M4000 Product Line

Application Note: M4120:02

Subject: Using the M4100 with the Clamp on CT Probe to assess individual capacitors on a capacitor bank.

Scope: Define a procedure for testing individual capacitors installed in a capacitor bank without
disconnecting the unit from the bank.

Introduction
For this application the M4100 will serve solely as the measurement instrument, the power source will be the
M4110. The voltage supplied by the M4110 is monitored by the M4100 through the Red Low Voltage Lead (Red
LVL). The current drawn by the individual capacitor is measured by the M4100 through a Clamp on CT Probe
which is connected to the Blue Low Voltage Lead (Blue LVL).

Hardware Requirements
• M4100 Instrument
• Clamp-On CT Probe
• M4110

Software Requirements
M4000 Software with M4120 External Reference Module, version 2.1 or later

Test Principle
An external source voltage is applied to the capacitor bank and the M4100 system is used to measure the test
potential, and the individual cell current magnitude and angle (angle reference to the applied voltage). From this
information the software extracts the electrical parameters (V, I, watt, %PF and capacitance) for each individual cell
and our presented on the test plan of the M4000 External Reference software. The changes in %PF and capacitance
indicate the change in condition of the capacitor unit. The recommended external source to be used is the M4110,
which has a high output current (25A max.), as shown in Figure 1b.
N
I = Σ Ii
i=1
Clamp-on Current Probe
M4110 Top Bar
Ii

Bottom Bar
M4100

General Test Principal

FIGURE 1A

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 Top Bar

M4110
Bottom Bar

M4100
Using M4110 as the external source
FIGURE 1B

Rated Voltage: 600V

Clamp-on current probe connected to Blue LV lead

FIGURE 1C

The current of each individual capacitor Ii is measured through the clamp-on current probe which is connected to
M4100 via Blue LVL (see Figure 1b). This test voltage is measured through the Red LV lead through the M4110
Red terminal, as shown in Figure 1b. The M4000 will determine the watts loss, power factor and capacitance of each
tested capacitor unit using the measured voltage, current and the phase angle between the voltage and current in the
same manner as in power factor testing [2].

CAPACITOR BANK ASSEMBLY AND UNIT IDENTIFICATION

Assembly: Typically a capacitor bank is assembled in three possible arrangements: simple parallel group (Figure
2a), multiple parallel groups (Figure 2b) or series-parallel groups (Figure 2c). Normally, a capacitor group consists
of 4 to 20 capacitors mounted in parallel in the same rack, as shown in Figure 1. Therefore, they are subjected to the
same voltage. Then the group can be connected to other groups to form multiple parallel or series-parallel groups.

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 Line
Line
Line

Neutral Neutral

a) Parallel Group b) Multiple Parallel Groups c) Series-Parallel Groups

Figure2: Capacitor Bank Connections

Unit Identification: To identify the individual capacitor in the bank, we use the general label “Xn-m”; where “X” is
the phase identification (ex. A, B and C). “n” is the rack position starting from the line to neutral end for series-
parallel groups or from top to bottom starting from outside rack for parallel groups. “m” is the cell position in the
rack starting from left to right when facing the capacitor rack. See the example of capacitor identification in the
Annex.

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Test Procedures
Before attempting to test a capacitor bank, a safety procedure has to be established and must comply with the user’s
safety policies, standards and regulations. The capacitor bank must be isolated, grounded, and discharged. After
these steps have been completed, the neutral of the capacitor bank is grounded and connected to the M4100 ground
lead during testing.
The test connection for both arrangements (parallel and series-parallel) is identical as shown in Figure 1b, with the
exception that the same process has to apply to every group for the multiple parallel or series-parallel groups, as
shown in Figure 2.

Using M4110 as external source

The M4110 has wide range of voltage control and is conveniently equipped with both input and output protection
breakers. The detailed specification can be found in [3]. The test connection is illustrated in the following Figures 3:

Line

M4110

Neutral
M4100
Test connection for multiple series-parallel groups
FIGURE 3
TABLE 1
Doble CapBank Test Procedure using M4110
M4110 M4100 Test
Description
Voltage Sense Lead Red Lead Black Lead Mode Red LV Blue LV Lead-
Lead Current Probe

1 Black to Back Lead Cap. Cap. Group UST-B M4110 Red Cap-Unit Fig.1b, 3
/White to Red Lead Group Top Bottom Terminal bushing and 4
Repeat Test 1 on each capacitor unit in the capacitor group by moving only the current probe and repeat the process
for each parallel group in the capacitor bank. The current probe polarity must agree with the current circulation or
source polarity. If the M4110 main breaker trips when safety switch is depressed, then the ground on cap bank
neutral has to be removed.

Using External Reference software module

The M4000 software with the External Reference module installed is required. Details on running the software is
covered in the Annex. This module has a test screen similar to the M4000 Clipboard screen and has the following
features (see Figure 4 in the Annex):
1. Two choices of coupling devices, either a capacitor (pF) or resistor (Ohms) (see Figure 4 c). Select Ohms
with 7200 as default value when using M4110. “pF” is only for using an external coupling capacitor.

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 2. Correction factor for coupling capacitor loss (see Figure 4 d): Use the direct measured %PF when using a
coupling capacitor, and leave the field blank when using M4110.
3. Maximum test voltage and indication of line frequency (see Figure 4 e): the voltage should be ≤0.6kV.
4. Current Attenuation (ratio) of the current probe (see Figure 4 f): Use 1000 for the Doble current probe.
5. Correction factor for the measured power factor (see Figure 4 g): Use -1 for the Doble current probe.
6. Total of 400 test lines capable of testing 400 capacitors
The information of features 1 to 4 is essential for the measurement; it is critical that these four fields must be
properly filled out prior to any testing. The user should also provide the nameplate and Test Condition information
as much as possible for future reference and test data analysis. Additional information can be entered in the Sheet
Note at the bottom screen (see Figure 4 h).

Test Voltage
The test voltage should not exceed 600V due to the rated voltage of the leads and current probe, while the total test
current is limited to the rated current of the test source. In general, the total test current (I) is a function of the test
voltage (V), frequency (f) and the total capacitance (C) of the capacitor group under test. The following equations
allow for the calculation of the test current and capacitance of the group under test:
I = 2π f C V ; [Equation 1]
N
C = Σ Ci ; [Equation 2]
i=1

Where N is the unit number in the capacitor group and Ci is the capacitance of the unit capacitor.
For a 60 Hz system, the preferred test voltage is 240V. If the total capacitance of the capacitor group under test is
too large, causing the protective devices to operate, then the test voltage is reduced to 120V. For a 50 Hz system,
Equation 1 and the above general guideline can be used. The following table is the summary:
TABLE 2
Recommended Test Voltage of Capacitor Bank
60 Hz System 50 Hz System
Test Voltage (V) Total group capacitance (μF) Test Voltage (V) Total group capacitance (μF)
240 < 221 (μF)
≤ 600 Volts < 3183*I/V (μF)
120 ≥ 221 (μF)
If the test current still exceeds the rated current of the source due to the size of the capacitance of the group
capacitor, then the test voltage can be reduced.

Test Data Interpretation

In general, the capacitance should be within ±5% of the nameplate value and the power factor is 3% or less. These
limits should be used in conjunction with historical data analysis, comparison with test results on similar units, and
the manufacturer’s recommendation. Test conditions should always be considered in any comparison study, since
the capacitance and %PF can vary with temperature and humidity.
Power Factor: The power-factor test is the most effective known field test procedure for the early detection of
contamination, tracking, partial discharge and deterioration.
Capacitance: Short-circuited condenser layers or sections of capacitor result in increased capacitance and charging
current. Conversely a decreased capacitance and charging current indicate condenser layer discontinuity, or de-

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lamination due to missing fluid. In general, a capacitance change is a good indication of internal damage or
deformation.
Note: CAPACITANCE’s units in Figure 5 g becomes Henry when the current probe polarity does not agree with
the source polarity; reverse the current probe to correct the polarity. Also the abnormally low capacitance can be
caused by not fully closed jaws of the current probe.

Field Experience and Advantages

This CapBank test has been successfully used to troubleshoot the intermittent voltage unbalance and to assess the
condition of capacitor banks [1]. The test procedure and interpretation are simple and can be easily implemented in a
maintenance program or used for troubleshooting.
Also the advantages of using this application of the M4000 system to test capacitor banks are:
1. Disconnection of each capacitor unit from the bank is not required reducing test time.
2. Each capacitor unit test takes about one minute to perform.
3. Using a low DC voltage capacitance test is not an effective method to troubleshoot a problem in high
voltage AC capacitors.
4. Fluid leaks in the early stages that have not affected the internal condition of the capacitor can not be
detected by this test. Visual inspection is the best tool for this problem.
5. Test conditions and test data are automatically recorded and electronically saved. This method facilitates
enormously the task of data analysis, management and exchange, and prevents possible human error from
occurring.
6. A comprehensive bank of test data and conditions (voltage, current, watt loss, power factor, capacitance,
correction factors, temperature, humidity, date and time) is essential for comparison and trend analysis.
7. For M4000 users, implementing this test requires very little investment and further enhances the usefulness
of the M4000
8. The M4110 is recommended as the external source, because the user will have great control and protection.
9. If an external source other than the M4110 is used, the Doble TTR capacitor is recommended as the
coupling device, as shown in Figure 1c. The TTR capacitor is an accessory for the M4000 and is used for
the turns ratio test. This very portable capacitor can be included in the accessory bag upon the client’s
request.
10. The Doble clamp-on current probe is recommended for performing current measurements. If a different
current probe is used, its performance and insulation should be equal or superior.
11. With External Reference software, the user has to manually review the test data. The author recommends
performing this analysis task in a spreadsheet program (Excel) by exporting the test data electronically.

References
1. Long Pong, “Field Testing Capacitor Banks With M4000 Test Instrument”, Minutes of the 73nd Annual
International Conference of Doble Clients, 2005, in Arresters, Capacitors, Cables and Accessories Committee,
paper ACCA 7
2. Doble Engineering Company, “M4000 Insulation Analyzer User Guide”, PN 500-0110
3. “M4110 Leakage Reactance Interface”, Doble brochure

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ANNEX
INSTALLATION NOTES, CREATING TEST PLAN, RUNNING TEST AND IDENTIFYING CAPACITOR

CREATING TEST PLAN

Test plan should be created in advance, as shown in Figure 4, before going to the field, using the nameplate and
drawing information.

1
2

3 4 5

Test Plan Template

FIGURE 4

Two templates of test plan are available “CapBank_Template2.m4k” and CapBank_Template5.m4k” for capacitor
bank with 2 and 5 racks per phase respectively and each rack has 14 capacitor units.
These templates can be modified for other capacitor bank that has the different arrangement. To modify the test
template, the short cut command keys Ctrl + Ins or Ctrl + Del can be used respectively to add or delete a test line.
These adding or deleting test line command can be also performed through the menu Tools.

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RUNING TEST
Place the cursor on the desired starting test line and the test can be initiated by F2 key, the short cut icon a or the
menu Test. Once the test is initiated, the testing screen in Figure 5 is displayed:

Testing Screen
FIGURE 5
Only NORMAL Test Type, see Figure 5c, needs to be performed. The following test sequence should be followed:
1. Clicking on “Run the Test” button to execute the test, see Figure 5 d
2. If this is the first test in the capacitor group, at Running Test screen, see Figure 6, adjust the test voltage
using M4110 voltage knob to the desired level (240V) which is displayed at the end of voltage ramping bar,
see Figure 6c. If this is the subsequent test in the group, go to the step 3
3. Use F3 key to make the measurement and F5 key to accept the test result.
Note: CAPACITANCE’s units in Figure 6d or Figure 5g becomes Henry when the current probe
polarity does not agree with the source polarity; reverse the current probe to correct the polarity. Also the
abnormally low capacitance can be caused by not fully closed jaws of the current probe.
4. Testing screen is reappeared, click on Next, see Figure 5e, to test the next unit and repeat the process of
step 1 to 3 until the end of the group.
5. Click “Done” to return to the test plan in Figure 4 and turn the M4110 voltage knob back to zero position.

To test another group or rack, change the test connection and repeat the steps 1 to 5 until the end of the capacitor
bank. A test can not be initiated if the M4110 voltage knob was not set back to zero position. The instruction of
M4110 operation can be found in [2] and [3].

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 1

Running Test Screen

FIGURE 6

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IDENTIFYING CAPACITOR
The individual capacitor in the bank is identified by the labeling system “Xn-m”. Where “X” is the phase
identification (ex. A, B and C). “n” is the rack position starting from the line end to neutral for series-parallel groups
or from top to bottom starting from outside rack for parallel groups. “m” is the unit position in the rack starting from
left to right when facing the capacitor rack. The following is the example of capacitor identification for the capacitor
bank that consists of five-series parallel groups.
A3-1

1 A3-14
Rack position number Unit position

3
2

4
5

Phase C Phase B Phase A

Five-Series-Parallel Groups
FIGURE 7

Line Terminal Line Terminal

Unit Position Number
Rack Unit position number
Position 14 . .…… 3 2 1
Number 1 1 2 14
1
Rack position number

1 2 3 ……... 14 3
2 3
4

1 2 3 ……... 14 5
5 4
Grounded
Grounded
Neutral
Neutral
Terminal

One-phase of the Five-Series-Parallel Groups

FIGURE 8

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