Application Note

Power Transformer Vector Group and

Turns Ratio Testing with CMC 256plus/356
Author
Stephan Geiger | stephan.geiger@omicron.at
Date
Oct 21, 2010
Related OMICRON Products
CMC 256plus, CMC 356
Application Area
Power Transformers
Keywords
CMC, Transformer, Vector Group, Turns Ratio, Bushings
Version
v2.21
Document ID
ANS_10002_ENU

OMICRON

Page 1 of 11

Content
1

Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 3

Safety Instructions PLEASE READ CAREFULLY........................................................................ 4

Operating & Connection Instructions............................................................................................. 5

Additional Information .................................................................................................................... 9

Pictures...........................................................................................................................................10

Please use this note only in combination with the related product manual which contains several important safety
instructions. The user is responsible for every application that makes use of an OMICRON product.
OMICRON electronics GmbH including all international branch offices is henceforth referred to as OMICRON.
OMICRON 2010. All rights reserved. This application note is a publication of OMICRON.
All rights including translation reserved. Reproduction of any kind, for example, photocopying, microfilming, optical
character recognition and/or storage in electronic data processing systems, requires the explicit consent of OMICRON.
Reprinting, wholly or in part, is not permitted.
The product information, specifications, and technical data embodied in this application note represent the technical
status at the time of writing and are subject to change without prior notice.
We have done our best to ensure that the information given in this application note is useful, accurate and entirely
reliable. However, OMICRON does not assume responsibility for any inaccuracies which may be present.
OMICRON translates this application note from the source language English into a number of other languages. Any
translation of this document is done for local requirements, and in the event of a dispute between the English and a nonEnglish version, the English version of this note shall govern.
OMICRON 2012

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Introduction
This Application Note (Version 2.0) replaces all prior published documents that contain transformer
testing with CMC Test Sets.
Before performing the transformer test, carefully read the safety
instructions in this document together with those for the CMC Test Set
and in the CP GB1 manual.
Do not operate the CMC Test Set until the safety instructions in each of
the operating manuals have been observed and are fully understood.
The CMC Test Set should only be operated by trained personnel. Any
maloperation can result in damage to persons or property.
Use only the supported 'CM_TR_VG Test Utility V2.03.xls' Excel File for
testing the transformer!
The MS Excel tool 'CM_TR_VG Test Utility V2.03.xls' is provided with this Application Note
The original idea and prototype of this tool was developed by Alectrix (Pty) Ltd, South Africa.
Supported tests:
> Testing of Vector Group (VG)
> Measurement of Transformer Turns Ratios (TR)
> Measurement of Magnetizing Current
Supported CMC Test Sets:
> CMC 256-6; CMC 256plus
> CMC 356 (with ELT-1 option)
Required software license:
> CMEngine

OMICRON 2012

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Safety Instructions PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

1.

2.
3.

The CM_TR_VG.XLT MS Excel macro provides a useful application to broaden the range of
applications for the CMC Test Set. Note that the CMC Test Set is not designed to be used in an
outdoor/ open substation environment and hence suitable precautions against rain, heat etc. should be
taken. Also the CMC Test Set is not intended to be used in a high voltage environment hence when
connecting and disconnecting the unit to a power transformer special precaution must be taken. By
using this Excel utility, the user accepts all responsibilities and risks.
Before using the CM_TR_VG.XLT MS Excel macro, carefully read the following safety and operating
instructions.
Always adhere to the safety regulations applicable to the testing of power transformers as well as
testing in live substations as stipulated by your company, your country and/or international safety
regulations.
Testing and measuring with the CMC Test Set must comply with the relevant national and international
safety standards listed below:

- EN 50191 (VDE 0104) "Erection and Operation of Electrical Equipment"

- EN 50110-1 (VDE 0105 Part 100) "Operation of Electrical Installations"
- IEEE 510 "IEEE Recommended Practices for Safety in High-Voltage and High-Power Testing"
4. Ensure that the power transformer is properly switched OFF, de-energized and isolated (visual
inspection!) before connecting any test leads.
Important: Switching off the high voltage in a substation and the grounding procedure is the
responsibility of the utility personnel!
Five Safety Rules:
1) Disconnect completely
2) Secure against re-connection
3) Verify that the installation is dead
4) Carry our grounding and short-circuiting
5) Provide protection against adjacent live parts
5. Testing with the CM_TR_VG.XLT MS Excel macro and the CMC Test Set should be performed only by
authorized and qualified personnel. Clearly establish the responsibilities in advance of any testing!
6. Ensure that the housing of the CMC Test Set is properly connected to the substation earth potential via
the earth stud on the back of the CMC Test Set.
7. Ensure that all of the transformer's terminals do not carry any voltage potential (physical
measurement with a voltage meter!) before connecting any test leads. During a test, the CMC Test Set
must be the only power source for the transformer under test.
8. The test leads and clamps must be securely attached to the bushings of the transformer and the CP
GB1 grounding boxes. Do not stand adjacent to or directly underneath a connection point because the
connection clamps may fall off and touch you. This is a physical and an electrical hazard.
9. Before connecting or disconnecting any of the test leads between the CMC Test Set and the power
transformer, ensure that the CMC Test Set is completely switched OFF (i.e. power switch is OFF).
Never connect or disconnect any test leads while the outputs are active.
10. When connecting cables to the sockets, use wires with 4 mm safety "banana" connectors and plastic
housing.
11. When the red warning light on the front panel of the CMC Test Set is lit, all test leads must be regarded
as hazardous and should not be touched in any way.
12. Make sure to connect the voltage injection always to the high voltage winding and the voltage
measurement to the low voltage winding of the transformer. Incorrect connections are potentially lifethreatening and, at the very least, may damage the equipment. Therefore first check the wiring by
injecting only 50 V.

OMICRON 2012

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Operating & Connection Instructions

1.

Follow the five safety rules as described in the Safety Instructions. Connect the windings to ground!

2.

Connect the CMC Test Set to the CP GB1 grounding box and the transformer as shown in
Figure 1. The current clamps should be connected at binary inputs 2, 4 and 5. Place the current clamps
on the primary side leads going to the grounding box/transformer! The connection cables provided by
OMICRON must be used to connect the leads to the CP GB1 grounding box. Furthermore the leads
from the CMC Test Set and the leads to the transformer must be attached to the same connection
clamp at the CP GB1 grounding box. Each cable must be attached to a single plug socket on the
connection clamp (see Figure 2).

Figure 1: Wiring diagram

OMICRON 2012

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Figure 2: How to connect to the grounding box

3.
4.
5.

Remove all grounding connections of the terminals except one per winding. Use Neutral (N) for the
grounding connection if accessible.
Pair the PC with the CMC Test Set by using the Test Set Association link from the
Test Universe start page.
(Note: This does not apply to a CMC256-6 with an LPT port).
Select the 'TR Test' sheet and click on Edit Test Object Parameters. Now match the transformer
parameters with the test sheet parameters and return to the 'TR Test' sheet.

OMICRON 2012

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6.

Click on the 'Output ON/OFF' button in the Control Panel. The line to line test voltage defined will be
applied to the HV terminals of the transformer.
7. The LV Voltages, HV magnetizing current (open circuit current) and the phase angle of the LV voltages
relative to the HV applied voltage on phase A will be measured and updated with a one second refresh
rate. Before you start the test, for the measurement of the HV magnetizing current, define the ratio and
range of the clip-on ammeter in the Test Object Parameters. In addition place the clip-on ammeters on
the HV leads going to the transformers HV terminals.
8. Select Keep Results for Tap to record the measured values, the measurement will automatically move
to the next tap.
9. Tap the transformer to the next tap position and again select Keep Results for Tap. Repeat this
process until all taps were tested.
10. The tap changer can be tapped automatically by selecting the function in Test Object Parameters and
wiring the binary output 1 of the CMC Test Set across the raise or lower push button in the tap changer
control box (refer to the tap changer drawings for clarification). The binary output will pick up for 2
seconds after the Keep Results for Tap button is selected.
11. The CMC Test Set outputs will automatically switch OFF once all the taps have been tested and the
measurement results are all displayed (Figure 2).

Figure 2: Test results

12. The vector diagram can be viewed once all the taps have been tested on the 'Vector Group' sheet; the
scale is 'per unit' (Figure 3).

Figure 3: Measured vector group

OMICRON 2012

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13. Save the test file with a unique name after completion!
14. Please note that for personal safety and to safeguard the equipment the voltage injected must be
applied to the high voltage side of the transformer.
15. Before disconnecting the transformer under test, ground all transformer connections!
16. This macro works for an English operating system / Excel, i.e. decimal point is a dot, not a comma. If the
PCs regional setting is not set to English please change your regional options (Figure 4).

Figure 4: Regional and Language Options

17. The CM_TR_VG macro has been tested with Microsoft Excel 2003 and Excel 2007 under
Windows XP and Windows 7.

OMICRON 2012

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Additional Information
To connect the CMC test Set to the transformer the following accessories are recommended. However, the
CP GB1 grounding boxes must be used in order to ensure absolute safety to personnel and to prevent
equipment damage as a result of high voltages:
> 2x CP GB1 grounding box VEHZ0672

> 2x Measurement cable set (2.5 mm) 6x10m VEHK0619

> 12x Connection clamp VEHZ0610

For safety reasons first ground the
conducting part of the transformer,
then connect the clamps and cables to
the transformer. Finally connect to the
CMC Test Set!

> 1x Grounding cable (GR/YE) 1 x 6 m, 6 mm2 with connection clamp VEHK0615

> 3x Current Clamp VEHZ4000

OMICRON 2012

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Pictures

Figure 5 & 6: Transformer test conducted at the OMICRON Development Center with the Excel Test Utility

OMICRON 2012

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OMICRON is an international company serving the electrical power

industry with innovative testing and diagnostic solutions. The application of
OMICRON products provides users with the highest level of confidence in
the condition assessment of primary and secondary equipment on their
systems. Services offered in the area of consulting, commissioning,
testing, diagnosis, and training make the product range complete.
Customers in more than 140 countries rely on the company's ability to
supply leading edge technology of excellent quality. Broad application
knowledge and extraordinary customer support provided by offices in
North America, Europe, South and East Asia, and the Middle East,
together with a worldwide network of distributors and representatives,
make the company a market leader in its sector.

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Houston, TX 77046, USA
Phone: +1 713 830-4660
+1 800-OMICRON
Fax: +1 713 830-4661
info@omicronusa.com

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Phone: +852 3767 5500
Fax: +852 3767 5400
info@asia.omicron.at

For addresses of OMICRON offices with customer service

centers, regional sales offices or offices for training,
consulting and commissioning please visit our web site.

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OMICRON electronics GmbH
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Phone: +43 5523 507-0
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