FAQ in reference to Product Safety Advisory

For IEEE RIP Bushings 115kV and above with voltage tap
Product: Micafil RIP Bushings – IEEE Type, with Voltage Tap
Problem: Potentially Nonconforming Grounding Connection of Normally
Grounded Foil
Date: April 7, 2016

What is the concern?

Some IEEE bushings with voltage taps (aka potential taps) have an issue with the soldered
grounding connection between the normally grounded foil of the bushing’s internal capacitor and
the flange. It has deteriorate and become compromised after factory acceptance testing and
shipment (see Picture 1). The exact root cause for this deterioration is not yet fully understood.
To date, there have been no in-service bushing malfunctions reported to ABB which have been
attributed to this issue.

Why is this a problem?

If the soldered grounding connection deteriorates and the bushing is energized without the tap
grounded, the normally grounded foil may reach a voltage level which is unsuitable for normal
operation. As a result, such an abnormal voltage level could result in damage to the bushing
and compromise its ability to support service voltage. The bushing could then also experience
internal arcing and a sudden pressure release. A sudden pressure release could cause the
bushing to fragment and the discharge process may result in bushing fragments with enough
force to cause serious bodily injury (including death) and/or property damage.

ABB Switzerland  Micafil Bushing  Page 1/5  

Badenerstrasse 780    www.abb.ch 
8048 Zurich 
 
 

Which bushings are affected?

All bushings with IEEE voltage taps manufactured since 2008 can be affected. ABB is working
to further contain the included population, but for now, includes this large group. Note that
bushings with measuring taps (aka test taps) are not affected because they do not have a
normally grounded foil. Voltage taps are required for bushings according the IEEE standards for
115kV voltage class and above.

Are all bushings in this group compromised?

No, but all soldering on above mentioned bushings with voltage tap can be affected. Many, if
not most, of the included bushings were, no doubt, soldered properly, but since at this time we
do not fully understand the root cause, we are conservatively including all possible candidates.

What is the best method to evaluate the condition of the soldering?

Until further notice, the only way to evaluate the solder connection in the field is to measure the
power factor and capacitance of the C2 capacitor. If the values measured match the nameplate,
the bushing has not yet deteriorated. Only an ABB technical expert is qualified to fully evaluate
a good soldered connection or have the skill to resolder it properly. Work is being conducted to
determine how the deterioration can be detected on an already installed bushing.

What should we do immediately?

In order to prevent a catastrophic failure as described above, ABB strongly recommends only
energizing the bushing with the original voltage tap cover (with the original grounding spring)
properly installed (see Picture 2), as this will ensure that the tap is connected to ground. The
cover must always remain fully engaged and properly sealed as long as the bushing is
energized.

We plan to install a monitoring system – how should we proceed?

Until ABB has an opportunity to inspect the soldered grounding connection on the bushing,
under no conditions should any online bushing monitoring systems be manipulated or
installed as this could modify the voltage on a compromised ground connection and result in
a catastrophic failure of the bushing. This is because the online monitoring system does not
provide a solid grounding connection of the voltage tap.

ABB Switzerland  Micafil Bushing  Page 2/5  

Badenerstrasse 780    www.abb.ch 
8048 Zurich 
 
 

What should we do with installed monitoring systems with normal readings?

If the bushing is in service and already has a monitoring device connected to the voltage tap,
special precautions must be taken. If the monitoring is working properly and providing data
indicating that the bushing is normal, the bushing can remain in service. If the monitoring
provides any alarm, abnormal, or out-of-range readings, the bushing must be de-energized
immediately. If the bushing is then evaluated to be suitable to return to service, the
monitoring is to be removed and the original voltage tap cover (with grounding spring) should
be properly installed before re-energization.

What should we do if we have one of the affected bushings and a bushing potential
device (BPD), such as an ABB PBA2, is installed on that bushings?
The grounding switch should be immediately placed in the ground (closed) position and
remain in that position any time the bushing is energized. If the bushing is ever de-
energized, the BPD should be disconnected and the original voltage tap cover (with
grounding spring) should be properly installed before re-energization.

What we should do if we’re going to install one of the effected bushing?

Before installation, measure the C2 and verify the C2 measured values for power factor and
capacitance match the name plate values. If so, install the bushing, but don’t install a
monitoring system or bushing potential device on the voltage tap. Before energization of the
bushing you need to make sure that the original voltage tap cover (with grounding spring) is
installed properly.

Where do I get voltage tap covers?

Please contact with our Service team: CH-service.micafil@abb.com

Can we rework the soldering and install the monitoring system?

No. Only ABB trained persons are qualified to evaluate or repair the solder connection. ABB’s
root cause investigation into the deterioration of the soldered grounding connection is underway
and we expect to complete this investigation in due time. As part of the root cause investigation,
work is included to determine how the deterioration can be detected where the bushing is
already installed.

When were these bushings shipped and how many have failed? The bushings in questions
with possibly compromised grounding connections were sold and commissioned after January
1, 2008. This issue has not been found to be the root cause for any bushing failures reported to
ABB.

What kind of information is needed to identify an affected bushing?

To expeditiously identify a bushing the following information is helpful:
- Serial Number from the name plate
- Order Number if available

ABB Switzerland  Micafil Bushing  Page 3/5  

Badenerstrasse 780    www.abb.ch 
8048 Zurich 
 
 

How do I get information about future updates?

ABB will inform you directly or through your ABB representative as soon as we have new
information which will affect you. However, you can contact those mentioned below for more
information.

How do I know if my bushing is included?

If you have an IEEE Bushings from ABB Micafil with a Voltage class 115kV and above you’re
included. However, feel free to contact ABB for confirmation.

When were these bushings shipped?

These bushing were shipped from 2008 until March 2016.

Do we need to drain the transformer to see this connection?

Yes. The solder connection is at the bottom of the bushing mounting flange. However, we do
not recommend doing so at this time unless an ABB trained person is there to inspect the
connection as they are exclusively qualified to evaluate. ABB Micafil is working on a less
intrusive method of evaluation to minimize the operational impact during individual bushing
investigations.

Can I be certain there is no safety concerned if I operate the bushing with the tap cover
installed?
Yes. As long as the original tap cover (with the internal spring grounding contact working
properly) is properly installed the soldered connection is shorted out and safe.

How long can the bushing remain in service with the tap cover installed?
The normal lifetime of the bushing is not impacted as long as the tap cover remains properly
installed whenever the bushings is energized.

Can the defect affect a bushing that has been in service for several years?
While unlikely, there is a remote chance deteriorating could begin. Until we fully understand the
root cause, it should be considered a risk. Yet, this risk is considered low and does not impact
the availability values of the bushing if the provided guidelines are followed.

Will there be any early warning that the bushing is damaged?

It is unlikely there will be any indication the bushing is compromised before significant damage
to the bushing has occurred. If the C2 is measured and found to be different from name plate, it
is likely the connection is compromised. However, measuring would require the bushing to be
de-energized

Would power factor and capacitance testing indicate if this issue does or does not exist
in a specific bushing?
It can indicate whether the bushing has or has not deteriorated, but it cannot determine where
deterioration will occur in the future.

ABB Switzerland  Micafil Bushing  Page 4/5  

Badenerstrasse 780    www.abb.ch 
8048 Zurich 
 
 

If the power factor and capacitance tests good for C1 and C2 does that mean the bushing
does not and will not have this issue?
No. The measurements alone are not a safe means to exclude the bushing from future
deterioration. Advanced analysis is being developed to evaluate these bushings.

Can this be detected with thermal scanning?

No. Thermal scanning is not likely to identify this problem. However, any thermal abnormality
should always be carefully evaluated.

Can we resolder the connection ourselves in the field?

No. Only ABB trained persons are qualified to evaluate or repair the solder connection.

Who should I contact if I have questions?

- Your ABB representative randy.williams@us.abb.com or
- Our service department CH-service.micafil@abb.com

ABB Switzerland  Micafil Bushing  Page 5/5  

Badenerstrasse 780    www.abb.ch 
8048 Zurich