Document Number: EI 09-0001

Date: 10/03/2009

ENGINEERING INSTRUCTION

EI 09-0001

HIGH VOLTAGE INSULATION TESTING POLICY

Network(s):

EPN, LPN, SPN

Summary:

This engineering instruction details the policy for the on-site insulation
testing of new and existing high voltage cables, switchgear and
transformers.

Originator:

Paul Williams

Date:

10/03/2009

Approved
By:

Colin Gardner

Approved Date:

28/04/2009

Review Date:

11/02/2011

This document forms part of the Companys Integrated Business System and its requirements are mandatory throughout EDF
Energy Networks Branch. Departure from these requirements may only be taken with the written approval of the Director of
Capital Programme. If you have any queries about this document please contact the originator of the current issue.

Document History
(The document history notes below are intended as a guide only and may not cover all of the changes. If you wish to make use
of this document it should be read in full.)

Version

Date

Details

Originator

5.0

10/03/2009 Revision to test voltage for 66 and 132kV

cables

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Paul Williams

THIS IS AN UNCONTROLLED DOCUMENT, THE READER MUST CONFIRM ITS VALIDITY BEFORE USE

Version: 5.0

High Voltage Insulation Testing Policy

Document Number: EI 09-0001

Version: 5.0
Date: 10/03/2009

Contents
1

Introduction ............................................................................................................. 4

Scope ....................................................................................................................... 4

References............................................................................................................... 4

Testing ..................................................................................................................... 5

4.1

General ..................................................................................................................... 5

4.2

New Apparatus.......................................................................................................... 5

4.3

Existing Apparatus..................................................................................................... 5

4.4

Test Application......................................................................................................... 5

4.5

Test Methods............................................................................................................. 6

Cable Testing........................................................................................................... 6

5.1

New and Existing Cables up to and including 33kV ................................................... 6

5.2

Acceptable IR Values ................................................................................................ 7

5.3

Cable Fault Location up to 33kV................................................................................ 7

5.4

Cable Over-sheath Tests 11kV to 33kV Cables...................................................... 7

5.5

New and Existing Cables 66kV and 132kV Oil and Gas Pressure Assisted
Cables ....................................................................................................................... 8

5.6

New and Existing Cables - 66kV and 132kV cables containing XLPE insulated
Cable......................................................................................................................... 8

5.7

Cable Fault Location 66kV and 132kV.................................................................... 9

5.8

Cable Over-sheath Tests 66kV and 132kV Cables ................................................. 9

5.9

Switchgear Associated with Cable Testing .............................................................. 10

Switchgear Testing................................................................................................ 10

6.1

Test Voltages .......................................................................................................... 10

6.1.1

New switchgear ....................................................................................................... 10

6.1.2

Existing switchgear.................................................................................................. 10

6.1.3

Application of test voltage........................................................................................ 11

6.2

Alternative Soak Test for 66kV and 132kV GIS Switchgear ..................................... 12

6.3

Air Insulated Bus Bars and Disconnectors............................................................... 12

Transformer Testing.............................................................................................. 12

7.1

Transformer Tails and Test Access ......................................................................... 13

Overhead Line Testing.......................................................................................... 14

Test Results ........................................................................................................... 14

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Document Number: EI 09-0001

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Tables
Table 1:

Minimum test voltages for new and existing cables up to and including 33kV ...... 6

Table 2:

Maximum voltage levels for fault location for cable up to and including 33kV....... 7

Table 3:

Cable over-sheath test voltages for cables up to 33kV ........................................ 8

Table 4:

Minimum test voltages for new and existing fluid and gas filled 66kV and
132kV cables ....................................................................................................... 8

Table 5:

Minimum test voltages for new 66kV and 132kV XLPE cables ............................ 9

Table 6:

Minimum test voltages for 66kV and 132kV Cable System containing existing
sections of cable.................................................................................................. 9

Table 7:

Maximum voltage levels for fault location for 66kV and 132kV Cable Systems .... 9

Table 8:

Cable over-sheath test voltages for cables - 66kV and 132kV ........................... 10

Table 9:

Test voltages for new extensible switchgear ...................................................... 11

Table 10: Test voltages for existing switchgear ................................................................. 11

Table 11: Test voltages for transformers ........................................................................... 13
Table 12: Maximum test voltages for transformers (for example where other equipment
is connected) ..................................................................................................... 13

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High Voltage Insulation Testing Policy

Document Number: EI 09-0001

Version: 5.0
Date: 10/03/2009

Introduction

This engineering instruction details the policy for the on-site insulation testing of high voltage
cables, switchgear and transformers. The purpose of on-site insulation testing is to
demonstrate that apparatus can be safely connected to the system.
The testing regime detailed in this policy is designed to avoid unnecessary overstressing and
to prolong the life of the apparatus. It should identify any gross defect, damage or earths left
connected at a remote end. The testing regime is based on current practice from the
relevant British and International standards together with current practice used on the three
EDF Energy networks. Consideration has been given to safety of field staff, the availability of
test equipment and the relative merits of ac, dc and very low frequency (VLF) ac testing.
This policy supersedes the following documents:

EPN: EDM V12/S1/8 - Site Insulation Tests for High Voltage Equipment.

LPN: E5-6-1 - Dielectric Testing.

LPN: E5-6-1-1 - HV Dielectric Testing.

SPN: EI 9-001-12 - Site Insulation Testing of Cables, Switchgear and Transformers.

SPN: Site Testing & Commissioning Manual 2.N3 - On-site Insulation Testing of
Cables, Switchgear & Transformers.

Scope

This policy applies to the insulation testing of cables, switchgear and transformers from
1000V to 132kV on the EPN, LPN, SPN and private networks and includes:

New apparatus before it is connected to the system for the first time.

Existing apparatus after it has been modified, repaired or moved.

Existing solid cable after it has been de-energised for an extended period.

Cable fault locating.

The testing of insulated cable sheaths.

Overhead lines where insulation testing is not considered practicable.

This policy does not seek to provide condition monitoring information or partial discharge
information.

References

EDF Energy Distribution Safety Rules

EI 05-1001 Commissioning Policy

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High Voltage Insulation Testing Policy

Document Number: EI 09-0001

Version: 5.0
Date: 10/03/2009

Testing

4.1

General

Testing shall be carried out:

After apparatus is installed (or re-installed) but before energisation for the first time.

After work on the insulation of apparatus, but not normally after routine maintenance.

After cable with solid insulation has been intentionally left de-energised for more than
one month

For new and re-commissioned equipment the interval between testing and energisation from
the system should be the minimum practicable:

Cables up to and including 11kV no more than 24 hours.

Cable systems from 22kV and up to and including 132kV this should normally be no
longer than 72 hours.

However for cables at all voltages an extension to this period is available to the SAP
providing the integrity of the system can be assured by for example visual inspection of
the route or the completion of another successful sheath test.

Swinger transformers and other standby equipment that is left intentionally de-energised
will need to be energised monthly to avoid the need for isolation and testing.

Dispensation to vary from the test methods and voltage levels set out in this policy
for test voltages above nominal phase to earth voltages can be granted by the EDF
Energy Asset Optimisation and Technology Manager. Where the test voltage is lower
than the nominal phase to earth voltage, permission to test should be sought from the
Head of Asset Management.
4.2

New Apparatus

All new apparatus should, following installation, be successfully tested once at the voltage
specified in this policy. Where the manufacturer recommends tests that differ from this policy
guidance shall be obtained from Asset Management.
4.3

Existing Apparatus

All apparatus which has been de-energised and has knowingly had the insulation affected
(except changing oil and topping up SF6) shall be subjected to an insulation test as specified
in this policy.
4.4

Test Application

Where two or more items of apparatus are connected, the apparatus requiring the least
onerous test determines the test voltage.
Site engineers shall take account of the risks involved in disconnecting equipment compared
with the risks of a reduced voltage test.
Equipment installed to run initially at a lower voltage than its rating shall be tested according
to its rating before connection to the lower voltage system. If, after this test, the insulation is
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High Voltage Insulation Testing Policy

Document Number: EI 09-0001

Version: 5.0
Date: 10/03/2009

in any way disturbed, e.g. a 33kV cable is jointed to an 11kV cable, an insulation test voltage
appropriate to the working voltage shall be applied before commissioning.
4.5

Test Methods

This policy includes both dc and ac test methods. A dc test is usually carried out using an
insulation tester with the appropriate voltage output, such as a Megger or dc pressure test
set. An ac test is usually carried out using an ac test set or test van to give the required
voltage. Where both dc and ac tests are specified for equipment or cables either test may be
used.
For cables it is necessary to apply the test voltage and allow the cable to fully charge up.
Generally with test sets the timing begins when the set has reached the required voltage and
for insulation resistance (IR) testers the time begins when the IR value has stabilised.
Also, with some newer IR test sets, the test is considered a pass if the cable remains at the
specified voltage for the duration of one minute - the voltage will drop if the insulation breaks
down during that time span.
Partial discharge testing methods are being developed and operational advice will need to
be followed.

Cable Testing

5.1

New and Existing Cables up to and including 33kV

It is essential before energisation to ensure the cable is continuous from end to end. This will
check that the cable is laid as planned and that any route joints have been completed.
These voltages can also be used for testing transformer tails between the winding and earth
but see also section 7.1.
Table 1 shows the minimum voltages to be used. Voltages up to those mentioned in Table 2
are acceptable if site conditions require.
Table 1:

Minimum test voltages for new and existing cables up to and including
33kV

Rated Line
Voltage
(kV)

Cable
Type

6.6 (2 &
3.3)

All
Types

11

All
Types
Note 1

20 & 22

All
Types

33

All
Types

DC Test1

Test Application

Voltage
(kV)

Duration
(min)

Test voltage applied to one phase with the

other two phase connected to earth/metallic
screen

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Notes:
1.

Partial discharge mapping carried out in London, mainly at 11kV, is used as a commissioning test. These tests do
require the test voltage to be of the order of 1.5Uo ac at 0.1Hz for a period of up to 15 minutes.

5.2

Acceptable IR Values

It is not possible to specify a lowest acceptable insulation resistance value for dc testing (as
it depends on a number of factors including cable type/length, weather conditions, etc.) all
three cores should be similar and a different value on one core would indicate a problem.
The determining factor here will be whether any of the phases has an unacceptably low
reading (1M) or a drastically different reading. Engineering judgement needs to be applied
to the value obtained. If traditional fault location fails to indicate a fault then connecting the
circuit to the network for a 24 hour soak test is acceptable. If customers will be affected by
the fault occurring during this test the number of customers must be as low as reasonably
practical.
5.3

Cable Fault Location up to 33kV

It is permissible to apply higher dc voltages for fault location up to the maximum shown in
Table 2.
Table 2:

Maximum voltage levels for fault location for cable up to and including
33kV

Rated Line Voltage

(kV)

5.4

dc Test Voltage (kV) to

Earth

6.6

11

12

20 & 22

24

33

36

Cable Over-sheath Tests 11kV to 33kV Cables

The test voltages for over-sheath tests are given in Table 3. Tests are required for new
cables (having an insulated sheath) prior to energisation. Also, when returning an insulated
sheath cable to service following diversion or repair then a sheath test as shown in Table 3
is required.

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Document Number: EI 09-0001

Version: 5.0
Date: 10/03/2009

Table 3:

Cable over-sheath test voltages for cables up to 33kV

System
Nominal
Voltage (kV)

Minimum dc
Test Voltage
(kV)

Minimum dc
Test Voltage
(kV)

New cables

On return to
service

11

Test
Duration
(min)

Maximum
Leakage
Current
(mA)

Not
Applicable
5

20 & 22

33

10

Test
Application

Between
metallic
sheath and
earth

Note - specially bonded cable circuits complying with the requirements of ENA ER C55/4 may require further tests in addition to
the over-sheath tests above.

5.5

New and Existing Cables 66kV and 132kV Oil and Gas Pressure Assisted
Cables

It is essential before energisation to ensure the cable is continuous from end to end. This will
check that the cable is laid as planned and that any route joints have been completed.
The cable shall withstand a dc test voltage of negative polarity applied between the
conductor(s) and sheath with the sheath earthed.
Table 4 shows the minimum voltages to be used. No breakdown of the insulation shall occur.
Table 4:
Rated
Line
Voltage
(kV)
66
132

5.6

Minimum test voltages for new and existing fluid and gas filled 66kV and
132kV cables
dc Test
Voltage for
New Cable
Systems

Minimum dc
Test Voltage
for Systems
with old Cable

(kV)

(kV)

170

71

305

130

Duration
(min)

15

Test Application

Test voltage applied to one phase

with the other two phases
connected to earth/metallic screen

New and Existing Cables - 66kV and 132kV cables containing XLPE insulated
Cable

It is essential before energisation to ensure the cable is continuous from end to end. This will
check that the cable is laid as planned and that any route joints have been completed.
The cable shall withstand an ac test voltage applied between the conductor(s) and sheath
with the sheath earthed. Where possible a Partial Discharge (PD) test shall be carried out
during the ac test.
The test will normally be provided by a series resonant test set operating close to power
frequency.
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Document Number: EI 09-0001

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Table 5 shows the minimum voltages to be used. No breakdown of the insulation shall occur.
Table 5:

Minimum test voltages for new 66kV and 132kV XLPE cables
Rated
Line
Voltage
(kV)

Ac Test Voltage
for New Cable
Systems

66

72

132

132

Frequency Duration
(Hz)
(min)

(kV)
20 - 300

60

If the cable system contains sections of existing fluid filled, gas filled or XLPE cable the test
voltage should be reduced in line with table 6.
Table 6:

Minimum test voltages for 66kV and 132kV Cable System containing
existing sections of cable

Rated Line
Voltage
(kV)

Existing cable

Existing cable

Existing cable

< 5 years old

< 20 years old

> 20 years old

ac Test
Voltage

Duration
(min)

(kV)
66

72

132

132

5.7

ac Test
Voltage

Duration
(min)

(kV)
60

61
114

ac Test
Voltage

Duration
(min)

(kV)
60

54
95

60

Cable Fault Location 66kV and 132kV

It is permissible to apply higher dc voltages for fault location up to the maximum shown in
Table 7.
Table 7:

Maximum voltage levels for fault location for 66kV and 132kV Cable
Systems
Rated Line Voltage
(kV)

5.8

dc Test Voltage (kV) to

Earth

66

50

132

50

Cable Over-sheath Tests 66kV and 132kV Cables

The test voltages for over-sheath tests are given in Table 8. Tests are required for new
cables (having an insulated sheath) prior to energisation. Also, when returning an insulated
sheath cable to service following diversion or repair then a sheath test as shown in Table 8
is required.
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Table 8:

Cable over-sheath test voltages for cables - 66kV and 132kV

System
Nominal
Voltage (kV)

Minimum dc
Test Voltage
(kV)

Minimum dc
Test Voltage
(kV)

New cables

On return to
service

66
10
132

Test
Duration
(min)

Not
Applicable

Maximum
Leakage
Current
(mA)

10

Test
Application

Between
metallic
sheath and
earth

Note - specially bonded cable circuits complying with the requirements of ENA ER C55/4 may require further tests in addition to
the over-sheath tests above.

5.9

Switchgear Associated with Cable Testing

It shall be established whether the switchgear is capable of withstanding the cable test
voltage, otherwise, the least onerous test voltage shall be used.
Note: the specification for new switchgear ensures that all cable test access points will
withstand the highest cable test voltages mentioned in this document.

Switchgear Testing

6.1

Test Voltages

6.1.1

New switchgear

The test voltages to be used for new switchgear are given in Table 9. These test voltages
shall apply to:

all extensible switchgear which incorporates site made high-voltage connections.

any non-extensible switchgear where work has been done affecting the insulation.

For non-extensible switchgear at all voltages (including, for example, dead and live tank
132kV circuit-breakers) which has been factory tested, and on which no work has been done
on the insulation a test voltage of 5kV dc shall be applied for one minute.
6.1.2

Existing switchgear

The test voltages to be used for existing switchgear are given in Table 10. These test
voltages shall apply to:

all switchgear where work has been done affecting the insulation.

all switchgear which has been re-installed.

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6.1.3

Application of test voltage

The test voltages shall be applied:

1. Between phases and phase to earth with the contacts closed:
Test voltage applied to

Earth applied to

L1 and L2
L2 and L3

L3
L1

2. Across the open contacts:

Test voltage applied to

Earth applied to

L1, L2 and L3

L1, L2 and L3 opposite contacts

If surge diverters, neutral voltage displacement (NVD), capacitor bushings, etc. cannot be
disconnected then the manufacturers advice should be obtained before proceeding.
Table 9:

Test voltages for new extensible switchgear

Rated Line Voltage (kV)

Switchgear
Rated Voltage

Up to 11kV

12kV

22

20/22

24kV

40

33

36kV

56

66

72.5kV

112

132

145kV

220

Table 10:

ac Test
Voltage (kV)

Test Duration
(min)

1
1
1

1
1

Test voltages for existing switchgear

Rated Line Voltage (kV)

Switchgear
Rated Voltage

ac Test
Voltage (kV)
2

Up to 6.6

7.2kV

10

11

12kV other than

above

16.5

20/22

24kV other than

above

33

33
66
132

3
3

36kV

50

72.5kV

99

145kV

198

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Test Duration
(min)

1
2
2
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High Voltage Insulation Testing Policy

Document Number: EI 09-0001

Version: 5.0
Date: 10/03/2009

Notes:
1. The ac test voltage for new extensible switchgear is 80% of factory test and should also include a 5kV IR result both before
and after the ac test.
2. The switchgear will withstand the full test voltage applied to new equipment but to reduce the stress for this and subsequent
tests the test voltage for existing switchgear has been reduced to 1.5 times the line voltage.
3. See alternative soak test for 66kV and 132kV GIS switchgear.

6.2

Alternative Soak Test for 66kV and 132kV GIS Switchgear

An alternative regime for retesting, following an earlier full test, 66kV and 132kV GIS
switchgear is to connect the switchgear to the network for a 24 hour period to soak test it
rather than apply a voltage test.
This test has been approved because:

The difficulty, expense and risk of providing full test voltage immediately prior to
energisation.

GIS equipment, connecting and disconnecting the test set involves work on the
equipment; consequently the reconnection and re-gassing after removing the test set is
not then tested.

This option is available to the SAP who will supervise the re-commissioning if:
The switchgear is GIS, requiring opening of gas compartments for connecting and
disconnecting the test connections.

No external insulation has been disturbed in the parts being tested.

The protection is arranged such that in the event of a fault on the equipment being tested
no loss of supplies to customers shall occur.

The system fault level is reduced to the lowest possible level and access to the plant
under test is restricted.

6.3

Air Insulated Bus Bars and Disconnectors

Testing of air insulated bus bars, air break isolators or post insulators, etc. is not required by
this policy providing a visual inspection is made prior to energisation.

Transformer Testing

The assembly of transformers, transport arrangements, quality controls during installation

and sealing is such that high voltage insulation testing is generally unnecessary. Unless
otherwise agreed with the manufacturer the only testing required for transformers (including
pole-mounted) is insulation resistance testing using the test voltages given in Table 11. The
insulation resistance shall be comparable with the original test documentation (if available).
If, in order to test other equipment, it is necessary to apply a higher test voltage to the
windings, then the voltages given in Table 12 should not be exceeded.

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Table 11:

Test voltages for transformers

Test

System
Nominal
Voltage (kV)

dc Test
Voltage
(kV)

Test
Duration
(min)

Test Application

Up to 6.6
11

22

Winding
Insulation

33
66
132

Core
Insulation

All

1 2.5 1

Apply to each winding in turn

with the other winding(s)
earthed

2.5

Core insulation should be clear of

earth with core earth link
removed and connected to earth
after core earth link replaced

Notes: The test voltage specified in the manufacturers test documentation should be used.

Table 12:

Maximum test voltages for transformers (for example where other

equipment is connected)

System Nominal Voltage

(kV)

DC Test Voltage (kV)

6.6

6.6

11

11

22

22

33

33

66

66

66 (graded insulation)

30

132 (graded insulation)

50

Test Duration (min)

If a higher test voltage is to be considered, the manufacturer should be consulted prior to

testing.
7.1

Transformer Tails and Test Access

Where test access is available transformer tails must always be tested. Where test access
requires the dismantlement of apparatus and the SAP considers the risk to personnel of
gaining the test access is higher than the risk of failure then the test may be omitted. This
will usually apply at 11kV primary substations where the cable tails are within the EDF
Energy site and there is no reason to believe there has been any damage.

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Overhead Line Testing

Insulation testing of overhead lines is not considered reasonably practicable. However,

before commissioning, a visual inspection shall be made of new overhead lines and the
modified parts of previously energised lines.
Also, before re-commissioning overhead lines that have been de-energised for an extended
period of time, a risk assessment shall be made to decide if a visual inspection is required.
This assessment shall take into account factors, such as the activity of third parties in the
vicinity of the circuit and severe weather conditions.

Test Results

The results of the tests shall be recorded in the substation log book where available.
Additionally the EDF Energy Commissioning Policy (EI 05-1001) provides guidance.

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