MV cables High Voltage test

Contents
1 Objective........................................................................................................................ 2

2 Local regulations.......................................................................................................... 2

3 Role and Responsibility...............................................................................................2

4 Requirements for step up transformer feeders relay testing....................................3

5 MV cables testing Procedure.......................................................................................3

5.1 Initial Check..............................................................................................................3
5.2 Phasing Test.............................................................................................................3
5.3 Insulation Resistance Test........................................................................................4
5.4 HV Pressure Test.....................................................................................................4
5.5 Recommended Test Voltage:...................................................................................4
5.6 Test Procedure:........................................................................................................5
5.7 Test completion:.......................................................................................................6

6 Measurement Sources..................................................................................................6

7 Tools.............................................................................................................................. 6

8 Reference Documents..................................................................................................6

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1 Objective

The objective of this document is to Describe step by step Procedure to perform

MV cables high voltage testing activities are performed as per the standard
guidelines and compline with project requirements
2 Local regulations

Qualified and licensed personnel where appropriate shall work with the local
Electricity Authority and shall carry out the works. All material and work shall
comply with the requirements of the local Electricity Authority, including any
amendments or other regulations issued by National or local Authorities

3 Role and Responsibility

The process of commissioning of the MV cables high voltage testing and

associated devices is to be organized by Wartsila Commissioning Manager and
nominated team.
 Commissioning Lead/Manager
 Oversees the overall management of the MV cables high voltage
testing process and procedures
 Ensures suitable trained resources and calibrated equipment is
available to perform the commissioning activities in a timely.
 Organize test schedules and tests, verifies the test results and organize
the submission process.
 Electrical engineer
 verifies this MV cables high voltage testing procedure by reviewing,
compiling and approving the testing as per the Quality Management
Plan
 Ensures all the test equipment is correct for the task and calibrated
 Ensure and Review all the Safety requirements involved to complete
the testing and commissioning tasks, and ensuring barricading,
signage, valid Permits as required
 Supervise and manage the MV cables high voltage testing as required
 HSE Engineer
 Organize the Permit to work process to ensure all activities required
during the testing, commissioning and energization of the MV cables
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 high voltage testing is done safely & LOTO is in place.
 Creates the MV Switching Program and carries out the MV Switching
and associated isolations as required under the Permit to work / LOTO
Process and associated Permits and Isolation lists in consultation with
the site technical team.

4 Requirements for step up transformer feeders relay testing

 Install signs and barriers, electrical warning signs and power on signs
around the test area as applicable
 Ensure the personnel assigned for the task are fully aware of all
applicable hazards and JSA is made.
 Ensure the suppliers factory acceptance testing documentation and test
results are available.
 Ensure all critical safety items in the punch list under category A is
completed and Category B items are agreed.
 Obtain permit to work.
 Ensure all work is carried out in compliance with the relevant work
permit and JSA.

5 MV cables testing Procedure

5.1 Initial Check
Check the MV cables to be tested are complete with terminations at either ends in
all respect include gland earthing to be system
5.2 Phasing Test

The Phasing test is conducted to check cables are correct with phases i.e. L1 to
L1, L2 to L2 and L3 to L3. This is done by verifying continuity of the cable using
Digital Multimeter.

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5.3 Insulation Resistance Test
Prior to carrying out insulation Test ensure the cable to be tested are disconnected and
prepared at each end.

Insulation resistance of the cable is carried out with 5kV Insulation tester – Megger.

Tests are carried out between:

L1 to L2, L3 Screen, Armor & Earth.

L2 to L1, L3Screen, Armor& Earth.

L3 to L1, L2Screen, Armor& Earth.

5.4 HV Pressure Test

HV pressure test is conducted using high voltage DC tester – Hipot Kit

HV test shall be conducted on each phase and earth with remaining phases conducted to
earth and loads disconnected.

Test shall be conducted as Below:

Keep the DC Hipot kit to the Point of test of the HV cable under test.

Connect HV lead to one phase/the HV cable under test and other two phases / cables to the
ground terminal in the test kit.

Now connected the kit Ground terminal to the General mass of earth.

High Voltage DC from the test kit is applied to cables under test for 15 minutes.

5.5 Recommended Test Voltage:

U0/U (kV) 3.6/6 6.0/10 8.7/15 18/30

Test voltage (kV) 14 24 35 72

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Uo- Is the rated power frequency voltage between conductor and earth or metallic screen
which the cable is designed

U- Is the rated power frequency voltage between conductors for which the cable is
designed

Test Voltage (kV – dc) = 4Uo

5.6 Test Procedure:

Safety is of the utmost importance. The areas around both ends of the cable under test
should be cordoned off. Adequate Clearance between the cables or circuit test end and any
grounded objects, and to other equipment not under test shall be stablished.

All equipment must be disconnected from the cable circuit such a surge arrestor, switches
transformer busbars

Select the required Voltage and current range in the HI pot Test kit meter.

Energize the Hipot test kit

Set the potential meter setting to zero position

Gradually increase the test voltage by the knob, with 10 steps (each step =1/10 of test
voltage) to the required level and observe the leakage current.

Start the stopwatch and select current range to readable positions

Observe for 15 minutes and record final voltage and current readings.

During the period, readings should be more or less steady and minor fluctuations to be
ignored.

At the end of elapsed time, reduce the voltage gradually to zero and isolate kit power supply.

Then discharge the MV cable under test and charge to next phase / MV cable to be tested

Hipot kit

After completing hi pot test discharges the cables with discharge rod and carry out insulation
test again as mentioned in above 6.1.3.
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5kV megger test to be carried out for each phase / MV cable and readings are to be
recorded

5.7 Test completion:

On completion of the tests reconnect the cables at both ends

Check and confirm cable markings and terminations are as per cable schedules drawings

Check armor ground and confirm for continuity.

6 Measurement Sources

 High Voltage test Kit

 Insulation tester

7 Tools
 Power tools
 Hand Tools
 Digital Multimeter
 Jumper Leads
 Mobile Telephones / Handheld Radios
 5KV Insulation Tester
 DC HIPOT
 Temp/Hygrometer
 First Aid Equipment
 Gas Testers/Analyzer
 Warning Tape
 PPE
 Tools and associated appliances
8 Reference Documents
 Hand Over Package
 Manufacturers Documents
 MV Cables FAT and associated documents
 Permit to work
 JSEA
 Cable Schedule.
 SQAD Form
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