Mark Hunt

Sr. Applications Engineer

Surge Arresters

Hubbell Power Systems, Inc.

1850 Richland Ave. East
Aiken, SC 29801 USA

May 28, 2019

RE: Hubbell Power Systems Clarification of Arrester Health Monitoring in the Field

To whom it may concern,

There is no single field test that will indicate the complete operating characteristics of the arrester, and surge
arresters do not require field testing as a part of routine maintenance.

However, Hubbell Power Systems maintains that the easiest and most effective inspection to perform is
periodic infrared imaging while the arrester is energized to observe trending temperature increases. The main
requirement of infrared imaging is to compare same model arresters with similar history in close proximity to
each other for significant temperature differences. Hubbell recommends reacting in accordance with the
NEETRAC Project 10-53 guidelines provided below:
− Less than or equal to 11°C higher than a close reference – no action
− Greater than 11°C but less than or equal to 22°C – increased surveillance
− Greater than 22°C higher– remove and replace arrester in a timely manner

IEC 60099-5 suggests that measuring leakage current using Method B2, or a harmonic analysis of leakage
current using the third harmonic with compensation, is an effective way to monitor the health of an arrester
while in the field. One of the instruments used for such measurement taking is a Doble meter.

Generally, Hubbell endorses the methodology proposed by Doble in its training literature, to wit
I. Risk Assessment based on the level and development of resistive leakage current Ir over time:
1. Trend analysis over time
i. Baseline reading when the arrester is new
ii. If Ir increases by 300-400%, this confirms severe ageing
iii. In general look for increasing trend
2. Compare to maximum recommended values from arrester manufacturers
3. Compare Ir for arresters of the same make and type
i. The three phases in a line or bay
ii. All arresters in the grid
4. Combination of step 1-3
II. Final Evaluation
1. It and Ir are unrealistically high: Circulating currents? Check the insulated base and arrester
grounding.
2. Ir higher than expected: Temporary heating? Consider to re-test in approx. 1 day to confirm
measured value.
3. Confirmed high reading of Ir: Monitor continuously or proceed with step 4.
4. Contact arrester manufacturer and consider replacement.

In both methods, infrared and leakage current measurements, a trend analysis is imperative. A reading taken
in isolation is not indicative of the health of an arrester. Hubbell and Doble suggest periodic monitoring and
measuring before considering replacement of an arrester as a last resort. It is necessary to take and record
enough measurements to establish a trend over time. Hubbell recommends annual measurements for normal
monitoring, increasing in frequency to 3-6 month intervals if there is a concern. Four to 6 measurements at
these recommended intervals would be sufficient to indicate a trend.
In accordance with step I.2. above, Hubbell would suggest the following expected value ranges for PH3 and
PH4 arresters in use currently by PLN. These numbers should not be interpreted as maximum threshold
values, but instead, as contextual guidelines within a larger trend analysis.

    IR Maximum at MCOV  IR Expected Range* at System Voltage 
HPS Material  Material Description  Uc [kV]  IR [µAp]  Assumed Um [kV]  Um/√3 [kV]  IR [µAp]** 
PH3170GV132AA  PH3 Arrester, 132KV Ur, 106KV Uc  106  600  170  98.1  200 ‐ 600 
PH4072GV054AA  PH4 Arrester, 54KV Ur, 43.2KV Uc  43.2  780  72  41.6  320 ‐ 780 
PH4072GV072AA  PH4 Arrester, 72KV Ur, 57.6KV Uc  57.6  780  72  41.6  240 ‐ 780 
PH4170GV162AA  PH4 Arrester, 162KV Ur, 129.6KV Uc  129.6  780  170  98.1  240 ‐ 780 
PH4550GV444AA  PH4 Arrester, 444KV Ur, 355.2KV Uc  355.2  780  550  317.5  300 ‐ 780 
* Expected Range only applicable if following 3 criteria are met: 
1. At least 4 measurements must be taken to constitute a trend. 
2. Measurements must be taken at least 3 months apart. 
3. The values in the trend line must be ever increasing.  
** If the criteria above are met and 2 measurements are above the expected range, consider replacing the arrester. 

Please consider the following example scenarios. (Measurements given in µA)

Comments Action
Example 1 Jan '14 Jan '15 Jan '16 Jan '17 Jan '18 Criteria 1 and 2 met. Criteria 3 not met. Value not ever- Continue annual
increasing. measurements
PH4 95 200 150 140 240

Example 2 Jun '16 Apr '17 Jun '17 Criteria 1 & 2 not met. Only 3 measurements taken and 2nd and Continue taking
3rd measurements are not 3 months apart. measurements at
PH3 100 250 900 larger time intervals

Example 3 Jan '14 Jan '15 Jun '15 Jan '16 Mar '16 Criteria 1, 2 & 3 met. But no measurement above expected Continue taking
range. measurements
PH4 200 225 235 260 400

Example 4 Jan '15 Apr '15 Jul '15 Oct '15 Jan '16 Criteria 1, 2 & 3 met. Only 1 measurement above expected Take additional
range. measurement
PH3 260 300 420 550 675

Example 5 Jan '14 Jan '15 Jul '15 Jan '16 Jul '16 Criteria 1, 2 & 3 met. 2 measurements above expected range. Consider
replacement
PH4 300 400 650 800 900

When interpreting results taken by a leakage current measurement device in the field, it is important to note
that conditions such as humidity, moisture, or contamination will affect the reliability of any data taken. A
leakage current device can be susceptible to a false indication of high leakage for a myriad of reasons;
therefore, a single high measurement is not necessarily cause for concern.

If an arrester’s health is actually compromised, accurate readings will never show lower measurements
subsequent to higher measurements. Therefore, an ever-increasing trend line with values above the expected
range is necessary to indicate concern for the health of an arrester.

Finally, a failing arrester will always run hot when measured with an infrared scanner. “High” leakage current
measurements accompanied by a “normal” infrared scan are indicative of a still healthy arrester.

If you have any questions with any of the comments raised, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best regards,

Mark Hunt
Sr. Applications Engineer, Surge Arresters
Hubbell Power Systems, Inc.

803.502.8180 Office
www.hubbellpowersystems.com