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ENERGY –EMEA – I&P

1. Contents
Page Section Content
1 - Title page, Summary, Revision history.
2 1 Contents
2 2 References
2 3 Introduction
3 4 Apparatus
4 5 Method
4 6 Results
5 7 Conclusion

2. References

MVLC: Medium Voltage Line Cover

EN50124-1(2001) Railways Applications – Insulation Coordination
Part 1: Basic Requirements – Clearances and Creepage
Distances For All Electrical and Electronic Equipment.
EDR-5308, Rev 1 Medium Voltage Line Cover (MVLC) Electrical
Testing

3. Introduction

The objective of the investigation was to asses how close to earth a section of electrified line
could be before a Flash-Over occurred if it was insulated with Tyco Electronics MVLC-18-
A/241, mastic filled product, which is rated to 25kV under normal working conditions.
This is additional testing to the qualification report, EDR-5308 Rev 1.

The MVLC was positioned at set air gaps with the mastic filled channel section, facing the
electrode. The voltage was increased in 25kV steps (2kV\sec) and held for 1 minute before
rising to the next voltage.
A failure was considered to be a flash-over, or the development of audible noise.

The largest air gap chosen was 310mm.This represents the air gap recommended in
IEC50124-1 for 175kV BIL, OV3 level protection (Table A.3) on the rail network.

The test location was the Tyco Electronics facility at the Energy Division Head Quarters,
Ottobrun, Munich, Germany.

PPR 2663, i1 Page 2 of 5 Sept 2009

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4. Apparatus

MVCL-18-A/241-C(75): Batch number EL81169-06

MVLC-18 Hand Tool
Tape Measure
Stop watch
Digital Camera
HV Test Set, Photo’s 1 and 2

Photo 1 Photo 2

5. Method
A. The MVLC was installed on the line using the MVLC Hand Tool.
B. For ease of test arrangement the line was connected to earth and an aluminium stud
was used for the HV Electrode, See Photo 3.
The aluminium stud was used to represent a fixing on the underside of a bridge. The
exposed threads and geometry of the stud would produce a higher stress
concentration at the points than a flat surface, so being more like a real situation.

C. The air gap was set, measured and recorded

D. The voltage was applied in 25kV steps, held for 1 minute and raised to the next
level.
E. The results and observations were recorded

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6. Results

Test 1 2 3 4
Position 310mm 200mm 100mm 50mm
25kV Pass Pass Pass Pass
50kv Pass Pass Pass Fail
75kV Pass Pass Fail
100kV Pass Pass
125kV Pass Fail
150kV Pass
175kV Fail
Observations Flash-over and 10 seconds at Flash-over and Audible noise @ 45kV
trip at 166kV 125kv, then trip at 71kV 1 min @ 45Kv
during voltage flash-over and during voltage Flashover @ 46kV
rise trip rise
Photograph 3 4 5 6

Photo 3 Photo4

Photo 5 Photo 6

PPR 2663, i1 Page 4 of 5 Sept 2009

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7. Conclusion

The MVLC-18-A/241 insulation can be considered to prevent a flash-over in a static

position for an air gap of 50mm between phase and ground for a period of 1 minute when
used in normal conditions.

Each test sample failed through the mastic filled channel and was tested in laboratory
conditions.

The product is designed primarily to help prevent short time accidental flash-over’s ie) Birds
or debris passing between the OHL and a structure.
Therefore, when used in a permanent static position it should be noted that the designer
should consider other factors that will affect the long term electrical performance:
• Environmental Conditions: Fog, Rain, Ice
• Altitude
• Pollution Build-up
• Line movement
• Over Voltage

PPR 2663, i1 Page 5 of 5 Sept 2009