Condition Assessment of Electrical Apparatus with EMI Diagnostics
Copyright Material IEEE
Paper No. ESW2015-XX
James E. Timperley, P.E.
Life Fellow, IEEE
Doble Engineering
85 Walnut Street
Watertown, MA 02472
USA
j.e.timperley@ieee.org
Abstract - This paper describes the theory, development
history and application of Electro Magnetic Interference
Diagnostics for the condition assessment of high voltage
apparatus such as motors, generators, transformers,
switchgear and bus. Data is collected while equipment remains
in service. Examples of common problems identified at power
facilities, upstream off shore production rigs as well as
downstream, plastics, chemical and central utility facilities are
provided. How data is collected, analyzed and presented is
discussed.
Index Terms — on-line testing, condition assessment, EMI,
condition based maintenance, PD, arcing
I. INTRODUCTION
The application of Electro Magnetic Interference (EMI)
Diagnostics has provided information for condition assessment
of high voltage apparatus to the power and petrochemical
industries since 1980.
An EMI Diagnostics test can identify insulation deterioration
and conductor related defects. Some types of common
machine mechanical problems such as a bearing rub or shaft
mis-alignment can also be identified. Data collection and
presentation follows a long established international standard.
Several methods of data comparison and analysis have been
developed. Trending data will track deterioration or verify repair
success or failure for a better understanding and determination
of asset conditions. Examples are provided in the following
text.
EMI technology is very sensitive, numerous electrical and
mechanical conditions that could lead to equipment failure can
be identified in the early development stages; with sufficient
time to plan verification tests and schedule repairs before
failures occur.
Motors, generators, switchgear, transformers and bus
systems can be evaluated while remaining in service without
making any direct connections to energized circuits. Data is
collected with the temporary placement of a split ring high
frequency current probe around a power conduit or a safety
Revision 3, 2010
José M. Vallejo, P.E.
Senior Member, IEEE
Universal Star Energy Services
P.O. Box 2216
Missouri City, Texas 77459
USA
jose.m.vallejo@ustares.com
ground conductor. There is no need to open electrical
enclosures that would allow the potential of an electric shock by
being in contact to exposed energized conductors or risk of an
arc flash hazard. There is no interference with normal
operation to collect EMI data. The high frequency probe is
removed after data is collected.
II. BACKGROUND
A. Early Development
With the successful introduction of AM radio in the 1920’s, a
need to locate and neutralize radio inference from defective AC
power line hardware became a service provided by the electric
utility industry. Factory test procedures were developed [1] to
test new high voltage components like insulators, switches and
transformers to avoid the generation of unwanted radio
interference. When over the air analog television service
became popular in the 1950’s, severe interference also resulted
from high voltage lines. The original tests were at 1 MHz; the
center of the AM radio broadcast band. Since television
frequencies were from 54 to 88 MHz, 174 to 216 MHz and 470
to 890 MHz a new test procedure that could be used both in the
field as well as the factory was needed. An international
standard for the precise measurement of unwanted interference
was developed [2]. The result was Comite International Special
des Perturbations Radioelectriques (CISPR) 16. With an
agreed to format for data collection; results were no longer
determined by the type of test apparatus utilized and data from
different years and from different sources could be directly
compared. This is an important characteristic of the technique.
B. Application
One of the first successful applications of radio interference
techniques correctly detected conductor deterioration in large
high voltage generators [3, 4]. A high frequency current
transformer (RFCT) was placed at the generator neutral to
collect data. CISPR 16 techniques were later employed by
communications engineers to other generator designs and
insulation deterioration was successfully detected [5].
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Application in the petrochemical environment soon followed [6, difference by measuring the frequencies that are generated by
7]. each impulse after they are modified by the electrical network
Since this first use of CISPR 16 guidelines in 1980 to detect adjacent to the event location.
and identify insulation and conductor defects, several thousand
tests have been performed. Application has expanded to B. Arcing
include all types of AC electric generators, motors,
transformers, power cables, switchgear, isolated phase bus Arcing is an electrical event where substantial current flow is
and non-segregated phase bus. This includes most types of involved. This could be a sparking shaft grounding brush, a
industrial 50 Hz or 60 Hz apparatus operating at 2.4 kV, and loose bolted connection or a broken conductor. Since this
higher. current flow is through a conductor, there is inductance involved
and often lower frequencies are generated as compared to
III. THEORY those from a PD event where no conductor is involved. By
definition, arcing is not a PD event since there is current flow
A. Partial Discharges and not just a charge transfer. Since there is time involved for
the arc to strike and then extinguish these events take longer
A very well developed diagnostic technique to determine the than a PD charge transfer. There is a marked difference
condition of high voltage insulation is Partial Discharge Analysis between these two patterns when viewed in the time domain.
(PDA). This technology has been applied successfully to large
machines, transformers, cables and other high voltage
apparatus. PDA applies time domain techniques to estimate
the electric charge transfer across an insulation defect or void.
In general, the higher the voltage impulse resulting from the
charge transfer the more severe the defect. These voltage
impulses have a rise and fall time in the order of nanoseconds.
There have been many good publications on PDA application
[8, 9]. The PD example in Figure 1 is unstable due to a loose
component. These impulses are not synchronized to the power
frequency. Pulse height also changes with time.

Fig. 2 Arcing pattern from a loose connection.

C. Modification of frequencies due to resonances

A wide of spectrum of frequencies often result from a PD or

arcing event. There are electrical resonances surrounding
each event location that filter the spectrum and modify the
measurable frequencies. Figure 3 shows the resonant
Fig. 1 Unstable Partial Discharge (PD) pattern. frequencies for one phase of a 900 MVA generator stator.

Basic communications theory states that an impulse contains It was as soon apparent while collecting data that when
a large number of frequencies depending on repetition rate, the frequency domain analysis was applied to generators, the
rise time, fall time and width of the impulses. A single pulse patterns increased or decreased in amplitude at frequencies
with zero rise time, zero width and zero fall time contains a that matched the natural electrical resonant frequencies of each
spectrum of all frequencies at the same amplitude. Pulses that machine under investigation. The generator stator in Fig. 3;
result from power frequencies occur once or several times each became severely contaminated and the highest EMI level
half cycle of the 60 Hz or 50 Hz power source. These pulses matched the core slot length resonance of 17.5 MHz [10, 11].
also have measurable rise time, width and fall times. The
resulting spectrum produced by these electrical events is now
limited at both the low and high frequencies. The higher the
voltage and the greater the dielectric strength at the location of
the event predetermines the upper frequencies that can be
generated. Partial Discharges of 100 kV under oil or in SF 6
gas will result in much higher frequencies than a 2 kV
discharge in air. EMI techniques take advantage of this

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 Data signals from site process controls dominated the lowest
frequencies. Several AM Radio stations were seen as well as a
few FM Radio stations. These radio stations were excellent
“bench marks” since the amplitudes and frequencies are fixed.
There was some minor corona and PD seen from 1 MHz to 20
MHz. This results from contamination on the stator windings
and it is typical for an air cooled 13 kV machine. The
recommendation was to operate as needed, no maintenance
could be suggested. Data was collected from the stator neutral
grounding resistor as shown in Fig. 5.

Fig. 3 Frequency vs. impedance response of a stator.

The opposite was also found to be true. If the arcing or PD

event location was not in the stator winding, a wider part of the
spectrum had the same pattern. There was no “filtering” by the
stator resonances. Multiple defect locations generate multiple
maximums and minima. When there was only a single event
location, a standing wave pattern was developed. This
characteristic is how frequencies excited by PD or arcing
provide information on the physical location of these events.

When there is an arcing or PD event, the radio frequency

energy travels away from the location through the surrounding
conductors and is also radiated through the air. This conducted
EMI is measured with the RFCT when it is placed around a
conductor. The radiated EMI field is measured with a receiver
tuned to the frequencies under investigation. The use of both
techniques is necessary to identify defects and to provide the
physical source location to facilitate repairs.
Fig. 5 Typical RFCT placement on a stator neutral grounding
resistor ground.
Collecting data from the neutral was not successful with the
generator shown in Fig. 6. The stator neutral ground cable was
open.

The following examples were taken from the test results at

several sites. There are no laboratory simulations. Common
problems and unique conditions are provided.

IV. EXAMPLES OF CONDITIONS FOUND

A. Generators

Fig. 4 shows the EMI signature for a small air cooled

generator. Data was collected at two loads and there was
almost no difference in the curves. This indicates the windings
are tight in the core slots and in the endwindings. This has Fig. 6 RFCT placement at two locations.
been verified with a visual inspection.
There was no signal below 2 MHz (blue curve) when the
RFCT was placed around the neutral conduit, Fig. 7.

Fig. 4 EMI Signature for a generator. Fig. 7 RFCT placement on stator neutral conduit.

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 This lack of a strong low frequency signal is a good indicator This sparking indicated shaft currents through the gear box
the grounding cable was not connected properly. The and that the existing carbon shaft grounding brush was not
signature from 5 MHz to 40 MHz was dominated by strong EMI working. It was recommended to attach a copper braid
activity. A scan for radiated EMI detected sparking inside the conductor as a shaft ground, Fig.8. The sparking disappeared
neutral cabinet. An inspection to locate the loose neutral circuit when this was done. Carbon brushes require frequent cleaning
connection was recommended. Generator operation with an to remain affective. This carbon brush had not been
ungrounded neutral as it is required in this installation is not maintained. Copper braids are self-cleaning, require little
recommended. maintenance and are a more effective way to correctly ground a
shaft. Since the sparking at the outboard bearing “D” was still
The RFCT was then placed on a generator frame ground as present bearing insulation damage was indicated.
shown in Fig. 8. A good signal was obtained as seen by the
red curve in Fig. 6. This illustrates that EMI data can be
collected from numerous locations. A grounded bearing oil
drain line has also been used to collect data and trend
conditions on two large machines. Data analysis must be
tailored to the location data is collected. Documenting where
data is collected is very important for analysis and future data
trending. Several loose or open grounds are found every year.

Fig. 10 A copper braid for shaft grounding.

B. Induction Motors

The EMI signature for the induction fan motor, in Fig.11 had
the signature for numerous broken rotor bars. The rotor had
been repaired in a local shop several months earlier. This fan
was a high inertia load and repeated starts had again broken
the rotor bars.
Fig. 8 RFCT placement on a stator frame safety ground.

A part of the data collection process is to scan each

generator for radiated EMI. The “EMI Sniffer” is a small
receiver designed to measure radiated radio frequencies from
100 kHz to 10 MHz. With the generator below, there was
severe sparking at the gear box, coupling and generator drive
end bearing as shown in Fig. 9. More than one problem was
indicated.

Fig. 11 EMI Signature for a motor with broken rotor bars.

The signature for an induction motor with broken rotor bars is

unique in that there are few if any resonant peaks. The same
arcing pattern is seen at many frequencies. Results of a scan
for radiated EMI is also unique. The EMI amplitude changes at
both ends of the shaft follow the rotor slip speed and is a
positive indicator that this EMI signature is a result of rotor
problems. The recommendation was to rebar this rotor since
past repairs were not successful.

Data was collected from the motor power conduit, Fig.14.

Fig. 9 Turbine-Generator radiated EMI levels. This is the preferred location when testing motors.

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 At some locations, the motor load cannot be altered but the
machine can be removed from service. The pump motor in
Fig.15 is located off shore and the load is fixed. A data
comparison between on line and off line provides verification of
the ambient EMI levels at this site. There are many data and
process transmitters in the modern industrial environment. The
EMI signature for the motor in Fig. 15 did not change after the
6.6 kV motor was placed in service and loaded to 53% of
nameplate. There is no PD or corona activity in the motor
stator or power cables. There are no bearing or rotor problems.
If there had any of these problems present, then data signals
would no longer dominate the on-line EMI signature. No motor
system maintenance is needed.

This motor is a good example of how EMI diagnostics can

provide information on the risk involved in continued service or
if repairs are needed for continued reliable service [12, 13].
Fig. 12 Time domain arcing pattern from broken rotor bars.

The arcing pattern follows the rotor slip speed of 20 r/min and
is not synchronized to the power frequency. The radiated EMI
increases and decreases at this low frequency with maximum
levels every 1.5 seconds.

Fig. 15 On-line, off-line comparison for a motor.

The EMI signature for the motor in Fig. 16 has repeating

sharp nulls at several frequencies and there is a decrease in
PD amplitude as the frequency increases. These frequencies
are harmonically related to one primary frequency. This is what
is called a standing wave and it usually occurs when the there
is a single PD location on the motor leads to the power cables.

Fig. 13 Typical broken rotor bar.

Fig. 16 Standing wave EMI signature for a motor.

An inspection of the terminal box was recommended and

performed the next day. Ozone bleaching of a stator lead cable
and line current transformer case were seen as shown in Fig.
17. This lead was given additional insulation and positioned to
Fig. 14 RFCT placement for a motor. no longer contact the grounded case.

Revision 3, 2010 5
 Fig. 17 PD activity between a grounded current transformer
and an unshielded 6.6 kV motor lead.

The application of a continuous motor insulation condition

monitor has been developed [14] and several varieties have Fig. 19 Unstable bus PD and arcing activity.
been installed.

C. Transformers

The transformer in Fig. 18 has no internal deterioration.

The EMI signature contains several radio and data signals.
There is some PD activity in the connecting isolated phase bus.
A scan for radiated EMI confirmed the activity was in the bus
and not the transformer. No internal transformer PD activity
was detected with the insulating oil dissolved gas analysis.

Fig. 20 EMI signature for a transformer with a loose bus

conductor connection.

The oil filled transformer in Fig. 20 had severe arcing and PD

Fig. 18 Transformer with minor isolated phase bus PD
indications.
centered around 863 kHz, Fig.21. Unstable arcing indicates a
loose crimp or bolted conductor joint is present. A scan for
radiated EMI located a source at the connections between the
non-segregated bus and the transformer, a similar location is
shown in Fig. 22. There had been failures at this location
before.

The isolated phase bus PD pattern was unstable as shown in

Fig. 19. This indicates loose components at the PD location.
An inspection of the isolated phase bus to locate the loose
insulator hardware was recommended.

Fig. 21 EMI pattern for an arcing bus conductor connection.

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Fig. 22 Location of suspected loose bolted connections.
D. Switchgear
The switchgear in Fig. 23 contained five 13.8 kV breakers for
synchronizing generators and load circuits. There was a series
reactor to limit fault current connected to each breaker. Severe
arcing with some PD was seen at many frequencies, see Fig.
24. After repairs to the isolated phase bus and the reactors
were completed, the EMI signature changed verifying these
repairs were successful. Several problems were corrected.
One interesting finding was a plastic bag of bolts lying inside a
bus enclosure. Voltage was induced into the bolts and this
sparked through the plastic to generate high PD levels. This
was a serious FME violation. This EMI data was collected from
a switchgear safety ground shown in Fig. 25.
Fig. 23 Comparison of EMI signatures before and after bus
repairs.
The severe arcing and PD seen at 2.2 MHz in 2009 was
gone in 2010 after repairs were completed. Once the arcing
was eliminated, the 2010 curve now clearly shows several local
AM Radio stations near 1 MHz.
Revision 3, 2010
Fig. 24 Typical severe arcing with some PD seen at many
frequencies in 2009
Fig. 25 RFCT placement on a switchgear safety ground
V. CONCLUSIONS
EMI Diagnostics has been the successful application of a
technology developed in one discipline, communications, then
applied to a second discipline, condition assessment of high
voltage industrial equipment. Data is collected in real time as
the equipment remains in service. A wide variety of electrical
and mechanical conditions can be identified during the first test.
Trending data verifies repairs were successful or if deterioration
has continued.
VI. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors wish to acknowledge the help of Peter Longo,
Alex Klima, Frank Young, Mike Anderson, John Allen, Paul
Spracklen and Davie Klinect for their contribution to this paper.
Special thanks go to the late E. K. Chambers who pioneered
the development of this technology in the 1980’s.
VII. REFERENCES
[1] NEMA Std 107-1987 (Reaff 1993), Methods of
Measurement of Radio Influence Voltage (RIV) of High-
Voltage Apparatus
[2] IEC: 2010, CISPR 16-1-1, Part 1-1, Specification for radio
disturbance and immunity measurement apparatus and
methods - Part 1: Radio disturbance and immunity
measuring apparatus.
[3] R. T. Harrold, F. T. Emery, F. J., Murphy, S. A. Drinkut,
“Radio frequency sensing of incipient faults within large
turbine generators,” IEEE Transactions on Power
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 Apparatus & Systems, vol. PAS-98, no. 3, pp. 1167–
1173, July/Aug. 1979.
[4] F. T. Emery, R. T. Harrold, “On line incipient arc detection
in large turbine generator stator windings,” IEEE
Transactions on Power Apparatus & Systems, vol. PAS-
99, no. 6, pp. 2232–2240, Nov./Dec. 1980.
[5] J. E. Timperley, E. Keith Chambers, “Locating Defects in
Large Rotating Machines and Associated Electrical
Systems Through EMI Diagnostics”, Thirty Fourth
Session of CIGRE, , paper 11-311, Paris, France, Sept.
1992
[6] A. Bethge, P. K. Lo, J. T. Phillipson, J. R. Weidner, “On
line monitoring of partial discharges on stator windings of
large rotating machines in the petrochemical
environment,” 1997 Petro-Chemical Industry, Conference
PCIC, 1997.
[7] J. T. Phillipson, “Experience with RF techniques in the
petrochemical industry,” 4th International Conference on
Generator and Motor Partial Discharge Testing, Houston,
Tex., May 1996. available from the Canadian Electricity
Association, Sun Life Building, Suite 1120, 1155 Metcalfe
Street, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3A 2V6.
[8] G.C. Stone, M. K. W. Stranges, D. G. Dunn, “Recent
Developments in IEEE and IEC Standards for Off-Line
and On-Line Partial Discharge Testing of Motor and
Generator Stator Windings”, IEEE PCIC, Sept 2014,
Paper No. PCIC-2014-9
[9] ASTM D1868-07, Standard Test Method for Detection
and Measurement of Partial Discharge (Corona) Pulses in
Evaluation of Insulation Systems, West Conshohocken,
PA: ASTM
[10] J. E. Timperley, “Incipient Fault Identification Through
Neutral RF Monitoring of Large Rotating Machines”, IEEE
Transactions on Power Apparatus and Systems, Vol.
PAS-102, No.3, March,1983, pp 693-698.
[11] J. E. Timperley, “Detection of Insulation Deterioration
Through Electrical Spectrum Analysis”, Proceedings of
the 16 th Electrical/Electronics Insulation Conference,
IEEE No. 83CH1952-1, Chicago, IL, Oct. 1983.
[12] J. E. Timperley, “Verifying Suitability for Service with EMI
Diagnostics,” ASMI paper PWR 2008-60167, ASME
Power 2008, Orlando, Florida, July 2008.
[13] J. E. Timperley, J. M. Vallejo, “Comparaison of EMI
Signatures to Improve Condition Assessment of
Generator Stator Insulation”,ISEI 2012 Conference, San
Revision 3, 2010
Juan, Puerto Rico, Paper #014, June 10-June 13, 2012.
[14] J. W. R. Smith, “Proposed Method for In-service
Monitoring of Stator Winding Insulation of Large HV
Motors,” Proceedings of the 18th Electrical/Electronics
Insulation Conference, Chicago, Ill., IEEE 87CH2452-1,
pp. 82–86, Oct. 1987.
VIII. VITA
James E. Timperley graduated with a BSEE from Oklahoma
State University in 1968. He is currently a Sr. Principle Engineer
with Doble Engineering. He has authored more than 80
technical papers in the areas of applied research, advanced
insulation systems, diagnostic testing, failure investigation,
inspecting, maintaining and specifying rotating machinery for
IEEE, Doble, ASME, CIGRE and EPRI.
Mr. Timperley is a Life Fellow of the IEEE and received the
2006 DEIS Dakin Award for the development of EMI
Diagnostics for power equipment. He is active in IEEE
standards committees, is a registered Professional Engineer in
the State of Ohio and has completed Basic Offshore Safety
Induction & Emergency Training (BOSIET) for working on off
shore facilities.
José M. Vallejo received his BSEE in 1974 and MEE in 1980
from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus. He is
a senior member in the IEEE and a member of the Industry
Applications Society.
In 1974, he joined Union Carbide Corporation where
advanced to department head. In 1997, he joined Coastal
Power Corporation as Director of Operations for Central
America, the Caribbean, and North America. He is currently
the Director of Universal Star Energy Services providing
technical services to industrial and power plants in the
Caribbean and Central America. He is also the General
Manager for Electrical Reliability Testing Services, an
electrical apparatus testing company registered in the
Dominican Republic. He is the co-author of several IEEE and
ASME papers. Mr. Vallejo is a Registered Professional
Engineer in the State of Texas.
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