Product Safety Advisory

IEEE Transformer Bushings 115 kV 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

Purpose of Notification
It has come to our attention that some IEEE bushings with voltage taps may have an issue with
the soldered grounding connection. This soldered grounding connection, which is located
between the normally grounded foil of the bushing’s internal capacitor to the flange, may have
deteriorated after leaving ABB's factory, and such deterioration could lead to compromised
performance while in service (see Picture 1). To date, there have been no in-service bushing
malfunctions reported to ABB which have been attributed to this issue. BECAUSE OF THE
RISK OF SERIOUS BODILY INJURY (INCLUDING DEATH) AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE
IN CONNECTION WITH THIS ISSUE, YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY TAKE THE ACTIONS
IDENTIFIED BELOW IN THE SECTION ENTITLED “CORRECTIVE ACTIONS”.
Description of the Issue
ABB believes that the deterioration of soldered grounding connection occurred after the
bushing left the factory where the grounding connection was tested and found to be intact. If
the soldered grounding connection did deteriorate, the normally grounded foil may then reach
a voltage level which is unsuitable for normal operation of the bushing. As a result, such
abnormal voltage level operation for the bushing could result in damage to the bushing and
compromise its ability to support service voltage, and the bushing could then experience
internal arcing and a sudden pressure release. A SUDDEN PRESSURE RELEASE COULD
CAUSE THE BUSHING TO FRAGMENT AND IN THE PROCESS DISCHARGE BUSHING
FRAGMENTS WITH ENOUGH FORCE TO CAUSE SERIOUS BODILY INJURY
(INCLUDING DEATH) AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

Corrective Actions
In the interim, in order to prevent a catastrophic failure as described above, ABB
strongly recommends only energizing the bushing with the original voltage tap cover
(with internal grounding spring contact) properly installed (see Picture 2) as this will
ensure that the tap connects to ground. The cover must always remain fully engaged and
properly sealed as long as the bushing is energized. Until ABB has had an opportunity to
inspect the soldered grounding connection on the bushing, in no event 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. The reason is that the online monitoring system does not provide a solid
grounding connection of the voltage tap.

ABB Switzerland  Micafil Bushing  Page 1/3  

Badenerstrasse 780    www.abb.ch 
8048 Zurich 
 
 

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
that the bushing is normal, the bushing can remain in service. While energized with the
monitoring installed, personnel should remain at least 50 meters away from the apparatus on
which the bushing is installed. However, if the monitoring system is providing an
abnormal output or an alarm condition, the bushing must be de-energized immediately.
If the bushing is then determined to be suitable to return to service, it may ONLY be returned
to service and re-energized if the following special precautions are first taken prior to re-
energization: The monitoring device must be removed, and the original voltage tap cover
(with internal grounding spring contact) must be properly installed.

If a bushing potential device such as an ABB PBA2 is connected to the voltage tap, the
grounding switch of the bushing potential device must be placed in and remain in the
grounded (closed) position any time the bushing is energized.

Root Cause Investigation

ABB’s root cause investigation into the deterioration of the soldered grounding connection is
underway, and we hope to complete the root cause investigation in due time. As part of the
root cause investigation, work is also being conducted to determine how the deterioration can
be detected where the bushing is already installed. The bushings in question 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.

Micafil RIP bushings continue to experience one of the lowest failure rates in the industry. As
a trusted bushing manufacturer, we will work diligently to identify the root cause and a
resolution. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this issue may cause you as we
resolve it. We will proactively contact you as soon as we have established the root cause,
corrective action, and evaluation procedures. We will work to minimize the impact to your
operations while keeping safety as the top priority.

For further questions please contact your ABB customer representative or send an email to
ch-service.micafil@abb.com or Randy Williams, randy.williams@us.abb.com, +1 (731) 696-
5328

Location, Date Signature:

Altstetten, April 7, 2016 ____________________

Irina Leutwyler
(General Manager Bushings)

ABB Switzerland  Micafil Bushing  Page 2/3  

Badenerstrasse 780    www.abb.ch 
8048 Zurich 
 
 

Picture 1a: Soldered grounding connection. Picture 1b: Compromised (exaggerated).

Original voltage tap cover 

Picture 2: Properly Installed voltage tap cover.

ABB Switzerland  Micafil Bushing  Page 3/3  

Badenerstrasse 780    www.abb.ch 
8048 Zurich