On-Line Partial

Discharge Testing
Skip Hicks
Director - New Business Development

What Is Partial Discharge?

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According the the International

Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
International Standard 60270, Section
3.1 published in 2000, the definition of
Partial Discharge is:
Localized electrical discharge that only
partially bridges the insulation between
conductors and which can or cannot
occur adjacent to a conductor.

IEC 60270 Section 3.1 Notes

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Partial discharges are in general a

consequence of local electrical stress
concentrations in the insulation or on the
surface of the insulation
Corona is a form of partial discharge that
occurs in gaseous media around conductors
which are remote from solid or liquid
insulation
Partial discharges are often accompanied by
emission of sound, light, heat, and chemical
reactions

Paper
-Insulated Lead Cable
Paper-Insulated

Extruded MV Cable Construction

EPR Cable Construction

Jacket____

__Shield

SC*________
Strand Screen_*

*Insulation
Conductor

EPR Insulation in Cable Accessories

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Most Pre-Molded Cable Terminations, Stress

Cones and other Cable Accessories are
manufactured from an EPR compound because
of its great resistance to treeing and the effects
of corona discharge around terminations and
splices.

Types of Cable Failures

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Laminar Insulation Failures

Voltage Stress Related Failures in Extruded
Insulation
Cable Accessory Failure

Laminar Cable Insulation Failure

Picture Provided By Pirelli Wire

Laminar Cable Insulation Failure

Picture Provided By Pirelli Wire

Tape removed showing electrical treeing

Voltage Stress Related Failures in

Extruded Insulation
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Overloads, defects or weak spots in insulation lead to

chemical breakdown of the insulation, producing thermal
runaway leading to decreased Insulation Resistance,
increased leakage current and failure.
Design, manufacturing or workmanship results in voids or
contamination which produce Partial Discharge and
ultimate failure.
Water Trees Form and convert to Electrical Trees and
lead to ultimate failure.

Voltage Stress Related Failures in

Extruded Insulation
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[2]

Water migration into the insulation leads to water

trees. Water Trees lead to decreased insulation
resistance and very slight increase in leakage
current. Water Trees do not directly produce
failure.
Water Trees lead to electrical trees which
produce Partial Discharge and ultimate failure.

Water Trees

[5]

Water Treeing

EPR Insulation

TRXLPE Insulation

Picture Provided By General Cable

Picture Provided By General Cable

Bowtie Trees

Bowtie Tree in XLPE

[9]

Bowtie Tree in EPR

Water Tree Conversion

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[2]

Voltage surges occur on systems due to lightning

and/or switching.
The high electric field caused by these surges
result in power dissipation in the water channels
existing in insulation sufficient to raise the
temperature of the water and increase pressure
in the water tree channel.
This phenomena generates cavities sufficient to
support partial discharge.

Water Treeing

HMWPE Insulation
Picture Provided By General Cable

XLPE Insulation
Picture Provided By General Cable

Water Tree Conversion

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PD Inception voltage is exceeded by lightning and other

surges causing a PD in voids.
Voltage drops to below PD Extinction voltage and PD
stops.
Each occurrence at which PD occurs causes the size and
geometry of the insulation void to change. Lowering the
PD inception and extinction voltages.
When PD extinction voltage drops below system nominal
voltage, PDs are continuous leading to electrical tree
formation and ultimate insulation failure.

Water Tree Conversion

45000
40000
35000
30000
25000
20000
15000
10000
7200V

5000
Impulse 1

Impulse 2

Impulse 3

Impulse 4

Impulse 5

Insulation Failure

Picture Provided By Pirelli Wire

Failures in Cable Accessories

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The majority of failures on distribution systems

occur in terminations, splices and other cable
accessories.
Failure mechanisms reported in Cable
Accessories are predominantly involve Partial
Discharge Deterioration caused by voids,
contaminants and workmanship problems.

The Partial Discharge Process

HEAT/CHEMICAL
REACTIONS

LIGHT

ACOUSTICS

EM WAVES

IEEE Standard 400

-2001 Notes:
400-2001
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Partial discharge measurement is an important

method of assessing the quality of the insulation
of power cable systems
A partial discharge is an electrical discharge
(formation of a streamer or arc) that does not
bridge the entire space between two electrodes.
Partial discharges may occur in a voidat a
contaminantor at the tip of a well-developed
water tree...

The Partial Discharge Process

Microscopic spaces (voids) may be formed
in insulation systems due to water tree
growth, aging, installation or manufacturing
defects. Continued stress and overvoltages
can initiate PD in voids.

Insulation
System
Failure

Heat and other forms of

energy released by PD
cause erosion of the internal
surface of the void.

Continued erosion forms

channels that develop
into so-called electrical
trees in the insulation.
Continued PD produces
further erosion until the
electrical tree bridges the
insulation.

Why Test for Partial Discharges?

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Partial discharge testing can detect:

Insulation defects that may have occurred during cable system
installation or the manufacturing process
Insulation deterioration due to normal service operating conditions

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Partial discharge testing is a PREDICTIVE qualitative analysis tool

that can warn of a potential upcoming system failure.
The Partial Discharge testing program can locate problem areas
(cable, splices, and/or terminations) in a cable system.
Partial discharge test results can be trended over time.
Unlike traditional High Potential Testing, partial discharge testing is
not destructive to an insulation system. (Hipot testing is typically a
go-no-go test -- the cable either fails or it doesnt). In addition, even
massive insulation defects in extruded dielectric insulation cannot be
detected with DC.. according to the IEEE 400-2001 standard.

AEIC PARTIAL DISCHARGE

REQUIREMENTS
Manufacturers Maximum Permissible Partial
Discharge (pC) at % of rated Voltage-Ground
150%

200%

250%

300%

400%

1973

30

55

80

80

1975

20

35

50

--

1982

20

35

50

--

1987

10

1996

Historical Testing Methods

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Off-Line Testing Techniques

High Potential Testing
Power Factor/Dissipation Factor Testing
Very Low Frequency Testing (VLF)

In-Service Testing Techniques

Ultrasonic PD Detection
Partial Discharge Testing

Off
-Line Testing Techniques
Off-Line
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Require de-energization of the cable under test

and in some cases, completely removed from the
distribution system.
Has the advantage of close control of the test
voltage, and if necessary raising the voltages
above the normal operation voltage.
Disconnecting from system and using a special
voltage also minimizes noise, reducing the need
for filtering and intense data interpretation.

High Potential Testing - DC

IEEE, Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), Insulated Cable
Engineers Association (ICEA), and Association of Edison Illuminating
Companies (AEIC) all agree on the following:
DC High Potential Maintenance Testing on aged (XLP) cables
can damage the cable resulting in premature failure
High Voltage DC Tests continue to be useful tests to check
systems before they are placed in service. When used as
maintenance tests the possibility of damage to the cable
should be considered.
Cable Manufacturers must be consulted to determine
acceptable voltage levels and recommendations typically
include to test at your own risk

High Potential Testing - DC

IEEE 400-2001 standard:
"...even massive insulation defects in extruded
dielectric insulation cannot be detected with DC at
the recommended voltage levels."
In other words -- not only is DC High Potential testing likely
destructive for field-aged extruded cables, but it may not
tell you a darn thing.

High Potential Testing - DC

WHATS THE BOTTOM LINE

SKIP??????????

QUIT DC HIPOT
TESTING

Power Factor/Dissipation Factor Testing

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Effective in locating weaknesses in insulation and

potential hazards before impending failure.
Not a Go-No-Go Test
Testing does not overstress the insulation and can
determine if the insulation is slowly degrading through
trending.
Testing limited to relatively short lengths of cables.
Not effective in detecting localized faults as the length of
cable increases.

Very Low Frequency (VLF) Testing

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VLF - High Potential Testing

VLF damages the insulation less than DC Testing and has the
capability of locating potential failure sites.
VLF has the advantage of portability with low energy
requirements, which results in much smaller test sets.

VLF Partial Discharge Testing

Voltage is raised to above the PD inception voltage to cause PD
to occur. PD is then locatable using Time Domain PD Detection
methods.
Cable must be disconnected to test.

In
-Service Testing Techniques
In-Service
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Has the obvious advantage that the cable is not put at

any additional risk from the test.
Technique has the advantage that the cable is not
removed from service, leaving it energized as it is for
normal operation
Removes the potential for damage due to
inappropriate switching and yields no system
contingency problems

Ultrasonic PD Testing
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Can pinpoint a suspected problem if the cable or

accessory is not directly buried or is at least
physically accessible
The high-frequency ultrasonic components of PD
are extremely short wave in nature, fairly
directional and easy to isolate from background
noise
Problem must be accessible

On
-Line Partial Discharge Testing
On-Line
System for Cable Systems
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There is zero down time associated with On-Line PD

testing because the the test is performed at normal
operating voltage. Testing involves no external voltage or
current sources.
Test equipment measures PD produced at voltages of
2400 volts and greater.
The system is independent of load current.
It is non-invasive testing that does not inject current into the
system, nor does it subject the system to excessive voltage
levels.
Method is 100% non-destructive and 100% noninvasive.

On
-Line Partial Discharge Testing
On-Line
System
Two Part System Study
On-Site System Study
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Partial Discharge activity is

recorded from several Points
of Attachment (POAs) along
the length of each cable run.
If possible, the sensors are
clamped around all three
phases at once.
In general, it is preferred to
attach sensors every 500 ft.

Off-Site System Study

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Partial Discharge data is

processed utilizing pattern
recognition software and analysis.
Analysis is used to formulate a
final report, which details findings.
Final Report detailing the analysis
of system is delivered.

The ETI On
-Line Partial Discharge
On-Line
Testing System
3-PHASE AC CABLE

COAXIAL CABLE

PD SENSOR
SPECTRUM
ANALYZER

CUSTOMER FINAL
TESTING REPORT

LAPTOP
COMPUTER

HISTORICAL TRENDING
DATABASE
SCHEDULED
MAINTENANCE

DIAGNOSTIC
AND REPORT
GENERATION
SOFTWARE

Partial Discharge Testing Equipment

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Custom made split core

sensors, are placed
around all three phases of
the cable (if possible).
Sensors sense RF
Current and convert to a
millivolt (mV) output.
Several images of partial
discharge activity are
recorded at several Point
of Attachments (POAs)
along the length of the
cable.

Partial Discharge Testing Equipment

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Data from the sensors are fed through a coaxial

cable, through an amplifier to a Spectrum
Analyzer.
The Spectrum Analyzer is used to evaluate the
magnitude patterns and frequencies of any partial
discharge activity at the POA.
Partial discharge waveforms are captured for
analysis by our partial discharge analysis software
and engineers.
Any obvious PD activity may be relayed to the
customer before leaving the site.

Partial Discharge Predictions

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Characteristics of PD in electrical trees differ from those in

spherical voids.
The pulse shapes, rise and fall times, width, and
amplitude depend on the applied field in the insulation.
Voids are identifiable by single discharges occurring each
half cycle.
Electrical Trees are branchlike with the PDs proceeding in
steps along the branch. Trees are identifiable by multiple
discharge pulses occurring per half cycle.

PD Characteristics
Electrical
Treeing
Corona/Voids
Corona
and/or
Voids

PD Characteristics
Electrical
Treeing
Corona/Voids
Corona
and/or
Voids

PD Characteristics
Electrical
Treeing
Corona/Voids
Corona
and/or
Voids

PD Characteristics
Electrical Treeing
Electrical Treeing

PD Characteristics
Electrical Treeing
Electrical Treeing

Final Partial Discharge Report

The data is then used to electronically generate a final report
that details the severity and location of partial discharge
activity. PD activity is then classified into the following
category(s) and appropriate recommendations made.

Severity Level Classifications

Level A-Low levels of Partial Discharge activity occurring. No
necessary actions at this time. Retest in 3 years.
Level B-Moderate levels of Partial Discharge activity occurring. Retest
within 12-18 months to monitor & trend PD activity.
Level C-High levels of Partial Discharge activity occurring. Prioritized
repair or replacement is recommended.

Final Partial Discharge Report

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Software has been developed for pattern

recognition and conversion of data to usable
format. Software significantly reduces the
amount of time required to generate a final
report.
Reports can show the severity level of any
observed partial discharge activities, where
they are located, recommended testing
intervals, other recommended actions, etc.
In addition, the final report can provide the
actual data used to formulate our
recommendations.

Partial Discharge Analysis

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All data recorded while on-site

is scrutinized to uncover any
pending problems within the
tested system, and analyze
their severities and locations.
A comparative analysis is
generated from the data
gathered while on-site. This
comparative analysis allows for
prioritization/planning of cable
replacements, scheduling
repairs, etc.

Success Stories
z Michigan Department of Corrections
- St. Louis Correctional Facility
Tuesday - Identified Level C Y-Splice located in
PMH feeding 5KV Padmount Transformer Recommended Prioritized Replacement
Friday - Y-Splice violently fails before facility could
replace causing unplanned outage
5KV Distribution System was less than 2 years old and
failure determined to be workmanship related on the YSplice

Success Stories
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Michigan Department of Corrections Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility

Performed On-Line Partial Discharge Testing to establish
baseline data for facility upon completion of Acceptance
Testing.
15KV Distribution System Passed Acceptance Testing that
consisted of AC High Potential Testing
On-Line Partial Discharge Testing found a workmanship
defect at a Transformer Termination which was not found by
High Potential Testing.

Success Stories
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Disneyland Resort
Performed On-Line Partial Discharge Testing to evaluate
condition of 30 year old 1000 ft. 5KV XLPE WTF Feed.
Testing was performed during normal plant production with
zero down time.
Discovered severe electrical treeing throughout 100 ft
length of feed.
Facility scheduled replacement with zero impact on Resort
Operations.

Success Stories
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General Motors
Performed On-Line Partial Discharge Testing to prioritize
repair/replacement of 35 year old XLPE Cable and
accessories.
Testing was performed during normal plant production with
zero down time (August 2002).
Identified Level C splice located in Tap Box on roof of
facility. Repairs were not scheduled until July Outage 2003.
Cable Splice failed Dec 2002 causing 48 hr loss of plant
production.

Success Stories
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Primcor Refinery - Lima, OH

Performed On-Line Partial Discharge Testing to
determine condition of 34.5KV Distribution cables
and accessories.
Testing was performed during normal plant
production with zero down time.
Several areas requiring prioritized attention were
identified.
Replaced pothead connection with attached
results.

Primcor Refinery - 8/2002 (Initial Test)

Primcor Refinery - 8/2002 (Initial Test)

Primcor Refinery - 2/2003 (After Repairs)

Primcor Refinery - 2/2003 (After Repairs)

Customer List
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General Motors

Primcor Refineries

Ford Motor Company

Daimler-Chrysler

IBM

Denver County

Exxon Mobil

State of Michigan

Arizona Public Service

LCCC

Phelps Dodge

SCCC

Disney Resorts

Kinder Morgan

Salem Electric

Visteon

Raytheon

Ineos Fluor Chemical

Georgia Pacific

Boise Cascade

Weyerhaueser

Entergy

Motorola

Others..

Summary
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On-Line Partial Discharge Testing is a noninvasive, non-destructive, predictive test

procedure.
Testing is performed while plant remains on-line,
completely eliminating the need for an outage.
Two part process consisting of both on-site data
gathering and off-site system analysis.
Final report generated which provides
interpretations and recommended actions.

References
[1]

S.A. Boggs, R.J. Densley, Fundamentals of Partial Discharge in the Context of Field Cable Testing, IEEE Electrical
Insulation Magazine, Vol 16, No. 5

[2]

S.A. Boggs, R.J. Densley, and J. Kuang, Mechanism of Conversion of Water Trees to Electrical Trees under Impulse
Conditions, IEEE Trans. PD-13, No. 2, April 1998, pp. 310 - 315

[3]

H. Hu, Evaluation of Discharge Resistance of Solid Dielectric Power Cable Insulations, IEEE Electrical Insulation
Magazine, Vol 11, No. 2

[4]

Dr. M. Brown, EPR-Based URD Insulation - A Question of Confidence, IEEE Electrical Insulation Magazine, Vol 4,
No. 5

[5]

R. DiLorenzo, F. Krajick, S. Boggs, J. Ronzello, G. Pehlert, R. Dharmarajan, G. Fridland, R. Annicelli, Comparison of

AC Impulse Breakdown of Model EPR and TR-XLPE Cables as a Function of Wet Electrical Aging, PES ICC, April
2002

[6]

Boggs, S.A. Mechanisms for Reduction of Impulse Strength Resulting from Small Water Trees. 2000 Annual Report
of the IEEE Conference on Electrical Insulation and Dielectric Phenomena. pp. 547-551. (also submitted for review to
Trans PD.)

[7]

C. Laurent, C. Mayoux, Limitations to PD as a Diagnostic for Deterioration and Remaining Life, IEEE Electrical
Insulation Magazine, Vol 8, No. 2

[8]

F.H. Kreuger, M.G. Wezelenburg, A.G. Wiemer, W.A. Sonneveld, Errors in the Location of Partial Discharges in High
Voltage Solid Dielectric Cables, IEEE Electrical Insulation Magazine, Vol 9, No. 6

[9]

S. Boggs, J. Xu, Water Treeing - Filled vs Unfilled Cable Insulation, EIRC