POWER FACTOR TESTING

Educational Series: Why Test?

Why Perform Power Factor Testing? What are the Test Procedures?
Most failures of electrical equipment are Once the equipment is taken out of
the result of a breakdown in the insulation service, an AC voltage at or below the
system. Power factor testing is an normal rating is placed on the equipment
effective way to detect defective electrical conductors. At the same time, the
equipment insulation. Power factor is the dielectric losses to ground are measured.
ratio of the capacitive or ‘charging’ current After correcting the field measurements to
(measured in volt-amperes) to resistive or standard conditions, the test results are What are the Advantages?
‘leakage’ current (measured in watts). It is then compared to guides which list proper
a means of measuring insulation integrity values for specific types of equipment and Power factor tests can detect the presence
since the smaller the power factor, the insulations. These guides are contained in of “poor” insulation even if there is a layer
better the insulator. an extensive data library compiled by of “good” insulation in series. However, DC
testing thousands of similar types of tests usually show a high insulation
Insulation may be deteriorating, however, equipment in the field and at the factory. resistance under this condition.
the equipment may not fail for some time.
Although this condition represents a If an abnormal condition is indicated, a At a given voltage, the charging current
serious hazard, if deteriorated insulation is number of special tests may be used to and the dielectric loss increase as the
detected before failure, it can often be localize the problem. These include hot quantity of insulation increases. However,
reconditioned rather than being replaced. guard tests, hot collar tests, ungrounded the power factor ratio remains the same no
This allows corrective action to be taken specimen tests, cross check tests, oil tests, matter how much insulation is present.
during a planned outage before extensive and dielectric loss tests on wood This makes it possible to establish
members. simplified test values for particular types
equipment damage results from insulation
of insulation.
failure. What Types of Equipment are
Tested? Power factor testing provides a measure
Power factor testing also makes it
and evaluation of the overall condition of
possible to detect equipment insulation
The most frequent applications of power medium and high voltage AC apparatus
problems without making an internal
factor testing include medium and high insulation under simulated normal-
visual inspection. The result is a
voltage transformers and circuit breakers. frequency operating conditions. This is
significant decrease in maintenance cost
Other equipment such as bushings, independent of the duration of the test. DC
and downtime. Power factor testing is one
reclosers, switches, cables, capacitors, tests not only require more time, they also
of the best testing techniques for lightning arrestors, liquid insulation, do not simulate normal insulation operating
predictive and preventive maintenance. potheads, rotating machinery, and conditions. Furthermore, the results are
voltage regulators may also be power affected by the duration of the test.
factor tested.
Power factor tests provide a benchmark
Power factor testing is used as a factory which may be compared over periods of
test and in the field for acceptance testing, time in an organized manner and are used
preventive maintenance, and emergency to identify any trends on apparatus
diagnostic testing. insulation. It provides a more complete
picture of overall insulation conditions.
Used in conjunction with capacitance and
AC resistance, it provides comprehensive
data on the condition of the insulation.

VertivCo.com | Vertiv - Electrical Reliability Services, 1-877-468-6384

© 2017 Vertiv Co. All rights reserved. Vertiv and the Vertiv logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vertiv Co. All other names and logos referred to are trade names, trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. While every precaution has been
taken to ensure accuracy and completeness herein, Vertiv Co. assumes no responsibility, and disclaims all liability, for damages resulting from use of this information or for any errors or omissions. Specifications are subject to change without notice.

YT-02-08 (R6/17) 1