CDF-12A Capacitance & Dissipation Factor Test Set

Users Manual

1. GENERAL

The CDF-12A is a new generation, full automatic, 12kV capacitance and dissipation factor
test set designed for insulation quality assessment of high voltage power apparatus in the
field, shop or laboratory.

True portability is realized by the lightweight, single-piece design housing the precision
digital bridge, power supply unit, reference capacitor and all electronic circuitry. The CDF-
12A is encased in an aluminum alloy box built to withstand the rigors of field use.

A key feature of the CDF-12A is its advanced interference suppression circuit based on the
principle of line frequency modulation. The operator sets the CDF-12A to take
measurements at frequencies above and below the line frequency to cancel out the effects of
interference caused by high voltage lines. This technique is more effective than traditional
phase-shift and phase reversal methods, thus allowing the performance of accurate
measurements in energized switchyards of up to 765kV.

The entire test is done quickly and automatically. Operator enters the test parameters and the
unit takes over; powers up the voltage, balances the bridge, takes the readings, ramps down
voltage to zero, and displays the results in the LCD screen. On-site print out of results is
possible through the built-in printer.

The CDF-12A is designed with an open architecture allowing connection to an external

power supply unit. This way, higher than 12kV test voltage, higher test current and extended
capacitance measurements can be performed. The use of greater test voltages (>12kV)
necessitates the use of an equivalent rated external reference capacitor that is likewise inter-
connectible with the CDF-12A through its Cn jack and supplied cable.

2. SPECIFICATIONS

2.1. Input: 180V ~ 270V AC, 1-phase, 50/60Hz

2.2. Output:

2.2.1. Test Voltage: 0.5kV ~ 12kV, user-selectable

2.2.2. The output test voltage tolerance of the CDF-12A is ±1% of the selected test
voltage and remains stable along the duration of the test, unaffected by line or
input voltage fluctuations.

2.2.3. Test Current: 200mA maximum

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*Note: If higher than 12kV test voltage, higher current or extended test capacitance is
desired, the CDF-12A allows interface with an external power supply and external
reference capacitor while using its bridge circuit to take measurements and output
results.

2.3. Measuring range

2.3.1. Test Capacitance Range @ 60Hz:

▪ Internal power supply, 200mA max.
3pF ~ 0.044µF @ 12kV
60pF ~ 1.06µF @ 0.5kV
▪ External power supply, 5A max.
3pF ~1.1 µF @ 12kV
▪ Resolution: 0.001pF, 4 digits

2.3.2. Transformer Turns-Ratio Test

▪ Test Voltage : 0.5 kV ~ 12 kV, user selectable
▪ Accuracy :  1% of reading
▪ Note: The secondary voltage of the transformer under test should not exceed 100
V, please select test voltage accordingly.

2.3.3. Tan δ range: 0 ~ 100%, resolution .001%

2.3.4. Voltage: 0 ~ 999kV

2.3.5. Current: 10 µA ~ 5A

2.3.6. Also displays the power factor, phase angle, frequency, watts loss, resistance (in
the case of resistive specimens), inductance and quality factor (in the case of
inductive specimens).

2.4. Accuracy
▪ Capacitance: ±1% of reading + 1pF
▪ Tan δ: ±1% of reading + .00040
▪ Voltage: ±1% of reading + 10V

2.5. Environment
▪ Operating temperature: 0°C to 60°C
▪ Storage temperature: -20°C to 60°C
▪ Relative humidity: <90% of non-condensing

2.6. Dimension: 460mm L x 350mm W x 340mm H

2.7. Weight
▪ Unit: 28 kgs., Cables: 3.5 kgs.

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3. FEATURES

3.1. Stand alone unit in an aluminum alloy box which houses the precision measuring bridge,
HV power supply, interference circuits and reference capacitor.

3.2. Ultra light weight at just 28 kgs. (3 to 5 kgs. for the cables)

3.3. High accuracy testing designed for use on the field or in the laboratory. It is designed
with an adoptive line frequency shift technique for its anti-interference circuit. The unit
is also designed for use on heavy interference sites such as power plants and substations.

3.4. Open architecture design allows the use of external reference capacitor and external HV
supply for higher test voltages and currents.

3.5. A fully automatic unit, the machine ramps the voltage up to the desired test value, takes
the readings and ramps the voltage down again.

3.6. Unit has an overload protection for HV output, over-voltage line input protection and
ground protection.

3.7. The unit has a built-in TTR function with adjustable test voltages designed to measure
the ratio of capacitive voltage transformers as well as power transformers.

3.8. On board memory stores up to 100 records

3.9. Built-in thermal printer, can be configured for automatic print or forced print.

3.10. Large backlit LCD display for results.

3.11. Unit features close case calibration.

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4. PARTS CHECKLIST

4.1. CDF-12A housed in an aluminum alloy box with a slid down protective cover

4.2. One (1) set of HV test cable with one (1) hook and one (1) clip termination

4.3. Two (2) sets of Cx / Cn test cables

4.4. One (1) ground wire with clip

4.5. One (1) roll printer paper

4.6. Power cord

4.7. One (1) extra 10A fuse

4.8. Aluminum box for cable accessories

4.9. Instruction manual

5. CONTROLS

5.1. HV Output Socket

5.1.1. Position: located at the front side of the set

5.1.2. Function: Provides the 0.5 ~ 12kV output (max 200mA) to the test object

Note: (a) Never interchange the test cables. HV cable is red; Cx/Cn cable is black.
(b) On the HV cable, HV core is the RED clip, and HV shield is the BLACK clip.
(c) Turn “OFF” unit when connecting or disconnecting cables.

5.2. Cx socket

5.2.1. Function: Input of test current from test object at UST mode and GST guard
mode. (range 10 μA~5A)

5.2.2. Function: Input of secondary voltage from test object at TTR mode. (NOTE: 100
V max.)

5.2.3. Connection:
▪ The core pin#1 (red clip) of cable connects to the LV test point of specimen.
▪ Pins 2 & 3 (black clip) are already grounded.

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5.3. Cn socket

5.3.1. Function: Input from an external reference capacitor

5.3.2. Connection:
▪ The core pin #1 (red clip) of cable connects to the external capacitor
▪ Pins 2 & 3 (black clip) are already grounded
▪ Select “Ecn” mode on test menu
▪ Programmed the capacitance and dissipation factor of the external reference
capacitor to the test.

5.4. System Ground

▪ The CDF-12A test set should be grounded properly.

5.5. Power Supply socket

▪ The unit is rated for 180V ~ 270V AC input 50/60 Hz

5.6. Fuse
▪ The set uses a 10A, 250V fuse

5.7. Internal HV Switch

Note: (a) Turn “ON” HV switch when using the internal HV power supply
(b) Turn “OFF” switch immediately in case of emergency
(c) Turn “OFF” switch when in the “external HV” mode

5.8. Main Switch

5.9. Keys
5.9.1. “→” key to move cursor, “↑” and “↓” to modify settings, “•” key to enter

5.9.2. Press any key to terminate the test while test is proceeding

5.10. LCD Display

▪ Shows the menu, test settings, test results and error messages

5.11. Printer
▪ The set uses a built-in thermal printer. Paper width is 57mm
▪ To change printer paper: lift the lever on the left hand side of the printer, the paper
access hatch can then be opened, slide a new roll of paper, close hatch and press LF
to feed paper properly.

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6. OPERATING PROCEDURES

6.1. MENU

Turn “ON” main switch, LCD displays the date of manufacture, machine’s serial
number and then displays the test menu.

UST IntCn AutoF

  
Menu with HV 10kV
switch “ON”

 0mA  
Start 0%  

UST IntCn ExtHV

Menu with HV   
switch “OFF” 0.0kV

 0mA  
Start 0%  

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6.2. SELECT THE TEST MODES

6.2.1. “UST” mode (Ungrounded Test Specimen)

HV out
STEP 1: At (1), press “↑↓” to select “UST” for
UST Cx Ungrounded test specimen.
MODE
STEP 2: See the CONNECTION REFERENCE
Cx input
section for proper test leads hook up.

Note: Make sure the unit and device

under test are grounded properly.

6.2.2. “GST” mode (Grounded Test Specimen)

Cx
STEP 1: At (1), press “↑↓” to select “GST” for
HV out Grounded test specimen.
GST
MODE STEP 2: See the CONNECTION REFERENCE
section for proper test leads hook up.

Note: Make sure the unit and device under

test are grounded properly.

6.2.3. “GSTgd” mode (Grounded Test Specimen with guard)

STEP 1: At (1), select “GST”

then select “→” to (START)
press “↑” for “GD” mode.
HV out
guard
GSTg
MODE Cx Input STEP 2: See the CONNECTION
REFERENCE section for proper
Ground
test leads hook up.

Note: Make sure the unit and device

under test are grounded properly.

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6.2.4. “TTR” mode (Transformer Turns Ratio)

STEP 1: At (1), press “↑↓” to select “TTR” for Transformer Ratio Test

STEP 2: See the CONNECTION REFERENCE section for proper test leads
hook up.

Note: Make sure the unit and device under test are grounded properly.

6.3. Select the Internal and External reference capacitor at (2). Press “↑↓” to select.

IntCn Uses an internal reference capacitor to measure a specimen at 12kV or

below
ExtCn Uses an external reference capacitor together with an external HV supply
to measure a specimen at above 12kV. Obviously the rated voltage of
the capacitor should be equal or greater than the HV supply.

When using the “ExtCn” mode, the capacitance and dissipation factor of the external
reference capacitor must be programmed to the set.

Press “ ” key at (2) until the following is displayed.

Cn : 5.000 e1 pf
Tan δ : 0.000 % *

The data is in scientific count mode. For example:

5.000 e1 = 5.000 x 101 = 50 pf, 1.000 e2 = 1.000 x 102 = 100 pf
Capacitor range is 0.000 e0 ~ 9.999 e5 (0 ~ 999900 pf)
tgδ range is 0 ~ ± 9.999%

Press “→” to move cursor, “↑↓” to modify the content. After setting, press down “ ”
key to return to the test menu (the parameter set are stored and data is valid).
“ * ” indicates that the other data are locked.

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6.4. When the HV internal supply is “OFF”, at (3) “ExtHV” is indicated (external HV
supply mode). In this case, the cursor moves between (1), (2) and (5) by pressing
“→”. The test voltage from the external HV supply is also measured and indicated
on the results.

6.5. Select Operating Frequency

6.5.1 Default frequency

At (3), the LCD screen displays “AutoF”, the interference suppression is
automatically set for “60  5Hz” mode (for use in 60 Hz supply).

6.5.2 Frequency Select Mode

At (3), press “ ” key for more than one (1) second. The other frequency modes
are unlocked. Press “↑↓” to select as follows:

“45/50/55 Hz” Single frequency mode, anti-interference and data are under the
“60/65 Hz” selected frequency.

“50  5 Hz” 45/55 Hz, auto frequency conversion mode, anti-interference and
data are converted to 50 Hz.

“60  5 Hz” 55/65 Hz, auto frequency conversion mode, anti-interference and
data are converted to 60 Hz.

“50  2.5 Hz” 47.5/52.5 Hz, auto frequency conversion mode, anti-interference
and data are converted to 50 Hz.

“Hz” Press START / STOP to display “Hz” ,

The fixed frequency mode cannot track line frequency and cannot
measure in anti-interference mode. Recommended when test set is
powered by portable generator, press START / STOP again to
cancel function.
Return to AUTO F by pressing “ ” key more than
1 second.

NOTE:
Select local frequency 50 Hz or 60 Hz for TTR test.

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6.6. Select internal HV test voltage

At (4), the voltage is selected by pressing “↑↓”,

0.5 / 0.6 / 0.8 / 1 / 1.5 / 2 / 2.5 / 3 / 3.5 / 4 / 4.5 / 5 / 5.5 / 6 / 6.5 / 7 / 7.5 / 8 / 8.5 / 9 / 9.5 /
10 / 11 / 12 kV

6.7. At (5), the underline after “START” is displayed, press “↓” to activate the printer icon.
The results are then automatically printed after test.

6.8. START Test

At (5), press “•” key for more than 3 seconds to START test.

At (6) shows the test precedence by 0% to 99%

The test set will automatically ramp up the voltage, measure the results, ramp down the
voltage. Test can be cancelled by pressing any key.

In the event of an error, turn “OFF” the main switch for the machine to reset.

6.9. Data Management

6.9.1 On-screen Results

Press “↑↓” to display the other results.

To save data to On-board memory, press press “→” to the folder icon located
at the top left of screen. Then, press “ ” key.

The data will then be saved.

Press “ ” key for more than one (1) second to return to test menu.

The type of specimen is recognized automatically.

Unit of data is also given automatically.

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Type of Specimen Displayed Results Note

Capacitive Tgδ or PF, Cx, P, U, I, F, Φ If / tg δ / >1 - Rx and Cx are
Inductive Lx, Q, P,U, I, F, Φ displayed
Resistive Cx (Lx), Rx, P, U, I, F, Φ If / Q / <1 - Rx and Lx are displayed

tgδ - Dissipation Factor

PF - Power Factor
Cx - Capacitance
Lx - Inductance
Q - Quality Factor
Rx - Resistance
U - Test Voltage
I - Specimen Current
Φ - Phase angle
P - Dissipation power
F - Frequency
K - Transformer Turns Ratio

NOTE:
1) After test, user can expand and simplify the on-screen results by
pressing START / STOP switch 3 times.
2) User can convert IPF to Tan delta values or vice-versa by pressing
the START / STOP switch 30 times on the results screen.
3) The IPF / Tan delta values are measured at ambient, so it is necessary
to convert it to 20°C using the supplied correction tables.

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6.9.2 Print-out Results

At (8), if the printer icon is present, the machine will print out the results
automatically after each test. If the printer icon is not present, pressing the “PRT”
key on the printer will enable the machine to force the results of the LCD screen.

(1) To change label on the print-out results:

At (1), press “ ” button more than 1 second, the secondary menu will be
displayed.

-#/0
12345
LABEL 6789A
[ ] BCDEF
GHIJK
LMNOP
QRSTU
VWXYZ

(2) Press “→” to move cursor. Use “↑↓” button to select the characters.
Press “ ” to input.

(3) Select “” to quit and enter next menu.

2006/03/09/12:39
U ICn 6-Hz 10kV
[ ] ........
......... ........
......... ........
......... ........
......... ........

(4) Move cursor to the selected file.

The files are based on its label and sorted sequentially by test date and time.

Use “↑↓” and “→” to select the saved files. To review a file, press “ ”.
To scroll the results, press “↑↓”. Press “PRT” on the printer to print out
the results.

(5) To delete a file, move the cursor to the selected file and press “ ” 3 times
quickly.

Select “” to quit. Press “ ” more than 1 second to return to main menu

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7. CONNECTION REFERENCE

7.1 UST (Ungrounded Specimen Test)

▪ Internal HV
▪ Internal Reference

UST IntCn AutoF

10kV

Start 
LCD Screen
HV Core

HV Cable
HV Shield

CDF-12A

Red
Cx Input

Black

▪ Procedures

STEP 1: Select “UST”, “IntCn”, “AutoF” and test voltage on the LCD screen.

STEP 2: Make sure that the CDF-12A set and the test specimen are grounded
together and grounded properly.

STEP 3: Short the HV Shield (Black clip) to the HV core (Red clip) for UST test.

STEP 4: Short the terminals of the HV side and LV side of the test specimen.

STEP 5: Connect the Black Cx input to ground.

STEP 6: Connect HV cable to HV side of test specimen.

STEP 7: Connect the Red Cx input to LV side of test specimen.

▪ Measures: Capacitance and %DF, %PF between CHL

High Side to Low Side of specimen

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7.2 GST (Grounded Specimen Test)

▪ Internal HV
▪ Internal Reference

GST IntCn AutoF

10kV

Start 
LCD Screen

HV Core

HV Cable

CDF-12A

▪ Procedures

STEP 1: Select “GST”, “IntCn”, “AutoF” and test kV on the LCD screen.

STEP 2: Make sure that the CDF-12A and test specimen are grounded together
and grounded properly.

STEP 3: Short the HV terminals together and LV terminals on the test specimen.

STEP 4: Connect the HV core (Red clip) to the HV terminal of specimen.

STEP 5: Connect the LV terminal to ground.

▪ Measures: Capacitance and %DF, %PF between (CHL + CHG)

High Side to Low Side plus High Side to Ground

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7.3 GSTg (Grounded Specimen Test with Guard)

▪ Internal HV
▪ Internal Reference

GST IntCn AutoF

10kV GD
Start 
LCD Screen

HV Core

HV Cable

CDF-12A

Red
Cx Input

▪ Procedures

STEP 1: Select “GST”, “IntCn”, “AutoF”, “GD” and test kV.

STEP 2: Ground the CDF-12A and test specimen properly.

STEP 3: Connect the HV core (Red clip) to the HV terminals of test specimen.

STEP 4: Connect the Cx input red clip to the LV terminals of test specimen.

▪ Measures: Capacitance and %DF, %PF between CHG

High Side to Ground of test specimen

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