Photo from IEEE Std C37.122.

2
 Inspection of impact recorders provided by the manufacturer, preferably after arrival of
the GIS at site
 General assembly inspection
 Gas leakage test
 SF6 moisture and air content test, at least for parts of the GIS that had to be filled at site
Equipment list check
 Nameplate check
 Component device check
 Point-to-point wiring check for wiring connections done on site
 Control system functional test
 Voltage test on main circuit with 80% of the power frequency voltage test values
 Voltage test on control wiring for wiring connections done on site
 Overall appearance inspection
 Current transformer primary or secondary current injection, polarity verifications, ratio
tests,saturation tests,
 Insulation tests, and secondary winding resistance measurements
 Voltage transformer ratio tests
 Verify phasing: primary and secondary
 Electrical and mechanical interlocking
 Circuit breaker contact resistance test
 Circuit breaker timing tests
 Circuit breaker mechanical operation tests
 Disconnect switch and ground switch operation tests
Inspection report should be provided for each GIS section and for the entire assembly.
References:
 IEC 6227-1 (2011) High-Voltage switchgear and Controlgear – Part 1: Common Specifications.
 IEEE C37.122 (2010) IEEE Standard for Gas-Insulated Substations.
 IEEE C37.122-1 (2013) Guide for Gas Insulated Substations Rated Above 52 kV.
 Gas Insulated Substations Book Edited by Hermann Koch.
 [Link]
 High-voltage Tests and Measurements during the Life Cycle of GIS Article Authors:
[Link],E. Kynast
 On site tests of GIS S.M. Neuhold FKH Fachkommission für Hochspannungsfragen Zürich,
Schweiz.

Testing the contact resistance of earthing switches in EHV/HV GIS (Gas Insulated Switchgear) for 33kV
and 15kV systems is crucial to ensure reliable operation and safety.
- IEEE Std C37.100.1
Arrester Standards and Codes
 Surge arresters are designed and tested per ANSI/IEEE C62.1 , Standard for Gapped Silicone-
Carbide Surge Arresters for AC Power Circuits, for the gapped type and ANSI/IEEE C62.11 ,
Standard for Metal-Oxide Surge Arresters for Alternating Current Systems, for the gapless type.
  Article 280 of the NFPA 70/National Electrical Code governs surge arrester’s general
requirements, installation requirements and connection requirements.
 Surge arresters are listed by UL under the category of, Surge Arresters (OWHX), and other
NRTLs (Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories) using the applicable sections of the
ANSI/IEEE standards noted above.
Related: Electrical Standards and Regulatory Organizations Explained
References
 Lightning Arresters A Guide to Selection and Application - Jude Hernandez, GE Specification
Engineer
 Overvoltage protection (surge arrester) - Schnider Electric
 ANSI/NETA 2015 Standard for Maintenance Testing Specifications
 NETA ATS-2017 Standard for Acceptance Testing Specifications for Electrical Power Equipment
and Systems
 Station and intermediate class surge arresters - Siemens
 History of Arresters on Power Systems 1930-1965 - ArresterWorks
 Doble Test Procedures - Revision C
 Surge Arrester Fundamentals - Cooper Power Systems 1988

Very low frequency (VLF) withstand testing is the application of an AC sinusoidal waveform, generally
at 0.01 – 0.1 Hz, to assess the quality of electrical insulation in high capacitive loads, such as cables.
During the test cables are subjected to a test voltage significantly higher than what they experience
during normal operating conditions. The higher test voltage allows for weak points or pre-damaged areas
within the cable to breakdown during the test, rather than while they are in service. Essentially, the VLF
withstand test is a “go or no-go” test, otherwise known as a “pass/fail” test.

- What are the advantages of VLF over power frequency?

- A good basic equation to know is: P = 2πfCV2
- where f = applied test frequency, C = capacitance of the test object, and V = applied test voltage.
- Already from this equation it can be seen that decreasing the applied test frequency will decrease the
power required to apply a voltage, and since P = IV (where I = current), the amount of current
required to apply a voltage is also lowered.
- From the above relationship, when comparing VLF 0.1 Hz to power frequency (60 Hz), there is
a 600x lower power and current requirement when testing a cable at the same test voltage. This
has the added benefit that the size of the test instrument can be significantly reduced to allow for a
very portable high voltage tester. An example of which is the Frida VLF Tester, which can generate
test voltages up to 24 kVRMS or 34 kVpeak and weighs only 22 kg (48 lbs).

Due to the sinusoidal waveform, VLF can also be used for tan delta diagnostics and partial
discharge diagnostics.

What are the causes of cable failure during a VLF withstand test?
When a cable is subjected to a considerably higher test voltage than what it typically sees in service,
any defects in the cable will see higher stress levels that may grow within the insulation. This is a
phenomenon known as “treeing” and these trees arise at stress enhancements where there are voids,
protrusions, contaminants, or water trees. The term “treeing” stems from their branch-like structure
resembling a tree.
Electrical trees are channels of carbonization that arise from partial discharge activity within the
insulation. Once an electrical tree grows big enough and bridges the electrodes of the cable system, a
breakdown of the cable insulation is created. Water trees are tree-like structures that form from the
electrochemical interaction of the electric field and water ingress within the cable. Their growth is
extremely slow, but they act as stress enhancements, which can help to initiate an electrical tree.
Below is a photograph of a water tree growing into an electrical tree.
What are the recommended test voltage levels and testing times?
The IEEE Std 400.2-2013: IEEE Guide for Field Testing of Shielded Power Cable Systems Using
Very Low Frequency (VLF) (less than 1 Hz) was introduced to give an easy to interpret guide for
conducting VLF withstand tests on shielded power cables rated 5 – 69 kV. Below is an overview of
the recommended voltage levels that should be applied during installation, acceptance, and
maintenance testing of medium voltage distribution cables depending on the cable system rating
(phase to phase voltage). Generally, VLF withstand testing calls for testing the cables up to 3U0,
where U0 is the rated phase to ground voltage.
VLF testing times should last between 15 and 60 minutes, depending on the age of the circuit and
what type of test is conducted. For example, a minimum test time of 30 minutes is recommended for
aged cable circuits. Extending the time to 60 minutes should be considered for particularly important
circuits, such as feeder circuits. For installation and/or acceptance tests, the minimum recommended
time is 60 minutes.
The times recommended for VLF withstand testing stem from studies conducted on tree growth rate
on partial discharge defects in XLPE cable systems. According to IEEE Std 400: IEEE Guide for
Field Testing and Evaluation of the Insulation of Shielded Power Cable Systems, differences can be
seen in the channel tree growth rate between power frequency, VLF sinusoidal, and VLF cosine-
rectangular, and the fastest tree growth rate is achieved by applying VLF sinusoidal. A channel tree
growth rate with a 3U0 test voltage at 0.1 Hz VLF sinusoidal on field-aged XLPE cables is 10.9 –
12.6 mm per hour (mm/h). A typical 15 kV medium voltage cable in USA has an insulation
thickness of 0.22” (5.6 mm), and therefore, during a VLF test time of 30 minutes all defects within
the cable should grow to failure. When comparing this figure to power frequency AC or 0.1 Hz VLF
Cos-Rectangular, the tree growth rate is only 2.2 – 5.9 and 3.4 – 7.8 mm/h, respectively. As a
result, 0.1 Hz VLF sinusoidal is the ideal frequency and waveform for cable withstand testing.
Potential failures should happen during the actual test so that repairs can be made immediately.
Failures in the cable during service result in higher costs for the utilities and are a nuisance for the
power consumer.
Why is withstand testing with DC voltage not recommended?
Testing of cables was traditionally conducted with DC voltages in the past, which was also known as
DC hipoting. Once polymeric cables (XLPE, EPR, etc.) were introduced into the electric grid and
readily being tested with DC, a considerable rise in premature failures occurred. These failures were
being attributed to trapped space charge within the defects of the insulation due to enhanced charge
migration in one direction (DC electric field). Once testing was completed and AC power frequency
was reapplied in service, a significant field enhancement could occur at these defects leading to a
fast-growing electrical tree and subsequent failure. An illustration of the space charge effect after DC
testing a XLPE cable is shown below.
 Ring Main Unit (RMU) Test Procedure

Table of Contents

 Introduction
 Safety Measures
 Tools Required
 Relevant Codes & Standards
 HV Breaker
 Visual Inspection
 Contact Resistance Test
 Insulation Resistance Test
 High Voltage Test (High Volt Test or HV Test)
 Functional Checks
 Earth Fault Indication Test
 Micro-ohmmeter Test
 Earth Resistance Test
 Thermal Imaging
 Protection Settings Verification
  Documentation
 De-Energization
 Report

Introduction

It is recommended that routine tests be carried out in compliance with the requirements established
by IEC 60298.

In a ring main unit distribution system, the feeder encompasses the entire supply area and concludes at the
substation from where it originated. The unit makes a closed loop, and the bicycles form a ring.

The advantages of RMU include the need for less conductor material because each component of the
wing has a lower carrying capacity than the radial system. Another benefit is reduced voltage fluctuations.
Designing a radial system might be difficult.

By following this complete RMU testing method statement, you can confidently check the integrity and
functionality of your RMU system, allowing for seamless operation and reducing potential hazards.

Safety Measures

The following safety measures must be considered before to, during, and after the test measurements.

 Safety labeling will be implemented.

 Isolate the area using Safety Warning Tape.
 Maintain a safe distance from the equipment being tested.
 Wear necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) before starting any type of testing
activity.
 Implementation of appropriate grounding.

Tools Required

The following is a list of the essential tools for ring main unit (RMU) testing should be prepared prior to
start the testing:

 Contact Resistance Kit

 5.0 KV Megger
  High Voltage Testing Kit
 Primary Injection Kit
 Multimeters (Fluke meters)

Relevant Codes & Standards

 NFPA 70
 NEMA
 IEC 60282
 IEC 60265

HV Breaker

Visual Inspection

 Check the RMU for visible evidence of damage, wear, (or) loose connections.
 Ensure that the RMU is correctly grounded.
 Check for correct labelling and signage.

Contact Resistance Test

The HV Breaker consists of three components:

 Incomer,
 Transformer, and
 Outgoing feeders.
Each of these items must be tested for contact resistance before being subjected to the high voltage test.

The steps listed below must be followed for all three phases.

1). Incomer to Ground

The above procedure is carried out by turning on the earth switch in the incomer breaker and then
conducting the contact resistance test by connecting 100 A to
  R phase to ground,
 Y phase to ground, and
 B phase to ground.

2). Outgoing to Ground

The procedure mentioned above is carried out by turning on the earth switch in the incoming breaker and
then performing the contact resistance test by providing 100 A to

 R phase to ground,
 Y phase to ground, and
 B phase to ground.

3). Connect the Transformer (or) Fuse unit to Ground

The procedure mentioned above is carried out by turning on the earth switch in the fuse unit breaker and
then performing the contact resistance test by delivering 100A to

 R phase to ground,
 Y phase to ground, and
 B phase to ground.

4). Connect the Transformer (Fuse unit) to the Incomer Unit

To do the above sequence test, turn on the breaker for the transformer and incomer units. To test the fuse
unit, we need a dummy fuse. The dummy fuse should have a rating of more than 100 A & no resistance.

We should not utilize the rated fuse provided by the manufacturer.

After arranging the zero resistance dummy fuses in the transformer feeder (fuse unit), apply 100 amps via
contact resistance equipment across the R phase of the fuse unit (transformer) and the incomer unit.

Repeat for the other Y & B phases.

5). Transformer Unit (Fuse unit) to the Outgoing Unit

To do the above sequence test, turn on the breaker for the transformer unit and the outgoing unit.
To test the fuse unit, we need a dummy fuse. The dummy fuse must have a rating of more than 100 amps
and no resistance.

We should not utilize the rated fuse provided by the manufacturer.

After arranging the zero resistance dummy fuses within the transformer feeder (fuse unit), apply 100
amps via contact resistance equipment across the R phase of the fuse unit (transformer) and the incomer
unit.
Repeat for all remaining Y & B phases.

Insulation Resistance Test

Before injecting the voltage, we must take safety precautions, such as removing the power wires from the
breaker to the transformer and removing the fuse from the fuse unit. The SF6 gas pressure needs to be
positive.

The bushings on the breakers should be cleaned & tightened. All breakers must be turned ON.

1). Insulation Test before High Voltage

 Measure the insulation resistance test across each phase and ground by delivering 5KV DC
through a megger for 1 minute.
 Before applying 5 KV, ensure that all three units’ breakers are closed.

2). Insulation Test after High Voltage

 Measure the insulation resistance test across each phase and ground by delivering 5KV DC
through a megger for 1 minute.
 Before applying 5 KV, ensure that all three units’ breakers are closed.

High Voltage Test (High Volt Test or HV Test)

 Establish Hi-volt equipment for injecting the needed voltage to ensure the system’s ability to
endure.
 Before injecting the voltage, we must take safety precautions, such as removing the power
wires from the breaker to the transformer and removing the fuse from the fuse unit.
 The bushings on the breakers need to be cleaned & tightened. All breakers must be turned
ON.
The following equation must be calculated to inject the high voltage.
 High Voltage Test = [(Rated Voltage X 2) / (√3)]

 The above-mentioned high voltage must be injected for one minute and must withstand.
 Note the leakage current at time of injection.

Functional Checks

Functional checks include testing the following mechanical interlocks.

 Opening/Closing switch disconnectors.

 Opening/Closing the transformer tee.
 Opening/Closing the transformer tee’s earth switch.
 Opening/Closing for switch disconnectors.
 E-Circuit Breaker – Earth Switch Interlock.

Earth Fault Indication Test

To perform the Earth Fault Indication test, provide rated CT current to the Earth leakage CT primary
& monitor the light blinking at the detector relay.

Micro-ohmmeter Test

 Use a micro-ohmmeter to determine the resistance of important connections.

 Verify that the resistance values are inside acceptable limits.

Earth Resistance Test

 Conduct an earth resistance test to confirm correct grounding.

 Confirm that the earth resistance values meet the standards.

Thermal Imaging

 Utilize a thermal imaging camera to detect any hotspots or anomalies in the RMU.
 Pay significant attention to connectors, busbars, and any load-bearing components.
Protection Settings Verification

 Verify protection relay settings.

 During fault simulations, verify protection system operation.

Documentation

 Document all test outcomes, including measurements & observations.

 Check the results against manufacturer specs.
 Record deviations from specifications & corrective actions.

De-Energization

 De-energize RMU safely.

 Reinstall safety devices and obstacles that removed for testing.

Report

 Write a detailed test report describing the methodology, results, and recommendations.
 Include deviations from requirements and corrective actions.