Offline Partial Discharge Testing
Maximising high voltage network integrity, keeping you online, all the time.
Offline PD testing services
Offline PD Testing
Offline PD testing is the best insulation condition assessment method. Performed when an asset is out of service, a controlled voltage is applied incrementally where the insulation condition is measured up to an agreed overvoltage stress level. Particularly effective during commissioning, this predictive maintenance gives asset managers the foresight to anticipate an assets lifespan.
LIVE HV PD Testing Benefits
- The best condition assessment tool for MV & HV plant
- Confirm correct installation during commissioning
- Detect & locate imminent faults prior to failure
- Reduce downtime & increase safety
Case Studies
PD Issues Detected
Commissioning
Commissioning with PD measurement can prove the quality of an asset’s installation prior to energisation. Traditional withstand testing, or Hi-Pots, utilise a pass/fail criteria, giving no diagnostic information while potentially antagonising an assets insulation, despite passing the test. Encapsulating withstand testing with PD lets asset managers KNOW the condition of their MV/HV asset following commissioning and prior to energisation.
Commissioning PD Testing Benefits
- Confirm asset insulation integrity prior to energisation
- Ensure no damage to asset during transit
- Confirm correct installation
- Set benchmark for assessment over assets’ lifecycle
Cables
PD testing is the best tool for detecting localised faults in common failure points such as cable joints and terminations. LIVE HV has performed hundreds of offline Partial Discharge tests on MV/HV cables for utility, renewable, mining and transportation customers Australia Wide.
Cable PD Testing Benefits
- Identify faulty joints & terminations prior to failure
- Commissioning & off-line PD testing for cables up 220 kV
- Very Low Frequency (VLF) testing
- 50 Hz cable testing
Case Studies
Cable PD testing
Switchgear
Switchgear Off-Line PD testing will detect insulation faults that traditional tests frequently miss. Common failure points such as bushings and instrument transformers are identified, enabling repair/replacement before failure. PD fault location is provided using an array of sensors and analysis methods. LIVE HV work closely with all the big names in switchgear manufacturing to provide an unparalleled PD testing service.
Switchgear PD Testing Benefits
- Commissioning & off-line PD testing for GIS, air insulated & outdoor switchgear
- Partial Discharge measurement in accordance with IEC 60270
- Partial Discharge fault location
Case Studies
Switchgear PD Testing
Transformers
Offline Partial Discharge testing produces a more sensitive means of PD measurement of a transformer. The ability to control the test voltage facilitates the location of the insulation issue, permitting targeted repairs.
Transformer PD Testing Benefits
- Identify & monitor insulation damage prior to failure
- Quality assurance prior to initial energisation
- Controlled overstress to predict insulation issues
- Determine lifecycle stage of aging transformers
Motors & Generators
Offline PD testing of your machine excels in detecting even the smallest partial discharges with high accuracy. It provides insights into insulation defects that might not be easily detectable through other methods. The ability to induce and control the voltage while testing allows for a thorough condition assessment.
Motor & Generator PD Testing Benefits
- Quality assurance prior to initial energisation
- Identify & monitor insulation damage prior to failure
- Controlled overstress to predict insulation issues
Offline Partial Discharge Testing
Offline Partial Discharge Testing is the most accurate method for assessing the insulation condition of all high-voltage (HV) assets. PD Testing can identify and importantly, locate high voltage insulation defects in common failure points such as cable joints and terminations, switchgear bushings and instrument transformers amongst others. The capacity to apply a controlled stress to the asset can predict insulation defects that in-service testing is unable to achieve.
LIVE HV’s Offline Partial Discharge Testing enables customers to monitor, trend and make proactive decisions to ensure your high voltage network remains operational, without unplanned outages.
Offline PD testing can be conducted on Cables, Rotating Machines, Switchgear, and Transformers.
Offline Partial Discharge Applications
- Commissioning
- Site acceptance testing
- Routine Maintenance
- End of warranty condition assessment
Our expertise
Australian pioneers in online Partial Discharge, our experience & technical knowledge are unrivalled.
- Flexible assessment options for all industries
- Spot testing & continuous monitoring for all HV plant
- Insulation defect detection & pinpointing
- Precise reporting with actionable recommendations
- Multiple assets tested per day
Where we work
LIVE HV are proud to offer all of our services across Australia and New Zealand.
- Mobile testing vans
- Latest range of test equipment
- Experienced, qualified technicians
Case Studies
Read more for examples of LIVE HV providing engineering and service solutions for our partners.
An offline Partial Discharge test is becoming standard practise during routine high voltage commissioning of switchgear.
Pinpointing the location of PD on a cable is imperative. LIVE HV’s extensive cable database has proven tolerance levels for
In many cases larger HV assets fail testing requirements, or more critically break down in service conditions, due to faulty
