Transformer Testing

For confirming the specifications and performances of an electrical transformer it has to go

through numbers of testing procedures. Some tests are done at manufacturer premises before
delivering the transformer. Mainly two types of transformer testing are done at manufacturer
premises - type test of transformer and routine test of transformer. In addition to that some
transformer tests are also carried out at the consumer site before commissioning and also
periodically in regular & emergency basis through out its service life.
Electrical Power Transformer
Working Principle of Transformer
Ideal Transformer
Theory of Transformer
EMF Equation of Transformer
Leakage Reactance of Transformer
Equivalent Circuit of Transformer
Voltage Regulation of Transformer
Losses in Transformer
Open & Short Circuit Test on Transformer
Auto Transformer
Tertiary Winding of Transformer
Parallel operation of Transformers
Transformer Cooling System
Core of Transformer
Transformer Insulating Oil
Transformer Accessories
Dissolved Gas Analysis of Transformer Oil
Over Fluxing in Transformer
Three phase transformer
Current Transformer
Voltage Transformer
Accuracy Limit & Instrument Security Factor
Knee Point Voltage of Current Transformer
Earthing or Grounding Transformer
External & Internal Faults in Transformer
Backup Protection of Transformer
Differential Protection of Transformer
Restricted Earth Fault Protection
Buchholz Relay in Transformer
Transformer Testing
Transformer winding resistance measurement
Transformer Ratio Test
Vector Group Test of Transformer
Dielectric Test of Transformer
Temperature Rise Test of Transformer
Transformer Impulse Test
Type of transformer testing
Tests done at Factory

Type Tests
Routine Tests
Special Tests
Tests done at Site

Pre Commissioning Tests
Periodic/Condition Monitoring Tests
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

Transformer winding resistance measurement
Transformer ratio test
Transformer vector group test
Measurement of impedance voltage/short circuit impedance (principal tap) and load loss (Short
circuit test)
Measurement of no load loss and current (Open circuit test)
Measurement of insulation resistance
Dielectric tests of transformer
Temperature rise test of Transformer
Tests on on-load tap-changer
Vacuum tests on tank and radiators
Routine tests of transformer include

Transformer winding resistance measurement
Transformer ratio test
Transformer vector group test
Measurement of impedance voltage/short circuit impedance (principal tap) and load loss (Short
circuit test)
Measurement of no load loss and current (Open circuit test)
Measurement of insulation resistance
Dielectric tests of transformer
Tests on on-load tap-changer
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

Dielectric Tests
Measurement of zero-sequence impedance of three-phase transformers
Short-Circuit Test
Measurement of acoustic noise level
Measurement of the harmonics of the no-load current
Measurement of the power taken by the fans and oil pumps
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
2
R 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) First keep the tap changer of transformer in normal position.
2) Now disconnect the transformer neutral from ground.
3) Then apply single phase 230V 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 IV
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 Central phase Right side phase

AN BN CN
Voltage applied at left side phase 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 electric
current required to establish flux in the core.
1) First of all keep the tap changer in the lowest position and open all IV & LV terminals.
2) Then apply three phase 415V supply on the line terminals for three phase transformers and
single phase 230V supply on single phase transformers.
3) Measure the supply voltage and electric current in each phase.
4) Now repeat the magnetizing current test of transformertest with keeping tap changer in
normal position.
5) 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
1) First disconnect all the line and neutral terminals of the transformer.
2) Megger leads to be connected to LV and HV bushing studs to measure Insulation Resistance
IR value in between the LV and HV windings.
3) 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.
4) 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 windings
1) Keep the primary winding of transformer open circuited.
2) Apply three phase voltage to the secondary winding. The applied voltage should be twice of
rated voltage of secondary winding in magnitude and frequency.
3) The duration of the test shall be 60 second.
4) 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.
Transformer Winding Resistance
Measurement
Transformer winding resistance measurement is carried out as a type test, routine
test and also as a field test.

In the factory, it helps in determining the following :
(a) Calculation of the I
2
R losses in transformer
(b) Calculation of winding temperature at the end of temperature rise test of transformer.

(c) As a benchmark for assessing possible damages in the field.
It is done at site in order to check for abnormalities due to loose connections, broken
strands of conductor, high contact resistance in tap changers, high voltage leads and
bushings.
Procedure of Transformer winding resistance measurement
For star connected winding, the resistance shall be measured between the line and
neutral terminal.
For star connected auto-transformers the resistance of the HV side is measured
between HV terminal and IV terminal, then between IV terminal and the neutral.
For delta connected windings, measurement of winding resistance shall be done
between pairs of line terminals. As in delta connection the resistance of individual
winding can not be measured separately, the resistance per winding shall be calculated
as per the following formula:

Resistance per winding = 1.5 x Measured value
The resistance is measured at ambient temperature and then converted to resistance at
75C for all practical purposes of comparison with specified design values, previous
results and diagnostics.
Winding Resistance at standard temperature of 75
o
C
R
75
= R
t

235+75
235+t
R
t
= Winding resistance at temperature t.
t = Winding temperature
Generally transformer windings are immersed in insulation liquid and covered with
paper insulation, hence it is impossible to measure the actual winding temperature in a
de-energizing transformer at time of transformer winding resistance measurement.
An approximation is developed to calculate temperature of winding at that condition, as
follows

Temperature of winding = Average temperature of insulating oil.
(Average temperature of insulating oil should be taken 3 to 8 hours after de-energizing
transformer and when the difference between top & bottom oil temperatures becomes
less than 5
o
C)

The resistance can be measured by simple voltmeter ammeter method, Kelvin Bridge
meter or automatic winding resistance measurement kit (ohm meter, preferably 25
Amps kit)

Caution for voltmeter ammeter method: Current shall not exceed 15% of the rated
current of the winding. Large values may cause inaccuracy by heating the winding and
thereby changing its temperature and resistance.
NB: - Measurement of winding resistance of transformer shall be carried out at each
tap.
Current Voltage Method of measurement of winding
resistance
The transformer winding resistances can be measured by current voltage method. In
this method of measurement of winding resistance, the test current is injected to the
winding and corresponding voltage drop across the winding is measured.
By applying simple Ohm's law i.e. R
x
=
V
one can easily determine the value of resistance.
I
Procedure of current voltage method of measurement of winding
resistance
1) Before measurement the transformer should be kept in OFF condition without
excitation at least for 3 to 4 hours. During this time the winding temperature will become
equal to its oil temperature.

2) Measurement is done with D.C.

3) To minimize observation errors, polarity of the core magnetization shall be kept
constant during all resistance readings.

4) Voltmeter leads shall be independent of the current leads to protect it from high
voltages which may occur during switching on and off the current circuit.

5) The readings shall be taken after the electric current and voltage have reached
steady state values. In some cases this may take several minutes depending upon the
winding impedance.

6) The test current shall not exceed 15% of the rated current of the winding. Large
values may cause inaccuracy by heating the winding and thereby changing its
resistance.

7) For expressing resistance, the corresponding temperature of the winding at the time
of measurement must be mentioned along with resistance value. As we said earlier that
after remaining in switch off condition for 3 to 4 hours, the winding temperature would
become equal to oil temperature. The oil temperature at the time of testing is taken as
the average of top oil and bottom oil temperatures of transformer.

8) For star connected three phase winding, the resistance per phase would be half of
measured resistance between two line terminals of the transformer.

9) For delta connected three phase winding, the resistance per phase would be 0.67
times of measured resistance between two line terminals of the transformer.

10) This current voltage method of measurement of winding resistance of
transformer should be repeated for each pair of line terminals of winding at every tap
position.
Bridge Method of measurement of winding resistance

The main principle of bridge method is based on comparing an unknown resistance with
a known resistance. When electric currents flowing through the arms of bridge circuit
become balanced, the reading of galvanometer shows zero deflection that means at
balanced condition no electric current will flow through the galvanometer. Very small
value of resistance ( in milli - ohms range) can be accurately measured by Kelvin Bridge
method whereas for higher value Wheatstone bridge method of resistance
measurement is applied. In bridge method of measurement of winding resistance, the
errors is minimized.

The resistance measured by Kelvin
Bridge;
R
x
= R
s

R
B

R
A

( R
A
= R
a
ve R
B
= R
b
)
All other steps to be taken during transformer winding resistance measurement in these
methods are similar to that of current voltage method of measurement of winding
resistance of transformer, except the measuring technique of resistance.

The resistance measured by
Wheatstone Bridge;
R
x
= R
A
B

Transformer Ratio Test
The performance of a transformer largely depends upon perfection of specific turns or
voltage ratio of transformer. So transformer ration test is an essential type test of
transformer. The voltage should be applied only in the high voltage winding in order to
avoid unsafe voltage.

Ratio test of transformer and
check of phase displacement
Actually the no load voltage ratio of transformer is equal to the turn ratio. So ratio test
of transformer
Procedure of transformer ration test
1) First, the tap changer of transformer is kept in the lowest position and LV terminals
are kept open.
2) Then apply 3-phase 415 V supply on HV terminals. Measure the voltages applied on
each phase (Phase-Phase) on HV and induced voltages at LV terminals
simultaneously.
3) After measuring the voltages at HV and LV terminals, the tap changer of transformer
should be raised by one position and repeat test.
4) Repeat the same for each of the tap position separately.
The above transformer ratio test can also be performed by portable Transformer
Turns Ratio (TTR) Meter. They have an in built power supply, with the voltages
commonly used being very low, such as 8-10 V and 50 Hz. The HV and LV windings of
one phase of a transformer are connected to the instrument, and the internal bridge
elements are varied to produce a null indication on the detector.
Let's have a discussion on Transformer Turns Ratio (TTR) Meter method of turn ratio
test of transformer
A phase voltage is applied to the one of the windings by means of a bridge circuit and
the ratio of induced voltage is measured at the bridge. The accuracy of the measuring
instrument is < 0.1 %

Theoretical turn ratio =
HV winding voltage
LV winding voltage
This theoretical turn ratio is adjusted on the transformer turn ratio tested or TTR by the
adjustable transformer as shown in the figure above and it should be changed until a
balance occurs in the percentage error indicator. The reading on this indicator implies
the deviaton of measured turn ratio from expected turn ratio in percentage.
Deviation in percentage = Measured turn ratio - expected turn ratio X 100 %
Expected turn ratio
Out-of-tolerance, ratio test of transformer can be due to shorted turns, especially if
there is an associated high excitation current. Open turns in HV winding will indicate
very low exciting current and no output voltage since open turns in HV winding causes
no excitation current in the winding means no flux hence no induced voltage. But open
turn in LV winding causes, low fluctuating LV voltage but normal excitation current in HV
winding. Hence open turns in LV winding will be indicated by normal levels of exciting
current, but very low levels of unstable output voltage. The turn ratio test of
transformer also detects high resistance connections in the lead circuitry or high
contact resistance in tap changers by higher excitation current and a difficulty in
balancing the bridge.
Vector Group Test of Transformer
The vector group of transformer is an essential property for successful parallel
operation of transformers. Hence every electrical power transformer must undergo
through vector group test of transformer at factory site for ensuring the customer
specified vector group of transformer.
The phase sequence or the order in which the phases reach their maximum positive
voltages, must be identical for two paralleled transformers. Otherwise, during the cycle,
each pair of phases will be short circuited.
The several secondary connections are available in respect of various primary three phase
connection in a the three phase transformer. So for same primary applied three phase voltage
there may be different three phase secondary voltages with various magnitudes and phases for
different internal connection of the transformer. Let's have a discussion in detail by example for
better understanding.
We know that, the primary and secondary coils on any one limb have induced emfs that
are in time - phase. Let's consider two transformers of same number primary turns and
the primary windings are connected in star. The secondary number of turns per phase
in both transformers are also same. But the first transformer has star connected
secondary and other transformer has delta connected secondary. If same voltages are
applied in primary of both transformers, the secondary induced emf in each phase will
be in same time-phase with that of respective primary phase, as because the the
primary and secondary coils of same phase are wound on the same limb in the core of
transformer. In first transformer, as the secondary is star connected, the secondary line
voltage is 3 times of induced voltage per secondary phase coil. But in case of second
transformer, where secondary is delta connected, the line voltage is equal to induced
voltage per secondary phase coil. If we go through the vector diagram of secondary line
voltages of both transformer, we will easily find that there will be a clear 30
o
angular
difference between the line voltages of these transformers. Now, if we try to run these
transformers in parallel then there will be a circulating current flows between the
transformers as because there is a phase angle difference between their secondary line
voltages. This phase difference can not be compensated. Thus two sets of connections
giving secondary voltages with a phase displacement can not be intended for parallel
operation of transformers.
The following table gives the connections for which from the view point of phase
sequence and angular divergences, transformer can be operated parallel. According to
their vector relation, all three phase transformers are divided into different vector group
of transformer. All electrical power transformers of a particular vector group can easily
be operated in parallel if they fulfill other condition for parallel operation of transformers.
GROU
P
Connection Connection
0
(0
o
)
Yy
0




Dd
0




1
( 30
o
)
Yd
1


Dy
1






6
( 180
o
)
Yy
6




Dd
6




11
( - 30
o
)
Yd
11




Dy
11




Procedure of vector group test of transformer

Lets have a YNd
11
transformer.
1) Connect neutral point of star connected winding with earth.

2) Join 1U of HV and 2W of LV together.

3) Apply 415V, three phase supply to HV terminals.

4) Measure voltages between terminals 2U 1N, 2V 1N, 2W 1N, that means
voltages between each LV terminal and HV neutral.

5) Also measure voltages between terminals 2V 1V, 2W 1W and 2V 1W.

For YNd
11
transformer, we will find,
2U 1N > 2V 1N > 2W 1N
2V 1W > 2V 1V or 2W 1W
The vector group test of transformer for other group can also be done in similar way.
Dielectric Test of Transformer
The dielectric test of transformer is generally performed in two different steps,
likewise, separate source voltage withstand test and induced voltage withstand test of
transformer, which we have discussed one by one below.

Separate source voltage withstand test of transformer
This dielectric test is intended to check the the ability of main insulation to earth and
between winding.
Procedure
1) All three line terminals of the winding to be tested are connected together.

2) Other winding terminals which are not under test and also tank of the transformer
should be connected to earth.

3) Then a single-phase power frequency voltage of shape approximately sinusoidal is
applied for 60 seconds to the terminals of the winding under test.

4) The test shall be performed on all the windings one by one.

6) The test is successful if no break down in the dielectric of the insulation occurs during
test.

In this transformer testing, the peak value of voltage is measured, that is why the
capacitor voltage divider with digital peak voltmeter is employed as shown in the
diagram above. The peal value multiplied by 0.707 (1/2) is the test voltage.
The values of test voltage for different fully insulated winding are furnished below in the
table.
Nominal system
voltage rating
for equipment
Highest system
voltage rating
for equipment
Rated short duration
power frequency withstand
voltage
415V 1.1 KV 3 KV
11 KV 12 KV 28 KV
33 KV 36 KV 70 KV
132 KV 145 KV 230 / 275 KV
220 KV 245 KV 360 / 395 KV
400 KV 420 KV 570 / 630 KV
Winding with graded insulation, which has neutral intended for direct earthing,
is tested at 38KV
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 windings
1) Keep the primary winding of transformer open circuited.

2) Apply three phase voltage to the secondary winding. The applied voltage should be
twice of rated voltage of secondary winding in magnitude and frequency.

3) The duration of the test shall be 60 second.

4) 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 transformer winding and oil as per specification or
not.
Temperature rise test for top oil of transformer
1) First the LV winding of the transformer is short circuited.

2) Then one thermometer is placed in a pocket in transformer top cover. Other two
thermometers are placed at the inlet and outlet of the cooler bank respectively.

3) The voltage of such value is applied to the HV winding that power input is equal to no
load losses plus load losses corrected to a reference temperature of 75
o
C.

4) The total losses are measured by three watt-meters method.

5) During the test, hourly readings of top oil temperature are taken from the
thermometer already placed in the pocket of top cover.

6) Hourly readings of the thermometers placed at inlet and outlet of the cooler bank are
also noted to calculate the mean temperature of the oil.

7) Ambient temperature is measured by means of thermometer placed around the
transformer at three or four points situated at a distance of 1 to 2 meter from and half-
way up the cooling surface of the transformer.

8) Temperature rise test for top oil of transformer should be continued until the top oil
temperature has reached an approximate steady value that means testing would be
continued until the temperature increment of the top oil becomes less than 3
o
C in one
hour. This steady value of top oil is determined as final temperature rise of transformer
insulating oil.

9) There is another method of
determination of oil temperature. Here the test in allowed to be continued until the top oil
temperature rise does not vary more than 1
o
C per hour for four consecutive hours. The
least reading is taken as final temperature rise of the oil.
During temperature rise test for top oil of transformer we make the LV winding
short circuited and apply voltage to the HV winding. So for full load rated electric
current flows in the transformer, the supply voltage required will much less than
rated transformer voltage. We know that core loss of a transformer depends upon
voltage. So there will not be any considerable core loss occurs in the transformer
during test. But for getting actual temperature rise of the oil in a transformer, we
have to compensate the lack of core losses by additional copper loss in the
transformer. For supplying this total losses, transformer draws electric current
from the source much more than its rated value for transformer.
Temperature rise limits of transformer when it is oil immersed, given in the table below

Temperature rise
limit
for air as
cooling medium
Temperature rise
limit
for water as
cooling medium
Condition
Winding
55
o
C 60
o
C When oil circulation is natural
60
o
C 65
o
C When oil circulation is forced
Top Oil
50
o
C 55
o
C
When transformer is sealed &
equipped with conservator tank
45
o
C 50
o
C
When transformer is neither
sealed
nor equipped with conservator
tank
NB: These temperature rises limits mentioned in the above table are the temperature
rise above the temperature of cooling medium. That means these are the difference
between winding or oil temperature and temperature of cooling air or water.
Winding temperature rise test on transformer
1) After completion of temperature rise test for top oil of transformer the current is
reduced to its rated value for transformer and is maintained for one hour.

2) After one hour the supply is switch off and short circuit and supply connection to the
HV side and short circuit connection to the LV side are opened.

3) But, the fans and pumps are kept running (if any)

4) Then resistance of the
windings are measured quickly.

5) But there is always a minimum 3 to 4 minutes time gap between first measurement of
resistance and the instant of switching off the transformer, which can not be avoided.

5) Then the resistances are measured at the same 3 to 4 minutes time intervals over a
period of 15 minutes.

6) Graph of hot resistance versus time is plotted, from which winding resistance (R
2
) at
the instant of shut down can be extrapolated.

7) From this value,
2
, the winding temperature at the instant of shut down can be
determined by the formula given below

2
=
R
2

(235 + t
1
) - 235
R
1

Where, R
1
is the cold resistance of the winding at temperature t
1
.
For determining winding temperature rise we have to apply the above discussed
indirect method. That means hot winding resistance is measured and determined
first and then from that value we have to calculate the winding temperature rise,
by applying resistance temperature relation formula. This is because unlike oil
the winding of transformer is not accessible for external temperature
measurement.
Impulse Test of Transformer
Lighting is a common phenomenon in transmission lines because of their tall height.
This lightning stroke on the line conductor causes impulse voltage. The terminal
equipment of transmission line such as power transformer then experiences this
lightning impulse voltages. Again during all kind of online switching operation in the
system, there will be switching impulses occur in the network. The magnitude of the
switching impulses may be about 3.5 times the system voltage.
Insulation is one of the most important constituents of a transformer. Any weakness in
the insulation may cause failure of transformer. To ensure the effectiveness of the
insulation system of a transformer, it must confirms the dielectric test. But the power
frequency withstand test alone can not be adequate to demonstrate the dielectric
strength of a transformer. That is why impulse test of transformer performed on it.
Both lightning impulse test and switching impulse test are included in this category
of testing.
Lightning Impulse
The lightning impulse is a pure natural phenomenon. So it is very difficult to predict the
actual wave shape of an lightning disturbance. From the data compiled about natural
lightning, it may be concluded that the system disturbance due to natural lightning
stroke, can be represented by three basic wave shapes.

1) Full wave
2) Chopped wave and
3) Front of wave

Although the actual lightning impulse disturbance may not have exactly these three
shapes but by defining these waves one can establish a minimum impulse dielectric
strength of a transformer.
If lighting disturbance travels some distance along the transmission line before it
reaches the transformer, its wave shape may approach to full wave.
If during traveling, if flash-over occurs at any insulator of the transmission line, after the
peak of the wave has been reached, the wave may become in form of chopped wave.
If the lightning stroke directly hits the transformer terminals, the impulse voltage rises
rapidly until it is relieved by a flash over. At the instant of flash - over the voltage
suddenly collapses and may form the front of wave shape.
The effect of these wave forms on the transformer insulation may be different from each
other. We are not going here in detail discussion of what type of impulse voltage wave
forms causes what type of failure in transformer. But whatever may be the shape of
lightning disturbance voltage wave, all of them can cause insulation failure in
transformer. So lighting impulse test of transformer is one of the most important type
test of transformer.
Switching Impulse
Through studies and observations reveal that the switching over voltage or switching
impulse may have front time of several hundred microseconds and this voltage may be
periodically damped out. The IEC - 600060 has adopted for their switching impulse test,
a long wave having front time 250 s and time to half value 2500 s with tolerances.