3.measuring and Testing Equipment

MEASURING AND TESTING INSTRUMENTS
(ELECTRICAL):
Types & Applications
Introduction
Testing is an essential activity in the power utility
industry. Whatever your role in the industry electrical designer, purchase engineer,
manufacturer, installation contractor, technician
or maintenance engineer, a solid knowledge of
electrical tests to be carried out on a given piece of
HV and MV electrical equipment and
interpretation of results obtained, is a necessity.
This presentation is designed to familiarize you
with some of the most common measuring
instruments and some of the most common tests
conducted and used for various aspects of
installing and testing general electrical equipment .
2
The Need for and

Purpose of Testing:
Electrical Safety Testingis essential to ensure safe
operating standards for any product that useselectricity.
Various governments and agencies have developed stringent
requirements for electrical products that are sold worldwide. In most markets it is mandatory for a product to
conform tosafety standards. To conform to such standards,
the product must pass safety tests such as thehigh voltage
test(also called dielectricvoltage-withstand test or high
potential test), Insulation Resistance Test, Ground (Earth)
Bond & Ground Continuity Test & Leakage Current Test
(also called Line Leakage Test, Earth Leakage Current Test,
Enclosure Leakage Current Test or Patient Leakage Current
Test).
Some Common Safety

Tests:
High Voltage Test (Dielectric Voltage-withstand
Test): Also called a Hipot test, this test is carried
out by applying a significantly higher than
operatingvoltage to the device under test. In this
test, theinsulation of a product, stressed to a
greater extent than under normal operating
conditions, should not be breached for the product
to pass. In most cases, the device is stressed to
twice its normal operating voltage. Dielectric
strength is the maximum voltage a dielectric can
withstand without rupturing.
Some Common Safety

Tests:
Insulation Resistance Test: This test is to measure
the total resistanceof a productsinsulationby
applying a minimum acceptable voltage. The
minimum acceptable value of resistance for a
product must be met for it to pass an insulation
resistance test. The test therefore, determines how
effective the dielectric(insulation) is in resisting the
flow of electrical current. Such test are useful for
checking the quality of insulation, not only of a
product when is first manufactured, but over time
as the product is used.
Some Common Tests

(Continued)
Earth Continuity Test: This test checks that a path
exist between all exposed conductive surfaces and
the power system earth. This ground circuit provides
the most fundamental means of electric shock
protection for a user. The maximum acceptable value
is generally 0.5 ohms although certain standards
may specify 0.1 ohms.
Some Common Tests

(Continued)
Earth Bond Test: An earth bond test verifies
integrity of the earth path by applying a high
current, low voltage source to the earth path
circuit. This test is similar to the earth continuity
test with the additional benefit of verifying how an
equipment will perform under actual fault
conditions. When a ground faults occurs, current
starts to flow through the earth circuit. If the
current-carrying capacity is high enough and the
circuit resistance low enough, the system operates
properly and the user is protected from shock.
Some Common Tests

(Continued)
Leakage Current Test (Line Leakage Test): This test is to
measure the undesirable leakage current that flows through
or across the surface of the insulation or thedielectricof
acapacitor. This test is generally carried out at 100%-110%
of the rated input voltage of the product under test. The
maximum acceptable limit of a leakage current is generally
210 micro amperes. In other words, this test simulates a
person touching exposed metal of a product and detects
whether or not the leakage current that would flow through
the persons body remains below a safe level.
Electrical Testing and

Measuring Instruments
Dielectric Withstand Test
Adielectric withstand testisanelectricaltest
performedonacomponentorproducttodeterminethe
effectivenessofitsinsulation.TheHipottestisatestof
theinsulationsurroundingtheprimarycircuits.It
involvestheapplicationofahighvoltagefromthe
primarycircuittothegrounding(earth)circuitandtothe
low-voltagesecondarycircuits.Thepotentialusedfor
eachtestispre-determinedbytheapplicablesafety
standard.Itisbasedontheacinputvoltage,thegrade
ofinsulationusedintheequipmentandtheaccessibility
ofthesecondaryvoltages.
9

AdielectricWithstandtestverifiesthattheinsulationofan
equipmentorcomponentissufficienttoprotecttheoperator
fromelectricalshock.
If insulation can withstand a voltage above its normal
rating for a given period of time, it will function
adequately at its normal voltage levels. The Hipot test
(sometimes called a Dielectric Withstand test or
breakdown test) stresses the insulation well beyond
what it would encounter in normal use.
The Hipot test is probably the best known, the most
often performed and most important electrical
production line safety test.
10

Thetheorybehindthetestisthatifadeliberateoverapplicationoftestvoltagedoesnotcausethe
insulationtobreakdown,theproductwillbesafeto
useundernormaloperatingconditionshencethe
name,DielectricWithstandingVoltagetest.
Inadditiontoover-stressingtheinsulation,thetest
canalsobeperformedtodetectmaterialand
workmanshipdefects,mostimportantlysmallgap
spacingsbetweencurrent-carryingconductorsand
earthground.
11

Whenaproductisoperatedundernormalconditions,
environmentalfactorssuchashumidity,dirt,
vibration,shockandcontaminantscanclosethese
smallgapsandallowcurrenttoflow.Thiscondition
cancreateashockhazardifthedefectsarenot
correctedatthefactory.
Noothertestcanuncoverthistypeofdefectaswell
astheDielectricWithstandtest.
12

Dielectric Withstand Test Procedure:

Perform a Hipot test by connecting the RTN/LOW
terminal of the tester to one side of the device and
the HV terminal (or probe) to the other side. (When
testing an appliance, the low side is usually
connected to the ground and/or the exposed case of
the product and the high side to the power line and
neutral tied together.) To prevent damaging the
device, the test voltage should be ramped, or
increased gradually. The test instrument monitors
the current for changes that exceed the limit for
steady state, or short duration pulses (arcs), or both.
The voltage level is maintained for a programmed
duration, after which the voltage is shut off and the
device discharged.
13

If at any time while the voltage is applied the
current limit is exceeded, the high voltage is
automatically turned off and a breakdown
indicated. The actual voltage and current at
breakdown is often indicated. If no breakdown
occurs over the specified test time, the tester
would indicate a PASS, signifying that the device is
good.
Only after the tester high voltage is turned off and
the device allowed to discharge should the device
be disconnected.
Since a Hipot test can be destructive, perform an
insulation resistance measurement on a device
before and after a Hipot test.
14
Electrical Testing and Measuring

Instruments
Earth Continuity Testing

It is important to ensure the earthing of structures and
equipment in substations and power generation plant is
continuous and of low enough resistance to meet protection
and safety requirements.
How to Test Earth Continuity With a Multi-Meter
Electricityinvolvesthemotionofelectricallychargedparticles
throughmetallicwires,andithasallowedmankindessential
technologiessuchaslightingandheating.Electricalcurrentsflow
fromhighvoltagetozerovoltage,whichisalsocalledgroundor
earthvoltage.Thecontinuityofthisvoltagepathisessentialtothe
safefunctioningofanyelectricaldevice.Adigitalmulti-meterisa
portableunitcapableofmeasuringresistance,voltageandcurrent.
Itcanalsobeusedtocheckthesafefunctioningofelectrical
appliancesbymeasuringtheappliancesearthcontinuity.
15

Instructions
1.Switch off the appliance that needs to be
checked and remove theelectricalplug from the
outlet socket. To be safe, wait one hour for any
capacitors to discharge. Using a screwdriver,
remove screws, and open back of the appliance
where the power line enters.
16

Instructions..Continued
2.Locate the earth wiring. This will normally be a thick green wire
attached to the casing of the appliance.
3.Switch on the multi-meter, and using the dial on the front,
select the resistance function. The multi-meter will have two
probes with metallic pointed ends. Place the probes on either
side of the earth wire. The display on the multi-meter should
show a low resistance of approximately 0.5 Ohms. If the
resistance is significantly higher than this, the wire is faulty and
needs to be replaced.
17

Note:
Earth resistance tests are required to confirm
the installed earthing system will cause
circuit protective devices to operate and
maintain cable integrity if there is a fault
between live parts and exposed conductive
parts.
18

Earth (Ground) Bond Test

The term ground is defined as a conducting
connection by which a circuit or equipment is
connected to the earth. The connection is used
to establish and maintain, as closely as possible,
the potential of the earth on the circuit or
equipment connected to it. A ground consists
of a grounding conductor, a bonding connector,
its grounding electrodes, and the soil in contact
with the electrode.
The Ground Bond test provides the high current
levels needed in order to ensure that the earth
ground conductor of a product can handle any
fault current likely to be imposed on it.
19

In fact, most Ground Bond tests are specified
to be performed at two times the rating of a
products fuse or branch circuit for up to two
minutes.
Testing under these conditions not only verifies
the presence of a continuous earth ground
conductor, but also verifies the integrity of
that conductor.
20

Grounds have several protection applications.
For natural phenomena such as lighting,
grounds are used to discharge the system of
current before personnel can be injured or
system components damaged. For foreign
potentials due to faults in electric power
systems with ground returns, grounds help
ensure rapid protection by providing low
resistance fault paths. This provides the
removal of the foreign potential before
personnel are injured and the power or
communications system is damaged.
21

Ideally, to maintain a reference potential for
instrument safety, protect against static electricity,
and limit the system to frame voltage for operator
safety, a ground resistance should be zero ohms. In
reality this value cannot be obtained.
The ground resistance value for maintenance
purposes should preferably not exceed 15 ohms
when installed and should be inspected by qualified
personnel once every twoyears in dry weather
only. Results of inspections and tests shall be
recorded and available upon an inspectors request.
22

All ground rods should be 5/8 of an inch (15.875 mm)
or larger in diameter, circular, solid steel rods with a
copper cladding, each 10 feet (3 meters) long. Rods
should be plainly and permanently marked with
manufacturers name, rod length and nominal rod
diameter. Length markings should be within the top
12 inches of the rod to permit determining length
after installation. Connectors can be of the
compression, impact or exothermic welded
connection and made of a low resistance copper alloy
containing not less than 80% copper. To prevent a
tripping hazard, ground rods should be buried below
ground level and covered with ground electrode
boxes for easy access for inspection.
23

Themostreliablepost-installationtestingprocedure
involvesthefall-of-potential(three-point)method.
Withthehelpofadigitalgroundresistancemeter,
twoauxiliaryelectrodesaredrivenintothesoilat
predetermineddistances-aspertesting
specifications-inastraightlinefromthegroundrod
undertest.Themetersuppliesaconstantcurrent
betweenthegroundrodbeingtestedandthemost
remoteelectrode.TheThreePointVibroground,with
arangeofatleast0to300ohms,shallbeusedto
performthesetests.Manufacturersinstructionsfor
usingthisinstrumentmustbefollowed.
24

25

Leakage Current Test (Line Leakage Test):
Inanyelectricalinstallation,somecurrentwillflow
throughtheprotectivegroundconductortoground.This
isusuallycalledleakagecurrent.Leakagecurrentmost
commonlyflowsintheinsulationsurroundingconductors
andinthefiltersprotectingelectronicequipment.
Sowhat'stheproblem?OncircuitsprotectedbyGFCIs
(GroundFaultCurrentInterrupters),leakagecurrentcan
causeunnecessaryandintermittenttripping.Inextreme
cases,itcancauseariseinvoltageonaccessible
conductiveparts.
26

The causes of leakage current:
Insulationhasbothelectricalresistanceandcapacitance
anditconductscurrentthroughbothpaths.Giventhe
highresistanceofinsulation,verylittlecurrentshould
actuallyleak.But--iftheinsulationisoldordamaged,the
resistanceislowerandsubstantialcurrentmayflow.
Additionally,longerconductorshaveahighercapacitance,
causingmoreleakagecurrent.That'swhyGFCIbreaker
manufacturersrecommendone-wayfeederlengthbe
limitedto250feet,maximum.
27

Electronicequipment,meanwhile,containsfilters
designedtoprotectagainstvoltagesurgesandother
disruptions.Thesefilterstypicallyhavecapacitorson
theinput,whichaddstotheoverallcapacitanceofthe
wiringsystemandtheoveralllevelofleakagecurrent.
Minimizing the effects of leakage current:
So,howcanyoueliminateorminimizetheeffectsof
leakagecurrent?Quantifytheleakagecurrentandthen
identifythesource.Onewayofgoingaboutthisisto
usealeakagecurrentclampmeter.Thesearevery
muchliketheclampmetersusedformeasuringload
currents,butdeliversignificantlybetterperformance
whenmeasuringcurrentsbelow5mA.Mostclamp
meterssimplywon'tregistersuchlowcurrents.
28

Theclampmeterdetectsthemagneticfield
surroundingconductorssuchasasinglecorecable,
awirearmorcable,awaterpipe,etc.;orthepaired
phaseandneutralconductorsofasingle-phase
circuit;orallliveconductors(3-wireor4-wire)ofa
three-phasecircuit(likeaGFCIorresidualcurrent
device).
29

Whentestingthegroupedliveconductorsofacircuit,
themagneticfieldsproducedbytheloadcurrents
canceleachotherout.Anyimbalancecurrentcomes
fromleakagefromtheconductorstogroundor
elsewhere.Tomeasurethiscurrent,aleakageclamp
metershouldbeabletoreadlessthan0.1mA.
Forexample,takingameasurementona240Vac
circuitwithallloadsdisconnectedmightresultina
valueof.0.02A(20mA)leakage.Thisvalue
representsaninsulationimpedanceof:
240 V / (20 x 10-6) = 12 M. (Ohms Law R=V/I)
30

Aclampmeterwilldetectandmeasureawiderange
ofalternatingorchangingcurrentspassingthrougha
conductorundertest.Whentelecommunications
equipmentispresent,thevalueofleakageindicated
byaclampmetermaybeconsiderablymorethan
thatresultingfrominsulationimpedanceat60Hz.
Thisisbecausetelecommunicationsequipment
typicallyincorporatesfiltersthatproducefunctional
groundingcurrentsandotherequipmentthat
producesharmonics,etc.Youcanonlymeasurethe
characteristicleakageat60Hzbyusingaclamp
meterthatincorporatesanarrowband-passfilterfor
removingcurrentsatotherfrequencies.
31

Measurement of Leakage Current to Ground
Whentheloadisconnected(switchedon),theleakage
currentmeasuredincludesleakageinloadequipment.If
theleakageisacceptablylowwiththeloadconnected,
thencircuitwiringleakageisevenlower.Ifcircuitwiring
leakagealoneisrequired,disconnect(switchoff)the
load.
32

Test single-phase circuitsbyclampingthephase
andneutralconductor.Themeasuredvaluewillbe
anycurrentflowingtoground.
33

Test three-phase circuitsbyclampingaroundall
three-phaseconductors.Ifaneutralispresent,it
shouldbeclampedalongwiththephaseconductors.
Themeasuredvaluewillbeanycurrentflowingto
ground.
34

Measuring leakage current through the ground
conductor
Tomeasurethetotalleakageflowingtotheintended
groundconnection,placetheclamparoundtheground
conductor.
35

Measuring leakage current to ground via
unintentional paths to ground.
Clampingphase/neutral/groundtogetheridentifies
imbalancecurrentthatrepresentsleakageatanoutlet
orelectricalpanelviaunintentionalpathstoground
(suchasthepanelsittingonaconcretebase).Ifother
electricalbondingconnectionsexist(suchasa
connectiontoawaterpipe),asimilarimbalancemay
result.
36

Tracing the source of leakage current
Thisseriesofmeasurementsidentifiestheoverall
leakageandthesource.Thefirstmeasurementcanbe
madeonthemainconductortothepanel.
Measurements2,3,4and5aremadesubsequentlyto
identifycircuitscarryingthelargeramountsofleakage
current.
37

38

Summary:
Leakagecurrentcanbeanindicatorofthe
effectivenessofinsulationonconductors.Highlevelsof
leakagecurrentmaybepresentincircuitswhere
electronicequipmentwithfiltersisused,andcancause
voltagesthatdisruptnormaloperationofequipment.It
ispossibletolocatethesourceofleakagecurrentby
usingalowcurrentleakagecurrentclamptotake
methodicalmeasurementsasdescribedabove.If
necessary,thisenablesyoutore-distributeloads
aroundtheinstallationinamorebalancedway.
39

Instruments
40

Instruments
Electricaltestingandmeasurementdevicescantell
youifacircuitorwireisenergizedaswellastellyou
howmuchvoltageorcurrentanelectricalcircuitis
carrying.Othertypesoftestingdevicescantellyouif
anetworkcableisconnectedproperlyorifthereis
continuityinthatcable.
41

Therearemanydifferenttypesofelectrical
measuringandtestingdevices.Someofthesetest
forthepresenceofelectricalcurrent,whether
alternatingcurrentordirectcurrent.Otherstestfor
whetherornotanelectricalreceptacleisproperly
wired.Electricalmeasuringdevicescanbe
eitheranalogor
analog digital.Someofthesemeasuring
digital
devicesonlymeasurecurrent,voltage,orresistance,
whileotherswillmeasureallofthesecircuitordevice
characteristics.
42
Analog Vs. Digital
Electrical Measuring Devices-Analog

Electricalmeasuringdevicesaremorecommonly
referredtoasmeters.Analogmeterscaneithermeasure
onecircuitvalue(current,voltage,andresistance),or
theycanmeasureallofthese.Ananalogmeterhasa
needlethatswingsonewayoranothertoindicatethe
valuebeingmeasured.
43
Analog Vs. Digital

Electrical Measuring Devices-Digital
Likeanalogmeters,digitalmeterscantestonevalue,
ortheycantestacombinationofvalues.Also,someof
theseonlyhavethreesettings-current,voltage,and
resistance-whilemoreadvancedmetershavedifferent
scalesforeachofthethreetypesofvalues.
44

Ammeter
Anammeterisameasuringinstrumentusedto
measuretheelectriccurrentinacircuit.Electric
currentsaremeasuredinamperes(A),hencethe
name.Instrumentsusedtomeasuresmallercurrents,in
themilli-ampere,aredesignatedasmilli-ammeters.
45

Ohmmeter
Anohmmeterisanelectricalinstrumentthat
measureselectricalresistance,theoppositionto
anelectriccurrent.Theunitofmeasurementfor
resistanceisohms().
46

Wattmeter
Thewattmeterisaninstrumentformeasuring
theelectricpower(orthesupplyrateofelectrical
energy)inwattsofanygivencircuit.
Anelectricity meterorenergy meterisadevicethat
measurestheamountofelectricenergyconsumedbya
residence,business,oranelectricallypowereddevice
47

Voltmeter
Avoltmeterisaninstrumentusedformeasuring
electricalpotentialdifferencebetweentwopointsinan
electriccircuit.
48

Digital Multi-Meter
Digital multi-meters cansolvemostelectrical
problems-atthehandsofaqualifiedelectricaltest
profession.Infact,Withagoodwiringdiagramanda
goodmeter,atrainedelectricalprofessionalcanfindthe
causeofalmostanyproblem.
Theywilltestforvoltage,currentandresistance.Some
advancedoneswilltestforwattsaswell
49

Whenyoupurchaseadigitalmulti-meter,oneofthe
mostimportantthingstolookatisthemeter's
impedance,whichisthemeter'soperating
resistance.
Mostdigitalmulti-metershaveveryhighimpedance.
Sincethemeterispartofthecircuitbeingtested,its
resistancewillaffectthecurrentflowthroughthat
circuit
50

Thedigitalmulti-meterisavailableinallsortsof
stylesanddesigns
51

Clamp Meters
Acurrentmeter,orclampmeterallowsyoutomeasure
thecurrentwithoutdisconnectingthedeviceorthe
circuit.Itisdesignedtobeattachedaroundthe
conductor,enablingyoutomeasurethecurrentor
amperageofaparticularcableorwire.
52

Clampmetersarealsousedtomeasurevoltageand
resistance.Testingeverythingyoutouchbeforeyou
touchisabigpartofsafetyintheworkplace.
53

Insulation Resistance Testing:
Inaperfectworld,alltheelectricalcurrentsentalonga
conductivewirewouldreachitsintendeddestination.
However,intherealworldsomeofitislostalongthe
wayforvariousreasons.Wiresareinsulatedwitha
resistantsheathingtocontaintheconductivityofthe
typicallycopperoraluminumcore,butevenwiththis
insulationinplace,someofthecurrentstillmanagesto
escape.
Muchlikealeakinawaterpipe,animperfectioninthe
insulationofawireallowsasteadyflowofelectricityto
escape,whichcanbedetrimentaltoelectricalcircuits
andmachinery.
54

However,testingcanhelpyoudeterminewhetherthe
insulationisperformingataneffectiveandsafelevel.
Routinetestingcanidentifyproblemsbeforethey
resultininjuryorequipmentfailure.
Insulationissubjecttomanyelementsthatcancause
ittoperformataless-than-acceptablelevel.
Excessiveheatorcold,moisture,vibration,dirt,oil,
andcorrosivevaporscanallcontributeto
deterioration.Forthisreason,routineinsulation
testingisnecessary.
55

instruments
Total current in insulation testing:
Testingtheintegrityofinsulationrequiresmeasuring
itsresistancetocurrentflowacrossit.Ahighlevelof
resistancemeansthatverylittlecurrentisescaping
throughtheinsulation.Conversely,alowlevelof
resistanceindicatesasignificantamountofcurrent
maybeleakingthroughandalongtheinsulation.
Bypressurizingaconductorwithagivenvoltage,it's
possibletouseOhm'sLaw(R=VI)toapplya
numericalvaluetoresistancemeasurements.Divide
thevoltagebythecurrentthatescapesthroughthe
insulationandreturnstothemeter.
56

Measuring instruments
Thistotalcurrentthatflowsthroughandalongthe
insulationduringatestistheresultofcapacitive
current,absorptioncurrent,andleakagecurrent.
57

Capacitive current.
Theinitialburstofcurrentthatoccurswhenvoltageis
firstappliedtoaconductoriscalledcapacitivecurrent.
Likethefirstrushofwaterflowingthroughahose,it
typicallystartsouthighandthendropsquicklyoncethe
conductorisfullycharged.
Absorption current.
Likecapacitivecurrent,absorptioncurrentalsostarts
outhighandthendrops.However,itfallsatamuch
slowerrate.Asthevoltagebuildsup,theabsorption
levelintheinsulationdecreases.Thisgradualchange
reflectsthestorageofpotentialenergyinandalongthe
insulation.Incidentally,absorptioncurrentisan
importantpartofthetimeresistancemethodof
58
insulationtesting.

Leakage current.
Alsocommonlyreferredtoasconductioncurrent,the
small,steadycurrentpresentboththroughandoverthe
insulationiscalledleakagecurrent.Anyincreasein
leakagecurrentovertimeisusuallyanindicationof
deterioratinginsulation.Thiswouldbenotedonthe
insulationtestmeterasadecreaseinresistance.
59

Types of insulation resistance tests.
Withanunderstandingofthedefinitionofinsulation
resistanceandwhyit'simportanttomeasureit,it's
possibletoexaminewhenandhowtotest.
Wheninstallingnewelectricalmachineryor
equipment,testinginsulationresistanceisimportant
fortworeasons.First,itensuresthattheinsulationis
inadequateconditiontobeginoperation.Thistypeof
initialtestisusuallyreferredtoasaprooftest.
Second,itprovidesabaselinereadingtouseasa
referenceforfuturetesting.
60

Duetofluctuatingfactorslikemoistureandtemperature,
insulationtestingismostlybasedonrelative
measurements.Inotherwords,areadingof1.5megaohmsismoreorlessinsignificantwithoutapreviousset
ofmeasurementsagainstwhichtocompareit.
Measurementstakenduringroutinemaintenancetests
cangivevaluableinformationaboutthequalityof
insulation,asconditionsvary.
Theproof test ,short time/spot reading test ,
time resistance test ,andstep voltage test
arefourofthemostprominenttestsusedtoday,andthey
encompassthestepsnecessaryforkeepingtabson
equipmentfrominstallationthroughday-to-dayuse.
61
Electrical Testing
and Measuring
instruments
Proof Test
Proof testing is an important step in the
installation of new machinery to protect against
miswired and defective equipment. A proof test is
often referred to as a go/no go test because it
tests the system for errors or incorrect installation.
The test is accomplished by applying DC voltage
through the de-energized circuit using an
insulation tester. If no failures occur during the
measurement, the test is a success. Proof testing
voltages are much higher than those used in
routine maintenance test methods.
62

The general guideline for choosing a test
voltage is based on the equipment's
nameplate rating. Follow the equation below to
arrive at an acceptable test voltage.
Step 1:(2nameplate rating)+1,000V=Factory
AC Test
Step 2:0.8Factory AC Test1.6=DC Proof
Test Voltage
63

Short time/Spot reading test
In a short time/spot reading test, the tester is
connected across the insulation of the motor
windings. A test voltage is then applied for a fixed
period of time, usually 60 seconds. The most
important aspect of this test is that it remains
consistent in duration from test to test. Once the
time period has elapsed, an insulation resistance
measurement can be recorded.
A single maintenance test can act only as a rough
guide for insulation quality. A more effective use of
the short time/spot reading testing method is the
establishment of a series of test results over
several months so long-term trends may be
64
examined.

It's important to understand that a variety of
factors like temperature and moisture can
cause fluctuations in test readings. Typically,
insulation will deteriorate at an extremely
gradual, but consistent pace. A significant
downward trend over the course of several
measurements is usually a sign of insulation
breakdown.
65

Time Resistance Test.
Unliketheshorttime/spotreadingtest,thetime
resistancemethodtestcanprovidefairlyconclusive
resultswithouttheluxuryofpasttestmeasurements.
Thistestmethodisbasedontakingsuccessive
readingsatfixedtimeintervals,andthenplottingthe
readings.Thisisanespeciallyeffectivemethodwhen
moistureandothercontaminantsmightbepresent.
66

Asmentionedearlier,absorptioncurrentstartsout
highandgraduallydecreasesovertimeasvoltageis
applied.Inamachinewithhealthyinsulation,this
trendwillcontinueforseveralminutesandshowan
increasinglevelofresistance.
Ontheotherhand,iftheinsulationispoor,thelevel
ofresistancewillflattenoutafteraninitialburst .
67

Thebestwaytoquantifytheresultsofatime
resistancetestisthroughadielectricabsorptionratio.
Thedielectricabsorptionratioconsistsoftwotime
resistancereadings.
Acommonlyusedsetofintervalsisa60-second
readingdividedbya30-secondreading.Another
frequentlyusedsetisa10-minutereadingdividedby
a1-minutereading.Thisresultingvalueisreferredto
asthepolarizationindex.
68

Theinformationsummarizedinthetablebelowabove
providesgeneralguidelinesforinterpretingdielectric
absorptionratios.
69

Step Voltage Test.
Astepvoltagetestinvolvestestingtheinsulationattwo
ormorevoltagesandcomparingtheresults.Good
insulationwillshowarelativelyconsistentresistance
readingregardlessofthevoltageapplied.
Ontheotherhand,whentheresistanceleveldropsas
thevoltagelevelincreases,it'susuallyanindicationthat
theinsulationisaging,contaminated,orbrittle.This
occursbecausesmallimperfectionslikepinholesand
cracksrevealthemselvesunderincreasedelectrical
stress.
70

Whenperformingastepvoltagetest,it'simportant
thatyoustartwiththelowesttestvoltageandthen
movetoahighervoltagelevel.Testdurationis
typically60seconds.
71
Conclusion:
Function and accuracy tests of measurement
devices in electrical power systems are either
prescribed by mandatory standards and
regulations or form part of an established
quality assurance concept. Therere several
testing and measuring equipment used in
electrical testing. This presentation only covers
the most basic equipment and principles. Some
tests require the expertise of professionals and
consultants for conducting and interpretation.
72
References:
http://electrical.about.com/od/electricaltools/t
p/top16electricaltools.htm
http://electricaltechnology.org/2014/01/basic-el
ectrical-engineering-tools.html
http://www.fluke.com/fluke/uses/comunidad/fluk
e-news-plus/articlecategories/electrical/leaka
gebasics.htm
http://ecmweb.com/content/monitor-ground-fau
lt-leakage-currents
73
Questions???
74

3.measuring and Testing Equipment

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3.measuring and Testing Equipment

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MEASURING AND TESTING INSTRUMENTS

Types & Applications

The Need for and

Some Common Safety

Some Common Safety

Some Common Tests

Some Common Tests

Some Common Tests

Electrical Testing and

Electrical Testing and

Electrical Testing and

Electrical Testing and

Electrical Testing and

Dielectric Withstand Test Procedure:

Electrical Testing and

Electrical Testing and Measuring

Earth Continuity Testing

Electrical Testing and

Electrical Testing and

Electrical Testing and

Electrical Testing and

Earth (Ground) Bond Test

Electrical Testing and

Electrical Testing and

Electrical Testing and

Electrical Testing and

Electrical Testing and

Electrical Testing and

Electrical Testing and

Electrical Testing and

Electrical Testing and

Electrical Testing and

Electrical Testing and

Electrical Testing and

Electrical Testing and

Electrical Testing and

Electrical Testing and

Electrical Testing and

Electrical Testing and

Electrical Testing and

Electrical Testing and

Electrical Testing and

Electrical Testing and Measuring

Electrical Testing and Measuring

Electrical Testing and

Analog Vs. Digital

Electrical Measuring Devices-Analog

Analog Vs. Digital

Electrical Testing and

Electrical Testing and

Electrical Testing and

Electrical Testing and

Electrical Testing and

Electrical Testing and

Electrical Testing and

Electrical Testing and

Electrical Testing and

Electrical Testing and

Electrical Testing and

Electrical Testing and Measuring

Electrical Testing and

Electrical Testing and