Insulation Resistance Testing of Cables in The Field-Rev-01
Insulation Resistance Testing of Cables in The Field-Rev-01
CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................... 5
1.1 Purpose and scope ............................................................................................................ 5
2. ABBREVIATIONS ..................................................................................... 6
2.1 Abbreviations ....................................................................................................................6
3. CODES, STANDARDS............................................................................. 7
3.1 Project Documentation/Specifications/Deviations ............................................................7
4. Background ............................................................................................. 8
7.3.1 Procedure......................................................................................................10
7.4.1 Procedure......................................................................................................10
9. Electrical Specifications...........................................................................18
10. Leakage Current Measurement .............................................................19
11. Timer........................................................................................................19
12. Selecting The Test Voltage......................................................................19
13. ITP For cable (IR) Test ...........................................................................20
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Insulation Resistance Testing of Cables in the Field
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Insulation Resistance Testing of Cables in the Field
1. I NT RO D UC T I O N
1 .1 P ur p os e a nd S c op e
The purpose of this document is to define the standards and procedures to be adopted for the the L.V
cable and M.V cable Insulation resistance activities associated with the electrical systems and
electrical installations for the Brownfield development projects at Rumaila.
While this document provides guidance it shall not be a substitute for good engineering judgment
which should be applied as appropriate throughout all phases of the project.
The main aim of this document is to enable a fit for purpose Insulation resistance as long as
minimum technical acceptance and operability requirements are met.
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Insulation Resistance Testing of Cables in the Field
2. AB BR E V I AT ION S
2 .1 Abb r e v i a t i ons
DS Degassing Stations
DOL Direct-On-Line
LV Low Voltage
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Insulation Resistance Testing of Cables in the Field
3. C O D ES, ST AN D AR D S
This document conform to IEC Codes and Standards as applicable and as defined in the Document
number 0000RP-C-G0-G000-QA-IDX-0001.
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Insulation Resistance Testing of Cables in the Field
4. Background
The following is a summary of insulation resistance (IR) testing (commonly referred to as “megger
testing”) of low voltage cables and medium voltage cables. This document will focus only on the tests
that are of importance for field installers which are described as “Installation” and “Maintenance” tests.
Testing should be done by qualified personnel, familiar with both insulation resistance testing and with
the safe operation of the test equipment. As we cannot provide actual insulation resistance values since
they depend on a number of factors,
such as:
• Insulation material;
• Conductor size;
• Conductor insulation temperature (i.e. if directly exposed to sunlight);
• Humidity (i.e. if the cable is wet);
• Cable length; and
• Cable end condition (i.e. insulation not stripped back, cable ends not separated).
There are 4 types of insulation resistance tests for wire and cable that are recognized :
Type testing (also referred to as qualification testing or conformance testing) is typically performed on a
new or modified cable design, usually for the purpose of proving conformance to either CSA or UL
standards. This type of test is not performed on production runs of cable.
Factory insulation resistance testing is performed when required at the factory of manufacture to
ensure conformance to applicable standards / specifications. This test is performed according to a
designated test method (e.g. as defined by CSA or UL).
Installation tests are performed directly after cable installation, and before termination to any equipment
or accessories. Installation insulation resistance tests are only to be performed on new wire and cable.
This type of test is a “go / no go” type of test, and is to determine if the insulation has been damaged
during installation.
Maintenance insulation resistance testing can be performed on a regular basis, and the collected data
used to indicate if the conductor insulation is deteriorating over time. This type of test is a form of
preventative maintenance. If the insulation resistance falls below an accepted (user dictated) value, or
falling rapidly over time, then cable replacement is considered.
Although 4 tests are listed above, this document will focus only on the tests that are of importance for
field installers which are described as “Installation” and “Maintenance” tests.
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Insulation Resistance Testing of Cables in the Field
Insulation resistance test results are dependant on a number of factors, such as temperature and
humidity. For this reason, care must be taken to properly prepare the cable to be tested. For best
results:
1.Remove the cable from service, disconnecting all other circuits or devices, as well as any cable
accessories and protective end caps, and open the cable at both ends and ensure conductors are
isolated from each other;
2. Only test a cable if the temperature of the conductor is above the dew point – otherwise, moisture will
form on the surface of the insulation, and could be absorbed by the cable causing the test to fail;
3. Make sure that the conductor surface is free of carbon, or any other material that may be conductive;
4.Do not exceed the recommended test voltage of the cable – otherwise, the conductor insulation can
be overstressed, or even damaged; and
6. TEST EQUIPMENT
As the Document number 0187PE-0-EL-169-J11-0001 the test equipment using in test insulation
resistance megger , but usually using on Rumail oil field for L.V cable test Megger-Fluck- 1503 or 1507
and for M.V cable test Megger- Fluck -1555
As IEC 60038:2009 specifies standard voltage values , LV range contains lower-level voltages ranging
50 – 1000 volts.Technically the name low indicates the lower range, still, the voltages are dangerous
and can lead to lethal accidents. One should take care while handling such voltages.
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Insulation Resistance Testing of Cables in the Field
Go / no go” testing is performed on new cable installations to determine if the insulation has been damaged
during installation. The minimum acceptable insulation resistance value is calculated using the following
formula:
An insulation resistance test is typically performed on de-energized wire and cable immediately
after installation, and before termination to any equipment or accessories. This test is used to
detect conductor insulation damage that may have been caused during installation. This type of
test is commonly referred to as “go / no go testing” (or dielectric withstand test), since the cable
passes the test if no break-down occurs.
The test voltage selected for this type of test is less than 5 kV, and is applied for up to one minute,
or until the measured insulation resistance value stabilizes. The test voltage is the rated voltage of
the cable (the line-to-line voltage). Any voltage larger than this may stress the cable and cause
premature failure.
7.3.1 Procedure
2. OPTIONAL – Measure and record the conductor insulation temperature. For a cable with
multiple conductors, the insulation temperature for one of the conductors will suffice. This
temperature may be different than the ambient air temperature, especially if the cable is exposed
to direct sunlight.
3. Strip back the cable at each end, as if it were to be connected to the supply and load equipment
(remove the jacket, separate the conductors, and strip the ends of the conductors of any insulation). The
cable must be disconnected from any equipment at both ends. This includes switches, receptacles, and
any other kind of device that may be connected to the conductors. An open switch connected to the cable
could present a low resistance path, making the cable appear to fail.
Page 11 of 24
Insulation Resistance Testing of Cables in the Field
4. Separate the conductors from each other, and from any ground conductors, to allow for the best
possible insulation resistance reading.
5. Thoroughly clean the exposed conductor ends to remove any dirt or debris. They should also
be completely dry at the time of measurement. This will also improve the measurement.
6.Conduct the insulation resistance test according to test set manufacturers instructions. We
suggest applying voltage between each pair of insulated conductors, and insulated conductors
to bare grounds, shields and armour. All of the bare ground conductors are to be bonded
together, and to any shields and / or armour that may exist in the cable, and grounded. Each
insulated conductor should be tested separately and the results recorded. For a 3-phase cable,
containing 3 insulated conductors (A, B, and C), cabled with a bare ground (G), the suggested
tests would be from:
• A to B;
• B to C;
• C to A;
• A to G;
• B to G; and
• C to G.
7. Review the recorded measurements. Ultimately, this is a “go / no go” type of test, meaning
that all insulation resistance measurement values must be greater than the “go / no go”
acceptance value calculated, as shown in Section 1.3, above. Values that show an extremely
large value (i.e. peak meter value) would indicate that there was a possible connection issue in
the system. Values that are at or near zero (0) would indicate that either the insulation has
failed somewhere along the length of the cable, or the cable to be tested was poorly prepared
(i.e. equipment still connected to the cable, insulation not stripped back, cable ends not
separated). If there is any issue with interpreting the results.
Page 12 of 24
Insulation Resistance Testing of Cables in the Field
Preventative maintenance testing is typically performed on a cable that has already been in
service for an extended period of time (many months or years). This test is used to monitor any
degradation in insulation performance over time. Accurate records of the date of test, insulation
resistance, as well as conductor insulation temperature must be kept. This data may be used to
determine insulation deterioration.
The test voltage selected for this type of test is less than 5 kV, and is applied for up to one minute,
or until the measured insulation resistance value stabilizes. The test voltage is the rated voltage of
the cable (the line-to-line voltage). Any voltage larger than this may stress the cable and cause
premature failure.
7.4.1 Procedure
1. Measure and record the cable length. Also record the cable type and conductor size.
2. Measure and record the conductor insulation temperature. For a cable with multiple
conductors, the insulation temperature for one of the conductors will suffice. This
temperature may be different than the ambient air temperature, especially if the cable is
exposed to direct sunlight.
3. Disconnect the cable from any equipment or devices at both ends. This includes switches,
receptacles, and any other kind of device that may be connected to the conductors. An
open switch connected to the cable could present a low resistance path, making the cable
appear to fail.
4. Separate the conductors from each other, and from any ground conductors, to allow for the
best possible insulation resistance reading.
5. Thoroughly clean the exposed conductor ends to remove any dirt or debris. They should
also be completely dry at the time of measurement. This will also improve the
measurement.
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Insulation Resistance Testing of Cables in the Field
6. Conduct the insulation resistance test according to test set manufacturers instructions. We
suggest applying voltage between each pair of insulated conductors, and insulated
conductors to bare grounds, shields and armour. All of the bare ground conductors are to
be bonded together, and to any shields and / or armour that may exist in the cable, and
grounded. Each insulated conductor should be tested separately and the results recorded.
For a 3-phase cable, containing 3 insulated conductors (A, B, and C), cabled with a bare
ground (G), the suggested tests would be from:
• A to B;
• B to C;
• C to A;
• A to G;
• B to G; and
• C to G.
7. Review the recorded measurements. These measurements are recorded for historical
reasons and are only to be compared with past values from the same cable. It should be
noted that in order to be compared, all insulation resistance values must be taken at the
same conductor insulation temperature or scaled for temperature. This type of testing is
intended to be performed on a regular basis. Suggests on an annual or bi-annual (every
other year) basis. If there is any issue with interpreting the results.
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Insulation Resistance Testing of Cables in the Field
As IEC 60038:2009 specifies standard voltage values , Voltages higher than 1 kV but lower than 100
kV are classified as medium level voltages. Electrical distribution and secondary transmission
are usually done within MV range of voltages.
An insulation resistance test is typically performed on de-energized wire and cable immediately
after installation, and before termination to any equipment or accessories. This test is used to
detect conductor insulation damage that may have been caused during installation. This type of
test is commonly referred to as “go / no go testing” (or dielectric withstand test), since the cable
passes the test if no break-down occurs.
The test voltage selected for this type of test is less than 5 kV, and is applied for up to one minute,
or until the measured insulation resistance value stabilizes. The test voltage is the rated voltage of
the cable (the line-to-line voltage). Any voltage larger than this may stress the cable and cause
premature failure.
8.1.1 Procedure
2. OPTIONAL – Measure and record the conductor insulation temperature. For a cable with
multiple conductors, the insulation temperature for one of the conductors will suffice. This
temperature may be different than the ambient air temperature, especially if the cable is exposed
to direct sunlight.
3. Strip back the cable at each end, as if it were to be connected to the supply and load equipment
(remove the jacket, separate the conductors, and strip the ends of the conductors of any insulation). The
cable must be disconnected from any equipment at both ends. This includes switches, receptacles, and
any other kind of device that may be connected to the conductors. An open switch connected to the cable
could present a low resistance path, making the cable appear to fail.
Page 15 of 24
Insulation Resistance Testing of Cables in the Field
4. Separate the conductors from each other, and from any ground conductors, to allow for the best
possible insulation resistance reading.
5. Thoroughly clean the exposed conductor ends to remove any dirt or debris. They should also
be completely dry at the time of measurement. This will also improve the measurement.
6.Conduct the insulation resistance test according to test set manufacturers instructions. We
suggest applying voltage between each pair of insulated conductors, and insulated conductors
to bare grounds, shields and armour. All of the bare ground conductors are to be bonded
together, and to any shields and / or armour that may exist in the cable, and grounded. Each
insulated conductor should be tested separately and the results recorded. For a 3-phase cable,
containing 3 insulated conductors (A, B, and C), cabled with a bare ground (G), the suggested
tests would be from:
• A to B;
• B to C;
• C to A;
• A to G;
• B to G; and
• C to G.
7. Review the recorded measurements. Ultimately, this is a “go / no go” type of test, meaning
that all insulation resistance measurement values must be greater than the “go / no go”
acceptance value calculated, as shown in Section 1.3, above. Values that show an extremely
large value (i.e. peak meter value) would indicate that there was a possible connection issue in
the system. Values that are at or near zero (0) would indicate that either the insulation has
failed somewhere along the length of the cable, or the cable to be tested was poorly prepared
(i.e. equipment still connected to the cable, insulation not stripped back, cable ends not
separated). If there is any issue with interpreting the results.
Page 16 of 24
Insulation Resistance Testing of Cables in the Field
Preventative maintenance testing is typically performed on a cable that has already been in
service for an extended period of time (many months or years). This test is used to monitor any
degradation in insulation performance over time. Accurate records of the date of test, insulation
resistance, as well as conductor insulation temperature must be kept. This data may be used to
determine insulation deterioration.
The test voltage selected for this type of test is less than 5 kV, and is applied for up to one minute,
or until the measured insulation resistance value stabilizes. The test voltage is the rated voltage of
the cable (the line-to-line voltage). Any voltage larger than this may stress the cable and cause
premature failure.
8.2.1 Procedure
1. Measure and record the cable length. Also record the cable type and conductor size.
2. Measure and record the conductor insulation temperature. For a cable with multiple
conductors, the insulation temperature for one of the conductors will suffice. This
temperature may be different than the ambient air temperature, especially if the cable
is exposed to direct sunlight.
3. Disconnect the cable from any equipment or devices at both ends. This includes
switches, receptacles, and any other kind of device that may be connected to the
conductors. An open switch connected to the cable could present a low resistance
path, making the cable appear to fail.
4. Separate the conductors from each other, and from any ground conductors, to allow
for the best possible insulation resistance reading.
5. Thoroughly clean the exposed conductor ends to remove any dirt or debris. They
should also be completely dry at the time of measurement. This will also improve the
measurement.
Page 17 of 24
Insulation Resistance Testing of Cables in the Field
6. Conduct the insulation resistance test according to test set manufacturers instructions.
We suggest applying voltage between each pair of insulated conductors, and insulated
conductors to bare grounds, shields and armour. All of the bare ground conductors are
to be bonded together, and to any shields and / or armour that may exist in the cable,
and grounded. Each insulated conductor should be tested separately and the results
recorded. For a 3-phase cable, containing 3 insulated conductors (A, B, and C), cabled
with a bare ground (G), the suggested tests would be from:
• A to B;
• B to C;
• C to A;
• A to G;
• B to G; and
• C to G.
7. Review the recorded measurements. These measurements are recorded for historical
reasons and are only to be compared with past values from the same cable. It should
be noted that in order to be compared, all insulation resistance values must be taken at
the same conductor insulation temperature or scaled for temperature. This type of
testing is intended to be performed on a regular basis. Suggests on an annual or bi-
annual (every other year) basis. If there is any issue with interpreting the results.
Page 18 of 24
Insulation Resistance Testing of Cables in the Field
9 . Electrical Specifications
The Tester`s accuracy is specified for 1 year after calibration at operating temperatures of 0°C to 35°C. For
operating temperatures outside the range (-20°C to 0°C and 35°C to 50°C ), add ±0.25% per °C, except on
the 20% bonds add ±1% per °C
Insulation
<200 KΩ Unspecified
250 V 200 kΩ to 5 GΩ 5%
5 GΩ to 50 GΩ 20%
>50 GΩ Unspecified
<200 KΩ Unspecified
500 V 200 KΩ to 10 GΩ 5%
10 GΩ to 100 GΩ 20%
>100 GΩ Unspecified
<200 KΩ Unspecified
1000V 200 KΩ to 20 GΩ 5%
20 GΩ to 200 GΩ 20%
>200 GΩ Unspecified
<200 KΩ Unspecified
2500 V 200 KΩ to 50 GΩ 5%
50 GΩ to 500 GΩ 20%
>500 GΩ Unspecified
<200 KΩ Unspecified
100 GΩ to 1 TΩ 20%
>1 TΩ Unspecified
<200 KΩ Unspecified
200 GΩ to 2 TΩ 20%
>2 TΩ Unspecified
Page 19 of 24
Insulation Resistance Testing of Cables in the Field
Capacitive
Measurement 0.01 mF to 20.00 mF ±(15% of reading + 0.03 mF)
11. Timer
Range Resolution
Indication: 1 Second
24 to 50 V 50 to 100 VDC
The Table above shows the recommended test voltages according to the operating voltages of installation
and equipment . In addition, these values are defined for electrical appliances in a wide variety of local and
international standards (IEC 60240,IEC 60439 , IEC 60598) .
Page 20 of 24
13 ITP For cable (IR) Test
Signature ` Signature
Page 21 of 24
NAXIS ROO E01A ELECTRICAL
Mechanical Completion
L.V. Power, Control and Telecomm /
Instrument Cables
DMC1 No Description
MC1 No Description
Term Drawing No From
To
No. Items to be Checked OK N/A P/L
1 Confirm the cable type is as per cable schedule and drawings.
2 Confirm the cable identification markers are correct at each end, and at ALL transits (if applicable).
Bending radius and stretch prevention IS according to specification and the gland is not stressed
3
by the cable.
Cable glands are the correct type for the application. Thread type and size of gland is confirmed
correct. Serrated washers or earthing requirement is adequate. IP washers are fitted where
4
required and IP rating of equipment is maintained. Ensure the assembly of gland is correct to
manufacturer’s instructions.
5 Confirm earth bonding is correct to design specification
6 Ensure gland plates for single core cables are non-magnetic.
7 Check terminations and earth connections are tight and correct.
8 Ensure the correct size of crimp connector has been used.
9 Confirm the cable is mechanically protected, and supported as per installation specification.
10 Cable suitably fastened using cable ties according to specification.
Confirm the spare cores and screens are made off correctly and earthed in accordance with the
11
drawings and specification.
12 Confirm cable routing and segregation is in accordance with the specification
13 For fieldbus cables record cable installed length. ______________ M
14 Installation drawings have been “Red Lined” as per the Project Completions Procedure.
Comments / Remarks:
Page 22 of 24
ROO E01A ELECTRICAL
Mechanical Completion
L.V. Power, Control and Telecomm /
Instrument Cables
DMC1 No : MC1 No :
Carry out IR and continuity tests in all cores, screen, earth and armour and note results below
(record lowest IR value).
NOTE: Only one type of cable to be listed per E01A, i.e. Do not mix Power & Instrument cables
IR Test Continuity (Max Value)
Cable No. Type Cores Size Core- Core- Screen to SCR /
Core
Core Earth Armour Armour to
Ω
MΩ MΩ Ω Earth Ω
R504-10-C-PT/PS-0001
15
16 Punchlist raised - Yes No Punchlist No:
Punchlist Recorded in CMS Database
(GOC Certification Engineer)
Completed By Accepted By W I R
Signature:
Print Name:
Date:
Company: ROO
W=Witnessed I=Inspected R=Reviewed (Tick as applicable)
Page 23 of 24
5IWDR ROO E02A ELECTRICAL
Mechanical Completion
High Voltage Cable
Cable Tag No. Description
DMC1 No Description Electrical
MC1 No Description
Voltage
Term Drawing No From
Term Drawing No To
No. Items to be Checked OK N/A P/L
1 Correct cable type as per electrical cable schedule and drawings.
2 Confirm cable markers are correct at each end, and at transits (if applicable).
3 Ensure clamping / cleating cable support correct, as per project specification
4 Bending radius and stretch prevention according to specification and no stress on gland.
5
Cable glands are the correct type and size as per cable schedule. Serrated washers / IP washers
are fitted and gland threads have a light smear of approved grease according to specification.
6 Confirm earth bonding is correct to design specification
7 Ensure gland plates for single core cables are non-magnetic.
8 Ensure single core power cables installed in fault rated trefoil cleats.
9 Ensure mechanical cable protection correct.
10 Ensure the correct size of crimped connector has been used.
11 Check terminations and earth connections are tight and correct.
12 Check that phase identification is correct.
13 Ensure torquing of Split, Bolted connections correct. Check after IR and pressure test.
14 HV cable kits correctly installed, stress relieved and earthed.
15a Confirm continuity on all cores and screens.
Carry out IR and High Voltage Pressure Test on all cores and record results below:
Leakage Current mA mA mA
Note: Ensure all cores are discharged to earth for a minimum of 15 minutes after completing HP Test.
16 Reconnect cable cores and confirm correct terminations and phase rotation.
End “A” Yes No
End “B” Yes No
End “A” Nm mm
17 Record torque settings and bolt size
End “B” Nm mm
ROO E02A ELECTRICAL
Mechanical Completion
High Voltage Cable
Item / Tag No. Description
No. Items to be Checked OK N/A P/L
18 Gland body to earth path resistance (Max 0.1Ω). ____________ Ω.
19 Confirm protective measures (i.e. kick plates) are fitted correctly.
20 Replace covers and check all bolts are correct and none missing.
21 Installation drawings have been “Red Lined” as per the Project Completions Procedure.
22 Punchlist raised - Yes No Punchlist No:
Punchlist Recorded in CMS Database
(GOC Certification Engineer)
Test Equipment Used
Make Model Serial No. Cal. Expiry Date
Make Model Serial No. Cal. Expiry Date
Make Model Serial No. Cal. Expiry Date
Comments / Remarks:
Completed By Accepted By W I R
Signature:
Print Name:
Date:
Company: ROO
W=Witnessed I=Inspected R=Reviewed (Tick as applicable)