Principle of Tan Delta Test

A pure insulator when is connected across line and earth, it behaves as a capacitor. In an ideal insulator, as
the insulating material which acts as dielectric too, is 100 % pure, the electric current passing through the
insulator, only have capacitive component. There is no resistive component of the current, flowing from
line to earth through insulator as in ideal insulating material, there is zero percent impurity.
In pure capacitor, the capacitive electric current leads the applied voltage by 90.
In practice, the insulator cannot be made 100% pure. Also due to the ageing of insulator the impurities like
dirt and moisture enter into it. These impurities provide the conductive path to the current. Consequently,
leakage electric current flowing from line earth through insulator has also resistive component.

Hence, it is needless to say that, for good insulator, this resistive component of leakage electric current is
quite low. In other way the healthiness of an electrical insulator can be determined by ratio of resistive
component to capacitive component. For good insulator this ratio would be quite low. This ratio is
commonly known as tan or tan delta. Sometimes it is also referred as dissipation factor.

In the vector diagram above, the system voltage is drawn along x-axis. Conductive electric current i.e.
resistive component of leakage current, IR will also be along x-axis.
As the capacitive component of leakage electric current IC leads system voltage by 90, it will be drawn
along y-axis.
Now, total leakage electric current IL(Ic + IR) makes an angle (say) with y-axis.
Now, from the diagram above, it is cleared, the ratio, IR to IC is nothing but tan or tan delta.

NB: This angle is known as loss angle.

Method of Tan Delta Testing

The cable, winding, current transformer, potential transformer, transformer bushing, on which tan delta
test or dissipation factor test to be conducted, is first isolated from the system. A very low frequency test
voltage is applied across the equipment whose insulation to be tested. First the normal voltage is applied. If
the value of tan delta appears good enough, the applied voltage is raised to 1.5 to 2 times of normal
voltage, of the equipment. The tan delta controller unit takes measurement of tan delta values. A loss angle
analyser is connected with tan delta measuring unit to compare the tan delta values at normal voltage and
higher voltages, and analyse the results.
During test it is essential to apply test voltage at very low frequency.

Reason of applying Very Low Frequency

If frequency of applied voltage is high, then capacitive reactance of the insulator becomes low, hence
capacitive component of electric current is high. The resistive component is nearly fixed, it depends upon
applied voltage and conductivity of the insulator. At high frequency as capacitive current, is large, hence,
the amplitude of vector sum of capacitive and resistive components of electric current becomes large too.
Therefore, required apparent power for tan delta test would become high enough which is not practical.
So to keep the power requirement for this dissipation factor test, very low frequency test voltage is
required. The frequency range for tan delta test is generally from 0.1 to 0.01 Hz depending upon size and
nature of insulation.
There is another reason for which it is essential to keep the input frequency of the test as low as possible.
As we know,

That means, dissipation factor tan 1 / f.

Hence, at low frequency, the tan delta number is high, the measurement becomes easier.

How to predict the Result of Tan Delta Testing

There are two ways to predict the condition of an insulation system during tan delta or dissipation factor
test.
First, one is, comparing the results of previous tests to determine, the deterioration of the condition of
insulation due ageing effect.
The second one is, determining the condition of insulation from the value of tan, directly. No requirement
of comparing previous results of tan delta test.
If the insulation is perfect, the loss factor will be approximately same for all range of test voltages. But if
the insulation is not sufficient, the value of tan delta increases in the higher range of test voltage.

From the graph, it is clear that the tan&delta number nonlinearly increases with increasing test very lowfrequency voltage. The increasing tan&delta, means, high resistive electric current component, in the
insulation. These results can be compared with the results of previously tested insulators, to take the proper
decision whether the equipment would be replaced or not.

Insulation Resistance Test and Polarization Index Test

Both Insulation Resistance Test (IR Value Test) and Polarization Index Test (PI
Value Test) are conducted on HV machine to determine service condition of the
insulation. In HV machines and winding are likely to be affected by moisture and
contamination. IP test is conducted specially to determine the dryness and
cleanliness of winding insulation.
In insulation resistance test, a high DC voltage is applied across, conductor and
ground more specifically. The voltage is applied across the insulator. Due to this
applied high DC voltage there will be a current through the electrical insulator. Big
dividing the applied voltage by this current we get the actual resistive value of the
insulator.

Say the applied high voltage is V and corresponding current through the insulator is
I.
Hence as per Ohms law the value of insulation resistance is

This test is generally done by means of megger.

Megger gives required direct (DC) voltage across the insulator an it also shows the
resistive value of insulator directly in Mohm range.The megger are generally of 500
V, 2.5 KV an 5 KV.
500 V megger are used for insulation test upto 1.1 KV rated insulation. For high
voltage transformer, other HV equipment and machines, 2.5 or 5 KV megger are
used.
As all insulators are dielectric in nature they have always a capacitive property. Due
to that, during application of voltage across the electrical insulator, initially there will
be a charging current. But after some time when the insulator is totally charged, the
capacitive changing current becomes zero and then only resistive conductive
current presents in the insulator. That is why it is always recommended to do
insulation resistance test at least for 1 minute as it is proved that charging current
totally becomes zero after 1 minute.
Only measuring insulation resistance by megger for 1 minute does not always give
reliable result. As the resistive value of an electrical insulator also varies with
temperature.
This difficulty is partially solved by introducing polarity index test or in short PI value
test. The philosophy behind PI test is discussed below.
Actually when a voltage is applied across an insulator there will be a leakage current
from line to ground.
Although this leakage current is very small is in millampere or sometimes in micro
ampere range, but it has mainly four components.

1. Capacitive component.

2. Resistive or conductive component.

3. Surface leakage component.

4. Polarization component.

Let us discuss one by one.

Capacitive Component

When a DC voltage is applied across in insulator, because of its dielectric

nature there will be an initial high charging current through the insulator from line
to ground. Although this current decays exponentially and becomes zero. Generally
this current exists for initial 10 seconds of the test. But it takes nearly 60 seconds to
decay totally.

Resistive or Conductive Component

This current is purely conductive in nature flows through the insulator as if

the insulator is purely resistive. This is direct flow of electrons. Every insulator should
have this component of electric current. Since in practice every material in this
universe persists some sensitive nature.
The resistive or conductive component of insulator leakage current remains
constant throughout the test.

Surface Leakage Component

Due to dust, moisture and other contaminants on the surface of the insulator,
there is one small component of leakage current through the outer surface of the
insulator.

Polarization Component

Every insulator is hygroscopic in nature. Some contaminant molecules and

mainly moisture in the insulator are very polar. When an electric field is applied
across the insulator the polar molecules align themselves along the direction of
electric field. The energy required for this alignment of polar molecules, comes from
voltage source in form of electric current. This current is called polarization current.
It continues until all the polar molecules allied themselves along the direction of
electric field.

It takes around 10 minutes to align the polar molecules along electric field and that
is why if we take megger result for 10 minutes, there would be no effect of polarizing
in megger result.
So when we take megger value of an insulator for 1 minute, the results reflects, the
IR value which is free from effect of capacitive component of leakage current. Again
when we take megger value of an insulator for 10 minutes, the megger result shows
the 12 value, free from affects of both capacitive component and polarization
component of leakage current.
Polarization index is the ratio of megger value taken for 10 minutes to the megger
value taken for 1 minute.
The significance of polarization index test.
Let I is the total initial current during polarization index test or PI test.
IC is the capacitive current.
IR is resistive or conductive current.
IS is surface leakage current.
IP is polarization current of the insulator.

Value of insulation resistance test or IR value test, i.e. value megger reading just
after 1 minute of the test, is-

Megger value of 10 minute test, is

Therefore, result of polarization index test, is

From the above equation it is clear that, if the value of (IR + IS) >> IP, the PI of
insulator approaches to 1. And large IR or IS or both indicate unhealthiness of the
insulation.
Th value of IP becomes high if (IR + IS) is very small compared to IP. This equation
indicates that high polarization index of an insulator implies healthiness of insulator.
For good insulator resistive leakage current IL is very tiny.
It is always desired to have polarization index of an electrical insulator more than 2.
It is hazardous to have polarization index less than 1.5.

TAN-DELTA TEST SETS

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Why to measure the CAPACITANCE & TAN-DELTA of the insulating material?

Electrical properties of the insulating system change due to age and continuous electrical street. The principal co
the unexpected breakdown of the high voltage equipment is the insulation failure. As compared to the magnetic, conduc
insulating materials which form the basics of any electrical equipment, the insulating material is more prone to service s
thermal stress, electrical stress, mechanicals stress, environment stress etc.

By measuring the electrical properties such as capacitance and Tan-Delta regularly on periodical basis, it is poss
ensure the operational unexpected breakdown. Dissipation factor (Tan-Delta) is one of the most powerful off-line nonde
diagnostic tool to monitor the condition of solid insulation of various high voltage equipment.

Capacitance and Tan-Delta values obtained on new insulation are treated as benchmark readings. Then by mea
comparing the periodical readings of the capacitance and Tan-Delta of the insulating material with the benchmark readi
can know the rate of deterioration of the health of the insulation.

Knowing the rate of deterioration, we can be able to

Predict the future unexpected breakdown of the insulation of HV equipment.

Plan the maintenance schedule.

Repair the insulation before actual flashover, saving high cost of replacement of material which will reduce the invent
delay in procurement at the last minute.
After repair, quality of insulation can be checked before returning the equipment to service.

When to check capacitance & Tan-Delta

During manufacturing process preferably at each stage.
In service & will be depend on rate of change of Tan-Delta Vs Voltage Vs Time (Month/Year).
Frequency of testing depends on history of past failures on same machine.
Frequency of testing depends on environmental conditions. More humidity, temperature, pollution would require
frequency measurement of Tan-Delta.

Capacitance & Tan-Delta Test System (Model TD-1)

The instrument after some minor calculation directly gives the capacitance and dissipation factor (Tan-Delta) of the insu
material when used with the required power source. This is a battery operated instrument and very useful to monitor the
health of the insulating material as per IS. This instrument is specially shielded with high permeability metal sheets to a
effect of external interference.

Features

Built-in protection : Instrument is provided with built in high voltage protection device which protects the instrument &
operator against failure of test object or standard capacitor.
Null Detector : Built-in battery operated null detector is provided which is most suitable for quick balancing of the inst
gives high sensitivity and accuracy.
ICU : Interference compensation (unit) is useful only in the case of heavy induction area so the to get the correct read

Technical specification :

Capacitance Range : 1 PF to 1.1MFD in three or four ranges depend upon capacitor and can be extended further (u
external current transformer).
Resolution
: Cx multiplying factor
Resolution
0.01
0.1 PF
0.1
1 PF
1
10 PF
10
100 PF
Accuracy
: 0.1% of reading.
Tan-Delta Range
: 0.0001 to 11.1 in three ranges.
Resolution
: Tan-Delta factor
Resolution
0.1
1 x 10 -5
1
1 x 10 -4
10
1 x 10 -3
Accuracy
: 1% of reading 1 to 2 x 10 -4.

High Voltage Power Source (Model H-12)

The instrument is used to get the high voltage 0 to 12 KV/100mA as output from the 230VAC input. This is provided with
SF6 gas filled standard capacitor and useful for both grounded as well as ungrounded objects. Higher KV and current c
power supply can be provided as per the requirements.

Features
Zero start control, external interlock, open ground indicating lamp, HT cut-off on overload.
Instrument can be used in three different modes.
UST (Ungrounded specimen test):
Used when the object under test is not grounded. This mode provides most accurate results.
GST (Grounded specimen test):
Used when the object under test is permanently grounded. This mode often used for outdoor installed power systems.
GSTg (Grounded specimen test with guard):
Used to measure the stray capacitances and separating them from basic measurement in GST mode.

Technical Specification
Test Voltage
: 0 to 10Kv / 50Hz.
Rated Power
: 1 KVA maximum.
Rated Current
: 100mA (long term) current capacity.
Power Required
: 230V AC 10% / 50Hz.
Standard Capacitor : Capacitor is compressed with SF6 gas.
Capacitance
: 100 pf 5% or actual value.
Tan-Delta
: Less than 0.00001
Dielectric
: SF6 gas
Test Voltage
: up to 12 KV RMSMax.
Voltage
: 14 KV RMS (1 minute)
Voltage Indication : 3 digit DPM
Size
: 510 x 550 x 590mm.

I. R. Tester (Model IR-1)

The instrument is designed to test the insulation resistance of electronic and electrical components in the range of 1 Me
Million Meg ohm.

Features
Push button controls for rapid testing.
Fully protected against all overload and short-circuits.
Drift free operation.
Guard terminal and built-in EARTH.
Push button self indicating controls for charge, measure & discharge operations.
Maximum output current is made limited to safe value to eliminate the risk of serious shocks.
Suitable for testing resistivity of the insulating liquids when used with oil cell as per IS.

Technical Specifications
D.C. Test Voltages : 100V, 250V, 500V, 1KV
Resistance Range : 1 Meg ohm to 10 9 Meg ohm in 6 ranges.
Indication
: Taut band panel meter.
Overload Protection : Fully protected against wrong selection of ranges & breakdown of components under test.
Warm up time
: One minute.
Power Supply
: 230 VAC / 50 Hz.
Weigh
: Less than 7 Kg.

Oil Dissipation Factor Meter (Model-ODF)

This instrument measures dissipation factor (Tan-Delta) of the insulating liquids (oil) with the help of IR Tester and three
cell with heating chamber.

Features

Direct digital reading of dissipation factor (Tan-Delta).

Power supply sufficient to create required stress voltage.
High testing speed as measurements are carried out under actual working conditions and no turning is necessary pri
single reading.

Technical specification
Dissipation Range

: 19.99% FSD with resolution of 0.01%

199.9% FSD with resolution of 0.1%
Dielectric constant range
: 0.2 to 10
Test voltage
: 0 to 60-0 VAC continuously
Indication of Null
: 3 Digit DPM.
Indication of Tan-Delta
: 3 Digit DPM
Indication of Stress Voltage : 3 Digit DPM
Accuracy
: 1% of reading 0.0001 Tan-delta.
Power Supply
: 230 VAC 10% / 50 Hz.
Warm up time
: 5 minutes.

Heating Chamber (OHC) with three terminal oil cell

Heating chamber is designed to heat the insulating liquid (oil) up to elevated temperature 0-150C in short time of 15/20
potentiometer is provided for setting of temperature at required level. Heating chamber with oil cell for easier testing at
temperature fitted with thermostat and protection device to prevent shock hazards. Three terminal oil cell is designed to
dissipation factor (Tan-Delta) and resistivity of the insulation liquids.

Technical Specifications
Temperature range
Indication
Heating element
Power source
Sensing probe

: 0 to 150C
: 3 Digit DPM
: Heating coil
: 230 VAC/50 Hz
: PT 100

Technical Specifications
Made up of
Cell Capacitance
Volume (Oil)
Cell Constant
Electrodes Distance

: SS & Teflon spacers

: 55 1PF
: 50 ml.
: 620 Nominal
: 2 mm