Transformer Testing | Type Test and Routine Test of Transformer | Electrical4u

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Transformer Testing | Type Test

and Routine Test of
Transformer
More related topics:
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Transformer winding resistance measurement
Transformer Ratio Test
Vector Group Test of Transformer
Dielectric Test of Transformer
Temperature Rise Test of Transformer
Transformer Impulse Test
Sweep Frequency Response Analysis
Tan Delta or Dissipation Factor Test
Over Fluxing in Transformer
Earthing or Grounding Transformer
External & Internal Faults in Transformer
Backup Protection of Transformer
Differential Protection of Transformer
Restricted Earth Fault Protection
Maintenance of Transformer
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Transformer Testing | Type Test and Routine Test of Transformer | Electrical4u

Distribution Transformer
Air Core Transformer
High Voltage Transformer
Installation of Power Transformer
Commissioning of Power Transformer
This page is all about:
Type of Transformer Testing
Type Test
Routine Tests
Special Tests
Pre Commissioning Test
Winding Resistance Measurement
Ratio Test
Magnetic Balance Test
Procedure of Magnetic Balance Test
Magnetizing Current Test
Vector Group Test
Insulation Resistance Test or Megger Tes
Procedure of Insulation Resistance Test
Dielectric Tests of Transformer
Induced Voltage Test of Transformer
Temperature Rise Test of Transformer

For confirming the specifications and performances of an electrical

power transformer it has to go through numbers of testing procedures.
Some tests are done at manufacturer premises before delivering the
transformer. Mainly two types of transformer testing are done at
manufacturer premises- type test of transformer and routine test of
transformer. In addition to that some transformer tests are also
carried out at the consumer site before commissioning and also
periodically in regular & emergency basis through out its service life.
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Transformer Testing | Type Test and Routine Test of Transformer | Electrical4u

Type of Transformer Testing

Tests done at factory
1. Type tests

2. Routine tests

3. Special tests

Tests done at site

1. Pre-commissioning tests

2. Periodic/condition monitoring tests

3. Emergency tests

Type Test of Transformer

To prove that the transformer meets customers specifications and
design expectations, the transformer has to go through different
testing procedures in manufacturer premises. Some transformer tests
are carried out for confirming the basic design expectation of that
transformer. These tests are done mainly in a prototype unit not in all

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Transformer Testing | Type Test and Routine Test of Transformer | Electrical4u

manufactured units in a lot. Type test of transformer confirms main

and basic design criteria of a production lot.

Routine Tests of Transformer

Routine tests of transformer is mainly for confirming operational
performance of individual unit in a production lot. Routine tests are
carried out on every unit manufactured.

Special Tests of Transformer

Special tests of transformer is done as per customer requirement to
obtain information useful to the user during operation or maintenance
of the transformer.

Pre Commissioning Test of Transformer

In addition to these, the transformer also goes through some other
tests, performed on it, before actual commissioning of the transformer
at site. The transformer testing performed before commissioning the
transformer at site is called pre-commissioning test of transformer.
These tests are done to assess the condition of transformer after
installation and compare the test results of all the low voltage tests
with the factory test reports.

Spring Contact Probes

Experts in Probe Production Probes for All Types of Contacts

Type tests of transformer includes

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Transformer Testing | Type Test and Routine Test of Transformer | Electrical4u

1. Transformer winding resistance measurement

2. Transformer ratio test.
3. Transformer vector group test.
4. Measurement of impedance voltage/short circuit impedance
(principal tap) and load loss (Short circuit test).
5. Measurement of no load loss and current (Open circuit test).
6. Measurement of insulation resistance.
7. Dielectric tests of transformer.
8. Temperature rise test of transformer.
9. Tests on on-load tap-changer.
10. Vacuum tests on tank and radiators.
Routine tests of transformer include
1. Transformer winding resistance measurement.
2. Transformer ratio test.
3. Transformer vector group test.
4. Measurement of impedance voltage/short circuit impedance
(principal tap) and load loss (Short circuit test).
5. Measurement of no load loss and current (Open circuit test)

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Transformer Testing | Type Test and Routine Test of Transformer | Electrical4u

6. Measurement of insulation resistance.

7. Dielectric tests of transformer.
8. Tests on on-load tap-changer.
9. Oil pressure test on transformer to check against leakages past joints
and gaskets.

Neutral Grounding Cubicle

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That means Routine tests of transformer include all the type tests
except temperature rise and vacuum tests. The oil pressure test on
transformer to check against leakages past joints and gaskets is
included.

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Special Tests of transformer include

1. Dielectric tests.
2. Measurement of zero-sequence impedance of three-phase
transformers
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Transformer Testing | Type Test and Routine Test of Transformer | Electrical4u

3. Short-circuit test.
4. Measurement of acoustic noise level.
5. Measurement of the harmonics of the no-load current.
6. Measurement of the power taken by the fans and oil pumps.
7. Tests on bought out components / accessories such as buchhloz relay,
temperature indicators, pressure relief devices, oil preservation
system etc.

Transformer Winding Resistance

Measurement
Transformer winding resistance measurement is carried out to
calculate the I2R losses and to calculate winding temperature at the
end of a temperature rise test. It is carried out as a type test as well as
routine test. It is also done at site to ensure healthiness of a
transformer that is to check loose connections, broken strands of
conductor, high contact resistance in tap changers, high voltage leads
and bushings etc.
There are different methods for measuring of transformer winding,
likewise
Current voltage method of measurement of winding resistance.
Bridge method of measurement of winding resistance.
Kelvin bridge method of Measuring Winding Resistance.
Measuring winding resistance by Automatic Winding
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Transformer Testing | Type Test and Routine Test of Transformer | Electrical4u

Resistance Measurement Kit.

NB:- Transformer winding resistance measurement shall be carried
out at each tap.

Transformer Ratio Test

The performance of a transformer largely depends upon perfection of
specific turns or voltage ratio of transformer. So transformer ratio test
is an essential type test of transformer. This test also performed as
routine test of transformer. So for ensuring proper performance of
electrical power transformer, voltage and turn ratio test of transformer
one of the vital tests.
The procedure of transformer ratio test is simple. We just apply three
phase 415 V supply to HV winding, with keeping LV winding open.
The we measure the induced voltages at HV and LV terminals of
transformer to find out actual voltage ratio of transformer. We repeat
the test for all tap position separately.

Magnetic Balance Test of Transformer

Magnetic balance test of transformer is conducted only on three phase
transformers to check the imbalance in the magnetic circuit.
Procedure of Magnetic Balance Test of Transformer
1. First keep the tap changer of transformer in normal position.
2. Now disconnect the transformer neutral from ground.
3. Then apply single phase 230 V AC supply across one of the HV
winding terminals and neutral terminal.

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Transformer Testing | Type Test and Routine Test of Transformer | Electrical4u

4. Measure the voltage in two other HV terminals in respect of neutral

terminal.
5. Repeat the test for each of the three phases.
In case of auto transformer, magnetic balance test of transformer
should be repeated for LV winding also.
There are three limbs side by side in a core of transformer. One phase
winding is wound in one limb. The voltage induced in different
phases depends upon the respective position of the limb in the core.
The voltage induced in different phases of transformer in respect to
neutral terminals given in the table below.

Left side
phase

Central
phase

Right side
phase

AN

BN

CN

Voltage applied at left side

phase

230 V

180 V

50 V

Voltage applied at central

phase

115 V

230 V

115 V

Voltage applied at right side

phase

50 V

180 V

230 V

Magnetizing Current Test of Transformer

Magnetizing current test of transformer is performed to locate
defects in the magnetic core structure, shifting of windings, failure in
turn to turn insulation or problem in tap changers. These conditions
change the effective reluctance of the magnetic circuit, thus affecting
the current required to establish flux in the core.

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Transformer Testing | Type Test and Routine Test of Transformer | Electrical4u

1. First of all keep the tap changer in the lowest position and open all
IV & LV terminals.
2. Then apply three phase 415 V supply on the line terminals for three
phase transformers and single phase 230 V supply on single phase
transformers.
3. Measure the supply voltage and current in each phase.
4. Now repeat the magnetizing current test of transformertest with
keeping tap changer in normal position.
5. And repeat the test with keeping the tap at highest position.
Generally there are two similar higher readings on two outer limb
phases on transformer core and one lower reading on the centre limb
phase, in case of three phase transformers. An agreement to within
30% of the measured exciting current with the previous test is
usually considered satisfactory. If the measured exciting current
value is 50 times higher than the value measured during factory test,
there is likelihood of a fault in the winding which needs further
analysis.
Caution: This magnetizing current test of transformer is to be
carried out before DC resistance measurement.

Vector Group Test of Transformer

In three phase transformer, it is essential to carry out a vector group
test of transformer. Proper vector grouping in a transformer is an
essential criteria for parallel operation of transformers.

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Transformer Testing | Type Test and Routine Test of Transformer | Electrical4u

There are several internal connection of three phase transformer are

available in market. These several connections gives various
magnitudes and phase of the secondary voltage; the magnitude can be
adjusted for parallel operation by suitable choice of turn ratio, but the
phase divergence can not be compensated. So we have to choose
those transformer for parallel operation whose phase sequence and
phase divergence are same. All the transformers with same vector
ground have same phase sequence and phase divergence between
primary and secondary. So before procuring one electrical power
transformer, one should ensure the vector group of the transformer,
whether it will be matched with his or her existing system or not. The
vector group test of transformer confirms his or her requirements.

Insulation Resistance Test or Megger Test

of Transformer
Insulation resistance test of transformer is essential type test. This
test is carried out to ensure the healthiness of over all insulation
system of an electrical power transformer.
Procedure of Insulation Resistance Test of Transformer
1. First disconnect all the line and neutral terminals of the transformer.
2. Megger leads to be connected to LV and HV bushing studs to
measure insulation resistance IR value in between the LV and HV
windings.
3. Megger leads to be connected to HV bushing studs and transformer
tank earth point to measure insulation resistance IR value in between
the HV windings and earth.

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Transformer Testing | Type Test and Routine Test of Transformer | Electrical4u

4. Megger leads to be connected to LV bushing studs and transformer

tank earth point to measure insulation resistance IR value in between
the LV windings and earth.
NB : It is unnecessary to perform insulation resistance test of
transformer per phase wise in three phase transformer. IR values
are taken between the windings collectively as because all the
windings on HV side are internally connected together to form
either star or delta and also all the windings on LV side are
internally connected together to form either star or delta.
Measurements are to be taken as follows:
For auto transformer:
HV-IV to LV, HV-IV to E, LV to E.
For two winding transformer: HV to LV, HV to E, LV to E.
Three winding transformer: HV to IV, HV to LV, IV to LV, HV to
E, IV to E, LV to E.
Oil temperature should be noted at the time of insulation resistance
test of transformer. Since the IR value of transformer insulating oil
may vary with temperature.
IR values to be recorded at intervals of 15 seconds, 1 minute and 10
minutes.
With the duration of application of voltage, IR value increases. The
increase in IR is an indication of dryness of insulation.
Absorption coefficient = 1 minute value/ 15 secs. value.
Polarization index = 10 minutes value / 1 minute value.

Dielectric Tests of Transformer

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Transformer Testing | Type Test and Routine Test of Transformer | Electrical4u

Dielectric tests of transformer is one kind of insulation test. This test

is performed to ensure the expected over all insulation strength of
transformer. There are several test performed to ensure the required
quality of transformer insulation, dielectric test is one of them.
Dielectric tests of transformer is performed in two different steps, first
one called Separate source voltage withstand test of transformer,
where a single phase power frequency voltage of prescribed level, is
applied on transformer winding under test for 60 seconds while the
other windings and tank are connected to the earth and it is observed
that whether any failure of insulation occurs or not during the test.
Second one is induced voltage test of Transformer where, three phase
voltage, twice of rated secondary voltage is applied to the secondary
winding for 60 second by keeping the primary of the transformer
open circuited. The frequency of the applied voltage should be double
of power frequency too. Here also if no failure of insulation, the test
is successful.
In addition to dielectric tests of transformer there are other type test
for checking insulation of transformer, such as lightning impulse test,
switching impulse test and partial discharge test.

Induced Voltage Test of Transformer

The induced voltage test of transformer is intended to check the inter
turn and line end insulation as well as main insulation to earth and
between windings1. Keep the primary winding of transformer open circuited.
2. Apply three phase voltage to the secondary winding. The applied
voltage should be twice of rated voltage of secondary winding in
magnitude and frequency.
3. The duration of the test shall be 60 second.
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Transformer Testing | Type Test and Routine Test of Transformer | Electrical4u

4. The test shall start with a voltage lower than 1/3 the full test voltage,
and it shall be quickly increased up to
desired value.
The test is successful if no break down occurs at full test voltage
during test.

Temperature Rise Test of Transformer

Temperature rise test of transformer is included in type test of
transformer. In this test we check whether the temperature rising
limit of the transformer winding and oil as per specification or not.
In this type test of transformer, we have to check oil temperature rise
as well as winding temperature rise limits of an electrical transformer.
Objective Questions on Transformer (MCQs)

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