IDAX 300/350

Insulation Diagnostic Analyzers

“ In one IDAX test

I get more useful
information
about the
insulation than
in all the tests
I used to make.”

Easy Reliable
Fast Complete
Safe and sound
Knowing the condition of the insulation

Knowing the transformer insulation condition gives the For a good life management of transformers, the
correct input for risk assessments and asset management. moisture content of the insulation should be retained at
High moisture content accelerates the aging of the paper low concentrations. Transformers are dried during the
insulation, thus reducing transformer life. Dielectric response manufacturing process until measurements or standard
measurement is a cost- and time-effective method to practices would yield a moisture content in the cellulosic
determine the transformer health, including the moisture insulation of typically less than 1%. After the initial
content of the oil/paper insulation system. drying, the moisture content of the insulation system will
Traditionally insulation assessment is done by measuring tan continually increase. There are several sources of excessive
delta/power factor at mains frequency 50/60 Hz. This is however water in transformer insulation:
of limited value. As an example, transformers may have the „„Residual moisture not removed in the factory dryout
same tan delta/power factor at power frequency but one may process
be wet with good oil and considered for a dry-out while another „„Moistening of the insulation surface during assembly
may be dry but the oil should be conditioned or regenerated. and/or maintenance
Dielectric frequency response (DFR/FDS) diagnostic test will give
„„Moisture ingress from the atmosphere (gasket leaks,
you accurate and conclusive information. Such data is essential
breathing during load cycles, site erection process)
in prioritizing the maintenance of your transformer fleet and
„„Aging/decomposition of cellulose and oil
making sure your assets will reach and exceed their expected
service life. It is important to understand that the moisture in the
transformer mainly resides in the solid insulation. Typically
High moisture in the transformer insulation leads to the well-
more than 99% of the moisture in the transformer reside in
known issues of the effects of water on:
the cellulosic insulation.
„„Loading capability – Limits the loading capability due
to decreased bubbling inception temperature Knowing the moisture content is essential information for the
transformer owner whether it is confirming a dry transformer
„„Dielectric strength – Decreases the dielectric strength
at commissioning or assessing an older unit to see if there is a
of the oil and decreases PD inception voltage
need for preventive or reactive measures.
„„Aging- High temperature and moisture will
dramatically accelerate aging that lowers the
mechanical strength of the cellulose insulation

The IDAX system family of products offers units with or w/o internal computer.
A separate (optional) high-voltage amplifier extends the test voltage from 200 to 2 kV (peak).
Accessory kit provides adapters, tools and cables for bushing and oil tests.
All-in-all it makes IDAX the most complete test set for insulation diagnostics.

2
To measure is to know
Test technique based on knowledge and experience

ratio. This secures reliable DFR measurements under the

Easy
most severe interference conditions.
The test is easy. Connect three cables, enter the insulation Using true frequency domain measurements for dielectric
temperature and start the test. When the test is finalized, the response has major advantages:
data is automatically analyzed and presented.
„„High AC (power frequency) interference suppression
Other features that make the tests easier:
capacity
„„Testscan be done at any temperature without „„High DC and VLF interference suppression capacity
worrying about temperature correction.
„„No concerns for long-time discharge of test object
„„Connection diagrams for different measurement between measurements
objects and setups help to perform repeatable and
reliable tests. Complete
„„Standardized connections; generator, red, blue and
The IDAX instruments support a wide range of applications
ground.
for insulation testing.
„„Software that helps to understand the condition
Typical test objects:
of the insulation. Assessments limits based on
„„Power transformers
international standards and guides.
„„Bushings
Fast „„Instrument transformers (CT/VT)
Measuring dielectric response at very low frequencies „„Motors and generators
takes time. In the new IDAX, this issue is addressed by „„General oil-paper insulation
introducing a new and unique method where the test signal
Measurements:
at low frequencies contains a combination of frequencies.
„„Tan delta/power factor and capacitance
This method significantly reduces the measurement time
in the low frequency range and consequently the total „„Dielectric frequency response
measurement time. „„Excitation current
As an example, an IDAX measurement down to 1 mHz „„Hot-collar testing
takes now only about 22 minutes, the fastest DFR test „„DC insulation
available. Without compromising the accuracy and reliability
Analysis/insulation assessment:
in the frequency domain measurement technique.
„„Moisture in cellulose
„„Conductivity/dissipation factor of insulating liquid
Reliable
„„Individual temperature correction of tan delta/power
All IDAX instruments use advanced noise suppresion
factor
technique for reliable results in live substation environments
„„Temperature dependence of tan delta/power factor
with high interference.
„„Polarization index
The interference levels are often significant and may cause
large measurement errors if not handled correctly. IDAX „„Dielectric absorption ratio
can handle up to 1 mA interference and with the VAX020
high-voltage amplifier up to 10 mA at 1:10 signal-to-noise

„
Time saving method
Multi-frequency technique for shortest measeurement time

„
Temperature independent diagnosis
Wide frequency range and advanced modeling technique facilitate precise results
independent of temperature

„
Wide application area
Can perform insulation diagnostics of many HV assets in the power system

„
High interference immunity
Fast and accurate measurements in high interference environments

3
Easy
Simple hook-up and automatic analysis

Inc.
tems
ic Sys
ha Electr
aukes
n from W
rmissio
ith pe
duced w
Repro

IDAX measures and analyzes the dielectric response of the

transformer to determine the moisture content in the paper
insulation.
The method is based on modeling of the insulation as
described in international publications and standards e.g.
CIGRE TB 254, 414 and 445 and IEEE C57.152.
The analysis is automatic, only the insulation (oil / winding)
temperature has to be entered.

4
 Fast

Easy measurements Faster measurements

Dielectric response measurements are performed the same The first IDAX model was released 1997 and was the first
way as traditional tan delta/power factor measurements test set for performing DFR field testing. Since then, IDAX
at power frequency using the same test modes; UST, instruments and the DFR methodology have been used by
GST, GST-guard etc. As an example, moisture in the solid numerous customers all over the world. The methodology
insulation of a two-winding transformer is measured by: and technique have been refined over the years and the 5th
„„Connecting test ground to transformer tank/ground generation IDAX is the most versatile DFR instrument on
„„Connecting generator signal to HV bushings the market. As an example, IDAX is using a multi-frequency
„„Connecting measure Red to LV bushings technique for measuring the lowest frequencies giving that
After entering the insulation temperature (oil/winding an IDAX measurement down to 1 mHz takes now only about
temperature) the test is started. After the measurement 22 minutes. And this without compromising the advantage of
is finalized, the data is automatically analyzed and the using frequency domain measurement technique.
insulation is assessed as: Three channel measurements
„„Power frequency capacitance and tan delta/power All IDAX instruments have three measurement terminals for
factor at 20°C reference temperature multiple tests without changing cable connections. IDAX 350
„„Moisture in solid insulation and the extended version of IDAX 300 (IDAX 300S) have dual
„„Oil conductivity/dissipation factor at 25°C reference separate ammeters, allowing two completely independent
temperature measurements simultaneously. This feature reduces
All in one test, neither waiting for moisture equilibrium nor measurement time substantially, especially when measuring
taking oil samples and using test cells. transformers with a tertiary winding.

Moisture assessment with IDAX is fast and automatic – Direct readings of moisture in solid insulation

Temperature corrected 50/60 Hz tan delta/power factor and oil conductivity/dissipation factor

„
Fast
Measurements with IDAX are fastest on the market

„
Easy
Hook-up is done with three cables and test is automated

„
Automated analysis of: Moisture content
Temperature corrected tan delta/power factor
Temperature corrected oil conductivity/dissipation factor

5
Complete
A DFR/FDS test set with extended functionality

Multi-function test set

IDAX is a multi-function test for testing transformers, bushings
and other power components. With IDAX you can do:
„„Dielectric frequency response measurements
„„Power frequency tan delta/power factor and
capacitance measurements
„„Excitation current measurements
„„Hot collar testing
„„DC insulation testing (insulation resistance,
polarization index and dielectric absorption ratio)
„„Tip-up/step voltage testing

Dielectric frequency response measurements

Dielectric frequency response measurements as described in
international publications and standards e.g. CIGRE TB 254,
414 and 445 and IEEE C57.152 can be used to determine
the moisture content in paper insulation and also to estimate
the temperature dependence of tan delta / power factor. All
IDAX instruments are performing DFR measurements with
AC test signals for securing reliable results in live substation
environments with high interference. Moisture and insulation
assessment is automatic; only the insulation (oil / winding)
temperature has to be entered.

Tan delta / power factor and capacitance

measurements
Tan delta / power factor and capacitance measurements at
power frequency are commonly used for characterization of
insulation at manufacturing as well as for field diagnostics.
IDAX uses synthesized AC test signals for reliable results
The IDAX 350 has a built-in computer but can also be used independent of the power quality. With the VAX020 high
with an external PC.
voltage amplifier tan delta/power factor testing can be
performed at 1.4 kVRMS on test objects up to 80 nF (50 Hz).

Tan delta for three transformers plotted at variable frequency

Three transformers having the
same tan delta/power factor
Wet
(0.5%) at mains frequency.
One is wet, 3.3% moisture,
but the oil is good with low
conductivity (1 pS/m).
Service aged
Another is dry, 0.5% moisture,
but the oil is close to the limit
for service aged conditions
(29 pS/m).
Dry The third transformer is a
typical older/service aged
transformer with 2% moisture
and an oil conductivity of
22 pS/m.
Maintenance strategies could
be different for all three
transformers but this is not
possible to see if diagnostics
is based only on 50/60 Hz tan
delta / power factor testing.

6
High-voltage measurements
VAX020 is a high-voltage amplifier that extends the IDAX test
voltage range from 200 V to 2 kV. This improves the capability
to perform accurate measurements on low capacitance objects,
e.g. bushings and instrument transformers in high interference
environments. IDAX itself is designed for field use in substation
environment and with its AC measurement technique it is
resistant to high electrical interference. With VAX020 high
voltage amplifier the capability to withstand interference
conditions is further increased and allows to measure any
transformer or bushing correctly even under the most severe
interference conditions, e.g. in HVDC substations.
In addition, VAX020 is giving the user the capability of
performing high-voltage measurements for e.g. DC insulation,
tan delta/power factor, excitation current and hot-collar testing.

DC measurements
Besides AC DFR/FDS measurements, IDAX can also perform
DC insulation measurements at up to 2 kV test voltage (with
the optional VAX020 amplifier). The polarization current
is measured over time and the following parameters are
automatically calculated and displayed:
„„Insulation Resistance (IR60)
„„Dielectric Absorption index (DAR)
„„Polarization Index (PI)
Note: Polarization index, PI, was introduced to detect moisture in
the winding insulation of rotating machines. For the complex
oil-cellulose insulation system of transformers the PI results can
be misinterpreted and the polarization method should not be
used to assess insulation condition in new power transformers. IDAX 300 (here controlled by an external PC) is a powerful tool
Polarization index for insulation liquid is always close to 1. for condition assessments of power transformers.
Therefore, the polarization index for transformers with low
conductivity liquids (e.g. new mineral oil) may be low in spite Excitation current measurements
of good insulation condition. DFR/FDS/PDC measurements
Excitation current measurement is a standard test for
are preferred for quantitative assessments of the moisture
in the insulation (CIGRE TB 445 “Guide for Transformer transformers to detect core and winding defects.
Maintenance” and IEEE C57.152-2013 “IEEE Guide for IDAX300/350 performs excitation current measurements at
Diagnostic Field Testing of Fluid-Filled Power Transformers,
power frequency at up to 1.4 kV test voltage (with optional
Regulators, and Reactors”)
VAX020 amplifier). Results are presented as excitation
current and inductance for the selected test voltage.

„
Multi-function test set
DFR/FDS, tan delta/power factor and capacitance, excitation current and DC insulation
measurements in one multi-function instrument

„
Multiple insulation assessment in one go
Temperature corrected tan delta/power factor, moisture and oil assessment in one test

„
High interference suppression capacity
AC technique secures reliable measurements under the most severe interference

7
Reliable
Analysis models according to international standards

How does it work

Assessing reliable moisture content in transformer insulation The single capacitor can be analytically described. A matching
based on oil sample tests is unreliable as the water migrates algorithm compares the model data with the measured data
between the solid insulation and oil as temperature and/or and adjusts the dielectric response of the single capacitance
transformer load changes. An oil sample for moisture analysis until a best fit with the measured response from the
has to be taken at relatively high temperature and when the transformer is achieved. From the modeled response, moisture
transformer is in equilibrium. Unfortunately, this is a rare state in the cellulose material and oil conductivity/dissipation factor
for transformers, thus resulting in unreliable assessments. is determined as well as temperature dependence of the
Experience has shown that this method tends to overestimate dissipation factor. Only the insulation temperature (oil/winding
the amount of water in the insulation. temperature) needs to be entered as an input parameter.
The dielectric response method, in contrast, is a very reliable
method providing a high degree of accuracy in assessing the
moisture content in the paper insulation.
IDAX derives the moisture content in paper or pressboard
from the measured dielectrical properties. The dissipation
factor plotted against frequency shows a typical shape shown
below. With increasing temperature the curve shifts towards
the higher frequencies. Moisture influences the low and
the high frequency areas. The linear, middle section of the
curve reflects oil conductivity. Insulation geometry conditions
determine the “knee points,“ which are located to the left
and right side of the steep gradient. Schematic diagram of transformer insulation
IDAX moisture determination is based on a comparison of
the transformers measured response to a modeled dielectric
response. The insulation model is the internationally
recognized X-Y model described in e.g. CIGRE TB 254 and
414. The insulation duct between the LV and HV windings
of the transformer is reduced to a single capacitor where the Basic structure of the insulation duct seen from above and its
dielectric materials consist of cellulose and oil. XY representation.

The tan delta / power factor plotted against frequency

Geometry

Moisture

The tan delta / power factor

plotted against frequency
shows a typical shaped curve.

Oil conductivity
With increasing temperature
the curve shifts towards the
higher frequencies.

Moisture influences the low

Geometry and the high frequency areas.

Oil conductivity / dissipation

– Temperature + factor determines the response
Moisture in the mid-frequencies.

8
High interference suppression capacity

How to assess the results High Interference suppression

Several international standards, guides and reports are Electrical interference in substation environment comes from
giving guidelines for insulation assessment in terms of various sources e.g.
power frequency tan delta / power factor at 20°C, moisture „„Induced AC (50/60Hz)
content in solid insulation and conductivity/dissipation
„„Induced DC (corona discharge)
factor of oil. The insulation assessment in IDAX provides
„„DC interference in e.g. HVDC substations
results and categorization for tan delta/power factor of the
whole insulation system at 20°C, moisture in cellulose and The levels are often significant and may cause large
oil conductivity/dissipation factor at 25°C, giving the user a measurement errors if not handled correctly. IDAX can
thorough description of the insulation condition. handle up to 1 mA interference and with the VAX020 high-
Guidelines for oil conductivity/dissipation factor at 25°C is voltage amplifier up to 10 mA at 1:10 signal to noise ratio.
according to IEEE C57.152-2013. For power frequency tan This secures reliable DFR measurements under the most
delta / power factor at 20°C the assessment limits are based severe interference conditions.
on “industry practice” and guidelines in CIGRE TB 445 and Using true frequency domain measurements for dielectric
IEEE C57.152-2013. response has major advantages:
Moisture assessment in IDAX is based on an average of „„High AC (power frequency) interference suppression
several standards/reports. capacity
„„High DC and VLF interference suppression capacity
„„No concerns for long-time discharge of test object
Standards and guidelines for moisture in cellulose
insulation between measurements
All IDAX instruments are performing DFR measurements
by using AC test signals in combination with state-of
the-art signal processing and digital filtering technique for
reliable results in live substation environments with high
interference.
Before starting a test, IDAX checks the measurement setup
to verify that all cables are connected correctly. It also
measures the actual AC and DC interference and adapt
measurements settings for optimum performance.

Guidelines for assessing moisture content (by weight in solid

insulation) in power transformers.
1) Original data in IEC 60422, annex A, are presented as
relative saturation in percentage. ”Dry,” ”Moderately
wet,” ”Wet” and ”Extremely wet” are recalculated to
percent moisture in cellulose. Original data in IEC 60422
for new transformers is presented as percent moisture in
cellulose insulation.
2) Original data in CIGRE TB 349 is by categories. “Good,“
“Fair,” “Probably wet” and “Wet” are relabelled to “Good/
New,” “Dry” and “Wet.”

„
Meets international standards
Test setup, analysis model and insulation assessment according to international
standards and guides

„
Reliable and accurate
The DFR/FDS method has been validated for more than 10 years and is included in
international standards and guides for transformer diagnostics

9
Specifications
Technical specifications

Environmental DC insulation measurement

(Time domain current measurement)
Application field The instrument is intended for use in Range 50 mA
medium and high-voltage substations and
industrial environments. Resolution 0.1 pA
Ambient temperature
Accuracy 0.5% ±1 pA
Operating IDAX300: -20°C to +55°C (-4°F to +131°F)
IDAX350: -10°C to +55°C (14°F to +131°F) Input resistance ≤10 kΩ
Storage -40°C to 70°C (-40°F to +158°F) (DC mode)
Outputs
Humidity < 95%RH, non-condensing
GENERATOR
CE-marking
Voltage/current 0 – 10 Vpeak 0 – 50 mA peak
EMC 2004/108/EC ranges, 10 V
Voltage/current 0 – 200 Vpeak 0 – 50 mA peak
LVD 2006/95/EC ranges, 200 V
General Frequency range DC – 10 kHz

Mains voltage 100 – 240V ±10%, 50 / 60 Hz EXTERNAL

With VAX020 – High Voltage Amplifier
Power consumption 250 VA (max) Voltage/current 0 –2 kV peak 0 – 50 mA peak
ranges
Dimensions Frequency range DC – 1 kHz
IDAX 300 335 x 300 x 99 mm (13.2” x 11.8” x 3.9”)
PC Requirements
IDAX 300 Flight 725 x 500 x 300 mm (25.5” x 19.7” x 11.8”)
case Operating system Windows 2000/ XP / Vista / 7 /8
IDAX 350 520 x 430 x 220 mm (20.5” x 16.9” x 8.7”)
Processor Pentium 500 MHz
Weight
Memory 512 Mb RAM or more
IDAX 300 4.9 kg (11 lbs) instrument
23.6 kg (52 lbs) incl. flight case and acces- Interface USB 2.0 and LAN
sories
IDAX 350 13.5 kg (29.8 lbs) Calibration

Accessories 8.5 kg (18 lbs) Calibration Calibration kit allows field calibration

Measurement section
Inputs 3-ch, (Red, Blue and Ground)

Tan delta and capacitance measurements

Capacitance range 10 pF – 100 μF

Accuracy 0.5% + 1 pF

Dissipation factor 0 - 10 (with retained accuracy of capaci-

range tance; otherwise higher)
Accuracy < 0.5% + 0.0001, 45-70 Hz, C > 100 pF
(with VAX020)
0.5% + 0.0002, 45-70 Hz, C > 300 pF
1% + 0.0003, 1 mHz-100 Hz, C > 1000pF
2% + 0.0005, 100 Hz-1 kHz, C > 1000 pF
Max AC interference 1 mA, 1:10 SNR (IDAX) 10 mA, 1:10 SNR (VAX020)

Max DC interference 2 µA (IDAX) 20 µA (VAX020)

Test modes* UST: Ungrounded Specimen Testing

UST-R: UST: Measure Red, Ground Blue
UST-B: UST: Measure Blue, Ground Red
UST-RB: UST: Measure Red and Blue
GST: Grounded Specimen Testing
GST-GND: GST: Ground Red and Blue
GSTg-R: GST: Guard Red, Ground Blue
GSTg-B: GST: Guard Blue, Ground Red
GSTg-RB GST: Guard Red and Blue
*All IDAX instruments measure on red, blue
and ground. Individually, in sequence or
two at the same time for models with two
ammeters.

10
Ordering
Ordering information

Item Art. No. Included accessories

IDAX 300
Three channels with one (1) ammeter AG-19090
IDAX 300S
Three channels with two (2) ammeters AG-19092
IDAX 350
Three channels with two (2) ammeters and internal
computer AG-19192
Included accessories
Mains cable
Ground cable 5 m (16 ft), GC-30060
Generator cable 18 m (60 ft), GC-30312
Measurement cable, red 18 m (60 ft), GC-30326
Measurement cable, blue 18 m (60 ft), GC-30336
USB cable, GA-30030
Ethernet cable, GA-00985 (IDAX 300S) Generator cable, USB cable, ground cable and measurement
Windows software, AG-8100X cables. Power cable and Ethernet cable not shown.
Transport case (IDAX 300S), GD-30090
Soft case for cable (IDAX 350) GD-00360
User’s manual
Optional accessories
VAX020 with accessories AF-59090
Accessory kit AG-90100
Mini bushing tap
Hot collar straps
Digital temp & humidity meter
Bushing tap connector 0.75”
Bushing tap connector 1.0”
Rugged carrying case with
J probe bushing tap connector wheels and space for cables
Shorting lead, non insulated, 1 m (3 ft) and accessories (IDAX 300).
Shorting lead, non insulated, 2 m (6 ft) Accessories for IDAX 350
Bushing adapter ABB GOB (old type) delivered in a soft case.
Bushing adapter ABB GOB (new type)

IDAX calibration box CAL 300 AG-90010 Optional accessories

Oil test cell 670511
IDB 300, IDAX demo and training box AG-90020
2nd ammeter option (factory upgrade to IDAX 300S) AG-90200
Generator cable, 9 m (30 ft) GC-30310
Measurement cable, 9 m (30 ft), red GC-30324
Measurement cable, 9 m (30 ft), blue GC-30334
VAX020, high-voltage amplifier 0 to 2 kV (peak).

The calibration box CAL300

enables simple and reliable
calibration of the IDAX
system. The calibration box
is the only part that needs to
be sent in for calibration to
any local certified calibration
facility.

IDB 300 for IDAX demo and

The optional accessory kit, AG-90100 Oil test cell training

11
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Printed matter:
SWEDEN SWEDEN Art.No. ZI-AG02E • Doc. AG0172AE • 2013
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