Iriss Sonus PD Alert User manual

Sonus PD Alert
Operating Manual

22020 Sonus PD Alert Operating Manual
Contents
The Sonus PD Alert � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 5
Partial Discharge � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 5
Radiated Energy 6
Electromagnetic Radiation 6
Acoustic Radiation 6
Physical Dimensions of Sonus PD Alert � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 6
Dimensions 6
Weight 6
Power Supply 6
Temperature 6
Relative Humidity 6
Connection Types 7
CE Compliance � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 7
The Sonus PD Alert Kit List � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 7
General Substation Safety Precautions � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 7
Access 8
Visual Inspection of Substation 8
Environmental Protection � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 8
The Sonus PD Alert Overview � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 8
The Sonus PD Alert Outline 8
The Sonus PD Alert Unit 9
The Sonus PD Installation & Set-up Options 10
The Sonus PD Alert Local Set-up 10
Main Menu 11

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Monitor Set-up 11
Asset Name 11
Server Number 11
AE Channel Name 12
AE Channel Numbers 12
Operational Mode 12
Alarm Settings 13
Threshold Settings 13
Start-up Settings 13
SMS Settings 13
SMS Status 14
SMS Status 14
SMS Event 14
Heartbeat 15
Encoding 15
SCADA System 15
Bluetooth 16
Language 16
SIM Card Menu 16
Status 17
Signal 17
Test SMS 17
The Sonus PD Alert Services Menu � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 18
Set Date/Time 18
Factory Reset 18
Info 18

42020 Sonus PD Alert Operating Manual
Last Calibration 19
Environment 19
About Sonus PD Alert 19
Appendix 1� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 19
Sonus PD Alert SCADA Interface 19
Alarm Conguration 20
Connector Type 20
Rating 20
Appendix 2 Commissioning Procedure � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 21
Installing The Battery 21
Installing SIM Card and Aerial 22
SIM Card Set-up 23
SIM Card Test 23
Congure SIM Card to Sever 24
Set the Observation Mode of the Sonus PD Alert 24
Record The Firmware Version Number 24
Record The Serial Number 24
Check The Date and Time 25
Record Background Levels 25
Sample Sonus PD Alert Commissioning Record � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 26
Sonus PD Alert Troubleshooting 27

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2020 Sonus PD Alert Operating Manual
IRISS Inc.
10306 Technology Terrace
Bradenton, FL 34211
Phone: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.iriss.com
© 2020 IRISS Inc. All rights reserved
The contents of this manual are copyrighted property. Duplication and distribution in any form, particularly reprinting,
photographic, mechanical or electronic reproduction, or in the form of storage in data processing systems or data networks, is
prohibited without the consent of the copyright holder.
Revision: 1.0, Date: 12-01-2020 Subject to technical modications!

62020 Sonus PD Alert Operating Manual
The Sonus PD Alert
Partial Discharge
Partial Discharge (PD) is an electrical discharge that does not completely bridge the space between two conducting electrodes. The
discharge may be in a gas lled void in a solid insulating material, in a gas bubble in a liquid insulator or around an electrode in a
gas. When partial discharge occurs in a gas, it is usually known as corona.
Partial Discharge is generally accepted as the predominant cause of long-term degradation and eventual failure of electrical
insulation. As a result, its measurement is standard as part of the factory testing of most types of high voltage equipment. In-
service monitoring of equipment for PD gives an advance warning of pending insulation failure. This allows a plant operator to take
remedial action during planned outages. Partial discharge often occurs under normal working conditions, gradually deteriorating
the dielectric until it can no longer withstand the electrical stress and fails. By detecting this PD activity while the equipment is in
operation, failure can be avoided.
The Sonus PD Alert is an asset mounted monitoring device
for detecting the presence of Partial Discharge in high voltage
switchgear, ring main units (RMUs), and transformers. It is suited
to a wide range of different applications within a substation using
four sensor inputs which can congured with up to 1 CC-TEV and
3 AE Ultrasonic sensors to accurately detect the presence of PD.
The Sonus PD Alert allows the user to set up notications and
alerts for PD activity in particular assets. Once PD Activity
reaches a pre-set level the PD alarm will send remote SMS
alerts through a GSM module. The Sonus PD Alert data may also
be monitored by connection to a SCADA system. This allows
SCADA users to integrate the Sonus PD Alert into their existing
systems to allow for seamless approach to PD monitoring within
an existing SCADA network.
The PD Alarm is a non-intrusive online monitoring device, which can be set up , commissioned, moved, and redeployed without
interruption to substation assets and can continuously record data whilst the equipment remains live.

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A PD event will radiate energy in different forms and this energy can be picked up by the PD Detector in order to detect the source
and locate it.
Radiated Energy
PD creates EM radiation that dissipates in all directions away from the source. Metal components, for instance the panels around
switchgear, will pick up this radiation and small voltages called Transient Earth Voltages (TEVs) are induced on the surface. These
very high frequency signals will be picked up by the PD Detector and indicate that there is a PD source nearby.
Electromagnetic Radiation
Partial Discharge also generates acoustic energy across a wide band of frequencies. This acoustic energy can be detected in the
ultrasonic range when there is a ‘line of sight’ between the PD source and the detecting sensor. Sharp points, for instance on air
insulated cable terminations, are typical sources of corona that will produce acoustic emission. Cast insulators are prone to Surface
Tracking where electrical stress across the insulator’s surface causes discharge and deteriorates the insulator surface and creates
carbon tracks. This can lead to ashover and failure of the equipment.
Acoustic Radiation
Physical Dimensions of Sonus PD Alert
Dimensions
The Sonus PD Alert has the following external dimensions excluding attachments and aerials:
• Width: 230 mm
• Height: 195 mm
• Depth: 65 mm
The Sonus PD Alert weighs 660g.
Weight
The Sonus PD Alert is supplied by a 110 to 250 VAC, 47-63 Hz PSU. In the event of a power failure within a substation the PD Alarm
also has a built in Lithium-Ion battery allowing for continued alarm capability. Back-up battery life is variable depending on the
amount of data being received by the sensors.
Power Supply
Temperature
The Sonus PD Alert can be installed in the following temperature ranges:
• Operation: 0°C to +55°C
Relative Humidity
The Sonus PD Alert can be installed in the following relative humidity ranges:
• Operation: 0% to 90%

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Connection Types
The Sonus PD Alert is congured with the following physical connection types:
• 3x Active BNC Connectors
• 1x Passive BNC Connector
• SCADA Network Connector
• Ethernet Port (8P8C)
CE Compliance
The Sonus PD Alert system complies with the following directives:
EN 61000-6-2: 2005 IMMUNITY STANDARD (INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENT)
EN 61000-6-3: 2007 EMISSION STANDARD (RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL and LIGHT INDUSTRY ENVIRONMENT)
The Sonus PD Alert Kit List
The Sonus PD Alert Kit includes:
• 1 x Sonus PD Alert
• 1 x Sonus PD Alert power supply
• 3 x AA Ultrasonic PD Sensor
• 1 x CC-TEV PD Sensor
• 1 x GSM Aerial
• 4 x Sensor Cables
• 1 x Sonus PD Alert Operating Manual
General Substation Safety Precautions
Before setting up the Sonus PD Alert in the substation it is important for the user to read and understand the
following general safety information.
The engineer should obey the plant owner’s High Voltage safety rules at all times. The following safety rules
which are particular to the Sonus PD Alert equipment should be applied in addition to the existing safety rules,
which are required by the plant owner. General safety rules for the use of the Sonus PD Alert are as follows:
1. Avoid working alone.
2. Only accredited personnel with appropriate Health and Safety Training should use the equipment.
3. Do not use the equipment if it is damaged, or its safety is impaired in any way.
4. Inspect and test all ground leads and signal cables for continuity.
5. The User should have read and understood the appropriate equipment manuals.
6. Always select the appropriate sensor and sensor connection for the application.
7. The Sonus PD Alert has been designed for use only on the earthed, outer surfaces of metal-clad equipment and the earth/
neutral connections of cables. Under no circumstances should the PD sensors be connected to the high voltage terminals of
HV Plant under test.
8. Always maintain Safety Distances between the Sonus PD Alert, PD sensors, the operator and any high voltage components.
9. Do not disturb or interfere with the high voltage equipment in any way.
10. The User should wear sensible and appropriate PPE and clothing when in the substation.

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Access
The Engineer shall only enter the customer’s switchyard or substation after they have received permission from an Authorised
Person appointed by the Plant Owner. If in doubt on any matter the Plant Owner’s High Voltage safety rules should be consulted by
the Engineer(s) who will carry out the testing.
Visual Inspection of Substation
On entry to the monitoring area a visual inspection of the area should be carried out by the Engineer(s). This should enable the
operator to identify any potential hazards in the area and to assess both the equipment to be monitored and the sensors required to
do so. Only when this visual inspection has been completed can the equipment be set-up for monitoring.
Environmental Protection
This product contains general electronic components that may be environmentally harmful if improperly
disposed. Please use correct disposal methods in accordance with local regulations.
Device can be returned to IPEC at the end of use for proper disposal.
The Sonus PD Alert Overview
The Sonus PD Alert Outline
The Sonus PD Alert has a solid ABS casing which can be
magnetically coupled to the surface of a switchgear cabinet.
The PD Alarm can be congured with up to 1 CC- TEV and 3 AA
Ultrasonic sensors to collect and monitor PD signals which are
collated through IPEC’s specially integrated noise detection and
rejection algorithm, which helps eliminate the potential for false
positives and unnecessary alarms.
The Sonus PD Alert will display locally any alarms that have been
sent to the connected remote tablet on the OLED display as well
as current or previous readings and trends. The PD Alarm can
be congured to send alerts to a designated asset manager who
can also receive a computer-readable PD Report which can be
opened through the Sonus PD Alerts accompanying Android
tablet app. These reports can be used to assess remote assets
that may be difcult to include in a regular testing schedule due
to their location or tight schedules of test engineers.
The small design and magnetic coupling of the Sonus PD Alert
allows the unit to be repositioned and recongured to suit
different substation assets, allowing for the Sonus PD Alert to
be moved for monitoring of at-risk assets.

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The Sonus PD Alert Unit
The Sonus PD Alert is encased in a small but study ABS body and is controlled by a membrane panel. Below is a complete overview
of the Sonus PD Alert Unit and its connectable accessories.
1. Power Button: Pressing and holding for 2 seconds will turn the unit on or off while using the secondary power supply (while
connected to main power supply the unit will not power down to prevent accidental shutdown).
2. OLED Display: Displays Ultrasonic and TEV signal levels as collected by the attached sensors, also allows the user to navigate
various menus of the PD Alarm.
3. Reset Alarm: Deactivates and resets any ongoing alarms triggered by the PD Alarm unit within its set parameters.
4. Menu Up Button: Navigates PD Alarm menus or move up through letters.
5. Back Button: Navigates PD Alarm menus to previous screen.
6. Menu Button: Navigates user form the current screen to the main menu button.
7. OK Button: Conrms the users current selection to navigate forward through menus or conrm letter/number input.
8. Menu Down Button: Navigates PD Alarm Menus or move down through letters.
9. TEV Channel Input: Connection for TEV sensors.
10. AE Ultrasonic Input: Connections for AE Ultrasonic Sensors.
11. SCADA Output: Connection for communication with a SCADA System.
12. Power Input: PSU input.
13. GSM Aerial: Allows an inserted SIM Card to send SMS messages to a designated user.
14. AE Ultrasonic Sensor: Sensor for collecting ultrasonic frequencies emitted by PD.
15. CC-TEV Sensor: Sensor for collecting Transient Earth Voltage signals emitted by PD.
16. Ethernet Port: Allows users to connect the PD Alarm to their internal network. (on units that are ethernet enabled.)
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The Sonus PD Installation & Set-up Options
The Sonus PD Alerts simple design allows for easy installation and, as required, moving of the system. The Sonus PD Alert will
magnetically couple with any switchgear panels or may be afxed with screws to a wall using the anchor points.
The connected AA Ultrasonic and TEV Sensors are also magnetically mounted onto assets, so can be moved quickly and easily to
new positions to optimise monitoring conditions or reposition the Sonus PD Alert.
Once the Sonus PD Alert has been placed on or next to the desired asset and the detection sensors have been recongured on the
correct switchgear panels, the sensors need to be thoroughly tested to ensure the data acquisition is correct. This can be done by
using IRISS’ Installation Checker.
The sensors can be checked using the IRISS Installation Checker with each sensor through the Live Cycle Mode of the Sonus PD
Alert. Each channel is checked using the Live Cycle PRPD function of the Sonus PD Alert, and the Installation Checker will produce a
signal that each sensor should collect when functioning properly. The PRPD system will register a moderate dB level which means
that the sensor is functioning correctly.
Once the sensors have been checked and are conrmed to be in working order the Sonus PD Alert can be set up with Alarm
Thresholds and alert information.
The Sonus PD Alert Local Set-up
Once the Sonus PD Alert has been powered on it will display a current TEV reading and the current highest AE reading recorded from
all sensors. It will also display whether the PD Alarm has synchronised with the power cycle. This will be the default screen when
menu is not active.
The Sonus PD Alert is controlled using the membrane control panel on the front of the unit and the navigation menus. Any of the
following steps can be used to set up a Sonus PD Alert or recongure the Sonus PD Alert.

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Main Menu
From the Main Screen pressing the menu button will take the user to a Main Menu, where a number of options are available. To
continue with the set-up of the Sonus PD Alert move down to Settings and pressing OK.
Monitor Set-up
From here the user will be able select a number of different Sonus PD Alert operational settings, selecting Monitor Set-Up will take
the user to another screen with monitor details.
Asset Name
Asset name will allow the user to set an asset name. This is recommended in order to differentiate Sonus PD Alerts that may be
used as a part of a monitoring network rather than individually.
An Asset name can be entered by using the up and down arrows and OK to conrm letters. An asset name can be a maximum of 21
alphanumeric characters. Once the asset name has been entered it can be conrmed by pressing the back button.
Server Number
A Server Number can be entered in the same manner as an Asset name. The Server Number is a mobile phone number which the
Sonus PD Alert will use to report its heartbeat notications and PD warning alarms.

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AE Channel Name
Each AE channel can be specically named to assist in differentiating which sensor is collecting signals. This allows for easier
recognition of PD signals source locations by marking the panels the sensors are monitoring.
AE Channel Numbers
Depending on the conguration of the Sonus PD Alert there may not be a requirement for all three AE Ultrasonic channels that
are part of the Sonus PD Alert, to reduce the number of AE channels the Sonus PD Alert uses. There must always be at least 1 AE
channel. The total number of AE channels can be set to between 1 and 3. After the monitor settings have been conrmed and the
user has returned to the monitor set up menu. From here using the back button it is possible to navigate to the main menu.
Operational Mode
The Operating mode of the Sonus PD Alert sets the observation period parameters on which the Sonus PD Alert parses data
collected from the attached sensors. If no PD activity is detected, the unit will continue to send out its heartbeat notication where
one has been set. If PD activity is equal to or above the pre-dened level, the Sonus PD Alert will send an alert to the pre-set users.
The observation period can be set to the following:
• One minute (60 Seconds): This should be used for demonstration and test purposes only.
• One hour (60 Minutes): Recommended for periods where workers may be in the area near switchgear as a safety precaution.
• One day (24 Hours): Recommended for highly critical assets where failure would result in major disruption to a distribution
network.
• One week (7 Days): Recommended for critical assets where failure would cause moderate disruption for a distribution network.
• One month (30 Days): Recommended for less critical assets where long term reliability is still important.
Once the Sonus PD Alert has been given an observation period it will only report once the unit has been booted up for the observation
period. If the unit is powered down during the observation period the Sonus PD Alert will be unable to analyse the collected data
or run the PD decision algorithm. When booted up again will restart the data processing and will continue to follow the same
parameters as set prior to the unit being powered down.

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Alarm Settings
The Alarm Settings menu allows further tuning of the Sonus PD Alerts notication settings and allows for a full customisation. This
menu also allows the user to congure the SCADA connections for better integration into the users system.
Threshold Settings
The user can amend the three levels of PD activity (Low, Medium, High) required to register different SMS Alarm level, triggering alert
notications. Once the numbers values have been saved, the recommended default will be lost until the Sonus PD Alert undergoes
a factory reset. If while entering values the user does not press okay or presses back the amended values will be lost.
It is only recommended to adjust the threshold values when the user is aware how the level correlates to asset risk.
Start-up Settings
The user can set the Sonus PD Alert to run the decision algorithm at boot up, which will then parse data from the previous observation
period. It will then trigger any relevant alarms and recommence monitoring with a new observation period. It is recommended that
this option is always enabled.
SMS Settings
The SMS Settings menu lists a number of sub-menus which directly control the type of SMS alerts and the data contained within the
notications. All notications will contain basic information such as:

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2020 Sonus PD Alert Operating Manual
• Sonus PD Alert Serial Number.
• Time and date of the notication.
• Operating Mode (Observation Period).
• SMS alert type (Alarm or Heartbeat).
• Temperature and Humidity Levels.
• Maximum PD level collected during the last Observation Period.
• Maximum Noise level collected during the last Observation Period.
• Highest TEV PRPD collected during the last Observation Period.
• Highest AE PRPD collected during the last Observation Period.
All levels and PRPD samples will be coded so the Sonus PD Alert App is able to decipher the information or an IRISS Engineer will
be able to assist.
SMS Status
The SMS Status menu allows the SMS settings to be toggled on and off. If no SIM card is inserted in the GSM module or no Mobile
Number has been input then enabling this option will have no effect. If a SIM has been inserted or a Mobile Number has been
entered SMS notications may still be disabled. If disabled the Sonus PD Alert will only act as a monitor, any information will only
be available locally or via Bluetooth, no remote alerts will be sent.
SMS Status
SMS Human Readability changes the format of the SMS alerts to either a Human Readable format, allowing the user to dene
whether they receive information directly via SMS or a Machine-Readable format. Human Readable format will not include PRPD
samples but will have enough information to determine the assets health from the alert.
SMS Event
SMS Event allows the user to choose when they will receive SMS notications. The options available are:

16 2020 Sonus PD Alert Operating Manual
• Never (OFF) – Deactivates Sonus PD Alert SMS notication, the Sonus PD Alert will not sent notications even in the event PD
Activity is detected during the Observation Period.
• Event only (EVE) – SMS notications will be sent if at the end of the Observation Period.
• Always (ALW) – The Sonus PD Alert will always send a notication via SMS at the end of the observation period even if no PD
Activity is detected.
After selecting the type of alerts the user wants to receive, pressing OK will save the alert.
Heartbeat
The Sonus PD Alert can send a regular notication to a user via SMS, these act as a heartbeat for the Sonus PD Alert. This feature
is especially useful when the Sonus PD Alert is congured to communicate with a remote server to ensure that the Sonus PD
Alert is reporting correctly. The remove server can be congured to send alerts when the Sonus PD Alert fails to send a heartbeat
notication.
The heartbeat is congured to send an SMS approximately once every 24 hours, a slight offset is accounted for to ensure that these
will not coincide with a normal Observation Period as the Sonus PD Alert cannot send multiple SMS messages simultaneously.
Encoding
The user can select to have the TEV PRPD patterns coded as a single pattern by turning the Encoding off. If the Encoding option is
set to standard the Sonus PD Alert will encode each PRPD individually.
SCADA System
After the SMS settings have been conrmed and the user has returned to the Monitor Set Up menu, it is possible to enable a SCADA
connection with the SCADA channel menus and turning options from off to on. Once SCADA has been enabled or passed over as
not required it is possible to return to the main menu with the back button.

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Bluetooth
The Sonus PD Alert is equipped with a Bluetooth module which allows it to communicate with any smart devices that are set up
with the IRISS Application. From the Bluetooth menu the user can set a Bluetooth PIN, allowing the IRISS application running on a
remote client to connect to the Sonus PD Alert. After entering the desired PIN number and pressing okay, the Sonus PD Alert will
need to be restarted in order for the PIN to be veried with the Bluetooth module. Once the PIN has been set the user will only be
able to connect with the Sonus PD Alert using this number.
Language
The Sonus PD Alert can be set to one of a number of different languages, currently available are:
• English (Default Language)
• French
• German
• Spanish
After selecting a language, the Sonus PD Alerts will display in, and send notications in, the chosen language.
SIM Card Menu
As nal set up checks in order to conrm that the Sonus PD Alert has been congured correctly the user can ensure GSM signal
strength and run SMS Alert tests.

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Status
Displays the current status of the SIM card in the GSM module, if the SIM is functioning correctly it will display the SIM information.
If the SIM or GSM module are not functioning correctly the user will receive the message “SIM card not registered”1, “SIM card not
inserted”2or “GSM Module not detected”.3
Signal
Displays the signal strength being received by the SIM Card. It is recommended that the Sonus PD Alert has at least 50% signal
strength, if the signal is weaker than this the Sonus PD Alert may not be able to complete SMS communications with the server. To
refresh the signal level the user will need to go back to the previous screen and return the screen
Test SMS
The user can send a conrmation SMS to the location dened in the Server Number which will cause the Sonus PD Alert to send a
test Alarm SMS. This will ensure that the Sonus PD Alert is in full working order. Once this message has been received the Sonus
PD Alert is fully congured and in working order.
1. If the user received this error message there is a problem with the SIM network carrier, or the account associated with the SIM, please contact the network carrier and try again.
2. If the user receives this error message, please ensure that the SIM ts rmly in the GSM module with the chip pressed against the contacts. If there is room for movement of the SIM,
this can be remedied by using a small wedge to secure the SIM.
3. If the user receives this error message, please contract IPEC as soon as possible at www.iriss.com

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The Sonus PD Alert Services Menu
The Service menu in the Sonus PD Alert is further information and operation options. The Enter Calibration option is only accessible
by IRISS engineers who are able to recalibrate the Sonus PD Alert as required.
Set Date/Time
The user is able to amend the date and time of the Sonus PD Alert to compensate for time zone changes or daylight savings
adjustments. Once the time has been updated, the Sonus PD Alert will need to be restarted to conrm the update.
Factory Reset
The user can reset all of the Sonus PD Alerts settings to their default values and undo any changes that the user has made. A factory
reset cannot be undone, all set up information, including mobile numbers and SMS set up will be lost. Historical data and Alarm logs
will remain.
Info
The info sub-menu contains information regarding the Sonus PD Alerts conditions.

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Last Calibration
This is the date of the last calibration carried out by a qualied IRISS engineer.
Environment
This screen displays information gathered from the inbuilt temperature and humidity sensors. These values are also included with
the Sonus PD Alerts alerts.
About Sonus PD Alert
This screen displays information about the Sonus PD Alerts rmware version as well as the serial number for the device.
Appendix 1
Sonus PD Alert SCADA Interface
The Sonus PD Alert Partial Discharge Monitoring System has two alarm outputs that can be used to interface with a SCADA system.