Delta 4000+IPF - Mike

Insulation Power Factor Testing
Michael M. Evangelista
1
Dos and Don’t’s
2
Safety
 Do hold a ‘tailgate’ meeting before each test job

• Identify hazards
• Communicate scope of job
 Do check grounding
 Do inspect test equipment and leads before use
3
Safety
 Do connect the ground lead to the test instrument first (before

other connections) and remove it last when testing is complete
 Do develop a good habit of touching each terminal with a
grounding stick before (re)moving test leads
 Do stay aware that energizing a transformer winding with an
AC source, induces voltage on its other winding(s)
 Don’t unwittingly become part of the circuit on the other
winding!
4
Safety
 Don’t ever take safety for granted!

 Don’t forget that only qualified persons are permitted to
perform tasks such as testing
 Don’t overlook that improper use of electrical test instruments
can result in shock or electrocution, as well as creating an arc
flash incident.
 Don’t cheat a comparative ground circuit relay
 Don’t grow complacent
5
Power Factor/Dissipation Factor and
Capacitance Test
 A health assessment tool for electrical insulation
 One of several tests to do this

 P.F./ D.F. and capacitance is a ‘2 in 1’ test
6
Capacitance Test
 The purpose of electrical insulation is to store electrical

energy when surrounded by an electrostatic field.
• This is exactly what a capacitor does.
 Therefore, one way to assess how well insulation is behaving

(one of many health aspects of an asset) is to model the asset
with capacitors and trend the corresponding measured
capacitance values with time.
• Asset’s windings, ground, etc. = electrodes of a capacitor

• Insulation sandwiched between uniquely energized
parts of the asset = dielectric of a capacitor
7
Capacitance Test
 If a capacitor’s electrodes are separated by a

vacuum, the capacitance depends only on shape,
or geometry.
 • Geometric capacitance:
Ɛ0 is the vacuum permittivity, or the permittivity of free space
The vacuum in this case is called the dielectric and, as an

electrical insulator, prevents charge from moving from one
electrode to the other
8
Capacitance Test
More often, dielectrics other than a vacuum are used

• liquids, gases and solid materials
• Depending on the material(s) used, the amount
of charge that collects on the plates is enhanced
to different degrees.
• This material property is the material’s static relative permittivity, or
dielectric constant, Ɛr.
Ɛr is the measure of a material’s capacitance relative to

capacitance should that material be replaced by a vacuum
Capacitance:
9
Capacitance Test
Therefore, capacitance of an insulation system is sensitive to:

• Geometric changes in the system
• Significant changes to the composition of electrical insulating
materials.
 • Examples:
– severe winding deformation whereby the
normal distance between the windings, d,
increases. C will decrease.
– an oil filled bushing develops a leak. A

notable amount of oil leaks out; moisture
comes in; the average Ɛr of the system
changes/increases. C increases.
10
Nomenclatures Don’t
Don’t get bogged down by nomenclature #2

• Dielectric versus Insulation
– Often used interchangeably because a dielectric is
an insulator
– Dielectric specifically conveys that the material(s)

will support an electrostatic field while prohibiting
conduction.
– Insulation has many applications and when used

without context may be referring to any one of them.
11
General Insulation Knowledge
12
‘General Insulation Knowledge’ Do’s
 Do memorize the state in which electrical insulation performs

best:
• Clean
• Dry
• Relatively void-free
• Used within the designed temperature range
 Do be weary of the enemies of insulation:
• Heat
• Moisture
• Oxygen
13
General Insulation Knowledge’ Do’s
 Do remember that electrical insulation fails when the

 stresses present exceed the insulation’s withstand capabilities
14
‘General Insulation Knowledge’
Don'ts
 Don’t be a bystander.
• Know that you can improve the withstand capability of
insulation.
– ‘Dry’ the transformer, if wet

–Reclaim the oil, when necessary
• You can control the stresses present

–Reduce loading
– Improve the transformer’s preservation system
15
General Testing Knowledge
16
General Testing Knowledge
 Do familiarize yourself with history –
bears to remember how we got to where
we are today…
 Early publications (circa early 1900’s) by

cable manufacturers
• Capacitance and power factor really
took root with the popularization of
capacitance graded bushings –because of
their construction, perfect test specimen for
this diagnostic test
– A compilation of mini insulation systems

– As layers short-circuit, C1 capacitance
increases
17
‘General testing knowledge’ Do’s
 Do remember: the test was anchored because of bushings

• Because of its sensitivity in finding problems in multi-
layer constructions, the ‘takeaways’ from this particular
application became sweeping test traits (no matter what was
being tested):
– Early detection of problems in insulation
– Very sensitive to moisture contamination
– only true if you repeat power factor measurements at many
different frequencies, a.k.a., DFR
18
Two ways to Measure PF/DF
1. Voltage Variations (IPF/DF)

2. Frequency Variations (DFR)
Ic = V/Xc;
Ic = V x 2∏fC
V= 1 to 10kV
F = DFR
19
 Do simplify testing by understanding dielectric representations

and test modes
• Dielectric representation = testing guidepost
–Shows how segmentation may be done
• Test modes = tool to segment
• Often times, energizing more than one segment but you want to
measure just one segment at a time
With a solid understanding of test modes and a dielectric

representation of an asset in hand, a tester should be able to
determine how to perform PF/DF and capacitance tests on just
about anything!
20
 Dielectric representation
• Do keep in mind that a tester may not have control over
how far an insulation system may be segmented for testing
beyond a point.
• - a diagram that identifies each (group of) component(s)
in an asset that will exist at a unique voltage when the asset is
energized.
• The tester must identify if the component is accessible so
that a test lead may be connected.
• The # of unique voltages/component groups present will

determine the # of insulation systems.
21
 Dielectric representation
• Insulation between components is depicted by a single capacitor – adequate since
a dielectric representation is simply a guidepost to testing. A dielectric model serves to
predict the electrical behavior of an insulation system so a single capacitor for this type of
diagram would not be adequate.
• To determine how to test, count the # of separable, accessible windings.

– An autotransformer with an inaccessible tertiary
– A 4 winding transformer (D-Y-Y-Y) with secondary neutrals all connected and
grounded internally
22
 Test Modes
• The enabling feature of a PF/ DF test instrument that
supports test modes is a “guard circuit”.
• All current resulting from the application of the
instrument’s test voltage will seek to return to the guard point.
• Return paths to the test instrument are provided by up to
3 measuring leads that are connected between the instrument &
the asset under test:
– A “ground” lead
– 2 low voltage leads (R and B)
23
 Test Modes
• GST – Ground
• GST – Guard
• UST
• GST modes – Grounded specimen tests; Appended “ground” or “guard”

designation indicates where the test instrument will internally connect the LV leads
(which are optional in use)
• UST mode – Ungrounded specimen test; current flow on the LV leads are
measured
• Ground lead is always used; serves to compare the specimen ground to the
voltage supply ground; is also a current carrying lead used to measure or guard
24
 Do be prepared. “Outside” test variables will be one of the

biggest challenges to deal with regarding this test.
• Test temperature
• Humidity
• Surface leakage
• Quality of test preparations
25
 Don’t ever forget that the success of this test depends on

testing the smallest possible amount of insulation
• Power factor/ dissipation factor represents the average
condition of the total insulation system under test.
• If the system is big enough, some localized

contamination may be impossible to see.
• Do take a look at the size of the specimen you are
testing. This should help shape expectations of the
diagnostic capabilities of this test.
26
An important point to be made about
size
 Losses versus relative losses (PF/DF)

 Relative losses allow you to compare “same” insulation
systems of different sizes
 Don’t take this too far…
 You can compare two different sized insulation systems but
PF on the bigger one isn’t as searching as PF on the smaller
(so not entirely scalable). Even with identical PF values for
both systems, it is not safe to say that the 2 systems are in
identical condition.
27
‘General testing knowledge’ Don’ts
 Don’t have unrealistic expectations from the test

• Increasing levels of some contaminants, particularly
moisture, do not result in notable change in PF/ DF until the level
of contamination reaches a certain threshold.
28
Test Preparation
29
Test Preparation
 Do check that the transformer tank is grounded well.

• A poorly grounded tank will often result in very strange
looking test results
30
Test Preparation
 Do physically and electrically isolate each

winding’s terminals/ bushings
• ‘Inability’ to do so results in
consequences given in the next 5 slides
• Don’t rely on rubber blankets sandwiched

between bushing terminal and bus to achieve
physical clearance from the bus.
31
4 consequences of leaving bus
attached to bushings
1. The measured winding to ground (w-g) capacitance, e.g. CH

or CL, will be larger than expected, because:
• The insulation system between the affected winding and ground

cannot be measured independently.
• The bus left attached to the winding introduces an additional

capacitance, Cbus, into the measurement.
• Cmeasured = Cbus║ Cw-g = Cbus + Cw-g
32
2. Cw-g power factor/ dissipation factor is not as meaningful.

• Cannot be presumed to be representative of the winding to
ground (w-g) insulation only, because:
– Insulators along the attached bus frame will be included in the

measurement.
– P.F./ D.F. is an average measurement so the condition of the

insulation between the attached bus and ground may influence
the Cw-g power factor, for better or worse!
33
3. A problem in the winding to ground (w-g) insulation will be

harder to see because you are measuring more…
• Remember: Less insulation/ smaller = better
34
4. Surface leakage may especially influence the measurement.

• Winding to ground measurements may already be influenced
by excessive surface leakage on that winding’s bushing
terminals.
• If a bus and its support is included in the measurement as

well, the ‘exposed’ surface area of insulation included in the
measurement increases
35
Surface leakage bigger problem on
left or right?
 As the surface area of a specimen becomes larger relative to

its overall insulation size, surface leakage has a greater
probability of affecting the measurement.
 Avoid testing if humidity > 80%, particularly on assets most

vulnerable (bushings, instrument transformers, etc.)
36
‘Test Preparation’ Do’s
 Do short circuit each separable winding by connecting each

respective winding’s terminals/bushings together.
• Include the neutral, when present

• If neutral is grounded, disconnect the ground connection for
test; reconnect when testing is complete
• Use bare copper/ aluminum wire only for shorting jumpers
• Make sure that the shorting jumpers have adequate clearances
from grounded surfaces.
Note: shorting is why a winding’s turn-to-turn insulation is not stressed/assessed

in a power factor test (turn to other tests such as exciting current).
37
Failing to short circuit each winding
 Effect depends on the transformer – influence is variable

 Inductive component is introduced
 IR is unaffected
 The loss angle increases
• d to d’
 Result = higher dissipation factor
 higher power factor
38
Test Voltage
39
Test Voltage Don’t
 Don’t be lulled to sleep when test voltage is selected for you
• Typically, industry standard test voltages are automatically

provided once the winding rating(s) and config. of the xfmr is
provided
• Line-to-ground (L-G) single phase test voltage delivered by the

instrument should not exceed the line-to-line (L-L) voltage rating
of the winding being energized.
• For transformers with a graded insulation system, the test

voltage should be kept less than the voltage rating of the neutral
terminal
40
Test Voltage Do
 Do remember that ‘Power Factor Tip-Up’ (step voltage) may

be a revealing diagnostic
• On oil-paper insulation systems, P.F. tests performed at
all test voltages less than the maximum recommended voltage
are expected to yield the same P. F.
• In this test, an additional PF/DF measurement is made

with a different test voltage and the PF/DF results are compared.
• An unexpected voltage dependence often indicates that

the insulation is degraded or that there is a problem in the test
circuit.
• Many will forego this test unless a system has a known
propensity for developing voltage dependent problems…
41
Analysis
42
Analysis Do’s and Don’ts
Do have in hand some knowledge about the transformer’s history

• Helps shape expectations
• Loading, faults, maintenance and repairs
• Previous test results
• Other test results
43
 Don’t ignore capacitance
• In fact, assess capacitance/current first!
• If capacitance/total current has changed from previous, you may
not be testing what you had intended or the physical attributes of
the insulation system has changed notably
– Figure this out before you worry about PF/DF

• Requires that previous results are available
– Factory tests (report; stamped on nameplate (bushings))
– Previous field test
• Transformer winding capacitance should not change by more

than ±1%(bushings (C1) by more than 5 - 10%); greater change
warrants a look
44
 Don’t ignore capacitance…even if you don’t have a
benchmark value
• Look out for abnormally low current/ capacitance results

– For power transformers, ≤ 1 – 2 mA
– If CH or CL, check for poor grounding, substandard test
connections, or an improperly designated test mode.
– If CHL or CHT, may not be cause for concern
–May be indicating the presence of a grounded shield between
the high voltage and low voltage windings
– In some multi-winding transformers, a winding itself may look
like a grounded shield to the test circuit (e.g., CHT – with LV
winding between CH and CT)
45
Analysis Do’s
 Do – be reassured that there are well developed suggestions

for why capacitance may have changed, such as:
46
 Do – acknowledge general PF/DF behavior

• PF/ DF – reflects how efficiently the insulation is fulfilling its purpose of
maintaining electrical isolation between points of different potential
• With few exceptions, a 0% PF/DF indicates a system with 0 losses
• A lower PF/DF indicates an insulation system in better condition than one with a
higher PF/DF
Do – note that PF/DF can be “too low” – lower than expected or even negative
and this may be indicating a problem depending on when you encounter it
Do – keep in mind that analyzing PF/DF “simply” means looking for a change in
value from previous
47
Do – appreciate that assigning significance to a change in PF/DF

is challenging because of the limitations of an averaging index…
• Impossible to know whether a change is due to:

– general, widespread contamination
– aging
– a localized problem.
Each condition is approached differently.

• Example, Class Test Average = 75
48
Temperature is a big deal!
• All PF/ DF results need to be normalized to equivalent 20°C

PF/ DF values
– Note: No single temp. correction curve will fit all cases!
– Aging, moisture and contamination all affect thermal response
– Some standards recommend discontinuing the use of temp.
correction tables/ curves.
– Solution: Individual Temperature Correction (ITC) – a unique

correction based on the unique thermal characteristics of the
transformer (reference “ITC TLM bulletin”)
49
 Do – keep in mind that trending is the #1 way to analyze

PF/DF
50
 Don’t – rely on general guidelines or PF limits to analyze

PF/DF results unless there are no previous test results for
comparison
• A transformer constructed with relatively low loss materials and
that is subjected to much care in handling during manufacturing
and assembly in the field should meet these limits.
51
 Do – be reassured that there are also well developed

suggestions for why PF/ DF may have changed, such as:
52
QUESTIONS???
53
Power Factor Testing
54
 What is it?
• A form of AC testing that applies voltage and
measures the leakage/loss current of electrical
insulation.
Ic
Insulation
Vs
55
Power factor Testing
 What is it ?
• Power factor testing is a type of insulation
testing used to evaluate the integrity of
electrical insulation.
CHL
CHG CLG
56
Facts about Insulation
 In an “ideal insulation system” connected to an AC

voltage source, the current is 100% capacitive and leads
the voltage by exactly 90 degrees.
Ic
= = Capacitor =
Vs
57
 Power factor is defined as Cosine of phase angle between

voltage and current.
 For an ideal insulation phase angle is 90 degree.
 Cos (90) = 0
Power Factor is ZERO for an ideal insulation !!
58
 No Insulation is ideal. A small amount of current flow

through all insulation called as leakage current.
 Leakage current comprise of two components.

• Resistive current
• Capacitive current
 In real life insulating conditions, in addition to the

capacitance current there appears a resistive (or loss)
current in-phase with the voltage.
59
 In practice no insulation is perfect, but has a certain

amount of loss and the total current leads the voltage
by a phase angle
Ic Ic
IT
Vs Vs IR Vs
IR
60
Why perform Power Factor/
Dissipation Factor Testing ?
 Normal insulation resistance testing is limited to 5kV

DC; power factor allows testing to 12kV AC
 Most test specimens normally operate with AC; AC

testing more closely resembles the normal operating
situation of the test specimen.
 AC capacitance is an important characteristic
61
Is used for:
 Evaluating the nature and quality of electrical insulation
materials and systems.
 Revealing contamination, fractures, and punctures.
 Detection of defects which accompany the aging of
insulation.
62
What is Power Factor?
 Power factor is the ratio of the resistive or in-phase

component of the current to the total current.
Ic
IT Power Factor= IR /IT
IR Vs
63
What is Dissipation Factor ?
 Dissipation factor is the ratio of the resistive or in-phase

component of the current to the capacitive or 90 degree
component of current
Ic
IT Dissipation Factor= IR/IC
IR Vs
64
 POWER FACTOR
WATTS ABSORBED IN INSULATION

APPLIED VOLTAGE x TOTAL CURRENT
 DISSIPATION FACTOR
IN-PHASE CURRENT (RESISTIVE)

90 DEGREE COMPONENT (CAPACITIVE)
65
Power Factor/ Dissipation Factor
 Relative losses?
PF:
• Relative losses means the amount of energy lost
to heat compared to the total amount of energy
present across the system
• IR/IT
DF:
• Relative losses means the amount of energy lost
compared to the amount of electrical energy
stored by the insulation
• IR/IC
66
67
68
Power Factor vs Dissipation
Factor
 Both values are similar up to

20% power factor and tan
delta; beyond 20% they
diverge.
69
Nomenclatures Don’t
 Don’t get bogged down by nomenclature #1

• Dissipation Factor versus Power Factor
– Determined differently but very
similar and serve the same purpose
– Nearly identical within the realm of
where most insulation systems will
test (≤10%)
– Which to use becomes a matter of preference…
70
Where Is Power Factor Used?
 This type of testing is used in manufacturing as a part

of their quality assurance and quality control programs.
71
Where is Power Factor Used?
 Industrials and utilities use this type of testing as part

of scheduled maintenance and repair programs
72
Power Factor /Dissipation
Factor Testing
Detect defects in electrical

insulation to minimize:
 Equipment failure
 Unscheduled downtime/lost revenue
 Inefficiency
73
Power Factor/Dissipation Factor
Testers Can Be Used To Evaluate
 Transformers
 Circuit breakers
 Rotating machinery
 Insulating liquids
 HV bushings
 Surge arresters
 HV coils
74
Tests that can be performed
 Ungrounded Specimen Test (UST)

 Grounded Specimen Test (GST)
 Grounded Specimen Test with Guard Connection (GST-
G)
 Excitation Current
 Tip-up Test
75
H CHL L
=
CHG CLG
76
 Modeling of a Transformer
77
Delta 4000
 Four Leads
• High Voltage Lead (Black Lead)
• Red Lead
• Blue Lead
• Ground Lead
78
 Ungrounded Specimen Test
 This test is made when both specimen terminals can be

insulated from ground.
 This test is often used to perform separate

measurements on sections of a larger insulation
system.
79
Ungrounded Specimen Test •Measure Red
80
 Grounded Specimen Test
 This is the most frequently used test connection and

involves all insulation between the high voltage
conductor and ground
81
Grounded Specimen Test • Measure Red

and Ground
82
 Grounded Specimen Test with Guard
 This test is used to separate the total values of the GST

test into separate parts for better analysis.
83
Grounded Specimen Test with Guard •Measure Ground

and Guard Red
Guard
84
Power Factor Testing Measurement
Ungrounded Specimen Test Ground Red Blue
× × √
× √ ×
× √ √
Grounded Specimen Test Ground Red Blue

√ √ √
Grounded Specimen Test with Guard Ground Red Blue

√ × ×
√ × √
√ √ ×
86
 Resonating Inductor
 Extends testing range of power factor test set to the

higher capacitance test objects (1uf at 10kV)
 Long cables and large motors
87
88
89
90
91
92
Tan delta measurement setup
≤12 kV, 50/60 Hz

Hi
Lo
A
Ground CHL
CL CH
93
 Interpretation of Test Data
 Trend results
 Compare absolute value to maximum value set by
manufacturer.
 Compare absolute value to typical values for similar
equipment type.
94
Applicable Standards
 IEEE C57.12.90
• Standard test code
 IEEE 62-1995 (to be replaced by C57.152)
• Field test guide
 IEC 60076
• International standard
 Etc...
95
Typical power factor limits for oil insulated
transformers and bushings (IEEE)
Typical power factor values @ 20° C

"New" "Old" Warning/alert limit
Power transformers,
0.2-0.4% 0.3-0.5% > 0.5%
oil insulated
Bushings 0.2-0.3% 0.3-0.5% > 0.5%
IEEE 62-1995 states; “The power factors recorded for routine overall tests on
older apparatus provide information regarding the general condition of the
ground and inter-winding insulation of transformers and reactors. While the
power factors for most older transformers will also be <0.5% (20C), power
factors between 0.5% and 1.0% (20C) may be acceptable; however, power
factors >1.0% (20C) should be investigated.”
96
Key Fault Detection
 Increases in Dissipation Factor vs. historical values can

indicate:
• Contamination
• Chemical deterioration
• Damage due to overheating
• Moisture
• If voltage dependent (tip-up test), can indicate PD issues
 Changes in Capacitance can indicate:
• Mechanical deformation in core/coil structure
• Moisture
97
THE MEGGER DELTA 4000
98
Delta 4000
12-kV Insulation Diagnostic System
Smarter – Lighter – Faster
99
Delta 4000 system
 Two units;
 Control module with measurement circuitry (14 kg)
 HV step-up module (22 kg)
 Two versions;
 Delta4110 – External computer model
 Delta4310 – On-board computer model
 Two user modes;
 Automatic with PowerDB
 Manual with Delta Control
 Two unique new methods;
• ITC
• VDD DELTA 4110 DELTA 4310
100
Internal or external computer
(Delta4310)
External Computer / On Board

Computer Toggle
101
Delta4000 key features
 Industry's Lightest design at 36kg (14+22)

 Industry Leading Functionality
• Intelligent Temperature Correction (patent pending)
• Voltage Dependence Detection (patent pending)
• 1-500 Hz Frequency Range
 Industry's Fastest Test Times
 Rugged & Portable for Field & Shop use, designed to
work in high interference substations
 Automatic and manual operation
102
Delta4000 – Test capabilities
 12 kV insulation diagnostic system

 Power factor/dissipation factor (tanδ) testing
 Measures capacitance, dissipation factor and Watts loss
 Detects a variety of insulation defects
 Automatic tip-up testing
 Dissipation factor measurements at various voltages
 Diagnostic test on non linear or high loss insulation
 Differentiates between moisture and PD related issues
 Excitation current of transformer windings
 Detects magnetization related issues
 HV transformer turns ratio measurements
 Turns ratio measurement at high voltage
 Detects problems with lost or shorted turns
103
Delta4000 test modes
UST: Ungrounded Specimen Testing

Test mode Measure Ground Guard
UST-R Red Blue ---
UST-B Blue Red ---
UST-RB Red and Blue --- ---
GST: Grounded Specimen Testing
GST-GND Ground Red and Blue ---

GSTg-R Ground Blue Red
GSTg-B Ground Red Blue
GSTg-RB Ground --- Red and Blue
104
Delta 4000 key specification
Output voltage
 0-12 kV
Frequency range
 1-500 Hz
Output current
 300 mA, 4 minutes
 100 mA continuous
Measurements
 Voltage
 Current
 Capacitance
 Power factor
 Dissipation factor (tan delta)
 Inductance
 Power (Watts loss)
Measurement accuracy (Capacitance/Inductance/PF/Tan Delta)
 ± 0.5%
105
Two Software User Modes
Manual Delta Control Automatic PowerDB
106
Manual control
107
Automatic testing using PowerDB
 Select template for test object

 Enter nameplate data
 Run automatic test and see values populate the report
 Print and archive for
future comparisons
and trending analysis
108
Noise in substations
 Induced AC (50/60Hz)
 Induced DC
 Corona discharge
 HVDC equipment
 DC offset from (varying) ground potential (mainly in HVDC
substations)
 Other disturbancies (RF, power transients etc)
109
Traditional temperature correction
“Experience has shown that the variation in power factor with

temperature is substantial and erratic so that no single
correction curve will fit all cases.” (quoted from IEEE
C12.90-2006)
“Built-in temperature correction curves for different insulation
materials are used to recalculate the measured results to
reference conditions (20°C, 68°F). The method of correction
is depending on the type of insulation and the relevant
standard” (quoted from instrument manufacturer)
 Temperature correction is pending type of insulation

 Temperature correction is pending status of insulation
 Guessing game…
110
Standard temperature correction
values (IEEE)
111
Temperature correction – Bushings
(manufacturers data)
1.8
5_O_C
1.6 7_GO_25_765
9_CTF_20_60
1.4 11_CT_KF_85_330
13_B
1.2
15_F
1 17_L_LC_LI_LM
19_OF_OFI_OFM
0.8 21_S_SI_SIM
23_T_U
0.6
25_COT_COS_SOT
0.4 27_ERC
29_PRC
0.2 31_POC
33_P_PA_PB
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60
112
Tan Delta vs Temperature –
Conclusions from a project
 Tan delta values are affected by variation of temperature. In most cases (but
not all), tan delta value increases with increase in temperature. Rate of
change is different for different makes and age of the transformers and
bushings
 The temperature correction factors (for recalculating measured tan delta to
20° C reference temperature) are different for different makes. Hence
temperature correction factors as given in e.g. IEEE/C57.12.90 can not be
applied to these components “Application of Temperature Correction
Factors for Dissipation Factor Measurements
for Power Transformers – A Case Study”
Power Grid Corporation of India Limited
113
Individual/Intelligent Temperature
Correction (ITC)
 Measure tan delta at set voltage e.g. 10 kV

 Measure tan delta from 1 Hz to 500 Hz at lower voltage
 Use the frequency response to estimate temperature
dependence
 Make correction from insulation (test) temperature to
reference temperature (20° C)
 Two models
• ITC1 – Single material insulation (bushings)
• ITC2 – Oil-paper insulation (oil-immersed power transformers)
 ITC range is 5-50°C (insulation temperature)
114
ITC validation using full (IDAX/MODS)
modelling
7.00
6.00
5.00
Tan delta (DFR 21)
4.00 Tan delta (DFR 27)
Tan delta (DFR 34)
3.00
Tan delta (DFR 49)
2.00 Measured
IEEE 57
1.00
0.00
0 20 40 60 80
Temp. Cap. Tand (%), Individual ITC tand (%) IEEE C57.12.90 IEEE tand (%)
(°C) (pF) measured Corr. factor @20°C Corr. factor @20°C
21 1978 0.329 1.04 0.31 1.02 0.32
26 1976 0.367 1.20 0.31 1.14 0.32
34 1978 0.516 1.53 0.34 1.37 0.38
49 1974 0.832 2.70 0.31 1.91 0.44
115
ITC temperature correction curves for typical
transformers at various age/condition
116
Voltage Dependence Detection (VDD)
 Most power components e.g. power transformers,

instrument transformers, bushings etc are “linear” i.e.
tan delta is constant when tested at different voltages
and not voltage dependent
 Unexpected voltage dependence is often indicating that
the insulation is degraded
 Tip-up testing (step voltage) is recommended for
investigating voltage dependence in insulation materials
 Automatic voltage dependence in Delta4000:
• Measure tan delta at set voltage e.g. 10 kV
• Estimate the harmonic content in the measured response
• Determine harmonics created by the test specimen
• Alarm if the harmonic content is too high (suggest tip-up testing)
• Warning only! Not measring the voltage dependence/tip-up
factor
117
Voltage dependence example –
Bushing
Bushing H2/V has a negative tip-up

(tip-down), i.e. tan delta decreases
with test voltage. This typically
indicates some kind of connection
issue e.g. resistance in series with
the capacitance
118
Delta4000 Optional Accessories
 General accessory kit

• Bushing Tap connectors
• Hot collar straps
• Temperature/Humidity meter
• Braids/shorting leads
 Oil Test Cell

• For testing transformer oil and other
insulating fluids (in the field)
119
 Capacitor kit
• Allows for field “Quick check” of both
Capacitance and Dissipation/Power Factor
 HV TTR Capacitor
• Allows for HV TTR measurement
 Resonating Inductor
• Allows for extended current output and
capacitance range (50/60 Hz testing)
120
 CAL4000 - Calibration Box for Delta4000
• Designed for in-house calibration
• Same unit as used for factory calibration
121
 Reference Standard
• Can be used for Delta4000 HV unit
calibration
• Defined capacitance and dissipation
factor
• Traceable to national standards
• For general calibration and verification
purposes
122
Delta4000 – Calibration
 Delta4000 can be calibrated locally at Megger authorized service centers,

regional test institutes or customers with certified calibration processes
 A calibration setup consists of;
 Calibration Box CAL4000 (optional accessory)
 MIX Support Software (included)
 Cables and connectors
 An external DMM (Fluke or Agilent) is used together with the calibration kit
(not included)
 A reference standard e.g. Megger calibration standard 670500-1 or similar
(optional accessory) for calibrating the HV unit (can also be used to verify
complete calibration)
 Using certified and traceable DMM and reference standard, the local calibration
provides the same accuracy as a factory calibration
123
Part of the Megger transformer
testing tool-box!
124
125
Power factor/dissipation factor (tan
δ) testing
 Perfect insulation/ideal
capacitor – Dissipation factor
=0
 More leakage, higher
dissipation factor – A resistor
has 100% dissipation
 If the dissipation in the
transformer/bushing/cable is
too high you may get self-
generated heating and the
component may explode
(thermal runaway)
 Dissipation factor is a quality
parameter for the insulation
 Traditionally measured at
50/60 Hz and 1-10 kV
126
Tan delta measurement setup
≤12 kV, 50/60 Hz

Hi
Lo
A
Ground CHL
CL CH
127 127
Delta4000 test modes
UST: Ungrounded Specimen Testing

UST-R Red Blue ---
UST-B Blue Red ---
UST-RB Red and Blue --- ---
GST: Grounded Specimen Testing
GST-GND Ground Red and Blue ---

GSTg-R Ground Blue Red
GSTg-B Ground Red Blue
GSTg-RB Ground --- Red and Blue
128
UST measurements
 UST – Ungrounded Specimen Test

• Two ungrounded terminals
• Ground is “guard”
129
GST measurements
 GST – Grounded Specimen Test

• Ground is measured
• LV leads may act as guard
130
CHL: UST-R
OUT
V IN1
A
IN2
GND
CHL
CL CH
131
CHL+CH: GST-GND
OUT
V IN1
IN2
A
GND
CHL
CL CH
132
CH: GSTg-RB
OUT
 2
V IN1
IN2
GND
A
CHL
CL CH
133
Tip-Up Test
134
 Tip-up Test
 This test is a series of tests performed on rotating

machines in which the power factor is measured as a
function of test voltage
135
Tip-up testing
 “Tip-up” test
• Tests performed at varied voltage levels
• Primarily used for dry (non-oil) insulation (rotating machines)
• Oil-immersed insulation generally exhibits flat dissipation values
over a wide voltage range (no voltage dependence)
• Indicates ionization (PD) due to voids in dry insulation, and high
stress locations under oil
136
Exciting current measurements
 Winding excitation current

• Performed using the UST configuration
• Energize the H winding only
• Lower voltage windings must be unloaded or floating
• Terminals normally grounded are connected to ground for test
• Current values are only comparable when performed at the
same voltage – set the voltage carefully and keep the same
voltage for all tests
 Caution!
• All windings will be energized
• Do not exceed voltage rating of winding
137
Key Fault Detection
 Increases in Dissipation Factor vs. historical values can indicate:

• Contamination
• Chemical deterioration
• Damage due to overheating
• Moisture
• If voltage dependent (tip-up test), can indicate PD issues
 Changes in Capacitance can indicate:
• Moisture
 Changes in Excitation Current can indicate:
• Shorted winding turns
138
• Core grounding issues
 Winding excitation current

• Performed on high voltage windings
139
140
141
 Excitation current results

• Compare to factory or previous results, if available
• Typically, 2 readings will be similar, 1 will be different and
somewhat lower
• If the current is <50mA, the difference between the 2 higher
values should be <10%
• If the current is >50mA, the difference between the 2 higher
values should be <5%
142
HV Ratio Testing
DELTA
Test Set
 Measure the
TTR capacitor
alone (C1)
 Measure the
DELTA
Test Set
capacitor in
series with the
transformer
windings (C2)
 Calculate the
ratio as; N =
C1 / C2
143
EXCITATION CURRENT TEST
144
Transformer Excitation Current
Tests
 Transformer excitation current tests are helpful in

determining possible winding or core problems in
transformers, even when ratio and winding resistance
tests appear normal.
 Excitation tests should be conducted routinely along with

power factor testing.
145
Connection
• Single Phase: The transformer is energized from

the phase to neutral bushings (ANSI: H1-H2). Test
connections can be reversed for additional data, but
test results should be the same. H2 may also be
designated as H0.
NOTE: Transformer excitation current tests are performed on the high voltage
winding to minimize the excitation current. Problems in the low voltage
windings will still be detected by this method.
The secondary windings are left floating with the exception of a wye or zig-zag
secondary. In this case the neutral bushing remains grounded as it is in normal
service.
146
Connection
• Wye – Wye: Observe that the ground wire is

removed from the high voltage side neutral bushing
for testing, but remains connected on the low
voltage side neutral bushing.
147
Connection
148
Test Procedure
• Test voltages should be as high as possible, but limited to 10 kV, without exceeding the rating of the line-to-
line voltages on delta connected transformers and line-to ground on wye connected transformers. Also
note that in many cases the maximum applied voltage is limited by the maximum current output
• Test voltage must always be the same as prior tests if any comparisons are made.
• All transformer excitation current tests are conducted in the UST test mode (normally UST-R, using Red
low voltage lead).
• For routine testing, transformers with load tap changers should have tests performed in at least one raise
and one lower position off of neutral. The no-load tap changer should be in the normal in service position.
• For new transformers, excitation tests should be performed in every tap position for both the load and
noload tap changers.
• The more information that is recorded at the time of testing will ensure the best comparison of results at
the next routine test.
• Temperature corrections are not applied to transformer excitation current tests.
149
Test Procedure
• Test voltages should be as high as possible, but limited to 10 kV, without exceeding the rating of the line-to-
line voltages on delta connected transformers and line-to ground on wye connected transformers. Also
note that in many cases the maximum applied voltage is limited by the maximum current output
• Test voltage must always be the same as prior tests if any comparisons are made.
• All transformer excitation current tests are conducted in the UST test mode (normally UST-R, using Red
low voltage lead).
• For routine testing, transformers with load tap changers should have tests performed in at least one raise
and one lower position off of neutral. The no-load tap changer should be in the normal in service position.
• For new transformers, excitation tests should be performed in every tap position for both the load and
noload tap changers.
• The more information that is recorded at the time of testing will ensure the best comparison of results at
the next routine test.
• Temperature corrections are not applied to transformer excitation current tests.
150
Test Results
• Compare test results to previous tests on the same transformer, or to manufacturers’ data if available.
• Tests can also be compared to similar type units. It is essential that identical
test voltages be used for repeat tests on a transformer.
• Fluctuation in the test voltage will produce inconsistent current readings. Three phase transformers should have
the individual windings energized at both ends if the original test appears abnormal.
• Transformer excitation current tests on the high voltage winding should detect problems in the secondary winding
if they exist. Winding resistance testing in addition to the excitation tests could be helpful in isolating either a core
or winding defect.
• Test results on three phase transformers, especially wyeconnected windings, could produce high but similar
readings on two phases compared to the third phase.
151
 Excitation Current Test
 This test is used to diagnose winding problems and

core faults by applying voltage on the primary of the
transformer (up to rated voltage) and measuring no load
current
152
Excitation Current Test
153
154
155
156
Thank You!!!
157

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Insulation Power Factor Testing

 Do hold a ‘tailgate’ meeting before each test job

 Do connect the ground lead to the test instrument first (before

 Don’t ever take safety for granted!

 A health assessment tool for electrical insulation

 One of several tests to do this

 The purpose of electrical insulation is to store electrical

 Therefore, one way to assess how well insulation is behaving

• Asset’s windings, ground, etc. = electrodes of a capacitor

 If a capacitor’s electrodes are separated by a

Ɛ0 is the vacuum permittivity, or the permittivity of free space

The vacuum in this case is called the dielectric and, as an

More often, dielectrics other than a vacuum are used

Ɛr is the measure of a material’s capacitance relative to

Therefore, capacitance of an insulation system is sensitive to:

– an oil filled bushing develops a leak. A

Don’t get bogged down by nomenclature #2

– Dielectric specifically conveys that the material(s)

– Insulation has many applications and when used

 Do memorize the state in which electrical insulation performs

 Do remember that electrical insulation fails when the

– ‘Dry’ the transformer, if wet

• You can control the stresses present

 Early publications (circa early 1900’s) by

– A compilation of mini insulation systems

 Do remember: the test was anchored because of bushings

1. Voltage Variations (IPF/DF)

 Do simplify testing by understanding dielectric representations

With a solid understanding of test modes and a dielectric

• The # of unique voltages/component groups present will

• To determine how to test, count the # of separable, accessible windings.

• GST modes – Grounded specimen tests; Appended “ground” or “guard”

 Do be prepared. “Outside” test variables will be one of the

 Don’t ever forget that the success of this test depends on

• If the system is big enough, some localized

 Losses versus relative losses (PF/DF)

 Don’t have unrealistic expectations from the test

 Do check that the transformer tank is grounded well.

 Do physically and electrically isolate each

• Don’t rely on rubber blankets sandwiched

1. The measured winding to ground (w-g) capacitance, e.g. CH

• The insulation system between the affected winding and ground

• The bus left attached to the winding introduces an additional

• Cmeasured = Cbus║ Cw-g = Cbus + Cw-g

2. Cw-g power factor/ dissipation factor is not as meaningful.

– Insulators along the attached bus frame will be included in the

– P.F./ D.F. is an average measurement so the condition of the

3. A problem in the winding to ground (w-g) insulation will be

• Remember: Less insulation/ smaller = better

4. Surface leakage may especially influence the measurement.

• If a bus and its support is included in the measurement as

 As the surface area of a specimen becomes larger relative to

 Avoid testing if humidity > 80%, particularly on assets most

 Do short circuit each separable winding by connecting each

• Include the neutral, when present

Note: shorting is why a winding’s turn-to-turn insulation is not stressed/assessed

 Effect depends on the transformer – influence is variable

 Don’t be lulled to sleep when test voltage is selected for you

• Typically, industry standard test voltages are automatically

• Line-to-ground (L-G) single phase test voltage delivered by the

• For transformers with a graded insulation system, the test

 Do remember that ‘Power Factor Tip-Up’ (step voltage) may

• In this test, an additional PF/DF measurement is made