EA UltraTEV Plus 2 User manual

UltraTEV®Plus²
Operating Manual
Model No: UTP2
Document Version: V10.00.00
Date: 22 April 2021

2388-MANUL-V10.00.00-UTP2 Operating Manual
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical,
photocopied, recorded or otherwise, or stored in any retrieval system of any nature without the written permission of the copyright holder.
© EA Technology Ltd April 2021
EA Technology Limited, Capenhurst Technology Park, Capenhurst, Chester, CH1 6ES;
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
http://www.eatechnology.com
Registered in England number 2566313
Version History
Date
Version
Author(s)
Notes
15th April 2016
2388L011
Gareth Devine
20th April 2016
2388L012
Gareth Devine
27th May 2016
2388L013
Gareth Devine
25th August 2016
2388L014
Gareth Devine,
Sion Hughes
07th October 2016
2388L015
Gareth Devine
14th November 2016
2388L016
Gareth Devine
19th July 2017
2388L017
Jo Cahill, Stuart
Aird
March 2018
2388L018
Jo Cahill, Stuart
Aird
9th July 2019
2388L019
Gareth Devine
22nd April 2021
2388-MANUL-V10.00.00
Will Platts
New features and functions
added

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Safety Precautions and procedures
FCC Warning Statement
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. End
users must follow the specific operating instructions for satisfying RF exposure compliance. This transmitter
must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's
authority to operate the equipment.
IC Warning Statement
Under Industry Canada regulations, this radio transmitter may only operate using an antenna of a type and
maximum (or lesser) gain approved for the transmitter by Industry Canada.
To reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be so chosen that
the equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that necessary for successful
communication.
This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

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Important Safety Information
•The UltraTEV®Plus2(UTP2) is designed for use at ground potential only. The UTP2, its accessories or
connecting leads, do not provide any inherent protection against electric shock.
•When testing electrical plant ensure that the metalwork is earthed before taking any measurements.
•Maintain safety clearances between structures at high voltage and the instrument, its probes and the
operator at all times.
•The UTP2 must only be used in conjunction with accessories and connecting leads as specified by EA
Technology.
•HFCTs, connecting leads and test equipment do not provide protection against high voltage.
•Under no circumstances are earth/ground connections to be loosened, disconnected or otherwise
altered to allow use of this equipment.
•Adhere strictly to local safety procedures.
•Do not make measurements when there are electrical storms in the vicinity.
•Do not make measurements immediately following the energisation of a circuit.
•Do not disturb plant during measurements either mechanically (e.g. by shaking or striking it),
electrically (e.g. by increasing the voltage) or physically (e.g. by applying heat).
•Do not operate the instrument or its accessories in an explosive atmosphere.
•Mains supply voltages are present within the battery charger.
•The UTP2 contains no user serviceable parts, always return to EA Technology or your local distributor
for service and repair.
•Care must be taken where work is performed in tight corners, where the proximity of other earth
planes will affect the reading. If possible, maintain a distance of more than 30cm from metal work
which runs perpendicular to the sensor faceplate.
•Long-term exposure to loud sounds may cause hearing loss. To prevent possible hearing damage, do
not listen at high volume levels for long periods of time.

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Contents
1. General Description....................................................................................................................................................1
2. Non-Intrusive Detection of Partial Discharge Activity .........................................................................................1
3. Operating Instructions...............................................................................................................................................3
3.1 UltraTEV®Plus² Overview...........................................................................................................................3
3.2 Charging .........................................................................................................................................................4
3.3 Turning the UltraTEV®Plus² On/Off .........................................................................................................4
3.4 Self-Test .........................................................................................................................................................5
3.5 Notification Bar .............................................................................................................................................5
3.6 Temperature & Humidity.............................................................................................................................6
3.7 Menu Bar........................................................................................................................................................6
3.8 Main Menu .....................................................................................................................................................7
3.9 TEV/Cable PD Menu ....................................................................................................................................7
3.10 Interpretation.............................................................................................................................................. 11
3.11 Context Menu............................................................................................................................................. 14
3.12 Settings Screen.......................................................................................................................................... 17
3.13 File Browser................................................................................................................................................ 24
3.14 Function Check .......................................................................................................................................... 27
3.15 Survey .......................................................................................................................................................... 28
3.16 NFC Functionality...................................................................................................................................... 39
3.17 Reviewing Results..................................................................................................................................... 44
4. Detecting Partial Discharge using the UltraTEV® Plus² ................................................................................... 49
4.1 TEV Measurement..................................................................................................................................... 49
4.2 Cable PD Measurement ........................................................................................................................... 50
4.3 Ultrasonic Measurement ......................................................................................................................... 52
4.4 UHF Measurement.................................................................................................................................... 58
5. Maintenance............................................................................................................................................................. 66
6. UTP2 Technical Specification ............................................................................................................................... 67
7. UHFR1 Technical Specification ............................................................................................................................ 70
8. Sales and Service..................................................................................................................................................... 72

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1. General Description
The UltraTEV®Plus² (UTP2) is a versatile hand-held tool used to easily detect and classify Partial Discharge
(PD) in a wide range of electrical equipment.
The UTP2 uses inbuilt TEV and Ultrasonic sensors and external accessories to detect the presence of potentially
damaging PD in switchgear, cables and overhead line equipment.
The UTP2 brings together several complementary sensor modes in a single handheld instrument. By regularly
checking switchgear while it’s in service using the UTP2, failure risks can be identified and action taken to avoid
faults and downtime. Algorithms and analysis capability in-built to the UTP2 provide vital insight, classifying
what you find to support the decisions you make and deliver the outcomes you need. It’s never been simpler to
interpret what you’re seeing and choose a course of action.
The UTP2 records measurements at the touch of a button. Internal storage can be used to provide access to
historical data while you are out in the field. Capturing what you have measured allows you to see trends in the
performance of your network.
2. Non-Intrusive Detection of Partial Discharge Activity
What is Partial Discharge?
Partial discharges are electrical discharges that do not completely bridge the insulation between electrodes.
The magnitude of these discharges is usually small, however they cause progressive deterioration of insulation
that may eventually lead to failure.
Non-intrusive partial discharge detection provides a means for identifying these potential sources of insulation
failure. If not detected the discharge may result in failure causing not only in loss of supply to customers and
damage to plant but could also endanger staff.
How can Partial Discharge be detected?
A partial discharge emits energy in various ways and produces a number of effects which can be detected:
Electromagnetic:
Radio
Light
Heat
Acoustic:
Audio
Ultrasonic
Gases:
Ozone
Nitrous oxides
The most practical techniques for non-intrusive testing are based on the detection of the radio frequency part
of the electromagnetic spectrum and ultrasonic emissions. The UTP2 has specifically been developed to enable
electromagnetic and ultrasonic activity to be detected in a single simple to use instrument.
Airborne Ultrasonic Discharge Activity
Acoustic emissions from partial discharge activity occur over the whole acoustic spectrum. Audible detection
is possible but depends on the hearing ability of the individual. Using an instrument to detect the ultrasonic
part of the acoustic spectrum has several advantages; instruments are more sensitive than the human ear, are
not operator dependent and are more directional when operating above the audible frequency.

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The most sensitive method of detection is using an airborne ultrasonic Microphone centred at 40 kHz. This
method is very successful at detecting partial discharge activity provided there is an air passage between the
source and the Microphone.
Electromagnetic Discharge Activity
When partial discharge activity occurs within high voltage switchgear, it generates electromagnetic waves in
the radio frequency range which can only escape from the inside of the switchgear through openings in the
metal casing. These openings may be air gaps around covers, or gaskets, or other insulating components.
When the electromagnetic wave propagates outside the switchgear, it produces a Transient Earth Voltage (TEV)
on the metal casing of the switchgear. The Transient Earth Voltage (TEV) is only a few millivolts, of short
duration having a rise time of a few nanoseconds and can be detected non-intrusively by placing a TEV probe
on the outside of the earthed switchgear whilst the switchgear is in service.
Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) Partial Discharge Activity
Electromagnetic waves produced by partial discharge activity within high voltage switchgear can also radiate
away from the asset through free space as Radio Frequency Interference (RFI). RFI due to partial discharge is
broadband in nature and can be detected across a range of frequencies. These radiated emissions can be
detected using a suitable antenna and radio receiver. Corona discharges around sharp points in air are common
at EHV voltages and must not be allowed to mask damaging partial discharges originating from problem plant
items. Corona discharges tend to be more of a problem when measuring below 200MHz. For this reason, the
UltraTEV Plus2UHF Receiver is designed to operate at higher frequencies (typically around 800 MHz). It has
the ability to be tuned up or down to move away from any local telecommunication transmissions which would
interfere with measurements.
Cable Partial Discharge Activity
When a partial discharge event occurs in a cable, there will be a resulting current pulse coupled onto the earthed
sheath of the cable. These pulses will propagate away from the discharge site in both directions. Once the pulse
reaches a change in impedance at a cable joint or termination, a partial reflection occurs. This results in the
pulses travelling back down the cable several times (depending on the cable length) as they decay away. The
current pulses can be detected non-intrusively using a High Frequency Current Transformer (HFCT) sensor
placed around the cable earth strap.

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3. Operating Instructions
3.1 UltraTEV®Plus² Overview
Figure 1
Lanyard loop
Figure 2
TEV sensor
Smart
accessory
port
Photo sensor
Left button
Ultrasonic
accessory
port
Right button
Ultrasonic microphone
Middle button
Home button
MicroSD card slot
Audio out /
headphone socket
LED charging
indicator
Micro USB
charging port

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3.2 Charging
Use the supplied USB cable to charge the UTP2 with the mains charger, in-car charger or from a standard USB.
UTP2 is charging
UTP2 is fully charged
For the quickest charging time, turn off the UTP2 during charging. Charging time is extended when
connected to a USB port compared to the mains charger.
The UTP2 charging LED may flash from red to green during the charging cycle.
The TEV/Cable PD and Ultrasonic measuring features are automatically disabled when the UTP2 is being
charged.
A fully-charged battery should provide approximately 6 hours of continuous use while switched on and
measuring. For practical purposes, a fully charged battery should last a full day of surveying.
The UTP2 needs to have sufficient charge to remain powered on while viewing data through a USB port.
3.3 Turning the UltraTEV®Plus² On/Off
Power on - press and hold for 1 second
Power off - press and hold for 2 seconds
Micro USB charging port
Charging

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3.4 Self-Test
During power up, the UTP2 performs a self-test on TEV, ultrasonic and Cable PD using the built-in test sources.
The self-test is not a calibration check. During self-test, the ultrasonic sensor should be pointed away from
sources of noise.
If the self-test consistently fails, contact [email protected]
3.5 Notification Bar
Below are other icons that could appear on the notification bar:
This icon indicates that the current audio source is TEV
This icon indicates that the current audio source is Ultrasonic
This icon indicates that the current audio source is the HFCT
This icon indicates that the current audio source is the UHF (left of screen)
This icon shows when an UltraDish has been connected to the UTP2
This icon shows when a HFCT has been connected to the UTP2
This icon shows when an Ultrasonic Contact Probe has been connected to the UTP2
This icon shows when a Flexible Sensor has been connected to the UTP2
This icon shows when a UHF Receiver has been connected to the UTP2 (right of
screen)
This icon shows when the UTP2 is charging
This icon is used to show when a Wi-Fi connection has been established
This icon is used to show that HotSpot is enabled
Battery Level
Indicator
Temperature &
Relative Humidity
Audio
Source
Time
Phase
Reference

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3.6 Temperature & Humidity
The temperature and relative humidity reading is displayed on the notification bar only after connection of the
Environmental Sensor.
The Environmental Sensor is connected to the Smart Accessory Port on the left hand side of the instrument.
The connection of the accessory automatically starts the data collection with the latest reading being displayed
in the notification bar at the top left of the screen.
In order to allow use of other optional accessories whilst still displaying a reference temperature, the final
reading on removal of the sensor is persisted. Additional brackets around the measurement demonstrate that
this is a historic reading.
Wait for the temperature and humidity reading to settle.
3.7 Menu Bar
The menu bar is located at the bottom of the screen. It displays icons that correlate to the Left, Middle and Right
Buttons. The icons on the Menu bar change depending on which mode the UTP2 is in.
7
The Left button , Middle Button and Right Button can be pressed to select the Main
menu buttons respectively.
Environmental
Sensor
Brackets indicate
historic reading

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3.8 Main Menu
After powering up, the UTP2 will load up to the Main Menu as shown below.
The Home Button can be used to navigate back to the Main Menu at any time.
The TEV icon on the main screen will change to a Cable PD icon when a HFCT accessory is plugged in
and a UHF icon when a UHF accessory is plugged in.
3.9 TEV/Cable PD Menu
The TEV/Cable PD screen, selected via the top left icon on the Main Menu contains different modes which can
be used for the PD measurement. The Locator modes require an additional UltraTEV®Locator probe (UTL2)
accessory. The Interpretation option is only applicable when in TEV mode.

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3.9.1 Measure Screen
The Measure mode is common to both TEV and Cable PD. This mode displays TEV readings in dBmV (dB) or (if
the HFCT accessory is connected) Cable PD readings in picoCoulombs (pC).
To enter this mode, click the Measure icon .
P/Cycle –Shows the pulses per cycle based on either a 50 or 60Hz mains frequency.
Severity –Shows the short term severity (calculated by multiplying TEV magnitude (mV) by Pulses Per Cycle).
When in Cable PD mode, this is calculated by Charge (pC) multiplied by Pulses Per Cycle.
Max dB –displays the maximum dB value registered by the UTP2 since the screen was entered or paused/reset.
This value is displayed in pC.
Chart - The bar chart is used to show the amplitude of the current values being read by the UTP2, from right to
left.
To exit the TEV screen back to the main menu, press the Home button .
There is an option to record a reading, this can be done by either clicking the red record icon on the screen
or by pressing the Middle button . All recordings are stored within a ‘survey’ detailed in a later section of this
manual.
Pausing a reading can also be achieved by either presing the Right button or clicking on the ‘Pause’ icon.
Audio output is also muted during a pause operation. After pausing the screen the measurment can be
restarted by pressing the restart button.
3.9.2 Phase Plot
The Phase Plot mode is common to both TEV and Cable PD. The upper section of the screen shows
measurement values as detailed previously under the ‘Measure Screen’. The lower section contains a phase
resolved intensity plot ‘Phase Plot’ of the measured activity.
The plot displays either TEV or Cable PD events’ phase angles (x-axis) against their amplitude (y-axis). The
colour scale represents the intensity (pulse count) at a given phase angle and amplitude.

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This option is useful for distinguishing between whether a measured PD activity is a genuine discharge source
or just noise. For example, genuine PD activity may manifest itself as a stable phase resolved plot which will
occur at the same position with respect to phase angle cycle by cycle; whilst white noise will not be phase
related occurring at irregular positions on the phase plot.
The Pause and Record option is also available in this mode; Severity and P/Cycle are calculated as described
under the Measure Screen.
To zoom in on a chart, slide your finger from bottom left to top right of the area of interest. To zoom out draw
a diagonal line from top right to bottom left.
3.9.3 Waveform
The ‘Waveform’ mode is common to both TEV and Cable PD. When in Cable PD mode, values will be displayed
in mA, whilst in TEV mode they will be measured in dBmV as below.
To enter this mode, click the Waveform icon .
This mode displays a plot of a TEV or Cable PD activity as a function of time allowing an instantaneous view of
an activity’s amplitude with respect to time. This option can be used to assist in distinguishing between genuine
PD activity and noise. A Partial Discharge pulse will normally manifest as a sharp fast rising edge pulse whilst
noise is often slower and less repeatable.

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3.9.4 Histogram
This Histogram mode displays the number of events registered (y-axis) for a given amplitude (x-axis). This
measurement option is useful for determining if more than one discharge source is present; two distinct groups
of bars on this chart could mean there are two sources of discharge at the respective dB (or pC) levels. The
screen is also useful in positively identifying a genuine source of PD and assessing its pulse rate when there is
a high pulse rate noise floor affecting the standard pulse per cycle calculation.
The Pause and Record option is also available in this mode; Severity, and P/Cycle are calculated and as
described under the Measure Screen.
3.9.5 Persistence Mode
The Persistence mode is available in the Phase Plot and Amplitude Histogram screens for TEV, Cable PD and
UHF readings. To enter this mode from these screens, click the Settings icon until the Persistence icon
is displayed, then select it. To change the persistence level, move the slider between “0” (only recent pulses
are shown, older pulses fade out quickly) and “∞” (all pulses continue to be shown until the screen is manually
cleared).

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3.10 Interpretation
The ‘Interpretation’ mode available for TEV readings only.
To enter this mode, click the Interpretation icon .
The interpretation screen provides a first pass summary of the switchgear’s condition by taking into account
both the magnitude and repetition rate of any detected pulses. The guide distinguishes between noise, surface
tracking and internal discharge providing an indication of the suggested action.
This display is an easy to use software implementation of the TEV measurement interpretation guide produced
by EA Technology using decades of experience. The original summary document giving an overview of the
original guidelines for the interpretation of TEV measurements is included on the next page.
The Interpretation screen is only available when in TEV mode.

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3.10.1 TEV Interpretation Guide

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3.10.2 Ultrasonic Screen
The Ultrasonic screen shows measurements taken using either the inbuilt Ultrasonic sensor or the external
Ultrasonic sensors (Ultrasonic Contact Probe, Flexible Sensor or UltraDish) if connected.
Ultrasonic magnitude is measured in dBµV and is displayed on the chart as phase angle (x-axis) against
amplitude (y-axis). The colour chart represents a key to show the intensity (pulse count) at a given amplitude
and phase angle.
This phase resolved plot can be used to further confirm the presence of a partial discharge activity. In general
PD activity will be displayed as a stable area which will occur at the same to phase angle each cycle; whilst
noise tends to be out of phase and occurs at irregular positions on the phase plot.
3.10.3 Ultrasonic classification
The Ultrasonic display on the UTP2 includes the output of EA Technology’s proprietary ultrasonic classification
algorithm. The algorithm processes measured ultrasonic data in real time to give an indication whether the
input data is a background noise source or partial discharge activity.
The algorithm processes the data from the ultrasonic Microphone along with the phase reference signal, and
looks for patterns within the data stream which experts at EA Technology have identified as typical indicators
of partial discharge.
The ultrasonic classification will not be displayed if the phase lock has not been achieved, see 3.11.3.

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3.11 Context Menu
Pressing the Left Button whilst in TEV, Cable PD or Ultrasonic modes brings up the Context Menu as shown
below. The Context Menu consists of a number of items with only those relevant to the current mode of
operation visible at any time. This mode allows commonly used settings to be modified from within the
measurement screen.
The Context Menu contents is context specific; its contents will differ for each measurement mode.
3.11.1 Audio output
The UTP2 allows audio output of either Ultrasonic, TEV or Cable PD (dependent on whether the HFCT is
connected or not) activity through the connection of external headphones. The audio context menu allows
control of the headphone output.
To modify the current audio settings, click on the Audio icon . Within this sub menu the audio output (TEV,
Cable PD or Ultrasonic) can be selected, note this selection will persist across modes.
To turn off the audio output, toggle the Mute Button, the toggle icon will turn green to indicate the Mute mode
has been activated.
The volume of the audio output can also be modified by adjusting the slider to the desired level as shown above.

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3.11.2 Filters
Select the filter icon to change the filter properties; this option is only enabled when in Cable PD
Measurement Mode and enables noise to be filtered from the cable PD measurement.
Select the desired filter properties, a tick should appear when a selection has been made (shown above).
No Filter –This option passes all frequency types.
500 kHz High Pass –This option activates a high pass filter that passes all frequencies from 500kHz and above.
1.8 MHz High Pass –This option activates a high pass filter that passes all frequencies from 1.8 MHz and
above.
3.11.3 Phase Reference
A properly ‘phase referenced’ Phase Plot will assist in the classification of potential partial discharge activity
that has been recorded. It will provide a much clearer Phase Plot that can be analysed later and compared to
other readings/phase plot patterns.
The most important time to achieve a phase reference is when a number of events (or discharges) are being
captured and they are clustering on the screen of the UTP2.
For more information on phase reference, contact product[email protected]
Select the icon on the context menu to access the phase reference settings page. This allows the source
of the phase reference for the UTP2 to be selected from the following options:
Photo –This option selects the Photo-sensor located on the front upper section of the UTP2 (see Figure 1) as
the source of the Phase reference. The Photo-sensor requires line of sight to a mains frequency light source
such as a fluorescent fitting.