THE ADAPTIVE CABLES TESTING
SYSTEMS
FOR YOUR CABLE INSTALLATIONS

1 
 
 
 

 
 

EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE

ohv diagnostic – Expertise in high voltage diagnostic technology

Reliable data on the condition of power generation and distribution equipment is now more critical than ever. As a grid
operator, you need dependable information in order to make practical decisions on maintenance and repairs. For
example, you need answers to questions such as: “Is the insulation on our generators, cables, substations, and
transformers operationally reliable? Do we need special inspection or handling procedures?” This information is
essential for developing maintenance strategies and for planning optimal technical and commercial investments. It also
significantly reduces the risk of unplanned power supply interruptions.

Obtaining this information calls for comprehensive diagnostic measurements that allow the nondestructive assessment
of grid conditions. Such measurements are technically demanding, however, and call for appropriate instrumentation,
operational experience, and extensive know-how to evaluate the results. That is why you need the expertise and
practical experience offered by the engineers at ohv diagnostic!
 
ohv diagnostic - years of experience in a young company 
 
We founded ohv diagnostic GmbH in 2013 as a group of engineers with many years of experience in the industry. We
develop and build modern measurement and testing systems, repair and upgrade existing equipment, and provide
diagnostic measurements and other services.

In our company, we manufacture testing and measurement equipment for diagnosing conditions of electrical operating
equipment in medium and high voltage cables. Our top goals in development are maximum precision and easy
operation. Our product range is constantly growing and includes DAC testing devices for medium and high voltage
cables, probes, couplers, and accessories for partial discharge measurements, as well as customer-specific devices
and systems. We also develop systems based upon your special requirements, build or repair OEM devices, and
modify existing testing equipment.

We also support your operations with a variety of services. We perform diagnostic measurements for many types of
operating equipment and create a complete test report with recommendations for action. In commissioning projects,
training courses, and seminars, your employees receive the tools they need to perform measurements on their own.
Our range of services also includes calibration of instruments used for partial discharge measurement.
 

Experience, knowledge, and creativity - our experts

 
With experience gained through countless on-site assignments, we understand requirements for test stations,
laboratories, and high voltage substations. Our specialists have years of experience in diagnostic measurements,
scientific studies, and the development of our own high voltage measurement and testing systems. At ohv diagnostic,
we combine valuable knowledge from the fields of:

 manufacturing
 power utilities and distribution
 research institutions
 assembly
 
 
 
 
 
 

2 
 
 
 

 
 

OUR PRODUCTS
ohv diagnostic - our products for informative, reliable measurements and tests
 
OHV DIAGNOSTIC manufactures testing and measurement devices for condition assessment of high voltage
operating equipment. Based upon our experience, we have developed testing and measurement devices that offer the
highest level of confidence when determining the actual condition of high voltage systems. Our product development
also incorporates the latest findings from research, such as optimization of handling (primarily on-site) and precision.

ohv diagnostic - on-site testing technology: Voltage testing, PD measurement, and

localization – fast and precise

In the field of testing technology, we offer equipment for on-site

testing of medium and high voltage cables based upon “oscillating
voltage” (Damped AC, or DAC).
 
 
On-site testing with Damped AC (DAC)
 
Medium and high voltage cables must be tested after installation or
transfer to ensure operational safety. Tests are also needed when information on the condition of a cable system is
needed after many years of operation. Here the standard specifies a voltage test with voltage levels above the system
voltage, the result of which is either a disruptive discharge (serious defect in cable) or “no disruptive discharge.”
Refinements of the instrumentation now permit precise on-site
measurement and localization of partial discharges in cable
systems. This significantly increases the usefulness of the
information provided by a test, and there is no need to force a
disruptive discharge in the cable in order to discover a defect.
Analysis of the partial discharge also permits more precise
statements about the severity of the defect and its location. By
determining the dissipation factor, statements can be made about
the aging condition of older cable systems during measurement.
 
How does damped ac (DAC) method work?

During the energizing phase the cable is charged via a HV reactor up to the
pre-selected peak test voltage by a high voltage source within a couple of
seconds. After having reached the test voltage the DC source will be
disconnected and the HV switch will be closed instantly providing LC
resonance circuit with the cable capacitance and the system inductance.
This provides a damped sinusoidal AC (DAC) voltage.

The resonance frequency depends on the cable capacitance and the

inductance of the HV reactor of the test system.

Due to dielectric losses inside the cable the voltage magnitude is

decreasing continuously. The damping factor can be used for estimating
the dielectric losses inside the cable.

3 
 
 
 

 
 

The use of partial discharge and dissipation factor measurement during testing allows users to detect defects
caused by:

 faulty assembly
 incorrect handling during transportation or installation
 faulty joints or terminations
 aging of cables or the insulation of cables and cable accessories.
 
This provides a great deal more information than a simple voltage test. As a voltage source,  ohv diagnostic uses
damped AC (DAC), also known as “Oscillating Wave Test System” (OWTS). The test voltage requires very little power
on site and can supply sufficiently high-test levels to cable sections of typical length. The frequency is within the
standard-compliant range of 20 Hz to 300 Hz. In this process, AC voltage is generated based upon the simple principle
of serial resonance: the cable is continuously charged and when the test voltage level is reached, it is discharged using
a high-voltage semiconductor switch on an inductor. This creates an oscillating discharge voltage, during which partial
discharges and the dissipation factor can be measured. The number of oscillating discharges (impulses) is usually 50,
since scientific studies have proven that defects hazardous to operations safely change into measurable partial
discharges within these 50 discharges.

 
Damped ac testing and diagnostics benefits

The main benefits using DAC voltage test and diagnostic measurements are:

 Applicable for all types of MV, HV and EHV power cables for rated voltages up to 380 kV: XLPE, EPR, PILC,
LPOF, HPPT
 Applicable for after-laying commissioning tests for long lengths of power cables (0.1 km – 30 km), providing a
condition assessment baseline for future comparison
 PD localization in cable insulation and accessories provides accurate information about location and
magnitude of any defects
 Reproduces AC stresses from the electrical network
 Approved method, accepted by relevant international standards (IEEE, IEC)
 Non-destructive and sensitive testing method
 Portable test system, compact design and low weight with reduced energy consumption during testing
 Combined with standardized partial discharge diagnostics
 Combined with dissipation factor measurements at HV conditions
 State of the art power electronics and signal processing technologies
 Straightforward technology and operation

Using this method, allows much more than a simple go or no-go decision. DAC testing is an advanced maintenance
tool which supports asset management and grid operation as well.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4 
 
 
 

 
 

DAC M30/M60
Professional testing and diagnosis of medium voltage cables
 
DAC voltage test and diagnostic measurements (PD and Tan-Delta) provide a reliable detection of:

 Poor installation
 Failures due to inappropriate laying
 Weak spots in cable accessories or
 Deterioration of cable insulation due to aging

It allows much more than a simple go or no-go decision. DAC testing is an advanced maintenance tool which supports
asset management and grid operation as well.

In addition to voltage testing, our proven M30 and M60 medium voltage cable
testing systems measure and precisely localize partial discharges. They also
determine the dissipation factor in the same operation, in order to assess age
condition in aging cables. This translates into maximum informative value and
confidence for a rapid assessment of your cable system’s condition.

The system was developed for on-site testing of 10 kV and 15 kV cable systems.
The M30 can generate on-site oscillating discharge voltages with a maximum
peak voltage of 30 kV, or 21.2 kVeff. The system is small and light and can fit into
a large van. Depending upon the cable type, the system can be used to test cable
sections up to several kilometers in length, even though its power requirement is
only 500 W.
  
   

Specification DAC M30 DAC M60

Maximum output voltage
Minimum output voltage
Rated coil inductance
DAC frequency
Test object capacitance range
30 kV (peak) / 21 kV (RMS)
3 kV (peak) / 2,1 kV (RMS)
1,0 H
45 ... 1000 Hz (acc. to IEC 60060-3)
0,025 ... 12 µF
60 kV (peak) / 42 kV (RMS)
6 kV (peak) / 4,2 kV (RMS)
2,5 H
35 ... 1000 Hz (acc. to IEC 60060-3)
0,010 ... 12 µF

Power supply 94 ... 250 V, 48 ... 63 Hz, 500 VA

Data acquisition 105 MS/s, 14 bit
PD measuring range 5 pC ... 100 nC
PD integration bandwidth up to 400 kHz (acc. to IEC 60270)
PD TDR bandwidth Ultra-wide band acquisition (up to 20 MHz) incl. automatic bandwidth adaption
Operation control LAN
Analysis software File browser, TDR map generator, PRPDA pattern recognition, Importer from different formats, test
report assistant
Operating temperature -5 ... 40 °C
Weight Approx. 75 kg Approx. 90 kg

5 
 
 
 

 
 

DAC H190 / H300

Professional testing and diagnosis for high voltage cables
 
We designed the new H190 and H300 systems for on-site testing of 110 kV - 220 kV cable systems. Our powerful and
mobile high-voltage testing systems can generate maximum on-site test voltages of up to 190 kV peak or 135 kVeff
and up to 300 kV peak or 212 kVeff. The functioning and operation of these units are basically comparable to that of
our M30 and M60 units. Thus, these units also measure and localizes partial discharges while checking voltage and
determines the dissipation factor for the cable section. The H190/H300 are operating with the new ohv diagnostic suite.

While developing this test voltage system, we placed a high priority

on ensuring optimal size and weight. The result is a system that
can be easily transported in a minivan, which means it can be used
almost anywhere. Testing a three-phase 110 kV cable section
requires only two people and approximately 7 hours. Thanks to its
small size and low weight, the system can easily perform even
complex testing tasks, such as connecting to a GIS in a building.

Despite this system’s very low power requirement, it can test 145
kV / 220kV cable sections of up to several kilometers in length. For
technical data, please refer to the data sheet on our website:
www.ohv-diagnostic.com.

H 190 /300 SYSTEMS COMPOSED:

1. High voltage power supply (HVPS)

2. Modern high voltage switch with HS-thyristors triggered via fibre optic cable (LTT)
3. High voltage induction coil
4. Voltage divider:
• Embedded computer system with remote control (control unit, TE analyser)
• Digital signal processing card with coupling capacitor (PD detection) 

Specification DAC H190 DAC H300

Maximum output voltage 190 kV (peak) / 135 kV (RMS) 300 kV (peak) / 212 kV (RMS)

Minimum output voltage 3 kV (peak) / 2,1 kV (RMS) 3 kV (peak) / 2,1 kV (RMS)

Rated coil inductance 5,5 H 5,5 H
DAC frequency 20 ... 5000 Hz (acc. to IEC 60060-3) 35 ... 1000 Hz (acc. to IEC 60060-3)
Test object capacitance range 0,025 ... 8 µF 0,010 ... 28 µF
Power supply 94 ... 250 V, 48 ... 63 Hz, 1000 VA 94 ... 250 V, 48 ... 63 Hz, 3000 VA
Data acquisition 105 MS/s, 14 bit 105 MS/s, 14 bit
PD measuring range 1 pC ... 100 nC 1 pC ... 150 nC
PD integration bandwidth 100 to 500 kHz (acc. to IEC 60270)
PD TDR bandwidth Ultra-wide band acquisition (up to 20 MHz) incl. automatic bandwidth adaption
Operation control LAN
Analysis software File browser, TDR map generator, PRPDA pattern recognition, Importer from different formats, test
report assistant
Operating temperature -5 ... 40 °C
Weight Approx. 600 kg Approx. 900 kg

6 
 
 
 

 
 

CASE STUDIES
1. Shanghai, China 35kV XLPE Cable

In this case study we would like to share with you our experience of the routine on-site tests of Partial Discharges
performed in the city of Shanghai, China.

Partial discharges indicate inhomogeneities within high voltage insulation systems. For this reason, sensitive detecting
as well as exact locating of PD signals are important requirements for condition assessment of high voltage equipment.
On-site DAC voltage test in combination with non-destructive PD and loss factor measurement is unique and
fundamental for reliable service of newly installed, repaired or service-aged cable systems.

Cable details

Cable voltage 35 kV, type – XLPE.

The length of cable: 3313m
The position of cable joints: 4m, 219m, 449.2m, 560m,
761.1m, 940.3m, 1218.6m, 1450.6m, 1662.8m, 1896.3m,
2113.5m, 2274.3m, 2489.5m, 2736.9m, 2878.9m and
3117.1m
 

As this XLPE cable voltage is 35kV, we are used our product M60 with DAC Output voltage 60kV (peak) / 42,2kV
(RMS). Phase Resolved PD Pattern: Typical phase stable PD pattern found on all three phases. The noise level was
100 pC.

PD – Mapping

We found PD concentrations at several spots inside cable. One of 1650 m

example PD reflection at 1650 m in all three phases. One of the joints
detected with high PD level around 1000pC.

The joint with high Partial Discharges was cut. The customer found serious
trace of Partial Discharges activities. The customer replaced defective joint
by a new one and we made together the second test with DAC system. This
time, there is no PD concentration anymore in replaced joint.

Conclusion

The defective joint was send by customer to HV laboratory for investigation. This joint was cut
to slice for analysis. Result: the laboratory found the air bladder very clearly in the XLPE
layer.This defect might be caused by the warm shrinking process with bad temperature
controlling.

7 
 
 
 

 
 

2. Nordenham XPLE 20 kV, Germany

In this case study we would like to share with you another on-site test of Partial Discharges performed in the city of
Nordenham in Germany. This time our customer would like to optimize their maintenance cost of this electrical cable
XPLE 20 kV and find the exact position of cable joints with abnormal level of partial discharges. The main aim was to
reduce risks of costly production stops.

Cable details 
Cable voltage 20 kV, type – XLPE.
The length of cable: 435m
The position of cable joint: 221m, 870m, 560m,
1750m.

As this XLPE cable nominal voltage is 20kV we should

reach during the test 2U0 (40kV). For this reason, we are
used our product M60 with DAC Output voltage 60kV
(peak) / 42,2kV (RMS).

Test results:

• PD inception voltage on all three phases below 1,1U0

• Severe increasing of PD
• Highest PD level on phase L1

Phase Resolved PD Pattern: Typical phase stable PD pattern found

on all three phases. The noise level was around 80 pC.

The defective joints and their exact positions were indentified by M60 and customer replaced them by a new joints.

224 m Detection of almost any type of problem in the cable

865 m
insulation at an early stage of development can be
done with monitoring of partial discharges. Thereby,
1759 m the technical staff has got enough time to prevent an
important cable breakdown.

Highly refined instrumentation and diagnostic tools

help you identify and localize defects. Most of the
defects found in medium and high voltage cable grids
are the result of faulty assembly of joints and
terminations.

 
 

8 
 
 
 

 
 

   

Partners

Today we have developed a network of highly qualified and dedicated partners able to deliver solutions in your region
and provide you the service with quality you are expecting.

Our company is very carefully in selecting the partners can provide technical support and are always being prepared
to provide the engineering solution with meeting of the highest industry standards together with repair and service of
OHV Diagnostic products. This approach enables us to maintain close contact with our customers and deliver prompt
after sales support all over the world.

Our analysing solution are designed to customer requirements and are suitable for all type of cables applications. OHV
Diagnostic solutions are tailor designed for your requirements and meet all major international standards.

We continuously look at better serving our customers worldwide, so if you would like to discuss your support
requirements or to find out more about our total capability in cables applications, please contact us.
 
 
How we can reduce risk of possible failure?

The periodic monitoring of Partial Discharges can give us an early warning of potential problems. This will enable the
customer to effectively identify any possible issues and resolve them rather than having an expensive interruption to
normal production which at times can also be potentially safety critical.

The main benefit of monitoring systems – using it as the preventive tools that can help to reduce the risk of catastrophic
major failures of the electrical equipment. At the same time, this approach helps the customers to optimize maintenance
cost of these electrical installations and to reduce risks of costly production stops.

For more information about these case studies or about PD monitoring systems that were used, please contact:
info@ohv-diagnostic.com

We are there where you need us

OHV diagnostic has its headquarters in Dresden. We are part of an international network of companies, which allows
us to rapidly send specialists almost anywhere.

OHV diagnostic GmbH PT. ADEMARO ARTHA JAYA 

Grossenhainer Str. 101 Sole Distributor Exclusively in Indonesia 
01127 Dresden Mendrisio 1 Blok A No. 9,  
Jl. Boulevard IL Lago, Gading Serpong 
Contact:  Tangerang Selatan 15334 - INDONESIA 
Tel.: +49 351 7952 7310  Tel.: +62 2222 5505 
Fax : +49 351 7952 7301  Fax.: +62 2985 7201 
Email : sales@ohv-diagnostic.com  Email : ademaro@ademarojaya.com 
www.ohv-diagnostic.com 
www.ademarojaya.com 

9 
 
 
 
‐‐‐‐ 

10