The Acceptance Test for Transmission and

Distribution Substations

Carlos J. Nogueras #48481

Enoc. Betancourt #37611

EE 4436 – Electrical Distribution

Prof. Asdrubal Morales

Date: Oct 18, 2016

Contents
Introduction.............................................................................................................................................3
Electrical Substation:...............................................................................................................................4
Acceptance Test:.....................................................................................................................................5
Transformer:............................................................................................................................................6
Transformer Acceptance tests:................................................................................................................8
Circuit Breakers:....................................................................................................................................12
Types circuit breakers:...........................................................................................................................12
Surge Arresters:.....................................................................................................................................20
Types of Arresters..................................................................................................................................20
Acceptance Test for Surge Arrester in Transmission and Distribution Substations...............................22
Potential Transformers (P.T.).................................................................................................................23
Potential Transformer Testing...............................................................................................................24
Current Transformers (C.T.):..................................................................................................................25
Current Transformer Test (C.T.).............................................................................................................27
Grounding System:................................................................................................................................29
Grounding System Tests........................................................................................................................31
Switchgear.............................................................................................................................................33
Electrical Switchgear Testing.................................................................................................................33
Pictures..................................................................................................................................................37
Conclusion.............................................................................................................................................38
Bibliography...........................................................................................................................................39

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Introduction

The Acceptance Test for Transmission and Distribution substation application is to show
the importance of acceptance testing in electrical substations. The substation is the
most important part of an electrical generation, transmission, and distribution system. A
substation consists of a group of equipment that’s performs an important position of the
power transfer. Some important substation components are: transformers, breakers,
surge arresters, PT’s, CT’s and grounding system.

The priority of this project is to search the various acceptance tests requirements for a
new substation equipment such as: transformers, breakers, surge arresters, P. T’s, C.
T’s and ground systems also to illustrate how vital it is for these tests to occur before
and after. The information about each piece of equipment with a thorough breakdown of
how they operate in the substation and what acceptance test are required to be done in
order to know if the piece of equipment will be able to contribute its essential role in the
substation or if it will have to changed.

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Electrical Substation

The substation is an important element of electrical generation, transmission, and

distribution system. Substations transforms voltages from high to low, or the reverse, or
perform any of several other important functions. Electric power may flow through
several substations between generating plant and consumer, and its voltage may
change in several steps.

In a substation that has a step-up transformer the application is to increase the voltage
while decreasing the current, while a step-down transformer decreases the voltage
while increasing the current for domestic and commercial distribution. The word
substation comes from the days before the distribution system became a grid. The first
substations were connected to only one power station, where the generators were
housed, and were subsidiaries of that power station.

The substations generally have switching, protection and transformer, and control
equipment. The large substation is composed of circuit breakers that are used to
interrupt any short circuits or overload currents that may occur on the network. In the
other hand, smaller distributions stations may use reclose circuit breakers or fuses
for protection of distribution circuits. Substations themselves do not usually have
generators, although a power plant may have a substation nearby. Other devices such
as capacitors and voltage regulators may also be located at a substation.

For a construction of a substation is necessary to perform some acceptance test

generally on the following equipment:

 Current Transformers(C.T.’s)

 Transformer

 Potential transformer(P.T.’s)

 Surge arrester

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  Circuit breakers

 Grounding System

Acceptance Test

The first acceptance inspection, testing and start-up procedures is the most critical. The
initial inspections, both internal and external, should reveal any missing parts or items
that were damaged in transit; they should also verify that the transformer is constructed
exactly as specified. The acceptance tests reveal any manufacturing defects, indicate
any internal deficiencies, and establish baseline data for future testing on the
equipment.
 The start-up procedures should ensure that the transformer is properly
connected, and that no latent deficiencies exist before the transformer is
energized. Ensuring that the transformer starts right is the best way to guarantee
dependable operation throughout its service life span.
 Some manufacturers recommend a wide range of acceptance and start-up
procedures.

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Transformer

The device that changes AC electric power at one voltage level to AC electric power at
another voltage level through the action of a magnetic field is a transformer. It consists
of two or more coils of wire wrapped around a common ferromagnetic core. These coils
are not directly connected. The only connection between the coils is the common
magnetic flux present within core.

One of the transformers winding is connected to a source of AC electric power, and the
second transformer winding supplies electric power to loads. The transformer winding
connected to the power source is called the primary winding or input winding, and the
winding connected to the loads is called the winding connected to the loads is called the
secondary winding or output winding.

Figure 1: Transformer

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The transformation has a direct relation with the turn’s ratio, where the turn ratio can
define a, and simplify:

N 1 V 1(t)
= =a
N 2 V 2(t)

The relation between the i1 flowing into the primary side of the transformer and the
current i2 flowing out of the secondary side of the transformer is:

N 1 I 1=N 2 I 2

I1 1
=
I2 a

The electrical transformers can be configured as either a single-phase or a three-phase

configuration. In distribution power system is most common used a three phase
transformer for industries loads and single phase transformer for residential loads
Distribution transformer are used to reduce the primary system voltages (4.16, 8.32,
13.2,38 KV) to the utilization voltage (120 to 600V).

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 Figure 2: Transmission transformer

Transformer Acceptance tests

This work is limited in scope to standard testing procedures for transformers before the
installation, with their general purpose and methodology. Testing of the transformers is
done to determine their electrical, thermal and mechanical suitability for the system
where they will be applied or used. Most of the tests performed on power transformers
are defined in national standards created by IEEE, NEMA and ANSI, whose purpose is
to define a uniform set of tests recognized by both the manufacturer and the user.

When a transformer fails, the time of failure tests will decide whether the unit can be
repaired at the site or whether it needs to be returned to the manufacturer, or a
specialized center for repair. By comparing the results of the tests with the established
norms, a 'history' of the transformer can be compiled, and the reasons for failure can be
diagnosed. Some transformer acceptance tests are:

 Turns Ratio Test

The Transformer Turns Ratio test is used to make sure that the Turns Ratio between
the windings of the transformer is correct. This ratio decides what the output voltage
of the transformer will be with respect to the input voltage. The ratio is calculated
under no-load conditions, with ratios calculated at the tap positions for each winding
and for the winding as a whole. A voltage is applied to one winding and the
voltmeters connected to both low voltage and high voltage windings are read
simultaneously. The transformer ratio is the ratio of the HV voltmeter and the LV
voltmeter readings. The ratio tests on three-phase transformers, is taken on one
phase at a time, and the measured ratio should be compared with the ratio
calculated using nameplate voltages. Any variation should be within 5%.

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Figure 3: 3-phase Transformer Turns
Ratio Meter Unit

 Power Factor

This test is made to monitor the dryness of transformer insulation. Power

factor is defined as the ratio of the power dissipated divided by the input
volt-ampere multiplied by 100. The measurement of power factor is made
with a capacitance bridge and the connections are the same as for the
insulation resistance tests.

 Insulation Resistance Test

The winding insulation resistance test (also known as the Megger test) is a
measure of quality of insulation within the transformer. It can vary due to
moisture content, cleanliness and the temperature of the insulation parts.
All measurements are corrected to 20'C for comparison purposes. It is
recommended that tank and core are always grounded when this test is
performed. Each winding should be short-circuited at the bushing
terminals. Resistances are then measured between each winding and all
other windings and ground (for 2 winding transformer - H-LG, L-HG and
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 HL-G and three winding transformer H-LTG, L-HTG, T-HLG, HL-TG, HT-
LG, LT- HG and HLT-G).

 Oil Test
The sample of insulating oil from a transformer in service can reveal much
information about what is taking place inside the transformer. There are
three basic enemies to insulating oil - oxidation, contamination and
excessive temperature. The following tests can be done:
 Acid number
 Dielectric breakdown
 Power factor
 Moisture content
 Interfacial tension
After performing the tests the oil can classified as reusable; reusable with
minor reconditioning; or disposable. 

 Resistance

The resistance of a transformer winding can be measured after current

has not passed through the transformer for several hours, allowing it to
reach the same temperature as its surroundings. Winding resistance is
calculated by measuring the voltage and current simultaneously, with the
current as close to the rated current as possible. Calculating the winding
resistance can be helpful as it lets you calculate and compensate for I 2R
losses, a major component of load losses as a whole. 

Winding resistance measurements can be made to determine if any

changes have occurred in the current carrying path. The winding
resistance measurements should be made with a Wheatstone bridge,

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 Kelvin bridge or similar bridge capable of measuring fractional ohms
accurately.  For Wye connected values, measurements should be made
between each pair of bushings, then summed and multiplied by three-
halves to get the comparison value.

Figure 4: Insulation
Resistance and Polarization Index System

 Phase Relation

The phase relation test is carried out for poly-phase (for instance, three-
phase) transformers to make sure that they have been connected in such
a way that their phase relationship is correct.  A phase relation test
calculates the angular displacement and relative phase sequence of the
transformer, and can be carried out in conjunction with ratio and polarity
tests.  The voltages of the phase of primary and secondary can be
recorded and comparisons made to get the phase relation.
 Polarity
The polarity of a transformer is either additive or subtractive. In order to
find out the polarity of a transformer, a voltage is applied between the
primary bushings.  If the resultant voltage between the secondary
bushings is greater than the applied voltage that means that the

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 transformer has additive polarity.  If it is lower, the transformer has
subtractive polarity. Polarity is not important for a single connected
distribution transformer, but it is a vital concern if transformers are to be
paralleled or bank connected. Three phase transformers are also checked
for polarity by the same means.

Circuit Breakers

The circuit breakers are an automatically-operated electrical switch designed to protect

an electrical circuit from damage caused by overload or short circuit. Circuit breaker
function is to detect a fault condition and, by interrupting continuity, to immediately
discontinue electrical flow. Unlike a fuse, which operates once and then has to be
replaced, a circuit breaker can be reset to resume normal operation. Circuit breakers
are made in varying sizes, from small devices that protect an individual household
appliance up to large switchgear designed to protect high voltage circuits feeding an
entire city. All circuit breakers have common features in their operation, although details
vary substantially depending on the voltage class, current rating and type of the circuit
breaker. The circuit breaker must detect a fault condition; in low-voltage circuit breakers
this is usually done within the breaker enclosure. Once a fault is detected, contacts
within the circuit breaker must open to interrupt the circuit; some mechanically-stored
energy contained within the breaker is used to separate the contacts, although some of
the energy required may be obtained from the fault current itself. The circuit breaker
contacts must carry the load current without excessive heating, and must also withstand
the heat of the arc produced when interrupting the circuit. When a current is interrupted,
an arc is generated. This arc must be contained, cooled, and extinguished in a
controlled way, so that the gap between the contacts can again withstand the voltage in
the circuit. Different circuit breakers use vacuum, air, insulating gas, or oil as the
medium in which the arc forms.

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Types circuit breakers

 Vacuum circuit breakers: have minimal arcing, so the arc quenches when it is
stretched a very small amount. Vacuum circuit breakers are frequently used in
modern medium-voltage switchgear to 35,000 volts.

 Gas-insulated circuit breakers: generally include separable contact elements

contained within a sealed tank filled with an inert insulating gas for reducing
arcing. Specifically, the gas is SF6 due to its good insulate and arc interruption
properties.

 Oil circuit breakers: are high-voltage circuit breakers in which the arc is drawn
in oil to dissipate the heat and extinguish the arc; the intense heat of the arc
decomposes the oil, generating a gas whose high pressure produces a flow of
fresh fluid through the arc that furnishes the necessary insulation to prevent a
restrike of the arc. In an oil circuit breaker with simple interruption under oil, the
duration of arcing is 0.02-0.05 sec. To extinguish the arc more efficiently, arc-
quenching chambers are used.

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 Figure 5: GCB Breaker Figure 6: Vacuum Circuit Breaker

Circuit breaker Testing

Gas Circuit Breaker (GCB): Insulation test
Control and Protection Test

● Power factor ● Velocity and time

High AC voltage test to detect insulation TEST DESCRIPTION: Test to measure
conditions. velocity and the operating time of a
● Insulation resistance power interrupter.
High DC voltage test to detect insulation ● Alarms checks
conditions. Test to verify the operation of all alarms
●Contact resistance devices such as oil temp, winding
Test to measure the resistance between temp, oil level, gas level, and others.
contacts and other electrical connections. ● Mechanical Interlocks
● Ground & Integrity Test to verify the operation of all
Test to measure the effectiveness of ground mechanical interlocks in power
systems and its connections. breakers, air circuit breakers,
● SF6 Dew point grounding switches, and other
Test to measure SF6 gas humidity. electrical equipment’s.
● % SF6. ● Capacitance
Test to measure SF6 gas purity in %. Test to measure the capacitance in
● Mechanical inspection and adjustments high voltage capacitors.
TEST DESCRIPTION: Inspection of ● Oil / Gas leaks test
the adjustments of all mechanical parts. Page | 14
Test to verify oil or gas leaks.
● Electrical interlocks
Test to check the electrical interlocks equations.
● High voltage breaker general test
Test to check breaker devices and accessories such as: 52a and b contacts, 69
switch, alarms, and control signals.

● Transmission line breaker control

Test to check the proper operation of a transmission line breaker according to the
application and design requirements.
● Distribution line breaker control
Test to check the proper operation of a distribution line breaker according to the
application and design requirements.

● Transformer breaker control

Test to check the proper operation of a transformer breaker according to the
application and design requirements.
● Capacitor bank breaker control
Test to check the proper operation of a capacitor bank breaker according to the
application and design requirements.
● Breaker replacement.
Test to check the proper operation of auxiliary contacts (52a & 52b), alarms, and
its control wiring. Primary current injection and polarity test is required as well.
● SCADA signals.
Test to checks all digital and analog signals included in the SCADA signal list
such as: digital inputs (alarms and status), digital outputs (control), and analogs
(measurements).

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Oil Circuit Breaker: Insulation test

● Power factor
High AC voltage test to detect insulation conditions.
● Insulation resistance
TEST DESCRIPTION: High DC voltage test to detect insulation conditions.
● Contact resistance
Test to measure the resistance between contacts and other electrical
connections.
● Ground & Integrity
TEST DESCRIPTION: Test to measure the effectiveness of ground systems and
its connections.
● Oil test
Test to measure acidity, power factor, and break down of the oil.
● Bushing tests
Test to measure capacitance and power factor
● Mechanical inspection and adjustments
Inspection of the adjustments of all mechanical parts.
● Velocity and time.
Test to measure velocity and the operating time of a power interrupter.
● Alarms checks
Test to verify the operation of all alarms devices such as oil temp, winding temp,
oil level, gas level, and others.
● Mechanical Interlocks
Test to verify the operation of all mechanical interlocks in power breakers, air
circuit breakers, grounding switches, and other electrical equipment’s.
● Oil / Gas leaks test
Test to verify oil or gas leaks.
● Valve final status.
Inspection of valve final position.
 Soil resistivity
Test to measure soil resistivity.
Control and Protection test

● Electrical interlocks
Test to check the electrical interlocks equations.
● High voltage breaker general test
Test to check breaker devices and accessories such as: 52a and b
contacts, 69 switch, alarms, and control signals.
● Transmission line breaker control
Test to check the proper operation of a transmission line breaker
according to the application and design requirements.
● Distribution line breaker control
Test to check the proper operation of a distribution line breaker
according to the application and design requirements.
● Transformer breaker control
Test to check the proper operation of a transformer breaker according
to the application and design requirements.
● Capacitor bank breaker control
Test to check the proper operation of a capacitor bank breaker
according to the application and design requirements.
● Scada signals.
Test to checks all digital and analog signals included in the SCADA
signal list such as: digital inputs (alarms and status), digital outputs
(control), and analogs (measurements).

Figure 7: Oil circuit breaker

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Vacuum circuit breaker (VCB): Insulation test

● Power factor.
High AC voltage test to detect insulation conditions.
● Insulation resistance.
High DC voltage test to detect insulation conditions.
● Contact resistance.
Test to measure the resistance between contacts and other electrical
connections.
● Ground & Integrity.
Test to measure the effectiveness of ground systems and its
connections.
● Hi-pot.
High DC voltages test to detect insulation conditions in cables, vacuum
bottles, GIS equipment, and others.
● Mechanical inspection and adjustments.
Inspection of the adjustments of all mechanical parts.
● Alarms checks.
Test to verify the operation of all alarms devices such as oil temp,
winding temp, oil level, gas level, and others.
● Mechanical Interlocks.
Test to verify the operation of all mechanical interlocks in power
breakers, air circuit breakers, grounding switches, and other electrical
equipment’s.

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Control and Protection test

● Electrical interlocks.
Test to check the electrical interlocks equations.
● High voltage breaker general test.
Test to check breaker devices and accessories such as: 52a and b
contacts, 69 switch, alarms, and control signals.
● Transmission line breaker control.
Test to check the proper operation of a transmission line breaker
according to the application and design requirements.
● Distribution line breaker control.
Test to check the proper operation of a distribution line breaker
according to the application and design requirements.
● Transformer breaker control.
Test to check the proper operation of a transformer breaker according
to the application and design requirements.
● Capacitor bank breaker control.
Test to check the proper operation of a capacitor bank breaker
according to the application and design requirements.
● Breaker replacement.
Test to check the proper operation of auxiliary contacts (52a & 52b),
alarms, and its control wiring. Primary current injection and polarity test
is required as well.
● Scada signals.
Test to checks all digital and analog signals included in the SCADA
signal list such as: digital inputs (alarms and status), digital outputs
(control), and analogs (measurements).

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Surge Arresters:

The primary function of a surge or lighting arrester is to limit the voltage stresses on the
insulation of the equipment being protected by permitting surges voltage to drain to
ground before damage occurs. The surges in voltage generally are caused by lighting or
by switching. Figure X shows a transformer with some surge arrester.

The arresters have two basic components: a spark gap and a nonlinear resistance
element (for a valve type) or an expulsion chamber (for an expulsion type). When a
surge occurs, the spark gap breaks down or sparks over, and permits current to flow
through the resistance (or chamber) element to ground. Since the arrester at this point
presents a low impedance path, a large current, referred to as 60 cycle follow current,
flows through the arrester. The nonlinear resistance, at the higher voltages, will tend to
restrict this current and eventually cause it to stop to flow. At this moment, the
magnitude of the follow current is independent of the system capacity. The expulsion
chamber will confine the arc, build up pressures that eventually blow out the arc, and
cause the follow current to stop to flow. At this moment, the follow current is a function
of the system capacity and the expulsion chamber must be suitably designed. After
each such operation, the arrester must be capable of repeating this operating cycle.

Types of Arresters

Surge arresters consist basically of an air gap in series with another element which has
the special characteristic of providing a relatively low resistance or impedance to the
current produced by a high-voltage surge, and a high resistance or impedance to the
flow of power current at the relatively low operating voltage of the distribution line to
which it is connected. In some later units, the air gap may be omitted.
 Pellet Type: In the pellet type of the arrester, the second element is made up of
a tube full of lead pellets. The lead pellets are actually lead peroxide coated with
lead oxide. The pellets normally act as insulation preventing current from flowing
to ground. When a high-voltage surge is impressed on them, a current will flow
that heats them and turns the lead oxide (a poor conductor) into lead peroxide (a
good conductor). After the surge is discharged to ground, the surface of the

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 pellets is changed by the discharge current back to lead oxide and restores the
arrester to its original condition.

 Valve Type: in the valve type of arrester, the second element may be made of
some particular substance such as ceramic material containing conducting
particles, such as metal oxides or other substances having characteristics under
surge-voltage conditions similar to those described above. Many of these are
built in modular units, several connected in series to accommodate the line
voltage impressed on them.

 Expulsion Type: the expulsion type of arrester may employ a second air gap
enclosed in a tube made of fiber in series with a fixed air gap. As with fuse
holders made of fiber, when a high voltage occurs creating an arc across the
gap, the heat acting on the fiber gives off a no conducting gas under pressure
that blows out the arc, interrupting the flow of surge current and restoring the
arrester to its original condition.

Installation

Surge arresters are installed as close as possible to the equipment or line to be

protected so that the resistance of the connection to ground may be held to a minimum.
The ground is very important, as the arrester will not operate without one. If possible,
the arrester should have its own ground, in addition to connections to other grounds.

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Acceptance Test for Surge Arrester in Transmission and Distribution
Substations

There are three primary acceptance tests required for the installation of surge arresters
at new substations. These acceptance tests are focus in the insulation and mechanism
of the surge arresters. The three acceptance tests are:

 Power Factor
High AC voltage test to detect insulation conditions
 Insulation Resistance
High DC voltage test to detect insulation conditions.
 Grounds & Integrity
Test to measure the effectiveness of ground systems and its connections.

Figure 8: Shows a transformer with some surge arrester

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Potential Transformers (P.T.)

The Potential Transformers is design for the monitoring single-phase and three-phase
line voltage in a power system. Also he calls a voltage transformer because is used for
a line and circuit protection. The primary terminals can be connected either in line-to-
line or in line-to-neutral configuration. A Potential Transformer is a special type of
transformer that allows meters to take readings from electrical service connections with
higher voltage (potential) than the meter is normally capable of handling without at
potential transformer. Potential transformers are designed to provide as accurate a
voltage step-down ratio as possible. To aid in precise voltage regulation, loading is kept
to a minimum: the voltmeter is made to have high input impedance so as to draw as
little current from the PT as possible.

Figure 9:
Potential Transformers (PT’s) in a substation

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Potential Transformer Testing

PREPA standard (Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority):

 Insulation resistance
High DC voltage test detected insulation condition. Test should
be performed primary to ground secondary to ground, and
primary to secondary.
 Power factor
High AC voltage test to detected insulation condition.

 Constant resistance
Test to measure the resistance between contact and other
electrical connection.

 Ratio/ Polarity
Test to measure the turn ratio and polarity to transformers.

Other Testing:

 Secondary voltage injection

Test to check the continuity of all ac voltage circuit
 PT transfers test
Test to check Pt transfers circuit operation according with the
protection diagram.

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Current Transformers (C.T.)

Current transformers measure power flow and provide electrical inputs to power
transformers and instruments. Current transformers produce either an alternating
current or alternating voltage that is proportional to the measured current. There are two
basic types of current transformers: wound and toroidal. Wound current transformers
consist of an integral primary winding that is inserted in series with the conductor that
carries the measured current. Toroidal or donut-shaped current transformers do not
contain a primary winding. Instead, the wire that carries the current is threaded through
a window in the toroidal transformer.

Figure10: Current Transformers (CT’s)

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Current transformers have many performance specifications, including primary current,
secondary current, insulation voltage, accuracy, and burden. Primary current, the load
of the current transformer, is the measured current. Secondary current is the range of
current outputs. Insulation voltage represents the maximum insulation that current
transformers provide when connected to a power source. Accuracy is the degree of
certainty with which the measured current agrees with the ideal value. Burden is the
maximum load that devices can support while operating within their accuracy ratings.
Typically, burden is expressed in volt-amperes (VA), the product of the voltage applied
to a circuit and the current.

There are a variety of applications for current transformers. Some devices are used to
measure current in electronics equipment or motors. Others are used in street lighting.
Larger devices are used in many three-phase systems to measure current or voltage.
Commercial class current transformers that monitor low-power currents are also
available. Some current transformers are weatherproof or are rated for outdoor use.

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Current Transformer Test (C.T.)
Normally to test a CT we do these tests:

 Burden Testing
The CT secondary current is measured to determine a reference "no
applied burden" current output. A resistive burden of 0.1 ohm is
automatically applied to the current path and the CT secondary current is
again measured. Additional resistance values from 0.1 to 4.0 ohms are
sequentially applied up to the limit specified by the operator.

The Burden Test results are interpreted by looking for a progressive

decrease in the CT secondary current (ie, negative percentage change) as
the applied burden increases. If such a progressive decrease is observed,
the test indicates that the CT output is decreasing with applied load. If the
drop is significant at less than the rated burden of the CT, that means
there is a problem in the CT or its wiring. If a progressive decrease is not
observed (ie, change stays near zero), the test indicates stable CT output
even with additional burden.
 Ratio Testing
In Ratio Testing, both the primary and secondary currents from a CT are
measured simultaneously. The currents are used to calculate the ratio and
phase angle between the primary and secondary of the CT. This value
can be directly compared to the nameplate ratio to verify the proper field
performance of the CT. Additionally; the phase (angle) shift can be
verified. Since the ratio results can be directly compared, there is no
complicated data interpretation required.

The test performed by A.E.E. for acceptance and commissioning

For outdoor current transformer:

Power Factor
CTS insulation resistance test at BKRS, Trans. & Generators
Insulation Resistance
Primary Current Injection and Polarity Test
Burden and DC Resistance

Page | 27
For Bushing type current transformer:

CTS insulation resistance test at BKRS, Trans. & Generators

Saturation, Ratio, Polarity and DC Resistance
Primary Current Injection and Polarity Test
Burden and DC Resistance

For Auxiliary current transformer:

Saturation, Ratio, Polarity and DC Resistance

Secondary Current Injection

Instrument to test the C.T.

Current Transformer Test Set

Figure11: Current Transformer Test Set

Page | 28
Grounding System:

The primary purpose of personal protective grounding is to provide adequate protection

against electrical shock causing death or injury to personnel while working on de-
energized lines or equipment. This is accomplished by grounding and bonding lines and
equipment to limit the body contact or exposure voltages at the worksite to a safe value
if the lines or equipment are accidentally energized from any source of hazardous
energy. A good grounding isn’t only for safety; it is also used to prevent damage to
industrial plants and equipment. A good grounding system will improve the reliability of
equipment and reduce the likelihood of damage due to lightning or fault currents. Is
highly recommended that all grounds and ground connections are checked at least
annually as a part of your normal Predictive Maintenance plan.

Ground Mat Protection

The ground mats are engineered to achieve impedance levels that provide adequate
protection and stability for a facility, and once installed they remain physically and
electrically stable. The ground mat protects the personal employee and property from
injury or damage by high voltage surges resulting from lightning, switching, or other
causes. Also the ground mat handles discharge currents from lightning arrestors,
overvoltage gaps, and so on. Provide stable ground conditions for protective relays. The
following are valid reasons for considering such tests:

 To obtain realistic resistance data for use in calculating actual ground potential
rise (GPR) values for the mat, and for determining the step and touch potentials
which may occur within a station during fault or surge conditions.
 To help to resolve the instability of equipment relays or communications, which
might be caused by inadequate grounding.

Page | 29
  To determine the continued adequacy of the ground mat wherever system
changes are implemented which increase the available fault current at the
station.

In all types of work station mat pads station the specific requirements and test intervals
should establish benchmark data for all substation ground mats. Ground mats from new
electrical facilities will be tested to verify their intended design and adequacy. Whenever
the ground mat is modified, the ground mat should be tested. Ground mats should be
tested whenever there is a concern about the continued performance of the grounding
system.

Personal Protective Grounding for Electric Power Facilities and Power Lines

Any employee working on de-energized high-voltage equipment is responsible for

understanding protective grounding requirements and procedure. Facility managers and
supervisors are responsible for ensuring that workers are knowledgeable of and comply
with grounding procedure. Personal protective grounding shall be applied to de-
energized lines and equipment having a nominal voltage rating over 600 volts if
exposed normally current-carrying parts are to be contacted or approached within the
minimum approach distances. Grounding of equipment and circuits rated 600 volts or
less is optional. Equipment and circuits operating below 600 volts can be just as deadly
under the right conditions as higher voltage equipment. If equipment or circuits are not
grounded, they shall be rendered safe from hazardous energy through Job Hazard
Analysis and facility Hazardous Energy Control Procedure. Simple grounding systems
consist of a single ground electrode driven into the ground.

Most of the grounding cable in use actually is manufactured as welding cable. These
extra-flexible copper cables and their insulating jackets are suitable for grounding cable.
Grounding cable must be sized adequately to carry the maximum available fault current
at the worksite. Most transmission level switchyards and substations are electrically
configured grounded-wye and therefore electrical faults can involve ground (earth). Both
three phase and single-phase-to-ground faults should be considered when determining
the maximum available fault current at a grounded worksite.

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Grounding System Tests

 Ground Resistance Test

Test to measure resistance (Ohms) of ground systems and its

connections. The goal in ground resistance is to achieve the lowest
ground resistance value possible that makes sense economically and
physically. The equipment’s exposed metal parts are connected to ground
to prevent contact with a dangerously high voltage if the electrical
insulation fails. Grounding also serves to drain off static electricity charges
on the metal part before a spark-over potential is reached. Proper
grounding is the most fundamental element of ESD management in
manufacturing and service.
A broken ground connection may result in personnel exposure to
dangerous voltage, equipment lock-up or malfunction, and damage to
sensitive components. A substation is a subsidiary station on a
transmission and distribution system where voltage is normally
transformed from a high value to low value. A typical substation will
contain line termination structures, high-voltage  switchgear, one or more
power transformers, low-voltage switchgear, surge protection, controls,
and metering. The zero sequence impedance is lower for a multigrounded
system than the single point grounded neutral system. The goal of any
grounding system is to provide a low impedance path for fault or transient
currents to the earth. “Grounding” may be described as the process of
making this electrical connection to the general mass of the earth. The
characteristic primarily determining the effectiveness of a grounding
system is the impedance this connection provides to the earth.

 Ground Directional Overcurrent Test

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Test to check the proper operation of the ground directions over current
relay. In some medium voltage distribution lines and almost all high
voltage transmission lines, a fault can be in two different directions from a
relay, and it can be highly desirable for a relay to respond differently for
faults in the forward or reverse direction. Directional over current relaying
would not be useful in a system with only one source. Overload test is to
be carried out as a type test for generators as proof of overload capability
of generators and the excitation system, for motors as proof of momentary
excess torque as required. The over-load test can be replaced at a routine
test by an overcurrent test. The overcurrent test is to be proof of the
current capability of the windings, wires, connections, etc. of each
machine. The overcurrent test can be performed at reduced speed motors
or at short-circuit generators.

The relay will trip whenever the overcurrent and directional units issue a
trip permission simultaneously, being the first trip time delayed (definite
time from 0 to 3 sec) and the next instantaneous during the associated
reclosing cycle, minimizing in this way the damages caused by a close
over fault. The relay continues operating in instantaneous trip mode for 10
sec, after the first time delayed trip. After these 10 sec the relay
automatically goes back to the time delay mode. The election of values
which determine the operation curve characteristic for the overcurrent unit
is made from the relay frontal nameplate and depends on the
characteristics or needs of the system in which the relay is going to be
applied. The possibility of delaying the trip up to a maximum of 3 sec is
included, being such election made from the front of therelay.

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 Figure 12: Substation Grounding Mat

Switchgear

Switchgear is a device used solely to open and close electric circuits, especially one
used to control a high-current application, e.g. a power and transforming station or an
electric motor.

Electrical Switchgear Testing

 Insulation Resistance Measurement Test

This test consists of applying voltage (600-10,000 VDC) to the apparatus
to determine the value of resistance. This test does not indicate the
quality of primary insulation. Several factors should be remembered when
performing when performing this test. The first is that this test can indicate
low values of insulation resistance because of many parallel paths. The
other is that an insulation system having low dielectric strength may
indicate high resistance values. In view of this, the test result should only
be interpreted for comparative purpose. When performing the test, it is
recommended that auxiliary equipment, such as potential transformers
and lighting arresters, be removed from the stationary switchgear.
Insulation resistance test are made with the circuit breaker in open and
closed position, whereas the insulation test for the switchgear bus is made
with one phase to ground at a time, with the other two phases grounded.
 Circuit Breaker open: Connect HV lead to pole 1. Ground all the poles.
Repeat for poles 2 through 6, in turn, with other poles grounded.
 Circuit breaker closed: Connect HV lead to pole 1 or 2, as convenient, either
pole of phase 2 and 3 grounded. Repeat for phases 2 and 3 with other
phases grounded.
 Stationary gear (buses): connect HV lead to phase 1 with phases 2 and 3
grounded. Repeat the same for phases 2 and 3 with other phases grounded.
Also, perform IR test between phases 1 and 2 with phases 3 grounded, phase

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 2 and phase 3 with phase 1 to grounded, and phase 3 and 1 with phase 2
grounded.

 DC Hi-Pot Test
The DC hi-pot test is normally not made for AC electrical switchgear and
therefore may be considered only when AC hi-pot cannot be performed.
The hi-pot testing of switchgear involves testing of the circuit breakers and
switchgear buses separately. This is a major test and determines the
condition of the insulation of the switchgear assembly. The DC hi-pot test
is not preferred for testing AC switchgear because the application of DC
voltages does not produce similar stress in the insulation system as is
produce under operating conditions.
 AC Hi-Pot Test
This test should be conducted separately for circuit breakers and
switchgear buses (stationary gear). It should be made only after the DC
insulation resistance measurement test has been passed satisfactorily and
all cleanups has been finished. The AC test will stress the switchgear
insulation similarly to the stresses found during operating conditions. Hi-
pot test are made with the circuit breaker in both open and closed
positions.

Procedures for hi-pot test of the circuit breaker are as fallow:

 Circuit breaker in open position: Connect HV lead to pole 6. Ground all

other poles. Repeat for poles 1 through 5, in turn, with all other poles
grounded. Apply the desired high voltage in each case.
 Circuit breaker in closed position: Connect HV lead to pole 1 or 2 or
Phase 1 as convenient with either pole of phase 2 and 3 grounded.
Repeat for test for phase 2 and 3 with other phases grounded.

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 Power Factor Testing
The power factor testing of an insulation system is useful in finding sings
of insulation deterioration. The absolute values of power factor measured
little significance. However, comparative analysis of values from year to
year may very good show insulation deterioration. Therefore, when a
power factor test is maid, it should be made under the same conditions of
temperature and humidity.
 Circuit breaker contact resistance measurement test
Stationary and moving contacts are built from alloys that are formulated to
endure the stresses of electrical arcing. However, if contacts are not
maintained on a regular basis, their electrical resistance due to repeated
arcing build up, resulting in a significant decrease in the contact ability to
carry current. Excessive corrosion of contact is detrimental to the breaker
performance. One way to check contacts is to apply DC and measure the
contact resistance or voltage drop across the closed contacts. The
breaker contact resistance should be measured from bushing terminal to
bushing terminal with breaker in closed position. It is recommended that
for MV and HV the resistance test be made with 100A or higher DC. The
use of a higher current value gives more reliable results than using lower
currents values. The resistant value is usually measured in micro ohms.
The average resistance value for 15KV class circuit breakers is
approximately between 200 and 250 micro ohms. Several companies
make good, reliable micro ohmmeter to perform testing. One such
instrument is the megger DLRO 200. It can generate test currents from 10
to 200A and can measure resistance ranging from .1 to 1 Ohm.

Page | 35
 Circuit Breaker Time-Travel Analysis
This test is usually performed on MV and HV circuit breakers, usually
34KV and above, to detect problems in the breaker operating mechanism.
This test can be conducted with a mechanical or electronic time travel
analyzer. With the analyzer information on the breaker operating
mechanism is provided in form of charts or graphs which can be used to
assess the mechanical and electrical condition of the breaker. There are
nine tests that are usually conducted on the breaker with the circuit
breaker analyzer.
 Closing time and opening time
 Contact bounced
 Opening and closing synchronization
 Closing and opening speed (velocity and displacement)
 Trip operation
 Trip-free operation
 Closed operation
 Trip-closed operation

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Pictures

Page | 37
Conclusion

The Acceptance Test Transmission Lines and distributions substation are part of the
electrical companies looking every day the most efficient form of energy generation to
ensure availability, quality of service and reliability. An example of this is the advances
in the control and protection. The electrical substation facilities are intended to enhance,
modify and energy levels of an electrical infrastructure to facilitate the transmission and
distribution of electrical energy. Thanks to the experience and knowledge of engineers
and professional on this field are able to develop and meet all areas which help to
satisfy any need to improve the performance. For this reason all areas presented are
essential for high quality and with this power to protect retailers have mayor damage to
computers as they are expensive, its more feasible and cost effective.

Page | 38
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