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Hipot Test Methodology

This document provides guidelines for high potential DC testing of power cables. It outlines safety requirements for the testing such as using protective equipment and establishing adequate clearance. It describes two methods for applying the test voltage - continuously or in predetermined steps. The procedures describe connecting the test system, applying the test voltage for the specified time while recording leakage current, and properly grounding the cable after testing to discharge any residual voltage.

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Jay F. Kuizon
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355 views2 pages

Hipot Test Methodology

This document provides guidelines for high potential DC testing of power cables. It outlines safety requirements for the testing such as using protective equipment and establishing adequate clearance. It describes two methods for applying the test voltage - continuously or in predetermined steps. The procedures describe connecting the test system, applying the test voltage for the specified time while recording leakage current, and properly grounding the cable after testing to discharge any residual voltage.

Uploaded by

Jay F. Kuizon
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Subject : DC HIPOT TEST METHODOLOGY

DC HIPOT TESTING OF MEDIUM VOLTAGE CABLES

This procedure is intended to provide general guidelines for high potential DC testing of power cables.
All tests made after cable installation and during the guarantee period shall be made in accordance with
applicable specifications. All safety precautions must be observed during testing at high voltage. Read
and understand and follow the Operator’s Manual for the particular test set being used!

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

 Accessory equipment necessary to safely conduct high voltage tests—such as safety barriers,
rubber gloves and non-conducting hard hats—must be used; consult appropriate safety officer.
 All equipment must be disconnected from the cable circuit, i.e., taps, motors, circuit breakers,
surge arrestors, etc. This will preclude damage to such equipment and will prevent test
interruptions due to flashovers and/or trip-outs resulting from excessive leakage current.
 Establish adequate clearance between the circuit test ends and any grounded object, and to
other equipment not under test (about 2.5 feet).
 Ground all circuit conductors not under test with all cable shields including nearby equipment.

TEST VOLTAGE

 Consult termination manufacturers for maximum test voltage recommendations and time
limitations.
 The direct current test voltage may be applied either continuously or in predetermined steps to
the maximum value in accordance with applicable specifications.
o Continuous Method – Apply test voltage at an approximate rise rate of 1 kV per second
or 75% of the rated current output of the equipment, whichever is less. Some
equipment will take longer to reach the maximum test voltage because of the amount
of charging current.
o Step Method – Apply test voltage slowly in 5 to 7 increments of equal value to the
maximum specified. Allow sufficient time at each stop for the leakage current to
stabilize.

HI-POT TESTING PROCEDURES

 Connect the test system to the protective earth in the transformer station via the shortest
route. Use the protective earth lead provided (6.0mm²). The grounding resistance in the
substation has to be lower than 5Ω. Otherwise floating potential can lead to hazard situations
for humans and technical equipment.
 Make sure the five safety rules have been followed before establishing the HV connection.
Connect the HV connection lead with the system to the cable under test.
 Connect the system to a mains supply with appropriate mains supply. The protective earth of
the mains supply must have the same potential as the station earth. Thus a connection bridge
between protective earth and station earth as well as the proper earthing conditions are of
highest importance.
 Normally this requires only a few seconds unless cable circuits of high capacitance are involved.
Record leakage current at each step. Maintain the test voltage at the prescribed value for the
time designated in applicable specifications. The following times are usually considered
adequate: at the end of the test period, set the test set voltage control to zero, allow the
residual voltage on the circuit to decay, then ground the conductor just tested.
 It should be recognized that DC charges on cable can build up to potentially dangerous levels if
grounds are removed too quickly. Maintain solid grounds after the test on the cable for at least
4 times the duration of the test. On exceptionally long cable lengths, it may be necessary to
increase the grounding time. It is advantageous to maintain these grounds longer and while
reconnecting circuit components.
 Record the leakage current at one minute intervals for the duration of the test time involved.

TEST INSTRUMENT

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