GE Power & Water Product Service

PDA cable packaging

Safety
PSSB 20140613A
Bulletin
Overview
Backfeed testing of electrical enclosures and compartments

Testing
GE may provide generator electrical compartments and enclosures to our customers from various qualified vendors.

Vendor supplied compartments and enclosures may include, but are not limited to:

 Metal Clad Switchgear

 Generator Terminal Enclosure (GTE)
 Generator Line Terminal Enclosure (GLTE)
 Generator Line Accessory Compartment (GLAC)
 Medium Voltage Cell (EPE units)

While our vendors factory test these electrical compartments and enclosures prior to shipment, some customers still
carry out their own tests at site to ensure system health. This is typically known as a backfeed test, which involves
applying normal system voltage to the compartments and enclosures based on generator rating, and is performed per
customer requirement/request. GE’s role in the backfeed test is typically solely to provide technical advice.

Advisory
When performing the backfeed test, very high current passes through each phase. It is important to check the phase
connection(s) prior to testing to ensure they are free from cabling or other components that might hinder the successful
completion of the test.

At one site during a customer's voltage backfeed test of the GTE, the coaxial cable from PDA (Partial Discharge Analyzer)
coupler in GTE to PDA monitor (Customer location) was not connected. It was still unpacked and wound around a
structural beam in GTE (Figure 1). The beam was located between phases and acted as support for the structure. When
the main breaker 52G was closed for the backfeed test, the voltage on the phase induced a current on the wrapped
PDA cable. The induced current on the PDA cable was over its rated capacity causing the PDA coaxial cable to fail. The
proximity of this PDA cable to the phase caused an electrical arc to occur between the two. After the stoppage of the
test, inspection revealed charred PDA cable portions all over the GTE enclosure.

This information is proprietary and is the property of GE Power & Water. The content of this document is provided for general information and
awareness. Always refer to your unit’s O&M Manuals and applicable TILs for detailed information relevant to the operation and maintenance of your
equipment. This document shall not be reproduced in whole or in part nor shall its contents be disclosed to any third party without the written
approval of GE Power & Water Services Engineering
 PSSB 20140613A

Figure 1: PDA cables wrapped around support structure beams

Various vendors ship PDA monitor cables packaged differently, it is important to inspect the method in which the PDA
cables where packed prior to shipping. It is important to ensure that PDA cabling is NOT wrapped around support
structures (near Phases) when performing backfeed testing.

Please reference your vendor supplied Installation, Maintenance and Operation Manual supplied for the GTE.

Below are some examples of GTE packaging:

1) One end of the PDA sensor lead is factory terminated at PDA sensors. Coaxial cable to PDA monitor is routed to
the PDA cable pull box. Extra length of cable is rolled and kept inside the PDA cable pull box (Figure 2). The PDA
monitor termination box along with BNC connector is supplied loose for mounting at customer’s determined
location.

2) There are times when the PDA cable is coiled, wrapped and placed within the support as seen on Figure 3
below.

Figure 2 Figure 3

Please contact your local GE Service Manager or Contract Performance Manager for additional information or
assistance.

This information is proprietary and is the property of GE Power & Water. The content of this document is provided for general information and
awareness. Always refer to your unit’s O&M Manuals and applicable TILs for detailed information relevant to the operation and maintenance of your
equipment. This document shall not be reproduced in whole or in part nor shall its contents be disclosed to any third party without the written
approval of GE Power & Water Services Engineering
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