DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

DIT UNIVERSITY
HIGH VOLTAGE ENGINEERING

Introduction to High Voltage Testing – It is essential to ensure that the electrical equipment is capable of
withstanding the overvoltages that are met within the service. The overvoltages maybe either due to
natural causes like lightning or system originated ones such as switching impulse or power frequency
transient voltages. Hence testing for overvoltages is necessary. The overvoltage tests are classified into
two groups:
(i) Power frequency voltage test.
(ii) Impulse voltage test.
These tests together ensure the overvoltage withstand capability of an apparatus.

Terms related with High Voltage Testing – The following terms are most commonly associated with high
voltage testing which have been explained briefly below:

(i) Disruptive discharge voltage – It is defined as the voltage which produces the loss of dielectric
strength of insulation. It is that voltage at which the electrical stress in the insulation causes a
failure which includes the collapse of voltage and passage of current. It causes a permanent loss
of strength in solids whereas in liquids or gases only temporary loss maybe caused.
(ii) Flashover – When a discharge takes place between two electrodes (in a gas, liquid or solid) over
the surface of the dielectric but not through the volume of the insulator then it is called
flashover. It is mostly temporary failure of insulation of the insulator. The dielectric strength of
the insulator is recovered completely once the adverse conditions which resulted in flashover are
removed.
(iii) Puncture – If a discharge occurs in an insulator through the entire volume such that once the
adverse conditions which caused discharge are removed the dielectric strength is not fully
recovered. It is mostly permanent failure of insulation.
(iv) Withstand Voltage – The voltage which is to be applied to a test object under specified
conditions without causing flashover or puncture of the insulator is known as withstand voltage.
(v) Fifty Percent Flashover Voltage – It is the voltage which has a probability of 50% flashover when
applied to the test object. This is normally applied in impulse tests in which loss of insulation
strength is temporary.
(vi) Hundred Percent Flashover Voltage – It is the voltage that causes a flashover at each of its
applications under the specified conditions when applied to test object.
(vii) Creepage Distance – It is the shortest distance on the contour of external surface of the insulator
unit or between two metal fittings on the insulator.
(viii) Reference Atmospheric Conditions – The electrical characteristics of the insulators and other
apparatus are normally referred to the reference atmospheric conditions.
Atmospheric Conditions Indian Standards British Standards
Temperature 270C 200C
Pressure 760 Torr 760 Torr
Absolute Humidity 17 gm/m 3 11 gm/m3

Tests on Insulators: The tests normally conducted on insulators are (i) type tests and (ii) routine tests.
The type tests are intended to prove or check the design features and quality. The routine tests are
intended to check the quality of the individual test piece. The type tests involves quality testing of
equipment at the design and development level i.e. samples of the product are taken and are tested
when a product is being developed and designed or an old product is to be redesigned and developed.
The routine tests are meant to ensure the reliability of individual test objects, quality and consistency of
materials used in their manufacture. The following tests are carried out on all insulators:
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 DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
DIT UNIVERSITY
HIGH VOLTAGE ENGINEERING

(i) 50% dry impulse flashover test

(ii) Impulse withstand test
(iii) Dry flashover and dry one minute test
(iv) Wet flashover and wet one minute test
(v) Temperature cycle test
(vi) Electromechanical test
(vii) Mechanical test
(viii) Porosity test
(ix) Puncture test
(x) Mechanical routine test

(i) 50% Dry Impulse Flashover Test: This test is carried out on a clean insulator mounted as in
normal working condition. An impulse voltage of 1.2/50 µs waveshape and of an amplitude
which can cause 50% flashover of the insulator is applied i.e. out of the total number of
impulses applied at least 50% of the impulses should cause flashover. The polarity of the
impulse voltage is then reversed and the procedure is repeated. There must be at least 20
applications of the impulse in each case and the insulator must not be damaged. The
magnitude of the impulse voltage should not be less than that specified in standard
specifications.
(ii) Impulse Withstand Test: In this test, the insulator is subjected to standard impulse 1.2/50 µs
waveshape of specified value under dry conditions with both positive and negative polarities.
If five consecutive applications do not cause any flashover and puncture, the insulator is
deemed to have passed impulse withstand test. If out of five two applications cause flashover
the insulator is deemed to have failed the test.
(iii) Dry Flashover & Dry One Minute Test: The power frequency voltage is applied to the insulator
and the voltage is increased to the specified value and maintained for one minute. The
voltage is then increased gradually until flashover occurs. The insulator is then flashed over
atleast four more times. The voltage is increased to reach flashover voltage in about 10
seconds. The mean of atleast five consecutive flashover voltages must not be less than the
value specified in specifications.
(iv) Wet Flashover & Wet One Minute Test: If the test is carried out under artificial rain it is called
wet flashover test. The insulator is subjected to spray of water of following characteristics
Precipitation rate 3 ± 10% mm/min.
Direction 45O to vertical
Conductivity 100 µS ± 10%
Temp. Of water ambient + 15OC
Initially a voltage which is 50% of one minute rain test is applied to the insulator and water of
above specifications is sprayed for two minutes. The voltage is then raised to one minute test
voltage in approximately 10 seconds and maintained there for one minute. The water is
continuously sprayed on the insulator during the application of the voltage. The voltage is then
further increased gradually till flashover occurs and the insulators is then flashed atleast four
more times such that the time taken to reach flashover voltage in each case is 10 seconds. The
flashover voltage must not be less than the value specified in specifications.

(v) Temperature Cycle Test: The insulator is immersed in a hot water bath whose temperature is
70o higher than normal water bath for T minutes. It is then taken out and immediately
immersed in normal water bath for T minutes. After T minutes, the insulator is again
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 DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
DIT UNIVERSITY
HIGH VOLTAGE ENGINEERING

immersed in hot water bath for T minutes. The cycle is repeated three times and it is
expected that the insulator should withstand the test without damage to the insulator or
glaze. Here T = (15 + W/1.36) where W is the weight of the insulator in kg.
(vi) Electromechanical Test: This test is carried out only on suspension or tension type of insulator.
The insulator is subjected to a tension which is 2.5 times the specified maximum working
tension maintained for one minute. Also simultaneously 75% of the dry flashover voltage is
applied. The insulator should withstand this test without any damage.
(vii) Mechanical Test: This test is a bending test applicable to pin type and line post insulators. The
insulator is subjected to a load three times the specified maximum breaking load for 1
minute. There should be no damage to the insulator.
(viii) Porosity Test: In this test the insulator is broken and immersed in a 0.5% alcohol solution of
Fuchsin under a pressure of 13800 kN/m2 for 24 hours. The broken insulator is taken out and
further broken. It should not show any sign of impregnation.
(ix) Puncture Test: In this test an impulse overvoltage is applied between the pin and the lead foil
bound over the top and side grooves in case of pin insulator and between the metal fittings in
case of suspension type insulators. The voltage is 1.2/50 µs with a magnitude twice the 50%
impulse flashover voltage and negative polarity. Twenty such applications are applied. The
procedure is then repeated for 2.5, 3, 3.5 times the 50% impulse flashover voltage and it is
continued till the insulator is punctured. The insulator must not puncture at a voltage which is
equal to or less than the voltage specified in the specifications.
(x) Mechanical Routine Test: In this test the insulator is suspended vertically or horizontally and a
tensile load 20% in excess of the maximum specified working load is applied for one minute.
There should be no damage to the insulator string.

Testing of Bushing: The bushing is an integral component of high voltage machines. It is used to bring
high voltage conductors through the grounded tank or body of the electrical equipment without
excessive potential gradients between the conductor and the edge of the hole in the body. In case of
transformer the bushing extends into the surface of oil at one end and the other end is carried above the
tank to a height sufficient to prevent breakdown due to surface leakage. The following tests are carried
out on bushings:
(i) Power factor test
(ii) Impulse withstand test
(iii) Chopped wave and switching surge test
(iv) Partial discharge test
(v) Momentary withstand test at power frequency
(vi) One minute wet withstand test at power frequency
(vii) Visible discharge test at power frequency
(viii) Temperature rise and thermal stability test

(i) Power Factor Test: The bushing is installed as in service or immersed in oil. The H.V. terminal of
the bushing is connected to H.V. terminal of the Schering bridge and the tank or earth portion is
connected to the detector of the bridge. The capacitance and power factor of the bushing is
measured at different voltages as specified in the relevant specifications. The measured
capacitance and power factor should be within the range specified.
(ii) Impulse Withstand Test: In this test the bushing is subjected to impulse waves of both polarity
and magnitude as specified in the standard specification. Five consecutive full waves of standard
waveform (1.2/50 µs) are applied and if two of them cause flashover, the bushing is said to be
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 DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
DIT UNIVERSITY
HIGH VOLTAGE ENGINEERING

defective. If only one flashover occurs then ten additional applications are made. If no flashover
occurs, bushing is said to have passed the test.

(iii) Chopped Wave & Switching Surge Test: In this test chopped wave and switching surge of
appropriate specifications are applied on H.V. bushings five times each. If two of them cause
flashover then the bushing is said to be defective. If only one flashover occurs, ten additional
applications are made. If no flashover occurs then the bushing is said to have passed the test
(iv) Partial Discharge Test: This test is carried out in order to determine whether there is
deterioration or not of the insulation used in bushing. This is done by using internal or partial
discharge arrangement as shown in fig.1. The shape of the discharge is an indication of nature
and severity of the defect in the bushing.
Cx
rx R3

Band Display
pass Unit
D
filter Amplifier (CRO or
CT Counter)
C4
rD
R4 Fig.1 Partial discharge arrangement for testing of
CD bushing

Cx – Test piece rx – Internal resistance of test piece

CD – Dummy sample rD – Internal resistance of dummy sample
CT – Filter capacitor D – Power frequency detector

(v) Momentary Withstand Test at Power Frequency: This test is done as per the Indian standard
specifications IS: 2099 applied to bushings. In this test the specified test voltage is applied for
a minimum time of approximately 30 seconds. The bushing should not flashover or puncture.
However at present this test is replaced by impulse withstand test.
(vi) One Minute Wet Withstand Test at Power Frequency: It is the most common and routine test.
In this test, the voltage specified is applied to the bushing mounted as in the service with rain
arrangement. A properly designed bushing has to withstand the voltage without flashover for
one minute.
(vii) Visible Discharge Test at Power Frequency: This test is done to determine whether the bushing
is likely to give radio interference in service when the voltage specified in IS: 2099 is applied.
No discharge other than that from the arcing horns or grading rings should be visible to the
observer in a dark room. The test arrangement is same as that of the withstand test but this
test is conducted in a dark room
(viii) Temperature Rise & Thermal Stability Test: The purpose of this test is to ensure that the
bushing in service for long does not have an excessive temperature rise and also does not go
into the thermal runaway condition of the insulation used. The temperature rise test is carried
out in free air with an ambient temperature below 400 C at a rated power frequency a.c.
current. The steady temperature rise above the ambient air temperature at any part of the
bushing should not exceed 450 C. This test is carried out for such a long time till the
temperature is substantially constant.

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 DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
DIT UNIVERSITY
HIGH VOLTAGE ENGINEERING

The thermal stability test is done for bushings rated for 132 kV and above. This test
is carried out with the bushing immersed in oil at a maximum temperature as in service and the
voltage applied is 80% of the nominal system voltage. The thermal stability test is a type test
but in case of large sized H.V. bushings, it maybe necessary to make them routine tests.

Testing of Surge Diverters: The lightning arrestor or surge diverter is the most reliable apparatus to
protect the power system against lightning and switching surges. A surge diverter has to be a non
conductor for operating power frequency voltages and should behave as short circuit for impulse
voltages. The following tests are conducted on a lightning arrestor:
(i) Power frequency sparkover test
(ii) 100% standard impulse sparkover test
(iii) Front of wave sparkover test
(iv) Residual voltage test
(v) Long duration impulse current test
(vi) Operating duty cycle test
(vii) Other test (mechanical test, pollution test, pressure relief test etc.)

(i) Power Frequency Sparkover Test: It is a routine test. In this test a power frequency voltage which
is 1.5 times the rated power frequency withstand voltage is applied across the lightning arrestor
five times successively. If there is no flashover in all five applications then the arrestor is said to
have passed the test. A series resistance is also inserted in the circuit to limit the current in case a
flashover occurs. This test is generally done both under dry and wet conditions.
(ii) 100% Standard Impulse Sparkover Test: This test is conducted to ensure that the arrestor
operates positively when an overvoltage of impulse nature occurs. In this test an impulse voltage of
standard specifications is applied to the lightning arrestor ten times successively. The arrestor
should sparkover at each application. The test is conducted with both positive and negative polarity
waveforms.
(iii) Front of Wave Sparkover Test: This test is conducted in order to ensure that the surge diverter
flashes over for very steep fronted waves of high peaks. This test is conducted using an overvoltage
having a rate of rise of 100 kV/µs per 12 kV of the rating. The estimated maximum steepness of the
waves is specified in standards and specifications. The test is done by conducting 100% sparkover
voltage test for increasing magnitudes of standard impulse wave. The time to sparkover is
measured. The volt – time characteristics of diverter is plotted. The intersection of the line with
slope of vertical steepness of front with volt – time characteristics of the arrestor gives the front of
a wave sparkover voltage.
(iv) Residual Voltage Test: This test is conducted on a pro – rated diverter of ratings in the range 3 to
12 kV only. The voltage developed across the non – linear resistor units during the flow of surge
currents through the arrestor is called the residual voltage. A pro – rated arrestor is a complete,
suitably housed section of an arrestor including series gaps and non – linear resistors in same
proportion as in the complete arrestor. A standard impulse current of rated magnitude is applied
and the voltage developed across the diverter is recorded using a suitable voltage divider and CRO.
The magnitudes of the currents are approximately 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 times the rated currents. From
the oscillogram, a graph is drawn between the current magnitudes and the voltage developed
across the diverter pro – rated unit. From the graph, the residual voltage corresponding to the
exact rated current is obtained. The diverter is said to pass the test if
VR2 < rV2

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 DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
DIT UNIVERSITY
HIGH VOLTAGE ENGINEERING

Where VR2 is residual voltage of pro – rated unit

VRM
r is multiplying factor = where VRM is maximum permissible residual voltage
V1
V1 is rating of complete unit
V2 is rating of pro – rated unit tested
(v) Long Duration Impulse Current Test: This test is also done on pro – rated units of 3 to 12 kV. The
circuit used to generate a rectangular impulse wave consists of an artificial transmission line with
lumped inductances and capacitances. The duration of the current pulse‘t’ is given by 2(n − 1) LC
where n = number of stages of sections used and L, C are inductance & capacitance of each unit.
The rectangular wave is generated if the surge impedance of the diverter is equal to L C at the
test current. As per the specifications, 20 applications are made with specified current in five
groups. The interval between the successive applications is about 1 minute. It is usual to record the
waveforms in first two and last two applications of the current wave. The diverter is said to have
passed the test if the following conditions are satisfied:
(a) The power frequency sparkover voltage before and after the application of the current wave
does not differ by more than 10%.
(b) The voltage and current waveforms of the diverter do not differ significantly in two
applications.
(c) The non – linear resistance elements in the diverter do not show any sign of puncture or
external flashover.
(d) The voltage across the diverter at first and last application does not differ by more than 8%.

(vi) Operating Duty Cycle Test: This test is conducted on pro – rated units of diverter and it gives
better closeness to actual conditions. The diverter is kept energized at its rated power frequency
supply voltage. The rated impulse current wave is applied first at a phase angle of about 300 from
a.c. voltage zero. If the power frequency current is not established then the angle at which current
impulse wave is applied is advanced in steps of 100 upto 900 or peak position of supply voltage
wave till follow – on current is established. During the follow – on current period, the peak voltage
across the diverter should be less than or equal to the rated peak voltage. Twenty applications of
the impulse current at the selected points on the voltage wave are made in four groups. The time
interval between each application is 1 minute and between successive groups it is about half an
hour. The arrestor is said to have passed the test if the following conditions are met:
(a) The average power frequency sparkover voltage before and after the test does not differ by
more than 10%.
(b) The residual voltage at the rated current does not vary by more than 10%.
(c) The follow – on power frequency current is interrupted each time.
(d) There is no flashover or puncture to the pro – rated unit.

(vii) Other Test: The following tests are generally conducted on diverters used on EHV systems:
(a) Mechanical test
(b) Pressure relief test
(c) Voltage withstand test on insulator housing of surge diverter
(d) Switching surge flashover test
(e) Pollution test

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 DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
DIT UNIVERSITY
HIGH VOLTAGE ENGINEERING

Testing of Isolators & Circuit Breakers: The tests conducted on circuit breakers and isolators give
common characteristics for both. However these characteristics though directly relevant to the testing of
circuit breaker are of not much relevance as far as testing of isolators are concerned because the
isolators are not used for interrupting high currents. The following tests are conducted on circuit
breakers and isolators:
(i) Dielectric test
(ii) Impulse test
(iii) Short circuit test
(iv) Thermal test
(v) Asymmetrical test

(i) Dielectric Test: This test consists of overvoltage withstand tests of power frequency, lightning
and switching impulse voltages. These tests are done for both internal and external insulation
with the switch or circuit breaker in both open and closed positions. In the open position, the test
voltage levels are 15% higher than the test voltages used when the circuit breaker is in closed
position. Due to this there is always a possibility of line to ground flashover which is avoided by
mounting the circuit breaker on insulators above the ground.

(ii) Impulse Test: In this test the lightning impulse wave of standard shape is applied to the circuit
breaker similar to the insulators. In addition switching overvoltages are also applied to assess
their performance under overvoltages due to switching operations.

(iii) Short Circuit Tests: These are the most important tests carried out on circuit breaker since these
tests assess the primary performance of these devices i.e. their ability to safely interrupt the fault
current. These tests consist of determining the making and breaking capacities at various load
current and rated voltages. In case of isolators, the short circuit tests are conducted only with the
limited purpose to determine their capacity to carry the rated short circuit current for a given
duration and no breaking, making current test is done. The different methods of conducting short
circuit tests are as follows:

(a) Direct Testing in Networks or in Fields – The circuit breakers are sometimes tested for their
ability to make or break the circuit under normal load conditions or under short circuit
conditions in the network itself. This is done during period of limited energy consumption or
when the electrical energy is diverted to other sections of the network which are not
connected to the circuit under test. In this type of testing there is not much flexibility.
(b) Direct Testing in Short Circuit Test Lab – In order to test the circuit breaker at different
voltages and at different short circuit currents, short circuit laboratories are provided. The
fig.2 shows a schematic layout of a short circuit testing laboratory. It consists of a short circuit
generator in association with a master circuit breaker, resistors, reactors and measuring
devices. The rating of the master circuit breaker is always higher than the circuit breaker
under test. A make switch is used to initiate the short circuit. The master circuit breaker
isolates the test device from the source at the end of a predetermined time set on a test
sequence controller. The master circuit breaker can also be tripped if the test device fails to
operate properly.

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 DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
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HIGH VOLTAGE ENGINEERING

Fig.2 Schematic dig. of short ckt. testing lab for direct testing
(c) Synthetic Testing of Circuit Breaker – Due to very high interrupting capacities of circuit
breakers, it is not economical to have a single source to provide the required short circuit
current and rated voltage. Instead a combination of the effects of two sources, one of which
supplies a.c. current and the other the high voltage is used. In the initial period of short circuit
test, the a.c. current source supplies the heavy current at low voltage and then the recovery
voltage is simulated by a source of comparatively high voltage of small current capacity. The
fig.3 shows the schematic diagram of a synthetic testing station where
Vc – low voltage, high current generator
Lc – current controlling inductance
MCB – master circuit breaker
Lv – voltage waveform controlling choke
Cv – capacitor to give necessary recovery voltage
Co – capacitor to control the frequency of transient recovery voltage

Making Aux
Switch
LV
MCB CB

LC

CB
under
CO Test CV
VC

Fig.2 Schematic dig. of short ckt. testing lab for synthetic testing
With the auxiliary circuit breaker and the test circuit breaker closed, the closing of the
making switch causes the current to flow in the test circuit breaker. At some instant say to, the
circuit breaker begins to operate. The trigger gap closes at the instant just before the
generator current becomes zero and the higher frequency current from discharging capacitor
CV flows through the arc. At the instant when generator current becomes zero, the master
circuit breaker clears the circuit leaving only current from CV. At the zero of this current full
test voltage will be available.
(d) Composite Testing – In this method, the circuit breaker is first tested for its rated breaking
capacity at a reduced voltage and afterwards for rated voltage at a low current. This method
does not give a proper estimate of breaker performance and hence is not much preferred.

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 DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
DIT UNIVERSITY
HIGH VOLTAGE ENGINEERING

Testing Procedure for Short Circuit Test – The circuit breakers are tested for their breaking
capacity (B) and making capacity (M). The following procedure is to be adopted while
conducting the short circuit tests on circuit breakers as per the specifications:
• B – 3 – B – 3 – B at 10% of rated symmetrical breaking capacity
• B – 3 – B – 3 – B at 30% of rated symmetrical breaking capacity
• B – 3 – B – 3 – B at 60% of rated symmetrical breaking capacity
• B – 3 – MB – 3 – MB at 100% of rated symmetrical breaking capacity
• B – 3 – MB – 3 – MB at 100% of rated symmetrical breaking capacity
Here B and M represent breaking and making operations respectively. MB denotes
making operation followed by breaking operation without any intentional time lag. 3
denotes time in minutes between successive operations of an operating duty.

(iv) Thermal Test: These tests are made to check the thermal behaviour of the circuit breakers. In this
test the rated current is passed continuously through all three phases of the switchgear for a long
enough period to achieve steady state conditions. When the normal rated current is less than 800
A then the temperature rise above the ambient temperature should not exceed 400 C. In case of
currents of magnitude 800 A and above the temperature rise above the ambient temperature
should not exceed 500 C.

(v) Asymmetrical Test: In this one test cycle is repeated for the asymmetrical breaking capacity in
which the d.c component at the instant of contact separation is not less than 50% of the a.c.
component.

Testing of Cables: The high voltage power cables have proved quite useful especially in case of HVDC
transmission. The following tests are done on a cable:
(i) Bending test
(ii) Loading cycle test
(iii) Thermal stability test
(iv) Dielectric thermal resistance test
(v) Life expectancy test
(vi) Dielectric power factor test
(vii) Power frequency withstand voltage test
(viii) Impulse withstand voltage test
(ix) Partial discharge test
However before performing the above mentioned tests, the cable sample has to be carefully prepared
especially for electrical tests. This is essential to avoid any excessive leakage or end flashovers which
otherwise may occur during testing and hence may give wrong information regarding the quality of
cable. The length of the sample cable varies between 50 cm to 10 m. The terminations are usually made
by shielding the ends of cable with stress shields so as to relieve the ends from excessive high electrical
stresses.

(i) Bending Test: In case of this test, the cable is bend round a cylinder of specified diameter to
make one complete turn. It is then unwound or rewound in the opposite direction. This cycle is
repeated three times. It is to be noted that a voltage test should be made before and after this
test. The diameter of the cylinder depends on the diameter of the cable under bending test as
follows:

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 DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
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HIGH VOLTAGE ENGINEERING

Diameter of cylinder = 16 X diameter of cable

(ii) Loading Cycle Test: In this test the cable in the form of loop alongwith its accessories is subjected
to 20 load cycles with a minimum conductor temperature 50 C in excess of the design value and
the cable is energized to 1.5 times the working voltage. The cable should not show any signs of
damage.
(iii) Thermal Stability Test: This test is conducted after the loading cycle test. The cable is energized
with a voltage 1.5 times the working voltage for a cable of 132 kV rating (the multiplying factor
i.e. 1.5 decreases with increase in operating voltage) and the loading current is so adjusted that
the temperature of the core of the cable is 50 C higher than its specified permissible temperature.
The current should be maintained at this value for six hours.
(iv) Dielectric Thermal Resistance Test: The ratio of the temperature difference between the core
and sheath of the cable and the heat flow from the cable gives the thermal resistance of the
sample of the cable. It should be within the specified limits as per the specifications.
(v) Life Expectancy Test: The life tests are carried out for reliability studies in service. In order to
determine the expected life of the cable under normal stress, accelerated life tests using
increased voltages are performed on actual cable lengths. It has been observed that the relation
between the expected life of the cable in hours and voltage stress is given by
g = Kt–(Vn)
where g = maximum electrical stress
t = expected life of cable in hours
K = constant depending on field conditions and materials
n = life index depending on the material
(vi) Dielectric Power Factor Test: This test is done using the high voltage Schering Bridge. The power
factor is measured for different values of voltages e.g. 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 times the rated
operating voltages. The maximum value of power factor at normal working voltage does not
exceed a specified value. The fig.3 shows the arrangement used for dielectric power factor. A
shielding shown by --------- is used which is connected to ground to eliminate the effect of stray
capacitances.

Cx
rx CS

D
R3
R4
C3

Fig.3 Schematic dig. of Schering bridge

Test Voltages: The following tables give the test voltages required for different transmission voltages for
high voltage testing.

Table 1 – Test voltages for a.c. equipments

System nominal Power frequency Impulse withstand Switching surge

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Voltage (rms) withstand voltage (rms) voltage withstand voltage

(kV) (kV) (kV) (kV)
400 520 1425 875
525 670 1800 1100
765 960 2300 1350
1100 1416 2800 1800
1500 1920 3500 2200

Table 2 – Test voltages for d.c. equipments

Nominal Voltage D.C. withstand voltage Impulse withstand Switching surge
(kV) (kV) voltage withstand voltage
(kV) (kV)
±400 800 1350 1000
±600 1200 1900 1500
±800 1600 2300 2000

If the insulation requirement for a particular voltage are required to be studied in a research and
development lab then table 3 and table 4 gives the voltage levels required in lab.

Table 3 – Test voltages for a.c. system voltage

System nominal Power frequency Impulse withstand Switching surge
Voltage (rms) withstand voltage (rms) voltage withstand voltage
(kV) (kV) (kV) (kV)
400 800 2400 1150
765 1000 3000 1750
1100 1400 3700 2300
1500 1900 4600 2800

Table 4 – Test voltages for d.c. systems

Nominal Voltage D.C. withstand voltage Impulse withstand Switching surge
(kV) (kV) voltage withstand voltage
(kV) (kV)
±400 800 1750 1300
±600 1200 2500 2000
±800 1600 3000 2600

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