Testing Procedure for Circuit Breaker

A. Insulation Resistance Test

1. Turn circuit breaker to ON position.

2. Conduct the test between R-E, Y-E, B-E, R-Y, Y-B and B-R, using an insulation
resistance tester.
3. Turn circuit breaker to OFF position
4. Conduct the test between R-R, Y-Y and B-B.

CB Close CB Open

R R

Y Y

B B

Insulation Insulation
Tester Tester

CB Close

Insulation
Tester
B. High Voltage Pressure Test.

Test with Main Contacts Closed

1. Turn switchgear to ‘ON’ position.

2. Connect R phase of switchgear to HV output terminal of HV test set. Y and B of
switchgear shall be connected to nearest earth point. Earth point on the test set and
switchgear shall be connected together. Ensure that all connections are secure.
3. Raise test voltage gradually to required a.c. test voltage and maintain for 1minute, or d.c.
test voltage for 15minutes. No breakdown of insulation shall occur throughout the test.
4. At completion of test, reduce test voltage gradually. After control knob is returned to
minimum position, switch off the test set. Discharge the cable with a discharge rod until
switchgear is fully discharged.
5. Repeat step 1 to 4 for yellow phase (with R and B phase connected to earth) and blue
phase (with R and Y phase connected to earth).

CB Close

High Voltage
Pressure Test Set
C. Vacuum Interrupter Test.

Test Across Open Contacts

1. Turn CB to ‘OFF’ position.

2. Connect R, Y, B spouts on one side of circuit breaker (busbar or circuit side) to HV output
terminal of HV test set. The three spouts on the other side of circuit breaker shall be
connected to nearest earth point. Earth point on the test set and circuit breaker shall be
connected together. Ensure that all connections are secure.
3. Select the desired test voltage and proceed with the test.
4. At completion of test, switch off the test set. Discharge the circuit breaker using a
discharge rod until it is fully discharged.

VCB Open

Vacuum
Interrupter
Tester
D. Contact Resistance Test

1. The currents cable and the sense leads of the contact resistance tester should be
connected across the circuit breaker.
2. Select the current range required and press the test button.
3. Record the resistance reading obtained.
4. Repeat step 1-3 for the other phases.

CB Close

P1 C1 P2 C2

Contact Resistance Test Set