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The most common type tests required for medium and

high voltage switchgear
By Edvard Csanyi May, 2nd 2022 Subscribe Share!    
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Home / Technical Articles / The most common type tests required for medium and high voltage switchgear

Switchgear Type Tests

Let me put the definition of switchgear type tests this way. A switchgear MUST withstand voltage
in normal and abnormal conditions and to carry varying load currents during its lifetime. A
switchgear MUST be able to clear faults occurring due to various unavoidable reasons and to
carry fault current in case of through-faults. Type tests are the proof that a switchgear can fulfill
all these requirements.

The most common type tests for medium voltage switchgear required from customers

As a result of all this, the switchgear MUST safeguard power system from severe damage while
also being safe for operating workers and other equipment in the case of a breakdown in the
switchgear panel.

The performance of a switchgear in normal and abnormal situations MUST be confirmed by

subjecting it to various types of tests, the parameters for which are outlined in National and
International standards in order to cover as many practical scenarios as feasible. Equipment
testing begins with the idea stage, when the maker examines all conceivable parameters to
ensure the equipment’s long-term performance.

In most cases, these standards include all feasible testing criteria. However, depending
on their needs and applications, various customers and utilities have varying
requirements, and that’s the point of possible costs might appear that are not
calculated initially.

The truth is that it’s pretty tough to establish all of the needs for all utilities or customers in one
location. They can now choose between numerous types of equipment for different voltage levels
and specifications, such as IEC 62271-100 and IEC 62271-200. However, the customer must
inspect the site to determine how the test requirements will differ for the optimal equipment
performance.

The number of test samples provided in IEC 62271-100 should be used for all type tests.

Switchgear Type Tests:

1. Dielectric Tests
2. Radio Interference Test
3. Measurement of the Resistance of Main Circuit
4. Temperature Rise Test
5. Short-Time Current Withstand Test
6. Verification of the Degree of Protection Test
7. Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Test
8. Mechanical Operation Tests at Ambient Temperature
9. Short-Circuit Duties Test
10. Capacitive Current Switching Tests
11. Environmental Test
1. Normal Service Conditions
2. Abnormal Service Conditions
12. Critical Current Test
13. Short Line Fault Test
14. Out-of-Phase Making and Breaking Tests

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Switchgear Type Tests

1. Dielectric Tests
The power system experiences occasional temporary power frequency overvoltages, which arises
during load throw, wrong transformer OLTC operation, insufficient shunt compensation,
resonance, etc. Dielectric tests are performed to verify the rated insulation strength of the
switchgear to ascertain that when a circuit breaker is put into service, its design is capable of
withstanding overvoltages occurring due to above reasons and due to lightning, switching
operations, etc.

This is verified in compliance with the Standards. The tests which are performed under this
category are discussed below.

1.1 One-Minute Dry-Power Frequency Voltage Withstand Test

This test is carried out to verify the capability of the equipment to withstand the power
frequency test voltage for one minute in dry condition. The values of power frequency test
voltage with respect to the system voltage have been identified in the standards.

1.2 One-Minute Wet-Power Frequency Voltage Withstand Test

This is the same as the one minute dry power frequency voltage test, but is conducted with
equipment in wet condition. These are applicable for outdoor installations only.

1.3 Lightning Impulse Voltage Dry Withstand Test

This test is conducted to verify whether the switchgear is able to withstand overvoltage due to
the peak value of standard impulse (1.2/50 μs) during lightning.

Figure 1 – Application of the impulse withstand

Figure 1 – Application of the impulse withstand

1.4 Switching Impulse Voltage Test (Optional)

This test is optional. It’s conducted to verify whether the switchgear is able to withstand
overvoltages due to switching surges. This test is significant for system voltages above 300
kV.

Switching surges occur during opening and closing of the unloaded EHV or lines,
breaking inductive/capacitive loads.

Switching surges are comparatively of a longer duration (2500 μs), lower rate of rise and are
represented by standard switching impulse test wave of 250/2500 μs.

1.5 Partial Discharge Test (Optional)

Partial discharge test is a component test and is not recommended to be carried out on
complete switchgear, wherein the design of the switchgear consists of a combination of
conventional compose. (e.g. CTs and VTs) which can be tested in accordance with their
respective Standards.

But in the case of switchgear wherein organic insulating material is used, then this test is
recommended, such as in the case of integrated switchgear design, specially GIS, where live
parts and connections are embedded in solid insulation.

Suggested reading – Why is continuous on-line monitoring of partial discharge in the switchgear
necessary?

Why is continuous on-line monitoring of partial discharge in the

switchgear necessary?
Not sure? You know that periodical maintenance test like partial discharge test can still leave switchgear in
virtually unknown condition. Insulation defects and deterioration may very well develop in service … Continue
reading

EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal 6

1.6 Artificial Pollution Tests

These tests are applicable for outdoor installations only and are carried out on the basis of an
agreement between the user and the manufacturer. The voltage values for the above tests are
specified in standards against the system voltage.

1.7 Switchgear Design Aspects

While designing a switchgear, the parts located at different electric potential MUST be separated
by insulation in order to ensure the safety of personnel working on it and the reliability of its
operations, to prevent phase-to-earth, or phase-to-phase flashover.

The insulation in switchgear serves three main purposes. It provides insulation:

1. Between current-carrying live parts and earth;

2. In contact gap during ‘breaker open’ condition; and
3. Between current-carrying live parts of different phases.

A wide range of materials is used for the purpose of achieving the above stated
insulation. These materials can be solid, liquid, or gaseous. They are used to fill
spaces, support live parts and to extinguish arc depending upon their physical
properties and form.

1.7.1 Gaseous Air

Gaseous air is the most commonly used gaseous material, which is composed of 80% nitrogen
and 20% oxygen. Its properties are therefore close to nitrogen. Air clearances between phases
and between phases to earth against the system voltage are as mentioned to IEC 62271-100.

A recent addition to the list of gases used to fill the switchgear enclosure is SF6 gas
which has a dielectric strength of approximately three times that of air. It serves
the dual purpose of acting as both an insulation medium as well as an arc-quenching
medium.

Among gases, air is the only insulating material which can be used effectively at atmospheric
pressure.

Figure 2 – Medium voltage (SF6 gas insulated) switchgear

Figure 2 – Medium voltage (SF6 gas insulated) switchgear

1.7.2 Fluids
A range of fluids has been used for insulation in switchgear. Hydrogen carbon oil often referred
to as ‘transformer oil’ was being used in bulk oil CB. It has the advantage of fulfilling the dual role
of both an insulation as well as an arc-extinguishing medium. Its dielectric strength is three times
that of SF6 at atmospheric pressure.

However, it is now coming under increasing scrutiny from the

safety point of view because of its inflammable property. So,
it’s not an option any more!

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MORE INFORMATION

Edvard Csanyi
Electrical engineer, programmer and founder of EEP. Highly specialized
for design of LV/MV switchgears and LV high power busbar trunking
(<6300A) in power substations, commercial buildings and industry
facilities. Professional in AutoCAD programming.

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