2.

1 Introduction
Transformer is the most important unit in an electrical distribution network. All transformers
are subjected to thorough tests at the manufacturer’s works before despatch to the
destination of erection.Due to limitations in transport, large capacity transformers are dis-
assembled into various components before despatch. At site, the transformers are re-
assembled with the various components like bushings, coolers, conservator etc. and then the
internal body is dried out to remove the surface moisture sticking to the paper insulation
during exposure at site. As erection of transformers involve assembly of various components,
pre-test inspection of transformers have greater importance than other parts of an electrical
system. The following paragraphs explain the pre-test inspections/pre-commission checks
and the pre-commission tests to be conducted on power transformers prior to energisation of
the unit.
2.2 Recording the salient parameters
As the service life of a transformer is expected to cover very many years, it is necessary to
record the salient parameters of the transformer for future reference. Rated capacity, rated
voltage ratio,connection, make, maker’s serial number, year of manufacture, date of
completion of erection,insulation dry out details at site etc. may be documented in a register
as permanent record. It is also necessary to record the serial number, rating and make of
various components like bushings, tap changer, tap changer control cubicle, cooler control
cubicle, cooling fans, oil pumps, Buchholtz relay,temperature indicators, heat exchangers, oil
flow meter, water flow meter, pressure gauges, oil level gauge etc. For easy reference, the
details of the main body and various components may be recorded in separate pages of a
register. This register will serve as a record of the service of the transformer.Details of
replacement of components may also be recorded in the same register.
2.3 Pre-commission checks
Before commencing the pre-commission tests, it is necessary to visually inspect various
parts,components and accessories of the transformer and also to conduct operational check
for various protective devices. Check lists may be followed for the visual inspection and the
operational checks so that the pre-commission checks are conducted in a systematic manner
and also that no check/test is omitted. Model check lists for General checks and Functional
checks are given at the end of thischapter in Appendix 2.1 and 2.2 respectively.
2.3.1 General checks
(i) General arrangement
The General arrangement of the electrical installation shall be checked for concurrence with
the
scheme approved by the Department of Electrical Inspectorate. Special emphasis may be
given to the
following:
· size of cables
· size of bus bars
· size of bus trunking
· size of earthing conductors
· adequacy of various clearances
· spacing between supports
· ventilation
· oil drain facilities
· fire protection walls
· fire fighting arrangements
(ii) Terminations
The transformer terminal connections may be checked for the following:
· flexibility and area of cross section of flexible connections at bushings
· clearances of live jumper connections from transformer tank and accessories
· socket size
· perfection of crimpings
· tinning of contact surfaces to prevent bimetalic action
· clearances inside cable end box
· clearances of bus bar trunking
· conformity of cable end box with the relevant IP( Ingress Protection) classification
· correctness of cable glanding and adequacy of cable gland earthing or pig tail
· support of cables at terminations and unsupported lengths
(iii) Perfection of connections
Connections to the following shall be checked for proper surface contact, seating and
tightness.
· to bushings
· to the tap changer
· to earth leads
· to control and protective cables
· to thermometers
(iv) Earthing
Check the size of earthing conductors, tinning of contact surfaces, area of contact and
seating,effectiveness of bolting, socketing, riveting, welding etc.for the earthing of the
following:
· Duplicate earthing for neutral and body
· Main tank and top cover
· Fan motors
· Pumps
· On Load Tap Changer (OLTC) chamber
· Tap changer driving gear
· Divertor switch
· Cable glands/termination
· Marshalling box
(v) Control cable connections
Check the control cable connections between the following
· transformer accessories and marshalling box
· marshalling box and sub-station panel
· tap changer control cubicle and sub-station panel
(vi) Radiator
Check the radiator for release of air and position of valves. The valves shall be in open
position.
(vii) Main conservator and OLTC conservator
Check the oil level in the main conservator and OLTC conservator . The conservator shut off
valve in the Buchholtz relay pipe line shall be in open position.
(viii) Bushings
Check the oil level in the bushings if sealed bushings are used. Release air from bushings if
air release plugs are provided.
(ix) Breather
Check the oil level in the oil seal of the breather. Check the colour of the silica gel in the
breather .
(x) Cooler units, fans and pumps
Check fans and pumps for proper mounting. The number of fans and their position on the
radiators shall be in conformity with the general arrangement drawings.
· Check the direction of rotation of cooling fans and pumps
· Check the direction of oil flow
· Check flow of water in heat -exchangers
· Measure the Insulation Resistance (IR) of fans and pumps
· Check the settings for operation of fan motors and oil pumps
· Check the cooler unit for correct indication of oil flow and setting of the thermometer
(xi) Winding Temperature Indicator (WTI) and Oil Temperature Indicator (OTI)
· Check whether thermometer pocket is filled with oil
· Check whether the connections of the CT for winding temperature indicator to the
thermometer pocket is properly made as per the instructions given on the WTI terminal box.
· Check whether the contacts of WTI and OTI for alarm and trip are set at required
temperatures depending upon ambient temperature and loading conditions. For oil filled
transformers, the maximum permissible temperature rise above the ambient temperature is
usually taken as 450C for oil and 550C for winding. In the case of cast resin transformers, the
alarm contact of the winding temperature relay is usually designed to operate at 1400 C and
trip contact at 1600 C for transformers upto 1000 kVA. For higher ratings, the temperatures
are 1600 C and 1800C respectively.
· Calibration of the WTI/OTI may be checked with hot oil. Working of the WTI/RTD repeaters
shall be checked at the control room.
(xii) Buchholtz relays
· Check the angle of mounting of the Buchholtz relay using a spirit level
· Check the floats for free movement
· Release air in the Buchholtz relay
· In the case of forced oil cooled transformers, make sure that the Buchholtz relay does not
operate when the pumps are switched on
xiii) Magnetic Oil Level Gauge
Move the float level of the oil level indicator up and down between the end positions to ensure
that the mechanism does not get stuck at any point. The low oil level alarm of the gauge shall
be checked.
(xiv) Arcing horn gap
Check arcing horn gaps of bushings for conformity with standard values. The standard values
are given below:

(xv) Tap changer

Check the sequence of operation of the tap changer for the following:
· manual operation
· local electrical operation
· remote electrical operation
· parallel operation
(xvi) General inspection
i. Heaters in cubicles, conservator, etc. shall be checked
ii. Any other alarm/trip, contacts of flow meters, differential pressure gauges, etc. shall be
checked
iii. In the case of water cooled transformers, the pressure gauge readings on water and oil
sides shall be checked to ensure that the water pressure is less than the oil pressure. The
quantity of oil and water flow shall not be less than what is specified
iv. The angle of protection of the lightning shield provided for outdoor transformers shall be
checked. The angle shall be less than 30 degrees
v. Check whether roller blocks are provided for the rollers of the transformer
2.3.2 Functional checks
After the visual inspection is complete, it is necessary to test proper functioning of various
protective
relays and instruments. The following functional checks may be carried out.
1. Check the operation of the Buchholtz alarm and trip by injecting air through the test pet
cock.
2. Test the OTI for alarm and trip.
3. Test the WTI for alarm and trip.
4. Check the working of the WTI / RTD (Resistance Temperature Device) repeaters at the
control room.
5. Test the OLTC – Oil surge relay for trip.
6. Check alarm for low oil level .
7. Check the REF relay for current setting
8. Check the differential relay for main and bias settings
9. Check the back up over current and earth fault relays for current and time.
10. Check the over voltage relay for voltage and time.
11. Check the instantaneous over voltage relay for voltage.
12. Check the over fluxing relay for voltage, frequency and time.
13. Check the cooler unit for
· over current setting of fans
· over current setting of oil pumps
· cooler supply failure alarm
· fan/pump trip alarm
.any mal- operation of the transformer Buchholtz relay when all the oil pumps are switched on
simultaneously in forced oil cooled transformers
2.4 Pre-commissioning tests
2.4.1 Insulation Resistance test
Insulation Resistance test is the simplest and most widely used test to find out the soundness
of insulation between two windings or between windings and ground. Insulation resistance is
measured by means of insulation testers popularly known as ‘Megger’. The ‘Megger’ consists
of a D.C power source (hand operated or electrically driven D.C generator or a battery source
with electronic circuit ) and a measuring system. Microprocessor based insulation testers are
also now available. The insulation test reveals the condition of the insulation inside the
transformer. The insulation resistance values are affected by temperature, humidity and
presence of dirt on insulators and bushings.
Selection of Insulation Testers
Insulation testers with test voltage of 500, 1000, 2500 and 5000 V are available. The
recommended
ratings of the insulation testers are given below:

Factors influencing IR value

The IR value of transformers are influenced by
1. surface condition of the terminal bushing
2. quality of oil
3. quality of winding insulation
4. temperature of oil
5. duration of application and value of test voltage
Different IR values monitored in transformers
The following IR values are monitored in transformers
1. winding to ground. eg. HV to LV and earth connected together LV to HV and earth.
2. winding to winding. eg. HV to LV
3. all windings to ground .eg. HV and LV to earth.
Steps for measuring the IR
1. Shut down the transformer and disconnect the jumpers and lightning arrestors.
2. Discharge the winding capacitance.
3. Thoroughly clean all bushings
4. Short circuit the windings.
5. Guard the terminals to eliminate surface leakage over terminal bushings.
6. Record the temperature.
7. Connect the test leads (avoid joints).
8. Apply the test voltage and note the reading. The IR. value at 60 seconds after application
of the test voltage is referred to as the Insulation Resistance of the transformer at the test
temperature.
Minimum value of IR
The following values of IR at 30deg. C can be considered to be the minimum requirement for
new oil
filled transformers.

The transformer IR values in oil drained condition will be 15 to 20 times more than in oil filled
condition.
Influence of temperature on IR
IR. values decrease sharply with the rise in temperature of the oil. The following correction
factors may be used for arriving at the IR value with difference in temperature.

Interpretation of Insulation Resistance value.

While interpreting IR values, importance shall be given to the variation of the values over a
period of time rather than absolute values. For conclusive analysis, use only results from tests
performed at identical conditions as IR values are affected by value of test voltage,
temperature of oil, duration of application of voltage, humidity, extent of stress applied etc. IR
values recorded over a period of time may be plotted as a curve to study the history of the
insulation resistance. A curve showing a downward trend indicates a loss of IR due to
unfavourable conditions such as oildeterioration, excessive moisture in paper,
deterioration/damage to terminal bushings etc. A very sharp drop is a cause for concern and
action shall be taken to ascertain the exact cause of insulation failure and for corrective steps.
Points to note
1. Transformers with OLTC have lower IR values when compared with transformers with off
circuit tap changer.
2. Auto transformers have lower IR when compared to two winding transformers.
3. Transformer windings with graded insulation have lower IR when compared to fully
insulated windings.
4. If the non-measured winding terminals are not guarded, the megger will give a low reading.
5. Avoid meggering when the transformer is under vacuum.
2.4.2 Dielectric absorption and polarisation index tests
Dielectric absorption and polarisation index tests give a good indication of the condition of the
insulation. This test is based on the comparison of absorption characteristics of good
insulation versus absorption characteristics of humid or contaminated insulation.
Instruments/materials required
Motorised or electronic insulation testers of appropriate voltage
Stop watch
Logarithmic paper
Procedure for test
In this test, a test voltage is applied for an extended period of time, usually thirty minutes,
using a megger of appropriate voltage. The megger readings are taken every 10 seconds for
the first minute and thereafter every minute – upto 30 minutes. The procedure for
measurement of IR under para 2.4.1. is followed here. Hand cranked instruments are not
suitable as continuous application of voltage is not possible with such instruments. Motorised
or battery operated insulation testers are used for the test. A curve is drawn showing the
variation in the value of IR. against time on a logarithmic paper. The resultant curve is known
as dielectric absorption curve. A typical dielectric absorption curve is shown in fig. 2.1.

Polarisation Index is the ratio of Insulation Resistance at 10 minutes to Insulation Resistance

at 1 minute of application of test voltage.
Polarisation Index =Insulation Resistance at 10 minutes/Insulation Resistance at 1
minute.
Interpretation of Polarisation Index and Dielectric Absorption Curve
A steady increase in insulation resistance with continuous application of test voltage indicates
that the insulation is clean and dry. Flat or ambulated curves demand reconditioning of the
insulation. Polarisation index is a good appraisal of the condition of the insulation.
The following are the guidelines for evaluating the condition of transformer insulation with
respect to Polarisation Index values.
Polarisation indices with respect to insulation resistance between HV and LV + earth , LV and
HV+ earth , earth and HV+LV are evaluated to ascertain the real condition of the transformer
insulation.
2.4.3 Two Voltage Test (Step Voltage Test)
This test is an extension of the dielectric absorption test. This has been recommended as a
more conclusive indication of presence of moisture. Two separate dielectric absorption tests
made at different voltages help to detect moisture in the winding. The higher test voltage
should be about 4 to 5 times the lower one, (eg.2500 V and 500 V) but should not be so high
as to damage the insulation. A wide spread between the two dielectric absorption curves
indicates presence of moisture. If the insulation resistance value decreases substantially at a
higher voltage, say more than 25 percent, it is a reasonable indication of presence of moisture
in the insulation system.
2.4.4 Measurement of Tan delta
Various insulation resistance tests explained above indicate mainly the surface conditions and
presence of moisture in the insulation. Measurement of loss factor, commonly referred to as
tan delta reveals the internal condition of the insulation. With alternating currents, the
absorption of the dielectric is intimately connected with the loss of power in the dielectric. This
loss within an insulation structure is associated with the oscillation of polar molecules trying to
orient themselves with the alternating electric field. Hence current flowing through the
insulation leads the voltage by some angle which is slightly less than 90 degrees. This small
angle between pure capacitive current and actual current represented by d (delta) is known
as loss angle. The dielectric loss in an insulation is given by V2 w C tan d and hence
proportional to tan d. If the insulation is perfect, the characteristic of tan delta versus the
applied voltage is almost a horizontal line. If voids have crept in the insulation during
manufacture or service, there will be substantial increase in tan delta with the applied voltage.
Hence the absolute values of tan delta in a commercially manufactured equipment have
comparatively little practical significance. But the variation in tan delta – ie. D tan delta – with
respect to time is very important. The values found during maintenance testing should be
compared with the initial values recorded before commissioning the equipment. A stable
value of tan delta is indicative of insulation stability and small increase is indicative of normal
ageing. Tan delta is
measured using tan delta measuring equipment.
2.4.5 Transformer Ratio Test
Transformer ratio test is conducted to ensure that the turns ratio tally with the name plate
details and also that tap changer connections are done correctly. Ratio test is done using a
transformer turns ratio tester or with voltmeters. With the turns ratio tester, the turns ratio is
directly read on the tester for each tap and for each phase of the winding.The turns ratio can
also be tested by applying a single phase ac voltage (approximately 230V) on the HV side
and measuring the voltage on the low voltage side at all tap positions.
The results of the voltage ratio test may be recorded in tabular form as given below:
Voltage ratio test ( by voltmeter )

2.4.6 Short circuit current measurement

This test is carried out as a check for any loose contact in the tap changer, lead connections
etc. In this test, all the 3 windings in the LV side of the transformer are short circuited. All
contacts in the tap changer, lead connections and terminals are checked for proper contact.
From a variable voltage source, a 3 phase balanced low voltage a.c supply is applied to the
HV winding at rated tap and the current measured. The current measured at rated tap should
tally with the calculated value of HV current at the applied voltage.
The value of HV current at the applied voltage is calculated as follows:

Repeat the test at different tap positions by lowering and raising taps. The current measured
in the HV winding should tally with the calculated value of HV short circuit current.
Wide difference between the measured and calculated values of HV short circuit current is an
indication of loose contact in tap changer or lead connections.
2.4.7 Measurement of Magnetising current
The magnetising current is measured to test any fault in the magnetic circuit and winding. The
measured values are compared with the factory test values. A balanced three phase 415V ac
supply is applied to the LV winding and the simultaneous current readings of the three phases
are taken using low range a.c ammeters of the same accuracy class. For a core type
transformer, the middle phase magnetising current will be approximately half that in other
windings. In YyO, Dy1 and Dy11 connections, the currents in ‘u’ and ‘w’ phases will be nearly
double the current in ‘v’ phase. In a Yd1 connected transformer, currents in ‘v’ and ‘w’ phases
will be nearly equal and the current in ‘u’ phase more than that in ‘v’ and ‘w’ phases. In a
Yd11 connection, currents in ‘u’ and ‘v’ phases will be nearly equal and the current in ‘w’
phase more than that in ‘u’ and ‘v’ phases. If the measured values widely differ from the
above values or from the factory test values, there is reason to suspect some defect in the
transformer core and the manufacturer may be consulted. The
measured values of magnetising current may be used as bench marks for the service life of
the transformer. Sample format for recording the magnetising current is given below:

2.4.8 Test for magnetic balance

This test is done to find out the condition of stacking of core laminations, tightness of core
bolts and perfection of magnetic circuit. The HV and LV sides are isolated by removing the
bushing connections. A single phase supply of nearly 230V is applied to one phase of the star
connected winding and the induced voltage in othertwo phases are measured. The voltage
may preferably be applied on the HV winding, as applying voltage to LV winding may induce
very high voltage in the HV winding. If the HV winding is connected in delta, the test may be
conducted on the LV side after taking necessary precautions against accidental contact with
the HV bushings.
When the voltage is applied to the middle phase, the induced voltage measured on the two
other phases should be approximately equal. Where the voltage is applied to an extreme
phase, the induced voltage on the middle phase should be substantially high when compared
to the voltage induced in the other extreme phase. In each test, the sum of the induced
voltages in two phases should be nearly equal to the applied voltage.
Tests may be carried out by connecting a series lamp (say 25 watts) at supply side to restrict
higher current, if any. If the series lamp glows brightly or the induced voltage readings in
different phases indicate zero or very low value or if the induced voltages show abnormal
variation from the expected values, fault in the winding can be suspected.
For measuring the voltages, high impedance voltmeter like digital multimeter should be used.
The test may be repeated by applying voltage to the second and third phases and measuring
the induced voltages in other phases. When the magnetic circuit is balanced, there would be
symmetry in the value of measured induced voltages. The measured voltages may be
recorded in the sample format given below:

2.4.9 Phasor Group Test

Phasor relationship between HV and LV voltages is checked by this test. Without earthing the
winding neutral points, interconnect one phase of HV winding – say 1U – to the corresponding
phase of LV winding -2U and apply a balanced 3 phase low voltage to the HV winding. The
phase sequence of the supply should be the same as the specified phase sequence of the
transformer winding. Connections for Dy 11 and Dy1 transformers and the corrsponding
vector groupings are given in figures 2.2 and 2.3. Measure the voltage between the primary
and the secondary terminals. The following requirements shall be fulfilled depending on the
vector group of the transformers.
If two transformers are available for test, the phasor groups can be compared easily by
applying voltage from same source to identical bushings on the HV side and by measuring
the voltage between identically marked terminals on the LV sides with single interconnection
between either the neutrals or any one phase.
2.4.10 Test for Transformer Oil
Transformer oil is of petroleum origin and is used as a coolant and dielectric in transformers.
Transformer oil in good condition and conforming to relevant standards will prevent
deterioration of transformer insulation. As the transformer oil is, to some extent, exposed to
air at site, it is always necessary to test the oil for various characteristics before the
transformer is put to service. As the various tests for transformer oil are laboratory tests,
details of these tests are beyond the scope of this book. Test procedures for various tests are
given in the relevant standards of BIS, list of which are given at the end of this chapter in para
2.6.
From the point of view of field tests, what is important is the method of and precautions for
collecting the transformer oil and the limit values of various characteristics. However a rough
test on the moisture content of the oil can be made at site by conducting a simple test,
popularly called the crackle test. In this test, a piece of steel tube of approximately 25 mm dia
is closed at one end and the closed end is heated to just under red hot . Now the hot end is
plunged into the oil sample with the ear close to the open end. If the oil contains large quantity
of moisture, a sharp crackle will be heard.Dry oil will only sizzle.
Sampling of oil – General precautions
Since the results of the tests prescribed for transformer oil largely depend on the impurities in
the sample sent for testing, it is essential to keep the oil free from any contamination. The
following precautions shall be taken while collecting samples of transformer oil.
1. For collecting the sample, glass containers with glass stoppers are preferred over metal
type. Wax shall not be used for sealing the containers. The stopper may be covered with a
piece of cloth packed with silica gel.
2. The container may be warmed to above the ambient air temperature in order to avoid any
condensation of moisture.
3. Before collecting the sample, all equipments used for handling the oil must be washed with
clean transformer oil. The oil used for washing must be discarded.
4. Flexible steel hose may be used for handling the oil. Some kinds of synthetic hoses are
also suitable. Ordinary rubber hose should not be used as oil dissolves the sulphur in the
rubber and thereby gets contaminated. The hose used must be clean and free from dust, rust
and scale.
5. The operator shall take special care to see that his hands do not come in contact with the
sample or the internal surface of the container.
6. The transformer oil shall be protected against all kinds of light radiation during
transportation and storage.
Sampling procedure
1. Remove the valve shield if fitted.
2. Remove all visible dirt and dust from the valve with a lintfree clean cloth.
3. Run off sufficient quantity of oil- say 1 litre – to eliminate any contaminant that might have
accumulated in the drain cock.
4. Rinse the container with the oil being sampled.
5. Fill the container by allowing the oil to flow against the side of the containers to avoid air
traps.
6. Close and seal the container and store the samples in a dark place.
Evaluation of test results
Three samples of oil from the top and bottom of the tank are tested for various characteristics.
For transformers of capacity below 1 MVA and where very high reliability is not expected the
five characteristics given in table 2.1 shall be invariably tested and it shall be ensured that the
test results are within the minimum/maximum limits.
In the case of transformers where very high reliability is required and in all cases where the
capacity is 1 MVA or above, the additional characteristics given in table 2.2 shall also be
tested. The test results shall be within the given limits.

2.4.11 Relay Tests

All protective relays , CTs, PTs and control wiring shall be tested as explained under the
chapter for protective relays. The relays shall be set to suit the operating conditions and to
coordinate with other sections of the system. The relay test results shall be documented for
future reference.
2.5 Commissioning
After completing all the pre-commission tests given under section 2.4, the pre-test checks
under section 2.3 are redone once again. All the protective relays and circuit breakers are
tested for proper working. The relay settings are kept at a low value so that the transformer
will get isolated if there is any internal fault.Allow a settling time of at least 24 hours for oil and
then release air from all points. Now the transformer may be test charged from the incoming
side on no-load and operated for about two hours.
Observe the transformer hum for any abnormality. Any vibration or abnormal magnetising
current may also be observed. After continuous operation for about two hours, isolate the
transformer and check the gas operated Buchholtz relay for any gas collection. Any dissolved
air or air bubble that may be collected in the Buchholtz relay may be released and the
transformer charged again on noload. All connected instruments may be checked for any
abnormal indication. Now gradually load the transformer to full capacity and keep it under
constant observation for at least 24 hours of operation. Check the oil and winding temperature
at full load and compare with factory test values. After four or five days of service, test the oil
for various characteristics, especially for BDV. Any gas collection in the Buchholtz relay may
also be observed. If the test results and observations are found normal, the transformer may
be cleared for regular service. After the transformer is put in service for some weeks with
normal working temperature, all sealed joints shall be re -tightened.
The results of the various tests shall be recorded and kept in the station as a permanent
record for future reference. Details such as place of erection, date of commissioning,
protection given to the transformer etc. may be furnished to the manufacturer after
commissioning.
2.6 List of Indian Standards relevant to testing of Power transformers

Appendix