Type of Transformer Testing

Tests done at factory

1. Type tests
2. Routine tests
3. Special tests
Tests done at site
1. Pre-commissioning tests
2. Periodic/condition monitoring tests
3. Emergency tests

Type Test of Transformer

To prove that the transformer meets customers specifications and design
expectations, the transformer has to go through different testing procedures in
manufacturer premises. Some transformer tests are carried out for confirming the
basic design expectation of that transformer. These tests are done mainly in a
prototype unit not in all manufactured units in a lot. Type test of transformer
confirms main and basic design criteria of a production lot.

Routine Tests of Transformer

Routine tests of transformer is mainly for confirming operational performance of
individual unit in a production lot. Routine tests are carried out on every unit
manufactured.

Special Tests of Transformer

Special tests of transformer is done as per customer requirement to obtain
information useful to the user during operation or maintenance of the transformer.
Pre Commissioning Test of Transformer
In addition to these, the transformer also goes through some other tests, performed on
it, before actual commissioning of the transformer at site. The transformer testing
performed before commissioning the transformer at site is called pre-commissioning
test of transformer. These tests are done to assess the condition of transformer after
installation and compare the test results of all the low voltage tests with the factory
test reports.
Type tests of transformer includes
1. Transformer winding resistance measurement
2. Transformer ratio test.
3. Transformer vector group test.

4. Measurement of impedance voltage/short circuit impedance (principal tap) and

load loss (Short circuit test).
5. Measurement of no load loss and current (Open circuit test).
6. Measurement of insulation resistance.
7. Dielectric tests of transformer.
8. Temperature rise test of transformer.
9. Tests on on-load tap-changer.
10.Vacuum tests on tank and radiators.
Routine tests of transformer include
1. Transformer winding resistance measurement.
2. Transformer ratio test.
3. Transformer vector group test.
4. Measurement of impedance voltage/short circuit impedance (principal tap) and
load loss (Short circuit test).
5. Measurement of no load loss and current (Open circuit test)
6. Measurement of insulation resistance.
7. Dielectric tests of transformer.
8. Tests on on-load tap-changer.
9. Oil pressure test on transformer to check against leakages past joints and
gaskets.
That means Routine tests of transformer include all the type tests except temperature
rise and vacuum tests. The oil pressure test on transformer to check against leakages
past joints and gaskets is included.
Special Tests of transformer include
1. Dielectric tests.
2. Measurement of zero-sequence impedance of three-phase transformers
3. Short-circuit test.
4. Measurement of acoustic noise level.
5. Measurement of the harmonics of the no-load current.
6. Measurement of the power taken by the fans and oil pumps.
7. Tests on bought out components / accessories such as buchhloz relay,
temperature indicators, pressure relief devices, oil preservation system etc.

Transformer Winding Resistance Measurement

Transformer winding resistance measurement is carried out to calculate the I 2R losses
and to calculate winding temperature at the end of a temperature rise test. It is carried
out as a type test as well as routine test. It is also done at site to ensure healthiness of a
transformer that is to check loose connections, broken strands of conductor, high
contact resistance in tap changers, high voltage leads and bushings etc.

There are different methods for measuring of transformer winding, likewise

Current voltage method of measurement of winding resistance. Bridge method of
measurement of winding resistance.
Kelvin bridge method of Measuring
Winding Resistance.
Measuring winding resistance by Automatic Winding
Resistance Measurement Kit.
NB:- Transformer winding resistance measurement shall be carried out at each tap.

Transformer Ratio Test

The performance of a transformer largely depends upon perfection of specific turns or
voltage ratio of transformer. So transformer ratio test is an essential type test of
transformer. This test also performed as routine test of transformer. So for
ensuring proper performance of electrical power transformer, voltage and turn ratio
test of transformer one of the vital tests.
The procedure of transformer ratio test is simple. We just apply three phase 415 V
supply to HV winding, with keeping LV winding open. The we measure the induced
voltages at HV and LV terminals of transformer to find out actual voltage ratio of
transformer. We repeat the test for all tap position separately.

Magnetic Balance Test of Transformer

Magnetic balance test of transformer is conducted only on three phase transformers to
check the imbalance in the magnetic circuit.
Procedure of Magnetic Balance Test of Transformer

1.
2.
3.

First keep the tap changer of transformer in normal position.

Now disconnect the transformer neutral from ground.
Then apply single phase 230 V AC supply across one of the HV winding
terminals and neutral terminal.
4.
Measure the voltage in two other HV terminals in respect of neutral
terminal.
5.
Repeat the test for each of the three phases.
In case of auto transformer, magnetic balance test of transformer should be repeated
for LV winding also.
There are three limbs side by side in a core of transformer. One phase winding is
wound in one limb. The voltage induced in different phases depends upon the
respective position of the limb in the core. The voltage induced in different phases of
transformer in respect to neutral terminals given in the table below.
Left side phase

Voltage applied at left side phase

Central phase

Right side phas

AN

BN

CN

230 V

180 V

50 V

Voltage applied at central phase

115 V

230 V

115 V

Voltage applied at right side phase

50 V

180 V

230 V

Magnetizing Current Test of Transformer

Magnetizing current test of transformer is performed to locate defects in the
magnetic core structure, shifting of windings, failure in turn to turn insulation or
problem in tap changers. These conditions change the effective reluctance of the
magnetic circuit, thus affecting the current required to establish flux in the core.
6.
First of all keep the tap changer in the lowest position and open all IV &
LV terminals.
7.
Then apply three phase 415 V supply on the line terminals for three
phase transformers and single phase 230 V supply on single phase
transformers.
8.
Measure the supply voltage and current in each phase.
9.
Now repeat the magnetizing current test of transformertest with
keeping tap changer in normal position.
10.
And repeat the test with keeping the tap at highest position.
Generally there are two similar higher readings on two outer limb phases on
transformer core and one lower reading on the centre limb phase, in case of three
phase transformers. An agreement to within 30% of the measured exciting current
with the previous test is usually considered satisfactory. If the measured exciting
current value is 50 times higher than the value measured during factory test, there is
likelihood of a fault in the winding which needs further analysis.
Caution: This magnetizing current test of transformer is to be carried out before
DC resistance measurement.

Vector Group Test of Transformer

In three phase transformer, it is essential to carry out a vector group test of
transformer. Proper vector grouping in a transformer is an essential criteria for parallel
operation of transformers.
There are several internal connection of three phase transformer are available in
market. These several connections gives various magnitudes and phase of the
secondary voltage; the magnitude can be adjusted for parallel operation by suitable
choice of turn ratio, but the phase divergence can not be compensated. So we have to
choose those transformer for parallel operation whose phase sequence and phase
divergence are same. All the transformers with same vector ground have same phase
sequence and phase divergence between primary and secondary. So before procuring
one electrical power transformer, one should ensure the vector group of the
transformer, whether it will be matched with his or her existing system or not. The
vector group test of transformer confirms his or her requirements.

Insulation Resistance Test or Megger Test of Transformer

Insulation resistance test of transformer is essential type test. This test is carried
out to ensure the healthiness of over all insulation system of an electrical power
transformer.
Procedure of Insulation Resistance Test of Transformer

11.
12.

First disconnect all the line and neutral terminals of the transformer.
Megger leads to be connected to LV and HV bushing studs to measure
insulation resistance IR value in between the LV and HV windings.
13.
Megger leads to be connected to HV bushing studs and transformer tank
earth point to measure insulation resistance IR value in between the HV
windings and earth.
14.
Megger leads to be connected to LV bushing studs and transformer tank
earth point to measure insulation resistance IR value in between the LV
windings and earth.
NB : It is unnecessary to perform insulation resistance test of transformer per
phase wise in three phase transformer. IR values are taken between the windings
collectively as because all the windings on HV side are internally connected
together to form either star or delta and also all the windings on LV side are
internally connected together to form either star or delta.
Measurements are to be taken as follows:
For auto transformer: HV-IV to LV, HV-IV to E, LV to E. For two winding
transformer: HV to LV, HV to E, LV to E. Three winding transformer: HV to IV, HV
to LV, IV to LV, HV to E, IV to E, LV to E.
Oil temperature should be noted at the time of insulation resistance test of
transformer. Since the IR value of transformer insulating oil may vary with
temperature. IR values to be recorded at intervals of 15 seconds, 1 minute and 10
minutes.
With the duration of application of voltage, IR value increases. The increase in IR is
an indication of dryness of insulation.
Absorption coefficient = 1 minute value/ 15 secs. value.
Polarization index = 10 minutes value / 1 minute value.

Dielectric Tests of Transformer

Dielectric tests of transformer is one kind of insulation test. This test is performed to
ensure the expected over all insulation strength of transformer. There are several test
performed to ensure the required quality of transformer insulation, dielectric test is
one of them. Dielectric tests of transformer is performed in two different steps, first
one called Separate source voltage withstand test of transformer, where a single phase
power frequency voltage of prescribed level, is applied on transformer winding under
test for 60 seconds while the other windings and tank are connected to the earth and it

is observed that whether any failure of insulation occurs or not during the test. Second
one is induced voltage test of Transformer where, three phase voltage, twice of rated
secondary voltage is applied to the secondary winding for 60 second by keeping the
primary of the transformer open circuited. The frequency of the applied voltage
should be double of power frequency too. Here also if no failure of insulation, the test
is successful. In addition to dielectric tests of transformer there are other type test for
checking insulation of transformer, such as lightning impulse test, switching impulse
test and partial discharge test.
Induced Voltage Test of Transformer
The induced voltage test of transformer is intended to check the inter turn and line end
insulation as well as main insulation to earth and between windings15.
Keep the primary winding of transformer open circuited.
16.
Apply three phase voltage to the secondary winding. The applied voltage
should be twice of rated voltage of secondary winding in magnitude and
frequency.
17.
The duration of the test shall be 60 second.
18.
The test shall start with a voltage lower than 1/3 the full test voltage, and
it shall be quickly increased up to desired value.
The test is successful if no break down occurs at full test voltage during test.

Temperature Rise Test of Transformer

Temperature rise test of transformer is included in type test of transformer. In this
test we check whether the temperature rising limit of the transformer winding and oil
as per specification or not.
In this type test of transformer, we have to check oil temperature rise as well as
winding temperature rise limits of an electrical transformer.
Objective Questions on Transformer (MCQs)
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