Transformer testing equipment

Monday, July 17, 2017

10:43 AM

Transformer testing equipment

There are several facets to a transformers overall health (dielectric, magnetic, mechanical and thermal) and
many components that must be tested to verify the transformers whole condition. These include: windings
and winding leads, transformer insulation, transformer core, and accessories (tap
changers, bushings, bushing CTs and surge arresters). For the assessment of each transformer
component, a varying suite of electrical field tests is recommended. Each test in an individual components
diagnosis test group has a characteristic strength(s) but also deficiencies. However together, with each test
contributing unique diagnostic value, the group provides a robust representation of that transformer
components health.

Many of the electrical field tests appearing in these suggested groups provide assessment information for
several transformer components at once. So when the individual component test lists are merged, a
thoughtful and smart overall test recommendation for transformers emerges. As some transformer tests are
better suited as commissioning and diagnostic tests, the reason for testing (e.g., commissioning, routine
screening and diagnostic test situations) will influence the electrical test recommendation for transformers.

Specialist transformer test Associated test

equipment equipment
TRAX Multifunction Insulation testers >
transformer and substation 1 kV
test system

OTD - Oil tan delta Earth testers

Power transformer test van DLRO10HD - 10

Amp Digital Low
Resistance

DELTA4000 - 12 kV BITE3 - Battery

Transformer Page 1
DELTA4000 - 12 kV BITE3 - Battery
Insulation Diagnostic System impedance test
equipment

FRAX - Sweep Frequency PowerDB Pro -

Response Analysers Test Data
Management
Software

IDAX300 - Insulation AVO Training

diagnostic analyser Institute

OTS80PB and OTS60PB -

Portable oil test sets

OTSAF - 60 kV, 80 kV and

100 kV Automatic laboratory
oil test sets

TTR300 Series - Three-

Transformer Page 2
TTR300 Series - Three-
Phase Transformer Turns
Ratio Test Set

MTO210 - Transformer
Ohmmeter

MTO300 Series - Automated

six-winding transformer
ohmmeter

MAGNUS - Step-up
Transformer

CDAX 605 - High-precision

capacitance and dissipation
factor measurement
instrument

KF875 and KF-LAB MkII -

Transformer Page 3
 KF875 and KF-LAB MkII -
Karl Fischer Moisture in Oil
Test Sets

Pasted from <http://en.megger.com/applications/transformers>

Transformer Page 4
 Tap Changer
Monday, July 17, 2017
10:39 AM

Tap changers
The purpose of a tap changer is to regulate the output voltage of a transformer. It does this by altering the
number of turns in one winding and thereby changing the turns ratio of the transformer. There are two types
of transformer tap changers: an on-load tap changer (OLTC) and a deenergised tap changer (DETC). Note
that not all transformers have tap changers.

An OLTC varies the transformer ratio while the transformer is energized and carrying load. The switching
principle uses the make before break contact concept. An adjacent tap is bridged before breaking contact
with the load carrying tap for the purpose of transferring load from one tap to the other without interrupting or
appreciably changing the load current. While in a bridging position (i.e., contact is made with two taps),
some form of impedance (resistive or reactive) is present to limit circulating current. A high speed resistive
type OLTC uses a resistor pair to absorb energy and does not use the bridging position as a service
position. A reactive type OLTC uses a reactor that is designed for continuous loading, e.g., a preventative
autotransformer, and therefore uses the bridging position as a service position.

There are two primary OLTC designs. A diverter design, used for higher voltages and power, has both a tap
selector and a separate diverter switch (also called arcing switch). The switching arc may occur in oil or may
be contained in a vacuum bottle. A non-diverter design, used for lower voltage ratings, simply uses a so-
called selector switch (also called arcing tap switch) that combines the functions of a diverter switch and tap
selector.

A DETC is a tap changer that cannot be moved while the transformer is energized. It often has 5 positions
(A,B,C,D,E, or 1,2,3,4,5). If a DETC is not exercised on a regular basis, there is increased risk that the
DETC will not make properly when next moved.

Tap changers have historically been one of the top causes of transformer failures (Cigre_WG 12-05 An
international survey on failures in large power transformers in service, Electra No. 88, 1983, and
ANSI/IEEE, 1985). Faults in OLTCs can be classified as dielectric failures (oil quality or clearance related),
thermal failures (due to coking or crimp problems), or mechanical failures (contact wear and misalignment,
limit switches, sheared pins on the linkage that operates the reversing switch, lubrication problems, etc). The
following electrical field tests provide information about the integrity of a transformer tap changer.

OLTC diagnosis
Electrical field tests:

Exciting current; exciting current tests have the ability to detect a myriad of transformer tap changer
problems (DETC and OLTC), including: misalignment, coking and wear of contacts, loose moveable
contacts, improper wiring from the tap winding to the OLTC, reversed connections to the preventative
autotransformer (PA) of an OLTC, open- or short-circuited turns or high resistance connections in the OLTC
PA, series autotransformer or series transformer, and more.
DC winding resistance; a DC winding resistance test is used to detect any problem which impacts the
integrity of the current carrying path between terminals of a winding, including the tap changer. It is
particularly adept in identifying partial open-circuited conditions.
Dynamic winding resistance; a dynamic winding resistance test is the measure of the DC current and
resistance (as a function of time) as the OLTC changes tap position. It is particularly effective at identifying
problems with the diverter switch, diverter switch contacts and transition resistors of a resistive style
OLTC. Generally, the test assesses the integrity of any component which makes, carries or breaks current

Transformer Page 5
 OLTC. Generally, the test assesses the integrity of any component which makes, carries or breaks current
during an OLTC operation.
Sweep frequency response analysis (SFRA); the mechanical integrity of the tap windings and their leads
are assessed in the mid- to upper-frequency ranges of an FRA test on a transformer

Oil Tests:

DGA; normal gassing patterns (produced as insulating materials deteriorate) vary for each family of
OLTCs. DGA on a sample of oil from the OLTC is an effective tool for identifying problems such as localised
overheating or excessive arcing, which will result in a change in the OLTCs typical gassing behaviour (for
example, the ratio of the hydrocarbon gasses change).
Dielectric Strength; checks that the dielectric breakdown voltage of the oil in the OLTC is above a
minimum threshold. This is influenced by the relative saturation of water in oil and presence of conductive
particles (number and size).
Moisture; a test for excessive water in the tap changer, which reduces the dielectric breakdown strength of
the oil and can accelerate aging of the contacts

Other Tests:

Infrared; checks for a temperature difference between the transformers main tank and tap compartment; it
is atypical for the tap compartment to be as hot or hotter than the main tank,
Acoustics
Inspection

Transformer Page 6
 Transformer windings and leads
Monday, July 17, 2017
10:45 AM

Transformer windings consist of paper-insulated, current carrying conductors wound around sections of the
core; a winding lead is an insulated conductor that connects a winding to another winding, to a tap changer,
or to an exit terminal (bushing). To withstand operational conditions, windings and leads must be properly
insulated, supported and cooled.

Transformer winding failures have statistically been attributed as the most frequent cause for transformer
faults (ANSI/IEEE, 1985), followed by load tap changers, and bushings. A major reason for winding failure
is insulation deterioration. Factors that contribute to deterioration include moisture, voltage surges,
overheating, vibration and mechanical stress created during transformer through faults.

The following electrical field tests provide information about the integrity of the transformer windings.

Winding diagnosis

Transformer turns ratio: checks the fundamental operational characteristic of a transformer, e.g., that it is
transforming voltage as expected, and may help to identify short-circuited turns, open-circuited conditions,
and incorrect winding connections.
Exciting current: particularly adept in the detection of partial turn-to-turn short circuits in a winding
(sensitive to the deterioration of the turn-to-turn insulation that is not tested in a power factor measurement).
DC winding resistance: assesses the integrity of the current-carrying path between transformer bushing
terminals; detects problems such as loose or defective connections, broken strands, open-circuit conditions,
or high contact resistance in tap changers.
Leakage reactance/short circuit impedance: the premier test to identify or confirm winding deformation
Frequency response of stray losses (FRSL): alone in its ability to detect strand-to-strand short-circuits in
a conductor bundle; also sensitive to problems that have resulted in increased losses of conductive
structural components such as the transformer tank, clamping structure and tie plates.
Sweep frequency response analysis (SFRA): sensitive to short-circuited turn(s), open-circuited winding
conditions and winding deformation
Power factor/Tan delta/dissipation factor/capacitance (@ line frequency): assesses the ability of the
insulation that isolates HV or LV windings from ground potentials, or HV windings from LV windings, to
efficiently store the energy placed across it; detects moisture and other contaminants, and increase in voids
in the insulation. Capacitance is sensitive to extreme winding deformation.
Variable frequency power factor/dissipation factor (VFPF); provides confidence in the interpretation of
the power factor/dissipation factor results above and more discerning information about elevated power
factor/dissipation results
Dielectric frequency response (DFR)

Winding leads diagnosis

DC winding resistance: very effective in the detection of problems such as loose or defective
connections, broken strands, and full or partial open-circuit conditions.
Sweep frequency response analysis (SFRA): assesses mechanical health; sensitive to open or partially-
open connections of a lead and even a situation whereby a lead is incorrectly and inconsistently routed to a

Transformer Page 7

open connections of a lead and even a situation whereby a lead is incorrectly and inconsistently routed to a
bushing terminal as compared to the lead routing associated with the other two phases of the transformer.

Transformer testing equipment catalogue

Transformers
Transformer windings and leads
Transformer insulation
Transformer core
Tap changers
Transformer bushings
Transformer bushing CTs
Surge arresters
Commissioning/routine/diagnostic

Pasted from <http://us.megger.com/applications/transformers/transformer-windings-and-leads>

Transformer Page 8
 Transformer insulation
Monday, July 17, 2017
10:48 AM

Transformer insulation
The insulation in the majority of power transformers consists of both oil and cellulose (paper/pressboard).
The solid insulation is divided into major and minor insulation structures. The major insulation system
includes barriers, spacers and clamps while the minor insulation consists of winding insulation.

Cellulosic transformer insulation serves three functions. Foremost, it acts as a dielectric by storing electrical
charge when the transformer is energised and, thereby, isolates transformer components that exist at
different voltages. It also fulfils a mechanical function by supporting the windings, and contributes to better
thermal health of the transformer by creating cooling ducts for the oil.

The oil must provide sufficient dielectric strength, provide sufficient cooling, preserve the core and coil
assembly by filling voids in the insulating materials, and minimise contact of oxygen with cellulose and other
materials that are at risk for oxidation.

Insulation performs its roles best when it is clean, dry, relatively void-free, and utilised within a certain
temperature bandwidth. The following electrical field tests provide information about the integrity of the
transformer insulation.

Insulation diagnosis
Power factor/Tan delta/dissipation factor/capacitance (@ line frequency): a power factor/dissipation factor
test provides a general sense of how clean, dry, and relatively void-free the insulation system is,
confirmation that the systems electrical characteristics have not deteriorated with age and operating
stresses, and therefore an overall impression of how efficiently the insulation is performing in providing
electrical isolation. Capacitance reflects the amount of electrical charge being effectively stored by the
insulation and is influenced by changes in the physical attributes of the insulation system being tested.
Variable frequency power factor/dissipation factor (VFPF): a variable frequency power factor test
provides context to a line-frequency power factor/dissipation factor measurement so that a more informed
assessment of the insulation system can be made. Specifically, by performing power factor/dissipation
factor measurements at additional frequencies, the tester confirms that a seemingly good line-frequency
power factor/dissipation factor is indeed good (which sometimes may not be the case), detects problems
earlier than they would in a 50/60 Hz power factor/dissipation factor test, and more.
Tan delta/Power factor/dissipation factor tip-up: used to determine whether a voltage sensitive problem
exists in the dielectric of a transformer. A positive indication may suggest the presence of a localised
problem, such as tracking (as long as the insulation system under test is not prohibitively large which
undermines the sensitivity of the test), or partial discharge type activity.
Dielectric frequency response (DFR/DRA): dielectric response measurements provide a moisture and oil
conductivity assessment of transformers. This is an internationally accepted test that is growing in use. Of
the two principal dielectric response methods, an AC method called Dielectric Frequency Response (DFR,
also Frequency Domain Spectroscopy, FDS) is preferred due to its robustness against noise.
Exciting current: an exciting current test provides information regarding the integrity of the turn-to-turn
winding insulation and electrical tracking problems in the transformer insulation (for example, tracking
somewhere along a winding turn(s) to ground or phase-to-phase electrical tracking).
Partial discharge (PD)
DC insulation resistance

Transformer Page 9
 DC insulation resistance
Dielectric breakdown test on oil: as an insulating liquid, oils most important property is a high dielectric
strength. The dielectric breakdown voltage is an important measurement of the electrical stress which an
insulating oil can withstand without failure. This test checks that the dielectric breakdown voltage of the oil in
the main tank is above a minimum threshold. This may be done in the laboratory or in the field.
DGA

Transformer testing equipment catalogue

Transformers
Transformer windings and leads
Transformer insulation
Transformer core
Tap changers
Transformer bushings
Transformer bushing CTs
Surge arresters
Commissioning/routine/diagnostic

Pasted from <http://us.megger.com/applications/transformers/transformer-insulation>

Transformer Page 10
 Transformer core
Monday, July 17, 2017
10:49 AM

Transformer core
The transformer core provides a magnetic path to channel flux. The use of highly permeable material (which
describes the materials ability to carry flux), as well as better core construction techniques, helps provide a
desirable, low reluctance flux path and confine lines of flux to the core. The core is constructed of numerous
thin strips of grain-oriented silicone steel, called laminations, which are electrically isolated (yet still
magnetically coupled) from each other by thin coatings of insulating material. This is important to reduce the
no-load losses of the transformer. The core is a source of heat in the transformer and as a core increases in
size, cooling ducts within the core may become necessary. Problems such as short-circuited core
laminations will result in increased losses and possibly overheating of the transformer core.

The core is insulated from the grounded mechanical structures that hold it together and support it and is
then intentionally grounded to a single point. Larger transformer cores that have multiple core sections
isolated from one another by cooling ducts may implement core jumpers to bond the sections of the core
together and a single lead to solidly connect the bonded group to earth. The core, which is effectively a
conductor that is not intended as a current-carrying path, may acquire some potential through capacitive
coupling with the innermost winding when the transformer is energised (resulting in partial discharges that
may damage the transformer) and induced potential when the transformer is carrying load unless the core is
solidly connected to earth. The core ground also assures protective device operation in the event of a
winding to core insulation failure. For such a fault to be recognised by the protective system of the power
supply/line (and quickly disconnect the line), the transformer core must be grounded to provide an electrical
(fault) path back to the source. A core is typically grounded at a single point only, as multiple core grounds
may result in circulating currents and overheating (and gassing) in the core.

The magnetic health of a transformer is of paramount importance to a transformers proper operation. Most
common core problems encountered in the field include core ground problems, poor core construction,
shorted laminations and overheating. The following electrical field tests used in conjunction with our range
of transformer test equipment provide information about the integrity of the transformer core.

Core diagnosis
Exciting current: detects most transformer core problems including shorted laminations and other
problems that significantly affect the reluctance of the flux in the core, such as a partially shifted or open
core joint, poor workmanship in the assembly of the core, etc.; sensitive to core magnetisation
DC insulation resistance (core ground): checks for unintentional core grounds (best tool for this) and
problems involving the core ground insulation. Low insulation resistance values between the core and
ground can be caused by shifting of the core laminations and by conductive contamination or foreign objects
that bridge the core-to-ground insulation.
Capacitance/power factor/dissipation factor: the capacitance of the low voltage winding (CL) measured
during a power factor/dissipation factor test is sensitive to the deterioration of or complete loss of the core
ground connection
Sweep frequency response analysis (SFRA): sensitive to changes in the magnetic core and core
magnetization in the lower frequency range while loss of core grounding may be detected in the higher
frequencies (e.g., 50 kHz).

Transformer Page 11
Pasted from <http://us.megger.com/applications/transformers/transformer-core>

Transformer Page 12
 Transformer bushings
Monday, July 17, 2017
10:55 AM

Transformer bushings
A transformer bushing is an insulating structure that facilitates the passage of an energized, current-carrying
conductor through the grounded tank of the transformer. The conductor may be built in to the bushing, i.e.,
a bottom-connected bushing, or the bushing may be built with the provision for a separate conductor to be
drawn through its centre, a.k.a., a draw-lead or draw-rod bushing.

The two principal types of bushing construction are solid or bulk type and capacitance-graded (sometimes
called condenser type). The bushings used for the low voltage winding(s) of a transformer are often solid
type with a porcelain or epoxy insulator. Capacitance-graded bushings, designed for higher voltage ratings,
are used for a transformers high voltage winding.

Unlike a solid type construction, in a capacitance-graded transformer bushing, conducting layers are
inserted at predetermined radial intervals within the insulation that separates the centre conductor from the
insulator (housing) of the bushing. These multiple conductive inserts create capacitive elements linking the
centre conductor of the bushing to ground. Their purpose is to control the voltage field around the center
conductor so that the voltage distributes more uniformly across the surrounding insulation system in the
bushing.

In solid type bushings, electrical grade mineral oil is often used between the conductor and the insulator,
which may be contained within the bushing or shared with the transformer. Typical insulation used in a
capacitance-graded bushing is oil-impregnated paper (OIP), resin-impregnated paper (RIP), and resin
bonded paper (RBP). Capacitance-graded bushings also use mineral oil, usually contained within the
bushing.

Transformer bushing failures are often credited as one of the top causes of transformer failures so the
condition of the bushings is of high interest to transformer asset owners. Typical bushing failure modes
include moisture ingress, electrical flashover, lightning strike, short-circuited capacitance-graded layer(s),
bushing misapplication, corrosive sulphur, broken connection between ground sleeve and flange, and a
broken tap connection. The following electrical field tests provide information about the integrity of the
bushings.

Bushing diagnosis

Tan delta/Power factor/dissipation factor/capacitance (@ line frequency): Tan delta/power

factor/dissipation factor assesses the integrity of the insulation system of the bushing. C1 and C2 tests
should be performed on a capacitance-graded bushing. A C1 power factor/dissipation factor test checks the
health of the bushings main core insulation, while the C2 measurement is used to assess the bushing tap
compartments insulation plus the outermost main core insulating wraps and surrounding filler
material. Often, C2 serves as early detection for moisture ingress or other contaminants that collect around
the flange area because of a deteriorated or faulty top terminal gasket, for example.
Capacitance: measured concurrently, assesses the physical integrity of the bushing. An increase in C1
capacitance for example may indicate short-circuited capacitance-graded layers in the bushing, a diagnosis
which warrants the bushings immediate replacement.
Tan delta/Power factor/dissipation factor tip-up: Tan delta/power factor/dissipation factor tip-up (which
checks to see whether power factor/dissipation factor changes when the test voltage changes) may be

Transformer Page 13

checks to see whether power factor/dissipation factor changes when the test voltage changes) may be
useful in the detection of loose connections or localized defects; may be effective in detecting aging effects
when combined with DFR. Ask us how
Variable frequency power factor/dissipation factor (VFPF): This test is a collection of power
factor/dissipation factor measurements performed across a subset of the frequencies included in a DFR
measurement (e.g., 15 500 Hz). Conductive contaminants are easily seen at low frequencies (15 Hz and
below) while problems such as top terminal looseness and PD inducing type issues may be detected at
higher frequencies (500 Hz).
Hot collar test: A hot collar test is used routinely for solid type bushings without taps and is effective in
revealing deterioration, contamination, low compound or liquid levels, and voids in the compound (if
applicable). It may also be effective as a supplementary test to C1 and C2 tests on capacitance-graded
bushings with taps.
Dielectric frequency response (DFR): In bushing diagnostics, a pronounced temperature dependence
(i.e., increased power factor/dissipation factor at high temperatures) is a strong indicator of bushing
insulation deterioration. DFR measurements provide the capability of performing individual temperature
correction of measured 50/ 60 Hz power factor/dissipation factor at various temperatures to values at a
reference temperature (20 C). Comparing this measured temperature dependence with the bushing
manufacturers data for temperature correction will tell if the bushing is good or not. DFR measurements
can be used for moisture assessment of bushings.
Partial discharge (PD)
DGA; some asset owners sample oil from a capacitance graded bushing for the purpose of performing
dissolved gas analysis tests. This is not a popular practice.

Pasted from <http://us.megger.com/applications/transformers/transformer-bushings>

Transformer Page 14
 Transformer bushing CTs
Monday, July 17, 2017
10:57 AM

Transformer bushing CTs

A transformer bushing CT (BCT) is a window-type current transformer mounted around the bushings flange. They
may be inside the main tank (under the cover) or mounted externally. A bushing type CT consists only of a toroidal-
shaped core with a secondary winding. The bushings centre conductor forms the single turn primary of the
BCT. More than one ratio is provided by tapping the secondary winding at multiple increments along the
winding. The secondary winding terminals of the BCT (and the BCTs nameplate) are accessible in the transformers
control cabinet.

BCTs are typically used for protective relaying purposes. Whether used for protection or metering, the
saturation of a CT is undesirable. When operating in saturation, the secondary output current is no longer a
miniaturized replica of the primary current but rather a distorted version with a lower than expected
amplitude. This may result in the possible misoperation of the protection system.

If used for protective purposes, a current transformer is designed to saturate at extremely high current levels
so that the transformer bushing CT can successfully perform its important intended function of accurately
capturing (high) fault current information. However, if the CT has excessive residual magnetism, it will
saturate sooner than expected. Remanence flux is dissipated very little in service and requires
demagnetization of the core to remove.

Testing is important to verify a BCTs accuracy and performance characteristics, to validate that a very low
level of remanence flux exists in the BCT, and to demagnetize its core if not.

Bushing CTs diagnosis

Ratio/phase analysis: an assessment of the CTs accuracy

Saturation test
Residual magnetisation/demagnetisation: a test to determine the level of residual magnetism in the CT
and to demagnetize
Winding resistance
CT burden test

Pasted from <http://us.megger.com/applications/transformers/transformer-bushing-cts>

Transformer Page 15
 Surge arresters
Monday, July 17, 2017
10:58 AM

Surge arresters
Surge arresters are installed on a transformer to protect it from over-voltage transients. A surge arrester is
connected to each phase conductor just before it enters the transformer. The surge arrester is grounded,
thereby providing a low impedance path to ground for energy from an over-voltage transient if one occurs. At
normal operating voltages, the surge arrester must behave like an insulator, isolating the phase conductor
from ground. These opposing characteristics are typically achieved through the use of a Varistor (MOV
arresters), which has different resistances at different voltages.

There are two principal styles of surge arresters. Today, only Metal Oxide (ZnO) Varistor (MOV) arresters
are applied. The older type is the silicon carbide gapped arrester and there are many still in service today.
Note, however, that gapped arresters more than 25 years old are recommended for replacement because of
their age; some propose an even more stringent policy that replaces silicon carbide gapped arresters after
13 years due to their propensity for moisture ingress (Dr. M Darveniza, IEEE Transaction on Power Delivery,
October 1996).

Surge Arresters diagnosis

(Watts) loss & current measurement: The losses (in Watts) and current measured in a power
factor/dissipation factor test on an arrester are reliable indicators of contamination (particularly moisture
ingress) or deterioration and are useful in determining physical changes in an arrester. The test is intended
to assess the arresters insulating characteristics since it will see operating voltages for the majority of its
service life. While the measurement does not test an arresters fault-to-ground directing characteristics, it
has statistically proven more times true that when a surge arresters ability to isolate phase voltage from
ground becomes compromised, that its operating characteristics have failed as well. Higher than normal
losses may indicate contamination (e.g., moisture) or corroded gaps (in silicon carbide or early design MOV
arresters). Lower than normal losses may indicate poor contact or open circuits between elements, and
broken shunting resistors in a silicon carbide arrester, and discontinuities in the internal electrical construct
of an MOV arrester.
Visual inspection; an arrester should be examined to detect cracks in the porcelain, staining, and any other
abnormal physical condition
Infrared Test; gaining in popularity as the arresters are scanned together with the rest of the substation
apparatus.

Pasted from <http://us.megger.com/applications/transformers/surge-arresters>

Transformer Page 16
 Commissioning/routine/diagnostic
Monday, July 17, 2017
11:01 AM

Commissioning/routine/diagnostic

Electrical test recommendations for transformers

A primary part of commissioning a transformer involves testing it after its installation in the field. This
amounts to a rigorous examination of the transformer intended to:

1. Uncover problems, if any, with the transformers components, as a transformer is exposed to great stresses
on its journey to site and is vulnerable to moisture ingress during installation and other unplanned maladies
2. Validate that the transformer tests the same as it did when last tested at the manufacturers facility
3. Establish a baseline with which to compare results of future tests. For many tests, this will be almost
essential to diagnose problems effectively in the future
The electrical tests recommended for commissioning a transformer include:

Transformer turns ratio

Bushing CT ratio
Tan delta/ Power factor/ dissipation factor (50/60 Hz)
Variable frequency power factor/dissipation factor (15 500 HZ)
Dielectric frequency response (DFR)
Surge arrester loss (Watts) and current
Exciting current
Leakage reactance (short circuit impedance)
Winding resistance
Sweep frequency response analysis (SFRA)
Frequency response of stray losses
Dynamic winding resistance (on-load tap changing transformers)
Core ground
Dielectric breakdown on oil sample

Routine Screening
Transformers should be tested periodically through their lifetime. However, limitless testing is not a good
use of budget and manpower and not necessary. Some tests are well suited as screening tools while others
make sense only under suspicion of specific problems. For example, unless there is reason to be
concerned about winding deformation, a leakage reactance test is probably not necessary.

Megger provides thoughtfully equipped transformer test instruments for routine screening needs. The
electrical field tests recommended for routinely testing a transformer include:

Transformer turns ratio

Bushing CT ratio
Power factor/ dissipation factor (50/60 Hz)
Variable frequency power factor/dissipation factor (15 500 HZ)
Surge arrester loss (Watts) and current
Dielectric frequency response (DFR)
Exciting current

Transformer Page 17
 Exciting current
Winding resistance
Dielectric breakdown on oil sample

Diagnostic
The list of electrical tests that should be used to diagnose a transformer is all inconclusive. Here it makes
sense to intelligently choose, or at a minimum order, the tests to be performed based on symptoms of the
transformer, operating and test history, etc.

Megger can help with this. The electrical field tests available to diagnose a transformer include:

Tan delta/power factor/ dissipation factor (50/60 Hz)

Variable frequency power factor/dissipation factor (15 500 HZ)
Dielectric frequency response (DFR)
Tan delta/power factor/dissipation factor tip-up test
Exciting current
Leakage reactance
Frequency response of stray losses
Winding resistance
Dynamic winding resistance
Sweep frequency response analysis (SFRA)
DC insulation resistance (core insulation and unintentional core ground)
Partial Discharge
Transformer turns ratio
Dielectric Breakdown on oil sample (main tank and LTC)

Pasted from <http://us.megger.com/applications/transformers/commissioning-routine-diagnostic>

Transformer Page 18