Test tap and voltage tap

Configuration and use

Test tap configuration (3 kV)

The test tap at capacitance-graded bushings gives access to the
outermost control layer of the bushing. Thereby, the main
capacity of the bushing (C1) can be measured in a bridge circuit
with the bushing installed. In operation, this layer must be linked
and grounded to the flange via the spring contact provided in the
test tap; alternatively it must be connected to ground via a
sufficiently large capacity in order to avoid voltages > 1.5 kV.

Figure 23: Test tap. Type N connector

Seal

Spring Manipulation of the test tap

Protective cover Manipulating the test tap using a

screwdriver or other tool to push the
grounding spring out of the way is strictly
prohibited.

WARNING
For measurements, use a connecting
coupler or type N connector without fail.

Figure 21: Test tap during operation, grounded with protective cover

The design of the test tap provides for the automatic grounding
of the tapping layer via the flange. This grounding may be
opened by fully pushing in a 4 mm connecting coupler or by
connecting a type N connector. If no measurement is carried out
at the test tap, the latter must be closed with the protective
cover provided to protect it from weather conditions.

Figure 24: Test tap. Any manipulation prohibited!

Protective cover
The bushing may never be taken into
operation without the protecting cover of
the test tap installed or without a
monitoring system being connected.

Figure 22: Test tap. Connecting coupler DANGER Failure to comply with this regulation may
otherwise damage bushing and/or
transformer or cause serious injuries or even
death!

18 Test tap and voltage tap - configuration and use | HLAB200456-AC | Operating Instructions for transformer bushings AirRIP
Intended use of the test tap
The test tap serves for the measurement of the main capacity For setting a voltage U, the capacity C z
C1 of the bushing and the loss factor tan . The most common
test circuit is shown below: UN
Cz C1 1 C2 C z min
3 U

must be entered.

To obtain an active power P from the bushing, an ohmic

resistance Rz must be switched in parallel to C2.The electrical
power P results from

2
UN / 3 1
P 2
Rz a b2

with

C2
a 1
C1

and

1
b
C1 Rz

Again, this only applies under the condition that U remains

1.5 kV. This may be checked with

UN / 3
1 Bushing C1: Capacity - high-voltage conductor tapping
U a2 b2 1,5kV
layer a 2 b2
C2: Capacity - tapping layer flange
2 Reference condenser CN
3 Schering bridge R3, R4, C4: Bridging elements
N: Null indicator Voltage at test tap
C1 = CNR4 / R3; tan = R42 fC4
Without additionally switching an
Figure 25: Measuring circuit impedance, the values C1 and C2 will always
result in a voltage greater than 1.5 kV at the
Via the measurement connection, also a voltage and partial test tap.
discharge measurement in the frame of a monitoring process
If voltage is applied to the bushing, the
may be executed. In this context it should be noted that the
test tap must therefore either be
max. permissible continuous voltage between tapping layer and
WARNING connected to the flange in an electrically
flange is 1.5 kV. The electrical power to be obtained from the
conductive way (protective cover
test tap ranges between approx. 5° and 10°VA depending on
installed), or the max. voltage must be
voltage and capacity. To limit the voltage, an impedance must
limited to 1.5 kV by connecting an
always be connected in parallel to C2. In most cases, this is a
additional impedance.
capacity Cz which must have a minimum value of

UN
C z m in C1 1 C2 The measuring accuracy to be achieved when measuring the
3 1,5kV voltage depends on the fluctuation of the capacities C1, C2 and
the impedance connected. As the capacities depend on the
The values of C1 and C2 may be seen from the test protocol of temperature, a measurement uncertainty of approx. 5% may be
the related bushing. expected.

19 Test tap and voltage tap - configuration and use | HLAB200456-AC | Operating Instructions for transformer bushings AirRIP