Continuously monitor MV / HV insulation systems to

avoid equipment damage and production downtime.

Partial Discharge Monitoring Technology

from Square D Services.
Square D Services offers Partial Discharge Monitoring Technology to detect and notify facility Different monitors and
engineers of impending insulation breakdown. With many companies experiencing decreased sensors for the various
budgets and extended periods between planned maintenance outages, Partial Discharge equipment applications
Monitoring is operational 24/7 and provides early warning alarms to help prevent downtime.

What is Partial Discharge?

Partial Discharge (PD) is a localized electrical discharge in an insulation system that does not
.
completely bridge the electrodes. It is a leading indicator of insulation breakdown and occurs
in electrical equipment under high voltage stress, usually greater than 2,000 V. The higher
the voltage, the higher the potential for damage or downtime.

Partial Discharge Monitoring System

Square D Services will install monitoring sensors during a planned outage. Sensors are wired Partial Discharge
to a monitoring unit, which can be tied into an existing SCADA system via open protocol. Web Monitoring Device
hosting is also available. The sensors monitor:
• Magnitude (mV or pC) - Size or volume of the defect
• Pulse Count (PS) - Number or growth of defects
• Intensity / Power (mW) - Destructive power of the partial discharge events
• Signature - Includes phase of defect as well as type of defect

Square D Services will evaluate the monitored results against an existing database
and provide a detailed report of findings.

Equipment Applications
Radio Frequency CT
Partial Discharge Technology is applicable on equipment rated 5kV to 500kV where the age
of the insulation would be cause for concern. Specific equipment applications include:
• Metalclad switchgear and switches: 5kV and 15kV
• Motors and generators > 2.4kV
• Large power transformers and bushings
• Substation yard structure-mounted voltage transformers and current transformers
• Generator step-up transformers and bushings

Coupling Capacitor
 • MV switchgear where insulated bus passes
through an adjacent cubicle

• Surface dust and dirt accumulating can

contribute to the initiation of partial discharge

• This equipment was being monitored and

based upon PD levels, a maintenance outage
was scheduled to make necessary repairs which
included thorough cleaning

Benefits of Partial Discharge Technology

• Continuous monitoring of critical equipment insulation systems;
monitoring devices can detect partial discharge that is occurring within
the entire insulation system
• Detects abnormal conditions in a timely manner
• Warning alarms initiate response to help prevent damage and downtime

Why Continuous Monitoring?

• Random failure can often occur between planned maintenance outages
• As insulation systems age, they can become more susceptible to
breakdown Different monitors and
• This means 80% of all failures can not be found with current sensors are available
maintenance practices for various equipment
and applications.

60 1.2

50 1.0

40 0.8
PDI - mW
Temp. C

30 0.6

20 0.4

10 0.2

0 0
May June July August
©2009 Schneider Electric. All rights reserved.

For more information call 888-SQUARED or visit us online

at www.SquareD-Services.com.

Schneider Electric – North American Operating Division

1415 South Roselle Road
Palatine, IL 60067
Tel: 888-778-2733 This document has been
Email: pqc@squared.com printed on recycled paper.

1910HO0920 12-09