Partial Discharge Testing
Lippolis Electric Inc. has been serving the Westchester, New York area and its surrounding communities with reliable, precise electrical service for over 35 years. As an experienced electrical contractor, we specialize in providing our customers with electrical repair, testing and monitoring services to help keep employees safe from electrical hazards and protect electrical distribution systems from damage and shutdowns due to insulation system failures.
At Lippolis Electric, we provide customers with a wide range of electrical testing and monitoring services, including partial discharge (PD) testing. Read on to learn more about the basics of PD testing and Lippolis Electric’s PD testing capabilities.
What Is Partial Discharge Testing?
Partial discharge testing, or PD testing, is performed on energized medium voltage electrical insulation systems for the presents of insulation breakdown. PD testing is performed on medium voltage 2,400 volts minimum and higher to detect three types of insulation breakdown on the entire electrical system including the cable, switchgear and transformers all connected.
PD testing assesses medium voltage electrical distribution systems for potential failure through either online or offline testing. While online testing occurs when the electrical distribution system is running normally, offline testing uses an external power source to check for PD when the system is turned off. In either case, PD testing uses special monitors and sensors paired with diagnostic software to detect defects in the insulation system.
Why Is Partial Discharge Testing Important?
PD testing is a crucial part of a facility’s routine electrical maintenance plan. Electrical distribution system failures due to insulation problems is an unfortunately common occurrence, but these incidents can be prevented with regular professional PD testing services. PD testing spots potential failures due to micro voids in the insulation system using advanced sensor technology and diagnostic software — a practice that saves companies many thousands of dollars in repairs.
What Are the Types of Partial Discharge?
- Surface – This happens across an insulated surface and is the most common type of partial discharge
- Internal – Occurs in voids or cavities in solid insulation
- Corona – Takes place in gaseous dielectrics within inhomogeneous fields
Lippolis Electric’s Partial Discharge Testing Capabilities
At Lippolis Electric, we provide PD testing services to customers throughout New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Our mission is to ensure that every electrical customer receives the service and knowledge needed to keep their electrical distribution systems operating smoothly and safely.
We offer TEGG-certified PD testing services that include both offline and online testing capabilities. Online testing options are ideal for customers who would rather not have their electric service interrupted. Offline testing is performed on de-energized or new equipment. Either method offer the same accuracy and information.
PD testing is performed at system operating voltage levels. No over voltage is applied to aged cable and equipment. This is much safer and nondestructive testing.
PD testing results are presented on a grading system of 1 through 5. Other types of testing results are typically presented on a pass or fail basis.
If you’re looking for guidance on which type of PD test is right for your facility, talk to the experts at Lippolis Electric today!
Choose Lippolis Electric for Your Partial Discharge Cable Testing Services
At Lippolis Electric, we specialize in providing customers in the Westchester County area and its surrounding communities with expert electrical services and professionalism second to none in the region. If you want to know more about our PD testing services or any other service we offer, reach out to our knowledgeable team today or request an estimate.