Maintenance / Testing and Commissioning

Measurement of insulation resistance (IR) – 2

By jiguparmar April, 29th 2012
Fluke
Fluke insulation
insulation resistance
resistance tester
tester up
up to
to 10kV
10kV

Continued from first part: Measurement of insulation resistance (IR) – Part 1

Insulation Resistance (IR) Values – Index

1. IR Values For Electrical Apparatus & Systems
2. IR Value for Transformer
3. IR Value for Tap Changer
4. IR Value for Electric motor
5. IR Value for Electrical cable and wiring
6. IR Value for Transmission / Distribution Line
7. IR Value for Panel Bus
8. IR Value for Substation Equipment
9. IR Value for Domestic /Industrial Wiring
0. Required Precautions

1. IR Values For Electrical Apparatus & Systems Index↑

(PEARL Standard / NETA MTS-1997 Table 10.1)

Max.Voltage Megger Min.IR

Rating Of Size Value
Equipment
250 Volts 500 Volts 25 MΩ
600 Volts 1,000 Volts 100 MΩ
5 KV 2,500 Volts 1,000 MΩ
8 KV 2,500 Volts 2,000 MΩ
15 KV 2,500 Volts 5,000 MΩ
25 KV 5,000 Volts 20,000
MΩ
35 KV 15,000 100,000
Volts MΩ
46 KV 15,000 100,000
Volts MΩ
69 KV 15,000 100,000
Volts MΩ

One Meg ohm Rule for IR Value for Equipment

Based upon equipment rating:

< 1K V = 1 MΩ minimum
>1KV = 1 MΩ /1KV
As per IE Rules-1956

At a pressure of 1000 V applied between each live conductor and earth for a period of one minute the
insulation resistance of HV installations shall be at least 1 Mega ohm or as specified by the Bureau of
Indian Standards.

Medium and Low Voltage Installations- At a pressure of 500 V applied between each live conductor and
earth for a period of one minute, the insulation resistance of medium and low voltage installations shall be
at least 1 Mega ohm or as specified by the Bureau of Indian Standards] from time to time.

As per CBIP specifications the acceptable values are 2 Mega ohms per KV

2. IR Value for Transformer Index↑

Insulation resistance tests are made to determine insulation resistance from individual windings to ground
or between individual windings. Insulation resistance tests are commonly measured directly in megohms
or may be calculated from measurements of applied voltage and leakage current.

The recommended practice in measuring insulation resistance is to always ground the tank (and the
core). Short circuit each winding of the transformer at the bushing terminals. Resistance measurements
are then made between each winding and all other windings grounded.

Insulation
Insulation resistance
resistance testing:
testing: HV
HV –– Earth
Earth and
and HV
HV –– LV
LV
Transformer windings are never left floating for insulation resistance measurements. Solidly grounded
winding must have the ground removed in order to measure the insulation resistance of the winding
grounded. If the ground cannot be removed, as in the case of some windings with solidly grounded
neutrals, the insulation resistance of the winding cannot be measured. Treat it as part of the grounded
section of the circuit.

We need to test winding to winding and winding to ground ( E ).For three phase transformers, We need
to test winding ( L1,L2,L3 ) with substitute Earthing for Delta transformer or winding ( L1,L2,L3 ) with
earthing ( E ) and neutral ( N ) for wye transformers.

IR Value for Transformer

(Ref: A Guide to Transformer Maintenance by.
JJ. Kelly. S.D Myer)
Transformer Formula
1 Phase IR Value (MΩ) = C X E /
Transformer (√KVA)
3 Phase IR Value (MΩ) = C X E (P-
Transformer (Star) n) / (√KVA)
3 Phase IR Value (MΩ) = C X E (P-
Transformer (Delta) P) / (√KVA)
Where C= 1.5 for Oil filled T/C with Oil Tank, 30
for Oil filled T/C without Oil Tank or Dry Type
T/C.

Temperature correction Factor (Base 20°C):

Temperature correction Factor

OC OF Correction Factor

0 32 0.25
5 41 0.36
10 50 0.50
15 59 0.720
20 68 1.00
30 86 1.98
40 104 3.95
50 122 7.85

Example: For 1600KVA, 20KV/400V,Three Phase Transformer

IR Value at HV Side= (1.5 x 20000) / √ 1600 =16000 / 40 = 750 MΩ at 200C

IR Value at LV Side = (1.5 x 400 ) / √ 1600= 320 / 40 = 15 MΩ at 200C
 IR Value at 300C =15X1.98= 29.7 MΩ

Insulation Resistance of Transformer Coil

Transformer Coil Megger Size Min.IR Value Liquid Min.IR Value Dry

Voltage Filled T/C Type T/C

0 – 600 V 1KV 100 MΩ 500 MΩ

600 V To 2.5KV 1,000 MΩ 5,000 MΩ
5KV
5KV To 15KV 5KV 5,000 MΩ 25,000 MΩ
15KV To 5KV 10,000 MΩ 50,000 MΩ
69KV

IR Value of Transformers

Voltage Test Voltage Test Voltage Min IR

(DC) LV side (DC) HV side Value

415V 500V 2.5KV 100MΩ

Up to 6.6KV 500V 2.5KV 200MΩ
6.6KV to 500V 2.5KV 400MΩ
11KV
11KV to 1000V 5KV 500MΩ
33KV
33KV to 1000V 5KV 600MΩ
66KV
66KV to 1000V 5KV 600MΩ
132KV
132KV to 1000V 5KV 650MΩ
220KV

 Steps for measuring the IR of Transformer:

Shut down the transformer and disconnect the jumpers and lightning arrestors.
Discharge the winding capacitance.
Thoroughly clean all bushings
Short circuit the windings.
Guard the terminals to eliminate surface leakage over terminal bushings.
Record the temperature.
Connect the test leads (avoid joints).
Apply the test voltage and note the reading. The IR. Value at 60 seconds after
application of the test voltage is referred to as the Insulation Resistance of the
 transformer at the test temperature.
The transformer Neutral bushing is to be disconnected from earth during the test.
All LV surge diverter earth connections are to be disconnected during the test.
Due to the inductive characteristics of transformers, the insulation resistance reading
shall not be taken until the test current stabilizes.
Avoid meggering when the transformer is under vacuum.

Test Connections of Transformer for IR Test (Not Less than 200 MΩ)

Two winding transformer

1. (HV + LV) – GND
2. HV – (LV + GND)
3. LV – (HV + GND)

Three winding transformer

1. HV – (LV + TV + GND)
2. LV – (HV + TV + GND)
3. (HV + LV + TV) – GND
4. TV – (HV + LV + GND)

Auto transformer (two windings)

1. (HV + LV) – GND

Auto Transformer (three winding)

1. (HV + LV) – (TV + GND)
2. (HV + LV + TV) – GND
3. TV – (HV + LV + GND)

For any installation, the insulation resistance measured shall not be less than:

HV – Earth 200 M Ω
LV – Earth 100 M Ω
HV – LV 200 M Ω

Factors affecting on IR value of Transformer

The IR value of transformers are influenced by

Surface condition of the terminal bushing

Quality of oil
Quality of winding insulation
Temperature of oil
Duration of application and value of test voltage

3. IR Value for Tap Changer Index↑

IR between HV and LV as well as windings to earth.

 Minimum IR value for Tap changer is 1000 ohm per volt service voltage

4. IR Value for Electric motor Index↑

For electric motor, we used a insulation tester to measure the resistance of motor winding with earthing
(E).

For rated voltage below 1KV, measured with a 500VDC Megger.

For rated voltage above 1KV, measured with a 1000VDC Megger.
In accordance with IEEE 43, clause 9.3, the following formula should be applied.
Min IR Value (For Rotating Machine) =(Rated voltage (v) /1000) + 1

Insulation
Insulation resistance
resistance (IR)
(IR) value
value for
for electric
electric motor
motor

As per IEEE 43 Standard 1974, 2000

IR Value in MΩ
IR (Min) = kV+1 For most windings made
before about 1970, all field
windings, and others not
described below
IR (Min) = 100 For most dc armature and ac
MΩ windings built after about 1970
(form wound coils)
IR (Min) = 5 For most machines with
MΩ random -wound stator coils and
form-wound coils rated below
1kV

Example-1: For 11KV, Three Phase Motor.

IR Value =11+1=12 MΩ but as per IEEE43 It should be 100 MΩ

 Example-2: For 415V,Three Phase Motor
IR Value =0.415+1=1.41 MΩ but as per IEEE43 It should be 5 MΩ.
As per IS 732 Min IR Value of Motor=(20XVoltage(p-p/(1000+2XKW)

IR Value of Motor as per NETA ATS 2007. Section 7.15.1

Motor Name Test Min IR

Plate (V) Voltage Value
250V 500V DC 25 MΩ
600V 1000V DC 100MΩ
1000V 1000V DC 100MΩ
2500V 1000V DC 500MΩ
5000V 2500V DC 1000MΩ
8000V 2500V DC 2000MΩ
15000V 2500V DC 5000MΩ
25000V 5000V DC 20000MΩ
34500V 15000V 100000MΩ
DC

IR Value of Submersible Motor:

IR Value of Submersible Motor

Motor Out off Well (Without Cable) IR Value
New Motor 20 MΩ
A used motor which can be reinstalled 10 MΩ
Motor Installed in Well (With Cable)
New Motor 2 MΩ
A used motor which can be reinstalled 0.5 MΩ

5. IR Value for Electrical cable and wiring Index↑

For insulation testing, we need to disconnect from panel or equipment and keep them isolated from power
supply. The wiring and cables need to test for each other ( phase to phase ) with a ground ( E ) cable.
The Insulated Power Cable Engineers Association (IPCEA) provides the formula to determine minimum
insulation resistance values.

R = K x Log 10 (D/d)
R = IR Value in MΩs per 1000 feet (305 meters) of cable.
K = Insulation material constant.( Varnished Cambric=2460, Thermoplastic Polyethlene=50000,Composite
Polyethylene=30000)
D = Outside diameter of conductor insulation for single conductor wire and cable ( D = d + 2c + 2b
diameter of single conductor cable )
d – Diameter of conductor
c – Thickness of conductor insulation
b – Thickness of jacket insulation

HV test on new XLPE cable (As per ETSA Standard)

Application Test Min IR

Voltage Value
New cables – 1KV DC 100 MΩ
Sheath
New cables – 10KV DC 1000 MΩ
Insulation
After repairs – 1KV DC 10 MΩ
Sheath
After repairs – 5KV DC 1000MΩ
Insulation

11kV and 33kV Cables between Cores and Earth (As per ETSA Standard)

Application Test Min IR

Voltage Value
11KV New cables – 5KV DC 1000 MΩ
Sheath
11KV After repairs – 5KV DC 100 MΩ
Sheath
33KV no TF’s 5KV DC 1000 MΩ
connected
33KV with TF’s 5KV DC 15MΩ
connected.
11kV
11kV and
and 33kV
33kV Cables
Cables between
between Cores
Cores and
and Earth
Earth

IR Value Measurement (Conductors to conductor (Cross Insulation))

The first conductor for which cross insulation is being measured shall be connected to Line
terminal of the megger. The remaining conductors looped together (with the help of crocodile clips)
i. e. Conductor 2 and onwards, are connected to Earth terminal of megger. Conductors at the other
end are left free.
Now rotate the handle of megger or press push button of megger. The reading of meter will show
the cross Insulation between conductor 1 and rest of the conductors. Insulation reading shall be
recorded.
Now connect next conductor to Line terminal of the megger & connect the remaining conductors to
earth terminal of the megger and take measurements.

IR Value Measurement (Conductor to Earth Insulation)

Connect conductor under test to the Line terminal of the megger.

Connect earth terminal of the megger to the earth.
Rotate the handle of megger or press push button of megger. The reading of meter will show the
insulation resistance of the conductors. Insulation reading shall be recorded after applying the test
voltage for about a minute till a steady reading is obtained.
IR Value Measurements:

If during periodical testing, insulation resistance of cable is found between 5 and 1 MΩ /km at
buried temperature, the subject cable should be programmed for replacement.
If insulation resistance of the cable is found between 1000 and 100 KΩ /km, at buried
temperature, the subject cable should be replaced urgently within a year.
If the insulation resistance of the cable is found less than 100 kilo ohm/km., the subject cable must
be replaced immediately on emergency basis.

6. IR Value for Transmission / Distribution Line Index↑

Equipment Megger Min IR

Size Value
S/S 5 KV 5000MΩ
.Equipments
EHVLines. 5 KV 10MΩ
H.T. Lines. 1 KV 5MΩ
LT / Service 0.5 KV 5MΩ
Lines.

7. IR Value for Panel Bus Index↑

IR Value for Panel = 2 x KV rating of the panel.

Example, for a 5 KV panel, the minimum insulation is 2 x 5 = 10 MΩ.

8. IR Value for Substation Equipment Index↑

Generally meggering Values of Substation Equipments are.

Typical IR Value of S/S Equipments

Equipment Megger IR
Size Value(Min)
Circuit (Phase- 5KV,10 1000 MΩ
Breaker Earth) KV
(Phase- 5KV,10 1000 MΩ
Phase) KV
Control 0.5KV 50 MΩ
Circuit

CT/PT (Pri-Earth) 5KV,10 1000 MΩ

KV
(Sec-Phase) 5KV,10 50 MΩ
KV
 Control 0.5KV 50 MΩ
Circuit
Isolator (Phase- 5KV,10 1000 MΩ
Earth) KV
(Phase- 5KV,10 1000 MΩ
Phase) KV
Control 0.5KV 50 MΩ
Circuit
L.A (Phase- 5KV,10 1000 MΩ
Earth) KV
Electrical (Phase- 0.5KV 50 MΩ
Motor Earth)
LT (Phase- 0.5KV 100 MΩ
Switchgear Earth)
LT (Phase- 0.5KV 100 MΩ
Transformer Earth)

IR Value of S/S Equipments As per DEP Standard

Equipment Meggering IR Value at IR Value at
Commissioning Maintenance
Time (MΩ) Time
Switchgear HV Bus 200 MΩ 100 MΩ
LV Bus 20 MΩ 10 MΩ
LV wiring 5 MΩ 0.5 MΩ
Cable(min 100 HV & LV (10XKV) / KM (KV) / KM
Meter)
Motor & Phase-Earth 10(KV+1) 2(KV+1)
Generator
Transformer Oil HV & LV 75 MΩ 30 MΩ
immersed
Transformer Dry HV 100 MΩ 25 MΩ
Type LV 10 MΩ 2 MΩ
Fixed Phase-Earth 5KΩ / Volt 1KΩ / Volt
Equipments/Tools
Movable Phase-Earth 5 MΩ 1MΩ
Equipments
Distribution Phase-Earth 5 MΩ 1MΩ
Equipments
Circuit Breaker Main Circuit 2 MΩ / KV –
 Control 5MΩ –
Circuit
Relay D.C Circuit- 40MΩ –
Earth
LT Circuit- 50MΩ –
Earth
LT-D.C 40MΩ –
Circuit
LT-LT 70MΩ –

9. IR Value for Domestic /Industrial Wiring Index↑

A low resistance between phase and neutral conductors, or from live conductors to earth, will result in a
leakage current. This cause deterioration of the insulation, as well as involving a waste of energy which
would increase the running costs of the installation.

The resistance between Phase-Phase-Neutral-Earth must never be less than 0.5 M Ohms for the usual
supply voltages.

In addition to the leakage current due to insulation resistance, there is a further current leakage in the
reactance of the insulation, because it acts as the dielectric of a capacitor. This current dissipates no
energy and is not harmful, but we wish to measure the resistance of the insulation, so DC Voltage is
used to prevent reactance from being included in the measurement.

1 Phase Wiring

>The IR test between Phase-Natural to earth must be carried out on the complete installation with the
main switch off, with phase and neutral connected together, with lamps and other equipment
disconnected, but with fuses in, circuit breakers closed and all circuit switches closed.

Where two-way switching is wired, only one of the two stripper wires will be tested. To test the other, both
two-way switches should be operated and the system retested. If desired, the installation can be tested
as a whole, when a value of at least 0.5 M Ohms should be achieved.
11 Phase
Phase Wiring
Wiring

3 Phase Wiring

In the case of a very large installation where there are many earth paths in parallel, the reading would be
expected to be lower. If this happens, the installation should be subdivided and retested, when each part
must meet the minimum requirement.

33 Phase
Phase Wiring
Wiring

The IR tests must be carried out between Phase-Phase-Neutral-Earth with a minimum acceptable value
for each test of 0.5 M Ohms.

IR Testing for Low voltage

Circuit voltage Test IR
voltage Value(Min)
Extra Low Voltage 250V DC 0.25MΩ
Up to 500 V except for 500 V DC 0.5MΩ
above
500 V To 1KV 1000 V 1.0MΩ
 DC

Min IR Value = 50 MΩ / No of Electrical outlet. (All Electrical Points with fitting & Plugs)
Min IR Value = 100 MΩ / No of Electrical outlet. (All Electrical Points without fitting & Plugs).

Required Precautions Index↑

Electronic equipment like electronic fluorescent starter switches, touch switches, dimmer switches, power
controllers, delay timers could be damaged by the application of the high test voltage should be
disconnected.

Capacitors and indicator or pilot lamps must be disconnected or an inaccurate test reading will result.

Where any equipment is disconnected for testing purposes, it must be subjected to its own insulation test,
using a voltage which is not likely to result in damage. The result must conform with that specified in the
British Standard concerned, or be at least 0.5 M Ohms if there is no Standard.

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Jignesh Parmar

Jignesh Parmar has completed M.Tech (Power System Control), B.E (Electrical).
He is member of Institution of Engineers (MIE), India. He has more than 13 years
experience in transmission & distribution-energy theft detection and maintenance
electrical projects.
52 Comments

Hi…
Great it is,
Naresh I have aquestion:
S
SEEP
P 1100,, 22001199
I have spare LT panel (operating voltage-420VAC) and I have to use it somewhere in my
factory, but when I am checking its pahse to earth IR value with 1000V IR tester, then it
is showing 20 MOhms, is it sufficient to use the panel.

(reply)

10 hp 3 phase indication motor how to check resistance

(reply)
Jagjit
S
SEEP
P 0011,, 22001199

Very Useful article. I need an information regarding this.

Why IR testing is done for 1 minute? Is it a standard procedure which is followed
Izzath everywhere or any technical logic behind it ??
JJU
ULL 11
11,, 22001199

(reply)

hi and happy to join you !

i want just to confirm if someone can confirm that IR test can stress the cable in case
Hebouche that testesting requeted every 6 weeks.
JJA
ANN 2222,, 22001199

(reply)

What are standards or practices to consider K-Factor (Absorption Coefficient) and

Polarization Index (P.I) specially in respect of EHV Power Transformers (viz 220 KV/ 11
C.V. KV)
Krishnaiah
O
OCCTT 2244,, 22001188
(reply)

Dear Sir,

Jeevan I need to know the HV and Megger test voltage value and routine tests to be performed
Ranadive for medium voltage 6.6KV cables.
S
SEEP
P 2299,, 22001188
Please email me to my email.

Regards
Jeevan Ranadive

(reply)

how frequently should we measure the Insulation resistance value in a motor under
service
Usha
A
AUUG
G 3311,, 22001188 (reply)

Very useful article.

(reply)
VITORINO
DAVID
JJU
ULL 2255,, 22001188

Dear Sir
Thanks for all this good work that you have done. I just have doubt that one of the
Abdulhame examples of insulation temperature correction factors is given with a probable mistake
JJU
ULL 0011,, 22001188
from the point I looked to the insulator.
If an Insulator measures 15 MOhms @ 20C then it must measure less at 30C. The
example you stated mention some thing in contrary (See Below).

Example: For 1600KVA, 20KV/400V,Three Phase Transformer

IR Value at HV Side= (1.5 x 20000) / √ 1600 =16000 / 40 = 750 MΩ at 200C

IR Value at LV Side = (1.5 x 400 ) / √ 1600= 320 / 40 = 15 MΩ at 200C
IR Value at 300C =15X1.98= 29.7 MΩ

(reply)

For the 22 KV cable (3 cores x 300 sq.mm) :

1- How to Indicate/Define the minimum pass/criteria value, for the Megger (IR) test?
Bilel Alibi 2- How to Indicate/Define the minimum pass/criteria value and define the test voltage, for
JJU
UNN 0077,, 22001188
the outer sheath test ?

(reply)
 thanks for valuable information

(reply)
MAHADEO
JADHAV
M
MAAR
R 2288,, 22001188

To whomever this may concern, whilst the information contained on this website is
useful, it is no substitute for the application of competent electrical engineering by
Prageeth experienced practitioners. Electrical engineering practitioners should always read and
M
MAAR
R 0055,, 22001188
understand the appropriate guidance, incorrect information is misleading. The primary
source of information is described within IEEE, IEC or national standards which must be
reviewed before embarking upon electrical engineering works or projects.I wish to thank
the author for making this information available to the general public who could be
harmed as a consequence. A little knowledge is dangerous.

(reply)

Sir,one 40MVA Transformer which was in service for 3 years.later moved to 300kms and
filteration of oil started.After 30 Days Filteration the IR value of LV to earth is 10 Mega
Arabinda ohms.what is the reason for such low value?
FFE
EBB 0088,, 22001188

(reply)

Which Indian Standard is for Electric Insulation resistance measurement/Testing &

Evaluate the reading as either acceptable or not. Value below which Insulation is not
Sagar acceptable etc
Vaghasiya
FFE
EBB 0033,, 22001188
(reply)

Excellent work on single paper.

(reply)
P M Yadav
D
DEEC
C 3311,, 22001177

Thank you for this very useful article.

Is there any IR lower-limit for turn-to-turn insulation in random wound (low voltage)
Vincenzo electric motors?
D
DEEC
C 3300,, 22001177
 Thank you,
VM

(reply)

Why to avoid meggering when the transformer is under vacuum?

(reply)
Arunkumar
D
DEEC
C 1122,, 22001177

An electrician performed Insulation Resistance test on Low Voltage cable between a

Generator and switchboard. Due to site constraints the cable could not be disconnected
KRISHNAN at both ends of the installation, however the circuit breakers were switched off at both
SUBRAMO ends leaving the neutral and earth connected. Do you think the neutral and earth cable
D
DEEC
C 0055,, 22001177
needs to be disconnected or can remain and we measure the IR value between Phase
and Neutral/earth.

(reply)

Sir, it has been observed that during oil replacement procedure of a power transformer in
one of our Substations IR values were taken after draining of oil and after filling with oil.
Aniruddha It was found that the reading was less with oil than without oil. What is the reason?
Bhattacharj
N
NOOV
V 0044,, 22001177
(reply)

sorry I’m a little bit confused…what formula should I use for IR testing of motor is it

Reinyer Min IR Value (For Rotating Machine) =(Rated voltage (v) /1000) + 1
Ocuig or
JJU
ULL 3300,, 22001177
As per IS 732 Min IR Value of Motor=(20XVoltage(p-p/(1000+2XKW)

(reply)

How to check d IR value of 765 kv polymer insulator??

Jayant What should b d megger range n what is d value ??

Sahoo
FFE
EBB 1100,, 22001177 (reply)