Megger IDAX Series User manual

© 2009 Megger AB
IDAX User's Manual

IDAX User's Manual2
© 2009 Megger AB
Table of Contents
Foreword 0
Part I IDAX 3
................................................................................................................................... 31Overview
................................................................................................................................... 72Instrument Panels
................................................................................................................................... 93Software Installation
................................................................................................................................... 94Measurement Technique
................................................................................................................................... 125Getting Started with IDAX
................................................................................................................................... 216IDAX System Control
Part II Results User Interface 25
................................................................................................................................... 261Results Menus and Commands
................................................................................................................................... 632Test Browser
Part III IDAX Error Messages 66
................................................................................................................................... 701(347) Output voltage is not within specified limits
................................................................................................................................... 702(361) Overvoltage
................................................................................................................................... 703(364) Measured capacitances don't match
................................................................................................................................... 704(365) Specimen capacitance below limit
................................................................................................................................... 715(366) Specimen capacitance above limit
................................................................................................................................... 716(367) Measured DC current > MaxDCCurrent
................................................................................................................................... 717(368) Measured hum current > MaxHumCurrent
Index 72

IDAX 3
© 2009 Megger AB
1IDAX
1.1 Overview
IDAX is an insulation diagnostic system for investigations/analysis of dielectric materials,
normally insulators. The measurement method used is dielectric spectroscopy, i.e. measurement
of the dielectric properties of the material as a function of the frequency, and in some cases
also as a function of the voltage. By studying the dielectric material properties as functions of
frequency it is possible to make a distinction between different types of phenomena. For
example, it is possible to separate polarization loss from leakage currents.
The system applies a sinusoidal voltage with desired frequency over the sample. This voltage
will generate a current in the sample. By accurately measuring the voltage and the current, the
sample impedance can be calculated. Depending upon the actual sample model, various
parameters can be calculated from the impedance, such as capacitance, loss, resistance etc. This
procedure can then be repeated at the specified frequencies and voltage levels and even more
information on the sample can be revealed. More information can be found in the chapter
"Measurement technique".
The system is fully computerized and most of the measurements can be performed
automatically.
More technical and safety details are given in sections:
Specifications
System and accessories
Safety precautions
1.1.1 Specifications
The Insulation Diagnostic System IDAX measures the insulation impedance, at different
frequencies, for insulation materials present in high and medium voltage transmission and
distribution networks. The measurement results are used for insulation diagnosis.
The IDAX uses voltages up to 200 Vpeak (~140 V RMS). The voltage range can be increased by
adding an external high voltage unit (the high voltage unit is specified separately).
1.1.1.1 IDAX-300 Specifications
General
The Insulation Diagnostic System IDAX-300 measures the insulation impedance, at different
frequencies, for insulation materials present in high and medium voltage transmission and
distribution networks. The measurement results are used for insulation diagnosis.
The IDAX-300 uses voltages up to 200 Vpeak (~140 V RMS). The voltage range can be increased
by adding an external high voltage unit (the high voltage unit is specified separately). The
IDAX-300 is operated using an external laptop/PC.
The IDAX-300 uses a three electrode set-up, which allows for measurements of non-grounded
as well as grounded objects with and without guard.
The IDAX-300 system applies sinusoidal shaped voltages at different frequencies across the test
object and simultaneously measures the current through it. The output voltage is either taken
from a 10 Vpeak arbitrary waveform generator or from a 200 Vpeak arbitrary waveform
generator.

IDAX User's Manual4
© 2009 Megger AB
Output
Voltage/current range,
10V:
0 - 10 Vpeak, 0 - 50 mApeak
Voltage/current range,
200V:
0 - 200 Vpeak, 0 - 50 mApeak
Frequency range:
0.1 mHz - 10 kHz
Measurements
Inputs:
Channel 1, channel 2, ground
Capacitance Range:
10 pF - 100 uF
Accuracy:
0.5% + 1 pF
Dissipation Factor Range:
0 - 10 (with retained accuracy of capacitance; otherwise higher)
Accuracy:
>1% +0.0003, 1 mHz - 100 Hz, C > 1 nF
>2% +0.0005, 100 Hz - 1 kHz, C > 1 nF
Noise Level:
Max 500 uA at 50 Hz/60 Hz
Test Modes, 2 Channels:
UST-1, UST-2, UST-1+2, GST, GST-Guard-1, GST-Guard-2,
GST-Guard-1+2
With 2-ch measurement option additionally UST-1+UST-2,
UST-1+GST-Guard-2, UST-2+GST-Guard-1, UST-1+2+GST
Calibration:
Calibration box allows field calibration, recommended interval 2
years
General
Mains Input (nominal):
90 - 265 V ac, 50/60 Hz
Power Consumption
(max):
250 VA
Communication Ports:
USB 2.0 and LAN
Physical
Instrument Weight:
4.9 kg/11 lbs
Case and Instrument
Weight:
9.9 kg/22 lbs
Accessories Weight:
8.5 kg/18 lbs (soft bag)
Dimensions:
335 x 300 x 99 mm
17.7 x 6.3 x 16.1 in
Dimensions with Case:
520 x 430 x 220 mm
20.5 x 17 x 8.7 in.
Environmental
Operating Ambient Temp:
0°C to +50°C /-32°F to +122°F
Storage Ambient Temp:
-40°C to 70°C / -40°F to +158°F
Humidity:
20% - 95% RH, non-condensing
CE Standards:
IEC61010 (LVD) EN61326 (EMC)
PC Requirements
Operating System:
Windows 2000/ XP / Vista
CPU/RAM:
Pentium 500 MHz/512 Mb or better
Interface:
USB 2.0

IDAX 5
© 2009 Megger AB
1.1.2 System and Accessories
1.1.2.1 IDAX-300 System and Accessories
IDAX-300
Transport case
Cables

IDAX User's Manual6
© 2009 Megger AB
1.1.3 Safety Precautions
A " Warning" statement denotes hazardous conditions and actions that can cause bodily
harm or death.
A "Caution!" statement denotes conditions and actions that can damage the IDAX or the
equipment being tested.
Warning!
Always follow local safety regulations when working on high voltage equipment.
Make certain all personnel working with IDAX have been trained in its correct use
and that all applicable safety precautions are taken.
BEFORE connecting this unit to the mains outlet user must verify that only a single
protective ground systems exists AND no measurable voltage potential exists
between the mains outlet protective ground and the test object protective ground. If
a voltage potential is found between mains outlet protective ground and the test
object protective ground then additional measures described in local safety standards
should be applied to ensure personal safety.
The measurement system can generate hazardous and even lethal voltages.
Do not attempt to service the IDAX yourself as opening or removing covers may
expose you to dangerous voltage.
Do not use any accessories that are not intended for use together with the IDAX.
Unplug the IDAX from the mains supply when it is left unattended or not in use.
Before cleaning, unplug the IDAX from the mains supply. Use a damp cloth for
cleaning. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.
Caution!
Make sure that the mains voltage selected on the selector switch located on the back
panel corresponds to the voltage level before connecting the mains.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
If you need to return your IDAX, please use either the original crate or one of
equivalent strength.

IDAX 7
© 2009 Megger AB
1.2 Instrument Panels
1.2.1 IDAX-300 Front Panel
Overview
Power
a) Power ON/OFF switch
Turns unit on and off.
b) Mains connector
For connecting to mains outlet.
c) Fuse
Use small screwdriver to gently pry out
to change the fuse, F1, 2A slow blow.
Interface
d) USB Port
for connecting computer
e) ETHERNET
RJ45 connector for Ethernet connection
via twisted pair cable.

IDAX User's Manual8
© 2009 Megger AB
Output
f) Enable switch
1 for activating the output of voltage.
0for deactivating the output of voltage.
g) Generator
Generator output connector.
h) Active
Red high intensity LED. Is lit when the
output is switched on, dark when the
output is switched off.
External
i) AMPLIFIER
Connector for external amplifier
Input
j) Input 1 and Sense 1
First input channels.
k) Input 2 and Sense 2
Second input channels.
l) Protective ground
Connector for connection to station
ground.
m) Test
Test inputs.

IDAX 9
© 2009 Megger AB
1.3 Software Installation
The IDAX-206 come with the measurement and display software already installed on the
internal computer. On the IDAX-300 and if you want to use the IDAX-206 with an external PC
you have to install the software.
To start installing the software insert the USB memory stick and run the program IDAXInstall
XXXX.exe from it.
When first starting the IDAX software after installing it make sure the IDAX206/300 is
connected and turned on. For the IDAX-206 also check that the switch in the rear panel is set to
EXT USB. When the software starts it will look for the IDAX hardware and connect to it
automatically.
1.4 Measurement Technique
Short overview of measurement principle is given in this section.
How impedance is measured Gives basic principle of IDAX operation
Sample modeling Describes theoretical models used for presenting measurement
results
1.4.1 How Impedance is Measured
IDAX measures impedance. By measuring the impedance at one point, i,e, at a specific
frequency and amplitude, parameters such as resistance, capacitance and loss can be calculated.
The impedance of a sample is measured by applying a voltage across the sample. This voltage
will generate a current through the sample. By accurately measuring the voltage and the
current, the impedance can be calculated, see illustration below.
AV
ZU
I
ElectrometerVoltmeter
Computer with
DSP-board Voltage source
Sample
Measured voltage
Measured current
Control voltage
Fig.1. Measurement of electrical impedance.
The impedance is calculated using Ohm's law:
where Z, U and I are complex entities.
The voltage (and the current) is generated by a voltage source. There are currently two internal
voltage sources available in the IDAX system, which can deliver a maximum peak output of
10 Vpeak and 200 Vpeak, respectively. The voltage is measured by means of a voltmeter and

IDAX User's Manual10
© 2009 Megger AB
the current is measured by an ammeter or electrometer which acts as a current-to-voltage
converter. The analogue signals (voltages) are then converted to digital samples of the signals
that are used in subsequent calculations.
1.4.2 Sample Modelling
The impedance, Z, can be presented directly or by using different impedance models. Two ways
of presenting Z directly are the polar and the rectangular, as follows:
Polar:
Rectangular:
Two simple models which are usually used in circuit analysis, although more seldom in
insulation analysis, are capacitance, C, and resistance, R. The equivalent RC circuit models
available are series and parallel models (see Fig.1) calculated as follows:
a) b)
Fig.1. Equivalent circuit models: a) series RC circuit, b) parallel RC circuit.
Parallel:
Series:
where w= 2pfand fis frequency.
Another model, more often used in insulation diagnostics, is the complex capacitance model
describing the insulation impedance as a complex capacitance, where the imaginary part of the
capacitance represents the losses. The complex capacitance model is defined as follows:
where