Megger UHF PDD User manual

1
UHF PDD
UHF PD Detector
USER GUIDE
Issue: A (01/2023) - EN
Article number: 85393

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 content of this handbook is subject to change without
notice. 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
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Contents
Consultation with Megger...............................................................................................3
Terms of Warranty ...........................................................................................................4
Contents ...........................................................................................................................5
1General Notes ...................................................................................................7
2Technical description ......................................................................................9
2.1 System description .............................................................................................9
2.2 Technical data ..................................................................................................11
2.3 Connections, controls and display ...................................................................12
3Start-up............................................................................................................13
3.1 Securing the power supply ...............................................................................13
3.2 Connecting antennas /sensors.........................................................................14
3.3 Ensuring network synchronisation ...................................................................18
3.4 Connecting headphones ..................................................................................19
4Principles of operation ..................................................................................20
4.1 Operation..........................................................................................................20
4.2 First steps.........................................................................................................21
5Performing measurements............................................................................23
5.1 Analysing the frequency spectrum ...................................................................23
5.2 Analysing the time-resolved signal...................................................................28
5.3 Analysing the level ...........................................................................................34
6Adapting device settings...............................................................................36
7Functional tests..............................................................................................37
7.1 Self-test ............................................................................................................37
7.2 Functional test of an installed UHF coupler .....................................................38
8Using the demo box .......................................................................................39
9Processing and archiving of measured data...............................................40
10 Maintenance, care and transport..................................................................41
11 Troubleshooting .............................................................................................42

General Notes
7
1General 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

General Notes
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:
•Radio Equipment Directive (RED 2014/53/EU)
•RoHS Directive (2011/65/EU)
This product contains protected software, which is licensed under the General Public
License (GPL) and the Lesser General Public License (LGPL). This certifies your right to
request the source code for these software components.
You can find detailed information on the GPL/LGPL licenses under www.gnu.org.
The operating safety of the system delivered is only guaranteed in the event of intended
use (see page 9). Incorrect use may expose the operator, the system and any
equipment connected to risks.
The thresholds listed in the technical data may not be exceeded under any
circumstances.
The equipment may only be used when working properly. When irregularities or
malfunctions appear that cannot be solved consulting this manual, the equipment must
immediately be put out of operation and marked as not functional. In this case inform the
person in charge who should inform the Megger service to resolve the problem. The
instrument may only be operated when the malfunction is resolved.
Operating staff
Declaration of
Conformity (CE)
Use of third party
software
Intended use
Behaviour at
malfunction of normal
operation

Technical description
9
2Technical description
2.1 System description
Defects on medium and high voltage sets not only require costly repairs, but can also
lead to failures of network sections with associated adverse consequences. It is
therefore in the interest of all grid operators to be able to detect signs of imminent
defects as early as possible so as to take suitable countermeasures promptly.
With the UHF PDD , Megger offers a lightweight, sturdy and portable measuring device
with which various equipment can be quickly examined for partial discharge signals in
ultra high frequency (UHF) ranges from 150 MHz up to 1000 MHz. The signal recording
can optionally be performed via UHF antenna, UHF coupler or using both
simultaneously. The device also additionally offers the option of displaying and
analysing decoupled high frequency signals (in the cut-off frequencies of
100 kHz <= f <= 70 MHz) from HFCT and TEV sensors.
Used in combination with the UHF coupler UHF C-1, likewise developed by Megger, the
UHF PDD is especially suited for testing of live high voltage terminations, the failure of
which is usually accompanied by the most devastating impacts on network operation.
But also for regular and quick checks of extensive installations such as substations, the
UHF PDD in combination with a UHF antenna makes the perfect tool.
Thanks to the two UHF signal inputs, the UHF PDD can be used for real-time
comparison of the base noise level of the surroundings (caused by transmitter systems,
for example) and the useful pulse-shaped signal on the sensor or the antenna. Of
course, two sensor signals can also be easily compared to each other if needed.
The UHF frequency band is ideal for selective and interference-resistant measurement
of electromagnetic pulses caused by partial discharges, since disturbances output from,
for example, transducers or transformers, are largely in frequencies <100 Mhz.
Measuring in the UHF frequency band also enables you to detect the differences
between outer corona or sliding discharges as compared to the dangerous internal
discharges.
The UHF PD Detector combines the following features in one device:
•Measurement of PD signals in the UHF range
•Measurement of spectrum, time and level on live equipment
•Real-time signal comparison thanks to two channels
•Intuitive operation using a touchscreen or operating buttons
•High-performance internal rechargeable battery enables long operating time
•Built-in UHF pulse generator for functional testing and checking of sensor
installations
•Synchronous network operation through internal or external sensors
Intended use
Advantages of UHF
measurement
Performance features

Technical description
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The product supplied comprises the following components:
Quantity Component Description Item number
1 UHF PDD Main device 1007234 (Standard)
1008524 (US version with
deviating radio frequency)
1 Charger 1007523
1 UHF DIPOL-230 UHF reference antenna for the
interference signal
measurement in the
surroundings
1008295
1 Synchronisation
sensor
UHF MS5060
For network synchronisation
via socket tapping
1007235
(868 MHz / standard)
1008497
(913 MHz / US version)
1 Power supply For synchronisation sensor country-specific
1 BNC cable,
30 cm
To connect the dipole antenna 90019085
1 Transport case 90017139
1 Manual 85393
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.
The following optional accessories can also be ordered from the sales department if
required:
Accessory Description Item number
Stereo headphones For acoustic analysis of the demodulated
useful signal
810002087
Synchronisation sensor
UHF ES5060
For network synchronisation based on the
electrical or magnetic field
1007236
BNC rod antenna 25 to 1900 MHz 90017365
Partial discharge
coupler UHF C-1
Request installation material and connection
cable
138315730
Folding HFCT sensor,
SC40
For quick and temporary installation on the
cable shield
1009667
TEV sensor, TEV C900 For measuring PD on metallic surfaces 1009680
BNC cable 5 m length; for connecting the HFCT and
TEV sensors
502020108
Closed HFCT sensor
HFFCT 20 including
connection cable
For permanent installation; 20 mm diameter 1006296
Demo box UHF DB-
XXX
Partial discharge simulator for function
demonstration
1009554
(230 V version)
1009551
(110 V version)
Included in delivery
Check contents
Optional accessories

Technical description
11
2.2 Technical data
The UHF PD Detector is defined by the following parameters:
Parameter Value
UHF frequency range 150 MHz to 1000 MHz
RF frequency range 100 kHz to 70 MHz
Measurement range -90 dBm … 20 dBm
Resolution 1 dBm
Accuracy ±1 dBm
Withstand voltage of the measurement
inputs (BNC)
4.5 VPEAK
Sensitivity -90 dBm
Input voltage 100 V–240 V, 50 / 60 Hz (through supplied
charger)
Internal rechargeable battery Li-ion 7.4 V / 12.25 Ah
Battery operating time >10 hours
Charging time 6 hours
Display 6" touch display, 640 x 480 pixels
Internal memory 10 GB
Wireless connection 868 MHz (standard version)
913 MHz (US version)
Data interface USB 2.0 (Host)
Operating temperature -20 °C–50 °C
Storage temperature -30 °C–70 °C
Operating humidity 93% at 30 °C
Weight 1900 g
Dimensions (L x W x H) 250 x 190 x 100 mm
IP protection class (in accordance with
IEC 60529 (DIN VDE 0470-1))
IP65 (during use)
IP67 (in case)
The included sensors are defined by the following parameters:
Parameter Value
Bandwidth of UHF antennas (rod and
dipole)
25 MHz to 1900 MHz
Bandwidth of TEV sensor (TEV C900) 2 MHz to 80 MHz
Bandwidth of HFCT sensor (SC40) 100 kHz to 50 MHz

Technical description
12
2.3 Connections, controls and display
The UHF PD Detector has the following connection, display and control elements:
Element Description
Touchscreen
Operating buttons
USB socket for data export and firmware updates
On/Off button (brief activation)
Charging indicator light
UHF useful signal input
REF / RF / CAL
This socket can be used for the following purposes:
•Input for UHF reference signal
•Input for RF useful signal (TEV and HFCT sensors)
•Output of UHF pulse generator
Radio antenna
For the synchronisation with the synchronisation sensor UHF MS5060
12 V DC /
Jack for the connection of charger and headphones
EXT. SYNC. /
This socket can be used for the following purposes:
•Connection of the synchronisation sensor UHF ES5060
•Service interface
Magnet for securing the UHF dipole antenna
Control module

Start-up
13
3Start-up
DANGER
Danger to life from electric shock or electric arcs
To avoid any electrical hazards when starting up and using the detector,
the following instructions must be followed:
•All notices, instructions, rules of conduct and operating manuals of the
facility manager/plant operator must be complied with!
•The safe distances applicable for the corresponding voltage level must
be observed at all times in the vicinity of live operating equipment!
Information regarding the minimum distances to be observed must be
obtained from the facility manager/plant operator before beginning
work.
•Antennas which are connected to the detector for measuring purposes
are conductive components. Their length is therefore especially to be
taken into account when approaching live components!
3.1 Securing the power supply
The UHF PD Detector is fitted with an internal Li-ion rechargeable battery. This can
power the device for at least 10 hours.
Before installing at the place of use, the detector should be briefly switched on and the
charge status of the battery determined by checking the charging bar shown at the
bottom right in the display. If the bar is insufficiently full, it is recommended to charge the
battery again before beginning the measurement.
If there is an electrical outlet in the immediate surroundings, the detector can also be
operated via the connected charger while the measurement is in progress.
To charge the UHF PD Detector, connect the device to the general power grid. Always
use the supplied charger. Insert the round plug of the charger into the 12 V DC socket of
the detector. Observe the markings on the plug and socket. You must feel the plug
engage.
It takes about 6 hours for a full charging cycle. During charging, the charging indicator
light is lit red. The battery is fully recharged once the charging indicator light goes
out.
NOTE
To avoid damage, please observe the following when charging:
•Always use only the supplied charger.
•The ambient temperature should lie between 10 °C and 35 °C.
•In the event of problems with the battery, contact your sales or service
partner at Megger. Do not open the device yourself.
Battery operation
Charging the battery

Start-up
14
3.2 Connecting antennas /sensors
In principle, the most varied types of sensors and antennas can be connected to the
device, providing they deliver a usable input signal.
Besides UHF antennas and sensors, which deliver signals in the frequency range of
150 MHz to 1000 MHz (UHF mode), the detector is also suitable for the connection of
TEV and HFCT sensors. With sensors of this type, with which partial discharges can be
diagnosed in a capacitive or inductive manner, the detector operates in RF mode in the
frequency range of 100 kHz to 70 MHz. In principle, the TEV and HFCT sensors can
also be used in UHF mode. The sensors work in this case like antennas, but offer a
lower sensitivity in comparison.
In order to measure in UHF mode, a UHF antenna must be connected at the BNC plug
connector of the measurement input UHF . In addition to the included rod, other
suitable antennas and sensors can also be used (such as the optional UHC-C1 partial
discharge coupler and the included TEV and HFCT sensors).
Introduction
Connection of UHF
sensors
Rod antenna
UHF C1 partial
discharge coupler

Start-up
15
In addition, it is possible to couple in a second "reference" signal in order to be able to
compare the frequency spectrum of the useful signal with it. Connecting a suitable UHF
reference antenna (for example, the included UHF dipole) to the input REF/RF/CAL
is recommended.
In order to be able to operate the device properly when using the UHF dipole antenna,
the antenna can be attached to the magnet on the back of the case.
The possibility of comparing two frequency spectra is also useful if several identically
constructed sensors are present (for example, with multiple UHF couplers installed). In
this case, two of these sensors can be connected in parallel to the two measurement
inputs and the two frequency spectra can be examined for conspicuous differences:
If there is a suspicion of PD activity in one of the two spectra, the respective sensor can
be connected to the UHF measuring input and a further investigation performed in
the time domain.
Useful signal
Reference signal
(for example, UHF dipole)

Start-up
16
With a TEV sensor, partial discharges in the high-frequency range can be measured on
the metallic surfaces (for example, control cabinet doors) of medium-voltage switchgear.
A suitable sensor, which can be conveniently mounted to metallic surfaces with its
magnetic contact surface, is available as a special accessory (see page 10).
With the HFCT SC40 and the HFFCT 20, Megger also offers in its accessories range
(see page 10) two HFCT sensors, which can be used outdoors, for measurement of
partial discharges in cables and their components and that are designed to work
perfectly with the device. The installation is carried out on the ground wire of the cable
ends.
While the folding ESC 40 is suitable for fast, temporary measurements, the HFFCT 20 is
designed for permanent installation for routine control measurements.
In principle, however, other HFCT and TEV sensors designed for decoupling partial
discharges in the high-frequency range are also suitable for connection to the UHF
PDD.
Measurements at TEV
and HFCT sensors

Start-up
17
HFCT and TEV sensors are connected to the output REF/RF/CAL .
The connection of a comparison or reference sensor is not possible in RF mode.
The TEV and HFCT sensors can be used not only in the RF range, but also in the UHF
range. Although their sensitivity is lower than normal UHF antennas, the measurement
results can provide useful information about the PD levels measured in the cable. For
example, if measured partial discharge activities are expressed in both the RF and UHF
range, this indicates that they are local partial discharges.
In order to measure with TEV or HFCT sensors in the UHF range, they must be
connected to the UHF measuring input . In addition, before starting the
measurement, the mode UHF needs to be selected instead of the TEV or HFCT modes!
Using TEV and HFCT
sensors in the
UHF range

Start-up
18
3.3 Ensuring network synchronisation
Thanks to the comprehensive accessories, the network synchronisation required for
reliable analysis of the charge pulses in the time-based display can be ensured in
various ways.
For the most reliable and therefore preferred method, the supplied network
synchronisation sensor UHF MS5060 must be plugged into a network socket within
wireless range of the detector (≤ 50 m with visual contact). In the device software, the
setting MS5060 must be selected during the measurement.
If this method cannot be implemented due to the distance of the socket or impaired
radio wave propagation, the network synchronisation can also be produced using the
optionally available UHF ES5060 external synchronisation sensor, which must then be
connected to the socket EXT. SYNC.
This sensor is able to synchronise based on the electrical or magnetic field of electrical
equipment. It can, for example, be laid underneath overhead lines, which are known to
have a strong electric field strength. In this case, for the time-based measurement the
synchronisation sensor ES5060 (E) must be selected in the software.

Start-up
19
It can also be attached in the shielded area of a cable end with the aid of the supplied
hook and loop fasteners. Since in this case, synchronisation of the sensor to the
magnetic field of the cable is to be preferred, in the software the setting ES5060 (H)
must be selected accordingly.
If a synchronisation using the external sensors fails or cannot be done, the detector
itself can be brought as close as possible – while observing the mandatory minimum
distances – to a live piece of equipment with a strong electrical field. Ideally, it should
then be possible for the internal synchronisation sensor to synchronise to the mains
frequency.
In the software, in this case the synchronisation sensor Int E must be selected.
3.4 Connecting headphones
In some cases, the supplied headphones can be used to acoustically perceive the
demodulated partial discharge pulses during the time-resolved measurement.
When connecting the headphones to the socket 12 V DC / the markings on the plug
and socket must be observed. You must feel the plug engage.

Principles of operation
20
4Principles of operation
4.1 Operation
Operation is performed either using the operating buttons or via the touchscreen.
While with touchscreen operation the desired functions are triggered with the brief press
of a fingertip, the button operation is laid out as follows:
•Select required menu item
•Increase or decrease the value of a variable parameter
•Select an option from a selection list
•call up selected menu item
•Confirm the setting or the selection made
•Exit measuring mode, selection window or menu
For the input of numerical values, a numeric keypad is shown in the display:
For values with a negative preceding sign, you first always enter the number and then
press the +/-button once.
If the entered value lies outside the possible range of values, the input cannot be
concluded via . The range of values to be complied with is displayed underneath the
numeric keypad.
With x, the numeric keypad can be closed at any time, without adopting the entered
value.
All settings that can be made in the various operating modes and the device
adjustments are permanently saved and retain their validity, including in the case of a
restarting of the device.
Basic operation
Inputs via the numeric
keypad
Validity of settings
Enter start frequency
150 <= value <= 950