General Technical Information

SF6 Gas-insulated Switchgear

Field Testing of GIS Type ELK

Content
1. Introduction

2. Mechanical operation tests on circuit-breakers, discon-

nectors and earthing switches

3. Measurement of the resistance of the main circuit

4. Moisture content and purity measurement

5. Checks and verifications

5.1 Correct wiring
5.2 Proper function of the local control
5.3 Verifying of current transformers
5.4 Verifying of voltage transformers
5.5 Earthing

6. High-voltage tests on the main circuit

7. References

1. Introduction 2. Mechanical operation tests on circuit-breakers,

The tests and checks performed on ABB Gas-insulated Sub- disconnectors and earthing switches
stations (GIS) type ELK after installation on site are in line with Mechanical operation tests are performed in the factory.
following standards:
– – IEC 62271-203 [1] In addition, a number of checks are made on site after instal-
– – IEEE C 37.122 [2] lation of the GIS.

Field tests are performed on the completely assembled GIS For circuit-breakers these tests consist of:
or subassemblies thereof to check the correct operation and –– Check of pump control
the dielectric strength of the equipment before putting into –– Check of blocking mechanisms
service. –– Check of switching times
–– Check of position indicator
Test methods and procedures are defined in internal ABB
testing instruction manuals. The test sequence is appropriate For disconnector and earthing switches these consist of:
and adequately defined. –– Check of correct adjustment and indicator position
–– CO-operations of drive motors
After successful field testing an acceptance certificate will be
issued. Results will be used as reference in future maintenance work.
3. Measurement of the resistance of the main circuit
Resistance checks are performed during installation of the
GIS according to the progress of assembly. The purpose of
these measurements is to verify proper alignment of the main
circuit contacts.
The resistance readings do not show individual components,
but several components connected in series.
4. Moisture content and purity measurement
After proper evacuation the newly assembled GIS-plant will be
filled with SF6-gas being in accordance with IEC 60376 [4].
The SF 6-gas of the sealed assembly will be tested to assure
the moisture content is below the level specified by ABB.
These measurements will be made on all gas compartments.
Since the moisture migration from the interior metal and
insulating surfaces may take considerable time, the moisture
content is shall be measured when the equilibrium state is
established.
All gas compartments are to be measured concerning the
content of SF 6 and its purity. The gas should contain at least
97% pure SF 6. The measured values have to be recorded in
the respective forms, which are important as a reference for
later measurements of gas quality.
5. Checks and verifications
5.1 Correct wiring
It is verified that the wiring conforms with the wiring diagram
and the prescribed requirements.
5.2 Proper function of the local control
Each bay is checked for all the functions the local control cu-
bicle is intended for. This includes testing of alarms, metering
equipment, switching operations, mechanical and electrical
blockings, as well as verifying correct supply with auxiliary and
control voltage.
The interlocking is checked according to the interlocking list
provided.
ABB Switzerland Ltd
High Voltage Products
Brown Boveri Strasse 5
CH-8050 Zurich / Switzerland
Phone: +41 58 588 31 86
Fax: +41 58 588 17 22
www.abb.com
5.3 Verifying of current transformers
Current transformers are checked by current impulses for cor-
rect polarity. If agreed upon, also measurement of ratio and
magnetic characteristic may be performed.
This test is done in mounted position using the insulated
earthing switches for current injection. A special testing facility
has to be provided.
5.4 Verifying of voltage transformers
© Copyright ABB. 1HC0007012 E01 / AD12
Voltage transformers are checked for correct polarity by
means of voltage impulses.
Measurement of ratio is performed during the high-voltage
test or prior by means of primary voltage injection.
5.5 Earthing
The GIS earthing connections will be checked.
6. High-voltage tests on the main circuit
An appropriate selection of high-voltage tests is normally car-
ried out after completion of the tests as described in chapters
2 to 5.
Their purpose and the procedures are described in detail in
the General Technical Information „High-voltage on-site Test-
ing of GIS Type ELK“ [3].
7. References
[1] IEC 62271-203, Gas-insulated metal-enclosed switchgear
for rated voltage above 52 kV
[2] ANSI C 37.122, IEEE Guide for gas-insulated substations
[3] ABB publication, 1HC0007011 E01, High-voltage on-site
Testing of GIS Type ELK
[4] IEC 60376, Specification of technical grade sulfur hexa-
flouride (SF6) for use in electrical equipment