FORM

Solutions Provider for Renewable Energy Projects

Title POTENTIAL TRANSFORMER TEST MANUAL

1. OBJECTIVE

The general objective of this manual is to provide proper information and procedure to accurately perform
various diagnostic test on potential transformer.

2. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

2.1. Observe proper PPE during testing.

2.2. For working areas exposed to a risk of a fall from one level to another, secure proper body harnessing.
2.3. Observe good working environment and weather condition when conducting a test.
2.4. Ensure that the equipment under test is completely discharged before conducting the test.
2.5. All equipment under test must be disconnected and isolated.
2.6. Equipment should be discharged (shunted or shorted out) for at least as long as the test voltage was
applied in order to be absolutely safe for the person conducting the test.
2.7. Never use the test equipment in an explosive atmosphere.
2.8. Make sure all switched are blocked out and cable ends marked properly for safety.
2.9. Cable ends to be isolated shall be disconnected from the supply and protected from contact to supply, or
ground, or accidental contact.
2.10. Erection of safety barriers with warning signs, and an open communication channel between testing
personnel.
2.11. Make sure that all connections in the test circuit are tight.
2.12. Test the IRT before use, whether it gives infinity value when not connected, and zero when the two
terminals are connected and the handle is rotated.
2.13. Make sure that the earth used when testing for earth and open circuits is a good one otherwise, the test will
give wrong information.
3. DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

3.1. TURNS RATIO TEST

3.1.1. Significance

[Link]. Ensure that the Windings have the correct number of turns according to design that they are
assembled in the correct physical orientation.
[Link]. Detects shorted turns, which indicate insulation failure by determining if the correct turn ratio
exists. Shorted turns may result from short circuits or dielectric (insulation) failures.
[Link]. Open circuited or open windings wherein the connection is open or cut due to faults or possible
loose connection.

3.1.2. Test Procedure

Measurements are taken by applying a known low voltage across one winding and measuring the
induced-voltage on the corresponding winding. The low voltage is normally applied across the high
voltage winding so that the induced-voltage is lower, reducing hazards while performing the test. The
voltage ratio obtained by the test is compared to the name plate voltage ratio. The ratio obtained from
the field test should agree with the factory within 0.5%.
 For the test connection, connect H1 and H2 Test Lead to H1 and H2 of the Primary Winding
Terminals and X1 and X2 Test Leads to the X1 and X2 Secondary Winding Terminals of the PT
respectively. The same connection applies if the PT has a Tertiary winding “Y”, only reconnect the X1
and X2 Test Leads to the Y1 and Y2 Tertiary winding to get the Ratio between of the Primary and
Tertiary Winding.

3.2. PT WINDING RESISTANCE TEST

3.2.1. Significance

Measurements of dc winding resistance across the transformer terminals provide an assessment of

the quality of internal connections made to the transformer windings. Loose or defective connections
are indicated by unusually high or unstable resistance readings.

3.2.2. Test Procedure

[Link]. Winding resistances are measured using a micro-ohmmeter or Kelvin Bridge for values less
than 1 ohm.
[Link]. Take readings from the top bushing to neutral bushings for the Primary Winding (H1 and H2)
and Secondary Winding (X1 and X2). Also, if there’s a Tertiary Winding measure reading at
terminals Y1 and Y2.
[Link]. Be consistent each time so that a proper comparison can be made on similar units.
[Link]. Results are compared to other similar units to determine if the resistance is too high.
[Link]. Resistances can also be compared to the original factory measurements or to sister
transformer. Agreement within 5% for any of the above comparison is considered
satisfactory.

3.3. PT INSULATION RESISTANCE TEST

3.3.2. Significance

The procedure for the testing of insulation resistance in a Potential Transformer is the same with the
Current Transformer insulation resistance test. The test connections and limits are also the same
except for the additional test to be conducted when the PT has a Tertiary Winding.

Wherein the following test should be included:

a. High Voltage winding to Tertiary Winding (P-T)

b. Secondary Winding to Tertiary Winding (S-T)
c. Tertiary Winding to Ground (T-G)

The test values should be normalized to 20°C for comparison purposes. The measured IR values
should be compared to factory test values if available for the purposes of evaluating the results. It
is advisable to watch for the trend to assess whether the measured values remain stable or are
heading downward. Although the measured value may be above the minimum value (see Table 3.1
and 3.2 below), a downward trend over a period of time may indicate changes which justify further
investigation.

Table 3.1. Minimum Acceptable Insulation Resistance at 20deg C for Safely

Energizing Electric Power Equipment
Minimum Acceptable
Nominal Voltage Class Typical System Voltagea
Resistance (MΩ)b
120, 240, 480 V AC; 125, 1.5
600 V
250 V DC
 2.4 KV 2.4 KV 3.4
5 KV 4.16 KV 5.16
7.2 KV 6.9 KV 8.2
15 KV 13.8 KV 14.8
36 KV 20-25,34.5 KV 35.0
72 KV 69 KV 70.0
145 KV 115, 138 KV 139.0
242 KV 230 KV 231.0
550 KV 500 KV 501.0
a RMS AC except as shown.
b Resistances above these values do not necessarily indicate sound insulation condition, but only
that the equipment may be energized without significant risk of disruptive failure.

Table 3.2. Representative Insulation Resistance Values for Electrical Apparatus

Recommended Minimum
Nominal Rating of Minimum Test Voltage (DC
Insulation Resistance
Equipment (V) V)
(MΩ)
250 500 25
600 1,000 100
1,000 1,000 100
2,500 1,000 500
5,000 2,500 1,000
8,000 2,500 2,000
15,000 2,500 5,000
25,000 5,000 20,000
34,500 and above 15,000 100,000
Source:
From NETA Maintenance Testing Specifi cations, Table 100-1, International Electrical Testing Association,
Portage, MI, 2005. With permission.
Note:
In the absence of consensus standards dealing with insulation–resistance tests, the NETA Standards Review
Council suggests the above representative values. Note that the insulation resistance values given in Table 2
are much higher than the insulation resistance values of Table 1 because the values in Table 2 are desired
minimum values whereas the values in Table 1 are the absolute minimum for energizing equipment without a
high risk of flashover. Test results are dependent on the temperature of the insulating material and the humidity
of the surrounding environment at the time of the test. Insulation–resistance test data may be used to establish
a trending pattern. Deviations from the baseline information permit evaluation of the insulation.

1.1. PT INSULATION POWER FACTOR TEST

1.1.1. Significance

Potential transformers (PTs) find widespread use on high-voltage power systems for voltage
indication in applications involving metering and relaying. IPF tests are performed routinely on
bushing and winding insulation of this equipment. Because of the low-voltage rating of PT secondary,
Table 2: IPF tests on this equipment are generally confined to the primary side.

In order to make IPF tests on a potential transformer, the unit is de-energized and the line terminal(s)
are grounded before any attempt is made to isolate any terminals. Since the secondary of two or
 more PTs may be paralleled, voltage can be back-fed through the secondary to produce a high
voltage across the primary winding on a seemingly de-energized unit. In addition to isolating and
grounding line terminal(s) of the primary winding, secondary fuses and other leads should be
removed to isolate the unit from the system completely and effectively.

Test Voltage

For PTs designed for line-to-line operation, the test voltage is determined on the basis of the
operating voltage which normally exists between the line terminals and ground. For PTs designed for
line-to-ground operation, the test voltage is generally limited by the voltage rating of the neutral
terminal. The neutral may be rated 5 kV, and perhaps less. It is preferable to perform the various
tests on each PT at the same voltage.

For the Cross-Check test with the neutral bushing connected to guard, a higher test voltage may be
applied, since the neutral is essentially at ground potential for these measurements. The two exciting
current tests must be made at the same voltage for purposes of comparison. In the case of line-to-
ground PTs, this test voltage is limited by the rating of the neutral bushing, usually 5 kV or less.

Liquid-Filled Line-to-Ground PTs:

For all kV ratings, a complete series of tests is performed at the voltage permitted by the neutral-
terminal rating. Usually, this is 5 kV or less. In addition, the Cross-Check test with the line terminal(s)
energized, and H0 guarded, is made at 10 kV, or at the rated transformer line-to-ground voltage,
whichever is lower.

Liquid-Filled Line-to-Line PTs:

For units rated 15 kV insulation class (e.g., 14.4 kV units) and above, perform the complete series of
tests at 10kV. For units rated below 15 kV insulation class (i.e. units below 12 kV nameplate rating),
select a convenient test voltage which is equal to or below the nameplate voltage rating.

Table 3.3. Recommended Doble Test Voltages for Liquid-Filled Line-to-line PTs
Line-to-line PTs Rated Below 15 KV Insulation Class
PT Voltage Rating (KV) Test Voltage (KV)
7.2 to 8.7 5.0
4.2 to 5.0 2.5
2.4 2.0

Sometimes it is useful to investigate abnormal results on these units (all ratings) by making a series
of tests at several voltages, to determine if the condition causing the abnormal result is nonlinear or
voltage sensitive within the range of Test Equipment test voltages. This might include increasing the
test voltage to 12 kV in the case of units normally tested at 10 kV.

Dry-Type Line-to-Ground PTs:

For all kV ratings, a complete series of tests (as outlined later in this section for the appropriate PT
type) is performed at the same voltage. The voltage selected must not exceed the rating of the
neutral terminal. Usually, this is 5 kV or less. In addition, the Cross-Check test with H1 energized and
H0 guarded is repeated at 10 kV or at the transformer rated line-to-ground voltage, whichever is
lower.

Dry-Type Line-to-Line PTs:

 For units rated above 15 kV insulation class, the complete series of tests (as outlined later in this
section for the appropriate PT type) is performed at 2 Kv and 10 kV. For units rated 15 kV insulation
class and below, the various tests should be performed at the following test voltages:

Table 3.4. Recommended Insulation Power-factor Test Voltages for Dry-Type Line-
to-Line PTs (Rated 15 KV Insulation Class and Below)
Test Designation Test Voltages
a. 2 KV
b. Lint-to-ground Operating Voltage
Overall
c. 10% to 25% Above Line-to-Ground
Operating Voltage
a. 2 KV
Cross-Check
b. Line-to-Ground Operating Voltage
Exciting Current a. Lint-To-Ground Operating Voltage

1.1.2. Test Procedure

1. Single-Phase Potential Transformers

The test procedure for single-phase potential transformers is outlined below. For test 1, the high
voltage cable energizes the PT primary which has been short-circuited (se Figure 3.9). For tests 2 to
5, the shorting jumper cable is removed, and the high voltage cable is placed on the bushing in the
Energize column, while a low voltage lead is placed on the bushing in the Guard or the UST column.
The two exciting current tests, tests 4 and 5, must be made at the same test voltage to enable
comparison of results.

HV Leads

X1 and Y1 are
connected to
Ground and
other terminals
left floating

Figure 3.1. Single Phase PT Overall Test Connection (GST – Ground)

 LV Leads
HV Leads

X1 and Y1 are
connected to
Ground and
other terminals
left floating

Figure 3.2. Single Phase PT Cross-Check Test Connection (GST – Guard) / for Excitation Test
Switch Test Mode to UST

Table 3: Test Procedure for Single Phase Potential Transformer

NOTE:

(1) All secondary leads not indicated are isolated at the secondary terminal box of the PT and left floating (i.e.,
ground only one leg of each secondary winding, and let the other secondary terminals float). Also, if the unit
under test is a spare, or is otherwise not installed in service position, then apply an external ground to the
device housing.

(2) Some manufacturers may designate the H2 bushing as H0, especially if it is a neutral bushing on a line-to-
ground PT.
 (3) For the Cross-Check tests the test potential is graded along the winding, from full test potential on the
energized bushing to approximately zero voltage on the guarded bushing and winding end.

(4) Supplementary Hot-Collar tests are regularly performed on the primary line-terminal bushings if these
bushings are solid porcelain, compound-filled, and bushings of molded-type PTs. Hot-Collar tests may be
performed on other bushing types when investigating abnormal Overall and Cross-Check results.

(5) An alternate test can be used when bushing positioning doesn’t allow short-circuiting the primary winding for
test 1, under” Cascade Potential Transformers”.

To perform Test 1, short-circuit the primary winding, ground the secondaries, then connect the High-Voltage
Test Cable to the primary and energize. The circuit description is GND-RB. A Low-Voltage (LV) Lead is not
used in Test 1(see Figure 3.1 Test connections), but is used for Tests 2 through 5. To perform Test 2, remove
the short-circuit jumper from across the primary winding, then connect the HV Cable to H1 and the LV Lead to
H2, with the test set circuit description set to GST- Guard RB (see Figure 3.2 Test connections). Then, set the
circuit description to UST-RB and perform Test 4, one of two of the excitation-current measurements. After
completing Tests 2 and 4, de-energize the test set and move the HV Cable to H2 and the LV Lead to H1.
Perform Tests 3 and 5 in the manner described above for Tests 2 and 4.

WARNING:
The ground terminal H0 must be reconnected to ground before returning the Single Phase Metering
Outfit to service.

The current and watts are recorded for Tests 1, 2, and 3, and the power factors are calculated. The current
(i.e., the excitation current) only is recorded for Tests 4 and 5. If the unit is oil-filled, then the calculated power
factors are corrected for ambient temperature using the curve labelled: Oil-Filled Instrument Transformers. The
measured Overall and Cross-Check power factors of dry-type PTs are not corrected for temperature.

1.1.3. Test Result Analysis

The corrected Overall power factor should be compared with the results of previous tests (if any), with results
recorded for other similar units on the system, and with data tabulated in the Instrument Transformer section of
the Test-Data Reference Book.

For most PTs, both Cross-Check power factors compare closely with the Overall power factor. In some units it
is normal for one Cross-Check power factor to be higher than the Overall. This is exemplified somewhat by the
data shown for a Typical Good Unit. This pattern may also occur in non-cascade PTs; for example, General
Electric Company Type ES. The Cross-Check tests provide useful supplementary data, particularly when the
Overall test results are questionable. For example, if the Overall power factor is higher than expected, then the
Cross-Check tests will help to differentiate between a general condition or one localized in a bushing or one
end of a winding. Note the following example:

Table 4: Sample Test Results on Single Phase Potential

Transformer
 The results on the Suspect Unit above indicate a problem with the H1 bushing itself or, possibly,
deterioration or contamination in an area of the primary winding relatively close to the H1 terminal. In
the examples above, note that the sum of the two Cross-Check current (mA) and watts values (not
power factor) approximately equal the Overall values.

Failure of the results to agree may be the result of internal winding problems (open circuits) or poor
connections at bushing terminals. Thus, this technique is not only effective in determining the location
of insulation or winding problems, but is also helpful in verifying that the Overall and Cross-Check
tests were performed correctly, and that the various readings were properly calculated and recorded.

1.2. Supplementary Test

1.2.1. Significance
While conventional Overall and Cross-Check tests often provide complete information, other supplementary
tests (below) may occasionally be used to further pinpoint the source of abnormally high losses and power
factor.

Table 5: Supplementary Tests for Single Phase Potential Transformer

For Tests 6, 7, 8, and 9, the current and watts are recorded, and the power factors are calculated and
corrected for temperature, if applicable. Tests 6 and 7 are direct measurements of the interwinding
insulations. Tests 8 and 9 are similar to Tests 2 and 3, respectively, except for the elimination of
interwinding insulation losses, thus making these measurements more sensitive to the condition of
the primary bushings alone. Tests 8 and 9 would not be performed if conventional UST
measurements are made on the H1 and H2 bushings with taps.

Hot Collar Tests:

Single and/or Multiple Hot-Collar tests are regularly performed on the primary line-temminal
bushings if the bushings are solid porcelain, compound-filled, and of molded-type PTs. Hot-Collar
tests may be performed on other bushing types when investigating abnormal Overall and Cross-
Check results.

Excitation-Current Tests:

The excitation-currents obtained for Tests 4 and 5 should compare with each other. This
measurement detects internal winding and core problems.

Liquid Insulation Tests:

Investigation of abnormal results on liquid-filled PTs may include separate power factor and other
screen tests on a representative sample of the insulating liquid. Drawing of liquid samples may not be
feasible, and must take into account the total liquid volume of the unit, which may be small.
Investigation of abnormal test results on PTs generally should include supplementary tests at several
voltages.

2. Single-Phase Potential Transformer with Internal Primary Ground

In some single-phase PTs, the neutral of the primary winding is grounded internally (Figure 5.10).

Figure 3.3. Single Phase PT with Internally Grounded

Test Procedure a Standard Overall power-factor test is not possible on the PT shown in
Figure 3.3. Power-factor and excitation-current tests can be performed as outlined below:
Table 6: Modified Test Procedure for Single Phase PT’s

Figure 3.4. Cascade Potential Transformer

3. Cascade Potential Transformers:

In cascade potential transformers, the primary winding consists of a number of winding sections
connected in series, in which the secondary winding is inductively coupled only to the last or bottom-
most section of the primary as shown in Figure 3.4.

Test Procedure The standard test technique and analysis of results for cascade (line-to-ground)
potential transformers is the same as for conventional units. In some cascade PTs it may be difficult
to short-circuit H1 and H0 for the Overall test. An alternative procedure for performing the Overall test
on this type of unit is outlined below:
Table 7: Cascade Potential Transformer

The secondaries must be short-circuited and grounded for this test only! Tests 2 through 5 same as
for conventional PT.

The alternative Overall technique outlined above requires that the secondaries be short-circuited and
grounded. The short-circuited secondaries cause the primary to be effectively short-circuited by
transformer action, thereby allowing a proper test result to be obtained.

WARNING:
The ground terminal H0 must be reconnected to ground before returning the Single Phase Metering
Outfit to service.

1.2.2. Test Result Analysis

In a cascade PT, the capacitance to ground at the H1 end is often substantially lower than the
capacitance to ground at the H0 end. Because of the low capacitance and losses normally
associated with the H1 Cross-Check test, this measurement may be influenced by surface leakage,
thereby producing a pattern whereby the Overall and H2 Cross-Check power factors are acceptably
low, but where the H1 Cross-Check power factor is seemingly high, as shown in the following
example:

Table 8: Sample Test Result on Cascade Potential Transformer

With one exception, the analysis of test data for cascade potential transformers is the same as for
conventional units. Because of the relatively low current usually recorded for Test 2 as illustrated
 above for a Typical Good Unit, the results recorded for this measurement should be analyzed on the
basis of watts. That is, the watts-loss recorded for Test 2 is compared with previous tests (if any), and
with the watts recorded for other similar units on the system.

Thus, for cascade PTs, it is misleading to compare the H1 Cross-Check power factor with the
corresponding Overall power factor or with the data tabulated in the Instrument Transformer section
of the Test-Data Reference Book, which is based solely on Overall power factors.

4. Three-Phase Potential Transformers:

Test Procedure The test procedure for a three-phase potential transformer (three line-voltage
bushings and one neutral bushing in a single grounded tank) is as follows:

Table 9: Test Procedure for Three Phase Potential Transformers

The power factor is recorded for Tests 1 through 5, and corrected for ambient temperature, whereas
only the charging current is recorded for the excitation-current tests (Tests 6, 7, and 8). The analysis
of the results for a three-phase potential transformer is similar to a single-phase unit.

NOTE:
The sum of the current and watts for the four Cross-Check tests (Tests 2, 3, 4, and 5) should
approximate the current and watts obtained for Overall test 1.
In designs where the oil in the line bushings is common with the oil in the main tank, supplementary
Hot-Collar tests must be performed on the three line bushings, with particular emphasis on the
charging current, to determine that each bushing has the proper level of oil. Investigation of abnormal
results on all liquid-filled PTs may include separate power factor and other screen tests on a
representative sample of the insulating liquid.