Megger PDS 60 User manual

1
PDS 60 / PDS 60-HP
Partial discharge measuring system
USER GUIDE
Issue: D (09/2022) - EN
Article number: 84004

2

Consultation with Megger
3
Consultation with Megger
The present system manual has been designed as an operating guide and for reference.
It is meant to answer your questions and solve your problems in as fast and easy a way
as possible. Please start with referring to this manual should any trouble occur.
In doing so, make use of the table of contents and read the relevant paragraph with great
attention. Furthermore, check all terminals and connections of the instruments involved.
Should any question remain unanswered or should you need the help of an authorized
service station, please contact:
Megger Limited Megger Germany GmbH (Baunach)
Archcliffe Road
Kent CT17 9EN
T: [phone]
F: [phone]
E: [e-mail]
Dr.-Herbert-Iann-Str. 6
D - 96148 Baunach
T: [phone] – 0
F: [phone]
E: [e-mail]
Megger Germany GmbH (Radeburg) Megger USA
Röderaue 41
D - 01471 Radeburg / Dresden
T: [phone] – 0
F: [phone]
E: [e-mail]
Valley Forge Corporate Centre
2621 Van Buren Avenue
Norristown, PA 19403 USA
T: [phone]
F: [phone]
Megger
All rights reserved. No part of this handbook may be copied by photographic or other means unless Megger
have before-hand declared their consent in writing. The information in this document is subject to change without
notice and should not be construed as a commitment by Megger. Megger cannot be made liable for technical or
printing errors or shortcomings of this handbook. Megger also disclaims all responsibility for damage resulting
directly or indirectly from the delivery, supply, or use of this matter.

Terms of Warranty
4
Terms of Warranty
Megger accept responsibility for a claim under warranty brought forward by a customer
for a product sold by Megger under the terms stated below.
Megger warrant that at the time of delivery Megger products are free from manufacturing
or material defects which might considerably reduce their value or usability. This warranty
does not apply to faults in the software supplied. During the period of warranty, Megger
agree to repair faulty parts or replace them with new parts or parts as new (with the same
usability and life as new parts) according to their choice.
This warranty does not cover wear parts, lamps, fuses, batteries and accumulators.
Megger reject all further claims under warranty, in particular those from consequential
damage. Each component and product replaced in accordance with this warranty
becomes the property of Megger.
All warranty claims versus Megger are hereby limited to a period of 12 months from the
date of delivery. Each component supplied by Megger within the context of warranty will
also be covered by this warranty for the remaining period of time but for 90 days at least.
Each measure to remedy a claim under warranty shall exclusively be carried out by
Megger or an authorized service station.
This warranty does not apply to any fault or damage caused by exposing a product to
conditions not in accordance with this specification, by storing, transporting, or using it
improperly, or having it serviced or installed by a workshop not authorized by Megger. All
responsibility is disclaimed for damage due to wear, will of God, or connection to foreign
components.
For damage resulting from a violation of their duty to repair or re-supply items, Megger
can be made liable only in case of severe negligence or intention. Any liability for slight
negligence is disclaimed.
Since some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of an implied warranty or of
consequential damage, the limitations of liability described above perhaps may not apply
to you.

Contents
5
Contents
Consultation with Megger...............................................................................................3
Terms of Warranty ...........................................................................................................4
Contents ...........................................................................................................................5
1Safety Instructions ...........................................................................................7
1.1 General Notes ....................................................................................................7
1.2 General Safety Instructions and Warnings.........................................................9
2Technical Description ....................................................................................10
2.1 Abbreviations....................................................................................................10
2.2 System Description ..........................................................................................11
2.3 Technical Data .................................................................................................15
2.5 Technical Background......................................................................................16
2.6 Connection Elements and Status LEDs ...........................................................18
3Commissioning ..............................................................................................19
3.1 Electrical Connection........................................................................................19
3.1.1 Electrical Connection in Combination with a Stand-Alone Test Voltage Source
..........................................................................................................................20
3.1.2 Electrical Connection of a Test Van .................................................................24
3.2 Switching On ....................................................................................................25
4Basic Operation of the Software...................................................................26
4.1 Start Screen .....................................................................................................26
4.2 Useful Features of the Software.......................................................................27
5Conducting Measurements ...........................................................................29
5.1 Starting or Resuming a Measurement Task – ...........................................29
5.2 Calibrating the Partial Discharge Measuring Circuit – ...............................31
5.2.1 Connecting the Calibrator.................................................................................31
5.2.2 Conducting the Calibration ...............................................................................32
5.2.3 Disconnecting the Calibrator ............................................................................35
5.3 Measuring – ..............................................................................................36
5.3.1 Basic Information Regarding the Measurement Screen ..................................36
5.3.2 Available Operating Modes ..............................................................................37
5.3.3 Available diagram types ...................................................................................38
5.3.4 Setting the Measurement Parameters .............................................................43
5.3.5 Performing the Measurement...........................................................................46
5.3.5.1 Typical Procedure for PD Diagnosis with DAC Voltage...................................49
5.3.5.2 Typical Procedure for PD Diagnosis with VLF Voltage....................................50
5.3.5.3 Typical Procedure for Monitored Withstand Testing ........................................51
5.3.6 Stopping / Finishing a Measurement................................................................52
6Evaluating Measurement Results and Creating a Report ..........................53

Contents
6
6.1 Manual Evaluation of Partial Discharges .........................................................56
6.1.1 Determining Possible Sources of PD Faults ....................................................56
6.1.2 Analysing Individual PD Events .......................................................................57
6.2 Preparing and Printing the Report....................................................................60
7Configuring Settings and Managing Data....................................................63
7.1 Adjusting the Settings – .............................................................................63
7.1.1 Managing Devices............................................................................................65
7.1.2 Managing Report Templates............................................................................66
7.2 Cable Manager – ...................................................................................70
7.2.1 Viewing Cable Data and Administrating Measurement Tasks.........................70
7.2.2 Managing Cables .............................................................................................73
7.2.2.1 Entering / Changing General Cable Data.........................................................73
7.2.2.2 Specifying the Sections of the Cable ...............................................................75
7.2.2.3 Saving Cable Data ...........................................................................................79
7.2.2.4 Managing Segment Templates ........................................................................80
7.2.3 Managing Measuring and Cable Data..............................................................82
7.2.3.1 Exporting Data..................................................................................................83
7.2.3.2 Importing Data..................................................................................................84
7.2.3.3 Backing Up Data ..............................................................................................86
8Storage and Transport...................................................................................87
9Maintenance and Care ...................................................................................88
10 Troubleshooting .............................................................................................89

Safety Instructions
7
1Safety Instructions
1.1 General Notes
This manual contains basic instructions for the commissioning and operation of the device
/ system. For this reason, it is important to ensure that the manual is always available to
the authorised and trained operator. He needs to read the manual thoroughly. The
manufacturer is not liable for damage to material or humans due to non-observance of
the instructions and safety advices provided by this manual.
Locally applying regulations have to be observed!
The following signal words and symbols are used in this manual and on the product itself:
Signal word /
symbol
Description
DANGER Indicates a potential hazard which will result in death or serious
injury if not avoided.
WARNING Indicates a potential hazard which may result in death or
serious injury if not avoided.
CAUTION Indicates a potential hazard which may result in moderate or
minor injury if not avoided.
NOTICE Indicates a potential hazard which may result in material
damage if not avoided.
Serves to highlight warnings and safety instructions.
As a warning label on the product it is used to draw attention to
potential hazards which have to be avoided by reading the
manual.
Serves to highlight warnings and safety instructions that
explicitly indicate the risk of an electric shock.
Serves to highlight important information and useful tips on the
operation of the device/system. Failure to observe may lead to
unusable measurement results.
It is important to observe the generally applicable electrical regulations of the country in
which the device will be installed and operated, as well as the current national accident
prevention regulations and internal company directives (work, operating and safety
regulations).
After working on the system, it must be voltage-free and secured against reconnection as
well as having been discharged, earthed and short-circuited.
Use genuine accessories to ensure system safety and reliable operation. The use of other
parts is not permitted and invalidates the warranty.
Safety precautions
Labelling of safety
instructions
Working with products
from Megger

Safety Instructions
8
The system may only be installed and operated by an authorised electrician. DIN VDE
0104 (EN 50191), DIN VDE 0105 (EN 50110) and the German accident prevention
regulations (UVV) define an electrician as someone whose knowledge, experience and
familiarity with the applicable regulations enables him to recognise potential hazards.
Anyone else must be kept away!
The product meets the following security requirements of the European Council
Directives:
•EMC Directive
•Low Voltage Directive
Operating staff
Declaration of
Conformity (CE)

Safety Instructions
9
1.2 General Safety Instructions and Warnings
The operating safety is only guaranteed if the delivered system is used as intended (see
page 11). Incorrect use may result in danger to the operator, to the system and the
connected equipment.
The thresholds listed in the technical data may not be exceeded under any circumstances.
Five safety rules
The five safety rules must always be followed when working with HV (High Voltage):
1. De-energise
2. Protect against re-energising
3. Confirm absence of voltage
4. Earth and short-circuit
5. Cover up or bar-off neighbouring energised parts
Fire fighting in electrical installations
•According to regulations, carbon dioxide (CO2) is required to
be used as extinguishing agent for fighting fire in electrical
installations.
•
Carbon dioxide is electrically non conductive and does not leave
residues. It is safe to be used in energized facilities as long as
the minimum distances are maintained. A CO2fire extinguisher
must be always available within electrical installations.
•If, contrary to the regulations, any other extinguishing agent is
used for fire fighting, this may lead to damage at the electrical
installation. Megger disclaims any liability for consequential
damage. Furthermore, when using a powder extinguisher near
high-voltage installations, there is a danger that the operator of
the fire extinguisher will get an electrical shock from a voltage
arc-over (due to the powder dust created).
•It is essential to observe the safety instruction on the
extinguishing agent.
•Applicable is DIN VDE 0132.
Intended application

Technical Description
10
2Technical Description
2.1 Abbreviations
In this manual the following abbreviations are used:
PD Partial Discharge
DAC Damped AC
VLF Very Low Frequency
PDIV Partial Discharge Inception Voltage
PDEV Partial Discharge Extinction Voltage
TDR Time Domain Reflectometry (or Time Domain Reflectometer)
CR Cosine Rectangular
TDS Test and Diagnosis System
MWT Monitored Withstand Test
VWD Voltage Withstand Diagnosis
AKV Ankoppelvierpol (Quadripole)

Technical Description
11
2.2 System Description
The PDS 60 / PDS 60-HP is a partial discharge measurement system that allows for the
identification, classification and location of PD faults in the insulation and the accessories
of all kinds of medium voltage cables.
For the generation of the DAC or VLF cosine rectangular test voltage required for the
stimulation of PD activities an appropriate test voltage source needs to be provided. While
the proven DAC output voltage allows a quick and cable-friendly partial discharge
diagnosis, the VLF mode can be used for periodical, standard compliant VLF cable testing
with accompanying PD diagnosis. In both cases, the partial discharge measurement is
conducted in accordance to IEC 60270.
Both the VLF Cosine Rectangular voltage and the DAC voltage work according to the
principle of “50 Hz Slope Technology”. In the diagram below the similarity between the
VLF-CR and DAC slopes and the 50 Hz power frequency can be clearly seen.
This is particularly important for PD diagnosis, since reliable evaluation of the measured
results requires a direct comparability with the power frequency. It is widely known that
PD characteristics change in case of large frequency differences, making reliable
evaluation impossible.
Functional description

Technical Description
12
The partial discharge measurement system PDS 60 / PDS 60-HP acts as link between
the voltage source and the test object and is responsible for the decoupling and capturing
of the measurement signals. It consists of the HV filter, components for the signal
decoupling (coupling capacitor, measuring impedance, measurement amplifier) and the
PD detector that is responsible for the signal processing.
Both the control of the voltage source and the visualization and analysis of the
measurement data are made through a notebook that is connected via a network
interface. All operational actions that are required for measuring and locating partial
discharges can be executed with the help of the preinstalled software. The analysis and
management of the measurement data can be conducted either immediately after the
measurement or later in the office.
The system offers the following features and functions:
•Intuitive control and analysis software, suitable for the universal use with
different systems
•Quick and fully automatic calibration in one step
•PD mapping and statistical evaluation in real time
•Fully automatic report generation directly after a measurement possible
•Cable database with individually adaptable segment templates
•Import of measurement data from other PD measurement systems, e.g.
Oscillating Wave Test System (OWTS) (optional)
System configuration
Features
Test Voltage
Source
Controlling of the voltage source

Measurement data 
Measurement data
24 V 
Coupling capacitor
Measuring impedance
PD detector for amplifying, filtering
and processing the decoupled PD
signals

Technical Description
13
The scope of delivery of the system normally comprises the following components (it may
deviate significantly in the case of test van installations):
QTY Component Description Article number
1 Partial discharge
measurement system
PDS 60 / PDS 60-HP
Standard version:
1014865
or
High Power version
(HP): 1014866
1 Software license 3 dongles included 90011937
1 PD calibrator Conformity: IEC 60270
PD range: 100 pC ... 100 nC
Power supply: 9-volt battery
2008807
1 Control line Transmission of control and
measurement signals between the
partial discharge measurement
system and the test voltage source
1 HV connection cable Red, 1.5 m 138316094
1 Operational earth
connection cable
Black, 1.5 m
1 Short-circuit line Black, 0.5 m
1 Network cable 1.5 m
1 HV alligator clip Red
1 Manual 84004
Check the contents of the package for completeness and visible damage right after
receipt. In the case of visible damage, the device must under no circumstances be taken
into operation. If something is missing or damaged, please contact your local sales
representative.
Should the following optional accessories not be part of the scope of delivery, these can
be ordered from sales:
Accessory Description Article number
Longer HV
connection cable
3 m, 5 m, 10 m or 15 m 2005655 (3 m)
890010915 (5 m)
890023555 (10 m)
890015603 (15 m)
Notebook With pre-installed software and case language-dependent
Diagnostic
connection set
Accessory set for a PD-free connection to
the test object
890017909
Cleaning kit 890010922
Software license for
OWTS import
Enables the optional OWTS data import
function
2006507 (1 Dongle)
2006509 (2 Dongles)
Scope of delivery
Check contents
Optional accessories

Technical Description
14
Accessory Description Article number
CB-PDD
connection box
Required for the connection of a test
voltage source without control line
connector (e.g. VLF Sinus 34 kV)
1006044
Transport case 90019220
TE PA-MC-UNI PD-free connection adapter 1013564 (460 mm)
1013563 (310 mm)
The following multifunctional test voltage sources can be used in combination with the
PDS 60 / PDS 60-HP:
Designation Features
TDS40Basis 40 kV test voltage; only negative voltage source
TDS40Plus 40 kV test voltage; negative and positive voltage source
(higher test performance as a result)
TDS60Basis 60 kV test voltage; only negative voltage source
TDS60Plus 60 kV test voltage; negative and positive voltage source
(higher test performance as a result)
VLF Sinus 45 kV / TDM 45 45 kV VLF sine wave test voltage
±40 kV DAC voltage (optional)
40 kV VLF CR test voltage (optional)
VLF Sinus 62 kV / TDM 62 62 kV VLF sine wave test voltage
±60 kV DAC voltage (optional)
60 kV VLF CR test voltage (optional)
VLF Sinus 34 kV 34 kV VLF sine wave test voltage
VLF Sinus 54 kV 54 kV VLF sine wave test voltage
If you have a test voltage with sine wave output voltage that is not listed here (for example,
from a different manufacturer), please contact the sales representative responsible for
you to determine whether it can be used together with the PDS 60 / PDS 60-HP.
Suitable test voltage
sources
M12 and M16
310 mm
or
460 mm

Technical Description
15
2.3 Technical Data
The partial discharge measurement system PDS 60 / PDS 60-HP and the included PD
detector are specified by the following parameters1:
Parameter Value
Voltage range max. 60 kVRMS
Maximum load capacitance 2.4 µF (standard version)
4.4 µF (HP version)
Voltage waveforms VLF CR, VLF Sine Wave and DAC
PD measuring range 2 pC …. 100 nC
System noise level <2 pC
PD pulse repetition rate for charge
evaluation
100 kHz
Charge evaluation according to IEC60270
PD localisation
•Range 0 … 16,000 m / v/2 = 80 m/μs
•Minimum cable length 75 m
•Propagation velocity v/2 50 … 120 m/μs
•Sample rate 125 MHz (8 ns)
•Bandwith 3 / 20 MHz (switchable)
•Accuracy 1% of cable length
•Resolution ±1 pC / ±1 m
Filtering Analogue and digital
Weight 35 kg (standard version)
37 kg (HP version)
Dimensions (W x D x H) 39 x 58 x 76 cm (standard version)
39 x 58 x 80 cm (HP version)
Operating temperature -20 °C … 55 °C
Storage temperature -40 °C … 70 °C
Relative humidity293% at 30 °C (non-condensing)
1Please learn the technical parameters of the test voltage source from the
corresponding manual.
2A relative humidity above 80% may lead to increased intra-system interference.

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2.5 Technical Background
To be informed about the condition and residual life of their resources is increasingly
important for network operators in order to be able to plan and optimise the investment
and maintenance measures.
By the use of condition-based maintenance of medium voltage cable networks with the
help of cable diagnosis and cable tests, it is possible to considerably reduce the costs for
maintenance and renewal of the networks. Unnecessary repairs or renewals can be
avoided and life expectancy can be maximized.
Moreover, the PD diagnosis also is an ideal method to verify the installation and assembly
quality of a cable before commissioning.
The recognition, evaluation and location of PD faults has thereby been established as one
of the most efficient and significant diagnostic methods. Partial Discharge activity is a
localised electrical breakdown between two electrodes that does not completely bridge
the gap between them. PD activity is an indication of incipient faults in the insulation and
is widely regarded as one of the best indicators of potential weak spots in the accessories
and insulation of medium and high voltage cables.
Inside cables, PD defects are generally ionisable, gas-filled voids, which were either
developed during the production of the insulation or caused by one of the following events:
•Mechanical damage
•Incorrect installation of joints or terminations
•Thermal degradation processes inside joints due to improper conductor
connections
In principle, the system is designed for all kinds of medium voltage cables as long as the
constructional requirements for the PD free connection of the test system are fulfilled.
Depending on the test voltage source that is used, medium voltage cables with a rated
voltage Uo/U of up to 25/45 kV can be diagnosed conforming to standards.
The measurable cable lengths strongly depend on the cable type as well as on the amount
and the design of the joints. Faulty joints, joints of inferior quality and humid cable sections
can lead to heavily attenuated propagation of the PD pulses which then can only be
detected badly or not at all.
Experience has shown that for new XLPE cables with the necessary minimum of high
quality joints, cable lengths of 5 to 6 km are measurable without any problems (in
particular cases also longer lengths) if the measurement can be conducted from both
cable ends.
In paper-insulated cables, the PD pulses are attenuated considerably stronger, so that
the maximum length is 2 to 3 km. If the cable is humid or has many joints (in particular
transition joints), very often only notably smaller lengths are measurable.
In locations where high interference voltages may obscure the measurement signal (e.g.
in transformer stations), smaller PD levels are harder to identify. In these cases, a
preferably short and direct earthing of the measurement system at the screen of the test
object should be ensured.
What is Partial
Discharge and why test
for it?
Field of application

17
In order to measure partial discharges, the test object is applied with the required voltage.
The generated high-frequency PD signals are decoupled by means of a special AKV.
By gradually raising the voltage it is possible to detect at which voltage the PD ignites
(PDIV) and how the PD level changes with increasing voltage. Conclusions regarding the
type of PD fault can be drawn from the phase angle of the test voltage at the moment of
the PD event. In a similar way, also the extinction voltage (PDEV) of an already activated
PD can be determined during the decay of the DAC voltage.
The fact that generated high-frequency pulses in cables propagate in both directions is
used to locate PD faults. During the measurement process, the measurement system
records the incoming signals and, thanks to appropriate algorithms and filters, is able to
identify both the directly incoming PD pulses and the respective reflections.
The position of the PD fault can then be calculated from the time difference between pulse
and reflection and from the known or in the previous calibration determined pulse
propagation velocity.
How can PD be
measured and located?
Origin of the PD pulse (PD fault)
Time
Meas.
system
Voltage (charge) Distance

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2.6 Connection Elements and Status LEDs
The coupling unit has the following and connection elements and status LEDs:
Element
Description
HV input (from test voltage source)
HV output (to the test object)
Status LEDs indicating the following states:
Left LED Right LED
Green Measurement underway Software and PD detector
connected
Orange Measurement stopped and
not yet restarted
Software and PD detector are
connecting
Red System error (see page 89)
Socket to connect the control line from the test voltage source
Connection point for operational earth connection with test voltage source
Connection point for operational earth connection with test object

Commissioning
19
3Commissioning
WARNING
General safety instructions for set-up and commissioning
•The safety guidelines for the operation of mobile testing systems
often differ from one network operator to another and are frequently
subject to national regulations (such as the German BGI 5191).
Before the measurement session, find out what the applicable
guidelines are and follow the rules set out therein precisely, in
respect of the organisation of work and the commissioning of the
mobile test system.
•During transport, the partial discharge coupler should only be rolled
lengthways to avoid the risk of tipping over in the event of sudden
obstacles/edges.
•Select a location which is sufficient for the weight and size of the
system and ensures that it stands securely.
•When setting up or connecting the system, make sure that it does
not impair the functional capability of any other systems or
components. If other systems and components have to be modified,
be sure to reverse these measures once the work has been
completed. Always take the special requirements of these systems
and components into account and only carry out work on them after
consulting and obtaining approval from whoever is in charge of them.
•In the event of larger differences in temperature between the storage
and installation locations (cold to warm) condensation may form on
components carrying high voltage (condensation effect). To avoid
any risk of damage to people and devices caused by voltage arc-
overs, the device must not be operated when in this condition. It
should instead be left in the new environment for roughly one hour to
acclimatise before it is then put into operation.
3.1 Electrical Connection
WARNING
Safety instructions regarding the electrical connection
•The system may only be connected to de-energised
equipment. The
general safety instructions and, in particular, the five safety rules
(see page 9) must always be followed prior to connection to the test
object.
•Follow the specified connection sequence.
•All cables which are out of operation and not needed for the test
must be shorted and earthed.
•Because the voltage applied to the device under test can exhibit
values that represent a shock hazard, all cable ends must be
shielded in accordance with DIN EN 50191 (VDE 0104) to prevent
contact. Make sure that all cable branches are taken into account.

Commissioning
20
3.1.1 Electrical Connection in Combination with a Stand-Alone Test
Voltage Source
The following picture shows the electrical connection with a test voltage source suitable
for direct connection (e.g. TDS40):
For test voltage sources without outer shield connection (e.g. VLF Sinus 62), the entire
course of the HV connection cable is to be regarded as a prohibited zone as shown in the
following figure:
WARNING
The measurement system including th
e unshielded connection cables are
to be considered as live parts during the whole measurement.
Dimensioning of prohibition zone and test area is to be carried out in
accordance to DIN EN 50191 (VDE 0104).
Connection diagram
Station earth or other suitable
foundation earth electrode
Prohibition zone and test area acc. to
DIN EN 50191 (VDE 0104)
Test voltage
source
Station earth or other suitable
foundation earth electrode
Prohibition zone and test area acc. to
DIN EN 50191 (VDE 0104)
Test voltage
source