The Tata Power Company Ltd.

EQA Group
Rev. No.: 01 Work Instruction For Low Voltage SHORT Doc. No:EQA-WI-47
Rev. Date: 02-08-2003 CIRCUIT IMPEDANCE Test on Transformer Page No. 1 of 3

1. RECORD OF REVISIONS
Rev. Date Details Prepared Reviewed Approved
No. by by by
00 01.01.03 First Time issued for QMS Engineer SH AGM
00 02..08.03 Revised clause 6.7 as per final Engineer SH AGM
audit comment

2 SCOPE
The test procedure guides the EQA engineer in carrying out low voltage short circuit impedance test
on power transformers.

3. INPUTS
Sr. No. Activity / Documents
3.1 Supplies Requirements:
.1. Single Phase 230 V AC
.2. Three Phase 440 V AC
3.2 Instruments:
.1. 2 pole switch or MCCB or any isolation switch
.2. Excitation Transformer 230/13-52 V
.3. 1 variac 0-260 V or 3 variac 0-470V
.4. Voltmeter 650 V or Multimeter
.5. Multi ratio current transformer only when needed.
.6. Suitable Range Ammeter or Multimeter

4. REFERENCE :
4.1 Manufacturer manual
4.2 Earlier Test record

5. CIRCUIT DIAGRM - (Refer enclosed figure A.)

6. PREREQUISITES
Sr. No. Activity
6.1 Ensure that the transformer under test is de-energized. In the case of system transformers,
ensure that the maintenance engineer has taken the necessary permits and isolated the
transformer.
6.2 Ensure that no parallel circuits are connected to the transformer under test and there are no
shorts on the secondary side. In the case of neutral grounded transformers, ensure that the
ground connection to neutral is removed..
6.3 Interconnecting Transformers of Gas Insulated Sub-stations with SF6 to oil bushings are
tested through earth switches (QE3). In such cases, ensure that the earth switches are closed
and earthing strips removed.
6.4 From the winding diagram of the transformer name plate, note the winding to be applied
The Tata Power Company Ltd. EQA Group
Rev. No.: 01 Work Instruction For Low Voltage SHORT Doc. No:EQA-WI-47
Rev. Date: 02-08-2003 CIRCUIT IMPEDANCE Test on Transformer Page No. 2 of 3

with voltage and the corresponding to be shorted.

6.5 Compute the expected impedance values:
%Z KV 2
IMPEDANCE IN OHMS (  side)  x
100 BaseMVA
where %Z and Base MVA are the name plate values, KV is the voltage at that tap.
In case of  side, the value obtained as above to be multiplied by 3
6.7 The test can be carried out directly through variac if the computed value is 5 and above
and an excitation transformer to be used with variac if the value is below 5.
6.8 From the computed impedance values, and the voltage source as decided in step 6.5 the
current values can be computed. Use current leads of adequate size. Ammeter or Multimeter
can be used directly if the computed current is within it’s range and a current transformer
shall be used with ammeter/ multimeter if the computed value is higher than the range.
6.9 The expected current on the shorted winding can be computed from the current computed
under 6.8 and the transformer ratio. Size of the shorting lead should be at least 4 times larger
to handle the current and larger size leads will give better results. Clean the conductor
surfaces thoroughly before the connections.
6.10 The test shall be carried out on 1 phase basis and to be repeated on other phases and also
from secondary (and tertiary in case of 3 winding transformer).
6.11 Voltage measurement leads should be connected to the points nearest to the windings to
minimize the lead drop.
6.12 For two winding transformer, total six set (HV/LV-3, LV/HV-3) of readings and for three
winding transformer, total eighteen set (HV/IV-3, HV/LV-3, IV/HV-3, LV/HV-3, IV/LV-3,
LV/IV-3) of readings shall be recorded.

7. ACTIVITIES
Sr. No. Activity / Documents
7.1 Make the test connections for A-N ( A-B in case of ) as per fig (C ).
7.2 Short the corresponding secondary (or tertiary winding).
7.3 Switch on the supply and gradually increase current by variac till adequate current flows
through the winding. Wait for few seconds for the current to stabilize.
7.4 Record corresponding current and voltage readings.
7.5 Compute actual impedance Z=V/I and compare that with expected values.
7.6 Compute the maximum deviation among the phases of the same winding and record
(maximum value  minimum value) x100
% Deviation 
maximum value
7.6 Repeat the test on other phases and for other winding combinations.
 The Tata Power Company Ltd. EQA Group
Rev. No.: 01 Work Instruction For Low Voltage SHORT Doc. No:EQA-WI-47
Rev. Date: 02-08-2003 CIRCUIT IMPEDANCE Test on Transformer Page No. 3 of 3

8. RECORDS
Sr. No. Activity / Documents
8.1 Relevant section of Transformer Test form

9. LIMITS
Sr. No. Activity / Documents
9.1 Deviation among the phases of same winding :  2%
Deviation with expected value :  10%

10. CORRECTIVE ACTIONS WHEN DEVIATIONS ARE BEYOND LIMITS

10.1 The Engineer shall repeat the test with firm connections at a higher possible current.
10.2 The Engineer shall convey the deviations to SH/AGM/DGM
10.3 With the concurrence of DGM the engineer/SH shall instruct the EMD to rectify the defect.
10.4 The Engineer shall carry out the test after the defect is attended to.

Fig-A: Circuit Diagram for Transformer LV Short Circuit Impedance Test:

Transformer
E Excitation Under Test
230 V Transformer
AC
Supply
V

1Ø Variac
External Short