Testing Of Transformer Or Insulating Oil

Transformer oil, a type of insulating and cooling oil used in transformers and other electrical equipment,
needs to be tested periodically to ensure that it is still fit for purpose. This is because it tends to deteriorate
over time. Testing sequences and procedures are defined by various international standards, many of
them set by ASTM. Testing consists of measuring breakdown voltage and other physical and chemical
properties of samples of the oil, either in a laboratory or using portable test equipment on site
Motivation For Testing

The transformer oil (insulation oil) of voltage- and current-transformers fulfills the purpose of insulating as
well as cooling. Thus, the dielectric quality of transformer oil is essential to secure operation of a
transformer.
Testing Of The Transformer Oil

Color ASTM D1500

Dielectric breakdown voltage ASTM D877
Dielectric breakdown voltage ASTM D877
Dissolved gas analysis (DGA) ASTM D3612
Dissolved metals ASTM D7151

The D7151 test method is used to cover any dissolved metals that could originate from transformer
oil, and also it provides rapid screening of used oils for indications of wear.
 Flash point, fire point ASTM D92

1 The flash point is one measure of the tendency of the test specimen to form a flammable mixture with air under
controlled laboratory conditions. It is only one of a number of properties that should be considered in assessing
the overall flammability hazard of a material.

2 Flash point is used in shipping and safety regulations to define flammable and combustible materials. Consult
the particular regulation involved for precise definitions of these classifications.
3 Flash point can indicate the possible presence of highly volatile and flammable materials in a relatively
non volatile or non flammable material. For example, an abnormally low flash point on a test specimen of
engine oil can indicate gasoline contamination.

4 This test method shall be used to measure and describe the properties of materials, products, or
assemblies in response to heat and a test flame under controlled laboratory conditions and shall not be
used to describe or appraise the fire hazard or fire risk of materials, products, or assemblies under actual
fire conditions. However, results of this test method may be used as elements of a fire risk assessment
that takes into account all of the factors that are pertinent to an assessment of the fire hazard of a
particular end use.

5 The fire point is one measure of the tendency of the test specimen to support combustion.
Interfacial tension ASTM D971

Interfacial tension measurements on electrical insulating oils provide a sensitive means of detecting small
amounts of soluble polar contaminants and products of oxidation. A high value for new mineral insulating oil
indicates the absence of most undesirable polar contaminants. The test is frequently applied to service-aged
oils as an indication of the degree of deterioration.
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