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FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets: List of Tables
FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets: List of Tables
ELECTRICAL TESTING
Table of Contents
Page
List of Tables
Table 1. Electrical Tests for Low-Voltage Circuit Breakers ............................................................................. 4
Table 2. Electrical Tests for Motor Contactors ................................................................................................ 5
Table 3. Electrical Tests for Fuses and Fused Switches ................................................................................ 5
Table 4. Electrical Tests for Automatic Transfer Switches .............................................................................. 6
Table 5. Electrical Tests for Bus Ducts and Cables ....................................................................................... 6
Table 6. Electrical Tests for Fluid-Filled Transformers .................................................................................... 7
Table 7. Electrical Tests for Dry-Type Transformers ....................................................................................... 7
Table 8. Electrical Tests for Emergency Generators and Rotary Uninterruptible Power Supplies ................ 8
Table 9. Electrical Tests for Induction Motors ................................................................................................. 9
Table 10. Oil Quality Analysis Criteria for Mineral, Silicone, Ester Oil (Valid only for Transformers with
Primary Voltage of 69 kV and Below) ........................................................................................... 12
Table 11. Key Gases in Transformer Fluids ................................................................................................ 13
Table 12. Typical DGA Values for Transformers (with No Previous History) Filled with Mineral Oil ........... 14
Table 13. Gas Generation Rate for Transformers Filled with Mineral Oil .................................................... 14
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5-20 Electrical Testing
Page 2 FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets
Table 14. Typical Gas Values and Generation Rate for Transformers (with No Previous History)
Filled with Silicon Oil ..................................................................................................................... 14
Table 15. Typical Dissolved Gas Concentration Value for Transformers (with No Previous Sample
History) Filled with Ester Oil ......................................................................................................... 15
1.0 SCOPE
This data sheet provides guidance on inspections, tests, and testing intervals for low-voltage electrical
equipment, including supply and/or distribution transformers and their associated switchgear.
This data sheet does not apply to low-power devices such as data and communication systems or process
controls. For loss prevention guidance on electrical equipment not covered by this data sheet, refer to the
following: Data Sheet 5-4, Transformers; Data Sheet 5-12, Electric AC Generators; Data Sheet 5-17, Motors
and Adjustable Speed Drives; and Data Sheet 5-19, Switchgear and Circuit Breakers.
1.1 Hazard
The majority of losses involving electrical equipment are related to poor operating conditions (e.g., overload,
loose connections) or environment (e.g., poor ventilation, corrosion, contamination, combustible storage).
Most of these losses can be prevented by conducting regular visual inspections, maintaining good
housekeeping practices, and performing basic electrical tests such as infrared and insulation-resistance
measurements.
1.2 Changes
October 2016. This document has been completely revised. The following major changes were made:
A. Clarified the scope, which now applies to low-voltage electrical equipment, including supply and/or
distribution transformers and their associated switchgear.
B. Consolidated and clarified the guidance on inspections, tests, and testing intervals to improve the alignment
with common industrial practice.
C. Added guidance on inspection and testing for ground fault protection and grounding conductors.
2.1.3.4.2 During inspection, verify that fuses of the correct type and size are used. When replacing blown
fuses, replace all three phases at the same time with like fuses.
lubrication is a common cause of switch binding. If there are no manufacturer’s guidelines or industry
standards available, use Table 4 as a reference for testing automatic transfer switches.
a resin and can lead to stuck valves, bent push rods, and other mechanical damage. This can also occur if
the diesel engine is not operated for a long enough time to allow the engine temperature to reach a sufficiently
high value.
2.1.3.9.2 For automatic starting generators, functionally check the operation of the generators and associated
automatic transfer switches by simulating loss of normal power and return of normal power. Perform these
functional checks every 3 to 5 years. Where it is not possible to energize the emergency load during the test,
use of a “dummy load” is acceptable.
2.1.3.9.3 Perform the tests shown in Table 8 every 3 to 5 years in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions and/or industry standards as applicable. If there are no manufacturer’s guidelines or industry
standards available, use Table 8 as a reference for testing emergency generators.
Table 8. Electrical Tests for Emergency Generators and Rotary Uninterruptible Power Supplies
Test Comment Acceptance Criteria
Low resistance Measure the resistance of bolted connections Compare resistance readings between similar
using a low-resistance ohmmeter (Ductor®). bolted connections. There must not be any
difference greater than 50% between
resistance readings. Check that the resistance
readings are below the maximum value
recommended by the manufacturer.
Insulation Measure the winding to ground insulation The insulation resistance reading correct to
resistance resistance. 100°F (40°C) must be at least 5 Mohm.1
Dielectric Calculate the dielectric absorption ratio (the This value must not be less than 1.4. Dielectric
Absorption (for ratio of the insulation resistance at 30 seconds absorption ratios higher than 2.0 may indicate
generators with to the insulation resistance at 60 seconds). a dry and brittle winding.
magnet wire
windings)2
1
Acceptance criteria applies to random-wound and form-wound generators.
2
Generators will typically use magnet wire for the stator windings. Magnet wire is insulated by enamel or varnish and will not have any other
insulation. There is little value in measuring the polarization index for magnet-wire windings.
Table 10. Oil Quality Analysis Criteria for Mineral, Silicone, Ester Oil (Valid only for Transformers with Primary Voltage of
69 kV and Below)
Quality Test Purpose Mineral Oil Silicone Oil Natural Ester
Dielectric Checks whether the 23 kV minimum for a 0.04 in. (1 mm) test gap 23 kV 23 kV
Strength insulating property minimum for a minimum for a
(ASTM D of the fluids has 0.04 in. 0.04 in.
1816) been degraded by (1 mm) test (1 mm) test
contaminants, gap gap
primarily moisture. 40 kV minimum for a 0.08 in. (2 mm) test gap 40 kV 40 kV
minimum for a minimum for a
0.08 in. 0.08 in.
(2 mm) test (2 mm) test
gap (<30kV gap
per D 877)
Dissipation Determines how 0.5 maximum at 77°F (25°C) 0.2 maximum Follow
factor badly the oil has 5.0% maximum at 210°F (100°C) at 77°F (25°C) manufacturer’s
been contaminated guidance
by substances
other than water,
including carbon,
metal, soaps, and
products of
oxidation.
Interfacial Checks for 25 mN/m minimum Na Na
tension contaminants in the
fluid, primarily
particles generated
by the oxidation of
the fluid and paper
insulation.
Neutralization Determines the 0.20 mg KOH/g maximum 0.20 mg Na
number acidity of the fluid, KOH/g
which indicates how maximum
much the fluid and
paper insulation
has deteriorated.
Oxygen Added to some oils 0.09% (only valid for inhibited oils) Na Na
inhibitor to help protect the
content paper insulation
from oxidation.
Water content The amount of Oil Temp Water Content Relative 100 ppm Follow
water in Saturation manufacturer’s
transformers is 120°F (50°C) 27 ppm 15% guidance
critical. Too much 140°F (60°C) 35 ppm 15%
water can cause 160°F (70°C) 55 ppm 15%
the paper insulation
to degrade much
quicker than normal
and cause bubbling
inside the
transformer during
high load
Note: 1 ppm = 1 mg/kg
Transformer oil that does not meet the acceptance criteria in this table may need to be replaced or treated by filtering the oil.
There is greater value in observing the trends in gas generation rates than in just looking at the key gas
concentrations. Changes in gas generation rates are more and sensitive to and indicative of incipient problems
than absolute gas concentration levels.
Proper oil-sampling technique is critical to ensuring the reliability of oil testing and dissolved gas analysis
results. The slightest error in oil sampling can have a significant effect. Some common errors include
accidentally touching the mouth of the sampling bottle with a bare hand, not properly flushing the oil sampling
valve and/or the oil collection bottle and syringe, exposing oil samples to light and heat, not using a syringe
to collect oil samples for DGA testing, and allowing the oil sample to be contaminated. A reputable
professional transformer oil-testing company will carefully adhere to the latest industry standards when
collecting oil samples.
Table 12 lists the dissolved gas concentrations for assessment of a gassing condition on a mineral oil-filled
transformer with no previous history (e.g., a new or repaired transformer). They are consensus values based
on IEEE C57.104: IEEE Guide for the Interpretation of Gases Generated in Oil-Immersed Transformers. Users
may decide to use different dissolved gas concentrations for a transformer based on experience with other
similar transformers. Conditions 2, 3, and 4 indicate problem may exist and re-sampling is needed to
establish a trend for further investigation.
Table 13 provides reference guidance for gas generation rates when there are no manufacturer’s guidelines
or industry standards available.
For silicon oil-filled transformers, refer to Table 14. See Table 15 for ester oil-filled transformers
Table 12. Typical DGA Values for Transformers (with No Previous History) Filled with Mineral Oil
CO CO2
H2 CH4 C2H2 C2H4 C2H6 (Carbon (Carbone
Status (Hydrogen) (Methane) (Acetylene) (Ethylene) (Ethane) Monoxide) Dioxide) TDCG
Condition 1, <100 <120 <1 <50 <65 <350 <2500 <720
typical value,
ppm
Condition 2, <700 <400 <10 <100 <100 <570 <4000 <1920
higher than
normal value,
ppm
Condition 3, <1800 <1000 <35 <200 <150 <1400 <10000 <4630
high level, ppm
Condition 4 >1800 >1000 >35 >200 >150 >1400 >10000 >4630
excessive value,
ppm
Table 13. Gas Generation Rate for Transformers Filled with Mineral Oil
CO CO2
H2 CH4 C2H2 C2H4 C2H6 (Carbon (Carbone
Status (Hydrogen) (Methane) (Acetylene) (Ethylene) (Ethane) Monoxide) Dioxide)
Generation <10 <8 <3 <8 <8 <70 <700
rate G1, ppm
limit per
month1
Generation <50 <38 <3 <38 <38 <350 <3500
rate G2, ppm
limit per
month2
1
G1 limit means: If one or more gas generation rate exceeds G1 limits, further investigation is needed.
2
G2 limit means: If one or more gas generation rate exceeds G2 limits, the unit is considered in critical condition.
Table 14. Typical Gas Values and Generation Rate for Transformers (with No Previous History) Filled with Silicon Oil
TDCG
(Total
CO CO2 dissolved
H2 CH4 C2H2 C2H4 C2H6 (Carbon (Carbone combustible
Status (Hydrogen) (Methane) (Acetylene) (Ethylene) (Ethane) Monoxide) Dioxide) gas)
Typical <200 <100 <1 <30 <30 <3000 <30,000 <3360
value
(ppm)
Generation <20 <10 <1 <3 <3 <300 <1500 <na
rate G1
limit*
(ppm per
month)
Generation <100 <50 <1 <15 <15 <1,500 <15,000 <na
rate G2
limit**
(ppm per
month)
*G1 limit means: if one or more gases generation rates exceed G1 limits, further investigation is needed.
**G2 limit means: if one or more gases generation rate exceed G2 limits, the unit is considered in critical condition.
Table 15. Typical Dissolved Gas Concentration Value for Transformers (with No Previous Sample History) Filled with Ester
Oil
CO CO2
Ester Fluid H2 CH4 C2H6 C2H4 C2H2 (Carbon (Carbone
Type (Hydrogen) (Methane) (Ethane) (Ethylene) (Acetylene) Monoxide) Dioxide)
Soybean <115 20 <235 20 <2 <170 na
based, (ppm)
High Oleic <35 <25 <60 <20 <1 <500 na
Sunflower
based (ppm)
Synthetic <65 <105 <125 <150 <15 <1400 na
(ppm)
3.6.3.2 Transformers
A. Clean (Operating Condition or Environment)
1. For liquid-filled transformers, ensure there are no leaks from the transformer tank or its bushings. Check
for evidence of stains on the transformer as well as on the floor.
2. For dry-type transformers, ensure the transformer is not covered with product dust or dust from the
environment.
3. There should be no vegetation in the transformer compound. Plant roots can damage the earth grid,
and if vegetation is allowed to grow too tall it will present a risk of electrical fault.
4. There should be no debris or trash in the transformer compound or the transformer room.
5. Combustible material should not be stored in the transformer compound or the transformer room.
B. Cool (Operating Condition or Environment)
1. The gages on liquid-filled transformers should show the following temperature readings:
a. Temperature rise: 130°F to 150°F (55°C to 65°C)
3.6.3.3 Cables
A. Clean (Environment)
1. Cable trenches and basements should be free of trash and debris.
2. Cable trays should be clean and not covered with trash and dust.
3. Cable trays should not be overloaded with cables. (As a general rule, the number of cables in the tray
should not be more than the depth of the tray.)
4. Pitch-filled and oil-filled cables should not leak, especially at the cable terminations.
B. Cool (Operating Condition)
1. Cables should be warm but not hot.
C. Dry (Environment)
1. Indoor cable trays should not be exposed to water leaks or other corrosive liquids and vapors. Certain
solvents and oils can corrode cable insulation.
D. Tight (Environment)
1. Cable penetrations should be properly fire stopped.
2. Conduits in which cables are run should be waterproofed so water does not enter the conduit.
3. There should be no signs of vermin. Look for nests, dead animals, holes, rodent traps, or bite marks
that indicate the presence of vermin.
3.6.3.4 Batteries
A. Clean (Operating Condition or Environment)
1. Battery rooms and cabinets should be free of trash and debris.
2. Battery chargers should be properly separated from combustibles.
3. There should be no electrolyte leaks from the battery banks.
4. Battery terminals and connections should be free from corrosion.
B. Cool (Environment)
1. Batteries should be maintained at approximately 77°F (25°C) (i.e., room temperature).
2. Battery cabinets housing batteries should not be warm. There should be vents in the battery cabinet
to allow cooling.
3. Battery chargers should be warm but not hot. There should be vents in the battery charger cubicle to
allow cooling.
C. Dry (Environment)
1. There should be no tarpaulin or plastic sheeting over battery chargers. This may indicate there are
roof leaks over the charger.
2. Condensation from air conditioning should not be allowed to drip onto battery chargers.
D. Tight (Operating Condition or Environment)
1. Battery rooms should be properly ventilated to prevent a buildup of hydrogen gas.
2. Battery rooms and cabinets housing vented batteries should be arranged so electrolyte spills do not
expose equipment or buildings.
3. There should be no signs of vermin. Look for nests, dead animals, holes, rodent traps, or bite marks
that indicate the presence of vermin.
4. There should be no signs of battery casing bulging, cracking, or distortion.
5. Battery connections should be tight. An infrared camera or non-contact thermometer can be used to
check the tightness of connections.
4.0 REFERENCES
4.1 FM Global
Data Sheet 5-4, Transformers
Data Sheet 5-12, Electric AC Generators
Data Sheet 5-17, Motors and Adjustable Speed Drives
Data Sheet 5-19, Switchgear and Circuit Breakers
4.2 Other
ASTM International (ASTM). D2668, Standard Test Method for 2,6-di-tert-Butyl-p-Cresol and 2,6-di-tert-Butyl
Phenol in Electrical Insulating Oil by Infrared Absorption.
ASTM International (ASTM). D974, Standard Test Method for Acid and Base Number by Color-Indicator
Titration.
ASTM International (ASTM). D1816, Standard Test Method for Dielectric Breakdown Voltage of Insulating
Oils of Petroleum Origin Using VDE Electrodes.
ASTM International (ASTM). D924, Standard Test Method for Dissipation Factor (or Power Factor) and
Relative Permittivity (Dielectric Constant) of Electrical Insulating Liquids.
ASTM International (ASTM). D971, Standard Test Method for Interfacial Tension of Oil Against Water by
the Ring Method.
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). C57.121, IEEE Guide for Acceptance and
Maintenance of Less Flammable Hydrocarbon Fluid in Transformers.
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). C57.111, IEEE Guide for Acceptance of Silicone
Insulating Fluid and Its Maintenance in Transformers.
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Standard 141, Recommended Practice for Electric
Power Distribution for Industrial Plants.
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Standard 241, Recommended Practice for Electric
Power Systems in Commercial Buildings.
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). IEEE C57.104, Guide for the Interpretation of Gases
in Oil Immersed Transformers.
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). IEEE C57.146, Guide for the Interpretation of Gases
Generated in Silicon Immersed Transformers.
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). IEEE C57.155, Guide for the Interpretation of Gases
Generated in Natural Ester and Synthetic Ester Immersed Transformers.
International Electrical Testing Association (NETA). Maintenance Testing Specifications for Electrical Power
Equipment Distribution and Systems.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). NFPA 70, National Electrical Code®.
United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Facilities Instructions, Standards and
Techniques (FIST). FIST 3-3-, Transformer Maintenance.
September 2007. The scope of this operating standard has been substantially changed and now applies
only to electrical equipment less than or equal to 600 V in commercial and industrial buildings, and privately
owned, pad-mount transformers greater than 600 V and their associated switchgear.
May 2001. Revisions were made to Table 1, Electrical Test Matrix.
January 2000. The document has been reorganized to provide a consistent format.