40kV Surge Testing

40kV Surge Testing

This test uses extremely short high voltage pulses to test electric windings and their insulation. This surge creates a voltage difference between turns. The turn to turn insulation is tested for quality. Turn to turn insulation weakness, incipient faults and all windings problems and faults are immediately visible on the oscilloscope screen.

Why Perform Surge Testing?

Insulation deterioration is one of the first signs that a motor is going to fail electrically. Since secondary insulation is least able to sustain wear, shorting usually occurs here before the thicker, ground wall insulation is affected. Surge testing is a non-destructive test and detects the early stages of secondary insulation deterioration.

The cost of motor failure is measured by interruption of plant output as well as extent of repair or replacement. Surge testing greatly decreases both. It detects failure early enough so that motor repair or replacement can be scheduled during a normal shutdown rather than an emergency outage. In addition, damage to the motor is minimized.