYROWDJH9//WKHSKDVHWRJURXQGYROW-
age varies from about VLL 3 at the line end of each phase to virtually zero at the neutral end. On the other
KDQGIRUDQRIIOLQH3'WHVWWKHYROWDJHWKURXJKRXWWKHZKROHSKDVHLVDWWKHDSSOLHGSKDVHWRJURXQGWHVW
level.
Typically during an off-line test:

,(((6WG
a) There are higher groundwall voltages toward the neutral end of the winding as it is energized to the
same voltage potential as the line end and no interphasal voltages are present.
b) The winding is at a lower temperature, so voids in the ground insulation are larger.
c) There are no mechanical forces, vibration, etc.
In all cases it is neither possible nor practical to directly compare off-line results with online results because of
the differences in electrical, mechanical, and thermal stresses between the two test conditions.
6RPHJXLGHOLQHVRQKRZWRSHUIRUPWKLVWHVWDUHJLYHQLQ,(((6WGDQG,(&)RUWKLVWHVWWRHQ-
sure that it is only the stator winding that is being tested, it should be disconnected from all external bus work,
and auxiliary equipment such as transformers, surge arrestors, surge capacitors, etc. Also, if possible the three
winding phases should be disconnected from one another.
Figure 1—PD summary values
This test is designed to measure partial discharge activity in a winding as described in to allow analysis of
this to identify winding insulation system degradation.
7KHNH\PHDVXUHPHQWLQD3'WHVWLVWKHSHDN3'PDJQLWXGH4P²LHWKHPDJQLWXGHRIWKHKLJKHVW3'SXOVH
*HQHUDOO\WKLVYDOXHLVGHWHUPLQHGIRUDVSHFL¿FSXOVHUHSHWLWLRQUDWH)LJXUH gives an example for a pulse
UHSHWLWLRQUDWHRISXOVHVSHUVHFRQG336DQGIRU4PYDOXHVPHDVXUHGLQWHUPVRIP9S&P$RUȝ97KH
SKDVHDQJOHRIWKH3'DFWLYLW\JLYHVDQLQGLFDWLRQRIWKHVRXUFHRIWKHPHDVXUHGDFWLYLW\ZKLOHWKHPDJQLWXGH
RI4PLQGLFDWHVWKHVHYHULW\RIWKHLQVXODWLRQGHJUDGDWLRQ)RUH[DPSOHIRUJURXQGLQVXODWLRQGHODPLQDWLRQ
due to thermal aging of the bonding resin, as described in ZKDWLVNQRZQDV³FODVVLF´3'LVSUHVHQWDQG
LVLQGLFDWHGE\FOXPSVRIDFWLYLW\FHQWHUHGDURXQGDQGUHODWLYHWRDF\FOHRISKDVHWRJURXQGYROWDJH
(see Figure 27KHPDJQLWXGHVRIWKHSRVLWLYHDQGQHJDWLYH4PYDOXHVJLYHDQLQGLFDWLRQRIWKHVHYHULW\RI
VXFKGHJUDGDWLRQ7KHUHODWLYHPDJQLWXGHVRIWKHSRVLWLYHDQGQHJDWLYH4PYDOXHVJLYHDQLQGLFDWLRQRIWKH
type of slot insulation degradation—e.g., if they are approximately equal, the ground insulation degradation is

,(((6WG
Figure 2—Classic PD patterns
GLVWULEXWHGWKURXJKRXWWKHLQVXODWLRQWKLFNQHVV,I4PLVPXFKODUJHUWKDQ4PíWKHQWKLVLQGLFDWHVVHPLFRQ-
ducting coating degradation as described in &RQYHUVHO\LI4PíLVPXFKJUHDWHUWKDQ4PWKHUHLVOLNHO\
separation between the groundwall insulation and conductor stack from thermal cycling as described in .
)XUWKHUGHWDLOVRIWKLVWHVWDUHJLYHQLQ,(((6WGDQG,(&
9.3.9.1 Test instrumentation
7\SLFDOO\WKHIROORZLQJWHVWHTXLSPHQWLVUHTXLUHGIRURIIOLQH3'WHVWV
a) +LJKYROWDJHFDSDFLWLYHFRXSOHUVWRIDFLOLWDWH3'PHDVXUHPHQWVZKHQFRQQHFWHGWRDQDSSURSULDWHWHVW
instrument.
b) A variable voltage ac supply capable of energizing at least one phase of the winding and preferably all
three phases to the stator winding rated phase-to-ground voltage. This power supply should preferably
EH3'IUHH
c) 7HVWLQVWUXPHQWWRFRQQHFWWRWKHFDSDFLWLYHFRXSOHUVWRJHWKHUZLWKDODSWRSFRPSXWHUWRDFTXLUH3'
measurements.
d) 6KRUWFRQQHFWRUVWKDWDUH3'IUHHZKHQHQHUJL]HGWRFRQQHFWWKHWHVWLQVWUXPHQWWRWKHKLJKYROWDJH
+9FDSDFLWLYHFRXSOHUV
9.3.9.2 Noise reduction
7KHWZRPRVWFRPPRQPHWKRGVRIHQVXULQJQRLVHGRHVQRWDIIHFWWKHPHDVXUHG3'YDOXHVDUHWRXVHD3'IUHH
SRZHUVRXUFHFRQQHFWHGWRWKHVDPHSRLQWDVWKH3'FRXSOHUVRULI3'WHVWLQJLQWKH0+]UDQJHLVEHLQJ
GRQHDQGWKHZLQGLQJSKDVHVFDQEHVHSDUDWHGHQHUJL]HWKHZLQGLQJIURPRQHHQGDQGWDNH3'PHDVXUHPHQWV
from the other end. The latter procedure uses the stator winding to attenuate and disperse noise so that it is not
PLVWDNHQIRU3'

,(((6WG
9.3.9.3 Test procedure for individual phases with other two grounded
The test procedure for individual phases with the other phases grounded is as follows:
a) $QLQVXODWLRQUHVLVWDQFH,5WHVWDVGHVFULEHGLQ should be conducted prior to the partial dis-

charge tests to determine the suitability of the winding for further testing. The insulation resistances
for the stator winding should indicate the stator winding to be clean and dry and therefore acceptable
IRURIIOLQH3'WHVWLQJ
b) &RQQHFWWKHSRZHUVXSSO\DQG3'FRXSOHUVWRWKHVWDWRUZLQGLQJSKDVHWREHWHVWHG
c) &RQQHFWWKHWHVWLQVWUXPHQWDWLRQWRWKH3'FRXSOHUV
d) Ensure that the machine stator frame and the other two phases are solidly connected to a ground
termination.
e) 5DLVHWKHWHVWYROWDJHVORZO\WRWKHPD[LPXPWHVWYROWDJHDQGPDLQWDLQWKLVYROWDJHXQWLOWKH3'VWDEL-
OL]HVXSWRPLQWRPLQDQGUHFRUG3'GDWD1RWHWKH3'WHQGVWRGHFUHDVHRYHUWKLVWLPHSHULRG
3'QRUPDOO\UHGXFHVGXHWRVSDFHFKDUJHHIIHFWVDQGDEXLOGXSRISUHVVXUHZLWKYRLGVLQWKHLQVXOD-
WLRQ$OVRDWWKLVWLPHDQXOWUDYLROHWFDPHUDFDQEHXVHGWRORRNIRUVXUIDFH3'DFWLYLW\LQWKHDUHDVRI
the semiconducting/stress control coating interfaces.
f) 6ORZO\ORZHUWKHDSSOLHGYROWDJHXQWLOQR3'LVGHWHFWHGDQGUHFRUGWKLVYROWDJHZKLFKLVNQRZQDVWKH
3'([WLQFWLRQ9ROWDJH3'(9
g) 5HGXFHWKHDSSOLHGYROWDJHIXUWKHUDQGWKHQVORZO\LQFUHDVHLWXQWLO3'LVGHWHFWHGDQGUHFRUGWKHYDOXH
DWZKLFKWKLVRFFXUV7KLVYROWDJHLVNQRZQDVWKH3',QFHSWLRQ9ROWDJH3',9
h) 5HSHDWWKHWHVWIRUWKHRWKHUWZRSKDVHV
9.3.9.4 Test procedure of individual phases with all energized
The test procedure of individual phases with all energized is as follows:
a) 3HUIRUP,5WHVW
b) Connect all three phases together and the power supply to a common connection point.
c) &RQQHFW3'FRXSOHUWRSKDVHWREHWHVWHGRURQHWRHDFKSKDVH
d) Ensure stator frame is grounded.
e) 3HUIRUPUHPDLQGHURIWHVWVSHU step e) through step h).
9.3.9.5 Test interpretation
Test interpretation is as follows:
a) (YDOXDWH3'OHYHOVDQGFKDUDFWHULVWLFVDWWKHPD[LPXPSKDVHWRJURXQGWHVWYROWDJHWRHYDOXDWHWKH
types of insulation degradation present and the severity (thermal degradation, semiconducting coating
degradation, etc.).
b) (YDOXDWHWKH¿QGLQJVIURPXOWUDYLROHWFDPHUDVFDQV
c) Comparison of the results from the tests described in and may indicate some phase-to-
JURXQG3'DFWLYLW\GXHWRFRQWDPLQDWLRQLQDGHTXDWHVSDFLQJEHWZHHQHQGZLQGLQJVRUFLUFXLWULQJ
bus connections in different phases. This is done by comparing the results for each phase to see if the
3'OHYHOVIRUWHVWFDUHKLJKHUWKDQIRUWHVWG,IWKLVLVVRLQWHUSKDVHDFWLYLW\LVLQGLFDWHG

,(((6WG
d) )RUDZHOOFRQVROLGDWHGZLQGLQJWKHUDWLRRIWKH3'(9RU3',9WRDWUDWHGSKDVHWRJURXQGYROWDJH
VKRXOGEHRUKLJKHU6WRQHHWDO>%@,IWKH3'(9DQG3',9YDOXHVDUHORZWKLVLVIXUWKHULQ-
GLFDWLRQRIVLJQL¿FDQWLQVXODWLRQV\VWHPGHJUDGDWLRQ
9.3.10 Turn-to-turn insulation test
In cases where the integrity of the insulation between adjacent turns in a coil is subject of concern, tests should
be made to establish that a desired level of insulation strength is present. Test equipment, employed in the
application of turn insulation tests, is usually the type in which a capacitor is alternately charged and then
discharged into the coil under test (or into an inducing coil that has been placed in the stator bore, over the coil
under test).
Since the insulation between turns of stator coils varies greatly in types of insulating materials, types of con-
struction, and spacing, test values are usually determined after consultation with the coil or machine man-
ufacturer. Any test value selected to verify the adequacy of inter-turn insulation should be based on the de-
VLJQSK\VLFDOVSDFLQJDQGHOHFWULFDOVWUHQJWKRIWKHLQVXODWLQJV\VWHP5HIHUWR,(((6WGIRUWXUQWRWXUQ
testing.
9.3.11 Coil-to-core contact resistance
It is essential that the corona suppression coatings applied to the surface of coils in high-voltage windings be
adequately grounded. A low-resistance grounding path is usually provided by direct-contact resistance with
the stator core. Measurement of the coil-to-core contact resistance may provide a useful indication of the
condition of the semiconducting slot coating system. The acceptance criterion varies by machine depending
on the design and size, and may change with operating hours and temperature. Consult the manufacturer for
VSHFL¿FUHTXLUHPHQWV
9.3.12 Resistance temperature detectors (RTDs)
5HVLVWDQFHWHPSHUDWXUHGHWHFWRUVDUHUHVLVWDQFHFRLOVFRQVWUXFWHGWRDOORZWKHWHPSHUDWXUHWREHPHDVXUHGE\
a change in resistance.
5HVLVWDQFHWHPSHUDWXUHGHWHFWRUVDUHPDGHZLWKDUHVLVWDQFHHOHPHQWFRQVWUXFWHGXVLQJDPDWHULDOIRUZKLFK
the electrical resistivity is a known function of the temperature, so as to allow the temperature to be measured
by a change in resistance.
0HDVXUHPHQWVDUHXVXDOO\PDGHLQRUGHUWRYHULI\WKDW57'VDUHSURSHUO\FRQQHFWHGDQGWKDWWKH\DUHIUHHRI
undesired ground contacts or open circuits. Measurements are comprised of comparisons of readings from
HDFK57'ZLWKDOORWKHUVDQGVKRXOGEHPDGHDWURRPWHPSHUDWXUH5HIHUWR,(((6WGDQG,(((6WG
)RUWKHPHDVXUHPHQWVDUHVLVWDQFHEULGJHLVQRUPDOO\XVHG$VSHFLDO57'PHWHUIRUGLUHFWO\UHDGLQJWHPSHUD-
WXUHVRIGHWHFWRUVFDQDOVREHXVHG5HIHUULQJWRFigure 3DOOWKUHHOHDGVRIDJLYHQ57'PXVWEHRIHTXDOOHQJWK
and wire size so that the three lead resistances all have the same value. By subtracting the resistance measured
between terminals A and B from the resistance measured between terminals A and C (or B and C), the resis-
tance of the temperature sensing element alone can be accurately determined. The temperature element is
XVXDOO\PDGHRISODWLQXPZLUHDQGLVDSSURSULDWHO\VL]HGVRWKDWLWVUHVLVWDQFHDW&LVȍ)URPWKHPHD-
sured change in resistance the temperature of the element may be calculated. After proper meter corrections
DUHDSSOLHGWHPSHUDWXUHUHDGLQJVRIHDFK57'DQGWKHWKHUPRPHWHUUHDGLQJVVKRXOGDJUHHWRZLWKLQ&
9.3.13 Insulation resistance test of embedded temperature detectors
Stator winding embedded temperature detectors (resistance or thermocouple) are connected by cable to a ter-
minal board on the frame of the unit. Oftentimes one lead of each of the detectors is connected to a common
ground strip at the terminal board. If a detector located in the slot portion should become grounded, circulating
currents could occur between that ground and the terminal board ground. To guard against this possibility,

,(((6WG
Figure 3—RTD (3 wire) and Wheatstone Bridge Circuit
insulation resistance measurement should be made on the detectors at convenient intervals. Tests are usually
PDGHRQDOOGHWHFWRUVVLPXOWDQHRXVO\DW9GFDIWHUWKHWHUPLQDOERDUGFRPPRQKDVEHHQLVRODWHGIURP
JURXQG$FRPPRQO\XVHGPLQLPXPYDOXHIRUWKHGHWHFWRULQVXODWLRQUHVLVWDQFHLV0ȍDW9GFUHFRUG-
ing equipment, connected externally to the terminal board, should be isolated from the test potential).
9.3.14 Insulation resistance test of insulated stator through bolts
Integrity of stator through bolt insulation is critical to the successful operation of some cores; therefore, insu-
lation resistance to ground of stator through-bolts should be measured. Consult the manufacturer regarding the
minimum insulation resistance level and the recommended test voltage level. If a recommended value is not
DYDLODEOHDWDPLQLPXPWKHLQVXODWLRQUHVLVWDQFHVKRXOGEHJUHDWHUWKDQ0ȍDW9GF
9.3.15 Winding resistance
A reduction in winding resistance may indicate shorting of conductors, and an increase in winding resistance
may indicate poor connection.
5HVLVWDQFH RI WKH VWDWRU ZLQGLQJ LV XVXDOO\ PHDVXUHG ZLWK D ORZUHVLVWDQFH .HOYLQ EULGJH RU E\ WKH
GURSLQSRWHQWLDOPHWKRG5HIHUWR,(((6WG7KHPHDVXUHPHQWLVQRUPDOO\PDGHIRUHDFKSKDVHVHSDUDWH-
ly. The stator winding should be at room temperature when the cold resistance measurement is made, and the
WHPSHUDWXUHRIWKHZLQGLQJFDUHIXOO\GHWHUPLQHG5HIHUWR,(((6WG
The resistance-temperature characteristic of copper in the range of temperatures usually encountered is a

VWUDLJKWOLQHWKDWLIH[WUDSRODWHGLQWHUVHFWVWKH]HURRQWKHUHVLVWDQFHD[LVDWí&%DVHGRQWKLVFKDU-
acteristic, the temperature corresponding to any resistance of a copper winding may be determined from
(TXDWLRQ:
R2
t2 = (234.5 + t1 ) − 234.5
R1
where
t and t2 DUHWHPSHUDWXUHVPHDVXUHGLQ&

R and R2 are winding resistances measured in ohms at t and t2 respectively
The balance of the three winding phase resistances should be checked by doing one of the following:
62
,(((6WG
a) Comparing the values for each phase if they can be separated, or

b) Comparing the terminal-to-terminal resistances if they cannot be separated.
The resistance balance can then be checked using the Equation (2):
(R Max Dev. from Average ) - (R Average )

% Unbalanced (2)
R Average
7KHXQEDODQFHVKRXOGQRWH[FHHGWKHIROORZLQJ
— IRUIRUPZLQGLQJV
— IRUWZROD\HUUDQGRPZLQGLQJV
— IRUVLQJOHOD\HUFRQFHQWULFZLQGLQJV
6WDWRUFRUHLQWHUODPLQDULQVXODWLRQKLJKÀX[WHVW
$QHIIHFWLYHWHVWRIWKHLQWHUODPLQDULQVXODWLRQFDQEHPDGHE\LQGXFLQJLQWKHVWDWRUFRUHDÀX[DWUDWHGIUH-
TXHQF\DWDSSUR[LPDWHO\WKHÀX[GHQVLW\LQWKHFRUHFRUUHVSRQGLQJWRWRRIUDWHGYROWDJH7KHWHVW
level should be agreed to by the customer and the machine manufacturer. This test is also known as the ring
ÀX[RUORRSWHVWDQGFDQEHSHUIRUPHGE\SDVVLQJDWHPSRUDU\FRLOWKURXJKWKHVWDWRUERUHDQGWKHQDURXQGRQH
side of the frame. This coil should be insulated from the core and frame and be braced securely in position. A
single-turn test coil (search coil) is similarly wrapped around the core and connected to a voltmeter for moni-
WRULQJWKHÀX[DFKLHYHG)RUPRWRUVDQGJHQHUDWRUVVHQWWRDVHUYLFHVKRSIRUUHSDLUWKLVWHVWPD\EHSHUIRUPHG
using a commercial core tester with a single turn excitation winding. This test produces fault currents similar
LQOHYHOWRWKRVHWKDWÀRZZKHQWKHJHQHUDWRULVLQRSHUDWLRQKRZHYHUFDXWLRQQHHGVWREHWDNHQDVWKHVH
currents can produce temperature rises that can cause further damage because the cooling system is disabled
during testing. Also, the conditions to detect various core shorts are not the same as in operation due to absence
RID[LDOOHDNDJHÀX[$VDUHVXOWWKHUHLVORZHUVWUHVVRQWKHFRUHVWHSLURQGXULQJWKLVWHVWYHUVXVRSHUDWLRQ
The manufacturer may have recommendations regarding desired bulk temperature rises since the cooling sys-
tem is not in place during the test.
,QFDVHVZKHUHVLJQL¿FDQWGDPDJHLVYLVXDOO\HYLGHQWWKHLQWHUODPLQDULQVXODWLRQPXVWEHUHHVWDEOLVKHGEHIRUH
the application of the test. Surface indications of shorting often appear immediately after energizing the loop;
therefore, thermographic imaging at the beginning of the test over the whole surface of the core is recommend-
ed to allow stopping the test to resolve issues. Otherwise, additional overheating and burning damage may
occur during the test.
Methods of calculating the test-coil voltage and ampere-turn requirement are given in Annex C3ULRUWRFRQ-
ducting this test it is recommended that the manufacturer be consulted. The typical criteria for a temperature
ULVHRIDKRWVSRWRYHULWVDYHUDJHVXUURXQGLQJLURQWKDWLVUHJDUGHGDVVLJQL¿FDQWLVDPD[LPXPRI&IRUDQ
XQZRXQGFRUHDQG&IRUDZRXQGFRUH7KLVFULWHULDRUDKRWVSRWWKDWLVFRQWLQXLQJWRLQFUHDVHZLWKWLPH
DWWKHFRPSOHWLRQRIWKHWHVWWLPHGXUDWLRQWKDWLVW\SLFDOO\UHJDUGHGDVVLJQL¿FDQWUHTXLUHVIXUWKHULQYHVWLJD-
tion—e.g., visual inspection. The heat caused by circulating currents in the core will increase approximately
DVWKHVTXDUHRIWKHÀX[$VDUHVXOWVRPHDGMXVWPHQWRIWKHWHPSHUDWXUHULVHFULWHULDPD\EHFRQVLGHUHGZKHQ
XVLQJDOWHUQDWHÀX[OHYHOV+RZHYHUFRQVLGHUDWLRQPXVWDOVREHWDNHQIRUXQFHUWDLQWLHVRIWKHPHDVXUHPHQW
with respect to issues with temperature measurements, as well as issues with bands of higher temperatures that
often occur in cores.
To enable subsurface faults to be revealed by thermal imaging inspection, minimum test time durations of one
hour to six hours may be required depending on the type, size, and construction of the machine. Some large
WXUELQHJHQHUDWRUVPD\UHTXLUHWHVWWLPHVRIWKHRUGHURIVL[KRXUVWRHQVXUHWKDWWKHVWDWRUFRUHH[SDQGVVXI¿-
63
,(((6WG
ciently against the building bars to make adequate electrical contact so as to complete possible core lamination
fault circuits. Some machine manufacturers may also recommend a minimum average core iron temperature
rise over ambient for an adequate test, as well as maximum temperatures that should not be exceeded during
the test.
Thermographic cameras are often used to measure core temperatures; however, there are limitations associat-
ed with these techniques due to variations in core surface emissivity, incident angles of viewing, and interfer-
HQFHZLWKWKHUPRJUDSKLFFDPHUDVGXHWRWKHKLJKÀX[WKDWPD\SUHYHQWWKHFDPHUDIURPDFKLHYLQJDFFXUDWH
readings. Note that these cameras will typically report readings with very high precision, but accuracy is
highly dependent on techniques of using the camera. In some cases thermocouples are used in combination
with the thermographic camera readings to help select the appropriate emissivity values. Additionally, sur-
IDFHPRXQWHGWKHUPRFRXSOHVPD\EHSODFHGLQUHJLRQVRILQWHUHVWLGHQWL¿HGE\YLVXDOLQVSHFWLRQVRUWKHORZ
energy test described in ) along with reference locations to determine the temperature hotspot over the
average surrounding iron.
It is recommended that the original equipment manufacturer be consulted for guidance on appropriate hotspot
criteria, time duration, temperature, and testing condition recommendations for the particular machine.
7KHWHVWSURFHGXUHVIRUWKHVWDWRUFRUHKLJKÀX[WHVWFDQEHIRXQGLQWKHELEOLRJUDSK\OLVWHGLQAnnex A. Test
FDOFXODWLRQSURFHGXUHVIRUWKHKLJKÀX[WHVWVDUHJLYHQLQAnnex C.
6DIHW\FRQVLGHUDWLRQVIRUKLJKÀX[FRUHLQVXODWLRQWHVW
Since considerable hazard may exist in connection with this test, all test personnel involved should be familiar
with the necessary safety precautions. The following is a list of some of the major safety items related to this
test:
a) Shielded cable should never be used for the magnetizing coil, as applied voltage will also be induced
into the cable shield.
b) Do not go near the magnetizing coil or the stator core when the test setup is energized.
c) The stator frame is to be safely grounded.
d) All electrical connections should be checked before a trial application of power is made.
e) $SSURSULDWH¿UHSURWHFWLRQVKRXOGEHPDGHDYDLODEOHGXULQJWKHWHVW
f) Liquid cooling system, if present, should be drained and remain empty.
g) 0DFKLQHWHUPLQDOVVKRXOGEHRSHQHGDQGVDIHO\FRYHUHGDQGÀDJJHG
h) 6WDWRU57'VDQGWKHLUUHFRUGHUFDQXVXDOO\UHPDLQLQVHUYLFHGXULQJWHVWV+RZHYHUWKHPDFKLQHPDQ-
XIDFWXUHUVKRXOGEHFRQVXOWHGIRUVSHFL¿FUHFRPPHQGDWLRQV
i) Adequate phone and other communication systems should be established among various points for
proper test control.
j) If thermocouples are used for temperature measurements, a considerable personnel hazard may exist
since up to full search coil voltage can be induced in the thermocouple lead. Also, care should be exer-
cised to avoid short circuiting laminations with the thermocouple lead.
k) On large machines (for example, steam-turbine generators) cables should be secured against motion
during energizing.
l) At high energy levels the core and frame, etc., may produce high noise levels and vibration due to
magnetostriction and natural frequencies of the structure—this will require proper ear protection
during energizing. In some cases a different frequency may be used for the test to avoid resonances.
64
,(((6WG
m) Care must be taken that no metallic objects are in contact with the air-gap side of the core laminations.
Also, extraneous, metallic structural objects; metal ladders; crane cables; etc., which might form a
conducting circuit around the core, should not be left in the machine during test.
*HQHUDOFRQVLGHUDWLRQVIRUKLJKÀX[FRUHLQVXODWLRQWHVW
,WLVXQGHVLUDEOHWRKDYHDQ\FLUFXODWLQJFXUUHQWVLQGXFHGLQWRWKHZLQGLQJV57'VRURWKHULQVWUXPHQWDWLRQ
from loop testing. Therefore, the items should have one of their leads open while their other lead is grounded.
*URXQGHLWKHUWKHQHXWUDOOHDGVRUWKHPDLQOHDGVEXWQRWERWKDWWKHVDPHWLPHWRSUHYHQWFLUFXODWLQJFXUUHQWV
LQWKHZLQGLQJV5RSHRIIDQGSODFHKLJKYROWDJHVLJQVQHDUWKHRSHQPDLQVQHXWUDOVDVWKH\ZLOOKDYHKLJK
voltage on them during the loop test. If the neutral shunts have not been removed, then ground only the neutral
leads and open the main leads.
9.3.17 Stator core low energy test
$QRWKHUWHFKQLTXHGHYHORSHGLVWKHORZHQHUJ\ÀX[WHVW7KLVLVDOVRNQRZQDVWKH(/&,'WHVW(OHFWURPDJ-
QHWLF&RUH,PSHUIHFWLRQ'HWHFWLRQ7KLVWHVWRIIHUVDSURFHGXUHZLWKDORZHUSRZHUN9$UHTXLUHPHQWDQG
SURYLGHVDPHDQVIRUFRUHIDXOWGHWHFWLRQ7KHWHVWLVFRQGXFWHGDWW\SLFDOO\IRXUSHUFHQWRIUDWHGÀX[DQGWKH
fault current is detected by an electromagnetic means. An electromagnetic core imperfection detector is a de-
YLFHIRUGHWHFWLRQRIFXUUHQWÀRZEHWZHHQFRUHODPLQDWLRQVZLWKH[FLWDWLRQ+RZHYHULQVRPHFDVHVVXFKDVLQ
DFRUHWKDWKDVVSOLWVWKHUHVXOWVRIWKHORZHQHUJ\DQGKLJKÀX[WHVWVGRQRWDOZD\VDJUHH7KHKLJKÀX[ORRS
test is the preferred method, but in some long horizontal steam units it is not performed due to safety consider-
DWLRQV7KUHHFRQFHUQVLQYROYLQJWKHORZÀX[WHVWDUHWKDWLWGRHVQRWJHQHUDWHRSHUDWLRQDOW\SHFRUHYLEUDWLRQV
the core plate voltages are only a small fraction of what is seen in normal operation, and there is very little core
heating. Thus, conditions to detect various core shorts are not the same as in operation. Low-energy testing is
often performed due to the ease of implementation, including the fact that the test can be done with the rotor
LQVWDOOHG7KHWHVWLVDOVROHVVOLNHO\WRFDXVHGDPDJHDWVXVSHFWORFDWLRQVWKDQWKHKLJKÀX[WHVW2IWHQLIDQLQ-
GLFDWLRQLVREVHUYHGGXULQJDORZHQHUJ\ÀX[WHVWUHSDLULVDWWHPSWHGSULRUWRDKLJKÀX[WHVW+LJKÀX[WHVWLQJ
LVFRQVLGHUHGPRUHGH¿QLWLYHWKDQORZÀX[WHVWLQJEHFDXVHLWLVPRUHUHSUHVHQWDWLYHRIRSHUDWLRQ
7KHWHVWSURFHGXUHIRUWKHVWDWRUFRUHORZHQHUJ\ÀX[WHVWFDQEHIRXQGLQWKHELEOLRJUDSK\OLVWHGLQAnnex A.
7HVWFDOFXODWLRQSURFHGXUHVIRUWKHORZHQHUJ\ÀX[WHVWVDUHJLYHQLQAnnex D.
9.3.18 Stator core testing with alternate frequency
Both the low energy and high energy tests can be implemented using frequencies other than the normal power
IUHTXHQF\RIWKHPDFKLQH3DWHQWVH[LVWRQWKHVHWHVWPHWKRGV6XWWRQ>%@). The main aspect of this method
LVWKDWWKHYROWDJHEHWZHHQODPLQDWLRQVFDQEHUDLVHGZLWKLQFUHDVHGIUHTXHQF\ZKLOHWKHÀX[GHQVLW\FDQEH
lowered.
10. Cleaning
10.1 General
Care and good judgment must be used in any electric machinery cleaning program. Excessive or harsh clean-
ing procedures can damage an otherwise good machine and may result in expensive repairs or replacement.
However cleaning is sometimes necessary, such as when surface contamination degrades electrical insulation
performance or reduces the heat transfer capability of the machine. Electric machines, or components thereof,
PD\XQGHUJRFOHDQLQJRQVLWHRUDWD¿HOGVHUYLFHVKRS
The need for cleaning may be indicated from the following:
a) Operation and maintenance history
65
,(((6WG
b) Equipment application (e.g., location in a polluted environment)

c) 9LVXDOLQVSHFWLRQ
d) Low insulation resistance measurements
e) Overheating
Once the need for cleaning has been established, the cleaning method should be tailored to the type of contam-
LQDWLRQDQGWKHH[WHQWRIWKHFRQWDPLQDWLRQEXLOGXS3ULRUWRDQ\FOHDQLQJLWPD\EHSUXGHQWWRWHVWIRUOHDGDQG
DVEHVWRVDVWKHSUHVHQFHRIWKHVHVXEVWDQFHVZLOODIIHFWWKHFKRLFHRI33(VXFKDVUHVSLUDWRUVJRJJOHVDQG
rubber gloves), cleanup methods, and waste disposal procedures.
After cleaning (and drying, if necessary), the machine’s surface condition should be checked for cracks, poros-
LW\RURWKHUGDPDJHFDXVHGE\KDUVKFOHDQLQJPHWKRGV7KHGHVLUHGVXUIDFH¿QLVKVKRXOGEHUHHVWDEOLVKHGE\
the application of suitable varnishes, paints, or resins.
10.2 Cleaning techniques

The preferred method of cleaning depends on the component and type of machine to be cleaned, as well as
on the type and severity of the contamination to be removed. Whenever possible, consult with the equipment
manufacturer to select cleaning materials and methods that are safe for workers and not damaging to the equip-
ment. It may be necessary to provide forced ventilation (via fans, ventilation tubes, an air hood, etc.), particu-
ODUO\ZKHQZRUNLVEHLQJSHUIRUPHGLQWKHERWWRPRIWKHVWDWRUSLWRULQRWKHUDUHDVZKHUHDLUÀRZLVUHVWULFWHG
Machines without sealed windings may not be suitable for submerging or spraying with steam or water. The
following cleaning methods, , are listed in increasing order of severity and potential harm to workers
and the equipment being cleaned.
10.2.1 Vacuum cleaning
/RRVHGLUWGHSRVLWVVXFKDVFDUERQGXVWFRDOGXVWDQGÀ\DVKFDQEHUHPRYHGE\YDFXXPFOHDQLQJZLWKDQ
industrial-type vacuum cleaner and long hose. Nozzle shapes may be varied to facilitate cleaning hidden or
GLI¿FXOWWRUHDFKDUHDV&RQWDPLQDQWVFDQEHGLVORGJHGIRUYDFXXPSLFNXSE\WKHIROORZLQJ
a) 5XEELQJZLWKGU\FORWKV
b) Brushing with a plastic or natural bristle brush (with the bristles cut short if a stiff brush is needed)
c) 6FUDSLQJZLWKVRIWZRRGRU¿EHUVFUDSHUV
Note that wire brushes or metal scrapers should not be used to loosen surface dirt because of possible damage
to the surface being cleaned and the dangerous possibility of introducing magnetic or other metallic particles
into the stator winding or core assembly.
10.2.2 Air lance cleaning
Clean, dry compressed air may be used to blow out air vents or to dislodge trapped contaminants. It is rec-
RPPHQGHGWKDWWKHDLUVXSSO\SUHVVXUHQRWH[FHHGNLORSDVFDOSVLDQGZLWKDQ26+$FRPSOLDQWDLU
QR]]OHWRUHVWULFWQR]]OHSUHVVXUHWROHVVWKDQNLORSDVFDOSVLWRDYRLGGDPDJLQJWKHLQVXODWLRQRURWKHU
fragile components. The air at the nozzle (nozzle pressure) or opening of a gun, pipe, cleaning lance, etc., used
IRUFOHDQLQJSXUSRVHVVKRXOGUHPDLQDWDSUHVVXUHOHYHOEHORZSVLIRUDOOVWDWLFFRQGLWLRQV$VHFRQGURXQGRI
vacuum cleaning may be necessary to remove materials that were dislodged by the compressed air.
66
,(((6WG
10.2.3 Solvent cleaning
To prevent harming workers and damaging equipment, extra care must be exercised when using liquid clean-
ing solvents. Avoid the use of excess solvent, which can wash dirt deposits into cracks, crevices, and other
LQDFFHVVLEOHDUHDV7U\WKHFOHDQLQJÀXLGRQDVPDOODUHD¿UVWDQGWKHQFKHFNIRUGDPDJHDQGHIIHFWLYHQHVV'R
QRWVPRNHRUHDWDURXQGVROYHQWV,IWKHVROYHQWLVÀDPPDEOHNHHSLJQLWLRQVRXUFHVRXWRIWKHFOHDQLQJDUHD
DQGKDYH¿UHH[WLQJXLVKHUVDYDLODEOHIRUXVH,WPD\EHDGYLVDEOHWROLPLWZRUNHUH[SRVXUHWRFOHDQLQJVROYHQWV
and vapors by having more people working on the cleanup for shorter periods of time.
Mild detergents and diluted alcohol are often effective in cleaning electrical equipment, and their use should
be considered before applying harsher chemicals.
3HWUROHXPVROYHQWVPD\EHXVHGVSDULQJO\IRUUHPRYLQJRLO\DQGJUHDV\FRQWDPLQDQWVIURPPDFKLQHFRPSR-
QHQWVLQFOXGLQJDVSKDOWLFRUV\QWKHWLFUHVLQW\SHVRILQVXODWLRQ4XLWHRIWHQDOLQWIUHHFORWKOLJKWO\GDPSHQHG
with solvent is effective for surface cleaning. Avoid saturating asphaltic-type insulations, which could lead
WRVRIWHQLQJRIWKHLQVXODWLQJPDWHULDOV*DVROLQHQDSKWKDDQGVLPLODUOLTXLGVDUHQRWWREHXVHGIRUFOHDQLQJ
EHFDXVHRI¿UHDQGH[SORVLRQKD]DUGV
If a stronger or faster-drying solvent is required, a chlorinated safety solvent can be used on asphaltic and
V\QWKHWLFUHVLQW\SHVRILQVXODWLRQ$JDLQVROYHQWGDPSHQHGFORWKVDUHRIWHQVXI¿FLHQWIRUZLSLQJRIIFRQ-
WDPLQDQWV&KORULQDWHGVROYHQWVPXVWQRWEHXVHGRQVWDLQOHVVVWHHOFRPSRQHQWVZLWKRXW¿UVWFRQVXOWLQJZLWK
the equipment manufacturer because of the possibility of stress corrosion caused by the chlorides. Chlorinated
solvents must not be used on aluminum or copper components because of chloride attack.
Mixtures of petroleum solvents and chlorinated solvents can provide better cleaning capability than the pe-
WUROHXPVROYHQWVDORQH6XFKPL[WXUHVPXVWEHFRQVLGHUHGÀDPPDEOHHYHQWKRXJKLQVRPHSURSRUWLRQVWKH\
PLJKWQRWEH+RZHYHUGLIIHUHQFHVLQHYDSRUDWLRQUDWHVFDQFKDQJHWKHÀDPPDELOLW\FKDUDFWHULVWLFVRIWKH
blend over time.
Neither petroleum solvents nor chlorinated solvents should be used on silicone insulated windings because of
the degrading effect on this type of insulation.
Carbon tetrachloride and benzene are highly toxic solvents and are not to be used for cleaning.
Solvent cleaning of cylindrical rotors should be avoided. Cleaning of cylindrical rotors should be limited to
vacuuming, blowing with dry compressed air, wiping with dry or solvent dampened cloth, or combinations
of these three methods. The need for more extensive cleaning may involve retaining ring removal to provide
access to areas where contaminants are trapped. Carbon brushes should not be allowed to absorb solvents,
particularly the chlorinated types.
10.2.4 Abrasive blasting
Abrasive blasting is used to remove paint, oil, dirt, grime, and other contaminants from hard surfaces such
DVVWDWRUFRUHV*URXQGFRUQFREVSXOYHUL]HGZDOQXWVKHOOVRURWKHUDEUDVLYHPDWHULDOVDUHGLVFKDUJHGIURP
DSUHVVXUL]HGEODVWLQJPDFKLQHWKURXJKDQR]]OHDWWDFKHGWRDÀH[LEOHKRVH7KHDEUDVLYHSDUWLFXODWHVLPSDFW
the surface and knock off the unwanted coating or contaminant. Crushed corncobs are especially effective in
removing oily contaminants; whereas highly abrasive walnut shells rapidly remove unwanted surface paint.
5HJDUGOHVVRIWKHDEUDVLYHPHGLDEHLQJXVHGWKHDLUDEUDVLYHEODVWPXVWQRWEHKHOGWRRORQJRQDQ\RQHDUHDRU
the component being cleaned could be damaged by abrasion. In addition, care must be taken to avoid blowing
the abrasive material into inaccessible areas where it cannot be completely removed and may block ventilating
passages or cause mechanical imbalance during operation.

,(((6WG
10.2.5 CO2 blasting
CO2 (carbon dioxide) cleaning uses conventional blasting technology in combination with dry ice pellets.
9DSRUL]HGOLTXLGQLWURJHQLVXVHGWRSURSHOWKHGU\LFHSDUWLFOHVWRZDUGWKHVXUIDFHWREHFOHDQHG8QOLNHRWKHU
blast-cleaning technologies that strictly rely on abrasive media impacting the surface to be cleaned, dry ice
blasting also creates thermal differentials between the contaminant and the surface (due to different rates of
VKULQNDJHFDXVHGE\GLIIHULQJWKHUPDOFRHI¿FLHQWVRIH[SDQVLRQ7KHVHWKHUPDOGLIIHUHQWLDOVORRVHQWKHERQGV
EHWZHHQWKHFRQWDPLQDQWDQGWKHVXUIDFHDQGLPSURYHWKHHIIHFWLYHQHVVRIWKHEODVWLQJSURFHVV5HYHUVHIUDF-
turing further aids in the cleaning action when molecules of the vaporized nitrogen and vaporized CO2 enter
the pores of the contaminants. As the gas molecules warm and expand, they help break the bonds between the
surface and the contaminants. When used properly, CO2 cleaning is a totally dry process and produces no sec-
ondary waste. It works best removing loose, non-oily surface contamination on hard, non-porous surfaces. As
ZLWKRWKHUEODVWLQJWHFKQLTXHVVRPHDUHDVPD\EHGLI¿FXOWWRUHDFKGHSHQGLQJRQWKHJHRPHWU\RIWKHFRPSR-
nent being cleaned. Furthermore, poorly adhering surface paint may be knocked off and more serious damage
PD\RFFXULIWKHSURFHGXUHLVQRWSHUIRUPHGFDUHIXOO\6SHFL¿FDOO\&22 cleaning can be very aggressive and
lead to insulation damage if the CO2 pellet size is too large and/or air pressure is too high.
10.2.6 Steam cleaning
Steam cleaning utilizes a high velocity jet of steam and water containing a mild nonconductive detergent. The
detergent spray is followed by multiple clean water rinses. The steam cleaning method is effective on heavily
FRQWDPLQDWHGZLQGLQJVDQGZLQGLQJVVXEMHFWHGWRÀRRGLQJRUVDOWFRQWDPLQDWLRQ7KHVWHDPFOHDQLQJPHWKRG
usually can be used on silicone-insulated windings. Steam cleaning may not be suitable for some machines;
for instance, steam cleaning is not recommended for old asphaltic-mica insulated machines, and machines
whose insulation is sensitive to moisture ingress. Consult the OEM for advice on applicability of steam clean-
ing for a particular machine.
3ULRUWRUHWXUQLQJDVWHDPFOHDQHGPDFKLQHWRVHUYLFHLWPXVWEHGULHGRUEDNHGWRUHPRYHDOOPRLVWXUHIURP
the windings and to obtain an acceptable insulation resistance value. If voltage is applied before all moisture
KDVEHHQUHPRYHGWKHUHLVDULVNRILQVXODWLRQIDLOXUH5HJDUGOHVVRIWKHPHWKRGXVHGIRUGU\LQJWKHLQVXODWLRQ
V\VWHPGU\RXWWHPSHUDWXUHVVKRXOGQRWH[FHHG&WR&DQGWKHUDWHRIWHPSHUDWXUHULVHVKRXOGEH
OLPLWHGWR&SHUKRXU,QH[FHSWLRQDOFDVHVZKHUHLQVXODWLRQUHVLVWDQFHKDVQRWUHDFKHGDFFHSWDEOHOHYHOV
DIWHUKRUPRUHRIGU\LQJFRQVLGHUDWLRQPD\EHJLYHQWRLQFUHDVLQJWKHPD[LPXPWHPSHUDWXUHWR&WR
&+RZHYHUDWWHPSHUDWXUHVRI&DQGDERYHWKHSRVVLELOLW\RILQVXODWLRQGDPDJHLQFUHDVHVDVJDVHV
and vapors generated within the insulation by high temperature develop pressure and are forced through the
insulation. This can break the continuity of the layers and cause delamination, or actually rupture the material.
9HQWLODWLRQLVUHTXLUHGWRUHPRYHWKHZDWHUYDSRUGXULQJWKHKHDWLQJF\FOH
10.2.7 Cleaning by water immersion or water hose
Many of the machines covered by this guide are too large for immersion, although heavily contaminated or
ÀRRGHGPDFKLQHVFDQEHZDVKHGZLWKDKRVH:DWHULPPHUVLRQFOHDQLQJPD\QRWEHVXLWDEOHIRUPDQ\PD-
chines. Baking and drying precautions noted under steam cleaning would also apply for water immersion or
water hose cleaning.
Silicone-insulated windings can be generally cleaned using the water hose method with a non-ionic, non-foam-
ing detergent.
10.2.8 Drying and treatment considerations after cleaning
$IWHUFOHDQLQJLWPD\EHQHFHVVDU\WRGU\RXWWKHZLQGLQJEHIRUHLWJRHVEDFNLQWRVHUYLFH7KLVFDQEHYHUL¿HG
E\SHUIRUPLQJDQLQVXODWLRQUHVLVWDQFH,5WHVWDOOZLQGLQJVDQGDSRODUL]DWLRQLQGH[3,WHVWIRUPZLQG-
LQJV,IORZ,5DQG3,YDOXHVDUHREWDLQHGWKHQWKHZLQGLQJQHHGVWREHGULHGRXWLQDQRYHQVPDOOPDFKLQHV
in a service shop), or for large machines, at site by hot air blowers or by passing a direct current through the

,(((6WG
ZLQGLQJ$IWHUGU\LQJLWLVRIWHQQHFHVVDU\WRVHDOWKHZLQGLQJE\UHVLQGLS93,VPDOOPDFKLQHVLQVHUYLFH
shop), or by spraying end-windings with air-dry varnish/resin.

,(((6WG
Annex A
(informative)
Bibliography
Bibliographical references are resources that provide additional or helpful material but do not need to be un-
GHUVWRRGRUXVHGWRLPSOHPHQWWKLVVWDQGDUG5HIHUHQFHWRWKHVHUHVRXUFHVLVPDGHIRULQIRUPDWLRQDOXVHRQO\
>%@³$QDO\VLVRI(/&,'²+LJK)OX[7HVW)LHOG&RUUHODWLRQ´(35,7XUELQH*HQHUDWRU8VHUV*URXS:RUN-
VKRS%DUFHORQD±$SULO
>%@$6700HWKRG'±5HFRPPHQGHG3UDFWLFHIRU([SRVXUHRI3RO\PHULF0DWHULDOVWR+LJK(QHUJ\
5DGLDWLRQ:LWKGUDZQ
>%@$670'6WDQGDUG7HVW0HWKRGIRU'HWHFWLRQDQG0HDVXUHPHQWRI3DUWLDO'LVFKDUJH&RURQD
3XOVHVLQ(YDOXDWLRQRI,QVXODWLRQ6\VWHPV
>%@$670'6WDQGDUG7HVW0HWKRGIRU9ROWDJH(QGXUDQFHRI6ROLG(OHFWULFDO,QVXODWLQJ0DWHULDOV6XE-
MHFWHGWR3DUWLDO'LVFKDUJHV&RURQDRQWKH6XUIDFH
>%@$6700HWKRG'±&ODVVL¿FDWLRQ6\VWHPIRU3RO\PHULF0DWHULDOVIRU6HUYLFHLQ,RQL]LQJ5DGLD-
tion (Withdrawn).
>%@$670'6WDQGDUG7HVW0HWKRGVIRU0HDVXUHPHQWRI(QHUJ\DQG,QWHJUDWHG&KDUJH7UDQVIHU'XH
WR3DUWLDO'LVFKDUJHV&RURQD8VLQJ%ULGJH7HFKQLTXHV
>%@$670)6WDQGDUG6SHFL¿FDWLRQVIRU7HPSRUDU\3URWHFWLYH*URXQGVWR%H8VHGRQ'HHQHUJL]HG
(OHFWULF3RZHU/LQHVDQG(TXLSPHQW
>%@$670673(QJLQHHULQJ'LHOHFWULFV9RO,,$(OHFWULFDO3URSHUWLHVRI6ROLG,QVXODWLQJ0DWHULDOV
0ROHFXODU6WUXFWXUHDQG(OHFWULFDO%HKDYLRU%DUWQLNDVDQG(LFKKRUQ(GLWRUV$6703KLODGHOSKLD:HVW
&RQVKRKRFNHQ3$SSíDQG
>%@%DUWQLNDV5DQG50RULQ³$QDO\VLVRIPXOWLVWUHVVDFFHOHUDWHGDJHGVWDWRUEDUVXVLQJDWKUHHSKDVH
WHVW DUUDQJHPHQW´ ,((( 7UDQVDFWLRQV RQ (QHUJ\ &RQYHUVLRQ YRO SS ± KWWSG[GRL
RUJ7(&
>%@%DUWQLNDV5DQG50RULQ³0XOWLVWUHVVDJLQJRIVWDWRUEDUVZLWKHOHFWULFDOWKHUPDODQGPHFKDQLFDO
VWUHVVHVDVVLPXOWDQHRXVDFFHOHUDWLRQIDFWRUV´,(((7UDQVDFWLRQVRQ(QHUJ\&RQYHUVLRQYROSS±
KWWSG[GRLRUJ7(&
>%@%DZDUW0³,PSURYLQJFDEOHV\VWHPUHOLDELOLW\E\PRQLWRUHGZLWKVWDQGGLDJQRVWLFV²)HDWXULQJKLJK
HI¿FLHQF\DWUHGXFHGWHVWWLPH´-,&$%/(WK,QWHUQDWLRQDO&RQIHUHQFHRQ,QVXODWHG3RZHU&DEOHV
-XQH3DULV9HUVDLOOHV)UDQFH
>%@%KLPDQL%:³9HU\ORZIUHTXHQF\KLJKSRWHQWLDOWHVWLQJ´$,((7UDQVDFWLRQV3DSHU±
KWWSG[GRLRUJ$,((3$6
>%@%RJJV6$$.XPDGDDQG7<RVKLPLWVX³(QGWXUQJUDGLQJIRU3:0GULYHQPDFKLQHV´,(((
(OHFWULFDO,QVXODWLRQ&RQIHUHQFH-XQHSSí
$670SXEOLFDWLRQVDUHDYDLODEOHIURPWKH$PHULFDQ6RFLHW\IRU7HVWLQJDQG0DWHULDOV%DUU+DUERU'ULYH:HVW&RQVKRKRFNHQ

3$86$http://www.astm.org/).

,(((6WG
>%@ 'DNLQ7: ³&RURQD 3XOVH 'HWHFWLRQ &LUFXLWV DQG7KHLU &DOLEUDWLRQ´$,((7HFKQLFDO 3DSHU 1R
íSUHVHQWHGDWWKH$,((:LQWHU*HQHUDO0HHWLQJ1HZ<RUN1<-DQí)HE
>%@'DNLQ7:&1:RUNVDQG-6-RKQVRQ³$Q(OHFWURPDJQHWLF3UREHIRU'HWHFWLQJDQG/RFDWLQJ
'LVFKDUJHVLQ/DUJH5RWDWLQJ0DFKLQH6WDWRUV´,(((7UDQVDFWLRQVRQ3RZHU$SSDUDWXVDQG6\VWHPVYRO
0DUSS±KWWSG[GRLRUJ73$6
>%@'LRQQH'DQG%RPEHQ6³%ODVWLQJ$ZD\WKH'LUW´+\GUR5HYLHZ-XQHSSí
>%@'XNH&$6PLWK/(5REHUWV&$DQG&DPHURQ$::³,QYHVWLJDWLRQRIPDLQWHQDQFHWHVWV
IRUJHQHUDWRULQVXODWLRQ´$,((7UDQVDFWLRQVRQ3RZHU$SSDUDWXVDQG6\VWHPVSW,,,YROSSí
$XJKWWSG[GRLRUJ$,((3$6
>%@)LQGOD\'$%UHDUOH\5*DQG/RXWWLW&&³(YDOXDWLRQRIWKH,QWHUQDO,QVXODWLRQRI*HQHUDWRU
&RLOV%DVHGRQ3RZHU)DFWRU0HDVXUHPHQWV´$,((7UDQVDFWLRQVYROSDUW,,,$-XQSSí
KWWSG[GRLRUJ$,((3$6
>%@+DUUROG57(0)RUWDQG7$*RRGZLQ³7KH,QWHUSUHWDWLRQRI&RURQDDQG'LHOHFWULF0HD-
VXUHPHQWVRQWKH0LFD$VSKDOW,QVXODWLRQRID<HDU2OG:DWHUZKHHO*HQHUDWRUDW*UDQG&RXOHH'DP´
,(((7UDQVDFWLRQVRQ3RZHU$SSDUDWXVDQG6\VWHPVYRO1RY'HFSS±KWWSG[GRL
RUJ73$6
>%@+HUPDQQ3.50DUKWDQG++'RRQ³'HWHFWLQJDQG/RFDWLQJ,QWHUWXUQ6KRUW&LUFXLWVRQ7XUELQH
*HQHUDWRU5RWRUV´,(((7UDQVDFWLRQVRQ3RZHU$SSDUDWXVDQG6\VWHPVYRO2FWSS±
KWWSG[GRLRUJ73$6
>%@+LOO*/³7HVWLQJHOHFWULFDOLQVXODWLRQRQURWDWLQJPDFKLQHU\ZLWKKLJKYROWDJHGF´$,((7UDQVDF-
WLRQV$,((7HFKQLFDO3DSHU±
>%@,(((6WG,(((*XLGHIRU2SHUDWLRQDQG0DLQWHQDQFHRI7XUELQH*HQHUDWRUV
>%@,(((6WG,(((6WDQGDUG7HVW3URFHGXUHIRU3RO\SKDVH,QGXFWLRQ0RWRUVDQG*HQHUDWRUV
>%@,(((6WG,(((*XLGHIRU2SHUDWLRQDQG0DLQWHQDQFHRI+\GUR*HQHUDWRUV
>%@,(((6WG5HDII5HFRPPHQGHG3UDFWLFHIRUWKH'HWHFWLRQDQG0HDVXUHPHQWRI

3DUWLDO'LVFKDUJHV&RURQD'XULQJ'LHOHFWULF7HVWV:LWKGUDZQ
>%@,(((6WG,(((*XLGHIRU2QOLQH0RQLWRULQJRI/DUJH6\QFKURQRXV*HQHUDWRUV09$DQG
Above).
>%@,(((6WG,(((5HFRPPHQGHG3UDFWLFHIRU4XDOLW\&RQWURO7HVWLQJRI([WHUQDO'LVFKDUJHVRQ
Stator Coils, Bars, and Windings.
>%@³,QVXODWLRQ7HVWLQJE\'&0HWKRGV´-DPHV*%LGGOH&RPSDQ\7HFKQLFDO3XEOLFDWLRQ7
>%@-RKQVRQ-6³,QVSHFWLRQ$QG0DLQWHQDQFH7HVWLQJRI+LJK9ROWDJH*HQHUDWRU:LQGLQJ´7UDQVDF-
WLRQVRIWKH$PHULFDQ,QVWLWXWHRI(OHFWULFDO(QJLQHHUVYROSW,
>%@-RKQVRQ-6³3UHYHQWLYH0DLQWHQDQFH,QVSHFWLRQDQG7HVWLQJRI0RWRUVDQG*HQHUDWRUV´:HVWLQJ-
KRXVH0DLQWHQDQFH1HZV:HVWLQJKRXVH(OHFWULF&RUSRUDWLRQ(DVW3LWWVEXUJK3$YROQRYRO
QRV,DQGYROQR

,(((6WG
>%@ 0RVHV * / ³$OWHUQDWLQJ DQG 'LUHFW 9ROWDJH (QGXUDQFH 6WXGLHV RQ 0LFD ,QVXODWLRQ IRU (OHF-
WULF 0DFKLQHU\´ $,(( 7UDQVDFWLRQV $,(( 7HFKQLFDO 3DSHU ± KWWSG[GRLRUJ7
$,((
>%@ 2OLYHU -$ + + :RRGVRQ DQG - 6 -RKQVRQ ³$ 7XUQ ,QVXODWLRQ 7HVW IRU 6WDWRU &RLOV´ ,(((
7UDQVDFWLRQVRQ3RZHU$SSDUDWXVDQG6\VWHPVYRO0DUSS±KWWSG[GRLRUJ
73$6
>%@5RQFD39³8QFRQWUROOHG([RWKHUPLF5HDFWLRQLQD/DUJH6FDOH93,3URFHVV0HFKDQLVPDQG&RQVH-
TXHQFHV´3URFHHGLQJVRIWKHWK(OHFWULFDO(OHFWURQLFV,QVXODWLRQ&RQIHUHQFH2FWíSSí
>%@5X[/³5HKDELOLWDWLRQRI)ORRG'DPDJHG+\GURHOHFWULF*HQHUDWRUV´3URFHHGLQJVRIWKH,QWHU-
QDWLRQDO(OHFWULF0DFKLQHVDQG'ULYHV&RQIHUHQFH)HEUXDU\
>%@6FKOHLI)5DQG(QJYDOO/5³([SHULHQFHLQDQDO\VLVRIGFLQVXODWLRQWHVWVIRUPDLQWHQDQFHSUR-
JUDPPLQJ´$,((7UDQVDFWLRQVRQ3RZHU$SSDUDWXVDQG6\VWHPVSW,,,YROSSB
>%@6KDUL¿(6-D\DUDPDQG(&KHUQH\³&DSDFLWLYH*UDGLQJRIN9)RUP:RXQG0RWRU&RLO(QGV
IRU3XOVH:LGWK0RGXODWHG'ULYH2SHUDWLRQ´,(((,QWHUQDWLRQDO6\PSRVLXPRQ(OHFWULFDO,QVXODWLRQ-XQH
SSíKWWSG[GRLRUJ(/,16/
>%@6WRQH*&($%RXOWHU,&XOEHUWDQG+'KLUDQL(OHFWULFDO,QVXODWLRQIRU5RWDWLQJ0DFKLQHV²'H-
VLJQ(YDOXDWLRQ$JLQJ7HVWLQJDQG5HSDLUQG(G:LOH\²,(((3UHVV
>%@6XWWRQ-0HWKRGDQGDSSDUDWXVIRUWHVWLQJODPLQDWHGFRUHVRIHOHFWULFDOPDFKLQHV863DWHQW
%,VVXHG-XQH
>%@:DONHUDQG)ODKHUW\³6HYHUHPRLVWXUHFRQGLWLRQLQJXQFRYHUVZHDNQHVVHVLQFRQYHQWLRQDOPRWRULQVX-
ODWLRQV\VWHPVIRUQDYDOVKLSERDUGXVH´$,((7UDQVDFWLRQV3DSHU±
>%@:HGGHQGRUI:$³7KHXVHRIGFRYHUSRWHQWLDOWHVWLQJDVDPDLQWHQDQFHWRROLQWKHLQGXVWULDOSODQW´
$,((7UDQVDFWLRQV3DSHU±

,(((6WG
Annex B
(informative)
Thermosetting resins used in insulation systems

B.1 Description of thermosetting resins
3RO\HVWHUV DUH WKH SRO\FRQGHQVDWLRQ SURGXFWV RI GLFDUER[\OLF DFLGV ZLWK GLK\GUR[\ DOFRKROV 8QVDWXUDWHG
polyester resins usually contain three essential components: the polyester (usually a very viscous liquid), the
monomer, and the inhibitor. Common monomers include styrene and vinyl toluene (low viscosity liquids), as
well as others. During the cure, the monomer reacts with the unsaturated acid in the polyester chains to pro-
duce a cross-linked structure. As there is little volatile product, relatively void free structures can be produced.
The inhibitor increases the shelf life but does not interfere with the subsequent polymerization when the mix-
ture is heated.
The term epoxy implies a ring containing one oxygen and two carbon atoms. Four common types of epoxy
resins are shown in 7DEOH%:
Table B.1—Common types of epoxy

Resin Description
Bisphenol-A Most widely used.
Epoxy-novolacs High temperature applications
Cycloaliphatics *RRGPHFKDQLFDODQGGLHOHFWULFSURSHUWLHVDWHOHYDWHGWHPSHUDWXUHJRRGZHDWKHUDELOLW\
Aliphatic Flexibilizing resin.
Epoxies are cured in one of the following two ways:
a) In catalytic curing, the epoxy molecules react with each other, initiated by a catalyst.
b) In hardener initiated curing, the hardener reacts with the epoxy and becomes part of the cured material.

,(((6WG
Annex C
(informative)
6WDWRUFRUHLQWHUODPLQDULQVXODWLRQKLJKÀX[WHVWSURFHGXUH

,QFOXGHGLQWKLVDQQH[DUHVRPHKHOSIXOFRQVLGHUDWLRQVWRDLGHLQWKHSHUIRUPDQFHRIWKHKLJKÀX[WHVWLQJRIWKH
laminar insulation in stator cores.
C.1 Design of the magnetizing coil

,QRUGHUWRWHVWWKHVWDWRUFRUHLQDKLJKÀX[WHVWLWLVQHFHVVDU\WRPDJQHWL]HWKHFRUHZLWKRXWURWRUDWDSSUR[-
LPDWHO\LWVQRUPDORSHUDWLQJSHDNÀX[RUDW7HVODOHYHOXVLQJDPDJQHWL]LQJFRLO7KHIROORZLQJLVSURYLGHG
as guidance to set up this test:
— The turns of the magnetizing coil should encircle the stator through the main bore (after rotor is re-
moved) and is normally routed around the outer frame. A preferable return route, if available, is near
the outside diameter of the core within the frame. On large-diameter machines (such as waterwheel
generators), the magnetizing coil should be distributed around the periphery of the stator to ensure
XQLIRUPÀX[GLVWULEXWLRQDURXQGWKHHQWLUHFRUH$FOHDUDQFHRIFPWRFPVKRXOGEHPDLQWDLQHG
EHWZHHQWKHPDJQHWL]LQJFRLOFRQGXFWRUDQGVROLGPHWDOPHWDOÀRRUIUDPHHWFWRUHGXFHVWUD\HGG\
currents.
C.2 Search coil

$VLQJOHWXUQRI$:*WR$:*ZLUHV²LQVXODWHGDGHTXDWHO\IRUWKHYROWVSHUWXUQDSSOLHG²VKRXOGEH
SODFHGDURXQGWKHFRUHSUHIHUDEO\GLDPHWULFDOO\RSSRVLWHIURPWKHPDJQHWL]LQJFRLO7KHDFWXDOFRUHÀX[GHQ-
sity can be measured by placing the search coil so that it encircles only the core and does not include the frame
PHPEHUV2QVRPHPDFKLQHVWKLVLVQRWSRVVLEOHDQGWKHHUURULQPHDVXUHGÀX[GHQVLW\PD\RUPD\QRWEH
acceptable. An alternative is to route the search coil leads through air vents and adjust the voltage reading for
the percent of laminations not included in the search coil loop.
A voltmeter connected to the search coil will read approximately the volts per turn value calculated in C.3.
C.3 Calculation of the search coil voltage

7KHIROORZLQJFDOFXODWLRQVDUHSHUIRUPHGLQGHVLJQLQJWKHKLJKÀX[WHVW7KHFRQWUROOLQJWHVWSDUDPHWHUWKDW
VHWVWKHFRUHÀX[LVWKHYROWVSHUWXUQDSSOLHG7KHYROWVSHUWXUQYDOXHIRUWKHVHDUFKFRLOLVFDOFXODWHGE\
(TXDWLRQ&:
Volts per Turn = 2π f φ

&
where
9ROWVSHU7XUQ LVWKHURRWPHDQVTXDUHYROWDJHRIDVLQJOHWXUQHQFRPSDVVLQJWKHFRUHLQYROWV
f is the operating frequency in hertz
I LVWKHSHDNFRUHÀX[LQZHEHUV
2π is 4.443

,(((6WG
7KHRSHUDWLQJSHDNFRUHÀX[LQZHEHUVLVGHWHUPLQHGXVLQJEquation (C.2):
( D1 − D2 )
φ = B Leffective (C.2)
2
where
B LVWKHSHDNVWDWRUFRUHLURQÀX[GHQVLW\LQWHVOD
Leffective is the effective length of core in meters per Equation (C.3)
D is the outside diameter of core in meters
D2 is the inside diameter measured from the bottom of the stator slots in meters
The effective length of core, Leffective should be obtained from the manufacturer. If that is not possible, the effec-
tive core length is determined using Equation (C.3):
Leffective = (L − N v bv ) SF (C.3)
where
Leffective is the effective length of core in meters

L is the overall core length in meters
Nv is the number of ventilation ducts
bv is the width of a ventilation duct in meters
SF LVWKHFRUHVWDFNLQJIDFWRUIURPPDQXIDFWXUHURUXVHWKHW\SLFDOYDOXHRI
7KHSHDNÀX[GHQVLW\LQWKHFRUH%VKRXOGEHREWDLQHGIURPWKHPDQXIDFWXUHU7KHWHVWOHYHOVKRXOGEHDJUHHG
WRE\WKHFXVWRPHUDQGWKHPDFKLQHPDQXIDFWXUHU$ÀX[OHYHOIRUH[FLWDWLRQRIDSSUR[LPDWHO\RIWKHIXOO
UDWHGYROWDJHDQGUDWHGIUHTXHQF\LVRIWHQXVHGZKLOH7HVODPD\EHXVHGIRUODUJHFRUHVGXHWRH[FLWDWLRQ
limitations with other values possible if agreed upon by the customer and the machine manufacturer. If the
SHDNÀX[GHQVLW\LVQRWSURYLGHGE\WKHPDQXIDFWXUHUWKHYROWVSHUWXUQHTXLYDOHQWWRWKHRSHUDWLQJÀX[DW
of rated voltage and rated frequency can be determined by the calculation shown in Equation (C.4).
0.85 Vphase
Volts per Turn at 85% of Rated Flux (C.4)
2 K d K p (Turns per Phase)
where
Vphase is the operating voltage on a phase in volts

Kd is the Distribution Factor or Breadth Factor
Kp LVWKH3LWFK)DFWRURU&KRUGLQJ)DFWRU
Turns per Phase is the number of turns in series per one phase per parallel in the stator winding
)RUDWKUHHSKDVHZ\H<FRQQHFWHGPDFKLQH
Vline-line
Vphase (C.5)
3
where
Vphase is the operating voltage on a phase in volts

Vline-line is the line-to-line operating voltage in volts

,(((6WG
7KH3LWFK)DFWRURU&KRUGLQJ)DFWRUKp, is determined by Equation (C.6):
⎛ Coil Pitch × Rotor Poles π ⎞

K p = sin ⎜ × ⎟
⎝ Slots 2⎠ (C.6)
where
Kp LVWKH3LWFK)DFWRURU&KRUGLQJ)DFWRU
Core Pitch is the stator winding pitch, the number of slots spanned by a single coil of the winding
Rotor Poles is the number of poles in the rotor
Slots is the number of slots in the stator
π LV
7KH3LWFK)DFWRUIRUDSLWFKZLQGLQJDFRPPRQSLWFKLV
The Distribution Factor or Breath Factor, Kd, is determined by (TXDWLRQ&:
⎛ ⎛ π ⎞ ⎞
⎜ sin ⎜ ⎟ ⎟
Kd = ⎜ ⎝ 2 Phases ⎠ ⎟
⎜ ⎛ π ⎞⎟
⎜ N sin ⎜ ⎟ ⎟⎟
⎜
⎝ ⎝ 2 N Phases ⎠ ⎠ &
where
Kd is the Distribution Factor or Breadth Factor

Phases is the number of phases in the stator winding
N LVWKHQXPHUDWRURI(TXDWLRQ&
π LV
For fractional slot windings, the numerator N must be determined where N and the denominator, D, in the fol-
lowing ratio has no common divisor:
N Slots
= &
D ( Rotor Poles )( Phases )
where
N is the numerator where N and D have no common divisor

D is the denominator where N and D have no common divisor
Rotor Poles is the number of poles in the rotor
In the particular case of an integer slot winding, the value of DLV7KHW\SLFDO'LVWULEXWLRQ)DFWRUIRUDFRP-

PRQZLQGLQJZLWKGHJUHHSKDVHEHOWVLV7KHWXUQVSHUSKDVHVKRXOGEHREWDLQHGIURPWKHPDQXIDF-
turer, or it can be determined by (TXDWLRQ&:
(Slots) (Turns per Coil)

Turns per Phase &
(Parallels) (Phases)

,(((6WG
where
Turns per Phase is the number of turns in series per one phase belt in the stator winding
Turns per Coil is the number of turns in a coil
Parallels is the number of parallel windings in a phase
C.4 Calculation of the search coil voltage in CGS units

7KHFDOFXODWLRQVLQ&*6DUHLQFOXGHGIRUKLVWRULFDOSXUSRVHVEHFDXVHPDQ\PDFKLQHVWKDWDUHVWLOOLQRSHUD-
WLRQKDYHEHHQGHVLJQHGXVLQJWKHVH,Q&*6XQLWV(TXDWLRQ& is changed to the following:
Volts per Turn = 2π f φ 10-8 &
where
Volts per Turn is the root mean square voltage of a single turn encompassing the core in volts
f is the operating frequency in hertz
I LVWKHSHDNFRUHIOX[LQPD[ZHOOV
2π is 4.443
7KHRSHUDWLQJSHDNFRUHÀX[LQPD[ZHOOVLVGHWHUPLQHGXVLQJ(TXDWLRQ&:
( D1 − D2 )
φ = B Leffective &
2
where
I LVWKHSHDNFRUHÀX[LQOLQHV
B LVWKHSHDNFRUHÀX[GHQVLW\LQOLQHVSHUVTXDUHLQFKIURPWKHPDQXIDFWXUHU
D is the outside diameter of core in inches
D2 is the diameter to bottom of stator slots in inches
Leffective LVWKHHIIHFWLYHOHQJWKRIFRUHLQLQFKHVSHU(TXDWLRQ&
The effective length of core should be obtained from the manufacturer. If that is not possible, the effective core
length is determined using (TXDWLRQ&:
Leffective = (L − N v bv ) SF &
where
Leffective is the effective core length in inches

L is the overall core length in inches
N v is the number of ventilation ducts
bv is the width of a ventilation duct in inches
SF LVWKHFRUHVWDFNLQJIDFWRUIURPPDQXIDFWXUHURUXVHWKHYDOXHRI
To convert between the two systems of units the following should be used:
7HVOD OLQHVLQ2

,(((6WG
PHWHU LQ
C.5 Calculation of the magnetizing coil turns and amperage

From the known supply of voltage and the volts-per-turn value previously noted, the number of turns for the
magnetizing coil can be determined by direct division. The result should be rounded to the next higher integer.
7KLVQXPEHURIWXUQVVKRXOGEHXVHGLQWKH¿UVWWULDOWHVW
In order to determine the size of the cable necessary for the magnetizing coil, data on ampere-turns per meter
RIPHDQEDFNLURQSHULSKHU\FRUUHVSRQGLQJWRWKHFRUHÀX[GHQVLWLHVZLOOEHUHTXLUHG7KHVHGDWDVKRXOGEH
obtained from the manufacturer.
The magnetizing-coil current requirement is given by (TXDWLRQ&:
ATM ⎛ D1 + D2 ⎞
It = ⎜ ⎟π
Nt ⎝ 2 ⎠ &
where
I t is magnetizing coil current in amperes

ATM is ampere-turns per meter obtained from manufacturer
N t is number of turns
D is outside diameter of core in meters
D2 is diameter to bottom of stator slots in meters
π LV
This is the magnetizing current. For a more accurate estimation of current requirements, the watts loss current
VKRXOGEHGHWHUPLQHGDVZHOO7KHVHWZRFXUUHQWVFDQWKHQEHDGGHGDVYHFWRUVZLWKGHJUHHSKDVHDQJOH
between them by (TXDWLRQ&:
I exc = I t2 + I w2 &
where
I t is magnetizing coil current in amperes

I w is watts loss current in amperes
Using the results from (TXDWLRQ&, the approximate minimum conductor area can be determined. Addi-
tional safety factors should be considered for suitable cable sizing to avoid overheating of cables and risk of
damages.
C.6 Temperature measurements

The magnetizing coil should be located remote from the areas suspected as damaged in order to facilitate tem-
SHUDWXUHPHDVXUHPHQW7KLQVKDYLQJVRISDUDI¿QWKHUPRPHWHUVDI¿[HGZLWKVXLWDEOHSXWW\WKHUPRFRXSOHV
SRUWDEOHS\URPHWHUVRULQIUDUHGFDPHUDVFDQEHXVHGWRGHWHFWKRWVSRWV7KHVHVKRXOGEHGHWHFWDEOHLQVWR
VLIWKHORZLQWHUODPLQDUUHVLVWDQFHLVORFDWHGDWRUQHDUWKHH[SRVHGVXUIDFH,IWKHORZLQWHUODPLQDUUHVLV-
WDQFHLVUDGLDOO\RXWZDUGIURPWKHWRRWKVXUIDFHRULQFRUHDUHDVEHORZWKHERWWRPRIVWDWRUVORWVWRRU

,(((6WG
more minutes of excitation may elapse before the heat becomes evident at the exposed surfaces. If repairs are
UHTXLUHGD¿QDOKHDWUXQVKRXOGEHPDGHDIWHUDOOUHSDLUVDUHFRPSOHWHG6HH for considerations of the
test conditions and duration.
It is recommended that the original equipment manufacturer be consulted for guidance on appropriate hotspot
criteria, time duration, temperature, and testing condition recommendations for the particular machine.

,(((6WG
Annex D
(informative)
Stator core low energy (EL CID) test

The condition of the interlaminar resistance between stator laminations (punchings) of a machine core is often
best evaluated by means of magnetic excitation of the core. This procedure describes a method of accomplish-
LQJWKLVXVLQJORZÀX[GHQVLWLHVORZSRZHUUHTXLUHPHQWVDQGVKRUWVHWXSWLPH7KHSURFHGXUHKDVWKHDGGL-
WLRQDOEHQH¿WRISURGXFLQJDSHUPDQHQWUHFRUGRIWKHFRQGLWLRQRIWKHLQWHUODPLQDUFRUHLQVXODWLRQ
7KHSULQFLSOHXQGHUO\LQJWKLVPHWKRGLVWKDWPHDVXUDEOHFXUUHQWVZLOOÀRZWKURXJKIDLOHGRUVHYHUHO\GHWHULR-
UDWHGLQWHUODPLQDULQVXODWLRQZKHQDÀX[RIRQO\DIHZSHUFHQWRIWKHUDWHGYDOXHLVLQGXFHGLQWKHFRUH
D.1 Discussion
$ZHDNPDJQHWLF¿HOGWRRIQRPLQDOÀX[DUHW\SLFDOO\XVHGLVLQGXFHGLQWKHFRUHXVLQJDQH[FLWDWLRQ
ORRSFRQVLVWLQJRIDIHZWXUQVRIVPDOOORZYROWDJHFDEOH7KHPDJQHWLFH[FLWDWLRQ¿HOGLVLQDFLUFXPIHUHQWLDO
pattern around the stator bore, and is to be the datum phase to which all other quantities are referenced. This
H[FLWDWLRQ¿HOGLQGXFHVFXUUHQWVWRÀRZEHWZHHQODPLQDWLRQVZLWKZHDNHQHGLQVXODWLRQ7KHVHUHVXOWDQWHGG\
FXUUHQWVGXHWRWKHLQWHUODPLQDULQVXODWLRQGHIHFWVDUHGHWHFWHGXVLQJD&KDWWRFNRU5RJRZVNLW\SHSLFNXS
coil, which is also known as Maxwell’s worm.
When such a coil is placed across two core teeth, the voltage induced by the fault current is approximately
SURSRUWLRQDOWRWKHOLQHLQWHJUDODORQJLWVOHQJWK,IWKH¿HOGLQWKHFRUHLVLJQRUHGWKHYROWDJHRXWSXWRIWKHFRLO
LVSURSRUWLRQDOWRWKHHGG\FXUUHQWÀRZLQJLQWKHDUHDHQFRPSDVVHGE\WKHSLFNXSFRLOWKHWZRWHHWKLWVSDQV
DQGWKHFRUHEHKLQGWKHVH8QIRUWXQDWHO\GXHWRWKHFLUFXPIHUHQWLDOPDJQHWLF¿HOGFRPSRQHQWUHVXOWLQJIURP
WKHH[FLWDWLRQFRLOWKHRXWSXWRIWKH5RJRZVNLW\SHFRLOFDQQRWEHXVHGGLUHFWO\WRLQGLFDWHWKHFRQGLWLRQRI
WKHFRUHLQVXODWLRQ+RZHYHUWKHHGG\FXUUHQWVGXHWRWKHIDXOWVUHVXOWLQÀX[HVZKLFKDUHSKDVHVKLIWHGZLWK
UHVSHFWWRWKHUHIHUHQFHÀX[&RQVHTXHQWO\WKHFRPSRQHQWRIWKHH[FLWDWLRQÀX[PHDVXUHGE\WKH5RJRZV-
ki-type coil can be eliminated to produce a voltage that is proportional to the axial component of the eddy
FXUUHQW7KHUHIHUHQFHSKDVHDQJOHLVGH¿QHGE\WKHH[FLWDWLRQFXUUHQWSKDVHDQJOH7KHTXDGUDWXUHFXUUHQWLV
WKHQGH¿QHGDVDFXUUHQWWKDWLVGHJUHHVIURPWKHH[FLWDWLRQFXUUHQW
7KHRXWSXWVIURPWKH5RJRZVNLW\SHDQGUHIHUHQFHFRLOVDUHIHGWRDVLJQDOSURFHVVLQJXQLWZKLFKSHUIRUPV
the excitation voltage component elimination and provides an output of the axial eddy currents detected in
TXDGUDWXUHWRWKHH[FLWDWLRQFXUUHQWE\WKH&KDWWRFN5RJRZVNLW\SHFRLOLQPLOOLDPSHUHV,IWKHVWDWRUFRUH
LQVXODWLRQKDVEHHQGDPDJHGUHODWLYHO\KLJKTXDGUDWXUHFXUUHQWUHDGLQJV!P$ZLOOUHVXOW
D.2 Test setup and procedure

An excitation loop should be pulled through the bore and around the outside of the stator frame. One advan-
tage of this test over a traditional high power test is that the cable used for the excitation loop is low voltage
and typically about 2 mm to 4 mm in diameter. The wires constituting the loop should be installed along the
central axis of the bore, rather than letting the wires be in contact with the stator core. The core of the machine
XQGHUWHVWLVH[FLWHGZLWKDZHDNPDJQHWLFÀX[LQUDQJHRIWRRIQRPLQDOÀX[7\SLFDOO\RI
QRPLQDOÀX[LVXVHGIRUFRQVLVWHQF\RIHYDOXDWLRQ,IDQDOWHUQDWHYDOXHLVXVHGWKHUHVXOWVDUHVFDOHGOLQHDUO\
WRWKHOHYHO&RQVHTXHQWO\WKHH[FLWLQJFRLOSDUDPHWHUVQXPEHURIWXUQVDQGFURVVVHFWLRQKDYHWREH
calculated based upon the size of the core. Furthermore, it is customary to install a separate single turn coil to
PHDVXUHWKHDFWXDOLQGXFHGÀX[DFKLHYHG

,(((6WG
3ULRUWRFRPPHQFHPHQWRIWKHWHVWWKHVWDWRUVKRXOGEHLQVSHFWHGIRUDQ\FRQGXFWLYHPDWHULDOZKLFKZRXOG
VKRUWWKHODPLQDWLRQVWRJHWKHUDQGWKH&KDWWRFN5RJRZVNLW\SHFRLOVKRXOGEHDGMXVWHGWRULGHVPRRWKO\DQG
IUHHO\RQWZRWHHWKEXWVKRXOGEHSUHYHQWHGIURPZREEOLQJRUELQGLQJ5HFRPPHQGHGSUDFWLFHDOVRLQFOXGHV
numbering the core teeth to provide an easy means of referencing any faults located.
7KH5RJRZVNLW\SHFRLOLVFRQVWUXFWHGIURPPDQ\WXUQVRI¿QHZLUHZRXQGRQDÀH[LEOH8VKDSHGPDJQHWLF
core. The number of turns per unit length and cross-sectional area of the core are kept constant so that a cal-
ibrated output from the coil can be obtained. For this reason, during operation the tips of the coil should be
maintained uniformly close to the core iron and at the same distance as when calibrated. This is critical to the
proper interpretation of the results. Care must be taken when measurements are made over any steps in the
core, such as vents and the step iron region.
2QFHDOORIWKHVHUHTXLUHPHQWVKDYHEHHQPHWWKH5RJRZVNLW\SHFRLOFDQEHVHWRYHUWKHVORWDQGWKHFRPSOHWH
slot is scanned with the current readings being observed or recorded. This procedure is repeated with each slot
LQWXUQXQWLOWKHHQWLUHFRUHRUDVHOHFWHGSRUWLRQRILWKDVEHHQWHVWHG7KH¿UVWRQHWRWKUHHVORWVVFDQQHGPD\
EHUHWHVWHGIRUYHUL¿FDWLRQSXUSRVHV
D.3 Search coil voltage calculation

There are several methods commonly used for determining the search coil voltage that is required to achieve
WKHGHVLUHGÀX[OHYHOIRUWKH(/&,'WHVW7KHGLIIHUHQFHVDUHLQWKHVLPSOL¿FDWLRQVXVHGWRDSSUR[LPDWH
the search coil value.
7KHVHDUFKFRLOYROWDJHFDQEHFDOFXODWHGDVRIWKHKLJKÀX[YROWDJHFDOFXODWHGE\RQHRIWKHPHWKRGVLQ
Annex C.
VSearch K test Volts per Turn '
where
Volts per Turn LVWKHKLJKÀX[WHVWYROWVSHUWXUQDVGHWHUPLQHGLQ$QQH[&

K test LVWKHW\SLFDO(/&,'WHVWOHYHORI
Alternatively, the following can be used for a 5/6 pitch, three-phase, wye winding to calculate the search coil
voltage:
⎛ 0.313 (Vline-line ) (Parallels)(Phases) ⎞

VSearch = K test ⎜ ⎟ (D.2)
⎝ (Slots) (Turns per Coil) ⎠
where
VSearch is the single turn search coil voltage in volts

K test LVWKHW\SLFDO(/&,'WHVWOHYHORI
Vline-line is the line to line operating voltage in volts
Parallels is the number of parallel windings in a phase
Turns per Coil is the number of turns in a coil
The constant in Equation (D.2)LVGHWHUPLQHGIURPWKHIROORZLQJ

,(((6WG
1
0.313 # (D.3)
2 3 Kd K p
where
K d is the Distribution Factor or Breadth Factor as determined in Annex C

K p LVWKH3LWFK)DFWRURU&KRUGLQJ)DFWRUDVGHWHUPLQHGLQ$QQH[&
$VDJXLGH9PLVDW\SLFDOYDOXHIRUPRVWWXUERJHQHUDWRUPDFKLQHV)RUK\GURJHQHUDWRUV9WR9FDQ
EHW\SLFDO7KHXVHRIDVWDQGDUGYROWDJH9PUHGXFHVWKHGLI¿FXOW\RIGHWHUPLQLQJWKHPDFKLQHSDUDPHWHUV
DQGFDQPDNHFRPSDULVRQVIURPXQLWWRXQLWVWUDLJKWIRUZDUGKRZHYHULWFDQUHVXOWLQDÀX[GLIIHUHQWWKDQWKH
GHVLUHGGHSHQGLQJRQWKHPDFKLQHGHVLJQ)RUWKHPRVWDFFXUDWHDSSOLFDWLRQRIWKHWHVWWKHÀX[OHYHO
VKRXOGEHRIWKHPDFKLQHUDWHGÀX[GHQVLW\DWWKHEDFNRIWKHFRUHDWQRORDG,IWKHDSSOLHGÀX[GHQVLW\
GHYLDWHVWKHQWKHUHVXOWVVKRXOGEHQRUPDOL]HGWRWKHOHYHO7KH9PRIFRUHOHQJWKPD\RYHUHVWLPDWH
WKHÀX[OHYHOIRUVPDOORUVKRUWPDFKLQHVDQGPD\XQGHUHVWLPDWHLWIRUVRPHPDFKLQHV
D.4 Interpretation
This test has high sensitivity; hence it can detect magnetic disturbances which may not prejudice the reliability
RIWKHVWDWRU&RQVHTXHQWO\LQWHUSUHWDWLRQRIWKHUHVXOWVLVQRWVLPSOHDQGWKHUHPD\EHVRPHGLI¿FXOW\LQGHWHU-
mining an appropriate level of response that warrants further investigation and/or repair. In general, responses
RIJUHDWHUWKDQP$DWRIUDWHGÀX[VKRXOGEHUHJDUGHGDVVLJQL¿FDQWIDXOWVH[SHFWHGWHPSHUDWXUHULVH
IRUHDFKP$RIIDXOWFXUUHQWPHDVXUHGLV&WR&DQGVKRXOGEHIXUWKHULQYHVWLJDWHG
The correct detection of a fault signature requires consideration of the polarity of the excitation phase and the
maintenance of a consistent orientation of the Chattock coil in the core. The polarity of the excitation phase
VLJQDOUHODWLQJWRWKHWRURLGDOH[FLWDWLRQÀX[LVVHWRULQYHUWHGE\RULHQWDWLRQRIH[FLWDWLRQZLQGLQJVRULHQ-
WDWLRQRIUHIHUHQFHFRLODQGWKHRULHQWDWLRQRIWKH&KDWWRFNFRLOLQWKHFRUH5HYHUVDORIDQ\RQHRIWKHVHZLOO
invert the excitation phase signal. There is no requirement to achieve any particular excitation phase polarity,
though a convenient convention is to always set the excitation and Chattock coil orientation to give a positive
excitation phase signal.
The polarity of the quadrature signal indicating an interlamination insulation fault is strictly dependent on the
direction/polarity of the excitation phase. For a fault that is within the span of the Chattock coil, the quadrature
signal must be the opposite polarity of the excitation phase current. Typically, when the fault is just outside
the span of the Chattock coil the signal will be in the same polarity as the excitation phase current. Indications
are a result of losses from eddy currents in the circuit, false indications of shorts can be attributed to material
differences in the electrical steel.
It should be recognized that no reading will be obtained at a fault location if the electrical circuit is not com-
pleted elsewhere—i.e., no electrical contact between laminations and building bars. It should be noted that
such a fault will not create a hot spot in normal operation if the electrical circuit is not completed. Some ma-
chines are insulated at the back of the core so that the circuit will not be completed. However, it also should
EHUHFRJQL]HGWKDWWKHH[FLWDWLRQGXULQJWKLVWHVWLVVLJQL¿FDQWO\GLIIHUHQWWKDQWKDWRIQRUPDORSHUDWLRQGXHWR
thermal and mechanical duty on the core during operation, and this could lead to shorting that is not seen in this
low energy test.

,(((6WG
Annex E
(informative)
Machine condition visual inspection appraisal—Checklist

Status Condition
Component Deterioration NONE/
or Damage SLIGHT/
MAJOR
Armature windings (stationary ac, rotating dc)
A 3XII\FRLOV
B Soft insulations
C *LUWKFUDFNLQJ
D Separation in groundwall
E Bond cracks at slot ends
F Bond cracks into slots (wedge removed for inspection)
* Contamination of coil or connection surfaces (carbon dust, dirt, oil)
H Abrasion damage from chemicals, abrasives, or foreign materials
I Cracks/abrasion from mechanical forces, coil movement
- Loose bracing structure
K Corona damage (white, gray, or red deposits)
L /RRVHZHGJHVRUVORW¿OOHUV
M Distorted windings, coils, or commutator risers
N Loose restraint bands
O Cracked restraint bands
3 Uneven color commutator bars
4 (YLGHQFHRURFFXUUHQFHRIÀDVKRYHU
5 Evidence of bar faults or band burning at walls of glass-band grooves
Field windings (rotating ac, stationary dc)

A 3XII\FRLOV
B Soft insulations
C Contamination of coil, collector, banding, or connection surfaces (carbon
dust, dirt, oil)
D Abrasion damage from chemicals, abrasives, or foreign materials
E Cracks/abrasion from mechanical forces, coil movement
F Loose wedges
* Distortion of coils
H Shrinkage or looseness of coils, washers, or pads from poles
I Loose connections
- Heating of wedges
K Cracks in retaining rings
L Loose end-winding blocking
M 3RZGHUHGLQVXODWLRQVLQDLUGXFWV
N 5HGR[LGHDWPHWDOOLFMRLQWV

,(((6WG
Field windings (rotating ac, stationary dc)

O Loose collector or collector leads
Brush rigging
A (YLGHQFHRURFFXUUHQFHRIÀDVKRYHU
B Carbonized leakage paths
C Loose parts
D Carbon dust accumulation
Cores
A Evidence or occurrence of rub or impact damage (rotor rub or objects in
air gap)
B Burned punchings at bore surface
C Heating of adjacent punchings
D Loose or broken vent duct separators
E Core looseness
F +HDWLQJRIHQG¿QJHUSODWHV
* /RRVHRUEURNHQODPLQDWLRQVDWFODPSLQJÀDQJHV
H /RRVHRUEURNHQHQG¿QJHUSODWHV
I Core buckling
Insulated through bolts

A Contamination
B Looseness
C Broken or cracked insulating washers
Bearing insulation
A Cracks
B Distortion, evidence of excessive heating
C Oxidized or corroded conductors/strands
D Loose connections


IEEE STD 56-2016

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

IEEE STD 56-2016

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

IEEE Guide for Insulation

Maintenance of Electric Machines

IEEE Power and Energy Society

IEEE IEEE Std 56™-2016

IEEE Guide for Insulation

Electric Machinery Committee

Approved 22 September 2016

IEEE-SA Standards Board

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.

Copyright © 2016 by The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.

3') ,6%1 67'

Notice and Disclaimer of Liability Concerning the Use of IEEE Standards

Comments on standards should be submitted to the following address:

Secretary, IEEE-SA Standards Board

Laws and regulations

Douglas J. Conley, Chair

David Agnew Paul Gaberson William McDermid

Martin Baur Randall Groves Howard Penrose

Jean-Philippe Faure, Chair

Chuck Adams Ronald W. Hotchkiss Mehmet Ulema

This guide represents the merger of the following two standards:

 2YHUYLHZ ................................................................................................................................................... 

2. Normative references ................................................................................................................................ 

 'H¿QLWLRQV ................................................................................................................................................. 

6. Insulation systems in general use .............................................................................................................. 

 6HUYLFHFRQGLWLRQVDIIHFWLQJLQVXODWLRQOLIH ............................................................................................... 22

 9LVXDOLQVSHFWLRQPHWKRGV ......................................................................................................................... 45

 ,QVXODWLRQPDLQWHQDQFHWHVWLQJ .................................................................................................................. 

 &OHDQLQJ .................................................................................................................................................. 65

Annex A (informative) Bibliography.............................................................................................................. 

Annex B (informative) Thermosetting resins used in insulation systems ...................................................... 

$QQH[& LQIRUPDWLYH 6WDWRUFRUHLQWHUODPLQDULQVXODWLRQ KLJKÀX[ WHVWSURFHGXUH ................................... 

Annex E (informative) Machine condition visual inspection appraisal—Checklist ...................................... 

4.2 Machine rotation

4.4 Asbestos, lead, and other hazardous materials

6. Insulation systems in general use

6.1 Insulating materials

6.2 Armature winding insulation

6.2.1 Strand insulation

6.2.2 Turn insulation

6.2.3 Groundwall insulation

a) Phenolic Resins (Class 105 Insulation):3KHQROIRUPDOGHK\GHSKHQROXUHDDQGSKHQROPHODPLQH

6.2.4 Semiconducting slot coating

6.2.5 Stress control coating

6.2.6 Stator slot tightening systems

6.2.7 Support insulation

6.2.8 Circuit ring (also known as parallel ring) insulation

6.2.9 Commutator insulation

6.3 Wound rotor windings (three-phase induction machines)

6.3.2 Open or semi-enclosed slots

Coils made of copper wire(s) wound in loops or bars.

6.3.3 Strand (wire) insulation

6.3.4 Groundwall insulation

6.3.5 Winding support wedges

6.3.6 Collector rings

6.4 Field winding insulation

6.4.2 Turn (conductor) insulation

6.4.3 Ground insulation

6.4.4 Collector insulation

6.4.5 Brush rigging insulation

6.5 Core and frame-assembly insulation

6.5.2 Insulation punchings

6.5.3 Core tightening through bolt insulation

3') ,6%1 67'

2YHUYLHZ ...................................................................................................................................................

2. Normative references ................................................................................................................................

'H¿QLWLRQV .................................................................................................................................................

6. Insulation systems in general use ..............................................................................................................

6HUYLFHFRQGLWLRQVDIIHFWLQJLQVXODWLRQOLIH ............................................................................................... 22

9LVXDOLQVSHFWLRQPHWKRGV ......................................................................................................................... 45

,QVXODWLRQPDLQWHQDQFHWHVWLQJ ..................................................................................................................

&OHDQLQJ .................................................................................................................................................. 65

Annex A (informative) Bibliography..............................................................................................................

Annex B (informative) Thermosetting resins used in insulation systems ......................................................

$QQH[&LQIRUPDWLYH6WDWRUFRUHLQWHUODPLQDULQVXODWLRQKLJKÀX[WHVWSURFHGXUH ...................................

Annex E (informative) Machine condition visual inspection appraisal—Checklist ......................................

a) Phenolic Resins (Class 105 Insulation):3KHQROIRUPDOGHK\GHSKHQROXUHDDQGSKHQROPHODPLQH

a) ,QVXODWLRQGHJUDGDWLRQIURPSDUWLDOGLVFKDUJH3'DWWDFN

3RVLWLYHDQGQHJDWLYHLRQVDVZHOODVHOHFWURQVJHQHUDWHGGXULQJHDFKSDUWLDOGLVFKDUJHHYHQWDUHDFFHOHUDWHG

&\OLQGULFDOURXQGURWRU¿HOGZLQGLQJDJLQJPHFKDQLVPV