Megger test procedure explained with

Transformer Example
Syed Nomanud din May 2, 2015Power Engineering 1 Comment 7,269 Views

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In this article we will discuss briefly about the megger insulation test of transformer. We will try to
understand what is meggertest and what is the standard megger test procedure. Result of
megger testing for transformer are also discussed.
 Contents [hide]
1 Introduction
2 Working Principle of Megger testing
3 Voltage limits and Insulation level for transformer
4 Standard Megger test procedure (100 KVA T/F)
5 What is the difference between HiPot and Megger insulation test

Introduction
Megger insulation test (A type of insulation test) is used to check the condition of insulation of
electrical equipment. It is used to check insulation level or strength in HV and LV electrical
devices such as motors, transformers, generators, cables etc. In simple words, megger
testing finds out whether there is any breakdown in insulation or not. Megger insulation test not
only to checks the breakdown but also spots weakened areas or partial breakdown of insulation.

Working Principle of Megger testing

Working principle of megger test is based on ohms law. Megger produce high DC voltage across
the those two points between which insulation is to be find out. As a result current flows and
using Ohms law, resistance across two terminals can be determined. The value of the resistance
shows the insulation level or insulation strength. The megger insulation test is explained with the
help of transformer example.

Voltage limits and Insulation level

for transformer
Ideally the insulation between two electrically isolated conductors should be infinite. However in
real world there is always some finite resistance value between two isolated conductors. If the
manual or any other assistance document is not available, following values should be used.
These values are based on ANSI/NETA ATS-2009 standard that provides the test voltages and
accepted insulation strength for different electrical components.

INSULATION
RATED VOLTAGE( V) TEST VOLTAGE(DC V)
STRENGTH(M)

0-250 500 25

250-500 1,000 100

600-2500 1,000 500

2500-5000 2,500 1000

5000-8000 2500 2000

 8000-25000 5000 10,000

25000 and above 15,000 100,00

Standard Megger test procedure (100

KVA T/F)
Lets take 100KVA transformer as an example as shown in figure For normal working
transformer, both windings must be electicaly isolated from each other and from ground. So
Megger test is done to check

Insulation between HV and LV winding

Insulation between HV and body

Insulation between LV and body

To check the insulation level between HV and LV winding, put one terminal on HV winding and
one on LV winding. Apply the correct value of voltage (voltage values shown in above table) and
check the reading of the megger. Megger test equipment will show resistance between the HV
and LV winding. The value of resistance will show the insulation strength between HV and LV
winding.

If resistance value < 100, it means there is some conducting path between two windings.
Therefore transformer must be checked and repaired before installation.
 If 100 <resistance value < 10M, there may be some insulating material touching the two
windings. It can be a piece of wood or any other insulating material. Therefore the transformer
again should be checked and verified before installation.
If insulation value >10M, it means the two windings are well separated from each other and
the transformer pass the insulation test for HV and LV winding.
The insulation value between HV and LV winding for 100KVA transfer shown in figure 1 is 180
M which shows that LV and HV are well separated from each other.
NOTE. This test does not verify intra-winding insulation i-e insulation between consecutive
windings. TTR test is performed to check short circuit inside windings.
Next is to find the insulation level between HV and ground. Put one terminal of megger on HV
winding and other on the body of the transformer (Note that body of transformer is always
grounded). Repeat the procedure same as mentioned above. Check the value of the resistance.
The value should be M or G. If not, check the transformer. The value found for 100KVA
transformer was 192M.

Lastly check the insulation between LV winding and ground and verify that insulation value lies in
the range of M and G. The insulation level determined for 100KVA transformer was 187M.

What is the difference between HiPot and

Megger insulation test
Hipot stands for high potential. As name suggests high potential is applied in this test. Similar to
Meggertesr, it is also a type of insulation test. Besides these similarities, there are some
differences as well.

Megger testing illustrates a general picture of the insulation strength while Hi-Pot spots the
weak points in insulation.

Megger test gives output in terms of resistance that is Ohms, Kilo ohms, Mega Ohms etc while
Hi-Pot testing gives output in terms leakage current through the insulation.

Voltage applied during Megger insulation test is between 600V to 2500V for duration of 1 min,
while in Hi-Pot test, voltage uptill 15000V is applied.