-----------------Test Cable & Wiring

Module 12311

Instrumentation Trainee Task Module 12311

CABLE TESTINGObjectives Upon completion of this module, the trainee will be able to:
1. Describe the purpose of cable testing. 2. Describe the following failures: Mechanical Sheath Corrosion Insulation Moisture Content Cable Heating Surges lectrical !uncture ". #plain the causes for the following failures: Mechanical Sheath Corrosion Insulation Moisture Content Cable Heating Surges lectrical !uncture $. #plain the %ifference between inherent an% non&intrinsic cable failure. '. #plain when a cable nee%s to be replace%. (. Describe the tests perfor)e% on cabling: a. Insulation *esistance b. DC Hi&!otential+Over&potential c. ,C Hi&!otential+Over&potential %. -oltage vs. .ea/age Current e. 0o+1o 0o Hi&!otential+Over&!otential 2est 3. Describe the operation of an analog volt& oh))eter. 4. Describe the operation of a %igital volt&oh))eter. 5. Describe the continuit6 test. 17.Describe the operation of a groun% )egger.

!rere8uisites
Successful co)pletion of the following 2as/ Mo%ule9s: is re8uire% before beginning stu%6 of this 2as/ Mo%ule: Instru)entation .evel "; 2as/ Mo%ules 12"73 an% 12"1(.

*e8uire% 2rainee Material

Instru)ent 2rainee 2as/ Mo%ule 12"11

1. 2rainee Mo%ule 2. *e8uire% Safet6 8uip)ent

CO<*S M,!
2his course )ap shows all of the =heels of .earning tas/ )o%ules in the thir% level of the Instru)entation curricula. 2he suggeste% training or%er begins at the botto) an% procee%s up. S/ill levels increase as a trainee a%vances on the course )ap. 2he training or%er )a6 be a%juste% b6 the local 2raining !rogra) Sponsor.

. - . " COM!. 2

Cable 2esting > Mo%ule 12"11

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2,?. O@ CO12 12S

Section Topic . Page 1.7.7 Intro%uction AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA. ' 2.7.7 Cable Inspection AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA ( ".7.7 Cable @ailures an% 2heir ,nal6sis AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA. ( ".1.7 Mechanical @ailures AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.. ( ".2.7 Sheath Corrosion AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA ( ".".7 Surges AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.. 3 ".$.7 lectrical !uncture AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA. 3 $.7.7 Inherent Causes of Cable @ailure 9@ailure Due to =or/)anship: A 4 $.1.7 Sheath Defects AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA. 4 $.2.7 Insulation Defects AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.. 4 $.".7 Con%uctor Defects AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA. 5 '.7.7 1on&Intrinsic Causes of Cable @ailure 9 nviron)ental Cause of Cable @ailure: AAAAAAAAAAAAAA. 5 '.1.7 Corrosion of Sheath AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.. 5 '.2.7 .ocal 0alvanic ,ction AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA 5 '.".7 Che)ical ,ction AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.. 5 '.$.7 #ternal @ire an% High -oltage Surges AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA 5 '.'.7 Overheating AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.. 5 '.(.7 Mechanical Da)age AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.. 17 (.7.7 Cable 2esting !roce%ures AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.. 17 3.7.7 Megoh))eter AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.. 11 4.7.7 <sing the Megger AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA 11

Instru)ent 2rainee 2as/ Mo%ule 12"11

4.1.7 Chec/ing the Instru)ent AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA 12 4.2.7 Chec/ing the 2est .ea%s AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA. 1" 4.".7 Measuring *esistance AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.. 1" 4.$.7 Interpretation of *ea%ing AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.. 1" 5.7.7 Megger 2ests AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA 1( 5.1.7 Short&2i)e 2est AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.. 1( 5.2.7 2i)e&*esistance Metho% AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA. 1( 5.".7 Dielectric ,bsorption *atio AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA. 14 17.7.7Hi&!otential 2ests AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA 14 17.1.7,C+DC 2est AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA. 14 17.2.7-oltage -ersus .ea/age Current 2est 9Step -oltage 2est: AAAA.. 15 17.".7.ea/age Current -ersus 2i)e 2est AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA 27 17.$.70o+1o&0o Over&!otential 2est AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA. 21 17.'.7DC Over&!otential 2est Connections an% !roce%ures AAAAAAA. 21 11.7.7,C Over&!otential 2esting AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.. 2" 12.7.7Cable *eplace)ent Criteria AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.. 2$ 12.1.7Corrective ,ction AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA. 2$ 1".7.7Oh))eter AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.. 2$ 1".1.7Series *esistance Measure)ent AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA. 2' 1".2.7Shunt *esistance Measure)ent AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA. 2' 1".".7Oh)s ,%just AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA. 2(

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Section Topic . Page

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1$.7.7,nalog Multi)eter AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA. 24 1$.1.70eneral AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA 25 1$.2.70eneral Specifications AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA. 25 1$.".7!roper <se of ,nalog Meter AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA. "7 1$.$.7Measuring *esistance AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.. "1 1'.7.7Digital Meter Intro%uction AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA. "2 1(.7.7Digital Meter ,pplications AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.. "" 1(.1.7Specifications AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA "$ 13.7.7Continuit6 Chec/ AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA. "4 14.7.70roun% Megger AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA "4 14.1.7Capabilit6 an% .i)itations AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.. "4 14.2.7Operating Connections AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA "5 14.".7Single *o%s an% S)all 0ri%s AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA. $7 14.$.7.arge arth lectro%e S6ste)s or .arge ,rea 0roun% 0ri%s AAA.. $1 14.'.7Operating !roce%ures AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.. $2 Trade Terms Introduced In This Modu e A!sorption test" =ith cable; it is a ter) applie% to tests; such as the ti)e&resistance test that is base% on the absorption effect of goo% insulation co)pare% to that of )oist or conta)inate% insulation. Cathodic protection" !rotection applie% to prevent electrol6sis cause% b6 a negative potential. Corona" 2he fiel% aroun% a voltage of 1777 volts or higher that can be i%entifie% b6 a paleblue color an% with the o%or of oBone. #ie ectric A!sorption $atio" 2he ratio of two ti)e&resistance rea%ings; such as a (7secon%+"7&secon% rea%ing. Ground megger" Measures groun% resistance b6 appl6ing a test current through the earth electro%e un%er test. Megger- 0eneral purpose )easuring %evice that generates its own voltage an% )easures resistance as a function of current flow. Po ari%ation Inde&" 2he ratio of a 17&)inute ti)e&resistance rea%ing to a 1&)inute rea%ing.

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1.7.7 I12*OD<C2IO1&
Cable testing is regar%e% as a preventive )aintenance function use% to )ini)iBe %anger to personnel; avoi% e8uip)ent %a)age; an% prevent une#pecte% failure an% %ownti)e. Cable testing is con%ucte% to chart the gra%ual %eterioration over the 6ears; to %o acceptance testing after installation; for verification of splices an% joints; an% for special repair testing.

2.7.7 C,?. I1S! C2IO1&

-isual inspection can be )a%e on energiBe% cables; but if cables are to be touche% or )ove% the6 shoul% be %e&energiBe%. Cables in vaults; roo)s; an% at other locations shoul% be inspecte% for the following on a 6earl6 basis:

!h6sical %a)age; sharp ben%s; an% e#cessive tension. Oil lea/s; soft spots; an% insulation swelling. !oor groun% connections; )etallic&sheath bon%ing %eterioration;

corro%e% cable supports; an% continuit6 of )ain groun%ing s6ste). Crac/e% jac/ets of non&lea%e% cables. Da)age to fireproofing. 2rac/ing or corona. Soft spots in ter)ination an% splices. !othea%s shoul% be inspecte% for oil or co)poun% lea/s. Dirt an% gri)e shoul% be cleane% off an% connections chec/e% for tightness.

,erial cables shoul% be inspecte% for )echanical %a)age cause% vibration or %eterioration of support an% suspension s6ste). Inspection shoul% be )a%e of cables for insulation abrasion an% cable being bent or pinche%.

".7.7 C,?. @,I.<* S ,1D 2H I* ,1,.CSIS

Cables can fail %ue to )an6 reasons. So)e of the )ajor causes are %iscusse% ne#t.

".1.7 M CH,1IC,. @,I.<* S

Mechanical failures can be %ue to brea/s an% %efects of sheath )aterial; )echanical punctures b6 people or )achines; or crac/s %ue to sharp ben%ing or vibration. =henever )echanical %a)age occurs in the cable sheath; the entrance of )oisture will pro%uce slow %eterioration of insulation )aterial; resulting in eventual failure of the cable. It is i)portant therefore to ta/e ever6 precaution that either %irect or in%irect )echanical %a)age be eli)inate% or )ini)iBe% b6 proper selection; installation; an% )aintenance of cable s6ste)s.

".2.7 SH ,2H CO**OSIO1

Cable 2esting > Mo%ule 12"11

Cause
Sheath corrosion can occur %ue to the following factors:

Dissi)ilar soil effects 0alvanic action ,ci%it6 an% al/ali in con%uits Che)ical conta)ination in the soil

ffect
Corrosion of sheath will eventuall6 allow )oisture to penetrate into the insulation s6ste) an% cause an eventual failure. Sheath corrosion can be )ini)iBe% b6 proper application of cathodic protection, application of insulating paints; provi%ing proper %rainage; an% re)oving the source of che)ical conta)ination.

".".7 S<*0 S Causes

.ightning surges or fire in the con%uit can cause cable failure in a%jacent junction bo#es.

ffects
Surges can be in%icate% b6 the following:

lectrical !uncture Short Circuiting Cable Heating Insulation @ailure Caole @ire

".$.7 Cause

. C2*IC,. !<1C2<*

Once the insulation is wea/ene% owing to an6 of the reasons alrea%6 %iscusse%; it )a6 fail electricall6. 2hat is; the insulation s6ste) cannot confine the flow of electrical current to the con%uctor insi%e the insulation s6ste). @ailure )a6 be phase to groun% or phase to phase faults.

ffect
Obviousl6; if the failure is a short&circuit %ue to %efective con%uctors; it will be %etecte% b6 the circuit protective %evice. So)e of the not so easy to %etect electrical failures can be in%icate% b6 the following:

Instru)ent 2rainee 2as/ Mo%ule 12"11

?ulging of the sheath 2ree %esign )ar/ing !ol6)eriBe% co)poun% 9wa#: .ac/ of co)poun% in the insulation

2he cable failures can be further classifie% into two classes as follows: inherent causes; an% non&intrinsic causes.

$.7.7 I1H * 12 C,<S S O@ C,?. @,I.<* 9@,I.<* D< 2O =O*DM,1SHI!:&

Inherent causes can be classifie% as follows:

Sheath Defects Insulation Defects Con%uctor Defects

$.1.7 SH ,2H D @ C2S
Sheath %efects are %ue to the following:

2hin lea% 9splits un%er pressure: ccentric lea% thic/ness less than 4' percent Structural %efects
& & & & *a%ial splits .a)inations 0as poc/ets Others

$.2.7 I1S<.,2IO1 D @ C2S

2hese %efects are %ue to the following: Defects In =or/)anship: 2hese can be in%icate% b6 the following: & =rin/ling or creasing of tapes & 2orn tapes & #cessive registrations & Dnotte% or )isplace% fillers & Soft walls High Dielectric .oss: 2his can be in%icate% b6 the following: & Scorching or carboniBing of paper & Happens in one or )ore spots & Can be %eter)ine% b6 power factor at (7EC or higher Inco)plete Saturation: 2his can be in%icate% b6 the following: & Scarcit6 of the co)poun% in spaces between a%jacent tape e%ges an% surfaces & !aper is voi% of the co)poun%

Cable 2esting > Mo%ule 12"11

 <nstable Co)poun%: 2his can be in%icate% b6 the following: & -isible change in the co)poun% wa#; in case of )ineral oil IoniBation: 2his can be in%icate% b6 the following: & CarboniBe% paths 9tree %esign: & Strings or fla/es of %ar/ene% wa# containing carbon

$.".7 CO1D<C2O* D @ C2S

Con%uctor %efects can be in%icate% b6 the following:

Irregular Stran%s Sharp Co)ers Missing Stran%s ?urrs on the Stran%s

'.7.7 1O1&I12*I1SIC C,<S S O@ C,?. @,I.<* 9 1-I*O1M 12,. C,<S O@ C,?. @,I.<* :&
2hese are cable failures cause% b6 environ)ental factors.

'.1.7 CO**OSIO1 O@ SH ,2H

Corrosion usuall6 procee%s either to co)plete penetration of the sheath or wea/ness of the sheath; so that the sheath brea/s open. lectrical brea/%own ta/es place owing to the a%)ission of )oisture. Corrosion of the sheath can be %ue to the following:

!ositive potential 9ano%ic:; in%icate% b6 rough; pitte% surface an%

ver6 thin %eposits of white cr6stals. 1egative potential 9catho%ic:; in%icate% b6 heav6 %eposit of lea% o#i%es colore% re%; 6ellow; or orange.

'.2.7 .OC,. 0,.-,1IC ,C2IO1

0alvanic corrosion )a6 occur in the presence of an electrol6te an% so)e other )etal that is connecte% electricall6 tot he sheath elsewhere. Such failures are in%icate% b6 a corro%e% sheath; an% galvanic corrosion will appear i%entical to corrosion as e#plaine% above. 2he effect of corrosion of galvanic action; is the sa)e; onl6 the initial cause is %ifferent.

'.".7 CH MIC,. ,C2IO1

Che)icals which are al/aline or aci%ic attac/ the cable insulationF this co)es about fro) inco)pletel6 cure% concrete; acetic aci%; rotting woo%; jute; an% other )aterials. <suall6; these can be i%entifie% b6 the che)ical /nown to be present for a particular installation.

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'.$.7

G2 *1,. @I* ,1D HI0H -O.2,0 S<*0 S

2hese are %ue to fire in cable circuits an% lightning stri/es an% surges.

'.'.7 O- *H ,2I10
2his is )ainl6 %ue to heating of a cable that is overloa%e% or e#ternal heat an% high te)perature.

'.(.7 M CH,1IC,. D,M,0

Mechanical %a)age can be %ue to the following:

-ibration #pansion an% Contraction #ternal Causes Da)age During Installation

(.7.7 C,?. 2 S2I10 !*OC D<* S&

Cable testing is acco)plishe% using a series of anal6tical tests. 1or)all6; the )aintenance tests perfor)e% on high an% )e%iu) voltage cables are at a test voltage of (7 percent of final factor6 test voltage. =hen the e#act construction of cable in an e#isting installation is not /nown; it is generall6 reco))en%e% that DC )aintenance proof test voltage be base% on rate% ,C circuit voltage using the reco))en%e% value for the s)allest siBe% con%uctor in the rate% ,C voltage range. 2he DC voltage tests con%ucte% on cables are insulation resistance )easure)ent an% DC high&potential test 9DC hi&pot test:. 2he DC hi&pot test can be perfor)e% as lea/age current versus test voltage; lea/age current versus ti)e test; or go+no&go over&potential test. It is alwa6s appropriate to con%uct the insulation resistance )easure)ent test first; an% if %ata obtaine% loo/s goo%; then procee% with the DC over& potential test. High insulation resistance values %o not necessaril6 in%icate high %ielectric strength. .ow insulation resistance values %o not necessaril6 in%icate low %ielectric strength an% potential e8uip)ent failure. Insulation that has been scuffe% or ph6sicall6 %a)age% )a6 have high insulation resistivit6 an% low %ielectric capabilit6. , safe rule to observe is that insulation shoul% have appro#i)atel6 one )egoh) of resistance for each 1777 volts of applie% operating voltage with an absolute )ini)u) insulation resistance of one )egoh). 2he insulation resistance is )easure% b6 a portable instru)ent consisting of a %irect voltage source; such as a generator; batter6; or rectifier; an% a high&range oh))eter that gives insulation resistance rea%ings in )egoh)s or oh)s. 2his is a non%estructive )etho% of %eter)ining the con%ition of the cable insulation to chec/ conta)ination %ue to )oisture; %irt; or carboniBation. 2he insulation resistance )easure)ent )etho% %oes not give the )easure of total %ielectric strength of cable insulation or

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wea/ spots in the cable. 0enerall6; the following voltages can be use% for the in%icate% cables. -oltage *ating of Cables <p to "77 "77 to (77 2;$77 to ';777 ,bove ';777 Mevoh))eter -oltage '77 '77 to 1;777 2;'77 - to ' D,bove ' D-

3.7.7 M 0OHMM 2 *&

2he megger is a general purpose; high resistance )easuring %evice that generates its own voltage an% )easures resistance as a function of current flow. It )ust be use% onl6 on %isconnecte%; %e&energiBe% pieces of e8uip)ent that have been verifie% %ea%; as stra6 voltages cause erroneous rea%ings an% )a6 be haBar%ous to the user. 2he )egger is useful in chec/ing the insulation of cables; brea/ers; an% other e8uip)ent. In case the output ter)inals are shorte% together; the internal circuitr6 of the )egger protects is fro) the %a)age. Figure 1 shows a t6pical scale for a )egger insulation tester with a useful oh)s range fro) 17;777 oh)s to 277 )egoh)s. ,n infinit6 rea%ing on this scale in%icates an insulation resistance in e#cess of 277 )egoh)s. Si)ilarl6; a Bero rea%ing in%icates a resistance of less than 17;777 oh)s.

@igure 1. 26pical Scale of a Megger Insulation 2ester

4.7.7 <SI10 2H M 00 *& Safet6 !recautions WARNING! Observe all rules of safet6 when ta/ing e8uip)ent out of
service. ?loc/ out %isconnect switches. 2est for foreign or in%uce% voltages. ,ppl6 wor/)anHs groun%s. 1 - * CO11 C2 , M 00 * I1S<.,2IO1 2 S2 * 2O 1 *0II D .I1 S O* J<I!M 12. *e)e)ber that when wor/ing aroun% high voltage e8uip)ent there is alwa6s a possibilit6 of voltages being in%uce% in the apparatus un%er test or lines to which it is connecte% because

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12

of pro#i)it6 to energiBe% high voltage e8uip)ent. 2herefore; rather than re)oving a wor/)anHs groun% in or%er to )a/e a test; it is )ore a%visable to %isconnect the apparatus; such as a transfor)er or circuit brea/er; fro) the e#pose% bus or line; leaving the latter groun%e%. <se rubber gloves when connecting the test lea%s to the apparatus; an% when operating the )egger instru)ent.

WARNING!

If neutral or other groun% connections have to be %isconnecte%; )a/e sure the6 are not carr6ing current at the ti)e; an% that when %isconnecte% no other e8uip)ent will lac/ necessar6 protection. !a6 particular attention to con%uctors that lea% away fro) the circuit being teste%; an% )a/e sure the6 have been properl6 %isconnecte% fro) an6 source of voltage. Observe the voltage rating of the )egger instru)ent an% regar% it with appropriate caution. .arge electrical e8uip)ent an% cables usuall6 have sufficient capacitance to store up a %angerous a)ount of energ6 fro) the test current. Ma/e sure that this capacitance is %ischarge% after the test an% before han%ling the test lea%s. 2here is no fire haBar% in the nor)al use of a Megger Insulation 2ester. 2here is; however; a haBar% when testing e8uip)ent locate% in infla))able or e#plosive at)ospheres. Slight spar/ing )a6 be encountere%: 91: when attaching the test lea%s to e8uip)ent in which the capacitance has not been co)pletel6 %ischarge%F 92: arcing through or over fault6 insulation %uring a testF 9": %ischarge of capacitance following a test. 2herefore; never use the )egger in an e#plosive at)osphere. !ersons actuall6 engage% in the test )ust stan% clear of all parts of the co)plete high&voltage circuit unless the set is %e& energiBe% an% all parts of the test circuit are groun%e%. ,n6 person not %irectl6 associate% with the wor/ )ust be /ept awa6 fro) the test activities b6 suitable barriers; barrica%es; or warnings. 2o protect )eters; alwa6s leave range switches in the highest position when the test set is not in use.

4.1.7 CH CDI10 2H I1S2*<M 12

!lace the instru)ent on a fir) an% fairl6 level base. ,voi% strong )agnetic fiel%s. 2he pointer )a6 appear to stan% an6where over the scale until the instru)ent is operate% because the K)eggerK oh))eter has no control springs. -isuall6 inspect the )eggerF ensure that there is no obvious %a)age to the instru)ent. If the instru)ent has a selector switch; set it to )egoh)s %ivi%e% b6 one. 2hen chec/ infinit6 b6 turning the cran/ at nor)al spee% in a cloc/wise

Cable 2esting > Mo%ule 12"11

1"

%irection 9nor)al spee% is in%icate% on the instru)ent:. 2he pointer shoul% )ove pro)ptl6 to infinit6. 2his chec/ is )a%e with no connections to the test ter)inals. 2hen chec/ Bero b6 short&circuiting the testing ter)inals. 2urn the cran/ slowl6. 2he pointer shoul% )ove pro)ptl6 to Bero.

4.2.7 CH CDI10 2H 2 S2 . ,DS

,lwa6s use well&insulate% testing lea%s having single&con%uctor stran%e% wire. ?efore an actual )easure)ent is )a%e; chec/ the testing lea%s. =ith lea%s connecte% to the )egger ter)inals an% with opposite en%s separate%; turn the cran/ at nor)al spee%. If the pointer in%icates less than infinit6; there is a lea/ between the lea%s which )ust be re)ove% before procee%ing with tests. 2ouch together the test en%s of the lea%s while turning the cran/ to )a/e certain; b6 a Bero rea%ing; that the lea%s are not open&circuite%.

4.".7 M ,S<*I10 * SIS2,1C

,fter the instru)ent an% test lea%s have been connecte%; connect the testing lea%s to apparatus to be teste%. @or testing to groun%; connect fro) the line ter)inal to a con%uctor of the apparatus an% fro) the earth ter)inal to the )achine fra)e; or sheath of cable; for a goo% groun%. @or testing between two con%uctors; connect test lea%s to the two con%uctors. 2urn the cran/ in a cloc/wise %irection at nor)al spee%; which is in%icate% on the instru)ent. Observe the position of pointer over the scaleF it shows the value of insulation resistance of the e8uip)ent un%er test. 2a/e the rea%ing after operating the )egger for a fi#e% ti)e perio%; preferabl6 "7 to (7 secon%s. , ver6 i)portant consi%eration in )a/ing insulation resistance tests is the ti)e re8uire% for the rea%ing of insulation resistance to reach a )a#i)u). 2he ti)e re8uire% to establish a partial charge in the e8uip)ent un%er test is ver6 short; usuall6 no )ore than a few secon%s. However; the %ielectric absorption effect causes further %ela6 in reaching full KchargeK. It )a6 be a )atter of )inutes or even hours for this electrification ti)e to be co)plete% an% for the pointer to reach an absolute )a#i)u).

4.$.7 I12 *!* 2,2IO1 O@ * ,DI10

Cou shoul% consi%er rea%ings of insulation resistance as relative. 2he6 can be 8uite %ifferent for one cable teste% three %a6s in a row; 6et not )ean ba% insulation. =hat reall6 )atters is the tren% in rea%ings over a ti)e perio%; showing lessening resistance an% warnings of co)ing proble)s. !erio%ic testing is; therefore; 6our best approach to preventive )aintenance. Cou shoul% )a/e these perio%ic tests in the sa)e wa6 each ti)e; i.e.; with the sa)e test connections an% with the sa)e test voltage applie% for the sa)e length of ti)e.

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1$

,lso; 6ou shoul% )a/e tests at about the sa)e te)perature; or correct the) to the sa)e te)perature. Table 1 gives 6ou so)e general observations about how 6ou can interpret perio%ic insulation resistance tests; an% what 6ou shoul% %o with the results.

CO1DI2IO1
@air to high values an% well )aintaine%. @air to high values; but showing a constant ten%enc6 towar%s lower values. .ow but well )aintaine%. So low as to be unsafe.

=H,2 2O DO
1o cause for concern. .ocate an% re)e%6 the cause an% chec/ the %ownwar% tren%. Con%ition is probabl6 all right; but the cause of low values shoul% be chec/e%. Clean; %%r6 out; or otherwise raise the values before placing cable in service 9test wet cable while %r6ing out:. Ma/e tests at fre8uent intervals until the cause of low values is locate% an% re)e%ie%F or until the values have beco)e stea%6 at a lower level but safe for operationF or until values beco)e so low that it is unsafe to /eep the cable in operation.

@air or high values; previousl6 well )aitaine% but showing a constant ten%enc6 towar%s lower values.

2able 1. Interpretation of Insulation *esistance 2ests

2he following is the general proce%ure when using a )egoh))eter for resistance )easure)ent tests. N'TE" nsure circuits to be )eggere% are loc/e%+tagge% out per local proce%ures.

Disconnect the cable to be teste% fro) other e8uip)ent an% circuits

to ensure that it is not energiBe%. Discharge all store% capacitance in the cable b6 groun%ing it before testing; as well as after co)pleting tests. Connect the line ter)inal of the instru)ent to the con%uctor to be teste%. 0roun% all other con%uctors together to sheath an% to groun%. Connect these to the earth ter)inal of the test set. Si)ilarl6 )easure other insulation resistance values between one con%uctor an% all other con%uctors connecte%; one con%uctor to groun%; an% so on. 2he connections are shown in Figure 2.

Cable 2esting > Mo%ule 12"11

1'

 2he guar% ter)inal of the )egoh))eter can be use% to eli)inate

the effects of surface lea/age across e#pose% insulation at the test en% of the cable; or both en%s of the cable; or lea/age to groun%.

@igure 2. Cable 2est Connections for Insulation *esistance Measure)ent

Instru)ent 2rainee 2as/ Mo%ule 12"11

1(

2he insulation resistance )easure)ents shoul% be con%ucte% at regular intervals an% recor%s /ept for co)parison purposes. Deep in )in% that; for vali% co)parison; the rea%ings )ust be correcte% to a base te)perature; such as 27EC. , continue% %ownwar% tren% is an in%ication of insulation %eterioration even though the resistance values )easure% are above )ini)u) acceptable li)its.

5.7.7 M 00 * 2 S2S&
In general; all )egger tests are use% to %eter)ine so)e value or ratio of insulation resistance. =e will %iscuss various t6pes of )egger tests that are use% to test high an% )e%iu) voltage cables.

5.1.7 SHO*2&2IM 2 S2
In the short&ti)e test; the )egger is connecte% across the insulation to be teste% an% operate% for a short perio% of ti)e. Si#t6 secon%s is usuall6 reco))en%e% but so)eti)es thirt6 secon%s is use%. 2he short ti)e test is so)eti)es calle% a spot test an% is reco))en%e% for co)parison with previous recor%s. If a han%&cran/e% )egoh))eter is use%; the rea%ing shoul% be ta/en while still cran/ing at rate% spee%. *ea%ings shoul% be ta/en at the en% of the "7 or (7 secon% perio%; even though the pointer is still cli)bing. 2hen; if all future tests are )a%e using the sa)e ti)e; a goo% co)parison of the tren% of the insulation can be )a%e. ,s shown sche)aticall6 in Figure 3; a pre%eter)ine% point on a curve of increasing resistance values is pic/e%; 8uite often the value woul% be less for "7 secon%s an% )ore for (7 secon%s. *e)e)ber that te)perature an% hu)i%it6 as well as the con%ition of the insulation will affect the rea%ing.

@igure ". *esistance vs. 2i)e

5.2.7 2IM &* SIS2,1C M 2HOD

Cable 2esting > Mo%ule 12"11

13

2his )etho% is fairl6 in%epen%ent of te)perature an% often can give conclusive infor)ation without recor%s of past tests. It is base% on the absorption effect of goo% insulation co)pare% to that of )oist or conta)inate% insulation; an% is perfor)e% b6 ta/ing successive rea%ings at specific ti)es an% noting the %ifferences in rea%ings. See curves in Figure 4. 2ests b6 this )etho% are so)eti)es referre% to as absorption

tests.

@igure $. 26pical Curves Showing Dielectric ,bsorption ffect in a H2i)e& *esistanceK 2est

1ote that goo% insulation shows a continual increase in resistance 9less current&see Curve ,: over a perio% of ti)e 9in the or%er of ' to 17 )inutes:. 2his is cause% b6 the absorption current %iscusse% aboveF goo% insulation shows this charge effect over a ti)e perio% )uch longer than the ti)e re8uire% to charge the capacitance of the insulation. If the insulation contains )uch )oisture or conta)inants; the absorption effect is )as/e% b6 a high lea/age current which sta6s at a fairl6 constant value; /eeping the resistance rea%ing low 9re)e)ber: * L +I:. Figure 5 shows a (7&secon% test for goo% an% ba% insulation. =hen the insulation is in goo% shape; the (7&secon% rea%ing is higher than the "7& secon% rea%ing. , further a%vantage of the K%ouble&rea%ingK test; is that it gives a clearer picture; even when a Kspot rea%ingK in%icates that the insulation loo/s fine.

Instru)ent 2rainee 2as/ Mo%ule 12"11

14

@igure '. 26pical Car% !lot of a 2i)e&*esistance or Double&*ea%ing 2est

5.".7 DI . C2*IC ,?SO*!2IO1 *,2IO

2he ratio of two ti)e&resistance rea%ings 9such as a (7&secon% rea%ing %ivi%e% b6 a "7&secon% rea%ing: is calle% a ielectric Absorption Ratio. It is useful in recor%ing infor)ation about insulation. If the ratio is a 17&)inute rea%ing %ivi%e% b6 a 1&)inute rea%ing; the value is calle% the !olari"ation

Inde#.
=ith han%&cran/e% )egger instru)ents; it is easier to run the test for onl6 (7 secon%s; ta/ing the first rea%ing at "7 secon%s. If a power&operate% )egger instru)ent is use%; the results of running the test for a full 17 )inutes; ta/ing rea%ing at 1 an% 17 )inutes will give the polariBation in%e#. *efer to )anufacturerHs infor)ation for stan%ar% rea%ings that can be e#pecte% on the cable being teste%.

17.7.7 HI&!O2 12I,. 2 S2S&

-arious tests on cable can be acco)plishe% using a DC high potential test set. 2he following will i%entif6 specific tests with their proce%ures.

17.1.7

,C+DC 2 S2

WARNING! Do not use high voltage test sets on low voltage cables.
2his test is e#tensivel6 use% for acceptance an% )aintenance of cables. It can in%icate the relative con%ition of the insulation at voltages above or near operating levels. 2his test can be use% for i%entification of wea/ness in the cable insulation an% can also be use% to brea/ %own an incipient fault. 0enerall6; it is not reco))en%e% that this test be use% for brea/%own of incipient faults even though so)e test operators use it for this purpose. 2herefore; the incipient fault brea/%own probabilit6 shoul% be anticipate% before an% %uring the hi&pot test. 2he i)pen%ing cable failure will usuall6 be in%icate% b6 su%%en changes in the lea/age current;

Cable 2esting > Mo%ule 12"11

15

an% before insulation is %a)age% the test can be stoppe%. 2he test voltage values for DC hi&pot tests are base% upon final factor6 test voltage; which is %eter)ine% b6 the t6pe an% thic/ness of insulation; the siBe of con%uctors; the construction of cable; an% applicable in%ustr6 stan%ar%s. 2he DC test values correspon%ing to ,C factor6 proof test voltages specifie% b6 the in%ustr6 stan%ar%s are usuall6 e#presse% in ter)s of the ratio of DC to ,C voltage fro) each insulation s6ste). 2his ratio is %esignate% as D which when )ultiplie% b6 the acceptance test factor of 47 percent an% )aintenance factor of (7 percent 6iel%s the conversion factors to obtain the DC test voltages for hi&pot tests. 2hese reco))en%e% test voltage conversion factors are shown in Table 2. 26pe of Insulation
I)pregnate% paper; .ea% covere% -arnishe% cloth OBone&resistant rubber co)poun% !ol6th6lene !ol6vin6l chlori%e 1on&oBone&resistant rubber co)poun%

D
2.' 2.7 ".7 ".7 2.2 2.2

Conversion @actors DC ,cceptance DC 2est Maintenance -oltage 97.4 # D: -oltage 97.( # D:

1.52 1.(7 2.$7 2.$7 1.3( 1.3( 1.$$ 1.27 1.47 1.47 1."2 1."2

2able 2. Conversion @actors for DC Hi&!ot 2ests

Man6 factors shoul% be consi%ere% in selecting the right voltage for e#isting cables that are in service. ,s a general rule; for e#isting cables the highest values for )aintenance shoul% not e#cee% (7 percent of final factor6 test voltage; an% the )ini)u) test value shoul% not be less than the DC e8uivalent of the ,C operating voltage. If the cable cannot be %isconnecte% fro) all the connecte% e8uip)ent; the test voltage shoul% be re%uce% to the voltage level of the lowest rate% e8uip)ent connecte%. 2he hi&pot test can be con%ucte% as a step voltage test as in the following.

17.2.7 -O.2,0 - *S<S . ,D,0 C<** 12 2 S2 9S2 ! -O.2,0 2 S2:

In this test; the voltage is raise% in e8ual steps an% ti)e is allowe% between each step for lea/age current to beco)e stable. 2he initial current is relativel6 high as the voltage is applie% owing to capacitance charging current; surface lea/age current; an% partial %ischarge currents. ,s ti)e passes; these transient currents beco)e )ini)u) with the stea%6&state current re)aining; which is the actual lea/age current an% a ver6 s)all a)ount of absorption current. ,t each step of voltage; the lea/age current rea%ing is ta/en before procee%ing to the ne#t step. <suall6; it is reco))en%e% that at least eight e8ual steps of voltage be use% an% at least 1 to $ )in. be allowe% between each step. 2he lea/age current versus voltage are then plotte% as a curve. ,s long as this plotte% curve is linear for each step; the insulation s6ste) is in goo% con%ition. ,t so)e value of step voltage; if the lea/age current begins to increase

Instru)ent 2rainee 2as/ Mo%ule 12"11

27

noticeabl6; an increase in the slope of the curve will be notice%; as shown in Figure ( at point ,. If the test is continue% be6on% this test voltage; the lea/age current will increase even )ore rapi%l6 an% i))e%iate brea/%own )a6 occur in the cable insulation. <nless brea/%own is %esire%; the test shoul% be stoppe% as soon as the increase of slope is notice% in the voltage versus lea/age current curve.

@igure (. Step&-oltage High !otential 9Hi&!ot: 2est Current

17.".7

. ,D,0 C<** 12 - *S<S 2IM 2 S2

=hen the final test voltage of lea/age current versus voltage test is reache%; it shoul% be left on for at least ' )inutes; an% the lea/age current versus ti)e plotte% for fi#e% intervals of ti)e; as the lea/age current %uring this step re%uces fro) an initial high value to a stea%6state value. , curve for goo% cables will generall6 in%icate a continuous %ecrease in lea/age current with respect to ti)e or stea%6&state value without an6 increase of current %uring the test. 2his curve is shown in Figure 7.

@igure 3. .ea/age Current -ersus 2i)e

Cable 2esting > Mo%ule 12"11

21

17.$.7

0O+1O&0O O- *&!O2 12I,. 2 S2

2he hi&pot test can be con%ucte% as a go+no&go over&potential test. In this test the voltage is gra%uall6 applie% to the specifie% value. 2he rate of rise of the test voltage is )aintaine% to provi%e a stea%6 lea/age current until final test voltage is reache%. <suall6; 1 to 1&112 )inutes is consi%ere% sufficient ti)e for reaching the final test voltage. 2he final test voltage can then be hel% for ' )inutes; an% if there is no abrupt increase in current sufficient to trip the circuit brea/er; the test has been successfull6 passe%. 2his test %oes not provi%e a thorough anal6sis of cable con%ition; but provi%es sufficient infor)ation as to whether the cable )eets a specific high&voltage brea/%own strength re8uire)ents. 2his t6pe of test is usuall6 perfor)e% after installation an% repair; where onl6 cable withstan% strength verification; without a brea/%own; is to be verifie%.

17.'.7 DC O- *&!O2 12I,. 2 S2 CO11 C2IO1S ,1D !*OC D<* S

2he test connections for this test are si)ilar to those shown in Figure 2a for single con%uctor cables an% for three&con%uctor cable are si)ilar to those shown in Figure 2b an% 2c an% 2d. 2he test proce%ures are as follows:

WARNING! Cable to be teste% )ust be %e&energiBe%; opene% at both

en%s if possible; an% groun%e% to %ischarge an6 electrostatic charge on the cable.

Switches; potential transfor)ers; lightning arresters; ju)pers fro)

pothea%s to fee%ers; fuses; cutouts; an% an6 switchgear shoul% be %isconnecte%. If it is i)possible to %isconnect an6 or so)e of connecte% e8uip)ent; the test voltage shoul% not e#cee% the value that coul% overstress these %evices connecte% to the cable. See Figure 8 for e8uip)ent to be %isconnecte%. 2he DC test voltage shoul% be applie% for) phase to groun% on each con%uctor with other con%uctors; shiel%s; an% )etallic sheath connecte% to groun% or other con%uctors guar%e% with shiel% an% )etallic sheath groun%e%. nsure that the hi&pot set )ain KO1&O@@K switch is in the KO@@K position an% the high&voltage KO1K switch is in the KO@@K position with voltage control switch turne% to Bero before beginning the tests. Connect the hi&pot test set safet6 groun% stu% to a goo% electrical groun% an% )a/e sure the connections are tight. 1ever operate the DC hi&pot test set without this groun% connection. ,lso connect the shiel% groun% strap of the shiel%e% cable un%er test to the test set groun% stu%. Connect the return line fro) other con%uctors not un%er test to the earth groun% ter)inal or to the guar% ter)inal of the test set as

Instru)ent 2rainee 2as/ Mo%ule 12"11

22

%esire%. 2he hi&pot groun%ing switch shoul% be switche% into the appropriate position. 1or)all6; 177 - insulation is re8uire% on the return line. Connect the shiel% an% sheath to groun% an% also to the groun% ter)inal of test set. 2he guar% ter)inal is provi%e% to b6pass the current %ue to corona aroun% the )icroa))eter so that corona current is not inclu%e% in the test rea%ings.

@igure 4. Hi&!ot 2est for Cables an% ,ssociate% 8uip)ent ,n% 8uip)ent to be %isconnecte% During 2est

Cable 2esting > Mo%ule 12"11

2"

 Connect one en% of the output or line cable to the %esire% phase of the

cable un%er test; )a/ing sure that the connections are tight an% without an6 sharp e%ges. =here corona currents )a6 be e#pecte% owing to the application of high voltages; it is reco))en%e% that the connections be tape%; covere% over with clear plastic bags; or use a corona ring or corona shiel%. 2he other en% of the output or line cable is connecte% to the output or line stu% of the test set. 2he cable use% for connecting the hi&pot test set to the cable un%er test; that is; the line or output cable; shoul% be short an% %irect an% supporte% along its length so that it is not touching the groun% or groun%ing )aterials or surfaces. If e#tension cables are to be use% with the output or line cable to reach the cable un%er test; shiel%e% cable shoul% preferabl6 be use% for this purpose. 2he shiel%s of the e#tensionable an% hi&pot cable shoul% be connecte% with a shiel% ju)per; which shoul% be run awa6 fro) the splice to prevent lea/age. In case of the e#tension cable being non&shiel%e%; care shoul% be ta/en to /eep the non&shiel%e% wire awa6 fro) the groun%ing surfaces as e#plaine% previousl6. =hen shiel%e% cable is being teste%; it is reco))en%e% that the shiel% be tri))e% bac/ about 1 inch for ever6 17 D-. 2he shiel% on the test set en% of the cable is connecte% to the groun% as e#plaine% previousl6. 2he shiel% on the other en% of cable can be tape% an% left hanging without an6 connections )a%e to it. 2he test set now shoul% be plugge% into a 11' -; (7 HB outlet. It is i)portant that the ,C suppl6 voltage have goo% line regulation; because the DC output voltage of the test set %epen%s upon the ,C line input voltage. 2he test voltage /ilovolt range shoul% be selecte% before beginning the test. 2he power now can be turne% on an% the test begun either as step& voltage or as a go+nogo test. ,fter the test is co)plete%; turn the high&voltage switch of the test set to KO@@K. ,llow the cable just teste% to %ischarge either through the internal test set %ischarge circuit or e#ternal groun% applie% to the cable b6 )eans of hot stic/ or gloves.

WARNING! Do not touch the cable until it is full6 %ischarge%.

Connect a groun% to the cable that was teste% an% leave it connecte%

for at least twice the length of the test ti)e or until the cable is connecte% into the s6ste).

11.7.7 ,C O- *&!O2 12I,. 2 S2I10&

Cables an% accessories )a6 be fiel% teste% with ,C voltage; although this is nor)all6 not %one. 2he )ost co))on fiel% test on cables involves DC voltage tests. However; ,C highpotential acceptance an% )aintenance tests )a6 be con%ucte% on cables an% cable accessories. ?efore a successful test can be carrie% out the ,C test set shoul% have a%e8uate volt&a)pere capacit6 to suppl6 the re8uire% cable charging current re8uire)ent. 2he -, capacit6 of the test set )a6 be %eter)ine% b6 the for)ula:

Instru)ent 2rainee 2as/ Mo%ule 12"11

2$

-, L 2fC

or /-, L 2fC

17"

where: C is capacitance in )icrofara% per )ile f is the fre8uenc6 in hertB is the test voltage in /ilovolts of the test set 2he test voltage values reco))en%e% for acceptance an% )aintenance tests are 47 an% (7 percent; respectivel6; of the final factor6 test voltage. 2he test connections are si)ilar to the test connections in%icate% in Figure 2 for DC testing of cables. 2he power factor test )a6 also be con%ucte% for cables an% accessories. 2he power factor for each con%uctor with respect to groun% shoul% be )a%e. 2he evaluation shoul% be base% upon co)parative anal6sis with previous test results or correlate% with test results of si)ilar t6pes of cables.

12.7.7 C,?. * !.,C M 12 C*I2 *I,&

2he following infor)ation is )eant to serve as a general gui%e for t6pical test values. Decisions regar%ing corrective action shoul% be )a%e b6 the engineering staff.

12.1.7 CO** C2I- ,C2IO1

Corrective action for cables is %epen%ent upon factors liste% in Table 3. DC .ea/age -alues !er !hase
7&27 )icroa)ps 27&$7 )icroa)ps ,bove $7 )icroa)ps ,cceptance if lea/age is balance% on all three phases. Sche%ule cable replace)ents of respective phase 9note 1: ffect i))e%iate replace)ent of respective phase 91ote 1:

Special Consi%erations
.ea/age '&27 )icora)ps greater in Sche%ule cable replace)ent of one or two phases than re)aining respective phase 91ote 1 an% 2: acceptable phase .ea/age %ifference greater than 27 ffect i))e%iate replace)ent of )icroa)ps respective phase 91ote 1 an% 2: 1otes: 91: ,ll phases )a6 be in sa)e %uct an% therefore; i)practical to replace in%ivi%ual phases. 92: <n%ergroun% portions of cable runs are pri)e suspect. @urther separation an% tests )a6 result in partial replace)ent of run. 2able ". Corrective ,ction for Current .ea/age

1".7.7 OHMM 2 *&

2he testing of general t6pe cables; such as control an% signal cables; can be acco)plishe% using a resistance )eter.

Cable 2esting > Mo%ule 12"11

2'

, resistance )eter; usuall6 calle% an oh))eter; uses the sa)e basic )eter )ove)ent as an a))eter an% a volt)eter. 2here are two stan%ar% )etho%s of resistance )easure)ent; the series an% the shunt )etho%s. ?oth )etho%s re8uire an e#ternal power source; usuall6 a batter6; place% insi%e the )eter case.

1".1.7 S *I S * SIS2,1C M ,S<* M 12

In the series )etho% of resistance )easure)ent the batter6; a current li)iting resistor; an% the un/nown resistance are all place% in series with the )eter )ove)ent. 2he higher the resistance of the un/nown; the less current flows in the )eter. In the e#tre)e case of an infinite resistance there is no current flow; an% thus no )eter %eflection. ,t the other e#tre)e; a Bero oh) resistance causes the )a#i)u) a)ount of current to flow; an% thus a full scale %eflection. , t6pical series oh))eter circuit is shown in Figure 9. 2he scale of an oh))eter contains all values of resistance fro) Bero to infinit6; but is not linear. ?ecause of this; )ost of the resistance scale will be co)presse% into a s)all region on the )eter. 2hus; onl6 a certain portion of the scale will be usable.

@igure 5. Series Oh))eter

2he oh))eter can be )o%ifie% to )a/e it )ore sensitive to lower values of resistance b6 %ecreasing the current li)iting resistor. 2his woul% )ean that s)aller un/nown resistances woul% be a larger fraction of the total resistance. In or%er to be able to re%uce the current li)iting resistor an% not e#cee% the )a#i)u) allowable current through the )ove)ent; it is necessar6 to either %ecrease the batter6 voltage or increase the full scale current of the )eter 9with a shunt resistor; for e#a)ple:. !ractical consi%erations prevent using ver6 large full scale )eter )ove)ents. Higher current re8uires that a greater a)ount of power be %issipate%. <nless the un/nown resistor was rate% for this power; it woul% 8uic/l6 bu) out. In a%%ition; the batter6 woul% have to be )uch larger an% heavier than conventional flashlight batteries to be able to suppl6 the tens or hun%re% of )illia)peres re8uire% b6 still larger )eter )ove)ents.

1".2.7

SH<12 * SIS2,1C M ,S<* M 12

Instru)ent 2rainee 2as/ Mo%ule 12"11

2(

?ecause of the proble)s alrea%6 )entione%; the series oh))eter is not usuall6 use% for low resistance )easure)ents. Instea%; the shunt oh))eter is use%. In the shunt )etho% of resistance )easure)ents; there is again a batter6 in series with a current li)iting resistor an% the )eter )ove)ent. 2his )eans that the un/nown resistance is in parallel to the )eter )ove)ent. , t6pical shunt oh))eter circuit is shown in Figure 10. =ith the shunt oh))eter; resistances can be )easure% which are the sa)e or%er of )agnitu%e as the )eter resistance. =ith the series oh))eter; the un/nown resistance )ust be of the sa)e or%er of )agnitu%e as the current li)iting resistor.

@igure 17. Shunt Oh))eter

1".".7

OHMS ,DM<S2

,nalog oh))eters usuall6 inclu%e a variable resistor; calle% the Koh)s a%justK or the KBero oh)sK resistor. 2he variable resistor can be a%juste% to allow for the e#pecte% voltage loss of the batter6. 2o )a/e this a%just)ent; the )eter ter)inals are shorte% 9or opene% in the case of a shunt )eter:; an% the variable resistor a%juste% until the )eter rea%s e#actl6 7 12. 2his process is calle% co)pensation. Figure 11 shows a t6pical oh))eter circuit containing this a%just)ent for both series an% shunt oh))eters.

@igure 11. Oh)s ,%just

Cable 2esting > Mo%ule 12"11

23

Several resistance ranges are often co)bine% in one )eter; just as with the volt)eter an% the a))eter. Switches are use% to select various a)ounts of resistance in the current li)iting branch or to select %ifferent batter6 voltages; or both.

Safet6 !recautions WARNING! If possible %o not wor/ alone when )a/ing )easure)ents of
circuits where a shoc/ haBar% can e#ist. ,t the ver6 )ini)u); notif6 another person that 6ou are; or inten% to )a/e such )easure)ents. 2his is si)pl6 goo% co))on sense. If 6ou were to get shoc/e% an% no one /new 6ou were )a/ing these )easure)ents; 6ou )ight not receive help in ti)e. .ocate all voltage sources an% accessible paths prior to )a/ing )easure)ent connections. Chec/ that the test e8uip)ent is properl6 groun%e% an% the right rating an% t6pe of fuse9s: is installe%. Set the instru)ent to the proper range before power is applie%. 2he easiest wa6 to get shoc/e% is to go into a circuit 6ou thought was %e&energiBe% onl6 to fin% out it was not co)pletel6 %e&energiBe%. ,n ungroun%e% piece of e8uip)ent can have a Kco))on lineK which can be hun%re%s of volts above real groun%. 2his can present a shoc/ potential. , correct fuse can save 6our life. If the circuit %raws .2' a)p an% the fuse is rate% at .' a)p an% 6ou get shoc/e%; it is possible the fuse will blow before 6ou get seriousl6 hurt. If b6 )ista/e a 1 a)p fuse is installe% the fuse will Knever blowK; even when it shoul%. Changing )eters ranges when power is applie% can pose two proble)s: arcs across the switch contacts %a)aging the contactsF arcs through the switch to the switch han%le; an% through 6ou if the voltages are high enough. *e)e)ber; voltages )a6 appear une#pecte%l6 in %efective e8uip)ent. ,n open blee%er resistor )a6 result in a capacitor retaining a %angerous charge. 2urnoff power an% %ischarge all capacitors before connecting or %isconnecting tests lea%s to an% fro) the circuit being )easure%.

Instru)ent 2rainee 2as/ Mo%ule 12"11

24

2est a )eter on a live circuit before using to ensure proper operation. If a circuit is %efective; 6ou cannot reasonabl6 assu)e what the voltages an% current for)e% in the circuit will be. @or 6our own safet6; inspect the test lea%s for crac/s; brea/s; or crac/s in the insulation; pro%s; an% connectors before each use. If an6 %efects e#ist; replace the test lea%s i))e%iatel6.

WARNING! Do not )a/e )easure)ents in a circuit where corona is

present. Corona can be i%entifie% b6 a pale&blue color e)anating fro) sharp )etal points in the circuit; the o%or of oBone; an% its soun%. Corona is the fiel% aroun% a voltage of 1777 - or higher; an% is cause% b6 the brea/ing %own of the air )olecules. If a corona e#ists; the voltage is too high to )easure with a )ulti)eter. Han%s; shoes; floor; an% wor/bench )ust be %r6. ,voi% )a/ing )easure)ents un%er hu)i%; %a)p; or other environ)ental con%itions that coul% affect the %ielectric withstan%ing voltage of the test lea%s or instru)ent. In the unli/el6 event of a shoc/; how )uch current the shoc/ victi) receives fro) the voltage source is relate% to the resistance between the circuit an% groun%. 2he %rier the person is the )ore resistant he is. Da)p; hu)i%; an% hot environ)ents %ecrease the insulating abilities of the )eter lea%s; thereb6; increasing the probabilit6 of their brea/%own. <se e#tre)e caution when )a/ing )easure)ents in an *@ circuit where a %angerous co)bination of voltages coul% be present; such as in a )o%ulate% *@ a)plifier. Do not )a/e )easure)ents using test lea%s which %iffer fro) those originall6 furnishe% with the instru)ent. Do not co)e into contact with an6 object which coul% provi%e a current path to the co))on si%e of the circuit un%er test or power line groun%. ,lwa6s stan% on a %r6 insulating surface capable of withstan%ing the voltage being )easure% or that coul% be encountere%. 2he range or function switch shoul% be change% onl6 when the power to the circuit un%er )easure)ent is turne% off. 2his will provi%e )a#i)u) safet6 to the user an% eli)inate arcing the switch contacts.

Cable 2esting > Mo%ule 12"11

25

$.7.7 ,1,.O0 M<.2IM 2 *&

One of the )ost co))on )ultiple function )eters use% to%a6 is the volt& oh) )ulti)eter 9-OM:. 2here are )an6 %ifferent )o%els of the basic )ulti)eter. ,lthough each is slightl6 %ifferent in %etail; all are generall6 si)ilar. 2o prevent having to e#plain each an% ever6 )eter; a co))on )ulti)eter will be e#plaine% here. ,n6 controls or functions on 6our )eter not covere% here shoul% be reviewe% in the applicable technical )anual.

1$.1.7

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2he volt&oh) )ulti)eter 9-OM: is a rugge%; accurate; co)pact; eas6&to& use instru)ent. 2he instru)ent can be use% to )a/e accurate )easure)ents of DC an% ,C voltage; %irect current; resistance; %ecibels an% KOutput -oltage.K ,n analog )eter is shown in Figure 12.

@igure 12. ,nalog Multi)eter

Instru)ent 2rainee 2as/ Mo%ule 12"11

"7

1$.2.7
DC -oltage

0 1 *,. S! CI@IC,2IO1S

Sensitivit6: 27 D oh)s per volt ,ccurac6: 1N O of @ull Scale

,C -oltage Sensitivit6: ' D oh)s per volt ,ccurac6: "O of @ull Scale DC Current 2'7 )- to $77 )- %rop ,ccurac6: 1NO of @ull Scale *esistance ,ccurac6: 1.3'E of arc 1o)inal open circuit voltage 1.' 1O2 : 5 - on the 17D oh) range 1o)inal short circuit current 1 oh) range 1.2' ), 177 oh) range 1.2' ), 17 D oh) range 3' )icroa)ps Meter @re8uenc6 *esponse <p to 177 DHB

1$.".7 !*O! * <S O@ ,1,.O0 M 2 *

, fuse can be provi%e% to protect the circuits on the oh))eter ranges an% fro) e#cessive overloa%s on the )illia)pere ranges. If instru)ent fails to in%icate; the fuse )a6 be burne% out. In a%%ition to the fuse; a varistor can protect the in%icating instru)ent circuit. 2he varistor li)its the current through the )oving coil in case of overloa%. 2he fuse an% varistor will prevent serious %a)age to the )eter in )ost cases of acci%ental overloa%. However; no overloa% protection s6ste) is co)pletel6 foolproof an% )isapplication on high voltage circuits can %a)age the instru)ent. Care an% caution shoul% alwa6s be e#ercise% to protect both 6ou an% 6our -OM. In a%%ition to the actual steps use% in )a/ing a )easure)ent there are so)e other points to consi%er while using the )ulti)eter. 2he6 are liste% on the following pages.

Cable 2esting > Mo%ule 12"11

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1.

Deep the instru)ent in a horiBontal position when storing it an% awa6 fro) the e%ge of a wor/bench; shelf or other areas where it )a6 be /noc/e% off an% %a)age%. 2he )ulti)eter is )uch )ore stable when la6ing horiBontall6. ?6 la6ing it %own the chance of )eter %a)age is )ini)iBe%. If the )eter is store% or place% near the e%ge of a shelf; the chances of )eter %a)age will increase.

2.

,voi% rapi% or e#tre)e te)perature changes. 2he life an% accurac6 are both affecte% b6 the aging of the )eter co)ponents. *api% an% e#tre)e te)perature changes will a%vance the aging of those co)ponents.

".

,voi% overloa%ing the )easuring circuits of the instru)ent. Develop a habit of chec/ing the range position before connecting the test lea%s to a circuit. ven slight overloa%s %a)age the )eter. ven though the %a)age )a6 not be noticeable in blown fuses; bent nee%le; etc.; %a)age has been %one. Slight overloa%s will a%vance the aging of co)ponents; again causing changes in )eter life an% accurac6.

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!lace the range switch in the 2*,1SI2 position 9if it has one: when the instru)ent is not in use or when being )ove%. 2he in%icating instru)ent is %a)pe% in the 2*,1SI2 position to re%uce swinging of the pointer when carrie%. 1ot all )eters have a 2*,1SI2 position; but if the )eter %oes; it shoul% be use%. *an%o); uncontrolle% swings of the )eter )ove)ent )a6 %a)age the )ove)ent; ben% the nee%le or re%uce its accurac6.

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If the )eter has not been use% for a long perio% of ti)e; rotate the function an% range switches in both %irections to wipe the switch contacts for goo% electrical contact. Most switch contacts are at least plate% with copperF the better ones are plate% with silver. Over a perio% of ti)e this will o#i%iBe 9tarnish:; causing a high resistance through the switch an% a large inaccurac6. *otating through the switch positions will clean the tarnish off.

1$.$.7

M ,S<*I10 * SIS2,1C

Instru)ent 2rainee 2as/ Mo%ule 12"11

"2

=hen resistance is )easure%; -OM batteries furnish power for the circuit. Since batteries are subject to variation in voltage an% internal resistance; the instru)ent )ust be a%juste% to Bero prior to )easuring a resistance; as liste%. 2urn the range switch to the %esire% oh)s range. !lug the blac/ test lea% in the &COMMO1 jac/ an% the re% test lea% in the Pjac/. Connect en%s of test lea%s to short the -OM resistance circuit. *otate the I *O OHMS control until the pointer in%icates Bero oh)s. If the pointer cannot be a%juste% to Bero; one or both of the batteries )ust be replace%. Disconnect the en%s of the test lea%s an% connect the) to the cable being )easure%. circuit being teste%. Disconnect the cable fro) the circuit before )easuring its resistance.

WARNING! ?efore )easuring resistance; be sure power is off to the

Set the range switch to one of the co))on resistance range positions as follows: & & & use * # 1 for resistance rea%ings fro) 7 to 277 oh)s. use * # 177 for resistance rea%ings fro) 277 to 27;777 oh)s. use * # 17;777 for resistance rea%ings above 27;777 oh)s.

Set the function switch at either &DC or PDC position. Operation is the sa)e in either position. ,%just I *O OHMS control for each resistance range. & Observe the rea%ing on the OHMS scale at the top of the %ial. 1ote that the OHMS scale re%s fro) right to left for increasing values of resistance. 2o %eter)ine the actual resistance value; )ultipl6 the rea%ing b6 the factor at the switch position 9D on the OHMS scale e8uals one thousan%:.

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1'.7.7 DI0I2,. M 2 * I12*OD<C2IO1&

Digital )eters have revolutioniBe% the test e8uip)ent worl%. Much better accurac6 is now easil6 attainable; )an6 )ore functions can be incorporate% with one )eter; an% auto&ranging is use% as well as auto)atic polarit6 in%ication. 2echnicall6; %igital )ulti)eters are classifie% as electronic )ulti)eters. However; %igital )ulti)eters %o not use a )eter )ove)ent. Instea%; a %igital )eterHs input circuit converts a current into a %igital signal; which is processe% b6 electronic circuits an% %ispla6e% nu)ericall6 on the )eter face. , )ajor li)itation with )an6 )eters that use )eter )ove)ents is that the scale rea%ing )ust be esti)ate% if the )eter pointer falls between

Cable 2esting > Mo%ule 12"11

""

scale %ivisions. Digital )ulti)eters eli)inate the nee% to esti)ate these rea%ings b6 %ispla6ing the rea%ing as a nu)erical %ispla6. 2here are )an6 t6pes of %igital )ulti)eters. So)e are bench&t6pe )ulti)etersF so)e are %esigne% to be han% hel%. Most t6pes of %igital )ulti)eters have an input i)pe%ance of 17 )egoh)s an% above. 2he6 are ver6 sensitive to s)all changes in current an% are; therefore; )ore accurate. 2here are )an6 %ifferent )o%els of %igital )ulti)eters )a%e.

1(.7.7 DI0I2,. M 2 * ,!!.IC,2IO1S&

Digital )ulti)eters all operate on the sa)e basic principles; this section will %iscuss features an% use of a t6pical )o%el. 2he @lu/e 4(77, is a ver6 co))on )ulti)eter an% illustrates basic functions which can be applie% to an6 %igital )ulti)eter. 2he Mo%el 4(77, is a co)pact an% light&weight %igital )ulti)eter 9D,M:. It features a $&1+2 %igit %ispla6; pushbutton selection of range an% function; auto polarit6; self&locating %eci)al point; self&Beroing to eli)inate offset uncertainties; an% overloa% protection for all ranges. ,uto& ranging can be selecte% when the ,C volts; DC volts; or /iloh)s functions are selecte%. !ushbutton controls allow the selection of five ,C an% DC voltage ranges; five ,C an% DC current ranges; si# resistance ranges. 2he )easure)ent capabilities of the 4(77, range fro) 17 )icrovolts to 1277 91155.5: volts ,C an% DC; 17 nanoa)peres to 2 91.5555: a)peres ,C an% DC; an% 17 )illioh)s to 27 915.555: )egoh)s. 2he front panel rea%out features a $&1+2 %igit %ispla6 using light e)itting %io%es 9. DHs:. 2he %ispla6 inclu%es a self&locating %eci)al point an% a P or & polarit6 in%icator. @ull&scale rea%out is 15555 for all ranges an% functions e#cept the 1277 volt ,C an% DC range; which is 11555. , blin/ing 14444 rea%out in%icates that the 4(77, is being operate% in an overloa% con%ition an% provi%es a test for all seg)ents in the %ispla6. 26pical overloa% features inclu%e a fuse% current input an% an overvoltage protecte% voltoh) input. 2his protection applies for an6 function an% range selecte%. Overcurrent protection is provi%e% b6 a fuse locate% behin% the input connection labele% K),K. -olt&oh) input is protecte% b6 an overvoltage Bener. @ront panel input connectors are banana t6pe an% provi%e separate connections for current; an% volt&oh) inputs. ?oth the current an% volt& oh) inputs are reference% to a co))on input which is isolate% fro) each groun% an% can operate at a potential of up to Q 1777 -DC or pea/ -,C with reference to earth groun%. 2he two K.OK connectors are not tie% together. 2he one %irectl6 below -%2 )ust be use% for volt or oh)s )easure)ent an% the one %irectl6 below ), for )illia)ps. It can receive up to Q 1777 -DC or Q 1777 - pea/ ,C above earth groun%.

Instru)ent 2rainee 2as/ Mo%ule 12"11

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2here are two separate KHIK connectors. 2he ), connection is use% for all current inputs; both ,C an% DC. -&R is use% for all ,C an% DC voltage inputs an% for all resistance rea%ings.

1(.1.7
OHMS *anges

S! CI@IC,2IO1S
277 oh)s; 2 D oh)s; 27 D oh)s; 277 D oh)s; 2777 D oh)s; 27 M oh)s @ull auto&ranging or )anual ranging Q 97.1O of input P 7.71'O of range: Q 97.1O of input P 7.77'O of range: Q 97.7'O of input P 7.77'O of range: Q 97.2O of input P 7.77'O of range: 2wo wire 2'7 - r)s or DC applie% continuousl6 ' volts Circuit -oltage 1 secon% )a#i)u) to %ispla6e% input $ secon%s )a#i)u) to %ispla6e% input

*anging ,ccurac6 277 oh) range 2 D oh) range 27 D oh) to 2777 D oh) ranges 27 M oh) range Configuration Overvoltage !rotection Ma#i)u) Open *esponse 2i)e: 277 oh) to 2777 D oh) range 27 M oh)s range

2he following controls; in%ications; an% connections are foun% on )ost %igital )ulti)eters an% are shown in Figure 13 an% Table 4. <sing this )eter for resistance )easure)ents is %escribe% in Table 5. 26picall6; a %igital )ulti)eter is e8uippe% with a line power fuse; an% a current overloa% fuse for the current )easuring function. 2he line fuse is locate% near the transfor)er on the insi%e of the instru)ent. 2he current input fuse is locate% behin% the front&panel ), I1!<2 ter)inal; an% is accesse% b6 turning 9ccw: an% re)oving the ), I1!<2 ter)inal.

Cable 2esting > Mo%ule 12"11

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@igure 1". Digital Multi)eter

Instru)ent 2rainee 2as/ Mo%ule 12"11

"(

$E(. N'
1

NAME
I1!<2 Connectors

()NCTI'N
!rovi%es the input connections necessar6 to )a/e current 9),:; voltage 9-:; or resistance 9oh): )easure)ents. ,ll )easure)ents are reference% to the .O I1!<2 ter)inals. !rovi%es a $&1+2 %igit %ispla6 915555 )a#i)u): of the )easure% input. 2he rea%out also inclu%es a propert6 positione% %eci)al point; an% a P or S sign for DC voltage an% current )easure)ents. Switches the instru)ent on or off. 2he instru)ent is turne% on when the switch is %epresse%. !rovi%es selection of ranges which correspon% to the selecte% function 9current; voltage; or resistance:. 2he available ranges are: -oltage: 277 )-; 2; 27; 1277 - an% ,<2O Current: .2; 2; 27; 277; 2777 ),

Digital *ea%out

"

!O= * Switch

*,10 Switches

' (

@<1C2IO1 Switches Input !ower Connector

*esistance: 277 oh)s; 2;27;277; 2777 D oh)s; 27 M oh)s an% ,<2O !rovi%es selection of one of five )easure)ent functions: ,C-; ,C M,; DC-; DC M,; or D oh). !rovi%es the )eans of connecting the instru)ent through the power cor% to the ,C power line.

2able $. Digital Multi)eters

#ESI$E# MEAS)$EME NT DI.OHMS SELECT ()NCTI'N DR SELECT $ANGE 277R; 2; 27; 277; 2777R; O* 27 MR INP)T C'NNECTI' N -R; -R .O MA*IM)M INP)T 2'7 - DC O* 2'7 - ,C ! ,D; ,1C *,10 $EMA$+ S ,<2O& *,10I10

2able '. <sing the Digital Multi)eter for *esistance Measure)ent

2he front panel %ispla6; in a%%ition to provi%ing a )easure)ent rea%ing; is %esigne% to serve as an overrange in%icator. =hen the full scale capabilit6 of the selecte% range for an6 function is e#cee%e%; the %ispla6 will blin/ while in%icating a 14444 rea%ing. 2he presence of an overrange in%ication %oes not necessaril6 )ean that the instru)ent is being e#pose% to a %a)aging input con%ition.

Cable 2esting > Mo%ule 12"11

"3

,uto&ranging can be selecte% when in the -DC; -,C; or D oh)s functions. =hen the ,<2O pushbutton is %epresse%; the )eter will select the lowest range that will %ispla6 the value of the input signal without causing an overrange in%ication. ,uto&ranging stops when one of the in%ivi%ual range pushbuttons is %epresse%. =hen )a/ing a resistance )easure)ent; a voltage %rop is %evelope% across the un/nown resistance b6 a value of current supplie% b6 the )eter. 2he voltage %rop across the un/nown resistance is then converte% to a %irect representation of that resistance. 2his resistance is rea% fro) the %igital rea%out on the )eter. 2here are )an6 %ifferent )o%els of @lu/e )ulti)eters; as seen in Figure 14. 2hese are e#a)ples of portable )ulti)eters use% for testing. 2he general safet6 precautions an% )etho%s use% to ta/e )easure)ents with each one are si)ilar to those previousl6 %escribe% for analog )ulti)eters.

@igure 1$. @lu/e Multi)eters

Instru)ent 2rainee 2as/ Mo%ule 12"11

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13.7.7 CO12I1<I2C CH CD&

2he continuit6 chec/ is perfor)e% on cable after it has been ter)inate% to ensure that the con%uctors %o not have a brea/ in the). , continuit6 chec/ is use% on splices; sol%ere% joints; an% installe% cable. Figure 15 shows a t6pical setup for chec/ing continuit6. , DC source is applie% to one en% of the cable. ,t the other en% a light or a buBBer is installe% to the cable. If continuit6 e#ists in the cable the buBBer will operate once it is touche% to groun%; thus co)pleting the circuit. 2he ter) Kringing out the cableK co)es fro) the use of the buBBer.

@igure 1'. Continuit6 Chec/

.i/ewise a light woul% illu)inate once groun%e%. 26picall6; the inspector watches the test perfor)e% an% signs the appropriate %ocu)ent verif6ing that he watche% the test; thus ensuring the test was perfor)e% an% the correct proce%ure was use%.

14.7.7 0*O<1D M 00 *& $he ground megger, or earth tester is %esigne% to )easure the resistance of
earthing s6ste)s in a wi%e variet6 of applications. It tests per)anent groun% connections of electrical e8uip)ent an% )easures the resistance to groun% fro) e8uip)ent fra)es; cases; sheaths; housings; etc.; as well as the earth electro%es the)selves. 2he groun% )egger that we will %iscuss in this section is the ?i%%le MeggerTP arth 2ester U2'7227&2; shown in Figure 16.

14.1.7 C,!,?I.I2C ,1D .IMI2,2IO1S

2he earth tester is a self&containe% instru)ent %esigne% to provi%e accurate )easure)ents. 2he earth tester uses an alternating current which is not affecte% b6 stra6 currents present %uring testing. 2he earth tester contains either a han%&%riven ,C generator or a batter6%riven

Cable 2esting > Mo%ule 12"11

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oscillator to provi%e a test current between the earth electro%e un%er test an% a current electro%e. 2he potential between the earth electro%e an% a separate potential electro%e is balance% against a voltage which is generate% fro) the ,C output via a current transfor)er across the three resistance %eca%es. 2he out&of&balance current cause% b6 the %ifference of potentials is rectifie% an% %rives a Bero&center )eter.

@igure 1(. Megger 1ull ?alance arth 2esters

2he null balance )etho% )eans that; at balance; no current flows through the potential electro%e; an% therefore; the resistance of the potential electro%e %oes not affect the rea%ing. .ea% resistances are not significant an% )a6 be eli)inate% b6 following reco))en%e% test proce%ures. =hen the )eter is balance%; the resistance in oh)s is rea% fro) the resistance %eca%e switches in co)bination with the range )ultiplier switch. 1u)erical rea%out of resistance has the a%vantages of no pointer rea%ing error an% the rea%ing re)ains available until the ne#t test is )a%e.

14.2.7 O! *,2I10 CO11 C2IO1S

?efore setting up an earth electro%e test; spacing re8uire)ents an% location of test ro%s )ust be %eter)ine% accor%ing to the following %iscussion. @all&of&potential or "&point )etho% is co))onl6 use% for single ro% or s)all earth gri%s. 2his involves positioning current an% potential ro%s C an% ! as shown in Figure 17 an% connecting

Instru)ent 2rainee 2as/ Mo%ule 12"11

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@igure 13. !ositioning 0roun% *o%s in *elation to the lectro%e <n%er 2est

these b6 suitable cables to the earth tester to co)plete the current an% voltage circuit. 2he tester is calibrate% to rea% %irectl6 the resistance of the electro%e un%er test. 2o obtain a vali% rea%ing; the current ro% )ust be properl6 locate%. Since both possess spheres of influence; the C2 ro% )ust be sufficientl6 re)ote to prevent these areas fro) overlapping. @urther)ore; the potential ro% )ust lie between these two areas; preferabl6 along a straight line between the). In Figure 17, the %i)ensions of the spheres of influence of an% C are fre8uentl6 un/nown. 2o allow a safe )argin; the %istance chosen for C )a6 be 8uite high. It is also necessar6 to e#peri)ent with the location of !. However; b6 )athe)atical anal6ses an% shown b6 actual test the true resistance of the electro%e to be teste% is e8ual to the )easure% resistance when the %istance ! is e8ual to (2O of the %istance C. 2he potential electro%e !2 aybe inserte% at '7O an% 3'O of the %istance C to verif6 the )easure% resistance. In so)e cases; C2 an% !2 )a6 be relocate% an% the resistance )easure% again. 2he average of the )easure% resistances )a6 be use% at the true value.

14.".7 SI10. *ODS ,1D SM,.. 0*IDS

@or single ro%s an% s)all gri%s; the current electro%e C2; as seen Figure 18, shoul% be 177 feet fro) the electro%e un%er test .

Cable 2esting > Mo%ule 12"11

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@igure 14. Connections for 2esting *esistance to arth of an arth lectro%e

2he potential electro%e !2 shoul% be inserte% at (2O of this %istance in a straight line with the other two.

14.$.7 .,*0 ,*2H . C2*OD SCS2 MS O* .,*0 ,* , 0*O<1D 0*IDS

In general; the three&point or fall&of&potential )etho% is also applicable to large area earth electro%es. However; the %istance to the C2 current ro% shoul% be about five ti)es the largest %i)ensions or %iagonal of the earth electro%e or groun% gri% area. 2he !2 potential ro% shoul% then be positione% at (2O of the %istance fro) the center of the gri% to the C2 ro%. See Figure 19. If the !2 ro% is %riven at several locations; a curve can be %rawn for resistance versus %istance; t6picall6 S&shape%; an% the true value of the resistance of the earth electro%e will be represente% b6 the point at which the slope of the curve reverses. <suall6 this point is at the (2O %istance previousl6 note%.

Instru)ent 2rainee 2as/ Mo%ule 12"11

$2

@igure 15. 26pical Curve for arth lectro%e *esistance -ersus Distance fro) lectro%e to CB *o%

14.'.7 O! *,2I10 !*OC D<* S

Since proper operation of the e8uip)ent %epen%s on correct use of the controls; the )ar/ings an% function of these controls )ust be stu%ie% before using the tester. ,ll operating controls use% on the earth tester are liste% in Table ( an% Figure 20 shows the arrange)ent of the operating controls on the earth tester. 2he earth tester contains either a han%&%riven oscillator; or a batter6 powere% oscillator; which passes current through the resistance un%er test fro) ter)inal C1 to C2. 2he conse8uent potential across ter)inals !l an% !2; causes a )eter to %eflect as seen Figure 27. 2his potential is balance% b6 an e8ual an% opposite potential pro%uce% across an a%justable resistance in the instru)ent with the result that; at balance; no current flows in the potential circuit. 2he )easure% values are unaffecte% b6 groun% ro% resistances within wi%e li)its. Stra6 currents in the soil )a6 pro%uce )ove)ent of the pointer but will %isappear when the generator is turne% for the han%&cran/e% instru)ent; or the operating pushbutton is %epresse% for the batter6&operate% instru)ent. =ith the earth tester connecte% for the test re8uire%; operate the earth tester as follows. *efer to Figure 20 for controls an% in%icators.

Cable 2esting > Mo%ule 12"11

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C'NT$'L

()NCTI'N

,AN#-C$AN+ AN# BATTE$--'PE$ATE# EA$T, TESTE$S

C1 bin%ing post C2 bin%ing post !1 bin%ing post !2 bin%ing post *ange )ultiplier switch *esistance %eca%e switches 9" each: Meter Operation pushbutton ? position on range )ultiplier switch Meter batter6 test scale 0 bin%ing post 9Cat. 1o. 2'7227 onl6: Han%&cran/ !rovi%es ,C current to earth electro%e un%er test. !rovi%es return path for ,C current !rovi%es ,C voltage connection to earth electro%e un%er test. !rovi%e ,C voltage connection to potential electo%e groun%ing ro%. !rovi%es four ranges: G.71; G.1; G1; G17. Digital %ispla6 fro) 771 to 555. Center rea%ing in%icates null balance.

BATTE$--'PE$ATE# EA$T, TESTE$ 'NL,pplies output voltage. ,pplies output batteries to )eter when range )ultiplier switch is )ove% to ? )ultiplier. 2o %ispla6 batter6 output on )eter.

In%icates con%ition of batteries.

,AN#-C$AN+E# EA$T, TESTE$ 'NL!rovi%es a b6pass path to a guar% ro% for lea/age current within the instru)ent. Operates generator to provi%e test voltage an% current.

2able (. Operating Controls

WARNING! *e)e)ber that rubber gloves shoul% be wo) %uring

operation of the earth tester as a precaution against acci%ental high potentials on the structure un%er test. 1. Set the range )ultiplier switch to the # 7.71 position an% each of the balancing resistor %ials to 9 !9, 9, 9 left to right; respectivel6:. 2. 2u) the han%&cran/ cloc/wise about two revolutions per secon% for the han%cran/e% earth tester; or press operating pushbutton for the batter6&operate% earth tester; an% note the %eflection on the )eter.

Instru)ent 2rainee 2as/ Mo%ule 12"11

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@igure 27. Megger 1ull ?alance arth 2ester; Controls; an% In%icators for ?atter6&Operate% an% Han%&Cran/e% Mo%els

". If %eflection is to the right 9P:; increase resistance factor b6 setting the range )ultiplier switch to the # 7.1 position. 1ote the position of the pointer on the )eter. $. If %eflection is to the left 9&: procee% to the ne#t step. If %eflection is still to the right continue to increase the resistance factor with the range )ultiplier switch until the %eflection goes to the left 9&:. '. =hen %eflection is to the left 9&: %ecrease the values of the resistance %eca%es; %igit b6 %igit; starting with the left %ial then the center %ial; an% finall6 the right %ial until the )eter pointer is at the center. =henever the rea%ing goes to the right 9P:; the %ial has been turne% too far. (. If using the han%&cran/e% earth tester; increase the cran/ing spee% of the generator to about 1(7 rp) 9about 2&1+2 revolutions of the han%&cran/ per secon%: for )a#i)u) sensitivit6 an% to avoi% the effects of stra6 currents in the soil. N'TE" If stra6 current is present when using the han%&cran/e% earth tester; it )a6 be necessar6 to increase the cran/ing spee% %epen%ing upon the fre8uenc6 of the stra6 current. Cran/ing spee%s up to 277 rp) 9about "&1+2 revolutions of the han%& cran/ per secon%: )a6 be re8uire% to accuratel6 balance the )eter.

3. *ea% the resistance %irectl6 off the %ials 9range )ultiplier ti)es %eca%e %ials:F this is the resistance of the earthing s6ste) un%er test. #a)ple: If the arth 2ester is connecte% to an earth electro%e

Cable 2esting > Mo%ule 12"11

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in the reco))en%e% arrange)ent an% the following settings result at null&balance: *ange )ultiplier switch is set at 7.71 position. .eft resistance %eca%e %ial is set at position ". Center resistance %eca%e %ial is set at position 3. & *ight resistance %eca%e %ial is set at position (. 2hen resistance )easure% is: "3( # 7.71 L ".3( oh)s. & & &

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2his course has i%entifie% the %ifferent functions that cable testing acco)plishes fro) charting %eterioration of cables; to special repair testing. It liste% the ite)s that shoul% be loo/e% at %uring a cable inspection an% %efine% t6pes of cable failures; an% their causes. 2he use of %ifferent t6pes of test e8uip)ent use% to test cables was covere%; such as a )egger; DC hi&pot; oh))eter; an% a groun% )egger. Specific t6pes of tests use% with this test e8uip)ent were liste%; an% safet6 precautions were covere% in %etail.

*eferences
@or a%vance% stu%6 of topics covere% in this 2as/ Mo%ule; the following wor/s are suggeste%: ".#.#.#. $%andards ".$.&. $%andards Manufacturers %ata on test e8uip)ent.

Instru)ent 2rainee 2as/ Mo%ule 12"11

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S .@&CH CD * -I = I !*,C2IC J< S2IO1S

1. =hat is the purpose of cable testingV a. 2o )ini)iBe %anger to personnel. b. ,cceptance testing. c. Special repair testing. %. ,ll of the above. =hen using a )ulti)eter to )easure resistance an% corona is present; 6ou shoul% %o whatV a. Ma/e sure the probe connections are tight. b. Set )eter rea%ing to the highest setting. c. Do not ta/e rea%ing until source of power is %isconnecte% an% verifie% that it is %eenergiBe%. %. <se rubber gloves to )a/e the )easure)ent. , )egger can be use% to )easure energiBe% lines or e8uip)ent. a. 2rue. b. @alse. Describe the proce%ures for using a )egger. WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW =hat is the DC over&potential test use% e#tensivel6 forV a. ?rea/ing %own incipient faults. b. Ma/ing ti)e+current co)parisons. c. ,cceptance an% )aintenance of cables. %. ,ll of the above. Describe the -oltage -ersus .ea/age Current 2est. WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW Describe the .ea/age Current -ersus 2i)e 2est. WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW Describe the 0o+1o&0o Over&!otential 2est. WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW =hen using an Oh))eter; both series an% shunt rea%ings will be the sa)e. a. 2rue. b. @alse. Describe the use of a groun% )egger. WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

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Cable 2esting > Mo%ule 12"11

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! *@O*M,1C + .,?O*,2O*C G *CIS S

1. !erfor) a continuit6 test. 2. !erfor) a )egger test on a cable. ". <sing an oh))eter; perfor) a resistance test on a cable. ,1S= *S 2O S .@&S .@ * -I = + !*,C2IC J< S2IO1S 1. % 2. c ". b $. *efer '. c (. *efer 3. *efer 4. *efer 5. b 17.*efer

to page 12. to page 27. to page 21. to page 22. to page $2.

Instru)ent 2rainee 2as/ Mo%ule 12"11

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