6/5/2019 Various Routine Test of Power Transformer-(Part-1) | Electrical Notes & Articles

Electrical Notes & Articles

Sharing Abstracts,Notes on various Electrical Engineering Topics.

Various Routine Test of Power Transformer-(Part-1)

FEBRUARY 8, 2015 26 COMMENTS

(HTTPS://ELECTRICALNOTES.WORDPRESS.COM/2015/02/08/VARIOUS-ROUTINE-TEST-OF-
POWER-TRANSFORMER-PART-1/#COMMENTS)

Introduction:

There are various Test required on Transformer to conform performance of Transformer.

Mainly two types of transformer are done by manufacturer before dispatching the transformer
mainly (1) Type test of transformer and (2) Routine test.
In addition some other tests are also carried out by the consumer at site before commissioning and
also periodically in regular & emergency basis throughout its life.
Transformer Testing mainly classified in
Transformer Tests done by Manufacturer
(A) Routine Tests
(B)Type Tests
(C) Special Tests
Transformer Tests done at Site
(D) Pre Commissioning Tests
(E) Periodic/Condition Monitoring Tests
(F) Emergency Tests

(A) Routine tests:

A Routine test of transformer is mainly for confirming operational performance of individual unit in
a production lot. Routine tests are carried out on every unit manufactured.
All transformers are subjected to the following Routine tests:
Insulation resistance Test.
Winding resistance Test.
Turns Ration / Voltage ratio Test
Polarity / Vector group Test.
No-load losses and current Test.
Short-circuit impedance and load loss Test.
Continuity Test

https://electricalnotes.wordpress.com/2015/02/08/various-routine-test-of-power-transformer-part-1/ 1/10
6/5/2019 Various Routine Test of Power Transformer-(Part-1) | Electrical Notes & Articles

Magnetizing Current Test

Magnetic Balance Test
High Voltage Test.
Dielectric tests
Separate source AC voltage.
Induced overvoltage.
Lightning impulse tests.
Test on On-load tap changers, where appropriate.

(B) Type tests

Type tests are tests made on a transformer which is representative of other transformers to
demonstrate that they comply with specified requirements not covered by routine tests:
Temperature rise test (IEC 60076-2).
Dielectric type tests (IEC 60076-3).

(C) Special tests

Special tests are tests, other than routine or type tests, agreed between manufacturer and purchaser.
Dielectric special tests.
Zero-sequence impedance on three-phase transformers.
Short-circuit test.
Harmonics on the no-load current.
Power taken by fan and oil-pump motors.
Determination of sound levels.
Determination of capacitances between windings and earth, and between windings.
Determination of transient voltage transfer between windings.
Tests intended to be repeated in the field to confirm no damage during shipment, for example
frequency response analysis (FRA).

(D) Pre commissioning Tests

The Test performed before commissioning the transformer at site is called pre commissioning test of
transformer. These tests are done to assess the condition of transformer after installation and
compare the test results of all the low voltage tests with the factory test reports.
All transformers are subjected to the following Pre commissioning tests:
IR value of transformer and cables
Winding Resistance
Transformer Turns Ratio
Polarity Test
Magnetizing Current
Vector Group
Magnetic Balance
Bushing & Winding Tan Delta (HV )
Protective relay testing
Transformer oil testing
Hipot test

https://electricalnotes.wordpress.com/2015/02/08/various-routine-test-of-power-transformer-part-1/ 2/10
6/5/2019 Various Routine Test of Power Transformer-(Part-1) | Electrical Notes & Articles

(A) Routine tests of Transformer

(1) Insulation Resistance Test:

Test Purpose:

Insulation resistance test of transformer is essential to ensure the healthiness of overall insulation of
an electrical power transformer.

Test Instruments:

For LT System: Use 500V or 1000V Megger.

For MV / HV System: Use 2500V or 5000V Megger.

Test Procedure:

First disconnect all the line and neutral terminals of the transformer.
Megger leads to be connected to LV and HV bushing studs to measure Insulation Resistance (IR)
value in between the LV and HV windings.
Megger leads to be connected to HV bushing studs and transformer tank earth point to measure
Insulation Resistance IR value in between the HV windings and earth.
Megger leads to be connected to LV bushing studs and transformer tank earth point to measure
Insulation Resistance IR value in between the LV windings and earth.
NB: It is unnecessary to perform insulation resistance test of transformer per phase wise in three
phase transformer. IR values are taken between the windings collectively as because all the windings
on HV side are internally connected together to form either star or delta and also all the windings on
LV side are internally connected together to form either star or delta.
Measurements are to be taken as follows:

Type of Transformer Testing-1 Testing-2 Testing-3

Auto Transformer HV-LV to LV HV-IV to E LV to E
Two Winding Transformer HV to LV HV to E LV to E
Three Winding Transformers HV to LV LV to LV HV to E & LV to E
Oil temperature should be noted at the time of insulation resistance test of transformer. Since the IR
value of transformer insulating oil may vary with temperature.
IR values to be recorded at intervals of 15 seconds, 1 minute and 10 minutes.
With the duration of application of voltage, IR value increases. The increase in IR is an indication of
dryness of insulation.
Absorption Coefficient = 1 minute value/ 15 second value.
Polarization Index = 10 minutes value / 1 minute value
https://electricalnotes.wordpress.com/2015/02/08/various-routine-test-of-power-transformer-part-1/ 3/10
6/5/2019 Various Routine Test of Power Transformer-(Part-1) | Electrical Notes & Articles

Tests can detect:

Weakness of Insulation.

(2) D.C. Resistance or Winding Resistance Test

Test Purpose:

Transformer winding resistance is measured

To check any abnormalities like Loose connections, broken strands and High contact resistance in tap
changers
To Calculation of the I2R losses in transformer.
To Calculation of winding temperature at the end of temperature rise test of transformer.

Test Instrument:

The Resistance of HV winding LV winding between their terminals are to be measured with
Precision milliohm meter/ micro ohm meter / Transformer Ohmmeter. OR
Wheatstone bridge or DC resistance meter.

Method No: 1 (Kelvin Bridge Method for measurement of winding resistance)

(h ps://electricalnotes.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/untitled2.png)

Test Procedure:

The main principle of bridge method is based on comparing an unknown resistance with a known
resistance.
When electric currents flowing through the arms of bridge circuit become balanced, the reading of
galvanometer shows zero deflection that means at balanced condition no electric current will flow
through the galvanometer.
Very small value of resistance (in milliohms range) can be accurately measured by Kelvin Bridge
method whereas for higher value Wheatstone bridge method of resistance measurement is applied.
In bridge method of measurement of winding resistance, the error is minimized.
All other steps to be taken during transformer winding resistance measurement in these methods are
similar to that of current voltage method of measurement of winding resistance of transformer

Method No: 2 (current voltage method of measurement of winding resistance)

https://electricalnotes.wordpress.com/2015/02/08/various-routine-test-of-power-transformer-part-1/ 4/10
6/5/2019 Various Routine Test of Power Transformer-(Part-1) | Electrical Notes & Articles

(h ps://electricalnotes.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/untitled3.png)

Test Procedure:

The resistance of each transformer winding is measured using DC current and recorded at a ambient
temp.
In this test resistance of winding is measurement by applying a small DC voltage to the winding and
measuring the current through the same
The measured resistance should be corrected to a common temperature such as 75°C or 85°C using
the formula: RC=RM x ((CF+CT)/(CF+WT))
where
RC is the corrected resistance, RM is the measured resistance
CF is the correction factor for copper (234.5) or aluminum (225) windings
CT is the corrected temperature (75°C or 85°C)
WT is the winding temperature (°C) at time of test
Before measurement the transformer should be kept in OFF condition at least for 3 to 4 hours so in
this time the winding temperature will become equal to its oil temperature.
To minimize observation errors, polarity of the core magnetization shall be kept constant during all
resistance readings.
Voltmeter leads shall be independent of the current leads to protect it from high voltages which may
occur during switching on and off the current circuit.
The readings shall be taken after the electric current and voltage have reached steady state values. In
some cases this may take several minutes depending upon the winding impedance.
The test current shall not exceed 15% of the rated current of the winding. Large values may cause
inaccuracy by heating the winding and thereby changing its resistance.
For Calculating resistance, the corresponding temperature of the winding at the time of measurement
must be taken along with resistance value.

Required Precaution:

According to IEC 60076-1, in order to reduce measurement errors due to changes in temperature,
some precautions should be taken before the measurement is made.
For Delta connected Winding: for delta-connected transformer, the resistance should be measured
for each phase (i.e. R-Y , Y-B & B-R) .Delta is composed of parallel combination of the winding under
test and the series combination of the remaining winding .It is therefore recommended to make three
measurements for each phase to-phase winding in order obtain the most accurate results.
For Delta connected windings, such tertiary winding of auto-transformers measurement shall be
done between pairs of line terminals and resistance per winding shall be calculated as per the
https://electricalnotes.wordpress.com/2015/02/08/various-routine-test-of-power-transformer-part-1/ 5/10
6/5/2019 Various Routine Test of Power Transformer-(Part-1) | Electrical Notes & Articles

formula: Resistance per Winding = 1.5 X Measured Value

For Star connected winding: the neutral brought out, the resistance shall be measured between the
line and neutral terminal (i.e. R-N , Y-N,B-N) and average of three sets of reading shall be the tested
value. For Star connected auto transformers the resistance of the HV side is measured between HV
terminal and IV terminal, then between IV terminal and the neutral.
For Dry type transformers: the transformer shall be at rest in a constant ambient temperature for at
least three hours.
For Oil immersed transformers: the transformers should be under oil and without excitation for at
least three hours. In case of tapped windings, above readings are recorded at each tap. In addition, it
is important to ensure that the average oil temperature (average of the top and bo om oil
temperatures) is approximately the same as the winding temperature. Average oil temperature is to
be recorded. Measured values are to be corrected to required temperatures.
As the measurement current increases, the core will be saturated and inductance will decrease. In
this way, the current will reach the saturation value in a shorter time.
After the current is applied to the circuit, it should be waited until the current becomes stationary
(complete saturation) before taking measurements, otherwise, there will be measurement errors.
The values shall be compared with original test an result which varies with the transformer ratings.

Test Acceptance criteria:

DC Resistance Should be<=2% Factory Test.

Test Current <10% Rated Current

Test can detect:

Short Turns
Loose Connection of bushing
Loose Connection or High Contact Resistance on Tap Changer.
Broken winding stands

FILED UNDER UNCATEGORIZED

About Jignesh.Parmar
Jignesh Parmar has completed M.Tech (Power System Control), B.E(Electrical). He is member of
Institution of Engineers (MIE) and CEng,India. Membership No:M-1473586.He has more than 16 years
experience in Transmission -Distribution-Electrical Energy theft detection-Electrical Maintenance-
Electrical Projects (Planning-Designing-Technical Review-coordination -Execution). He is Presently
associate with one of the leading business group as a Deputy Manager at Ahmedabad,India. He has
published numbers of Technical Articles in “Electrical Mirror”, “Electrical India”, “Lighting
India”,”Smart Energy”, “Industrial Electrix”(Australian Power Publications) Magazines. He is Freelancer
Programmer of Advance Excel and design useful Excel base Electrical Programs as per IS, NEC,
IEC,IEEE codes. He is Technical Blogger and Familiar with English, Hindi, Gujarati, French languages.
He wants to Share his experience & Knowledge and help technical enthusiasts to find suitable solutions
and updating themselves on various Engineering Topics.

26 Responses to Various Routine Test of Power Transformer-(Part-1)

https://electricalnotes.wordpress.com/2015/02/08/various-routine-test-of-power-transformer-part-1/ 6/10
6/5/2019 Various Routine Test of Power Transformer-(Part-1) | Electrical Notes & Articles

Javier says:
February 8, 2015 at 3:30 pm
¡A great job Jignesh¡, but, How could we download it as pdf?. Thanks for your time and knowledge

Reply
sharath she y says:
August 25, 2015 at 10:47 am
Dear Sir, thank you very much for sharing useful information. I have one quotation How to cross
check the transformer rating during routine test or factory level test.
Thanks and regards,
Sharath She y

Reply
Satinder says:
February 8, 2015 at 5:45 pm
Thanks sir for such kind of information it’s very valuable for me tanku sir once again

Reply
Tapas Mishra says:
February 9, 2015 at 2:48 am
Thank u sir for sharing such useful information. No one can find such theories at any where which is
very much essential for an Electrical Engineer when he starts career……..

Reply
HARDIK PATEL says:
February 9, 2015 at 5:05 am
dear sir,

you are great !!

i am very happy to read above article based on transformer.

i am working on electromagnetic analysis for the power transformer.

Reply
Vineesh Kumar V says:
February 9, 2015 at 7:54 am
Dear Sir, Thanking for the documents send. i am an Electrical engineer working at Siemens Ltd. As I
am required to provide training regarding switchgear and protection to my colleagues. I am hereby
requesting you to advice me with the relevant points to be covered and any notes/documents which
would be of help.

Thanking you in advance Regards Vineesh Kumar.V

Reply
ravi kant goswami says:
February 9, 2015 at 9:20 am
Dear Sir,

https://electricalnotes.wordpress.com/2015/02/08/various-routine-test-of-power-transformer-part-1/ 7/10
6/5/2019 Various Routine Test of Power Transformer-(Part-1) | Electrical Notes & Articles

Please provide how much meggar value found at LV and HV side and also provide many other
things completaly please .

Reply
angelito Cortez says:
February 9, 2015 at 1:42 pm
Thanks a lot and more power.God Bless You.

Reply
Darwin Guimay says:
February 10, 2015 at 5:42 am
Very much appreciated your kindness and being helpful through sharing your bright experience
and knowledge Sir. Thanks and regards;

Darwin R. Guimay AES – Electrical Engineer 09268743746

Reply
Ramakrishna says:
February 13, 2015 at 3:44 am
Hi Jignesh, thanks for your insight into a lot of detailed information. I have a specific question about
Medical imaging systems especially devices that require large input feeds in the 380V range like a
Linear accelerator. Can you please give me an overview of the electrical distribution system with
various components that are typically used to design a system from the main hospital feed to the
similar equipment? You can also send me an email directly.

Reply
AKHILESH TIWARI says:
February 13, 2015 at 6:50 am
Thanks sir
pl provide how to cal vector group of power transfomer

Reply
hridya says:
March 10, 2015 at 9:05 am
Thank you sir.. its really a fabulous work.. It would be more helpful if the expected range of
insulation resistance is also included in the IR test.

Reply
Abhishek Kumar says:
March 18, 2015 at 9:12 am
TELL ME ABOUT THE CABEL CONTIUITY TEST ON SITE

Reply
Abhishek Kumar says:
March 18, 2015 at 9:14 am
What is the methods to know the cable continuity on site. Pls. reply soon

Reply
Malik Imtiaz Ahmad says:
May 5, 2015 at 6:27 am

https://electricalnotes.wordpress.com/2015/02/08/various-routine-test-of-power-transformer-part-1/ 8/10
6/5/2019 Various Routine Test of Power Transformer-(Part-1) | Electrical Notes & Articles

very nice and informatic. thanks.

Reply
rahul srivastava says:
June 22, 2015 at 1:05 pm
about the type for test transformer

Reply
vijay patil says:
December 22, 2015 at 8:43 pm
very useful information about transformer testing………….

Reply
Neha says:
December 27, 2015 at 9:32 am
Sir, the way you define the test purposes & procedure is very good. It is really very helpful. Thank
You So Much…..

Reply
vijay s. says:
January 9, 2016 at 3:58 pm
Thanks Mr.Parmar for these useful compilations. It would be great if bills of material/equipment
used along with testing videos and standard templates are also provided.

Reply
chandni says:
February 9, 2016 at 4:54 am
Respected sir,this article helped me a lot in my lecture notes. if I would like to know more how can I
contact you?

Reply
Mustafa Alyaseen says:
February 14, 2016 at 8:58 am
very useful article

Reply
inderpreet kaur says:
April 7, 2016 at 3:55 am
sir, I have an question. Are routine tests part of condition monitoring of power transformers..I am
doing thesis on condition monitoring of power transformers .should I include all these routine tests
in my thesis or not??

Reply
V.Dhruvakumar says:
March 27, 2017 at 7:22 am
very useful

Reply
Rajveer Singh says:
June 29, 2017 at 9:36 am

https://electricalnotes.wordpress.com/2015/02/08/various-routine-test-of-power-transformer-part-1/ 9/10
6/5/2019 Various Routine Test of Power Transformer-(Part-1) | Electrical Notes & Articles

Dear sir
Plz send me PDF file of transformer testing and earthing testing
Thanks

Reply
Jignesh.Parmar says:
July 2, 2017 at 7:07 am
Press “FOLLOW THIS MAIL BY BLOG”

Reply
Noman says:
August 20, 2017 at 6:39 pm
Dear sir
Pleasse send me PDF file of detailed transformer’s testing and earthing testing
Thanks

Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

https://electricalnotes.wordpress.com/2015/02/08/various-routine-test-of-power-transformer-part-1/ 10/10