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Midas 2881

This document provides operating instructions for the MIDAS 2881 Mobile Insulation Diagnosis & Analyzing System Version 2.0. It contains warnings about the hazardous voltages produced by the instrument. The document outlines conventions used, includes an introduction and technical data, and details safety information and operating procedures.
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
0% found this document useful (0 votes)
27 views164 pages

Midas 2881

This document provides operating instructions for the MIDAS 2881 Mobile Insulation Diagnosis & Analyzing System Version 2.0. It contains warnings about the hazardous voltages produced by the instrument. The document outlines conventions used, includes an introduction and technical data, and details safety information and operating procedures.
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Operating Instructions

HAEFELY TEST AG

MIDAS 2881
Mobile Insulation
Diagnosis &
Analysing System

Version 2.0
(LAN version only)
4843930

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Art.Nr. 4843930 Operating Instructions MIDAS 2881

Date Version Responsible Changes/Reasons


04.16 2.0 SG 2881 LAN Version,
replace the firewire model

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WARNING
Before operating the instrument, be sure to read and fully
understand the operating instructions. This instrument
produces hazardous voltages. It is the responsibility of the user
to ensure that the system is operated in a safe manner.

This equipment contains exposed terminals carrying hazardous


voltages. There are no user serviceable components in the unit.
All repairs and upgrades that require the unit to be opened must
be referred to HAEFELY TEST AG or one of their nominated
agents.

This Manual is only for Midas 2881 with Ethernet (LAN)


connection to computer, for those equipped with FireWire
connection type refers to the corresponding manual.

HAEFELY TEST AG and its sales partners refuse to accept any responsibility for consequential or
direct damage to persons and/or goods due to none observance of instructions contained herein or
due to incorrect use of the equipment.
Further be aware that safety is the responsibility of the user!
Any correspondence regarding this instrument should include the exact type number, instrument
serial number and firmware version number. With the exception of the firmware version number, this
information can be found on the registration plate on the right panel of the instrument. The firmware
version specified in the miscellaneous folder under the setup menu.
Unauthorized opening of the unit may damage the EMI protection of the system and will reduce its
resistance to interference and transients. It may also cause the individual unit to be no longer
compliant with the relevant EMC emission and susceptibility requirements. If the unit has been
opened, the calibration will be rendered invalid.

Note
HAEFELY TEST AG has a policy of continuing improvement on all their products. The design of this
instrument will be subject to review and modification over its life. There may be small discrepancies
between the manual and the operation of the instrument, particularly where software has been
upgraded in the field.
HAEFELY TEST AG retains the right to modify the functionality, specification or operation of the
instrument without prior notice.
 All rights reserved. No section of this manual may be reproduced in any form, mechanical or
electronic without the prior written permission of HAEFELY TEST AG.

2016, HAEFELY TEST AG, Switzerland

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Manual Conventions
In the manual, the following conventions are used:
Indicates a matter of note.
If it refers to a sequence of operations, failure to follow the instructions could result in errors in
measurement.

Indicates hazards.
There is a risk of equipment damage or personal injury or death. Carefully read and follow the
instructions. Be sure to follow any safety instructions given in addition to those for the site at which
tests are being performed.

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Foreword
Welcome as a new user of the Insulation Diagnosis System MIDAS 2881. Thank you for placing your
confidence in our product.
With the purchase of this measuring instrument you have opted for all the advantages that have built
a world-wide reputation for a Tettex Instrument: Robustness, performance and quality assured. As a
result this instrument provides a solution which achieves the optimal combination of traditional know-
how and leading edge technology.

This operating manual is designed for completeness and easy location of the required information.
Customers who already have experience with this kind of equipment will find this document to be of
assistance as an extended help. A keyword index at the end of the operating manual greatly eases
use.
If you find a mistake or inconsistency in the operating manual then please feel free to inform our
Customer Support department with your corrections so that other users may benefit.

Abbreviations, definitions
Wherever possible the corresponding IEC definitions are used. The following abbreviations and
definitions are used in this manual:

CN Standard capacitor (Measurement reference, built-in the instrument)


CX Test object capacitance (e.g. power transformer, generator, motor etc.)
HV High voltage
cos  Power Factor
PF Power Factor
tan  Dissipation factor
DF Dissipation factor
DUT Device Under Test (Test Object)
ppm Parts per million

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Contents
1 Introduction 1
1.1 Receiving Instructions ..................................................................................... 1
1.2 General ........................................................................................................... 1
1.3 Hardware ........................................................................................................ 1
1.4 Software ......................................................................................................... 2
1.5 Scope of Supply.............................................................................................. 2
1.6 Optional Accessories ...................................................................................... 3

2 Technical Data 4

3 Safety 6
3.1 General ........................................................................................................... 6
3.2 Personnel Safety ............................................................................................ 6
3.3 Safety Features .............................................................................................. 7
3.4 Safety Precautions.......................................................................................... 7
3.5 Summary ........................................................................................................ 8

4 Theory 9
4.1 Why is Insulation Tested? ............................................................................... 9
4.2 What is Loss Factor? ...................................................................................... 9
4.3 What is Dissipation Factor tan ? ................................................................. 10
4.4 The Difference between Power Factor and Dissipation Factor ..................... 11
4.5 Apparent Power, Real Power, Reactive Power............................................. 11
4.6 Test Instruments ........................................................................................... 12
4.7 Evaluation of Test Results ............................................................................ 12
4.8 Supplementary Test Methods ....................................................................... 16
4.9 Standard Capacitor, Measuring Current & Limits.......................................... 16
4.10 Parallel & Series Equivalent Circuits............................................................. 17

5 Functional Description 18
5.1 System Overview .......................................................................................... 18
5.2 V-potential point and Guarding ..................................................................... 19
5.3 Test Modes ................................................................................................... 21
5.4 Interference Suppression .............................................................................. 23

6 Operation Elements 24
6.1 Individual Parts ............................................................................................. 24
6.2 Laptop as System Controller......................................................................... 25
6.2.1 Interfaces ...................................................................................... 25
6.3 Computer connection.................................................................................... 25
6.4 Instrument Side Panel .................................................................................. 26
6.4.1 Measuring Inputs .......................................................................... 26
6.4.2 High Voltage and Power Outputs .................................................. 27
6.5 HV GND Connection Surveillance ................................................................ 29

Introduction I

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6.6 Safety Ground (Earthing) .............................................................................. 29
6.7 Emergency Stop ........................................................................................... 30
6.8 Warning Lamp Bar ........................................................................................ 30

7 Software 31
7.1 General ......................................................................................................... 31
7.1.1 Start-up ......................................................................................... 31
7.1.2 Main Window ................................................................................ 32
7.1.3 Title bar ......................................................................................... 33
7.1.4 Alarm Messages ........................................................................... 34
7.1.5 Function Keys ............................................................................... 35
7.2 File Manager ................................................................................................. 35
7.2.1 File Selector Dialog ....................................................................... 36
7.2.2 Report ........................................................................................... 37
7.2.3 Data Format Files ......................................................................... 39
7.3 Display of Measurement Values ................................................................... 39
7.4 Tab sheet SETUP ......................................................................................... 43
7.4.1 Menu DUT Info.............................................................................. 44
7.4.2 Menu Conditions (Temperature correction)................................... 45
7.4.3 Menu Settings ............................................................................... 47
7.4.4 Menu Options................................................................................ 50
7.4.5 Menu Auxiliary .............................................................................. 53
7.5 Tab sheet MANUAL ...................................................................................... 55
7.5.1 Tools Window ............................................................................... 57
7.5.2 Definition of Columns for Measuring Spreadsheet ........................ 58
7.5.3 Formulas in Measuring Grids ........................................................ 59
7.5.4 Menu Signal Analysis .................................................................... 61
7.6 Tab sheet SEQUENCE ................................................................................. 65
7.6.1 Definition of Spreadsheet Sequence............................................. 65
7.6.2 Sequence Measurement ............................................................... 68
7.6.3 Edit Sequence Limiters ................................................................. 70
7.6.4 Starting Sequence ........................................................................ 72
7.6.5 Sequence with External AC Power Source ................................... 74
7.7 Tab sheet ANALYSIS ................................................................................... 75
7.7.1 Spreadsheet Measurement ........................................................... 75
7.7.2 Graphic Analysis ........................................................................... 76
7.7.3 More Analysis ............................................................................... 77
7.8 Remote Operation ........................................................................................ 78
7.8.1 Characteristics of the interface...................................................... 79
7.8.2 General Commands ...................................................................... 82
7.8.3 System control commands ............................................................ 84
7.8.4 Measurement commands ............................................................. 86
7.8.5 Alarms ........................................................................................... 88

8 Accessories and Options 90


8.1 Office Software ............................................................................................. 90
8.2 Safety Strobe Light ....................................................................................... 90
8.3 Oil Test Cell .................................................................................................. 90
8.4 Resonating Inductor...................................................................................... 91
8.4.1 10kV Resonating Inductor 5288A ................................................. 92
8.4.2 15kV Resonating Inductor 5289 .................................................... 95
8.5 Current Booster .......................................................................................... 102
8.6 Care and Maintenance ............................................................................... 104

II Introduction

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9 Instrument Storage 105

10 Packing and Transport 106

11 Recycling 107

12 Trouble Shooting 108


12.1 Software Updates ....................................................................................... 108

13 Conformity 109

Appendix 110

14 Applications Guide 111


14.1 Bushings ..................................................................................................... 111
14.1.1 Spare Bushings........................................................................... 113
14.1.2 Installed Bushings ....................................................................... 114
14.1.3 Measuring Data Interpretation..................................................... 118
14.2 Transformers .............................................................................................. 119
14.2.1 Power and Distribution Transformers .......................................... 119
14.2.2 Shunt Reactors ........................................................................... 125
14.2.3 Current Transformers .................................................................. 126
14.2.4 Voltage Transformers ................................................................. 127
14.2.5 Short Circuit Impedance ............................................................. 128
14.2.6 Excitation Current Measurement................................................. 130
14.3 Rotating Machines ...................................................................................... 132
14.3.1 Test Procedure ........................................................................... 132
14.3.2 Measuring Data Interpretation..................................................... 133
14.3.3 Measuring high cap values using the Resonating Inductor ......... 135
14.3.4 Operation of Resonating Inductor with Midas ............................. 136
14.4 Liquid Insulation .......................................................................................... 137
14.4.1 Test Procedure ........................................................................... 137
14.4.2 Measuring Data Interpretation..................................................... 138
14.5 Cables ........................................................................................................ 139
14.5.1 Test procedures on different cables ............................................ 139
14.5.2 Test Procedure Example ............................................................ 140
14.5.3 Measuring Data Interpretation..................................................... 141
14.6 Capacitors .................................................................................................. 141
14.6.1 Measuring high cap values using the Resonating Inductor ......... 142
14.7 Circuit Breakers .......................................................................................... 143
14.7.1 Dead Tank Breaker ..................................................................... 145
14.7.2 Live Tank Breaker ....................................................................... 146
14.7.3 Measuring Data Interpretation..................................................... 147
14.8 Surge (Lightning) Arresters ......................................................................... 147
14.8.1 Test Levels.................................................................................. 147
14.8.2 Test Procedures.......................................................................... 148
14.8.3 Measuring Data Interpretation..................................................... 150

Index 151

Introduction III

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1 Introduction

1.1 Receiving Instructions


When taking delivery, any possible transport damage should be noted. A written record should be
made of any such damage. A suitable remark should be recorded on the delivery documents.
A claim for damage must be reported immediately to the transport company and to the Customer
Support Department of HAEFELY TEST AG or the local agent. It is essential to retain the damaged
packing material until the claim has been settled.
Check the contents of the shipment for completeness immediately after receipt (See chapter "Scope
of Supply“). If the shipment is incomplete or damaged then this must be reported immediately to the
transport company and the Customer Support Department of HAEFELY TEST AG or the local agent.
Repair or replacement of the instrument can then be organised immediately.

1.2 General
The MIDAS provides determination of the capacitance and dielectric loss of liquid and solid insulation.
Measurements can be carried out on solid insulation such as cables, capacitors, power transformers,
generators, motors, bushings etc. and on insulating oil with an optional oil test cell.
Operation is achieved via a sunlight readable touch screen and offers optimal user friendliness.
Operation is simple thanks to the user dialogue system and on-line help.
The system is ideal for high and low voltage measurements over a wide frequency range. The test
setup has been specially developed for efficient use in maintenance measurements, production and
quality control. Thanks to it’s high precision, the system is also ideal for laboratory and development
use.
Once a measurement on a specific device is done I can be recalled and repeated in the same way
and results can be compared graphically. So the system shows fast and easy a trending analysis of
your equipment under test.

1.3 Hardware
The measuring instrument is fully automatically balanced and the measurement values are calculated
and displayed. The measuring instrument is provided with two measurement inputs, HV Supply, HV
Ground and Safety Ground. Over 20 various parameters can be measured respectively calculated.
The instrument , as a double vector meter, recognises the type of test object ( inductive / capacitive)
and determines and displays its values automatically.
Advanced noise reduction is provided for field measurements where the measurement results might
otherwise be falsified due to interferences.
The combination of the measuring instrument with built-in high voltage supply, standard capacitor CN
and all suitable connection cables provides the user with a complete measurement system.

Introduction 1

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1.4 Software
With the powerful operating software manual measurements and automated test sequences can be
defined and executed. The user simply enters the desired high voltage values and frequencies. The
measurement values are then automatically read and displayed on the computer screen in curve and
tabular format.
With the occasion to integrate bitmaps, comments and hints, a guided step by step measurement
macro can be done. So it is possible to grant a reproducible defined measurement procedure.

1.5 Scope of Supply


The standard scope of supply includes the following items:

Qty Description
1 MIDAS Instrument trolley with measuring hardware and HV supply *
* MIDAS standard type supplies 12kV,
* MIDAS G type supplies 15kV
Control Computer
1 Fully installed Laptop in shell case (MIDAS 2881)
Cables in rugged trolley including
Shielded measuring cable, unipolar, LEMO plug, 20m, with clamp, indicator blue
Shielded measuring cable, unipolar, LEMO plug, 20m, with clamp, indicator white
HVGND measuring cable, unipolar, LEMO plug, 20m, with clamp, indicator yellow
HV supply cable, unipolar, double shielded, 20m, yellow
Safety Ground cable, 20m, with locking pliers, yellow/green
Country-specific mains cord, 2P & E, 10A , 2m
HV connection hook, used with HV supply cable
HV connection clamp, used with HV supply cable
Handheld Safety Switch with cable, LEMO plug, 10m
Small set of accessories
1 Operating Instruction (this manual) and Test Certificate
1 USB Memory Stick with software and manual in electronic format

2 Introduction 2

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1.6 Optional Accessories
This chapter describes the accessories that can be used in conjunction with the MIDAS. Contact us
directly if you have a special application, as the following list is only a part of the broad range of
accessories available.

Type / Series Description


288x TEMP Laser infrared, contact-less Thermo/Hygrometer. For determination of: tank(oil)
temperature, air temperature and air humidity.
288X CASE Rugged field case for transportation of MIDAS
288X RACK Mechanical kit for 19” rack mounting of MIDAS
288x SAFE Safety Strobe Light with magnetic base for mounting e.g. on a transformer tank,
providing additional visual warning of high voltage presence.
MIDAS OFFICE MIDAS software for customer personal office PC. Used for data visualisation,
staff education, test planning and preparation, reporting.

5287 Current Booster to increase test current (while voltage decreases), especially for
short circuit impedance testing of power transformers to diagnose transformer
winding deformation.
5288A 10kV Resonating inductor (creates LC parallel resonant circuit) to increase test
current up to max. 4.4A. Used for testing of high capacitance values up to 1uF
5289 15kV Resonating inductor (creates LC parallel resonant circuit) to increase test
current up to max. 6A. Used for testing of high capacitance values up to 1.56 uF
6835 Mobile Test cell for on-site maintenance measurements on liquid insulations
(10kV max.)

Introduction 3

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2 Technical Data
HV Power Supply
MIDAS 2881 MIDAS 2881G
Output Voltage Up to 12 kV Up to 15 kV
Output Voltage Regulation  1 % rdg  1 V  1 % rdg  1 V
Output Frequency @ Nom Volt 45Hz …. 70 Hz 45Hz …. 70 Hz
Output Frequency @ 5kV 15 Hz … 1000 Hz 15 Hz … 1000 Hz
1
Output Current @ Nom Volt 115 mA continuous , > 275mA max 1 min. 115 mA continuous , > 275mA max 1 min.
Output Current @ 10kV 165 mA continuous , > 400mA max 1min. 165 mA continuous , > 400mA max 1 min.
1
Output Power max > 4000 VA > 4000 VA
Output PD level2 max  500 pC  500 pC
Duty cycle  1650VA 1650 .. 2000 VA 2001 .. 3000 VA >3001
continuous 30 min. ON / 1h 5 min. ON / 1h 1 min. ON / 1h
1 Can be expanded with optional Resonating Inductor

2 Can be reduced with additional filters on coupling capacitor

Measuring Unit (MIDAS 2881 & MIDAS2881G)


Range Resolution Accuracy
Test Voltage < 1MV 1V  0.2 % rdg  1 V
Dissipation Factor (tan ) 0 … 10’000.% 0.001%  0.5 % rdg 0.01.%
Power Factor (cos ) 0 ... 100.% 0.001%  0.5 % rdg 0.01.%
Quality Factor 0.01 ... 10000 0.0001  0.5% rdg  0.0001
Capacitance 0.01pF  0.2 % rdg  0.2pF
Inductance 0.1mH  0.5 % rdg  0.5 mH
Test Current Input A, B & HVGND 20.uA … 15 A 0.1 uA  0.1 % rdg  1 uA
Ref Current Input Cn ext 20.uA … 300 mA 0,1 uA  0.1 % rdg  1 uA
Test Frequency 15 Hz … 1000 Hz 0.01 Hz  0.1 % rdg  0.1 Hz
Apparent Power S  1 MVA 0.1 mVA  0.8 % rdg  1 mVA
Real Power P  1 MW 0.1 mW  0.8 % rdg  1 mW
Reactive Power Q  1 Mvar 0.1 mvar  0.8 % rdg  1 mvar
Accuracy @ frequency 15Hz…100Hz ; In & Ix > 20A ; Ix/In: 0.01 .. 10’000 ; With Internal Cn

Internal reference capacitor


Capacitance 100 pF
tan  < 0.00002
Capacitance constancy < 0.01.% / year
Temperature coefficient < 0.01.% / K
Mains Power supply
Voltage / Frequency 90 VAC … 264 VAC / 50 … 60 Hz
Input Power 1 kW
Environmental
Operating Temperature -10 .. 50 °C
Storage Temperature -20 .. 70 °C
Humidity 5 .. 95 % r.h.
Protection classes IP22, IEC 61010, CE mark, general IEC 61326-1,
IEC 61000-4-X, 61000-3-X, EN 55011, ANSI/IEEE C37.90
Safety Specification VDE 0411/part 1a , IEC/EN 61010-1:2002

4 Technical Data 4

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Mechanical
Weight & Dimensions Instrument 58 kg (128 lbs) 34 x 47 x 104 cm (13.5” x 18.5” x 41”)
Trolley 11 kg (25 lbs) 33 x 68 x 112 cm (13” x 26.8” x 44”)
General
Control unit Lap top Computer Windows 7 based.
Measuring unit With Internal and external Power supply and nominal capacitor
Interfaces Ethernet connection to external laptop
Recorded Values DF(tan ), DF(tan )@20°C , DF%(tan ), DF%(tan )@20°C , PF(cos ), PF(cos
)@20°C , PF%(cos ), PF%(cos )@20°C, QF (quality factor), QF (quality factor)
@20°C CP (ZX= CP RP), RP (ZX= CP RP), CS (ZX= CS + RS), RS (ZX= CS + RS) ,
LS (ZX= LS + RS), RS (ZX= LS + RS), LP (ZX= LP RP), RP (ZX= LP RP),
Standard capacitor Cn, URMS, URMS 3, ITest eff, IRef eff, Im, IFe, Impedance Zx,
Phase-angle  (Zx), Admittance Yx, FrequencyTest, FrequencyLine , App. Power
S, Real Power P, Reactive Power Q, Real Power @2.5 kV, Real Power @10
kV, TemperatureAmbient 5, TemperatureInsulation 5 , Rel. Humidity 5,
Temp.Corr.Factor K, Connection mode, Settings, all Notes and Comments,
Time, Date
Software Windows 7
Data format XML, CSV
5 measured by external temperature/humidity probe

Technical Data 5

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3 Safety
This warning sign is visible on the MIDAS. Meaning: This equipment should only be operated after
carefully reading the user manual which is an integral part of the instrument.
Haefely Test AG and its sales partners refuse to accept any responsibility for consequential or direct
damage to persons and/or goods due to none observance of instructions contained herein or due to
incorrect use of the MIDAS.
Further be aware that Safety is the responsibility of the user !

 Remember - Hazardous voltage can shock, burn or


cause death !

3.1 General
Safety is the most important aspect when working on or around high voltage electrical equipment.
Personnel whose working responsibilities involve testing and maintenance of the various types of high
voltage equipment must have understood the safety rules written in this document and the associated
safety practices specified by their company and government. Local and state safety procedures
should also be consulted. Company and government regulations take precedence over Tettex
recommendations.
The MIDAS generates high voltage and is capable of causing serious even lethal electrical shock. If
the instrument is damaged or it is possible that damage has occurred, for example during
transportation, do not apply any voltage.
The instrument may only be used under dry operating conditions. The use of MIDAS is prohibited in
rain or snow.
Do not open the MIDAS, it contains no user replaceable parts.
Do not switch on or operate a MIDAS instrument if an explosion hazard exists.

3.2 Personnel Safety


The MIDAS should not be operated by a crew smaller than two people. Their function can be
described as follow:
Test Operator The person who is making the test connections and operates the MIDAS. He must be
able to have a clear view of the device under test and the area where the test is performed.
Safety Observer The person who is responsible for observing the performance of the test, seeing
any safety hazard, and giving warning to crew members.
Both persons should perform no other work while the MIDAS is energized.
While making the various types of connections involved in the different tests, it may be necessary for
personnel to climb up on the equipment, but no one should remain on the equipment during the test
itself.

6 Safety 6

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Non-test related persons who are working in proximity to the area where testing is performed must be
informed. Consistent visual and verbal signals should be agreed and followed.
Perform only one job at a time on any equipment. The situation in which two crews are doing different
tasks with the same equipment at the same time is an open invitation for confusion, trouble, and
danger to the personnel.
People with heart pacemakers should not be in the vicinity of this system during operation.

3.3 Safety Features


Beside an Emergency Stop switch the MIDAS is equipped with an external Safety Switch (spring-
release type or a 'dead man' type). The Safety Switch should be controlled by the second test crew
member (safety observer). Without the Safety Switch the instrument can not be activated.
Prior to making the first measurements, the Safety Switch operator should verify the correct
operations of the switch.
It is recommended that the Safety Switch be the last switch closed. It must remain open until all
personnel are safely in the clear. If unauthorized personnel should enter the area, or if some other
undesirable situation should develop, the Safety Switch operator should release the switch
immediately, and then notify the MIDAS operator.
The Safety Switch should be used at all times. Never short circuit it and do not use fixed mechanical
locking devices for depressing the switch button. The switch button must be manually operated at all
times.

For visual warning of high voltage presence a warning lamp bar is located on the top rear side of the
instrument. Optional a strobe light is delivered which can be mounted on the device under test.
The MIDAS is equipped with a HV GND connection surveillance. The high voltage can only be
switched on when the earth circuit is properly connected. The instrument indicate the status
“Grounded” or “Open” by LED and by software.
A separate green/yellow earth cable is provided for the purpose of safety grounding the instrument.
The earth cable should be connected to the Earthing Screw on the back of the MIDAS at one end and
to the station grounding system at the other end.

The green / yellow safety ground cable should be the FIRST lead to be connected to the set.

3.4 Safety Precautions


All tests must be performed with the device under test completely de-energized and isolated from its
power systems. The equipment, its tank or housing must be disconnected from all buses and properly
earthed, so that all induced voltages or trapped charges are neutralized. Only when the measurement
procedure is actually being performed the grounds should be temporarily removed.
The MIDAS must be solidly earthed with the same ground as the device under test. When the MIDAS
is permanently housed in a vehicle, the MIDAS ground should be bounded to the vehicle chassis,
which in turn is grounded.
Exposed terminals of equipment should not normally be allowed to 'float'. They should be grounded
directly or through the low voltage leads (INPUT V) of the MIDAS, unless otherwise specified.
Testing of high voltage equipment involves energizing the equipment through the MIDAS. This can
produce dangerous levels of voltage and current. Care must be taken to avoid contact with the
equipment being tested, its associated bushings and conductors, and with the MIDAS cables.
Especially the high voltage test cable should not be held during energization of the MIDAS. Flashover
of the test specimen or the MIDAS can generate transient voltages of sufficient magnitude to puncture
the insulating jacket of the high voltage test cable.

Safety 7

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It is strongly recommended that the test crew make a visual check to ensure that the equipment
terminals are isolated from the power system. If there is real possibility that the device under test fails
precautions such as barriers or entrance restrictions must be taken against harm in the event of
violent failure.
Proper clearance between the test equipment and the device under test must be ensured during the
presence of high voltage. Barriers and safety tapes can be established around the test area to prevent
unintentional entry into the live area. It must also be guaranteed that extraneous objects like ladders,
buckets, etc. can not enter the test area.
After the MIDAS is properly grounded, the remaining test leads and the High Voltage Test Cable are
plugged into their receptacles. Do not connect test leads to the equipment terminals until after
the leads are connected to the MIDAS.
The proper procedures for connecting the MIDAS leads to the device under test is described in detail
in chapter "Accessories and Options" The safety observer should supervise this procedure at all
times.
The MIDAS operates from a single-phase power source. It has a three wire power cord and requires
a two-pole, three terminal, live, neutral and ground type connector. Do not bypass the grounding
connection. Any interruption of the grounding connection can create electric shock hazard. The
power input connection should be the last step in setting up the instrument.

After the tests are completed, all test leads should be disconnected first from the device under
test and earthed before they are disconnected from the instrument.

The green / yellow safety ground cable should be the LAST lead to be disconnected from the
set.

Do not disconnect the voltage cables from unless the MIDAS Voltage is set to HV OFF, and the
Safety Switch is released. Attempts to disconnect leads while the MIDAS is energized may
result in a serious and possibly lethal electrical shock.

3.5 Summary
Note: Many accidents that happen around high voltage equipment involve personnel who are familiar,
and perhaps too familiar, with high voltage equipment. Staying alert and ever watchful requires
constant training and awareness of the inherent hazards. The greatest hazard is the possibility of
getting on a live circuit. To avoid this requires constant vigilance - for oneself and for one's fellow
workers.
In addition to the obvious dangers, personnel should be alert to recognize subtle dangers as well. For
example, during transformer excitation-current tests, the floating terminals may have significant
voltages induced in them by simple transformer action. Therefore, all terminals of a device under
test, unless grounded, should be considered to be live while the test is in progress.
When potential transformers or any transformers are interconnected, voltage can be back-fed through
the secondary windings to produce high voltage on the primary although the primary is seemingly
isolated from the power system. This entail a second important rule - all terminals of a device under
test should be completely isolated.
Finally it should be noted that the MIDAS is relatively heavy. We recommend that at least two people
are used to slide the MIDAS and three to lift it. Special care must be taken in lifting or sliding the
Instrument into or from a vehicle so as not to incur bodily injury.

Remember - Safety, FIRST, LAST, ALWAYS !

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4 Theory

4.1 Why is Insulation Tested?


All transformers, high voltage switchgear, motors and electrical equipment accessories have a high
voltage lifespan. From the first day of use the equipment is subject to thermal and mechanical
stresses, foreign particle ingress and variations in temperature and humidity. All of these influences
raise the working temperature of the equipment when switched on. This heating accelerates chemical
reactions in the electrical insulation, which result in a degradation of the dielectric characteristics. This
process has an avalanche character i.e. the changing electrical characteristics of the insulation
increase the loss factor and produce heating which further degrades the insulation. If the loss factor
of the insulation is periodically monitored and recorded, it is possible to predict and / or avoid
catastrophic failure of the electrical equipment.
At the beginning of the public electricity supply industry, methods and processes were sought to avoid
unexpected losses caused by equipment defects. One method that provided repeatable data and
offered simple on-site measurement was the measurement of capacitance and loss factor (power
factor) of the equipment insulation.
In cases where loss factor tests were regularly carried out, and the relevant test results compared with
earlier results, the deterioration of the insulation was noted and necessary preventative measures
were carried out. Based on this groundwork, a series of test procedures were developed and
described in various IEEE, ANSI and IEC documents and standards to specify the insulation quality
for various types of electrical equipment.
In order to define acceptable loss factor values, a „data record service“ was developed based upon
statistical data that related to specific equipment types and models. Standard measurements of
capacitance and loss factor of the electrical insulating medium were carried out to ensure that the data
was comparable. The loss factor was calculated and the results were corrected by energy
comparison to a value for a test voltage of 10kV. Some test results were further multiplied by a
temperature correction factor to produce 20°C compatible values. Any results that are now acquired
at different Test Levels and temperatures are recalculated for 10kV and / or 20°C and then recorded
and compared. In this way the degradation of the insulation characteristics over a specified period of
time can be determined. With the test result history an experienced engineer is able to take the
necessary maintenance actions based upon changes in the value of loss factor.

4.2 What is Loss Factor?


Loss factor is the total energy that will be used by the equipment during normal service. In particular,
the insulation loss factor is any energy that is taken by the flow of current through the resistive
component of the insulation. The earth path varies according to the type of electrical equipment. For
example, switchgear will probably develop tracking to earth at right angles to the floor connections. In
transformers paths can develop in the insulation resistance between the windings or between the
windings and housing (tank). In all cases the result is a loss factor in the form of heating.
Note: In this text loss factor (losses, watts) is referred to, in contrast with total loss factor. Total loss
factor is normally used to describe the total losses of the transformer under load and should not be
confused with the energy that is lost due to degradation of the insulation.

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4.3 What is Dissipation Factor tan ?
To specify the insulation loss factor, the test object must be considered in the test arrangement as a
capacitor. Consider all test objects e.g. transformers, bushings, busbars, generators, motors, high
voltage switchgear etc. are constructed from metal and insulation, and therefore possess associated
capacitive properties. Every test object consists of various capacitances together with the insulation
and the internal capacitance to earth. The figure shows the components that comprise a capacitance
and the diagram for a simple disc capacitor.

 A
C
d

where:
A electrode face
d distance between the electrodes
C capacitance

Figure 1- Disc Capacitor 0 dielectric constant of air (0=8,8542•10-12 F/m)


r relative dielectric constant dependent upon
material
  = 0 • r, dielectric constant

In an ideal capacitor the resistance of the insulation material (dielectric) is infinitely large. That means
that, when an AC voltage is applied, the current leads the voltage by exactly 90° as it flows as pure
current.
After further consideration it must be realized that every insulation material contains single free
electrons that show little loss under DC conditions with P= U2/R. Under AC a behaviour called
dielectric hysteresis loss occurs which is analogous to hysteresis loss in iron.
As losses therefore occur in every insulation material, an equivalent diagram of a real capacitance can
be constructed as follows:

Loss factor (Dissipation Factor)

P R IR X C 1
tan     
QC IC R   C  R

Power Factor

IR PR tan
PF  cos    
Figure 2 - Parallel equivalent diagram of a lossy I SC 1  tan2 
capacitance with vector diagram

UTest applied test voltage


IC current through capacitance
IR current through resistance (insulating material)
C ideal capacitance
R ideal resistance

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Because P = Q • tan , the losses which are proportional to tan , will usually be given as a value of
tan  to express the quality of an insulation material. Therefore the angle  is described as loss angle
and tan  as loss factor.

4.4 The Difference between Power Factor


and Dissipation Factor
While “Dissipation Factor” tan  is used in Europe to describe dielectric losses, the calculation used in
the United States is „Power Factor“ cos .
The statistical data that have been collected in North America have been calculated using the loss
factor cos  (Power Factor) to specify the power losses in the insulation. Because the angles are
complimentary it is unimportant whether tan  or cos  is used as with very small values the difference
is negligible. However the conversion formulas are:

tan  PF
PF  tan  
1  tan  2
1  PF 2

4.5 Apparent Power, Real Power, Reactive


Power
The relationship between the various types of power is clarified in the following equations.

Apparent Power S = U·I [VA]

Real Power P = U·I cos  [W]

Reactive Power Q = U·I sin  [var]

Figure 3 - Vector Diagram


of Apparent Power, Real
power and Reactive Power

Because most test objects are not a pure resistance and therefore have a phase angle  between the
test voltage and current, this phase shift must also be taken into consideration in the power
calculation.

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4.6 Test Instruments
There are three basic kinds of capacitance, tan  and Power Factor test instruments in use.
Although the high accuracy Schering Bridge must be balanced manually and the balance observed on
a null indicator, it has been widely sold and used for decades up until this day. The capacitance and
dissipation factor can be calculated by reading the position of the balance elements.
The automatically balanced C tan  measuring instrument performs measurement by the differential
transformer method. The automatic balancing makes operation very easy.
The double vector-meter method is essentially an improvement of the differential transformer method.
All three methods are in current use for accurate and repeatable measurements of C tan  on various
test objects. The differences basically lie in the resolution and accuracy. Different instruments are
generally developed specially for field or laboratory measurement.
Field instruments are specially constructed for rugged field requirements and are equipped with a
mobile high voltage source. In addition, such instruments provide noise suppression for onsite use.
Laboratory instruments have been constructed for indoor use where high accuracy specifications are
required. These test systems are built in a modular construction for higher Test Levels. The systems
may be used for daily routine testing, for high precision long duration tests or for acceptance tests.

4.7 Evaluation of Test Results

Significance of Capacitance and Dissipation Factor


A large percentage of electrical apparatus failures are due to a deteriorated condition of the insulation.
Many of these failures can be anticipated by regular application of simple tests and with timely
maintenance indicated by the tests. An insulation system or apparatus should not be condemned until
it has been completely isolated, cleaned, or serviced. The correct interpretation of capacitance and
dissipation factor tests generally requires a knowledge of he apparatus construction and the
characteristics of the types of insulation used.
Changes in the normal capacitance of insulation indicate such abnormal conditions as the presence of
a moisture layer, short circuits, or open circuits in the capacitance network. Dissipation factor
measurements indicate the following conditions in the insulation of a wide range of electrical
apparatus:
 Chemical deterioration due to time and temperature, including certain eases of acute
deterioration caused by local overheating.
 Contamination by water, carbon deposits, bad oil, dirt and other chemicals.
 Severe leakage through cracks and over surfaces.
 Ionization.
 The interpretation of measurements is usually based on experience, recommendations of
the manufacturer of the equipment being tested, and by observing these differences:
 Between measurements on the same unit after successive intervals of time.
 Between measurements on duplicate units or a similar part of one unit, tested under the
same conditions around the same time, e.g., several identical transformers or one winding
of a three phase transformer tested separately.
 Between measurements made at different Test Levels on one part of a unit; an increase in
slop (tip-up) of a dissipation factor versus voltage curve at a given voltage is an indication of
ionization commencing at that voltage.

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An increase of dissipation factor above a typical value may indicate conditions such as those showed
above: If the dissipation factor varies significantly with voltage down to some voltage below which it is
substantially constant, then ionization is indicated. If this extinction voltage is below the operating
level, then ionization ma progress in operation with consequent deterioration. Some increase of
capacitance (increase in charging current) may also be observed above the extinction voltage
because of the short-circuiting of numerous voids by the ionization process.
An increase of dissipation factor accompanied by a marked increase of the capacitance usually
indicates excessive moisture in the insulation. Increase of dissipation factor alone may be caused by
thermal deterioration or by contamination other than water.
Unless bushing and pothead surfaces, terminal boards, etc., are clean and dry, measured values not
necessarily apply to the insulation under test. Any leakage over terminal surfaces may add to the
losses of the insulation itself and may give a false indication of its condition.

Dissipation Factor of Typical Apparatus Insulation


Values of insulation dissipation factor for various apparatus are shown in this table. These values are
useful in roughly indicating the range to be found in practice; however, the upper limits are not reliable
service values.

Equipment Dissipation factor @ 20°C


Oil-filled transformer, New, HV ( > 115kV) 0.25% .. 1.0%
Oil-filled transformer, Age 15 years, HV ( > 115kV) 0.75% .. 1.5%
Oil-filled transformer, Age 15 years, LV, distribution 1.5% .. 5%
Circuit breakers, oil-filled 0.5% .. 2.0%
Oil-paper cables, "solid" (up to 27.6 kV) new 0.5% .. 1.5%
Oil-paper cables, HV, oil-filled or pressurized 0.2% .. 0.5%
Stator windings, 2.3 .. 13.8kV 2.0% .. 8.0%
Capacitors 0.2% .. 0.5%
Bushings, (solid or dry) 3.0% .. 10.0%
Bushings, compound-filled, up to 15kV 5.0% .. 10.0%
Bushings, compound-filled, 15 .. 46kV 2.0% .. 5.0%
Bushings, oil-filled, below 110 kV 1.5% .. 4.0%
Bushings, oil-filled, above 110 kV 0.3% .. 3.0%

Dissipation Factor and Dielectric Constant of Typical Insulation Materials


Typical values of 50/60Hz dissipation factor and permittivity (dielectric constant ε ) of some typically
used insulating materials.

Material Dissipation factor @ 20°C ε


Acetal resin (Delrin™) 0.5% 3.7
Air 0.0% 1.0
Askarels 0.4% 4.2
Kraft paper, dry 0.6% 2.2
Transformer oil 0.02% 2.2
Polyamide (Nomex™) 1.0% 2.5
Polyester film (Mylar™) 0.3% 3.0
Polyethylene 0.05% 2.3
Polyamide film (Kapton™) 0.3% 3.5
Polypropylene 0.05% 2.2
Porcelain 2.0% 7.0

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Rubber 4.0% 3.6
Silicone liquid 0.001% 2.7
Varnished cambric, dry 1.0% 4.4
Water 100% 80
Ice 1.0% @ 0°C 88
Note: Tests for moisture should not be made at freezing temperatures because of the 100 to 1 ratio
difference dissipation factor between water and ice.

Influence of Temperature
Most insulation measurements have to be interpreted based on the temperature of the specimen. The
dielectric losses of most insulation increase with temperature. In many cases, insulations have failed
due to the cumulative effect of temperature, e.g. a rise in temperature causes a rise in dielectric loss
which causes a further rise in temperature, etc.
It is important to determine the dissipation factor temperature characteristics of the insulation under
test, at least in a typical unit of each design of apparatus. Otherwise, all tests of the same spec should
be made, as nearly as practicable, at the same temperature. On transformers and similar apparatus,
measurements during cooling (after factory heat-run or after service load) can provide required
temperature correction factors.
To compare the dissipation factor value of tests made on the same or similar type of equipment at
different temperatures, it is necessary to correct the value to reference temperature base, 20°C
(68°F). The MIDAS does that automatically. See also chapter "Software : Menu Conditions
(Temperature correction)”.
The insulation material temperature for apparatus such as spare bushings, insulators, air or gas filled
circuit breaker and lightning arresters is normally assumed to be the same as the ambient
temperature. For oil-filled circuit breakers and transformers the insulation temperature is assumed to
be the same as the oil temperature. The (transformer mounted) bushing insulation temperature can be
assumed to be the midpoint between the oil and ambient temperatures.
The capacitance of dry insulation is not affected by temperature; however, in the case of wet
insulation, there is a tendency for the capacitance to increase with temperature.
Dissipation factor-temperature characteristics, as well as dissipation factor measurements at a given
temperature, may change with deterioration or damage of insulation. This suggests that any such
change in temperature characteristics may be helpful in assessing deteriorated conditions.
Be careful making measurements below the freezing point of water. A crack in an insulator, for
example, is easily detected if it contains a conducting film of water. When the water freezes, it
becomes non-conducting, and the defect may not be revealed by the measurement, because ice has
a volumetric resistivity approximately 100 times higher than that of water. Tests far the presence of
moisture in solids intended to be dry should not be made at freezing temperatures. Moisture in oil, or
in oil-impregnated solids, has been found to be detectable in dissipation factor measurements at
temperatures far below freezing, with no discontinuity in the measurements at the freezing point.
Insulating surfaces exposed to ambient weather conditions may also be affected by temperature. The
surface temperature of the insulation specimen should be above (never below) the ambient
temperature to avoid the effects of condensation on the exposed insulating surfaces.

Influence of Humidity
The exposed surface of bushings may, under adverse relative humidity conditions, acquire a deposit
surface moisture which can have a significant effect on surface losses and consequently on the
results of a dissipation factor test. This is particularly true if the porcelain surface of a bushing is at
temperature below ambient temperature (below dew point), because moisture will probably condense
on the porcelain surface. Serious measurement errors may result even at a relative humidity below
50% when moisture condenses on a porcelain surface already contaminated with industrial chemical
deposits.
It is important to note that an invisible thin surface film of moisture forms and dissipates rapidly on
materials such as glazed porcelain, which have negligible volume absorption. Equilibrium after a
sudden wide change in relative humidity is usually attained within a matter of minutes. This excludes
thicker films which result from rain, fog, or dew point condensation.

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Surface leakage errors can be minimized if dissipation factor measurements are made under condition
where the weather is clear and sunny and where the relative humidity does not exceed 80%. In
general, best results are obtained if measurements are made during late morning through mid
afternoon. Consideration should be given to the probability of moisture being deposited by rain or fog
on equipment just prior to making any measurements.

Influence of Surface Leakage


Any leakage over the insulation surfaces of the specimen will be added to the losses in the volume
insulation and may give a false impression as to the condition of the specimen. Even a bushing with
voltage rating much greater than the test voltage may be contaminated enough to cause a significant
error. Surfaces of potheads, bushings, and insulators should be clean and dry when making
measurement.
It should be noted that a straight line plot of surface resistivity against relative humidity for an
uncontaminated porcelain bushing surface results in a decrease of one decade in resistivity for a
nominal 15% increase in relative humidity.

Electrostatic Interference
When tests are conducted in energized sub stations, the readings may be influenced by electrostatic
interference currents resulting from the capacitance coupling between energized lines and bus work to
the test specimen.
The measurement difficulty, which is encountered when testing in the presence of interference,
depend not only upon the severity of the interference field but also on the capacitance and dissipation
factor of the specimen. Unfavorable weather conditions such as high relative humidity, fog, overcast
sky, and high wind velocity will increase the severity and variability of the interference field. The lower
the specimen capacitance and its dissipation factor, the greater the difficulty, with possible reduction in
accuracy, in making measurements. It is also possible that a negative dissipation factor reading may b
obtained so it is necessary to observe the polarity sign for each reading.
The MIDAS interference suppression feature minimizes the influences but however, the influences
may be minimized considerably by:
Using the maximum voltage of the test set if possible.
Disconnecting and grounding as much bus work as possible from the specimen
terminals.
Making measurements on a day when the weather is sunny and clear, the
relative humidity is less than 80%, the wind velocity is low, and the surface temperature of exposed
insulation is above the ambient temperature.
If the test set is energized from a portable generator when conducting tests in an energized substation
the readings may fluctuate over a significant range. This results from the frequency of test mains
being out of synchronization with the electrostatic interference field. If it is not possible to synchronize
the frequency of the two voltage systems, disconnect and ground as much bus work as possible from
the specimen terminals. This will decrease both the interference pickup and the reading fluctuation.

Negative Dissipation Factor


It is believed that a complex tree network of capacitances and resistances, which exists within a piece
of equipment, cause the negative dissipation factor phenomenon. Error currents may flow into the
measuring circuit in instances where phantom multiple terminals or a guard terminal appear in the
measurement system. It is also believed that a negative dissipation factor may be produced by
currents flowing into a tee network as a result of space coupling from electrostatic interference field.

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4.8 Supplementary Test Methods
As of today there exists no other test method that can replace the currently used C tan  test.
Nevertheless, several measurement methods exist which compliment dissipation factor measurement
and assist in localization of defects in the test object.
Partial Discharge Measurement is unprotected against external electromagnetic disturbances and
on-site measurement presents quite a lot of problems.
Oil Analysis Measurements provide useful information about the insulating oil in transformers and
oil-paper insulation systems.
The Recovery Voltage Meter RVM provides information about the aging condition of the oil-paper
insulation. This method cannot currently be used for testing synthetic insulation.

4.9 Standard Capacitor, Measuring Current


& Limits
To evaluate the expected values of test current, standard capacitor current, the corresponding limiting
parameters and the resulting load range use these basic conditions and rules:

(1) Maximum test voltage shall be less than the nominal voltage of
UTestmax  UCN
the standard capacitor.

 Current through standard capacitor CN ICN  UTest  2π  f  CN

(2) Minimum current through standard capacitor CN ICN min  20 µA


Note: Minimal current through CN (internal or external) to ensure accuracy

(3) Maximum current through standard capacitor CN EXT ICN max  300 mA
Note: Maximum input current of the “CN EXT INPUT” to avoid overload *

ICN max
(4) Maximum test voltage ** UTest max 
2    f  CN

ICN min
(5) Minimum test voltage UTest min 
2    f  CN

 Test current IX through test object CX IX  UTest  2  f  Cx

(6) Maximum Test current through test object CX IX max  15 A ***


Note: Maximum input current of the “INPUT A, B, HVGND” to avoid overload

(7) Minimum Test current through test object CX IX min  20 µA


Note: Minimal input current of the “INPUT A, B, HVGND” to ensure accuracy

(8) Limitations based on “Technical Data” (e.g. max supply power,


current etc.)
Note: These calculations are valid for capacitive test objects (tan  = 0). They can also be as a close
approximation for test objects with a tan  value < 0.01.

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* Maximum current trough “CN INTERNAL ” is limited by 15kV / 100pF  470µA @ 50Hz
** The max. output power can also limit the maximum test voltage
*** Test current higher than 15A can’t be measured with this test system. External current dividers
(current comparators) would affect functionality and/or accuracy of the midas288X. For range
extension please contact TETTEX customer support.

Example:
UTest =10kV, CX=80nF (tan  < 0.01), f=50Hz, internal AC source used, built-in CN used
 IX = 251mA  within IX range – OK
 > 150mA - Only intermittent testing allowed due to max. supply
output current limit
 Psupply = 2513VA  within P range – OK
 ICN = 314 uA  within ICN range – OK

4.10 Parallel & Series Equivalent Circuits


The MIDAS measures and displays both - the parallel and/or series equivalent circuit values.
The following formulas describe the calculation of the value conversion parallel – series :

1
Rp 
  tan  * Cp *

* measured values

Figure 4 - Parallel equivalent circuit Cp-Rp

Cs  Cp * (1  tan2  *)

tan2  *
Rs  Rp 
1  tan2  *
Figure 5 - Series equivalent circuit Cs-Rs * measured values

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5 Functional
Description

5.1 System Overview

To be able to execute correct and reproducible measurements it is essential to understand


how the MIDAS measuring system works.

The MIDAS measuring system is based on the double vector-meter method which relies upon the
measurement of the current IN through the known reference capacitor CN and the measurement of the
current IX through the unknown test object CX.
Both branches are energized by the built-in HV AC power source (UTest) and both currents are
measured by the adjustable high accurate shunts RX and RN and then digitised. By using IEEE 1394
“fire wire” data bus technology each digitised value is time stamped. With this technology not only the
values but also the time information (phase displacement) between IN and IX can be measured very
fast and highly accurate.
The digitised data streams are fed into the PC and over the known standard capacitor all other
desired measuring values can now be determined online.

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IX Current trough Device Under Test CX
IN Current trough known Standard
Capacitor CN
I RX Losses of the Device Under Test CX
CX Test Object (ideal capacitance)
-5
CN Standard capacitor (with tan  < 10 )

RX Measuring shunt for I X , CX


RN Measuring shunt for I N , CN
V Low voltage point of the HV supply and
reference point of the measurement

ADC Analogue to Digital Converter

t1, t2 Time stamps of the measured values

Figure 6- Function Schematics

5.2 V-potential point and Guarding


This measuring system is able to measure capacitances with highest accuracy to determine trending
analysis of insulating materials. In the range of normal insulation capacitances the always existent
stray capacitances - measured together wit the DUT - are influencing the measuring values
significant. So these unwanted stray capacitance effects have to be eliminated.
This is realized by the so called “guarding” of the relevant elements. That means that the complete
high voltage source, the supply and measuring cables have to be shielded with the so called “V-
potential” which is the low voltage point (reference) of the high voltage supply. All capacitances
connected to this reference point are bypassed and are therefore not influencing the measuring value.
Several parts have to be double shielded (Guard and Ground) to compensate other side effects and
to ensure the specified measuring accuracy. Due to this guarding concept the supplied shielded coax
measuring cables (for High Voltage Supply, Input A and Input B) have to be used always. If the
system is connected with normal unshielded cables the measuring values will be incorrect.
To keep in mind for the user of the system is that capacitances related to the V-point are bypassed.
Make sure that all unwanted capacitances are related to the V-potential point and their current is
flowing directly into the V-point and not through the measuring shunt RX.
This has to be evaluated for every measuring setup. The most common ones are described in this
manual – for the other ones the user has to make sure that only the desired capacitances are
measured with the chosen test setup. Most cases can be solved by setting the internal Test Mode
Switch matrix correctly which sets unused measuring cables and connected parts to the V-potential
automatically.

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The V-potential point is accessible over a 4mm plug on the instruments side panel where the user can
connect external parts of a test setup.

Example: Bypass the leakage current on bushing surface with guarding.

Figure 7 - Measurement without Guard (V-Potential)

Normal connection in GST gA+B mode to measure high voltage winding to tank CHG . But with this
connection the stray capacitance Cstray (surface leakage current on bushing surface) is measured in
parallel and therefore causes a minor error on the measurement. The measured value is CHG. + Cstray

Figure 8 - Measurement with connected V-Potential point to the powered bushings (guarding)

Normal connection in GST gA+B mode to measure high voltage winding to tank CHG. With guard collars
mounted on the bushings surface close to the tank (not touching). These electrodes, connected to the
V-potential point bypass now the leakage current and therefore also the stray capacitance Cstray The
measured value is now only CHG. and the best accuracy is reached.
Note: As guard collar you can use any conducting material as aluminium foil, copper band, etc

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5.3 Test Modes
When measuring transformers and other test objects the problem often arises that, in addition to the
„normal“ ungrounded capacitances, capacitances with one side grounded must also be measured
(e.g. capacitance between a winding and an earthed housing).
Conventional measurement systems require the external test setup (cable connections) to be
changed for such measurements. This involves a lot of work and time, especially when on-site
measurements are being performed on large power transformers.
Using the Test Modes, the test object only has to be connected once for measurement and all
relevant capacitances can be measured by switching the test mode as required.
The selected Test Mode connects the DUT current path(s) to the internal current measuring shunt RX
and the other (not measured) connected leads to the V-potential (reference point) of the system. All
capacitances connected to this reference point are bypassed and are not influencing the selected
measurement.

Figure 9 - Measuring setup on a single phase transformer with two low voltage windings. The Test Mode Switch is
set to UST A resulting in a measurement of the capacitance CHL1.

Note: The connection between HV GND on the measuring instrument and the earth point of the test
object is a normal measuring channel as well. A good clean contact is essential.

INPUT A INPUT B HV GND Actual


Test Mode Explanation connecte connecte connecte measured
d to (S1) d to (S2) d to (S3) CX
Ungrounded Specimen Test, A used as
UST A measuring channel, B and HV GND connected RX V V CHL1
to V- potential point (bypassed)

Ungrounded Specimen Test, B used as


UST B measuring channel, A and HV GND connected V RX V CHL2
to V- potential point (bypassed)

Ungrounded Specimen Test, A and B used as


CHL1 +
UST A+B measuring channels, HV GND connected to V- RX RX V
potential point (bypassed) CHL2

CHL1 +
Grounded Specimen Test, A and B and HV
GST A+B
GND used as measuring channels.
RX RX RX CHL2 +
CHG

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Grounded Specimen Test with guarding (V-
CHL2 +
GSTgA potential) connected to A (bypassed). HV V RX RX
GND and B are used as measuring channels. CHG

Grounded Specimen Test with guarding (V-


CHL1 +
GSTgB potential) connected to B (bypassed). HV RX V RX
GND and A are used as measuring channels. CHG

Grounded Specimen Test with guarding (V-


GST gA+B potential) connected to A and B (bypassed). V V RX CHG
Only HV GND is used as measuring channel.

Note: For testing the insulation secondary winding – tank, the HV cable and measuring cables shall
be exchanged. The HV shall be connected to the secondary winding(s) and the measuring cable to
the primary winding. The measured capacitances in the table will change accordingly.

Test Mode „UST” for ungrounded test objects


This test mode is the most common situation when measuring capacitance and dissipation factor.
Various ungrounded capacitances can be measured using this mode, providing that the maximum test
current of the measuring instrument is not exceeded.
When measuring power transformers and HV current transformers, this configuration determines the
capacitance and dissipation factor between the various winding groups.
In this mode the highest measurement accuracy is reached.

Test Mode „GST“ for grounded test objects


This test mode enables the measurement of capacitances that are normally earthed on one side when
in operation. When measuring transformers‚ this configuration measures the capacitance and
dissipation factor between the HV winding and all other windings and the transformer housing.

Test Mode „GST g“ for grounded test objects with guarding (V-potential)
This test mode directly measures the capacitance between the HV terminal and the housing (which is
grounded). The partial capacitances that are undesirable for the measurement are connected to the
V-potential point and thereby rendered ineffective.
When measuring transformers‚ this configuration measures the capacitance and dissipation factor
between the various winding groups and the transformer housing. The windings which are not used
for measurement are connected to the v-potential of the measuring system via the A (or B) measuring
cable and the internal Test Mode Switch.

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5.4 Interference Suppression
The presence of power line frequency fields induce spurious voltages and currents (interference
inductions) onto the test object and therefore cause an error on the measuring signal. These
interferences make accurate measurement more difficult. The Midas 2881 uses therefore special filter
algorithms to reduce the noise and extract the measuring signal.
These algorithms has to be selected whenever readings are not stable, or high armonics content can
be detected in the measuring signals. The selection is done by the user, selecting “Test Frequency
Detection” located in the settings menu.

The desired measuring frequency has to be introduced in the “Detect Frequency” text box.
The measurement will take a little bit longer when these algorithms are applied, please be patient and
do not release the handheld before the measurement is complete

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6 Operation Elements

6.1 Individual Parts


The MIDAS system can be dismounted to individual, transportable parts . The system consist of
following elements:

1. Measuring Instrument
2. Trolley
3. Laptop

These parts can be mounted /


dismounted by opening the related
fastener.

Figure 10 - Individual Parts

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6.2 Laptop as System Controller

6.2.1 Interfaces
The supplied Laptop is fully installed with operating system and MIDAS software.
The communication between the Midas and the computer is done trough a normal Ethernet
connection using the delivered Ethernet cable, the instruments is also equipled with a swiss style
mains plug to connect the laptop during measurements.
Ethernet Ethernet connection for Instrument control)
Power Mains plug for the laptop
Both plugs are located in the “glove box” on the backside of the instrument.If desired, the remaining
cable length and the laptop charger can be located there while using the system.

6.3 Computer connection


Computer conection plugs are located at the top side
in the instrument back panel (black coloured), inside
the “glove box”.
 Ethernet connection for device control
 Power connector for Laptop (90..230V AC as
Mains)
To connect the laptop to the device, just connect first
side of the delivered Ethernet cable to the Ethernet
connector located in the interior of the “globe box”
and the other side of the cable to the laptop Ethernet
port.
The communications are based in defined and fix IP
addresses and subnet mask in the computer and
measuring instrument as below.

MIDAS IP Address -> 192.168.0.80


Computer Ethernet address -> 192.168.0.44
Subnet mask -> 255.255.0.0
The delivered laptop is already preconfigured to
stablish communication without any additional
Figure 11 - Comunication and mains plug location
operation.

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6.4 Instrument Side Panel

The instrument’s right side panel is devided into


two main parts:

1. Measuring connections
2. High Voltage and safety ground connections

Figure 12 - Side panel

6.4.1 Measuring Inputs

The Safety Switch should be used at all times. Never short circuit it and do not use
fixed mechanical locking devices for depressing the switch button. The switch button
must be manually operated at all times.

The instrument must be disconnected from all voltage sources if a fuse has to be
replaced. When replacing the mains fuse always use a replacement fuse with the same
specifications and current rating.

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1. EMERGENCY STOP BUTTON
2. EXT WARNING LAMP
Plug receptacle for connecting optional external safety
strobe lamp
3. MEASUREMENT INPUT “A”
Plug receptacle for connecting the low voltage test lead
A
4. MEASUREMENT INPUT “B”
Plug receptacle for connecting the low voltage test lead
B
5. MEASUREMENT INPUT “CNEXT”
plug receptacle for connecting an external Standard
Capacitor (if used)
Figure 13 - Side panel top 6. LOW VOLTAGE POINT “V”
4mm plug for connecting all parts witch capacitance
shall not be measured (with this reference “v” potential
the HV transformer and the entire HV circuit is enclosed
 Guard. It’s also the low voltage point of the HV supply
NOT the system earth)
7. SAFETY SWITCH INPUT
Plug receptacle for connecting the handheld Safety
Switch.
8. MEASUREMENT INPUT “HV GND”
This test lead is the low voltage connection of the HIGH
VOLTAGE OUTPUT. It has to be connected to the
ground-point of the device under test. (See also “HV
GND Connection Surveillance”)
9. LED INDICATOR “Open” & “Grounded”
OPEN indicates an open or defective grounding of the
system.
GROUNDED indicates a correct grounded HV GND
INPUT ( HV ON is enabled)
10. WARNING LAMP BAR
Red HV ON indication lamp
11. MAINS
Socket for the supplied mains cable, mains power switch
and mains fuse

6.4.2 High Voltage and Power Outputs

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12. LOW VOLTAGE OUTPUT TO BOOSTER
Receptacle to connect the optional current booster type
“5287” to extend the supplied test current ( for
Inductance testing and short circuit impedance testing)
13. HIGH VOLTAGE OUTPUT
Plug receptacle for connecting the high voltage output
cable (yellow) respectively the test object
Note: The matching plug has a locking ring that should
be fastened by hand
14. RESONATING INDUCTOR CONTROL
Receptacle to connect the control link to the optional
Figure 14 - Side panel bottom
15kV resonating inductor 5289.
(Not used for 5288A)
15. RESONATING INDUCTOR SUPPLY
Receptacle to connect the link to the parallel power
supply in the optional 15kV resonating inductor 5289 to
drive the additional load of the inductor.
(Not used for 5288A)
16. SAFETY GROUND
Wingnut terminal for safety ground connection

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6.5 HV GND Connection Surveillance
The HV GND connection to system ground is kept under constant surveillance. As shown in below,
relay Re1 can only close when the test system is supplied with mains power and the test object is
earthed via a separate earth connection. Therefore, the high voltage can only be switched on when
status “Grounded” is shown on the instrument side panel (and on the display as well).
Should the HV GND connection being interrupted the actual test (HV) will be switched off
immediately.

Functional principle of the safety circuit for earth connection monitoring

6.6 Safety Ground (Earthing)


Wing nut ground terminal for connecting the safety ground lead to earth
ground
(connected to the instruments housing and the ground pin from the mains
connector, there is no measuring or AC supply functionality)

Figure 15
Safety ground
connection
Side panel – Safety Ground

A separate green/yellow earth cable is provided for the purpose of safety grounding the instrument.
The Safety Ground cable should be connected to the Earthing Screw on the back of the MIDAS at
one end and to the station grounding system at the other end.

For safety reasons the earth cable should be the FIRST lead to be connected to the set and the LAST
to be disconnected.

The device under test, its tank or housing, and the MIDAS must be solidly and commonly grounded or
earthed. This also applies to any mobile equipment being tested.

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When the MIDAS is permanently housed in a vehicle, the MIDAS ground should be bounded to the
vehicle chassis, which in turn is grounded.
Exposed terminals of equipment should not normally be allowed to 'float'. They should be grounded
directly or through the measuring leads of the MIDAS, unless otherwise specified.

6.7 Emergency Stop


When the Emergency Button is pressed the test is automatically terminated
(high voltage is switched off and it is not possible to switch the high voltage
on until the button is released)
Note: The emergency stop switch is directly integrated in the safety interlock
circuit (hardwired) without any interaction of the built-in PC or software.
Figure 16
Emergency
switch
Emergency Stop Button

6.8 Warning Lamp Bar


The red warning lamp bar located on the instrument side panel indicates the
actual high voltage state of the MIDAS.

No light
The system is in a safe state.
The emergency stop is pressed, the Safety Switch is released or HV-GND
lead is not connected.

Illuminated

Caution: High Voltage possible anytime! The system is ready to


switch high voltage on anytime. You have only to press the “High Voltage
ON” button to switch high voltage on.
The emergency stop is released, the Safety Switch is pressed and the HV-
GND lead is connected.

Blinking

Warning: High Voltage is live!


Figure 17 The High Voltage is switched ON and active.
warining lamp

Red warning lamp bar

Never attempt to disconnect the High Voltage Test Cable or the Low Voltage Lead(s) from
either the terminals of the test specimen to which they are connected at the outboard end, or
from the receptacles on the Instrument at the inboard end unless the MIDAS Voltage is set to
HV OFF (No warning lamp light), and the Safety Switch is released. Attempts to disconnect
leads while the MIDAS is energized may result in a serious and possibly lethal electrical shock.

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7 Software
The MIDAS Software is running on Microsoft Windows 7 Operation System. The software is designed
to control all operation and inputs by a Laptop computer trough an Ethernet connection. For
instructions about connection between the computer and the Midas 2881 please go to the chapter 6.3

7.1 General

7.1.1 Start-up
Once the system has been started, the following Start-up window comes, in which two options could
be selected for different operations.

Select to start the system in Manual Mode. The default file for storing
measuring data will be used.

Select to launch the file manager in which you have the possibility to select a
file for operation, to load a previous file, or to create a new file. See section “File Manager“ for more
information.

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7.1.2 Main Window
The main window consists of four main screens accessible over the related tabs on the right-hand
side. Each screen is used for a particular function and are normally used from up to down as following

The function of these tab sheets are:

Tab Sheet Setup


Pressing this button provides access to the definition of the Device under Test (DUT),
measuring conditions and auxiliary information.
See section “Tab sheet SETUP” for details.

Tab Sheet Manual


This sheet is used for manual operation, such as setting the measuring connection,
voltage and frequency and storing the measuring results in a spreadsheet.
See section “Tab sheet MANUAL” for details.

Tab Sheet Sequence


This tab sheet defines the test sequence and create complex test cycles. The
measured data are automatically stored in a spreadsheet, which can be used for
additional analysis afterwards.
See section “Tab sheet SEQUENCE“ for details.

Tab Sheet Analysis


This sheet is used to sort and analyse the measured data in a graphical way. Trends
or different comparisons can be generated without an extraordinary effort. As a result,
you may predict the actual state of your equipment.
See section “” for details.

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7.1.3 Title bar
The title bar (header line) has following structure:

Device Status if Path and Status field Help Button Minimize Close
Name operation name of the Button Button
mode is actual active
“Simulated” file

The functional descriptions of the title bar elements are:

Device Name
Name of the controlled device (MIDAS).
The colour of the title bar will change to red, if high voltage is
switched ON.
Simulation Mode
If the MIDAS OFFICE software is used on a standalone PC or
laptop to prepare sequences, connection diagrams, display
measurements etc. the “Simulated” status is shown in the title
bar.
The “Simulated” mode provides the same functionality as on the
MIDAS itself, but no system hardware is needed. The measuring
values are simulated.
Document Name
The actual active (loaded) test file and its path is shown here. All
data are stored in this file.
Status Field
In this field you find the actual status of the system.
Help Button
Pressing this button an explorer with help screen will open
Minimize Button
The display of the software will be minimized and you have
access to the Windows OS desktop.
This button can only be pressed while the HV is switched off.
Close Button
Press “Exit to Windows” button to terminate the MIDAS software
and exit to Windows Operating System.
Press “Shut Down” button to terminate the MIDAS software and
shut down the system.

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It’s strongly recommend to shut down the system correctly
before switching the main power off.

7.1.4 Alarm Messages


Alarm messages of the system are displayed in the status field. The High Voltage could not be
switched on if an alarm messages appears in the status field.
The alarm messages can be described as follow:

Alarm “Emergency”
The emergency button on the right hand side of the screen panel
is pressed. Release the Emergency Button to remove this alarm
(rotate to unlock).
Alarm “HV Ground not conn.”
The HV GND Input is not connected to the ground of the device
under test. See “HV GND Connection Surveillance”.
Alarm “Safety Switch”
The hand held Safety Switch is released. Press the Safety
Switch to remove this alarm.
Alarm “Ext. Noise Reduction”
If it is not possible to get stable values, f. e. due to external
disturbance, the user is asked to enable the “Ext. Noise
Reduction”. In this case a filter will be activated and the test
frequency will be switched ± 5% of the line frequency, if
necessary. So it is possible to get more stable measurement
results.
This alarms shows if “Ext. Noise Reduction” is activated.
For more information see “Button Extended Noise Reduction”
Alarm “Watchdog”
This error message appears if the internal communication
between the built-in PC and the measuring hardware is
interrupted for more than 1.6 sec. The high voltage is switched off
to ensure that the locked software never let the high voltage
active.
This message should not appear in normal operation
Alarm “Power Amp. Failed”
This error message appears if the internal power amplifier is
overloaded, shorted or is not able to set the desired voltage.
Check if there is a short-circuit at the device under test or if the
cooling of the system is not granted.
There is a timer built-in the software which supervises the
duty cycle of the power amp. Due to required cooling intervals the
source will be shut down automatically before it overheates.
See chapter “Technical Data” for the maximum duty cycles
For voltages lower than 10 kV and power higher than 1.5 kVA,
the maximum voltage in Tab sheet MANUAL should be set below
10 kV to get to power at the test object. In this case a lower
winding on the high voltage transformer will be used.

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7.1.5 Function Keys
The key bar at the bottom of the window consists of the below buttons, some of them only arise in one
of the

Button “High Voltage ON”


By pressing this button the High Voltage is switched on in manual
mode. Button is disabled if unit is not ready to start (for ex. an error
message such as “Emergency” is active).
Button “Start Sequence”
By pressing this button the High Voltage is switched on in sequence
mode.
Button “High Voltage OFF” or “Stop Sequence”
This button will switch off the High Voltage source.

Button “User configuration”


BY presing this button a password will be required, this allows the
operator to define a maximum output voltage protected by password.

Button “About”
Pressing this button will pop-up the following message window with
information about software version, calibration time and instrument
serial number.
Button “Signal analysis”
Pressing this button an additional analysis window will pop up where
values and wave shapes are shown and can be recorded.
Button “Ext. Noise Reduction off”
Activate/deactive the extended noise reduction

Button “Start at Selected”


During sequence mode, allows to start a sequence at a aparticular
point.
Button “File Manager”
With this button the file manger dialog is started (copy, save and load
measuring files).
See section “File Manager” for more information.

7.2 File Manager


The File Manager window will appear by pressing the button either in the start-up window or in the key
bar at the bottom of the main window. The File Manager consists of following six buttons:

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Button “New”
By pressing this button the File Selector Dialog
pops up where you can enter a name for the
new file. All further measured data will be
stored in this file.
Button “New based on Template”
If this button is pressed the File Selector Dialog
pops up and a new test file can be generated
which will be based on an existent file. The
sequence data will be used from the source file,
the measuring data will be deleted. All further
operations will be stored in this file.
Button “Load”
By pressing this button a dialog pops up where
you can load an existent file to continue your
work.
Button “Save”
To save the actual test file press this button.

Button “Save As”


With this button the actual file can be saved with
a different filename.
Button “Report”
If this button is pressed the internet explorer
with the actual test file will open. There you can
print the file and configure the appearance of
the document.
See section ”Report“ for more information.
Button “ Previous Test(s)”
This button will load the shortcuts of the three
last used files and display them for quick
access.

7.2.1 File Selector Dialog


This common windows file selection window will appear when the button “New” or “New based on
Template” “Save” or “Save as” is pressed in the File Manager.

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7.2.2 Report
Once the Report button is pressed in the File Manager Dialog two possibilities will arise.

Button “Show Report”


By pressing this button the Internet Explorer
with the actual file will pop up.
An example is shown in below.
Button “ Show Actual Diagram”
When this button is pressed the Internet
Explorer will open with the actual analysis
diagram.

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At the top of the explorer window a small header with three boxes and a print link is placed. With this
menu the appearance of the printout can be controlled. It is possible to hide or display the test
sequences, the measurement values and the analysis window. Clicking on the Logo on the right side
of the explorer window will show or hide the menu. The Print Command will hide the menu and open
the print dialog.

Change of Printout Logo


If you want to use your own logo, replace the file “C:\company.jpg” by your company logo.

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7.2.3 Data Format Files
All measurement and sequence data are stored in both XML and CSV format:
CSV (Comma Separated Values) files can be used to export data to Microsoft Excel.
XML (eXtended Markup Language) files have a hierarchical structure and can be easily displayed
by any computer with a Web Browser.
If you want to exchange data or move files to another computer you have to copy one or more of the
following files:
*****.xml The XML file, which you want to look at.
*****.csv The CSV file with DUT Information and all measuring data.
*****.jpg All JPEG Files from the analysis part.
HTAGDoc.xsl Template used by the XML file to be shown in the computer web broser. It
content the information releated to the appearance and printing. To open a
report in a third computer this file must be available in the same folder as the
report (xml file) itself.
Company.jpg Picture in jpeg format containing the logo for the report. Overwrite the file with
your company logo to replace the default Tettex logo.

7.3 Display of Measurement Values


In the tabs sheets “MANUAL” and “SEQUENCE” four measuring values are displayed on top of the
screen.

Different font colors are used to identify the actual status and validity:
Color Meaning

The measured values are not yet stable. The built-in averaging routine is
still calculating a mean value. Normally during fast voltage changes the
values are displayed in dark green.

The value is now stable and has the correct accuracy. In an automatic
Light green sequence mode the value will be recorded now and the next voltage step
will be set.

Signal Overflow error. This case should not be seen during normal
operation. IN case it arise contact us.

Selection of measuring values


In the first (left) field you find always the voltage value applied at the test object.
The measuring values of the other three fields can be selected by pressing the small green arrow
inside the indicator. After clicking a window will allow you to select the desired measuring value for the
corresponding field.

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The selectable values are:
Value Description

DF (tan )
Actual measured Dissipation Factor.
DF (tan )@20°C
Dissipation Factor, temperature corrected to 20°C with the
selected Temperature Correction Table.

DF%(tan )
Actual measured Dissipation Factor in percentage format
DF%(tan )@20°C
Dissipation Factor in percentage format, temperature corrected
to 20°C with the selected Temperature Correction Table.
PF (cos )
Actual measured Power Factor.

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PF (cos )@20°C
Power Factor, temperature corrected to 20°C with the selected
Temperature Correction Table and corrected to line frequency.
PF%( cos )
Actual measured Power Factor in percentage format
PF%( cos )@20°C
Power Factor in percentage format, temperature corrected to
20°C with the selected Temperature Correction Table.
QF
Actual measured Quality Factor
QF @20°C
Quality Factor, temperature corrected to 20°C with the selected
Temperature Correction Table

U rms
Effective voltage applied to the test object
U rms sqrt(3)
Effective voltage applied to the test object multiplied by 3. E.g.
to get Line-Line voltage from the Line-Ground value.
Ieff Ref
Effective Current through CN
Ieff Test
Effective Current through CX
Frequency
Measured frequency of applied voltage
Line Frequency
Measured Line Frequency
S / N Ratio
Signal / Noise Ratio shows the signal noise ratio.
The noise will be measured while switching high voltage on
during calibrating noise. To determinate the noise signal again,
the high voltage can be switch off and on again.
ZX
Complex Impedance of the test object. Shown in absolute value
and phase-angle 
YX
Complex Admittance of the test object. Shown in absolute value
and phase-angle 
 (Zx)
Phase-angle of the complex Impedance of the test object
I mag(Lp)
Effective magnetization current

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I fe(Rp)
Effective iron loss current

CP (ZX= CP RP)
Capacitive part of the test impedance (capacitance) ZX in
parallel equivalent circuit
RP (ZX= CP RP)
Resistive part of the test impedance (capacitance) ZX in parallel
equivalent circuit
CS (ZX= CS+ RS)
Capacitive part of the test impedance (capacitance) ZX in serial
equivalent circuit
RS (ZX= CS+ RS)
Resistive part of the test impedance (capacitance) ZX in serial
equivalent circuit
LS (ZX= LS+ RS)
Capacitive part of the test impedance (inductance) ZX in serial
equivalent circuit
RS (ZX= LS+ RS)
Resistive part of the test impedance (inductance) ZX in serial
equivalent circuit
LP (ZX= LP RP)
Capacitive part of the test impedance (inductance) ZX in parallel
equivalent circuit
RP (ZX= LP RP)
Resistive part of the test impedance (inductance) ZX in parallel
equivalent circuit
Standard Cap Cn
Actual Standard Capacitor Cn (internal or external)

Apparent Power S
Apparent Power energized complex impedance ZX
Real Power R
Real Power energized complex impedance ZX
Reactive Power Q
Reactive Power energized complex impedance ZX
Real Power @ 2.5kV
Real Power (losses, watts) on the test object, normalized to a
test voltage of 2.5kV.
2 2
Real Power @2.5kV = PAct.voltage  2.5kV / (Act. voltage)

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Real Power @ 10kV
Real Power (losses, watts) on the test object, normalized to a
test voltage of 10kV.
2 2
Real Power @10kV = PAct.voltage  10kV / (Act. voltage)

Ambient Temp.
Ambient Temperature. This value is manually set in Menu
“Setup: Conditions”
Insulation Temperature
Insulation Temperature
This value is set in Menu “Setup: Conditions”
Relative Humidity
Relative Humidity. The value is manually set in Menu “Setup:
Conditions”.
Temperature Correction
Temperature correction factor. Multiplier for the temperature
correction calculation. This value depends on the actual
insulation temperature and the selected type of insulation
Connection
Actual selected connection mode

Scope
Waveform display.
The voltage value applied at the shunts in function of the time.
This selection is only available at the fourth rightmost field.

7.4 Tab sheet SETUP


This tab sheet consists of following sub chapters.

Menu DUT Info

The general information about the Device under Test should be entered
in this panel.

See section “Menu DUT Info” for more information.


Menu Conditions
In this panel, you should enter the actual type of the insulation of the
DUT, such as the current ambient temperature and humidity.
This allows that the measured Power Factor and C tan  are
normalized to 20°C, which allows a comparison between values,
measured at different temperatures.
See section ”Menu Conditions (Temperature correction)” for more
information.

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Menu Settings
In this panel, you should enter the current measuring settings, such as
cable length used, the parameters of an external capacitor connected
and so on.
See section “Menu Settings” for more information.
Menu Options
In this panel, you have the possibility to change the temperature unit
(Celsius or Fahrenheit) and the languages.
Currently the user interface is available in English and Chinese.
Menu Auxiliary
You can enter additional information for your special purpose in this
panel. This information will be included when you print out the
document.

7.4.1 Menu DUT Info


Information about the test object and test can be introduced using the computer keyboard. This information will
be shown in the final report and exported to the CSV file.

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Mandatory Inputs
All inputs which are preceded with a red asterisk () are mandatory fields. That means at least one
character has to be filled in. This “lock-functionality” can be disabled. See section “Menu Settings“ for
more information.

If there is an mandatory input field which has to be filled in, the tab sheet
button at the top is marked with a red asterisk.

When all marked mandatory fields are filled, the red asterisk in the tab
sheet button will switch to a green hook.

7.4.2 Menu Conditions (Temperature correction)


The electrical characteristics of practical all insulation materials vary with temperature. In order to
compare the results of periodic tests on the same equipment it is necessary to know the correction
factors against the temperature. The Midas includes this correction factors for most of the available
test objects and therefore results can automatically be corrected to the reference temperature (20°C,
68°F). To do so the corresponding test object has to be slected in the menu. As information the
correction table will arise in the button of the screen.

Actual DUT
insulation
temperature

DUT type
selection

Correction
factors table
(information)

Temperature correction data are average values and therefore subject to some error. The error is
minimized if tests are performed at or near to reference temperature. This is not always possible in
the field. But when questionable tan  values are measured at very high or very low temperatures the
equipment should be retested closer to the reference temperature.
To perform the correction, the temperature of the DUT insulation at the moment it is tested has to be
defined. Additionally for information the actual ambient temperature and humidity can be entered.
The test object temperature can be obtained form the DUT temperature indicator or using the laser
temperature/humidity measuring device (optional).

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With these temperature factors the measured Power Factor and C tan  values are normalized to
20°C (68°F), which allows the comparison of results of periodic tests on the same equipment.
The temperature corrections are calculated according to ANSI / IEEE C 57.12.80-1999, see following
extract.

Extracts from standard ANSI/IEEE C57.12.90 –1999

Formula for recalculation at 20°C


The temperature correction factors for tan  or power factor PF of insulation is dependent upon the
insulating material, the material structure, the moisture content etc. The values for the correction
factors are typical values and are sufficient for use in the following equation:

PF20 Power factor at 20°C


PFmt
PF20  or PFmt Power factor measured at test object temperature T
K
tan  20 tan  at 20°C
tan mt
tan 20  tan  mt tan  measured at test object temperature T
K
K Correction factor

Temperature correction factors


Conversion table for mineral oil as insulating fluid:

Test object temperature


10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70
T [°C]

Correction factor K 0.80 0.90 1.00 1.12 1.25 1.40 1.55 1.75 1.95 2.18 2.42 2.70 3.00
Note: The correction factors given above are valid for insulation systems that use mineral oil as the
insulating fluid. Other insulating fluids may require different correction factors.

Modify the Temperature Correction File


If you have equipment with known correction curves you can modify the basic standard data by
yourself.
The temperature correction data is stored in the file “TempCorrFactors.csv” which is located in the
same directory as the executable file “MIDAS.EXE”. The file format is “comma separated values”
(.csv), which can be imported / modified / exported in Microsoft Excel.
After opening the file “TempCorrFactors.csv”, you should select the first column “A” and choose from
the menu-bar “Data” and then “Text in columns”. A pop-up window will ask you; ”Separate” or “Fixed
width”, choose “Separate”. Then mark “Tab” and “Semicolon”. Press “OK” if the message appears;
“…will overwrite the cell size”. After editing the Temperature Correction File it should be “Saved as”
and the data type: “CSV” should be chosen. The file structure should be self explaining.
Example:

0°C 2°C 4°C 6°C 8°C 10°C 12°C 14°C 16°C 18°C 20°C 22°C 24°C ..

32°F 36°F 39°F 43°F 46°F 50°F 54°F 57°F 61°F 64°F 68°F 72°F 75°F ..

Conventional
Liquids 0.64 0.66 0.68 0.69 0.7 0.72 0.76 0.81 0.86 0.93 1 1.1 1.2 ..
Insulating Oil

Askarel 1 1.11 1.23 ..

Silicon Oils -
1 1.23 1.52 ..
New

.. .. ..

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7.4.3 Menu Settings
The device configuration data such as length of the cable or accessories used should be entered in
this panel.
In addition the extended accuracy features are also available on this menu

Measuring Cables

Input “Length of Measuring Cable [m, ft]”


Length and type of measuring cables influence the measurement
data, so it is important to set the right length for measuring cable
connected to input A, B and HV GND. Only supplied cables can
be used.
The standard length is 20m, 66 ft.

AC Supply
If you need higher test voltage or current to energize your test object, an external 50/60 Hz power
supply can be used. For this configuration you need an external standard capacitor as well.

Check box “use external Supply”


If this option is clicked, the control of the internal HV supply is
disabled ant MIDAS can be used as a measuring bridge. The
internal CN is also deactivated and an external nominal
capacitor must be used
The safety switch and the warning lamp inside the midas will
work, as they are link to the internal power supply.

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By using an external power supply, the safety inside the
Midas is deactivated as it is linked to the internal power
supply.
The operator is, as always, responsible to fulfil all safety
rooles related to a high voltage test included in the external
power supply used.

Current Booster
If the max. output current of the system is not enough (e.g. for short circuit impedance testing) the
optional current booster type 5287 can used (increased current at output voltages 10V or 100V).

Check box “use Booster 5287”


If the booster is used with the MIDAS, select this check box.
The “use external Cn” is selected then automatically. The cable
length and Cn values have to be entered there. The voltage in
MANUAL Tab sheet can then be entered in a % value instead of V.

Standard Capacitor Cn
This option allows using the Midas with an
external standard capacitor (e.g. Tettex types
3320 or built-in the Current Booster 5287).
The corresponding values of the external
nominal capacitor has to be introduced
accordlingly.

If the current booster 5287 is selected, these values are stored in the system and recalled when the
current booster is again used.

Check box “use external Standard Capacitor Cn”


This option has to be marked if you connect an external
standard capacitor Cn,.
Input “Length of measuring cable Cn”
Length and type of the cable influences the measurements
so it is important to enter the cable length. Only supplied
cables shall be used.
Input “Value of external Standard Capacitor Cn”
The maximal current should be less or equal then 300 mA.
Input “DF (tan) @ 50 Hz”
In general, only accurate standard capacitor can be used.
If the connected external capacitor has a known error, you
should correct the error setting in this field.

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Text “Value Cn internal”
This information shows the value of the internal standard
capacitor. The value is set in the factory, or by
recalibration, therefore this value should not be modified
by the operator.

Extended GST Accuracy

The stray capacitance between high voltage cable and


earth is located in parallel to the test object capacitance
and therefore influences the measurements while using
the ground input chanel (GST A+B, GST gA, GST gB,
GST gA+B.).

The MIDAS offers you the possibility to measure this stray


capacitance and compensate it to increase the accuracy
while using this measuring modes. For normal test
operation this procedure is normally not necessary.

During this test the device will apply high voltage, please follow the safety rooles as while performing
the test

By pressing ”Evaluate Parameters”, the evaluation procedure will be started You are guided with the
connection diagram:
You have to bring the HV cable very close to the test object where it shall be connected but don’t
connect it.
Pay attention that you don’t touch the cable during energizing.
After the cable will be energized with the set voltage the capacitance and the dissipation factor of the
stray capacitance will be measured.

Button “Evaluate Parameters”


By pressing this button a procedure to determinate the
parameters of the stray capacitance will start.
See picture above.
Input “Test Voltage Stray Capacitance”
At this voltage the stray capacitance will be measured.

Text “Stray Capacitance”


After successful measuring of the stray capacitance this
field will be filled by the capacity of the stray capacitance.

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Text “Stray DF (tan)”
The Dissipation Factor of the measured stray capacitance
will be displayed in this field.
Check box “Stray Error Correction”
By activating this box the capacitance and dissipation
factor of the cable stray capacitors will be considered for
further measurements. This mode will be used only for
grounded test objects measurement such as GST A+B,
GST gA, GST gB, GST gA+B.

Parallel Capacitance Detection

Check box “Parallel Capacitance Detection”


Under some circumstances and test objects, it can happen,
that a capacitance parallel to the inputs turns the phase,
which results in an erroneous tgδ (PF) value. A possible test
object is a transformer measuring the Capacitance CHL (HV
- LV Side). The capacitance CHG(HV – Gnd Side) will turns
the phase, if the test current is small.
If this field is checked, this case will be detected and
automatically switched to a lower input range. If it is not
checked the range with the best voltage accuracy will be
chosen.

Resonating Inductor
For operating with an external resonating inductor like 5288a or 5289 this button has to be selected. A
resonating inductor is used to increase the range of the capacitive load by parallel resonance.
This button has to be deactivated if the resonating inductor is not used. Otherwise the overcurrent
protection for the highvoltage transformer is deactivated.

Check box “Resonating Inductor”


See Chapter "Accessories and Options : Resonating
Inductor" for operating with an resonating inductor.

7.4.4 Menu Options


In this menu you can set some general options

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Drop-down list “Language”
Here you can select the operating language. Currently
available lenguages are English and Chinese.
Drop-down list “Start-up Mode”
Select Start-up: This button allows you to select the start-
up of the system. By pressing this button a list appears,
where you can select your start-up mode.
Quick Start-up: System will start directly in manual mode.
File Manager: System will start automatically with File
Manager dialogue
Load Last File: The file with which you have worked the
last time will be automatically loaded. The system will
continue at the same place, where you have left it.
Check box “Enable Mandatory”
If this option is activated certain inputs in Menu Setup has
to be filled before measuring.
Drop-down list “Temperature Unit”
Here you can select the unit for temperature, if you choose
“Celsius °C” the unit meter “m” will be automatically used
for lengths. If “Fahrenheit °F” is selected the unit feet “ft”
will be used.

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Drop-down list "User Interface"”

This option allows to configure the software to be used


with a computer keyboard (Standard) or trough a touch
screen (Touchscreen)
If “Standard” is selected, values introduction in the
textboxes are done by typing in the keyboard. For
numerical inputs the engineering unit like kilo, nano a.s.o.
can be set by pressing
‘G’ Giga
’M’. Mega
’k’ Kilo
’m’ milli
’u’ mikro
’n’ nano
’p’ pico
after the number. The Unit like Volt will be automatically
added.

For “Touchscreen” a menu will popup every time you click


in a text filed, where you can enter the value by touching
the characters / units.

Drop-down list "User Input"”

If "Use Input Lists" is selected all inputs where stored in a


file. After pressing first few character all window will popup
with all stored values. So it is very easily to make you
inputs.

Button “Load Factory Settings”


After leaving the factory or after a recalibration, the values
of standard capacitor or cable length are tested and
stored. By clicking this button you will be asked, if you
want to use these settings.
Drop-down list "Line Printer"
This button is only available when an optional line printer is
connected to the MIDAS.
The button can have following different states.
No Printing there will be no printout.
Always a printout will be generated if
you press the button "Report" in
the “” or if you run a sequence
and additional measuring data
are stored.
Only At Manual The printout will work only in the
“Manual” tap sheet.
Only at Sequence The printout will work only in the
“Sequence” tap sheet.
For information about the printout, see section “Strip
Printer”
Check box “Remote Access”
If this option is set the system is opened to be controlled
from a host computer. Remote access is granted.

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“REN Password”
Here the user has to enter a password to set the system
into “Remote controlled” status (together with command
REN) from a remote location.
This is for safety reasons to ensure that nobody (without
the password) can accidentally take over control and
switch HV ON.
Button “Go To Local”
With this button the onsite user can set back a remote
controlled system (REN mode) into the local operation
mode (GTL mode).
Button “Button Setup Remote Interface”
Here can you set the interface for controlling 2820 by
remote. The 2820 can be controlled by LAN or by RS 232.
Be aware, that the set parameters of the interface
correspond with the host computer ones.
For communication with RS 232 please use a linked RS
232 cable.
This field displays information about the actual LAN
Settings (interface parameters).
PORT The port number used to remote control the
MIDAS
IP ADRESS Actual IP address of the MIDAS
SERVER NAME The actual computer name of the
MIDAS PC.

7.4.5 Menu Auxiliary


Here you can enter your own documentation. The title of each field can be changed. All titles and text
are shown in the printed document.

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7.5 Tab sheet MANUAL

In this mode manual tests can be easily performed. Before doing a test following parameters must be
manually selected:
1. connection mode,
2. Applied voltage
3. Frequency.
After switching high voltage on, the measuring values can be recorded (stored) in the
MEASUREMENTS spreadsheet by clicking the “Record” button.
The main elements in this tab sheet are:
Element Description
Field Measuring Values
The displayed measuring value can be selected over a drop
down list.

Field Set Connection


By pressing this field you can select the test mode (measuring
connection).
The used inputs are shown then on the right side:
= used as measuring input,
= set to v-potential (guarding).
For more details see section “Test Modes”.

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Field Set Voltage / Voltage Max
This field contains information about the voltage value, which has
to be applied to the DUT. The maximum voltage is shown on the
top right.

For voltages lower than 10 kV and power higher than 1.5 kVA,
the maximum voltage should be set below 10 kV to get to power
at the test object. In this case a lower winding on the high voltage
transformer will be used.
Field Set Frequency
In this field the frequency which has to be applied to DUT can be
entered.

Button Record
The actual selection of measured data will be stored in the
spreadsheet. The “Time” field and the “description” field will be
copied from the previous line.
Button Comment
By pressing this button the comment field of the selected row can
be modified. It is also possible to select more than one row and
change them simultaneously.
Button Tools
Clicking this button will open a list with elements described below.
This list will also pop up if you click the right mouse button
somewhere in the tab sheet.
For additional information about every option in this pop up
window consult the chapter “tools window”

Button Extended Noise Reduction


Under high disturbance influence, it is not possible to measure at
line frequency. In this situation the dissipation factor / power
factor will be measured by varying the frequency and
interpolation the dissipation factor at line frequency. In this case a
filter a low pass filter with very strong damping will be used.
If it is not possible to measure, f.e. if the variance of the
measuring results is too high, the user will be asked to use
"Extended Noise Reduction".

A progress bar shows fhe progress of the calculation. At the end


of the calculation, a new dissipation / power factor will be
displayed. All other measuring results are updated faster. f

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Button Resonating Inductor
Opens a window to set the Resonating Inductor see chapter
"Resonating Inductor"
Button Signal Analysis
See "Menu Signal Analysis"

7.5.1 Tools Window


Clicking the “tools” button will open a list with several elements.
This list will also pop up if you click the right mouse button
somewhere in the tab sheet.

Button Define Column


If you press this button a dialog will open, where you can
choose, which measured value should be recorded and at which
position displayed.
For information about the pop up window see the chapter
“Definition of Columns for Measuring Spreadsheet


Button Edit Description
Click this button to modify the description field of the selected
row. It is also possible to select more than one row and change
them simultaneously.
Button New Measuring Series
Pressing this button will insert a blank line. With this feature you
organize the spreadsheet in a more readable way. The blank line
is also used to record the actual time. So it possible to group
measuring values, especially for analysis purpose

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Button Delete Row(s)
To delete the actual selected row of the spreadsheet this button
can be clicked.
If there is more than one row selected, all of them are deleted.
Button Signal Analysis
Pressing this button will open a window, where you get more
information about the measured signal.
Button Print Row(s)
By pressing this button the selected rows of measured
values will be printed.
See section “Strip Printer”.
Button Test Conditions
When this button is clicked the actual test conditions of the
measuring system is displayed. Each recorded test series have
their own test conditions, so it is possible to trace back test
condition over years, even with different measuring de.vices and
operators

Button Record Options


Here it is possible to create a measurement serie, where the data
are logged in a settable interval.
A dialog will popup to set the intervall of logging.
This activation of this options will be signalised by a running bar
below the Button Record.
The logging is only active while a signal is applied.

To deactivate this options set Record Data to

7.5.2 Definition of Columns for Measuring Spreadsheet


By pressing the button “Define Column” a dialog appears as following:

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This dialog is used to define the recorded measured data. With and selected measuring
values can be added or removed from the active spreadsheet. With and all data can be moved
or removed.

With and you can move the position of a specific active column.
Note: The columns in the measuring spreadsheet itself can also be moved in position with simple drag
and drop.

7.5.3 Formulas in Measuring Grids


Use Tools:Define Columns to choose the measuring values. By moving up or down the position of the column
Formula can be changed

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Use Define Formula to define the title, formula and the unit of the column Formula

Title column title


Formula Enter the formula of the cell of column Formula, when a measurement is recorded.
Where C[0,0] is the actual cell.
C[-4,-1] means 4 columns leftside of column ∆tanδ. This is cell DF(tanδ) and one row
above the actual row. All relations are relative to the actual row.

If C$[Column, Row] is used, the relations are absolut in the grid.


The cell of the first column and the first row will be addressed by C$[0,0

Here the result:

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7.5.4 Menu Signal Analysis
Additional information about the measured signals like wave shape and spectrum analisys is available
in this menu. This information has no influence for analysing the test object .

You will get in this menu, when you press .

Tab Sheet Spectrum


This tab sheet will show you the spectrum of the measured signals. The amplitudes are related to the
amplitude of the first harmonic in Percent %.
The first 15 harmonics are shown.

Tab Sheet Reference Channel (Cn)


If this Tab Sheet is selected you can see the spectrum of the current through the
nominal standard capacitor
Tab Sheet Test Channel (Cx)
If this Tab Sheet is selected you can see the spectrum of the current through the
test object
Tab Page Noise Channel
The recorded data of measured power line signal (with external noises) is shown
here.

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Tab Sheet Scope
This mode act as an oscilloscope showing the input signals in function of time. Sampling rate is 48kHz
(one sample every 20.83 μs).
Y exe shows the input signal amplitude in ADC counts. The maximum number of counts is 223
(6’388’608)

Button description:

Button Up / Down Amplitude


This will change the amplitude of the Y exe in the scope window,
this change is only for visualization purposes and will not change
the devices ranges.
By pressing Button Up, the signal amplitude is shown larger while
By pressing Button Down, the signal amplitude is shown smaller
The Auto Scale button will be automatically disabled.

Check box View Signals


The set of displayed signals can be selected:
Only Signals:
Shows IReference and ITest

Mains Signal: The mains signal (power line ) is also


displayed
Shows IReference , ITest , UMains

Apex Current: The power amp output signal (input signal


of the internal HV transformer ) is also displayed
Shows IReference , ITest , IApex

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All Signals:
Shows IReference , ITest , UMains, IApex

Check box Lissajous


If this option is marked, the "I Ref (Cn)" Channel is shown as a
function of the test channel "I test (Cx)", instead of as a function of
the time.
Button Difference
Activating this option will show the difference between Channel "I
Ref (Cn)" and
Channel "I test (Cx)" in a white colour.
Button Simulation
Simulated curves can be activated. Used for office version without
the Midas hardware.
Button Inc / Dec Time Base
By pressing "ms" Button, the time scale will increased. As a result,
there are more recorded data visible.
By Pressing "s" Button, the time scale will be decreased. As a
result, there are less data will be shown.

Tab Sheet Log

This menu records all measured data in function of the time. It displays some statistical data as
Average and Standard Deviation. Be aware that the recorded data looks very instable. This is caused
by the automatic scaling of the scope, where the lowest and the highest value will be used for
minimum and maximum y-axis. At maximum 1000 values are recorded.

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Buttons description:

Button X / Y Axis
By pressing this button the measuring values for the x- or y-axis
can be chosen. If you select "Index" as axis, the values are
shown in order which they are recorded.

Button Clear Curve


Pressing this button will clear the scope.

Check box Auto Scale


This option is used for enable/disable automatic scaling of the
scope. If it is unchecked higher and lower values than the
maximum range of the scope are not shown anymore
Button Save
Pressing this button will store the recorded raw data of the ADC.
A dialog will appear in which you can select the name of file to
save. The data are stored in CSV format (Comma Separated
Values). The button should only be used for debugging purpose.
Button Load
Pressing this button will load a file stored with the Save button.
This is only available with the Office Version of the software and
it is only for debugging purpose.

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7.6 Tab sheet SEQUENCE
Via this sheet a complete test cycle can be created. The whole process is designed in such a way that
modifications can be done quick and straight forward.
The tab sheet “SEQUENCE” consists of two sections. At the top half of the window a test sequence
can be defined by the voltage applied, the test mode (UST or GST) and a picture with some
comments. The bitmap and the text will be displayed before the test sequence will start.
At the bottom half of the window the measurement results are displayed.
For each measurement sequence, two pass and attention limiters can be applied, which define the
acceptable and cautious range of a measured value.

7.6.1 Definition of Spreadsheet Sequence

Description of Sequence Columns

Column Description

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Column SqNr
Identification number of the sequence.
Column Description
Description of measurement. For example the object where the
High Voltage Source is connected.
Column Voltage
Voltage applied to the test object.
Column Frequency
Frequency of the AC voltage applied to the test object.
Column UST A … GST gA+B
Test mode definition.
If one of these fields is not empty, a measurement will be done
with the appropriate test mode connection. The field can be
labelled by an identifier (e.g. Cs for stray capacitance).
If the cell is signed with , the measurement sequence
includes limiter definitions, which characterize the measurement
as “Passed“, “Attention” or “Failed”.
Column Bitmap
If these cells are filled or “None” a dialog with the corresponding
bitmap and the comment of column “text” will appear before the
measurement is performed.

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Button Sequence Info

Button Sequence Info


Pressing this button will open a dialog with the information contained in the column
“Bitmap” and the column “Text”.

Button Sequence Tool

Button Sequence Tool


By pressing this icon a pop-up list appears with the following buttons.

Button Edit
This button will open a numerical or alphanumerical input for editing the
content of the cell.
If more than one row of a column is selected, the changes will be applied to
all of these rows.
If this button is pressed on the selected column “Bitmap”, a file selection
dialog will appear, where the desired picture can be chosen.
Button Edit Limit(s)
With this button the parameters of the limiters for the selected test mode can
be selected.
Button Delete Limit(s)
If this button is clicked the limits will be deleted. The sign will
disappear.
Button Insert Row
By pressing this button a new row with the same content as the row above
will be inserted.
Button Blank Row
By pressing this button a blank row for better organization of the sequence
will be added.
Button Delete Row(s)
By pressing this button the selected row(s) will be deleted.

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Sequence Dialog
With a valid bitmap and text, a dialog appears before the voltage is applied. An example is shown
below.

This dialog pops up after pressing . The sequence may be continued by pressing

, or interrupted by . During the whole dialog the high voltage is switched off.

7.6.2 Sequence Measurement

In the second half of the tab sheet SEQUENCE the measured values of a sequence are stored. All
technical feasible data are recorded during a sequence. With the buttons in the top row of the window,
the amount of displayed measuring data can reduced or enlarged.

Button Tool Sequence Measurement


By pressing this button a menu with the following buttons will appear

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Button Define Columns
This button can be used to define which data will be displayed.

Button Show Comment


Pressing this button will show the action of a limiter: whether the value
exceeds the limiters or not.
Button Edit Comment
Pressing this button will open an alphanumerical dialog, where you can
enter a comment for this measurement.
Button Use as Limit(s)
Pressing this button will select the measurement signal you want to use for
limits, for example DF (tan ).
To perform this operation the sequence number (SqNr) and the connection
in table MEASUREMENTS must be equal to the values in table
SEQUENCE.
Button Delete Row(s)
By pressing this button the actual selected data will be deleted.

Cell marked as attention


A red cross in the right bottom corner of the field indicates that the
measured value fails the assigned limit.
Cell marked as failed
A yellow exclamation mark in the right bottom corner of the field indicates
that the measured value exceed the assigned limit.

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7.6.3 Edit Sequence Limiters

By pressing , a dialog appears in which the “atention” and “Pass” limiters can be modified.
These limits are defined as yellow (Atention) and green (pass) areas in the analisys chart in the
analisys folder.
Limits can be defined as absolute or relative (in porcentage) to the expected value. When defining
limits, first the attention area has to be defined. After the green area is defined.
Definition with absolute values
1a “Attention” area (absolute) 2a “Pass” area (absolute)

Parameter -> DF (tan ) Parameter -> DF (tan )


Relative to ref -> Not selected Relative to ref -> Not selected
Expected Value -> 0.005 Expected Value -> 0.005
MinTol -> -0.002 MinTol -> -0.001
MaxTol -> +0.002 MaxTol -> +0.001

Definition with relative values


1b “Attention” area (Relative, in porcent) 2b.- “Pass” area (Relative, in porcent)

Parameter -> DF (tan ) Parameter -> DF (tan )


Relative to ref -> Selected Relative to ref -> Selected
Expected Tan  Value -> 0.005 Expected Tan  Value -> 0.005
MinTol -> -50% MinTol -> -25%
MaxTol -> +50% MaxTol -> +25%

Detailed descriptions of the fields and buttons areas in this screen:

Column Measuring Item


This is the limiter name. You can select any one of measured data.

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Column Value
This data is the reference value of the limits

Column Rel

If the option is activated “MinTol” and “MaxTol” are relative

to the reference value , otherwise the inputs are absolute.


Column MinTol
This field indicates the minimum tolerance level of the “Pass” or
“Attention” range. Depending on the “Rel” field the value is relative or
absolute.
Column MaxTol
This field indicates the maximum tolerance level of the “Pass” or
“Attention” range. Depending on the “Rel” field the value is relative or
absolute.
Column Action
This field describes the required action when the measured value exceeds
the minimal or maximal tolerance
Button Previous
By pressing this button the previous limiter can be read.
If there is a previous cell at the SEQUENCE spreadsheet, which is marked
with a limiter sign, the limits of this cell is selected.
Button Next
By pressing this button the next limiter can be read.
If there is a next cell at the SEQUENCE spreadsheet, which is marked
with a limiter sign, the limits of this cell is selected
Tab Sheet Pass
If this tab is clicked the limiters for pass the tolerance can be edited.
You have to fill in the border of the green area.

Tab Sheet Attention


If this tab is clicked the limiters for the attention tolerance can be edited.
This is the border of the yellow area. All points located outside the
attention limits are failed (red).

Check box Relative to Reference


The minimum and maximum tolerance are relative if this box is checked,
otherwise absolute.

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Button Edit
By pressing this button the selected cells such as value, MinTol, MaxTol
can be edited.

Button Apply to all


If this button is clicked, the current measured value with its limiters will be
applied to all limiters.

Button Add
Pressing this button will add a line to the spreadsheet.

Button Delete
Pressing this button will delete one row in the spreadsheet.

Graphic Preview
All limits of the sequence spreadsheet with the
same connection are shown in this graph

7.6.4 Starting Sequence

Button Start Sequence


Press this button to start the sequence from the first row of the
sequence spreadsheet.
If the column "Text" or "Bitmap" is filled with valid data, an info dialog
will be shown. If all safety conditions ("Emergency Button" released,
"Safety Switch pressed" etc.) are fulfilled, the high voltage with its
specified voltage and frequency will be switched on.
For the specified test mode all measurements are collected.
After each changing of connection the system is switched off for
calibrating the noise. See section “Extended GST Accuracy” for more
information.
The sequence will be executed starting from connection "UST A" to
"GST gA+B" in first row, then downwards one row until the last
connection in the last row. After all done, a message box will be
popped-up.
This button is disabled if the condition for switching high voltage on are
not fulfilled, such as "Emergency Button" released or "Safety Switch
pressed".
Button Stop Sequence
The sequence can be interrupted and stopped anytime by pressing
this button. The High Voltage is switched off immediately
With the button "Start at Selected" the sequence can be continued.
With the button "Start Sequence" the sequence can be restarted.

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Button Start At Selected
Pressing this button will start the sequence at the selected row of the
spreadsheet SEQUENCE.

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7.6.5 Sequence with External AC Power Source
The SEQUENCE tool can also be used with an external AC power source. To do so the option “use
external AC source” in the settings folder must be activated.
When active, and after clicking the “start sequence” button, the “Catch Value” window guides the user
over the necessary voltages to complete the sequence.

The descriptions of the elements in the “Catch Value” window are:

Bar Finding Voltage


If the blue needle is inside the pink colour area, the applied
voltage is too low. You have to increase the voltage.
If the needle is inside the red colour area, the applied voltage is
too high. You have to decrease the voltage.
If the needle is inside the green colour area, the voltage is close
enough to the expected value (e.g. 3.00kV). The window will be
automatically closed after reaching the required accuracy and
the values will be recorded. After that the sequence will execute
the next cell in the spreadsheet SEQUENCE.
The actual measured voltage will be shown at the left or right
hand side of the needle.
Button Apply
Pressing this button will close the window and the actual
measuring values will be recorded.
The next cell of the spreadsheet SEQUENCE will be executed.
Therefore you can continue the sequence without reaching the
actual voltage step.
Label Action
This message is used to show you how you should control the
voltage of the external AC Power Source.
Button Additional Settings
Pressing this button will scale up/down the dialog.
Additional fields for defining the green area are getting
visible/invisible.
Input Min. Level of set Voltage
In this field the lower value of the green area can be defined in
percent [%] of the applied voltage.
Input Max. Level of set Voltage
In this field the higher value of the green area can be defined in
percent [%] of the applied voltage.
Input Level of Label "Slow"
This field is used to set the level of voltage when the message
"Slow Up" and "Slow Down" appears. It is relative to "set
voltage".

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7.7 Tab sheet ANALYSIS
In this sheet you can compare the new measured data with older ones for trending visualisation or
display a measured value against another, for example dissipation factor against voltage.

7.7.1 Spreadsheet Measurement

Button Analysis Columns


With the buttons at the top of the spreadsheet,
you can change the amount of displayed
measuring data. The graphical output is
automatically adjusted.
By pressing the column header (“Start Time”),
all data will be shown.

Button Measurement Tool


Pressing this button will pop-up a edit menu
with the following buttons

Button Define Columns


Pressing this button will open a dialog to defines which data will be shown.

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Button Show Comment
Pressing this button will show the action of a limiter: whether the value
exceeds the limiters or not
Button Edit Comment
Pressing this button will open an alphanumerical dialog, where you can
enter a comment for the measurement.
Button Delete Row(s)
Pressing this button will delete the actual selected measured data.

7.7.2 Graphic Analysis

Description:

Button X- / Y - Axis
By pressing the labels of the X or Y axes, a popup
occurs where all possible axes values can be
selected.
Tab sheet predefined Views
These buttons can be used to predefine a graphical
view. The X- / Y- Axis and the selected measured
data are stored under free definable name.
Button Define View
Pressing this button will pop-up a menu with the
following buttons:

Button Add View


Pressing this button will store the actual graphic under a free definable
name.

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Button Rename View
Pressing this button will rename the actual view.

Button Delete View


Pressing this button will delete the actual selected view.

Button Set Current View


Pressing this button will store the current view under the actual
selected name.

7.7.3 More Analysis


This tool is used to analyze several files at the same time. The feature is especially helpful, if you
want to analyze the measured data from different test objects.

Analysis File Selection

Pressing the button will open the following dialog in which you can manage files for
analyzing.

The descriptions of the buttons are as follow:

Button Add File


Pressing this button will add a file to the list.

Button Remove File


Pressing this button will remove the current selected file from
the list.
Button Remove All
Pressing this button will remove all files from the list.

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Button Save List As
Pressing this button will store the actual list in a file.

Button Load List


Pressing this button will load a list from a file.

Button Show Analysis


Pressing this button will open a dialog with all files from the
list.

Analysis with data from different files


All selected measurement files are shown here. By pressing the column name “File Name”, you can
manage this list. See related chapter for details.

7.8 Remote Operation


This section first describes the basic characteristics of the built-in interface, the command syntax and
the data format. Then detailed information is given about the registers and commands made available
for remote controlling the MIDAS.

To remote control the MIDAS the Ethernet or the RS232 interface can be used.

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7.8.1 Characteristics of the interface
The settings can be seen in the tap sheet SETUP / Menu Options

Command Syntax
The command syntax corresponds to the IEEE 488.2 standard. The following list is an explanation of
the terms, special characters and rules of syntax.

Terms, Characters Explanation Remarks

<EOS> End character, sent as conclusion of a transmissions or Fix set to


serves to recognise the end of a transmission “CR + LF”

Command header Specifies the command to be executed.

Argument Contains the value to be input; can be transferred in


various formats (see also the “Data Format” section).

<SPACE> Separates the command header from the argument.

Command Command header and argument together.

: Separates command headers from one another.

, Separates arguments from one another.

? Attached to the command header for interrogating an


argument

; Separates individual commands from one another.

Command sequence Several commands one after another.

' or " Marks the beginning and the end of a string argument.

'' or "" Immediate repetition of the ' or " character in a string


argument. Accepts the character in the string without the
argument being taken as closed.

The MIDAS can process command sequences, whereby only one query is allowed per sequence
which must be positioned at the end of the sequence.
You can transmit upper and lower case letters when transmitting command headers and arguments.

Data Format
All numerical input and outputs are in SI units (Volts, Amperes, Ohms, etc.). The following summary
shows the formats used:

Format Description Examples

<NR1> Integer numbers 1, -8

<NR2> Real numbers 1.4, -3.64

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<NR3> Real numbers with exponents 1.56E+1, -1.67E-12

<String> Character sequences without CTRL 'Test character sequence'


(ASCII 13) and LF (ASCII 10) (see also
the “Command Syntax” section).

<ARBITRARY ASCII Character sequences of indefinite length, abcdefg.......z and even


RESPONSE DATA> closed by the end character. more<EOS>

<DEFINITE LENGTH Data byte sequence with definite length, #10 0123456789<EOS>
ARBITRARY BLOCK closed by the end character
RESPONSE DATA>

Register
Various registers are used in MIDAS in order to interrogate the state of the device via the interface.
Most registers are defined in the IEEE 488.2 Standard and are extended for the specific
characteristics of the MIDAS. The following table shows the relationship of all registers used together
with the associated bit assignments and resulting values:

Bit
*STB
7 Not in use, always '0'
Status Byte 6 RQS/MSS (Status of the RQS line) if queried over the serial connection
Register MSS (Master Summary Status) if queried via the *STB?
'1', if a message exists for the controller.
5 ESB (Standard Event Status Bit). Set, if since the last read or delete operation
something has changed in the Event Status Register.
4 MAV (Message Available). Set if there is still data to read through the
controller.
3 Not in use, always '0'
2 Not in use, always '0'
1 Not in use, always '0'
0 ISR. Set if the internal status register has a changed contents. The internal
status can be queried with ISR?
Used to mask the status byte bits (with the exception of bit 6). If a bit is set to '1' in
*SRE
this register, then the associated bit in the status register can be set as a collective
alarm and initiate a request, otherwise nothing will happen.
Service
Request
Enabling
Register

Bit
*ESR
15 - 8 Reserved— answer with '0'
Standard Event 7 PON Set to '1' when the MIDAS is switched on
Status Register 6 URQ Not used
5 CME Shows the processing errors that are stored in the CMR register
and can be queried with CMR?
4 EXE Shows a execution error that is stored in the EXR register and
can be queried with EXR?
3 DDE Shows that a MIDAS-specific error has occurred and which can
be queried with DDR?
2 QYE Shows a query error that is stored in the QYR register and can be
queried with QYR?
1 RQC Always '0' because the MIDAS is not able to take over bus
control.
0 OPC Unused and always '1' if and *OPC is recognised because all
commands are processed in a strictly one after another.

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Is used to mask the ESR. If a bit is set to '1', an associated bit in ESR can be set
*ESE
and can initiate a collective alarm, otherwise nothing.
Event Status
Enable
Register

Bit
ISR
7 0
Internal Status 6 0
Register 5 0
4 0
3
2
1 Set if a transmission error (time out) occurs.
0 Set if the device is in the 'local' state.
Used to mask the bits in the ISR. If a bit is set to '1', then the associated bit in the
ISE
ESR can be set and a collective alarm initiated, otherwise nothing.
Internal Status
Enable
Register

Holds the last syntax error that occurred while processing the interface buffer.
CMR
Bit
Command 7 0
Error Register 6 0
5 0
4 0
3 General error
2 Illegal syntax
1 Illegal argument
0 Unknown command
Holds the last execution error
EXR
0 No error
Execution Error 1 Query in the 'Remote' state not allowed
Register 2 A Query in the 'Local' state not allowed
3 Setting in the 'Remote' state not allowed
4 Setting in the 'Local' state not allowed
5 Argument outside the specified range
6 Too many or too few parameters
7 No data to transmit
Holds the last MIDAS-specific error
DDR
Bit
Device 7
Dependent 6
Register 5
4
3
2 Illegal Insulation Type
1 File Error
File does not exist. Illegal file name a.s.o.
0 Illegal State.
To change a value the system is not in the state needed, as f.e. High Voltage Off
State

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Holds the last error queried.
QYR

Query Error 0 No error


Register 1 Buffer overflow either for input or output

Most of the commands have a short form and a long form. Short forms are written in upper case
characters. The part of the command header written in upper case has to be transmitted so that the
MIDAS can recognize the command. The part of the command written in lower case letters can also
be transmitted. It is only used for better understanding.
In general, queries can be executed in local mode. However, most of the set operations have to be
carried out using remote control operation first (remote mode).
The command tables give information about the allowable operations. An 'x' marked in a column
means:
LS setting or executing is allowed in local mode operation,
LA querying in local mode operation is allowed,
RS setting or executing in remote control mode is allowed,
RA querying in remote control mode is allowed.

7.8.2 General Commands


This section describes the “common commands” defined in the IEEE 488 standard as well as register
queries and miscellaneous memory and loading commands.

Command Arg L L R R Commentary.


S A S A

*IDN? <ARBITRARY X X Return of device identification in the format:


ASCII RESPONSE <Companyname>, <Model>, 0, <Software-
DATA> Version>, i.e., HAEFELY TEST AG, MIDAS, 0,
X.XX

*RST X Sets the standard configuration

*TST? <NR1> X X MIDAS returns a '1' for unavailable or defective


hardware, otherwise a '0'

*OPC? <NR1> X X If all pending operations have been carried out,


then the returned answer is ASCII 31 ('1'). The
MIDAS always returns a '1' because all
commands are processed strictly one after
another.

*OPC X X Sets the OPC bit in the ESR status register to


True. Has no further effect on the MIDAS

*WAI X X Does not affect the MIDAS because all


commands are processed strictly one after
another.

*CLS X X Clears all registers

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*STB? <NR1> X X Calls up and then deletes, with exception of the
MAV bit, the contents of the status register
masked by the service request enable. Remotely
controlled via the IEEE 488. Can also query the
contents via serial poll. In this case bit 6
identifies the state of the RQS line instead of the
Master Summary Status.

*SRE <NR1> X Sets the Service Request Enable Register and


determines which events initiate an RQS/MSS
when using the IEEE 488 interface.

*SRE? <NR1> X X Returns the contents of the Service Request


Enable Register.

*ESR? <NR1> X X Returns and then clears the contents of the Event
Status Register.

*ESE <NR1> X Sets the contents of the Event Status Enable


Register and determines which events initiate a
collective error.

*ESE? <NR1> X X Returns the contents of Event Status Enable


Registers

ISR? <NR1> X X Returns and then clears the contents of the


Internal Status Register

ISE <NR1> X Sets the Internal Status Enable Register and


determines which internal sequence should
initiate a collective error.

ISE? <NR1> X X Returns the contents of the internal Status


Enable Register.

CMR? <NR1> X X Returns and then clears the contents of the


Command Error Register.

EXR? <NR1> X X Returns and then clears the contents of the


Execution Error Register.

DDR? <NR1> X X Returns and then clears the contents of the


Device Dependent Register

QYR? <NR1> X X Returns and then clears the contents of the


Query Error Register.

REN <String> X X Change to remote control if <string> corresponds


to the entered password. Otherwise this
command will be ignored.

GTL X X Change to local mode.

SET? <ARBITRARY X X Returns the current settings of the MIDAS.


ASCII RESPONSE
DATA>

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HELP? <ARBITRARY X X Returns the available command headers.
ASCII RESPONSE
DATA>

FILE? <String> X X Returns the actual working file.

SAVE <String> X Stores the current working file under the name
<String> .
Sets bit 1 at the “Device Dependent Register” in
case of an error.

Example.: SAVE 'C:\ABC.XML'

LOAD <String> X Loads the actual working file. If the file does not
exist the “Device Dependent Register” Bit 1 will
be set.

Example.: LOAD 'C:\ABC.XML

SRQ ON X X X X Only functional if the IEEE 488 interface is used.


SRQ? OFF In the 'ON' state a Service Request is initiated as
soon as a bit changes in the Serial Poll Byte.

7.8.3 System control commands


There are commands that can be activated only if the high voltage is switched off . The RHE (Remote
High Voltage switched ON) and RHA (Remote HV switched OFF) columns give information about the
necessary states of the system. If a command is executed in an incorrect state, bit 0 in the DDR
Register is set.
Note: LA = Local Answer
RA = Remote Answer
LS = Local Set
RHE = Remote HV ON Set
RHA = Remote HV OFF Set

Command Command Command L R L R R Commentary


header 1 header 2 header 3 A A S H H
or Arg. or Arg. E A

HV OFF X X X X Switches the high voltage on or off.


HV? X X Switching High Voltage On is only
ON X X possible if there is no alarm and the
system is not set to external AC Supply.

ACSource: REFV <Nx> X X X X Sets or returns the target value of the


voltage. The value should be between 0
REFV? V and the maximum set voltage,
otherwise the EXR Register is set to 5

Example : ACS:REFV 8E3 will set the


voltage to 8 kV.

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MAXV <Nx> X X X X Sets or returns the maximum allowed
voltage. The value should be between
MAXV? 0V and 15 kV otherwise the EXR
Register will be set to 5.

FRQ <Nx> X X X X Sets or returns the target value of the


frequency. [Hz]
FRQ?
The range of value is within 15Hz and
400 Hz..

MODE INTern X X X Sets or returns the state of the AC


EXTern Supply, internal or external.
MODE?

STABilized YES X X X Returns "yes" if the ac source is


? stabilized.
NO

CONNectio USTA X X X X Sets or Returns the test mode of the


n: USTB system

USTAB

GSTAB

GST gA

GST gB

GST gAB

RefCAP INTERN? <Nx> X X Returns the value of the internal


reference capacitor in [F].

EXTERN <Nx> X X Sets or returns the value of the external


capacitor in [F].
EXTERN?

SWitCH INTern X X X Sets or returns, if the external or the


SwitCH? EXTern internal capacitor is used.

TEMPeratu UNIT CELSius X X X X Sets or returns the unit of temperature


re FAHRenhei inputs. If the unit is "Celsius" all
t temperature units are in "°C", if
"Fahrenheit" is set, the unit is "°F"

INSULation TEMPeratu <Nx> X X X X Sets or returns the temperature of the


re insulation. The unit corresponds with the
"TEMP:UNIT" set value.
TEMPeratu
re?

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TYPE <string> X X X X Sets or returns the type of the insulation.
TYPE? If you want to set the insulation type,
<string> has to be a member of the
temperature correction file. See section
“Menu Condition” for more information.
Otherwise the DDR Register will be set.

Example INSUL:TYPE "Liquids :Askarel"

CORRfacto X X Returns the actual set temperature


r? correction factor

AMBient TEMPeratu X X X X Sets or returns the actual ambient


re temperature. The unit corresponds to
the command "TEMP:UNIT".

HUMidity X X X X Sets or returns the actual ambient


humidity.

7.8.4 Measurement commands


Note: All values are formatted in the same way as on the display as f.e
"12.44 kV" for Voltages
"99.43 pF" for Capacitances,
"0.0033" for Dissipation, Power Factor, a.s. o.

Following units are possible:


"p" Pico 10-12
"n" Nano 10-9
"u" Mikro 10-6
"m" Milli 10-3

"k" Kilo 103


6
"M" Mega 10
'"G" Giga 109

If the system is ranging the system will answer with "--"

Command Command L L R R Commentary


header1 header f2 S A S A
or Arg.

ACCUracy? YES X X Returns "YES" if the accuracy of the measured signal is


NO enough. This value corresponds with the colour displayed
on the system. See section “Display of Measurement
Values”

OVERflow? YES X X Returns "YES" if a signal has an overflow detected.


NO

URMS? <Nx> X X Effective Voltage which is applied to the test object.


Answer similar as "12.434 kV"

DF? <Nx> X X Dissipation factor without temperature correction.


Answer similar as "0.0043 "

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DF20? <Nx> X X Dissipation factor with temperature correction.
Answer similar as "0.0043 "

PF? <Nx> X X Power factor without temperature correction.


Answer similar as "0.0043 "

PF20? <Nx> X X Power factor with temperature correction.


Answer similar as "0.0043 "

CAPX? <Nx> X X Test Capacitance CX in parallel equivalent circuit


Answer similar as "12.34 pF"

FREQ? <Nx> X X Measured frequency of applied voltage


Answer similar as "50.04 Hz"

IREF? <Nx> X X Effective Current through CN


Answer similar as "35.30 uA"

ITEST? <Nx> X X Effective Current through CX


Answer similar as "5.304 mA"

RESX <Nx> X X Resistor parallel to Capacitance CX in parallel equivalent


circuit
Answer similar as "1.20 kOhm"

PWRA? <Nx> X X Apparent Power


Answer similar as "277.35 VA"

PWRP? <Nx> X X Real Power


Answer similar as "399.55 mW"

PWRQ? <Nx> X X Reactive Power


Answer similar as "278.85 VAR"

PWR25? <Nx> X X Real Power at test object normalized to a test voltage at


2.5 kV.

Answer similar as "526.06 uW"

PWR10? <Nx> X X Real Power at test object normalized to a test voltage at


10 kV.

Answer similar as "8.45 mW"

INDX <Nx> X X Test inductance LX in serial equivalent circuit

Answer similar as "54.5407 kH"

RINDX <Nx> X X Test Resistor serial to LX (serial equivalent circuit)

Answer similar as "54.5407 kH"

ZX? <Nx> X X Complex Impedance of the test object

Answer similar as "|1.712E+07|-89.92°"

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YX? <Nx> X X Complex Admittance of the test object

Answer similar as "|5.841E-08|89.92°"

MeasSET <String> X X X Allows to define a set of measuring data, which all be


transferred by the command "MeasDATa". All data belong
to one calculation and are recorded at the same time.
Each values is separated by a comma.

Following data are possible:

URMS For description see above


DF
DF20
PF
PF20
CAPX
FREQ
IREF
ITEST
RESX
PWRA
PWRP
PWRQ
PWR25
PWR10
INDX
RINDX
ZX
YX

f.e. you can send MSET "URMS, PF, CAPX, ITEST" and
you will get with the command "MeasDATa" a similar
string as "957 V, +0.00119 , 106.21 pF, 31.25 uA" for
answer.

MeasDATa <String> X X A string of measuring data which are set by the command
"MeasSet", which are separated by a comma.

7.8.5 Alarms
Command Command Argument L L R R Commentary
header1 header2 S A S A
or Arg.

ALARMs EMerGencY NO X X Returns "YES" if the Emergency Button is


? pressed
YES

HAndHEld? NO X X Returns "YES" if the Handheld Switch is not


pressed.
YES

PwrAmpFail NO X Signals the state of the Power Amplifier.


? X
YES

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HVGnd? NO X X Signals "YES" if High Voltage Ground is not
connected.
YES

ANY? NO X x Signals "Yes" if any of the alarms above is


set to true.
YES

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8 Accessories and
Options

8.1 Office Software


The MIDAS Office Software package contains the normal
MIDAS operation software which can be installed on a
standalone office PC or notebook.

The software is used for test preparation, data collection,


exchange and analysis, staff education and training , etc.

8.2 Safety Strobe Light


With an external safety strobe light (optional warning lamp) it is
possible to position a second high voltage indicator where all
involved personnel can see it immediately (e.g. on top of the
transformer tank). The function (no light, illuminated, blinking)
is the same as the built-in red warning lamp.
The lamp socket is magnetic and can be mounted on each
steel surface.
External Warning Lamp

8.3 Oil Test Cell


With the field oil test cell type 6835 the dielectric properties of
liquid insulations such as oil can be measured on-site.
(max. test voltage on filled cell : 10kV)

Please refer to "Test Procedure “ for more information.

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8.4 Resonating Inductor

General
The capacitive load range covered by the MIDAS system can be increased using a Compensating
Reactor (resonating inductor).

CX Capacitance (DUT) to be
measured
CN int. Standard capacitor
UTest Test voltage, applied to the test
object
Lk Compensating reactor for test
current extension
RX Measuring shunt on the DUT
side

RN Measuring shunt on the


Reference (Cn) side

Schematics of test current extension with resonating inductor Lk

A variable reactor coil is connected in parallel with the capacitive test object CX. This configuration
constitutes a parallel resonating circuit.
By adjusting LK the resonant point can be found and then the resonant circuit draws only a (small)
amount of real power from the mains (through the resistive part of Cx and Lk).
This arrangement allows measurements of capacitances up to:

5288A max. 10 kV max. 45kVA max. 1F


5289 max. 15 kV max. 100 kVA max. 1.56 F

See chapter “Application Guide : Measuring high cap values using the Resonating Inductor” for a
connection example.

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8.4.1 10kV Resonating Inductor 5288A
The capacitive load range covered by the MIDAS system
can be increased using the Resonating Inductor.

Option “Resonating Inductor 5288A”

The following items are supplied with this option:

1 Inductor 5288A
1 High voltage link cable to MIDAS, 3m

Specification

Rated Voltage 10 kV @ 50/60Hz max. up to 12kV @ low tan δ values of DUT

Frequency 50/60Hz
Max. Output Current 3.30 A @ 50Hz
2.75 A @ 60Hz
Max. Output Power 33 kVA
Inductance Range 9.7H .. 250H typical
Load tuning range 50 nF .. 1 uF @ 50 Hz
35 nF .. 0.7 uF @ 60 Hz
Duty Cycle at full load 50% at rated output poer over a 16h periode. Max. ON time 15 min.
PD level @ max. output < 500 pC
Operating temperature +5°C .. +50°C
Storage temperature -20°C .. +70°C
Humidity 5 .. 95% r.h., non-condensing
Weight Approx. 135 kg (297 lbs)
Dimensions 58 x 48 x 84 cm (22.8” x 19” x 33”)

Connection

Switch all power off before starting the connection

 Connect the MIDAS “HIGH VOLTAGE OUTPUT” with the supplied short yellow HV cable to the
“High Voltage Input” of the Resonating Inductor.

 Connect the test object to the “High Voltage Output” of the Resonating Inductor with the standard
yellow HV cable (20m) of the MIDAS.

Check all the wirings.


Be aware of the fact that there are high voltage and also high current (10 kV, 5 A)

See also chapter “Application Guide : Measuring high cap values using the Resonating Inductor” for a
connection example.

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Schematics

Overview of the 5288A inductor and it’s shielding

Operation

Activate the use of a Resonating Inductor in the Menu "Menu


Settings"

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 Press in menu "Manual" to activate the inductance visualisation display on the
MIDAS to support the tuning of the resonating inductor.

Rotate lever to “Unlocked” position and coarse-balance using


the hand wheel and the analogue scale on the frontpanel of the
inductor

Set voltage in the range of 500 V .. 2 kV and adjust with the


hand wheel the phase shift
as small as possible or at least wihin the green range.

The display shows actual tuning. Beside the top value display a “L+” or L-“ instruction pops up
when the optimal tuning range is left. “Phase shift 180°” can be used when the direction of the
controls (depending on how the inductor is wired) works inverted.

Increase the high voltage in small steps (2 kV) and optimize


balance as required. Always wait until the measured value is
stable before you set a new value. When optimum balance is
achieved, move the lever to “Locked” position to firmly clamp
the core and thus reduce noise.

Before switching off the system, the high voltage shall be


reduced under 5 kV.

After usage of the the resonating inductor:

- Disable the resonating Inductance in menu "Setup", otherwise


the high voltage transformator will not be protected against
overcurrent.

- Set the inductance gap back to a medium position. This


protects the end position switches and also the core of the
inductor against mechanical wear.

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8.4.2 15kV Resonating Inductor 5289

The type 5289 resonating inductor is a coil with


an iron core and adjustable air-gap which can be
used to form a resonance circuit with capacitive
test objects.
It is designed to use together with the Tettex
MIDAS system, which capacitive load range can
therefore be increased.

Incorporated in a rugged housing on wheels it is


suitable for lab and field use.

Option “Resonating Inductor 5289”

The following items are supplied with this option:

1 Inductor unit, type 5289


1 HV connection cable, 5289  MIDAS, yellow, 3m
1 Supply connection cable, 5289  MIDAS, black, 3m
1 PE connection cable, 5289  MIDAS, yellow/green, 3m
1 Baseload capacitor, 400nF, 15kV with HV connection cable and PE connection cable

Specification
50Hz 60Hz
Maximum Output Current 7.35A 6.12A
Load tuning range 127nF - 1560nF * 88nF - 1.08uF *
Max. Operating Voltage 15kV rms
Maximum Output Power 110kVA
Duty cycle at full load 50% at rated output power over a 16h period. Max. ON time: 15min.
PD Level @ Max. Output <500pC
Inductance range 6.5H .. 80H typical
Winding Resistance ≤ 22 @20°C
Input Power 100 .. 240 VAC, 50 / 60 Hz, 1000W, active PFC (IEC61000-3-2)
Main Fuse 10A slow-blow with high breaking capacity
Dimensions WxDxH 55 x 71 x 108 cm (22 x 28 x 43")
Weight approx. 376 kg (825 lbs)
Operating Temperature -10 .. 50°C
Storage Temperature -20 .. 70°C
Relative Humidity 5 .. 95 % r.h.
* use additional baseload capacitor for load ranges < 250nF

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Operating and Connection Elements

Figure 2: Top-panel of the Inductor with operating elements

Description

1 L+ button, press to decrease the core air gap respectively


increase the inductance value
2 L- button, press to increase the core air gap respectively
decrease the inductance value
3 Supply connection. To connect the additional power supplies
(built-into the 5289) to the Midas to enforce the Midas output
power
4 Prepared access for a future automation of the inductor
5 HV Out connector for the High Voltage cable connection to the
DUT
6 HV In connector for the High Voltage cable connection to the
Midas
7 Mains Input connector and mains switch
8 Lifting eyes to lift the inductor

Never use the handles to lift the inductor!


The handles on the side panels are just to move the unit around on its wheels.
To lift the unit use the lifting eyes.

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Connection
Make sure the power of both the Midas and the Resonating Inductor 5289 is Switched OFF
before connecting them together.

The earth cables should be the FIRST leads to be connected to the equipment. The unit itself
is also earthed over the outer shield of the HV Input cable and the PE pin of the mains cable.

The Midas must be switched ON FIRST – after the Midas is powered you can switch on the
Inductor.

Do switch OFF the Inductor FIRST - after that the MIDAS system can be switched off.

The earth cable should be connected to the Earthing Screw on the bottom of
the 5289 and the ground at one end and to the station grounding system at the other end.

Connect the MIDAS “HIGH VOLTAGE OUTPUT” with the


supplied short yellow HV cable to the “HV In” of the Resonating
Inductor.

Connect the test object to the “HV Out” of the Resonating


Inductor with the standard yellow HV cable (20m) of the
MIDAS.

Check all the wiring and please be aware of the fact that during
a measurement high voltages and high current (15 kV, 5 A) are
involved.

If the DUT load is SMALLER than 250nF, connect the


baseload capacitor:
- HV cable to HV connection on DUT and to top end of the cap
- Gray cable to banan plug on bottom of the cap,
- Yellow/green cable to the earth stud and the earth stud
(bottom plate)
- Earth stud of bottom plate to the station grounding system.

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Figure 3: Rotating Machine Stator Test connections to Midas using the resonating inductor and the baseload
capacitor. With UST B the baseload can be checked, with UST A the connected rotor capacitance is measured.

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Schematics

Overview of the 5289 inductor and it’s shielding

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Operation
Activate “Resonating Inductor” in the Midas Menu “Settings”

 Press in menu "Manual" to start the resonance balance display.

Here you can supervise how to adjust the resonating inductor. On the top Line you get the blue
instruction fields how to tune the Inductor (Press L+ or Press L-). The phase shift should be as small
as possible (< 10° )

 To work with the Inductor start at low voltages (1..2kV) and tune for resonance. Wait until the
measured value is stable (light green display value) before setting a next value
Increase the voltage in small steps (1..2kV) and re-tune for resonance, repeat
these steps until you reach the desired voltage.

Lower the voltage (< 5kV) before switching of respectively releasing the safety switch.

After terminating the work with the resonating inductor:

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Disable the Resonating Inductor checkbox in menu "Setup" to
reactivate the Midas high voltage transformer over current
protection (which is disabled while 5289 operation)

Set the inductance gap back to a medium position. This protects the end position switches and also
the core of the inductor against mechanical wear.

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8.5 Current Booster
The max. output current of the MIDAS
system can be increased by using a
Current Booster (transformer).
The output voltage is reduced to 100V
(10V) while the possible current is
boosted up to max. 10A.
This unit is normally used for short circuit
impedance testing on power
transformers.

See chapter "Accessories and Options:


Short Circuit Impedance“ as an example
of use of the Current Booster type 5287

Option “Current Booster 5287”

Option “Current Booster 5287” schematics

Connections

 Connect the MIDAS Power Output “LV Out to Booster” with the supplied 2m cable to the “Power
Input” of the Current Booster.

 Connect the MIDAS “CNEXT” input with the 2m coax cable to the “CN” output of the Current
Booster.

 Connect the V-potentials of the MIDAS and the Booster with the gray 2m cable.

 Connect the test object to the “Test Voltage Output” of the Booster with the supplied 20m cable.

 Select the “Booster” option in the settings dialogue and set all corresponding values (cable

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length, Cn ext data). The voltage control field now uses a % input field which correspond with the
10V respectively 100V booster output level.

The following items are supplied with this option:

1 Current Booster 5287


1 High current connection cable to DUT with clamp, 20m
1 Link cable to MIDAS low voltage output, 2m
1 Link cable to MIDAS CN and V connectors, 2m

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8.6 Care and Maintenance
The MIDAS Measuring instrument is basically service free, as long as the specified environmental
conditions are adhered to. As a result, service and maintenance is restricted to cleaning of the
equipment and calibration at intervals stipulated by the application for which the instrument is used.
The insulation of all high voltage cables should be periodically checked for damage. If any damage to
the insulation is detected then a new measuring cable should be ordered from HAEFELY TEST AG.
If the instrument is to remain unused for a long time then it is recommended that steps are taken to
prevent ingress of dust inside the housing through air circulation (i.e. wrap or pack the instrument).

If the instrument is to be used in extreme environmental conditions (e.g. unclean, oily air with airborne
metal or coal dust, high humidity etc.) then it should be protected by building into a suitable housing
with forced air filtering or similar suitable protection. If such protective measures cannot be provided,
then the instrument should be periodically checked for contamination and promptly cleaned with
suitable cleanser when required. This kind of service work is particularly important if high voltages are
to be measured and should be performed by an authorised service agent.

Cleaning the Instrument


The instrument should be cleaned with a lint free cloth, slightly moistened using mild household
cleanser, alcohol or spirits. Caustic cleansers and solvents (Trio, Chlorothene, etc.) should definitely
be avoided.
In particular, the protective glass of the display should be cleaned from time to time with a soft, moist
cloth such as used by opticians.

Instrument Calibration
When delivered new from the factory, the instrument is calibrated in accordance with the calibration
report provided. A periodical calibration of the instrument every two years is recommended.

As the calibration process is fairly extensive, the instrument can only be calibrated and, if necessary,
adjusted at HAEFELY TEST AG’s factory. An updated calibration report will then be issued.

Changing Fuses
Before changing the mains fuse, remove the mains power cord. Fuses should only be replaced with
the same type and value.

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9 Instrument Storage
During day to day use the instrument can be switched off at the mains switch located above the mains
socket on the rear panel of the instrument.

If the instrument is to remain unused for any length of time, it is recommended to unplug the mains
lead. In addition, it is advisable to protect this high precision instrument from moisture and
accumulation of dust and dirt with a suitable covering.

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10 Packing and
Transport
The packing of the MIDAS C tan  Measuring instrument provides satisfactory protection for normal
transport conditions. Nevertheless, care should be taken when transporting the instrument. If return
of the instrument is necessary, and the original packing crate is no longer available, then packing of
an equivalent standard or better should be used.
Whenever possible protect the instrument from mechanical damage during transport with padding.
Mark the container with the pictogram symbols „Fragile“ and „Protect from moisture“.

Pictograms

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11 Recycling
When the instrument reaches the end of its working life it can, if required, be disassembled and
recycled. No special instructions are necessary for dismantling.
The instrument is constructed of metal parts (mostly aluminum) and synthetic materials. The various
component parts can be separated and recycled, or disposed of in accordance with the associated
local rules and regulations.

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12 Trouble Shooting
All error messages appear on the display of the MIDAS measuring instrument. If persistent problems
or faulty operation should occur then please contact the Customer Support Department of HAEFELY
TEST AG or your local agent.
The Customer Support Department can be reached at the following postal address:

HAEFELY TEST AG
Customer Service - Tettex
Lehenmattstrasse 353
CH-4052 Basel
Switzerland

Tel: +41 61 373 4111


Fax: +41 61 373 4914
e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]

12.1 Software Updates


Haefely Test AG runs an Internet Update Homepage where owners of our test instruments can
download the newest firmware, software, manuals, related information etc.
http://update.haefely.com/Midas2880/

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13 Conformity

Conformity 109

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Appendix

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14 Applications Guide
This chapter contains important information regarding construction of the test circuit and the individual
test modes depending on the device under test.
Selected circuits for specific test objects are presented for further information. Unfortunately it is not
possible to provide a test circuit for every customer specific test object as this would exceed the
capacity of this manual.
If this chapter is studied carefully, and the function of the measuring instrument with the individual test
modes is understood, then it will be simple to find the relevant test circuit for a special application.

14.1 Bushings
The most important function of a bushing is to provide an insulated entrance for an energized
conductor into an equipment tank or chamber. A bushing may also serve as a support structure for
other energized parts of an equipment.
Generally two types of bushings are available:
Condenser type
Oil-impregnated paper insulation with interspersed conducting (condenser)
layers or oil-impregnated paper insulation, continuously wound with interleaved lined paper layers.
Resin-bonded paper insulation with interspersed conducting (condenser)
layers.
Non-condenser type
Solid core, or alternate layers of solid and liquid insulation.
Solid mass of homogeneous insulating material (e.g. solid porcelain).
Gas filled.
The primary insulation of outdoor bushings is contained in a weatherproof housing, usually porcelain
or silicone. The space between the primary insulation and the weather shed is usually filled with an
insulating oil or a compound (plastic, foam, etc.). Bushings also may use gas such as SF6 as an
insulating medium between the center conductor and the outer weather shed.
Bushings may be classified as being equipped or not equipped with a potential tap (sometimes also
called "capacitance" or "voltage" tap) or a dissipation factor test tap (power factor tap). Usually high
voltage bushings are fitted with potential taps while medium or low voltage bushings are equipped
with dissipation factor taps.
In higher voltage designs, the potential tap may be utilized to supply a bushing potential device for
relay and other purposes. Therefore these are capable of withstanding fairly high voltages.
Potential taps also serve the additional purpose of permitting a dissipation factor test on the main
insulation of a bushing without the need to isolate the upper and lower terminals from the associated
equipment and connected deenergized bus. Dissipation factor taps are not designed to withstand high
potential since their purpose is solely to provide an electrode for making a dissipation factor test on
the bushing C1 insulation.

The dissipation factor tap is normally designed to withstand only about 500V while a potential tap
may have a normal rating of 2.5kV to 5kV. Before applying a test voltage to the tap, the maximum
safe test voltage must be known and observed. An excessive voltage may puncture the insulation
and render the tap useless.

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A bushing without a potential tap or power-factor tap is a two-terminal device which is normally tested
overall (center conductor to flange). If the bushing is installed on equipments like circuit breaker,
transformers or cap banks the overall measurement will include all connected and energized
insulating components between the conductor and ground.

In principle a condenser bushing is a


series of concentric capacitors between
the center conductor and ground
sleeve or mounting flange.
A conducting layer near the ground
sleeve may be tapped and brought out
to a tap terminal to provide a three-
terminal specimen.
The tapped bushing is essentially a
voltage divider.

Note:
Equal capacitances ( C1a..C1e )
produce equal distribution of voltage
from the energized center conductor to
the grounded condenser layer and
flange.
The tap electrode is normally grounded
in service except for certain designs
and bushings used with potential
device.
For bushings with potential taps, the
C2 capacitance is much greater than
C1 For bushings with power-factor tap ,
C1 and C2 capacitances may be the
same order of magnitude.

Construction of a bushing

In the dissipation factor tap design, the ground layer of the bushing core is tapped and terminated in a
miniature bushing on the main bushing mounting flange. The tap is connected to the grounded
mounting flange by a screw cap on the miniature bushing housing. With the grounding cap removed,
the tap terminal is available as a low-voltage terminal for a UST measurement on the main bushing
insulation, C1 conductor to tapped layer.
In some bushing designs the tapped layer is brought out into an oil-filled compartment. The potential
tap is allowed to float in service. A special probe is inserted through an oil filling hole to make contact
with the tapped layer, to permit a measurement.
A bushing is a relatively simple device and field test procedures have been evaluated to facilitate the
detection of defective, deteriorated, contaminated or otherwise damaged insulation. The most
important types of tests applicable to bushings are:
Overall Test (Centre Conductor to Flange, C1/C2)
Centre Conductor to Tap Test (C1)
Tap Insulation Test (Tap to Flange, C2)

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Hot Collar Test (Collar to Center Conductor)
Due to the caution statement mentioned above, it is important to note that for tap-insulation tests the
applied voltage should not exceed 5 kV for potential taps and 500 V for dissipation factor taps.
For the overall and the center conductor to tap test a convenient voltage at or below the bushing
nameplate rating should be chosen.
The hot collar test should be performed at a test voltage of about 10kV.

14.1.1 Spare Bushings


For testing a spare bushing care must be taken in the method used to hoist the bushing.
The bushing should be mounted in a grounded metal rack with nothing connected to the terminals.
Tests should not be performed with the bushings mounted in wooden crates or lying on a floor.
Otherwise the test results can be affected by the wood or the cement floor.
It is also important to ensure that the bushing centre conductor is not in contact with a foreign material
(sling, rope, etc.).

The overall test for spare bushings,


with or without taps, can be
performed with the GST gA+B
(INPUT A must not be connected).
With this test mode the overall
capacitance is measured
C = C1 || C2.
The main insulation (C1) of
bushings equipped with taps can
be tested separately (INPUT A to
tap). The C1 insulation is
measured using the UST A mode.
With this test connection the tap
insulation capacitance (C2) is not
measured directly but can be
calculated from the GST gA+B and
the UST A mode using following
formula: C2 = (CC1) / (C1-C).

Spare Bushing Insulation Test

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The tap insulation (C2) of
bushings equipped with taps,
can be measured directly.
As illustrated in the figure
beside, the High Voltage and
the INPUT A cable must be
interchanged.
Using the GST gA+B mode will
bypass the main insulation (C1)
and measure the tap insulation
(C2).

Warning: Check the


manufacturer’s
recommendation for max. tap
test voltage

Spare Bushing Tap Insulation Test

14.1.2 Installed Bushings

Overall Test (Centre Conductor to Flange) .


If a bushing is mounted on an equipment, the overall measurement method would include all
conduction and insulation elements connected between the bushing center conductor and ground.
Therefore the overall method is not recommended for separate tests on bushings, unless the bushing
conductor can be completely isolated or the bushing has no tap.

Center Conductor to Tap, C1


Most high-voltage condenser-type bushings are equipped with either potential or power-factor test
taps. These permit separate tests on the main bushing insulation (commonly referred to as C1)
without the need to disconnect a bushing from the equipment or bus to which it is connected.

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The C1 insulation is
measured by the UST
A mode. The
connection is shown in
the figure beside.
The values are
measured in the
conventional manner,
and the dissipation
factor is calculated and
corrected for
temperature. For a
bushing in a power or
distribution transformer
the average
temperature of the
transformer top-oil and
ambient air
temperature should be
used. For bushings
mounted in oil circuit
breakers the C1
dissipation factor
should be corrected
using the air
temperature.
C1 Insulation test of bushing in transformer

During measurements on bushings in transformers, all terminals of the windings to which the bushings
are connected must be tied together electrically. Otherwise higher-than-normal losses may be recorded
due to the influence of the winding inductance. Also, for safety the bushings associated with all windings
not energized should be grounded and not left floating.

Tap-Insulation Test (Tap to Flange, C2)


Before starting any measurements the test engineer must carefully consider the type of tap and its
corresponding maximum rated voltage. The maximum permissible test voltage is usually designated
by the manufacturer (generally between 500 V and 2 kV).

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In analogy to the tap
insulation test on
spare bushings the
C2 insulation is
measured by the GST
gA+B mode. The
connection is shown
beside.
For the capacitance
C2 (tap to flange) the
dissipation factor is
calculated but
normally not corrected
for temperature.

Tap-insulation (C2) test on bushing in transformer.

Hot Collar Test


The dielectric losses through the various sections of any bushing or pothead can be investigated by
means of a hot collar test which generates localized high-voltage stresses. This is accomplished by
using a conductive hot collar band designed to fit closely to the porcelain surface, usually directly
under the top petticoat, and applying a high voltage to the band. This test provides a measurement of
the losses in the section directly beneath the collar and is especially effective in detecting conditions
such as voids in compound filled bushings or moisture penetration since the insulation can be
subjected to a higher voltage gradient than can be obtained with the normal bushing tests.

The Hot Collar Test is made by UST A mode and


the bushing need not be disconnected from other
components or circuits. Make sure that the collar
band is drawn tightly around the porcelain bushing
to ensure a good contact and eliminate possible
partial discharge problems at the interface.

Hot Collar test on bushing in transformer.

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Variable Frequency Test (DFR)
This test consist of the measurement of the capacitance and tan delta at diferent frequencies and
plotting the values against the frequency, connection diagram is the same as for C1 measurement.
Frequencies selected should be at least between the 15Hz and 400 Hz, higuer frequencies can be
measured if device is capable of. At least 8 points should be measures and one should be the
nominal frequency (50 or 60 Hz). Test can be combined with the standard measurement at nominal
frequency.

The C1 insulation is
measured by the UST
A mode. The
connection is shown in
the figure beside.
The capacitance and
tan delta is recorded at
diferent.

The standard sequence for DFR test is defined in the table


Meas Num Voltage[V] Frequency[Hz] Mode
1 2000 15 UST A
2 2000 30 UST A
3 2000 50 or 60 Hz UST A
4 2000 70 or 80 Hz UST A
5 2000 100 UST A
6 2000 200 UST A
7 2000 300 UST A
8 2000 400 UST A
9 2000 500 UST A
10 2000 600 UST A
11 2000 700 UST A
12 2000 800 UST A
13 2000 900 UST A
14 2000 1000 UST A

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14.1.3 Measuring Data Interpretation

Condenser Bushings
The dissipation factor and capacitance recorded are compared with one or more of the following:
 Nameplate data.
 Results of prior tests on the same bushing.
 Results of similar tests on similar bushings.
Dissipation factors for modern condenser bushings are generally in the order of 0.5% after correction
to 20°C. They should be within twice the nameplate value. Increased dissipation factors indicate
contamination or deterioration of insulation.
Capacitances should be within +/- 5 .. +/- 10% of nameplate value, depending upon the total number
of condenser layers. Increased capacitance indicates the possibility of short-circuited condenser
layers. Decreased capacitance indicates the possibility of a floating ground sleeve, or open or poor
test tap connection.
Negative dissipation factors accompanied by small reductions in capacitance or charging current are
experienced occasionally, and may result from unusual conditions of external surface leakage or
internal leakages resulting from carbon tracks.
On bushings equipped with taps, the measurement on C1 is supplemented by a Tap-Insulation test on
C2. Test potential may have to be reduced from 2.5 kV depending upon the tap rating. The dissipation
factor of tap insulation is normally not corrected for temperature. Dissipation factors recorded for tap
insulation are generally on the order of 1%. Results should be compared with those of earlier tests or
with results of tests on similar bushings.
Capacitances recorded for tests on potential taps should also be checked against nameplate values, if
available. Decreased capacitance indicates the possibility of a floating ground sleeve, or poor test tap
connection.

Dry-Type Porcelain Bushings


Bushings of this design may be used in circuit breakers or transformers, or as roof or wall bushings.
They are not equipped with special test electrodes or facilities, so that the only test applicable is the
Overall method, conductor to mounting flange.
The test results are analysed and graded on the basis of comparison of results among similar .
bushings and with results recorded for previous tests. Abnormally high losses and dissipation factor
result from:
 Cracked porcelain
 Porous porcelain which has absorbed moisture (not common in modern porcelain)
 Losses in the secondary insulations, such as varnished cambric
 Corona around the centre conductor.
 Conducting paths over the insulation surfaces to ground.
 Improper use or bonding of resistance coatings or glazing on internal porcelain surfaces.

Cable-Type Bushings
Overall dissipation factor and Hot-Collar losses are relatively high because of inherently high losses in
the cambric insulation. Test results should be compared among similar bushings and with those
recorded for previous tests. Abnormally high losses can result from moisture entering the top of the
bushing and contaminating cambric and compound, migration of oil into the compound through a
bottom seal, cracked porcelain, etc.

Hot-Collar Test

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The losses recorded should be less than 100mW. If the current or watts-loss is appreciably higher
than normal, then a second test is made after moving the collar down one petticoat. This procedure
can be followed as far down the bushing as necessary to determine how far down the fault has
progressed.

Variable Frequency Test (DFR)


The measurement of high tan delta (power frequency) at low frequencies could be an indication of
moisture in paper. In addition tan delta value increasing rapidly along frequency can be an indication
of other problems, for example contact issues.

Frequency response measurement for a new oil impregnated paper bushing

14.2 Transformers

14.2.1 Power and Distribution Transformers


The dissipation factor test for distribution transformers (rated ≤ 500kVA) and power transformers
(rated > 500kVA) is a very comprehensive test for detecting moisture, carbonization, and other forms
of contamination of windings, bushings, and liquid insulations.
Power and distribution transformers exist as single-phase or three-phase design. For insulation
purposes transformers can be further classified as dry type which have air or gas as insulation and
®
cooling medium, or as liquid-filled constructions which have mineral oil, Askarel or other synthetic
materials.
The scope of the dissipation factor test for transformers is to determine the capacitance (insulation)
between the individual windings and between the windings and ground.
To eliminate any effect of winding inductance on the insulation measurements all terminals of each
winding, including neutrals, must be connected together. Check also for possible arrester elements in
the tap changer.
Before any measurement is performed the transformer must be deenergized and completely
isolated from the power system. The transformer housing must be properly grounded.

References and standards for the dissipation factor tests can be found in:
IEC60076-1 (2000) clause 10.1.3 “Measurement of the dissipation factor of the insulation”
IEEE Std C57.12.90-1999 clause 10.10 “Insulation power-factor tests”

Test Levels

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The decision about the applied test voltage is in most cases easy since the tested equipment is
generally rated above 15 kV. In case of equipment rated 15 kV or lower, consideration should be
given to include testing at slightly above (10..25%) the operating line-to-ground voltage.
IEEE C57.12.90 recommends that, for insulation dissipation factor tests, the voltage should not
exceed one-half the low-frequency test voltage given in IEEE C57.12.00. The lowest low-frequency
test voltage given in C57.12.00 is 10 kV which correspond to a nominal system voltage of 1.2 kV.
Therefore, in accordance with IEEE, an insulation dissipation factor test voltage of 5 kV could be
applied to 1.2 kV transformer.

The following sections try to illustrate three typical applications of testing the insulation properties of
transformers. First an ordinary two winding transformer is presented, then an autotransformer is
visualized and finally a three winding transformer is explained.

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Two Winding Transformers (3 phase and single-phase)

Measurement connections of a two windings transformer for measurement of CHG and CHL

Test Connections

Sequence DUT INPUT A INPUT Test Mode High Voltage


Line to HV GND to
to
1 CHL LV Tank GND UST A HV
2 CHG LV Tank GND GST gA+B HV
3 CLG HV Tank GND GST gA+B LV
4 CLG + CHG - Tank GND GST gA+B LV + HV
Note: Test line #4 can be used to inter-check the measurement results. (#4 = #2 + #3). Additional
measurements in other test modes can be executed to inter-check the measurements results.

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Autotransformers (3 phase and single-phase)
Contrary to the two-winding transformer the windings of an autotransformer can not be separated.
The winding of an autotransformer is a combination of the high- and low-voltage windings (HV and
LV, see figure below).
For testing the insulation of an autotransformer all seven bushings (three bushings for a single-phase
unit) have to be connected together (HV1+HV2+HV3+LV1+LV2+LV3+0).
For a conventional autotransformer without a tertiary winding only an overall test to ground can be
performed (CHG).
If an autotransformer is equipped with a tertiary winding which is accessible, the test procedure is
exactly the same as described in section “Two Winding Transformer”.

Measurement connections of an autotransformer with tertiary winding for measurement of CHG & CHT

Test Connections

Seq.line DUT INPUT A INPUT Test Mode High Voltage


to HV GND to
to
1 CHT T Tank GND UST A HV+LV+0
2 CHG T Tank GND GST gA+B HV+LV+0
3 CTG HV+LV+0 Tank GND UST A T
4 CTG + CHG - Tank GND GST gA+B HV+LV+0+T
Note: Test line #4 can be used to inter-check the measurement results. (#4 = #2 + #3). Additional
measurements in other test modes can be executed to inter-check the measurements results.

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Three Winding Transformers (3 phase and single-phase)
The test technique for a three-winding transformer is an extension of the two-winding transformer test
procedure.
In some cases a three-winding transformer is so constructed that one of the interwinding capacitances
is practically non-existent. This condition may be the result of a grounded electrostatic shield between
two windings, or of a concentric-winding arrangement which places one winding between two others.
The effect of the grounded shield of the sandwiched winding is to effectively eliminate the interwinding
capacitance except for stray capacitances between bushing leads.

3 phase, 3 winding transformer in Yn-Yn formation with tertiary winding. Measurement connections for
measurement of CHG , CHT and CHL

Test Connections

Sequence DUT INPUT A INPUT B INPUT Test Mode High Voltage


line to to HV GND to
to
1 CHT T LV Tank GND UST A HV
2 CHG T LV Tank GND GST gA+B HV
3 CHL T LV Tank GND UST B HV
4 CLG T H Tank GND GST gA+B LV
5 CTG HV LV Tank GND GST gA+B T
6 CLT HV LV Tank GND UST B T
7 CHG+ CLG CTG - - Tank GND GST gA+B HV+LV+T
Note: Test line #7can be used to inter-check the measurement results. (#7= #2 + #4 + #5) additional
measurements in other test modes can be executed to inter-check the measurements results.

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Measuring Data Interpretation
If available the dissipation factor and the capacitances should be compared with factory data, with
previous test results and with test results on similar units.
Capacitance is a function of winding geometry, and is expected to be stable with temperature and
age. A change of capacitance is an indication of winding movement or distortion such as might occur
as a result of a through fault. Such a fault affects mainly the CLG and CHL insulations.
Increased dissipation factor values normally indicate some general condition such as contaminated
oil. An increase in both dissipation factor and capacitance indicates that contamination is likely to be
water.
Modem oil-filled power transformers should have insulation power factors of 0.5% or less at 20°C.
There should be a justification by the manufacturer for higher values, and assurance that they are not
the result of incomplete drying. Older power and distribution transformers may have power factors
higher than 0.5%.
Abnormal power factors are occasionally recorded for inter-winding insulations of two-winding
transformers. These may be the result of improper (high-resistance) grounding of the transformer
tank, or the use of grounded electrostatic shielding between transformer windings. In this case, as a
result of the ground shield, the inter-winding capacitance is practically non-existent except for stray
capacitances between bushing leads.
Although the bushings are included in CLG, CHG, the effect of a single bushing on the measuring value
may be small, depending upon the relative capacitance of the bushing and the overall CLG, CHG
component. It is possible that a defective bushing may go undetected in an overall test because of the
masking effect of the winding capacitance. It is imperative that separate tests should be performed on
all transformer bushings.
The Transformer windings must remain short-circuited for all bushing tests and all bushings
connected to deenergized windings shall be connect to the V-point (if not done by the test
mode).
Bushings with potential or dissipation factor taps may be tested separately. See also section “Test
Procedure Bushings”.

Note: For regular comparison measurements normal UST- mode measurements should be
sufficiently accurate and are reproducible when measured directly afterwards or after a longer period
of time.
To obtain the exact dissipation factor of the capacitance C1 obtained by a UST- measurement on a
transformer, an additional calculation should be made to correct for the dissipation factor error.
This dissipation factor error is caused by the physical phenomenon, that
there is always the influence of one or more parallel capacitances C2 to
Rshunt (e.g. CLG or CHG on a two winding transformer), which can not be
excluded during an UST- mode measurement.
The dissipation factor error caused by the influence of the always parallel
capacitance C2 to Rshunt (e.g. CLG or CHG), is in most cases negligible.
Only in the rare cases that the Rshunt will switch to the highest value of
200 Ω and the parallel capacitance (C2) to the Rshunt is relatively high,
the error becomes significant. The Rshunt will switch to the highest value
of 200 Ω, when the current measured through the Rshunt is smaller than
3mA. This will only occur when the capacitance C1 to be measured has a
very low value (e.g. 50~100pF) or when the test voltage applied to the
capacitance to be measured C1 is very low.
Therefore the following formula may be used to calculate the dissipation factor error :
Dissipation factor error = Rshunt * ω * C2.
The exact dissipation factor will be the dissipation factor as displayed by MIDAS subtracted by the
dissipation factor error :
Tan  (exact) = Tan  (Midas288X) - Rshunt * ω * C2.

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14.2.2 Shunt Reactors
Oil-filled shunt reactors are used in HV systems to limit over-voltage surges associated with long
transmission lines. The shunt reactor compensates the capacitive generation on power lines to avoid
non-controlled voltage rise especially on lightly loaded lines.
Two configurations of shunt reactors are available: either each phase is contained in its own separate
tank or all three phases are contained in a common tank.

3 phase shunt reactor; measurement connections for measurement of C3G

Test Connections

Sequence DUT INPUT A INPUT B INPUT Test Mode High Voltage


Line to to HV GND to
to
1 C1G 2 3 Tank GND GST gA+B 1
2 C12 2 3 Tank GND UST A 1
3 C13 2 3 Tank GND UST B 1
4 C23 1 3 Tank GND UST B 2
5 C2G 1 3 Tank GND GST gA+B 2
6 C3G 2 1 Tank GND GST gA+B 3
7 C1G + C2G + C3G - - Tank GND GST gA+B 1+2+3
Note: For a single-phase shunt reactor only the overall measurement is made, by short-circuiting the
winding and making a GSTg A+B measurement (above table, row #1)
The overall winding dissipation factors should be corrected for top oil temperature. The dissipation
factors are analyzed in the same manner as power transformers.
The test results can be supplemented by tests on the bushings, on oil samples, and by excitation-
current measurements on the individual phases.

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Sometimes it is advantageous to investigate abnormal results by making a series of tests at several
voltages, to determine if the condition causing the abnormal result is nonlinear or voltage sensitive
within the range of available Test Levels. This might include increasing the test voltage up to 15kV.

14.2.3 Current Transformers


Current transformers (CTs) convert high transmission line current to a lower, standardized value to be
handled by instrumentation. The measures are used for network control, protection and revenue
metering.
Current transformers have voltage ratings from several kilovolts up to the highest system voltages
now in operation. Conventional CTs are oil-filled but since several years CTs are also available as a
dry type version, normally filled with SF6.

Test Voltage
Current transformers which are rated 15 kV and above can be tested with an applied voltage of 10 kV.
For units rated below 15 kV a convenient test voltage should be chosen, which is equal to or below
the nameplate rating.
For dry type CTs a the test voltage of 10% to 25% above line-to-ground operating voltage can be
applied.
Sometimes it might be useful to investigate abnormal results on the units by making a series of tests
at several voltages to determine if the condition causing the abnormal result is nonlinear or voltage
sensitive within the range of possible Test Levels. For example a test sequence of 2 kV, 10kV and
12kV may be used.

Test Procedure
Current transformers are tested in the same manner as two winding transformers (see section “Power
and Distribution Transformers”).
As for all transformer tests, the device under test must first be isolated, deenergized and grounded.
For the dissipation factor test the high voltage cable should be applied to the shorted terminals of the
primary winding. The secondary winding should be shorted and grounded.
For current transformers which are tested in storage, the frame must be grounded externally.
Some HV CTs are equipped with taps similar to those on bushings. For these units a supplementary
test can be performed, in addition to the overall test. The main insulation C1 (between tap and
conductor) and the tap insulation C2 (between tap and ground) can be tested separately. Current
transformers with such taps often have nameplate values of dissipation factor and capacitance C1,
C2.
As already indicated in section “Bushings”, the test potential applied to the tap must not exceed the
voltage rating of the tap.

Measuring Data Interpretation


CT dissipation factors are corrected based on the ambient temperature at the time of test. Oil-filled
units use the curve “Oil-Filled Instrument Transformers” while askarel-filled units are corrected using
the curve “Askarel”. Dry-type units are not corrected for temperature.
The corrected dissipation factors should be compared with previous test results, with data recorded
for other similar units on the system and against factory or nameplate data.
Dry-type CTs can be further analyzed base on dissipation-factor tip-up.

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14.2.4 Voltage Transformers
A huge variety of different kinds of voltage (or potential) transformers makes a complete disquisition in
this manual impossible. Therefore only one of the most famous and widespread voltage transformer is
presented here. It is the capacitor voltage transformer (CVT) as available for example by ABB (type
CPA) or by Trench (type WE).
A capacitor voltage transformer consists basically on a capacitor voltage divider and an
inductive/electromagnetic unit. The electromagnetic unit includes a transformer and a reactor whose
inductance is adjusted in resonance to the equivalent capacitance of the voltage divider. The
secondary voltage of the electromagnetic unit is proportional to the primary voltage and differs in
phase from it by an angle which is approximately zero.
The appropriate standard for testing capacitor voltage transformers are IEC 600186 and IEC 600358.

Test Procedure

Before any attempt is made to measure a voltage transformer, the unit should be isolated,
deenergized and grounded effectively.
For test purpose the inductive unit of a capacitor voltage transformer can be disconnected from the
capacitor voltage divider. This allows beside the overall test (voltage ratio, phase displacement)
separate measurements about the condition of the voltage divider and the electromagnetic unit.
A test procedure with the corresponding test modes is shown in the figure below. The connection
between the intermediate voltage of the voltage divider and the tuning reactor must be opened. Then
the capacitance and the loss factor of the capacitor voltage divider can be measured as outlined in the
table below.
Since the high voltage winding of the transformer is not capacitive graded, a measurement of the loss
angle (tan δ) will give no significant results. More meaningful tests would be secondary/ adjustment
winding resistance measurements and oil sample analysis.
The applied test voltage for the capacitor voltage divider should be chosen between 90 – 110% of the
rated voltage. In order to reveal any change in capacitance due to the puncture of one or more
elements, a preliminary capacitance measurement can be made at a sufficiently low voltage (less
than 15% of rated voltage). If the rated voltage exceeds the maximum available test voltage,
measurements should be performed at the maximum test voltage.

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C1, C2 Capacitor voltage divider
L Tuning reactor
T Primary winding
S Secondary winding
U Ferro resonance damping winding

Capacitor voltage transformer test procedure

Test Connections

DUT Test Mode High Voltage INPUT A INPUT HV GND


to to to
C1 || C2 GST gA+B 1 - 3

Measuring Data Interpretation


Measurement results should be compared with earlier measurements on the same apparatus, on
similar units and with manufacturer data.
Generally the measured capacitance value should not differ from the rated capacitance by more than
–5% to +10%. The ratio of the capacitances of any two units forming a part of a capacitor stack shall
not differ by more than 5% from the reciprocal ratio of the rated voltages of the units.
The capacitor losses (tanδ) should be agreed upon between manufacturer and purchaser.
If the dielectric system of the capacitor divider varies with the voltage, it can be meaningful to perform
measurements at several voltages to determine if the effect is nonlinear or voltage sensitive.

14.2.5 Short Circuit Impedance


References and standards for this measurement are:
IEC60076-1 (2000) clause 10.1 “General requirement for routine, type and special tests”
clause 10.4 “Measurement of short-circuit impedance and load loss”
IEC60076-5 (2000) clause 3 & 4 “Ability to withstand short circuit”
IEC60076-8 (1997) clause 10 “Guide to the measurement of losses in power transformers”
IEEE Std C57.12.90-1999 clause 9 “Load losses and impedance voltage”

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The short-circuit impedance (Zshort-circuit) is defined as the corresponding impedance to the voltage
(Ucc) that must be connected to one pair of terminals of a transformer with another pair of terminals
shorted, which causes rated current (Irated) to flow on the two sides of the transformer.
Zshort-circuit = Ucc / Irated
Using the „Current Booster 5287“ in combination with the MIDAS is required to perform this
measurement. The current booster is an additional device connected to the MIDAS power output that
provides an output current up to 10A (15A intermitted) at low voltage (10V or 100V). The test
connection for measuring short-circuit impedance is outlined below.

Measurement of short circuit impedance measured in UST A mode

Measurement Procedure
If this measurement setup is used to calculate load losses the winding resistance measurements and
the winding temperature measurement shall be carried out before the actual short-circuit impedance
measurements are taken.
If there are built-in current transformers, they must be shorted during the test to avoid saturation of
their iron cores and over-voltages at the secondary terminals.
The bushing taps must be earthed.
The duration of the test should be as short as possible to avoid any significant heating of the
windings. As a rule of thumb 30 seconds are recommended.
The measurement current should be as close as possible to the rated current and not lower than half
of rated current. For verifying the test results a second measurement with approx. 10% lower current
can be executed. After extrapolation, the two measurements should agree.

Measuring Data Interpretation


The measurement of short-circuit inductance of transformers doesn’t just give information about the
stray inductance of the coil itself. Percentage changes in inductivity, compared to earlier
measurements or manufacturer’s specifications, can indicate changes in geometry.
Changes of between 2..4% in Zshort-circuit generally mean a change in coil geometry or coil
compression. Values between 4..6% and over indicated damage to the winding.

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According to the number of phases and the vector group the displayed short circuit-impedance must
be multiplied or divided by √3:

Single Phase Star connection Delta connection

R = Rs (Zx=Ls+Rs) R = Rs (Zx=Ls+Rs) / √3 R = Rs (Zx=Ls+Rs) ·√3


X = Ls (Zx=Ls+Rs) X = Ls (Zx=Ls+Rs) / √3 X = Ls (Zx=Ls+Rs)· √3

where:
R = R1 + R2 R1 = resistance of primary winding
X = X1 + X2 R2 = resistance of secondary winding
X1 = stray resistance of primary winding
X2 = stray resistance of secondary winding

For a schematic of the current booster unit see chapter "Accessories and Options: Current Booster”
Note: According to the standards; the measurement current should be as close as possible to the
rated current and not lower than half of rated current. This means that only small power (distribution)
transformers with a rating of max. 30 Amps at the High Voltage winding can be measured according
to the standards. Power Transformers with higher current rating can be measured only in order to
compare them with earlier field measurements with similar test equipment (fingerprint comparison).

14.2.6 Excitation Current Measurement


The excitation current measurement can be used to detect short-circuited turns, poor electrical
connections, core de-laminations, core lamination shorts, tap changer problems and other possible
windings and core problems in the transformer. In principle the test measures the current needed to
magnetize the core and generate the magnetic field in the windings.

The excitation current test should be performed before any DC tests. Excitation current tests should
never be conducted after a DC test has been performed on the transformer. Results will be incorrect
because of residual magnetism of the core left from the DC tests.

Measurement Procedure
Excitation current measurements should be performed at the highest test voltage possible within the
range of the test instrument. Nevertheless the test voltage should not exceed the voltage rating of the
windings.
The test voltage is normally applied to the high voltage side of the transformer. This minimizes the
charging current and deterioration or faults in the secondary windings are still detectable.
The secondary winding is always left open.

Due to induced voltages during the excitation current test, caution should be exercised in the vicinity
of all transformer terminals.

Built in current transformers must be shorted during the test and condenser bushing taps should be
earthed.

The test connection for measuring excitation current on a three-phase transformer is outlined below.

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Excitation current measurement connection for LXP3 and LXP2 measurement on a D-Yn transformer

Test Connections

DUT, excitation High Voltage INPUT A INPUT B HV GND INPUT Test Mode
current through to to to to
LXP3 1 3 2 Tank GND UST A
LXP1 1 3 2 Tank GND UST B
LXP2 2 3 1 Tank GND UST A
LXS1 4 7 - Tank GND UST A
LXS2 5 7 - Tank GND UST A
LXS3 6 7 - Tank GND UST A

Measuring Data Interpretation


On a three-phase, star/delta or delta/star transformer, the excitation current pattern will generally be
higher on two phases than on the remaining phase. The lower current in a phase can be attributed to
the lower reluctance of the magnetic circuit for the center leg of a three-legged core.

Excitation current < 50 mA Excitation current  50 mA

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Difference between the two higher currents Difference between the two higher currents should
should be less than 10% be less than 5%

In general, if there is an internal problem, the differences between the phases with the higher current
will be greater. When this happens, other tests should also show abnormalities, and an internal
inspection should be considered. The results, as with all others, should be compared with factory and
prior field tests.

14.3 Rotating Machines


Approximately 70% of breakdowns of big rotating machines are ascribed to problems of the winding
insulation. These insulation problems are mainly caused by voids which allow localized ionization
processes (partial discharge). As a consequence the temperature can increase locally (hot spots) until
a breakdown occurs which results in a short-circuit.
The main purpose of capacitance and dissipation factor tests on rotating machines is to assess the
extent of void formation within the winding insulation. The measurements will also reveal potential
problems due to deterioration, contamination, or moisture penetration.

Test Levels
For evaluating the extent of insulation deterioration caused by ionization a power factor (dissipation
factor) tip-up test can be used. In this test, the dissipation factor is measured at two different voltages,
the first low enough so that no ionization occurs (normally 25 percent of rated line-to-ground voltage),
the second at rated line to ground voltage or slightly above it. The tip-up value is obtained by
subtracting the value of the dissipation factor measured at the lower test voltage from that measured
at the higher test voltage.
When the dissipation factor increases significantly above a certain voltage, it is evident that ionization
is active and producing some loss.
Sometimes it might be helpful to perform the tip-up test at more than only two voltages. For example if
the first measurements show an abnormal tip-up a second test sequence with 20% , 40%, 80%, 100%
and 125% of the rated voltage can be executed. This can give the a deeper insight into the aging
mechanism of the tested insulation.

14.3.1 Test Procedure


An overall measurement on a rotor or stator winding will proof the insulation condition between the
winding and ground. If the connection between the winding phases and neutral can be conveniently
opened the inter-winding or phase-to-phase insulation can also be measured.
When a tip-up test is made on a complete phase winding, the average dissipation value is measured.
Therefore an isolated section having an abnormally high tip-up may be completely masked.
The temperature of the windings should be above and never below the ambient temperature to avoid
the effects of moisture condensation on the exposed insulating surface. Temperature measurements
when using temperature correction (if data available) should be based on that at the winding surface.
Prolonged exposure to high humidity conditions before testing should be avoided because such
exposure may result in moisture absorption in the insulating materials. It is desirable to make tests on
the winding insulation shortly after shutdown.
The figure below shows the specific connections between the test set and a typical generator. It is
assumed that the connection between the winding phases and neutral can be opened.

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Rotating Machine Stator Test connections to measure C1G , C12 and C13 .

Test Connections

DUT INPUT A INPUT B INPUT Test Mode High Voltage


to to HV GND to
to

C1G 2 3 Casing GST gA+B 1


C12 2 3 Casing UST A 1
C13 2 3 Casing UST B 1
C23 1 3 Casing UST B 2
C2G 1 3 Casing GST gA+B 2
C3G 2 1 Casing GST gA+B 3
C1G + C2G + C3G - - Casing GST gA+B 1+2+3

14.3.2 Measuring Data Interpretation


An increase in dissipation factor above a certain voltage is a guide to the rate at which ionization is
occurring and gives guidance how the ionization action may be expected to accelerate. If voids are
short-circuited when ionization occurs, some increase of capacitance with voltage may also result.
In general, the coils nearest to the line terminals operate at the highest voltage to ground and are
therefore most affected by ionization. The remaining life in a winding can often be extended by
obtaining dissipation factor versus voltage curves on all coils, replacement only the worst, and
regrouping them so that the coils with the least increase of dissipation factor, and preferably lower
value of dissipation factor, are nearest the line terminals. Considerable extension of winding life can
also be realized in many cases by measuring dissipation factor versus voltage on groups of coils
without removal and rearranging the line and neutral connections accordingly. This can be done
several times in a lifetime so that the coils are evenly deteriorated.
A reduction in the phase-to-ground capacitance (charging current) of a new winding after an initial
period of operation may be an indication of incomplete curing of the winding. This can lead to corona
in the slot sections or to a loss of compactness.

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The ungrounded specimen tests between phases with a voltage below corona-starting voltage can
give some indications about general deterioration, moisture or dirt. Because the stator iron shields the
slot sections of the phases from one another, the inter-phase test becomes essentially a test of the
exposed end-turn insulation which is affected most by atmospheric contamination.
All measurement results should be compared between phases, with previous test results (if any), with
data recorded for similar units on the system, and against factory data (if any). The results should
compare closely between phases.

Testing of Individual Stator Coils and Generator Bars


A very important application of dissipation-factor tip-up test is in the measuring of individual stator
coils to determine whether they conform to a purchase specification or are within a range deemed to
be acceptable.
The tip-up technique is also useful in determining the condition of individual coils for possible reuse in
the rewinding of a machine.
Standards of this test can be found in:
IEC60034-1 (1999) “Rotating Electrical Machines – Rating and Performance”
IEEE Std 286-2000 “Recommended Practice for Measurement of Power Factor Tip-Up of
Electric Machinery Stator Coil Insulation”
VDE 0530 “Drehende Elektrische Maschinen”

Typical values and limits for stator coils and generator bars according to IEC60034-1 and VDE0530:

Dissipation factor @ 20% rated voltage max. 0.04 typical < 0.03
Max. Dissipation factor 0.05
Tip-Up Dissipation factor / kV 0.0025

Typical phase windings values (measured @ rated voltage 21kV) of a 500MVA generator:

Capacitance 0.27uF
Dissipation factor 0.014

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14.3.3 Measuring high cap values using the Resonating Inductor
When testing large generator windings which have a very high value of capacitance per phase, the
MIDAS hits limits as it cannot supply the charging current requirements.
With the MIDAS built-in supply, capacitances up to a maximum of :
CX = 127nF (@ 50Hz, @10 kV Smax = 4kVA) CX = 106nF (@ 60Hz, @10 kV Smax = 4kVA)
CX = 88nF (@ 50Hz, @12 kV Smax = 4kVA) CX = 73nF (@ 60Hz, @12 kV Smax = 4kVA)
CX = 56nF (@ 50Hz, @15 kV Smax = 4kVA) CX = 47nF (@ 60Hz, @15 kV Smax = 4kVA)
can be measured.
For capacitances with higher values the test voltage has to be further reduced, which is in most cases
not desirable.
With the optional resonating inductor a parallel resonating circuit can be created. In this resonant
configuration the reactive power required by the capacitor can be compensated by the inductor and
only a small proportion of real power is taken from the main supply (see figure below).

By adjusting the resonating inductance the 50/60Hz resonant point can be found where the circuit
draws the minimum amount of real power from the main supply.
The arrangement MIDAS with resonating inductor enables measurement of a max. capacitances up to
1.6 uF (@ 50Hz, @15 kV.

/ 5288A

Rotating Machine Stator Test connections to measure C1G , C12 and C13 using a resonating inductor

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14.3.4 Operation of Resonating Inductor with Midas
Before connecting the resonating inductor with Midas it’s best to switch off both Midas and the
resonating inductor. The short HV cable delivered with the resonating inductor should be connected to
the HV output of Midas and the HV input of the resonating inductor. The HV cable delivered with the
Midas unit should be connected to the HV output of the resonating inductor. Some of the connections
described can be seen in Figure 47.
Before starting the measurement, some adjustments in the software have to be done. On the ‘Setup’
–page in the ‘Settings’-tab, use external Inductor (5288A, 5289) has to be clicked.

In ‘Manual’ –mode the following button will appear.

After clicking this button, the following screen with the ‘Resonating Inductance Balance’ will appear.

When performing measurements with both the Midas and the resonating inductor, the voltage should
be stepwise increased (e.g. 2kV, 5kV, 8kV, etc.). In between the steps the ‘Resonating Inductance

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Balance’ should be adjusted to make sure that the balance pointer stays in the green zone (to keep
the resonance inductor in proper resonance). The ‘Resonating Inductance Balance’ display which
button (L+ or L-) should be pressed to return to a proper balance.
When measuring relatively low capacitance values at high voltages, with the resonance inductor (e.g.
50-180nF), it is advised to add in parallel a 200nF(or bigger) capacitance to keep the forces under
control. High voltages with low capacitance values require a very small airgap inside the resonating
inductor, causing extreme forces between the 2 core-halves, slamming them together from time to
time. This causes loss of resonance due to the high current peaks distracted from Midas.

14.4 Liquid Insulation


To test liquid insulation a special oil test cell has been constructed. The oil test cell is basically a
capacitor with a liquid insulation as a dielectric constant. The test cell is supplied in an insulated case
for simple transportation and for use as insulation of the cell from ground during the test. After each
test the cell should be cleaned. If the same type of liquid will be tested, it is sufficient to flush the cell
by a portion of the new oil sample, or other oil of the same type. If the cell will be used to test a
different type of liquid insulation or is dirty, it should be cleaned with a suitable solvent properly. After
cleaning with solvent the cell should be dried. The cell shouldn’t be wiped out with rags to avoid cotton
fibers, etc., to be left in the cell and affect the test results of the sample.

To test a representative sample of liquid insulation any dirt or water in the sample should be
avoided.

The volume of the test cell is approximately one liter. It should be filled until there is about 2cm of
liquid above the top of the cylinder inside the cell; when the cover is replaced, the cylinder of the inner
cell should be covered with liquid. If there is an insufficient amount of liquid in the cell, sparking may
take place above the liquid level.
The test cell should be placed either at the bottom of the plastic case, or on a suitable insulating
material. The reason for undesirable breakdown could be caused by air bubbles, water, and other
foreign material in the cell. To prevent such breakdowns the sample should be allowed to settle down
before testing. Air bubbles could evaporate and any foreign particles can settle to the bottom.
By rotating slowly the seated inner cell, air bubbles can be released through holes in the inner
cylinder.

The test cell is built on the “Outer Cell Electrode” and the
removable “Inner Cell Electrode with Cover”

Dissipation factor test cell 6835 for liquid insulation including transportation case

14.4.1 Test Procedure


The high-voltage should be connected to the handle on the inner cell by using the high voltage cable.
The V-potential should be connected to the metallic ring on the inner cell cover, using delivered V
connection. The outer cylinder should be insulated from ground and connected either to channel A or
B of the measuring bridge by using special connection cables. A clearance of several centimeters
should be maintained between the HV connection and the ring which is connected to V-potential, so
that flashover will not occur between these parts.
The test voltage should be raised to 10 kV. The radial electrode spacing of the cell is about 6.7 mm,
the sample should not break down at this voltage unless it is in very poor condition. If a breakdown
occurs before 10 kV is reached, then attempt a measurement at some lower voltage (e.g. 2 kV).
Before the sample is tested, its temperature should be taken. If MIDAS is used the actual temperature
of the sample should be set in Setup – Condition – Temperature and a Temperature Correction Factor

Applications Guide 137

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should be selected. By choosing the normalized dissipation factor (to 20°C) as a measuring value the
automatically calculated value will be recorded.

The Liquid Insulation Test is made by


normal UST A mode.
Instead of the HV GND input the Input
A is used as low voltage to reach the
highest possible accuracy. But to be
able to switch HV ON the HV GND
Input has to be connected to Ground.

The test cell can be set in the bottom


part of the transportation case for this
measurement.

Test cell connections

14.4.2 Measuring Data Interpretation


It is suggested that the following guides serve for grading liquid insulation by dissipation factor tests:

Classification Dissipation factor @ 20 °C


Mineral Oil Synthetic Others
Good (new) < 0.05 % < 0.05 % < 0.05 %
Used - usually considered satisfactory for continued service < 0.3 % < 0.5 % < 0.3 %
Used - should be considered in doubtful condition, and at > 0.5 % > 0.5 % > 0.5 %
least some type of investigation (dielectric breakdown tests)
should be made.
Used - should be investigated, and either reconditioned or > 1.0 % > 2.0 % > 1.0 %
replaced. Should be investigated to determine the cause of
the high power factor.
Note: High dissipation factors indicates deterioration and/or contamination with moisture, carbon,
varnish, glyptal, sodium, asphalt compounds, deterioration products, gasket materials or other foreign
products.

Mineral Oil
Carbon or asphalt in oil can cause discoloration. Carbon in oil will not necessarily increase the power
factor of the oil unless moisture is also present.

Synthetic Insulation Liquid (e.g. Askarel®)


If the high dissipation factor is caused by water or other conducting matter, free chlorides or a high
neutralization number, the synthetic oil is probably an operating hazard. If the high dissipation factor is
not due to these causes, it is probably not an operating hazard, except that when the dissipation
factor is quite high it may result in excessive heating of the device in which it is used. Care should
also be taken that the high dissipation factor is not due to dissolved materials from gaskets or
insulation necessary for safe operation of the askarel filled device. High dissipation factor due to
askarel contamination may mask other defects in askarel-filled units.

138 Applications Guide

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The question of what decision to make regarding the condition of the oil depends upon what is
causing the high dissipation factor. Dielectric breakdown or water content tests should be made to
determine the presence of moisture. The necessity for further tests will depend to a large extent upon
the magnitude of the dissipation factor, the importance of the apparatus in which the insulation liquid
was used, its rating, and the quantity of insulation liquid involved.

14.5 Cables
Dissipation-factor tests on cables are useful to indicate general deterioration and/or contamination. An
increase in dissipation-factor with test voltage may be an indication of a serious general condition of
corona in the insulation.
The measured dissipation-factor is an average of the dissipation-factor of each elementary length of
insulation. Therefore, if a long cable is measured, an isolated section of the cable having an
abnormally high dissipation factor may be completely masked and have no significant effect on the
average value.
Cables have relatively high capacitance per unit length (typically 0.3 μF per phase per kilometer).
Therefore, for long cables, the energy capability of the MIDAS may be exceeded. In this case we
recommend to use the resonating inductor, with which test specimens of up to 1.6 μF can be tested
(refer chapter "Accessories and Options: Resonating Inductor”).
Effective dissipation-factor tests can be performed on relatively short lengths of cable (especially on
shielded cables and unshielded cables enclosed in a metallic sheath). Tests on cables should be
performed from both ends.

Testing of cables generally requires additional precautions because the entire device under test is
not always visible. Both ends of the cable under test should be clearly identified and isolated.
Avoid prolonged exposure to high humidity conditions before testing because such exposure may
result in moisture absorption in the insulating materials. It is desirable to make tests on the winding
insulation shortly after shutdown.

Test Levels
Cables rated up to 15 k V should be tested at several voltages up to the operating line-to-ground
voltage. For example, a 15 kV insulation class cable on a 13.8 kV systems normally operated at 8 kV
should be tested at several voltages up to 8 kV. Additional a test with 10% to 25% above the
operating line-to-ground voltage can be performed to accentuate corona and other high-Ioss
conditions.
Cables rated above 15 kV insulation class should be tested at 15 kV or, when an external power
supply is available, at the highest test voltage possible.

14.5.1 Test procedures on different cables

Single-Conductor Shielded or Sheathed Cable


The cable should be removed from service and all associated electrical equipment disconnected. The
test procedure consists of applying the test voltage to the cable conductor with the cable shield or
sheath effectively grounded. The test is made in the UST A mode (HV to conductor, Input A to shield)
with the HV GND input connected to earth separately.

Single-Conductor Unshielded and Unsheathed Cables


Measurements on unshielded single-conductor cables are performed using the GST gA+B test mode
(HV to conductor, HV GND to earth). The test results may be affected by material which surrounds the
cable (e.g., fibre ducts), or any material that forms the ground return path of the leakage current. This
can result in unpredictably high dissipation factors.

Applications Guide 139

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3 Phase Unshielded Cables Enclosed in a Common Metallic Sheath
Each conductor of an unshielded three phase cable should be tested individually with the other
conductors and the common sheath grounded. An overall test can be made with all conductors
connected together and energized with the sheath grounded. See the Test Procedure Example below.

3 Phase Individually Shielded Cables


The same procedure as for single conductor shielded cable can be applied for this type of cable.
Cable conductors not under test must be grounded. See also the Test Procedure Example below.

3 Phase Unshielded or Unsheathed Cables


In the case of a three phase unshielded cable a test procedure as outlined for a single-conductor
unshielded cable can be performed. Supplementary it is possible, by an UST mode, to perform
dissipation-factor measurements between two conductors, which are practically confined to the
insulation between the two conductors.

14.5.2 Test Procedure Example


The figure and table below shows the specific connections with the corresponding test modes of a
typical belted three-phase cable. It is assumed that no phase is left floating.

3 Phase Unshielded Cables Enclosed in a Common Metallic Sheath: Test connections to measure C1G , C12 and C13

Test Connections

DUT INPUT A INPUT B INPUT Test Mode High Voltage


to to HV GND to
to

C1G 2 3 GND shield GST gA+B 1


C12 2 3 GND shield UST A 1
C13 2 3 GND shield UST B 1
C23 1 3 GND shield UST B 2
C2G 1 3 GND shield GST gA+B 2
C3G 2 1 GND shield GST gA+B 3
C1G + C2G + C3G - - GND shield GST gA+B 1+2+3

140 Applications Guide

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Note: On 3 Phase Individually Shielded Cables only the capacitances C1G, C2G and C3G are
measured in the same manner as described in the table above.

14.5.3 Measuring Data Interpretation


Temperature correction of the dissipation factors for cables is normally not made, since it requires a
fairly close approximation of cable temperature, knowledge of the type of insulation and the date of its
manufacture. Especially the temperature characteristics of the cable are normally not available and
can therefore not be considered.
Evaluation of cable tests should be based on one or more of the following:
 Comparison of power factors obtained for similar insulated cables obtained at time of test
and under the same conditions.
 Comparison with previous test results.
 Comparison of results obtained from both ends.
 Comparison with available manufacturer data.

14.6 Capacitors
Capacitor test do check the insulation quality of the device. Normally the dissipation factor should be
low and should stay stable as well as the capacitance. Units to be tested are power-factor correction
capacitors (cap banks, used to improve the power factor of a high voltage grid), surge capacitors,
energy storage capacitors, etc.
Capacitors can be built based on series of single cap modules (e.g. paper-oil coupling capacitor) If
one modules shows a problem the result is always the average of all connected modules. So a small
change in the measured total value could show a bigger problem in a single module.

Before any measurements are done it must be verified that the capacitor is completely discharged.
Bushings and housing must be earthed.

Measurement Procedure

Applications Guide 141

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Measurement on an ungrounded two-bushing energy storage capacitor, connection for
determination of CG1 + CG2

C1: main capacitor


CG1, CG2: earth insulation capacitance
Test Connections

DUT High Voltage INPUT A HV GND Test Mode


to to to

C1 1 2 GND UST A
CG1 1 2 Tank GND GST gA+B
CG2 2 1 Tank GND GST gA+B
CG1 + CG2 1+2 Tank GND UST A

14.6.1 Measuring high cap values using the Resonating Inductor


With the MIDAS built-in supply, capacitances up to a maximum of CX = 100nF (@ 50/ 60Hz, Smax
3kVA) can be measured. For capacitances with higher values the test voltage has to be reduced or a
parallel resonating circuit can be created by using the optional resonating inductor (see also chapter
“Application Guide : Measuring high cap values using the Resonating Inductor”).
The arrangement MIDAS with resonating inductor 5288 enables measurement of capacitances up to
1μF (15 kV @ 50 / 60 Hz, Smax 3kVA). For a functional description and further explanations see
chapter "Accessories and Options:Resonating Inductor".

142 Applications Guide

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Measurement of a grounded two-bushing energy storage capacitor with additional resonating
inductor, connected for C1 determination.

Test Connections

DUT High Voltage INPUT A HV GND Test Mode


to to to

C1 2 1 Tank GND UST A


CG1 2 1 Tank GND GST gA+B
CG2 2 1 Tank GND GST gA+B
CG1 + CG2 1+2 Tank GND UST A

Measuring Data Interpretation


When available the measurement results should be compared with the nameplate values or with
results obtained in previous measurements.
The power factor of the earth insulation is expected to be in the order of 0.5% or less. The main
capacitor should have a much lower power factor.
An increase in capacitance of several percent is an indication of short-circuited layers of the insulation
or the dielectric.

14.7 Circuit Breakers


For insulation measuring purposes high voltage circuit breakers can be classified into two groups.
Live tank breakers whose interrupting chamber is on HV potential and dead tank breakers whose
interrupter chamber is accommodated in an earthed metal housing.
The applied test voltage for breakers should not exceed 10% to 25% above their rated operating line-
to-ground voltage. That means in formula:

Applications Guide 143

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Utest = [110% .. 125%] x Urated/√3
As the internal AC power source of the MIDAS system can supply maximum 12kV/15kV, the
insulation tests of breakers rated above 23.6kV are performed at 12kV/15kV.
Depending on the nominal line voltage, operating mechanism (spring, hydraulic) and arc-quenching
medium (air, oil, sulphur hexafluoride) circuit breakers are sometimes designed with two or more
series connected interrupting chambers. For uniformly distributed voltage above the interrupting
sections these breakers need grading capacitors across the interrupting chambers.
The following sections will give two examples of a procedure for testing circuit breakers. First a dead
tank design is discussed and after the principle of testing a live tank CB with two interrupting
chambers is shown.
For simpleness the examples below illustrate the testing procedure of one phase of switchgear.
Although some designs have all three phases housed in a single tank, the test procedure and the
analysis of the test results can be done on a per-phase basis.

144 Applications Guide

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14.7.1 Dead Tank Breaker
The test connections for a Dead Tank Breaker (e.g. ABB PASS type) is outlined below:

Dead Tank Breaker measurement connections for measurement of C2G and C12

C12: contact insulation capacitance


C1G, C2G: earth insulation capacitance

Test Connections

DUT INPUT A INPUT Test Mode High Voltage Breaker


to HV GND to Status
to

C1G 2 Tank GND GST gA+B 1 open


C2G 1 Tank GND GST gA+B 2 open
C12 1 Tank GND UST A 2 open
C1G + C2G - Tank GND GST gA+B 1+2 closed
Note: Test line #4 can be used to inter-check the measurement results. (#4 = #1 + #2). Additional
measurements in other test modes can be executed to inter-check the measurements results.
Higher dissipation or power factor of GST gA+B could be the result of excessive moisture or by-
products of arced SF6 or oil, which have condensed or deposited on internal insulating members. In
this case several make-break operations should be performed to verify that the result is reproducible.

Applications Guide 145

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14.7.2 Live Tank Breaker
The test procedure for a Live Tank Breaker (e.g. SIEMENS 3AP1 type) is shown below:

Live Tank Breaker measurement connections

C1T = C1B + CG1 + (PS1 + R1) C1B, C2B: bushing stray capacitances (undrawn)
C2T = C2B + CG2 + (PS2 + R2) CG1, CG2: grading capacitors
CTG: insulation column capacitance
S1, S2: breaker switches
PS1, PS2: pre insertion switches
R1, R2: pre insertion resistors

Test Connections

DUT INPUT A INPUT B INPUT Test Mode High Voltage Breaker


to to HV GND to Status
to
C1T 1 2 Floor GND UST A Tank (T) open
C2T 1 2 Floor GND UST B Tank (T) open
CTG 1 2 Floor GND GST gA+B Tank (T) open
C1G + C2G 1 2 Floor GND UST A+B Tank (T) open
Note: Test line #4 can be used to inter-check the measurement results. (#4 = #1 + #2). Additional
measurements in other test modes can be executed to inter-check the measurements results.
Although pre insertion resistors and their switches are included in the sum capacitances of the
interrupting chambers (C1T, C2T), the resistors R1 and R2 are normally very low resistive and the
switches S1 and S2 have very low capacitance compared to the bushing and grading capacitors.
Therefore the influences of these elements can be neglected.
Higher dissipation or power factor for the bushing/grading capacitor assemblies generally indicate a
degradation or contamination of the grading capacitors. The measurement could also be influenced
by surface leakage on the bushings. Abnormal capacitance values may be a sign of short-circuited
sections of the grading capacitor assembly.
High losses along the insulation column may be caused by surface leakage or moisture, which may
have condensed on internal tubes and rods.

146 Applications Guide

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14.7.3 Measuring Data Interpretation
The specific term “Tank-Loss Index (TLI)“ was introduced to assist in evaluating the results of the
open and closed circuit breaker tests. The TLI index is defined as the real power difference of the
measured open circuit and closed circuit for each phase. The open circuit real power value consists of
the individual values measured on the two bushings of each phase. The index is calculated as follows:
TLI = (closed-breaker real power value) – (sum of two open-breaker real power values)
A TLI above 0.1W or below –0.2W may indicate a problem in the tank insulation medium, the drive
rod or in other auxiliary insulations. In this case further investigations including SF6/oil sample analysis
or partial discharge measurements should be performed immediately
It is important to be aware, that circuit breakers can show complete different characteristics when they
are not operated during a long period. Therefore if measurement results are in an unacceptable
range, the breaker should be operated several times and the measurement should be performed once
again.
If abnormal results are obtained, it is useful to investigate these values further by making a series of
tests at several voltages. This can be used to determine if the condition causing the abnormal results
is nonlinear or voltage sensitive.
Bushings with potential or dissipation factor taps may be tested separately. See also section
“Applications Guide - Bushings”.

14.8 Surge (Lightning) Arresters


Surge arresters protect the electrical system by neutralizing discharge transient currents which are the
result of lightning and switching.
The function of a surge arrester is similar to that of a circuit breaker. If a discharge transient current
occurs it should close to eliminate the disturbance. After that it must reopen to prevent the flow of
system power which would be destructive to itself.
A complete test on a surge arrester involves impulse and over-voltage testing as well as a test for
power loss at a specified test voltage using normal 50/60 Hz operating frequency. Impulse and over-
voltage testing is generally not performed in the field since it involves a large amount of test
equipment that is not easily transportable. Experience has demonstrated that the measurement of
power loss is an effective method of evaluating the integrity of an arrester.
On the MIDAS power losses are automatically calculated and can be displayed by selecting the
corresponding value “Real Power P” (see chapter Display of Measurement Values )

The surge arrester power loss test can reveal the presence of moisture, salt deposits, corrosion,
cracked porcelain, open shunt resistors, defective pre-ionising elements and defective gaps.
Exercise extreme care when handling arresters suspected of being damaged, since dangerously high
gas pressures can build up within a sealed unit. Everyone is instructed to stand clear during the
testing of surge arrestors because of the possibility of their violent failure.

14.8.1 Test Levels


Surge arresters are built on a semiconductor or a metal oxide which have a non-linear volt-ampere
characteristic. In order to permit meaningful comparisons between different units or older
measurement results the test on surge arresters should always be performed at the same test
voltage.

Applications Guide 147

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The following table gives an overview of recommended Test Levels for several surge arresters.

Arrester Type Arrester Unit Rating Test Voltage


[kV] [kV]
Silicon Carbide 3.0 2.5
4.5 4.0
6.0 5.0
7.5 7.0
9.0 / 10.0 7.5
12.0 and above 10
Metal Oxide 2.7 to 3.0 2.0
4.5 to 12.0 2.5
15.0 and higher 10.0

14.8.2 Test Procedures


Surge arresters can be equipped with leakage-current detectors or discharge counters. When testing
such units the detector or counter should be short-circuited by applying a ground directly to the base
of the arrester. The short-circuit must be removed before the arrester is returned to service.

Test Procedure on a Single-Unit Arrester


Arrester assemblies consisting of single units per phase can be tested by the grounded-specimen test
method (GST). The line connected to the arrester is first de-energized and grounded, then
disconnected from the arresters.

DUT Test High INPUT INPUT GND


Mode Voltage A HV GND
to to to

S1 GSTg A+B 1 - 2 2

Single-unit arrester measurement

Test Procedure on a Double-Unit Arrester Stack

Assemblies consisting of two units per phase are tested in the manner
outlined below. Again, the line is de-energized and grounded then
disconnected from the arrester stack.
DUT Test High INPUT INPUT GND
Mode Voltage A HV GND
to to to

S1 UST A 2 1 3 3

S2 GST gA+B 2 1 3 3

Double unit arrester stack measurement, connection for measurement of S1.

148 Applications Guide

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Applications Guide 149

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Test Procedure on a Multi-Unit Arrester Stack
Assemblies consisting of three units or more per phase are tested in the manner outlined in figure 53
on the next page. Again, the line is de-energized and grounded then disconnected from the arrester
stack.

DUT Test High INPUT INPUT GND


Mode Voltage A HV GND
to to to

S1 UST A 2 1 3 (or 5) 5+3

S2 GST gA+B 2 1 3 (or 5) 5+3

S3 GST gA+B 3 1 4 (or 5) 5+4

S4 GST gA+B 4 1 5 5

Multi unit arrester stack measurement, connection for measurement of S1.

14.8.3 Measuring Data Interpretation


Normally it is unnecessary to normalize the measurement result to a standard temperature since most
types of surge arresters show only very little temperature dependence. Nevertheless if there is a
substantial temperature influence it is useful to establish a temperature correction curve for each
arrester design.
Surface leakage must be taken into account when power losses are measured. It can usually be
minimized by wiping the porcelain with a plain, dry cloth. In some circumstances it might be necessary
to use cleaning agents and waxes or to heat the porcelain surface.
Power loss values should be compared to older measurements or to similar units located under same
conditions. If manufacturer data are available, they should be considered first.
Once a range of losses has been established, any deviation, either higher or lower, should be
investigated. The following table points out the most important causes if abnormal losses are obtained
and the surface leakage can be neglected.

Higher than Normal Losses


 Contamination by moisture and/or dirt or dust deposits on the inside surfaces of the porcelain
housing, or on the outside surfaces of sealed-gap housings.
 Corroded gaps.
 Deposits of aluminum salts apparently caused by the interaction between moisture and products
resulting from corona.
 Cracked porcelain.

Lower than Normal Losses


 Broken shunting resistors.
 Broken pre-ionising elements.
 Mistake in assembly.
 Poor contact and open circuits between elements.

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MIDAS 2880

Delete View 78

Index
Difference 64
Edit 68, 73
Edit Comment 70, 77
Edit Description 58
Edit Limit(s) 68
Evaluate Parameters 49
A Ext. Noise Reduction 35

Alarm Extended Noise Reduction 57

Emergency 34 File Manager 35

Ext. Noise Reduction 34 Go To Local 53

HV Ground not conn. 34 Help 33

Power Amp.Failed 34 High Voltage Off 35

Safety Switch 34 High Voltage On 35

Watchdog 34 Inc/Dec Timebase 64


Insert Row 68

B Load 36, 65

Bar Finding Voltage 75 Load Factory Settings 52

Button Load List 79

About 35 Measurement Tool 77

Add 73 Minimize 33

Add File 78 New 36

Add View 78 New based on Template 36

Additional Settings 75 New Measuring Serie 58

Analysis Columns 76 Next 72

Apply 75 Previous 72

Apply to all 73 Previous Test(s) 36

Blank Row 68 Print Row(s) 58

Clear Curve 65 Record 56

Close 33 Record Options 59

Comment 56 Remove All 79

Define Column 58 Remove File 79

Define Columns 70, 77 REN Password 53

Define Views 78 Rename View 78

Delete 73 Report 36

Delete Limit(s) 68 Resonating Inductor 57

Delete Row(s) 58, 68, 70, 77 Save 36, 65

Index 151

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Save As 36 use Booster 5287 48
Save List As 79 Check box
Selection of measuring values 55 use external Standard Capacitor Cn 48
Sequence Info 68 Check box
Sequence Tool 68 Stray Error Correction 50
Set Connection 55 Check box 50
Set Current View 78 Check box
Set Frequency 56 Enable Mandatories 51
Set Voltage 56 Check box
Show Actual Diagramm 37 Remote Access 53
Show Analysis 79 Check box
Show Comment 70, 77 View Signals 63
Show Report 37 Check box
Signal Analysis 35 Lissajous 64
Signal Analysis 57 Check box
Signal Analysis 58 Auto Scale 65
Simulation 64 Check box
Start at selected 35 Relative to Reference 72
Start at Selected 74 Close Button 33
Start Sequence 35 Color
Start Sequence 73 Dark green 39
Stop Sequence 73 Dark yellow 39
Test Conditions 58 Light green 39
Tool Sequence Measurement 69 Column
Tools 56 Action 72
Up/Down Amplitude 63 Bitmap 67
Use as Limit(s) 70 Description 67
User Configuration 35 FileName 79
Voltage Max 56 Frequency 67
X /Y Axis 65 Max Tol 72
X-/Y-Axis 77 Measuring Item 71
Min Tol 72
C Rel 72
Cell Seq Nr 67
marked as Attention 70 UST A..GSTgA+B 67
marked as Failed 70 Value 72
Check box Voltage 67
use external Supply 47
Check box

152 Index

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MIDAS 2880

D Connection 43

Device Name 33 Cp (parallel) 42

Device Name 33 Cs (serial) 42

Document Name 33 DF 40

Drop-down list DF @20°C 40

Language 51 DF% 40

Line Printer 52 DF%@20°C 40

Startup Mode 51 Frequency 41

Temperature Unit 51 I mag(Lp) 41

User Input 52 Ieff Ref 41

User Interface 52 Ieff Test 41


Ife 42

G Insulation Temperature 43

Graphic Line Freq 41

Preview 73 Lp (parallel) 42
Ls (serial) 42

H PF (cos ) 40

Help Button 33 PF @20°C 41


PF% 41
PF%@20°C 41
I
Phase  41
Input
QF 41
DF(tan) @ 50 Hz 48
QF%@20°C 41
Length of Measuring Cable 47
Real Power @10kV 43
Length of measuring cable Cn 48
Real Power @2.5kV 42
Level of Label 76
Real Power R 42
Max.Level of set Voltage 75
Rel. Humidity 43
Min.Level of set Voltage 75
Rp (parallel) 42
Test Voltage Stray Capacitance 49
Rs (serial) 42
Scope 43
L
Std Cap Cn 42
Label
Temperature Correction 43
Action 75
U rms 41
U rms sqrt(3) 41
M
Yx 41
Measuring Value
Zx 41
Ambient Temp. 43
Measuring Value: 42
Apparent Power S 42

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Minimize Button 33

P
Parallel Capacitance Detection 50

S
S / N Ratio 41
Simulation Mode 33
Status Field 33

T
Tab Sheet
Analysis 32
Attention 72
Auxiliary 44
Conditions 43
DUT Info 43
Manual 32
Noise Channel 62
Options 44
Pass 72
predefined Views 77
Reference Channel (Cn 62
Sequence 32
Settings 44
Setup 32
Test Channel (Cx) 62
Text
Stray Capacitance 49
Stray DF (tan) 50
Value Cn internal 49

V
Value of external Standard Capacitor Cn 48

154 Index

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