Megger VLF SIN-45 User manual

Consultation with Megger
1
VLF SIN-45
VLF Sinus Test System
(with optional VLF CR-40-TB Test Boost)
USER GUIDE
Issue: 04 (01/2015) - EN
Article number: 82919

Consultation with Megger
2

Consultation with Megger
3

Consultation with Megger
4
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 Seba Dynatronic
Mess- und Ortungstechnik GmbH
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]
Hagenuk KMT
Kabelmesstechnik GmbH
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
5
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
6
Contents
Consultation with Megger...............................................................................................4
Terms of Warranty ...........................................................................................................5
Contents ...........................................................................................................................6
1Safety Instructions ...........................................................................................7
1.1 General Notes ....................................................................................................7
1.2 General Safety Instructions and Warnings.........................................................8
2Technical Description ....................................................................................10
2.1 System Description ..........................................................................................10
2.2 Technical Data .................................................................................................11
2.3 Load Diagram ...................................................................................................13
2.4 Scope of Delivery and Accessories..................................................................14
2.5 Display and Controls ........................................................................................15
2.6 Connection Elements .......................................................................................16
3Commissioning ..............................................................................................18
3.1 Electrical Connection........................................................................................18
3.1.1 Normal Connection...........................................................................................19
3.1.2 Connection via VLF CR Test Boost (Optional).................................................21
3.1.3 Use of an External Safety Device (Optional)....................................................23
3.2 Switching On ....................................................................................................24
4Operation ........................................................................................................25
4.1 Safety Circuit ....................................................................................................25
4.2 General Operation............................................................................................27
4.3 System Menu ...................................................................................................30
5Operating Modes ............................................................................................31
5.1 Cable Testing ...................................................................................................31
5.2 Sheath Test and Sheath Fault Pinpointing.......................................................35
5.2.1 Sheath Test ......................................................................................................37
5.2.2 Sheath Fault Pinpointing ..................................................................................38
5.3 VLF Tan Delta Loss Factor Measurement (Optional) ......................................39
5.3.1 Preparing for Measurement..............................................................................39
5.3.2 Course of the Measurement.............................................................................41
5.3.3 Evaluation of the Test Results .........................................................................43
5.3.3.1 Automatic Evaluation........................................................................................43
5.3.3.2 Manual Evaluation............................................................................................44
6Completing the Work .....................................................................................47
7Combination with other test systems ..........................................................48
8Maintenance and Repair ................................................................................49

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 symbols may be present on the packaging material, on the instrument and
in the manual:
Symbol Description
WARNING
Indicates a potential danger of an electric shock that may result in fatal
or serious injury.
CAUTION
Caution (refer to accompanying manual for instructions)!
Indicates a potential danger that may lead to slight or moderate injury.
The notes contain important information and useful tips for using the
system. Failure to observe them can render the measurement results
useless.
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.
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 (2004/108/EC)
•Low Voltage Directive (2006/95/EC)
The device must only be lifted and carried using the handles provided on the side. Other
parts of the device, such as the connecting cables, cannot withstand the forces caused
by lifting the device and could break or tear off as a result.
Safety precautions
Labelling of safety
instructions
Working with products
from Megger
Operating staff
Declaration of
Conformity (CE)
Lifting and carrying

Safety Instructions
8
1.2 General Safety Instructions and Warnings
The operating safety is only guaranteed if the delivered system is used as intended (see
page 10). 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.
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.
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
Using cardiac pacemaker
Physical processes during operation of high voltage may endanger
persons wearing a cardiac pacemaker when near these high voltage
facilities.
Intended application
Behaviour at
malfunction of normal
operation

Safety Instructions
9
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.
WARNING
Dangers when working with high voltage
Working on high voltage systems and equipment – especially in non-
stationary operation – requires particular care and safety-
conscious action
on the part of test personnel. VDE regulations 0104 on setting up and
operating electrical test systems, as well as EN 50191 and national
standards and regulations must be strictly adhered to.
•The VLF SIN-45 test system generates a dangerous voltage of up
to 45 kVPEAK.
•The test system may not be operated without supervision.
•Never fail to use safety equipment or put it out of operation.
•Operation requires minimum two people whereas the second
person must be able to activate the emergency switch in case of
danger.
•To prevent dangerous charge accumulation, earth all metal parts in
the vicinity of the high voltage equipment.

Technical Description
10
2Technical Description
2.1 System Description
The VLF SIN-45 test system enables the standard-compliant withstand testing of
medium voltage cables and other equipment with a genuine 0.1 Hz sine wave test
voltage of up to 45 kVPEAK or 32 kVRMS.
By means of this type of withstand test, operation-endangering faults, such as
workmanship related problems, as well as insulation faults (e.g. water tree damage in
PE/XLPE cables or local damage in PILC cables) can safely be brought to failure. The
integrated breakdown detection shuts down the test voltage in the event of an excessive
charge current and guarantees limited damage to the cable.
In addition, the optional internal Tan Delta measuring unit allows the operator, during a
step test with a sinusoidal test voltage, to determine the tanδ (Tan Delta) dielectric loss
factor and accordingly accordingly get an idea about the degree of ageing of the cable.
In addition, the system is also suitable for tests with…
•positive and negative DC voltages of up to 45 kV,
•0.1 Hz VLF cosine rectangular voltage of up to 40 kV with the assistance of the
optional VLF CR Test Boost (VLF CR-40-TB),
•trapezoidal AC voltage (rectangular voltage) of up to 45 kVPEAK with a load-
dependent slew rate
The VLF SIN-45 test system combines the following features and functions in a single
system:
•AC voltage test with up to three different voltage waveforms
•DC voltage test with positive and negative polarities
•Full-fledged tanDelta step test with automatic evaluation of the results
•Meaningful Voltage Withstand Diagnosis (VLF test and Tan Delta diagnosis in
one step)
•Leakage current measurement in DC voltage, rectangular voltage and cosine
rectangular voltage test modes
•Sheath test and sheath fault pinpointing with up to 20 kV negative DC voltage
•Manual and automatic frequency adjustment
•Breakdown detection with automatic disconnection of test voltage and discharge
of the test object if the charging current is too high
•Switchable burning function for fault conversion after a voltage breakdown (one
minute maximum)
•Logging (Export in Easyprot logging software via USB interface)
•Firmware updates via USB interface
•Cable screen (earth loop) monitoring
Description
Features

Technical Description
11
2.2 Technical Data
The VLF SIN-45 test system is defined by the following technical parameters:
Parameter Value
Output voltage, sine wave 2 … 32 kVRMS / 45 kVPEAK
Output voltage, DC wave 2 … 45 kV
Output voltage, rectangular wave ±2 … ±45 kV
Source output current 12 mARMS
Leakage current measurement
•Display area
•Resolution
(VLF-CR, DC and rectangular voltage)
0 to 20 mA
10 μA
Frequency 0.01 Hz to 0.1 Hz
Testable load capacitance
•Sine wave voltage
•Rectangular voltage
•DC voltage
•Maximum load capacitance
0.6 μF at 45 kV / 0.1 Hz
0.6 μF at 45 kV / 0.1 Hz
5 μF at 45 kV
4010 μF at reduced voltages and
frequencies
Internal Tan Delta (optional)
•Measuring range
•Precision (requires load capacitance
to be >20 nF)
•Resolution
10-3 to 100
1 x 10-3 or 1% resp.
1 x 10-4
Pulse rate in sheath pinpointing mode
(in seconds)
0.5:1 /1:2 /1:3 /1:4 /1.5:0.5
Power supply 110 V to 230 V, 50/60 Hz
Power consumption 600 VA
Display Transflective sunlight readable 5.7" colour
display with a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels
Memory At least 1000 records of test data
Interfaces USB 2.0, Ethernet, external safety device
Weight 50 kg
Dimensions (W x D x H) 544 x 416 x 520 mm
Operating temperature -20 °C to 55 °C
Storage temperature -20 °C to 70 °C
Relative humidity 93% at 30 °C (non-condensing)
Protection class (in accordance with
IEC 61140 (DIN VDE 0140-1))
I
Ingress protection rating (in accordance
with IEC 60529 (DIN VDE 0470-1))
IP21

Technical Description
12
The optional VLF CR Test Boost (VLF CR-40-TB) is defined by the following technical
parameters:
Parameter Value
Output voltage,
cosine rectangular wave
3 … 40 kV
Output current 12 mARMS
Frequency 0.1 Hz
Testable load capacitance 4545455 μF at 40 kV
Weight 42 kg
Dimensions (W x D x H) 544 x 416 x 400 mm
Operating temperature -20 °C to 55 °C
Storage temperature -40 °C to 70 °C
Relative humidity 93% at 30 °C (non-condensing)
Protection class (in accordance with
IEC 61140 (DIN VDE 0140-1))
I
Ingress protection rating (in accordance
with IEC 60529 (DIN VDE 0470-1))
IP21

Technical Description
13
2.3 Load Diagram
The following diagram applies to tests with sine wave voltage only and illustrates the
dependency of the test frequency on the capacity of the load connected and the test
voltage set. If a test frequency cannot be used due to the limits of the test system’s
capacity, the frequency is automatically adapted and the user is informed of this.
For tests with cosine rectangular voltage, the following load diagram applies1:
1Applies only for temperatures between -25 and 45 °C. In the temperature range from
45 °C to 55 °C, the output power is reduced to 80%.
Cload / µF
U / kV

Technical Description
14
2.4 Scope of Delivery and Accessories
The scope of delivery of the system includes the following:
•Basic device
•Cover
•HV connection cable, 5 m
•Mains power cable, 3 m
•Earthing lead, 5 m
•USB flash drive
•Accessory bag
•Operating manual
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.
If the following optional accessories do not form part of the scope of delivery, these can
be ordered from sales:
Accessory Description Item number
VLF CR Test Boost
(VLF CR-40-TB)
Expands the system to enable testing with
0.1 Hz cosine rectangular voltage
128311042
External safety
device
External box with signal lights, high voltage
controls, EMERGENCY OFF switch and key
switch
108300322
Diagnostic
connection set
Accessory set for a partial-discharge free
connection to the test object
890017909
VLF CS-SF6-M12 Set of adapters for 3-phase cable testing;
suitable for M12 elbow connectors
128311799
VLF CS-SF6-M16 Set of adapters for 3-phase cable testing;
suitable for M16 elbow connectors
128311800
VLF CS-BB Set of adapters for 3-phase cable testing;
suitable for connection to busbar
128311801
Tan delta test
attachment
Integral cable diagnosis system for very
accurate Tan Delta measurement
820020283
Scope of delivery
Check contents
Optional accessories

Technical Description
15
2.5 Display and Controls
The following control and display elements are on the front panel of the VLF SIN-45 test
system:
Element Description
EMERGENCY OFF switch
ON/OFF button
HV interlock key switch
“HV On” button
“HV Off” button
USB port
Display
Rotary encoder with function keys on the side

Technical Description
16
2.6 Connection Elements
The following connection components are located at the rear of the VLF SIN-45 test
system:
Element Description
Protective earthing connection
HV output
Power supply socket with fuses (2 x T6.3A)
Socket to connect the external safety device
Socket to connect the control cable to the VLF CR Test Boost
Network port

Technical Description
17
The following connection components are located at the rear of the VLF CR Test Boost:
Element Description
HV connecting cable to connect to the VLF SIN-45 test system
HV output
Protective earthing connection
Control cable to connect to the VLF SIN-45 test system

Commissioning
18
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.
•Select a location that is sufficient for the weight and size of the system
and which ensures that it stands securely.
•When setting up or connecting the device, 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 large 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 flash-overs,
the system must not be operated when in this condition. It should
rather be left in the new environment to acclimatise for approximately
one hour before putting it into operation.
3.1 Electrical Connection
WARNING
Safety instructions for the electrical connection
•The system may only be connected to de-energized equipment. The
general safety instructions and, in particular, the five safety rules (see
page 8) must always be followed prior to connection to the test object.
•Follow the specified connection sequence.
•All the cables at the measuring point that are out of operation and are
not to be tested must be shorted and earthed.
•Because the amount of voltage applied to the test object poses a
danger in the event of contact, the test station itself and the ends of
the cables must be shielded as per VDE 0104 to ensure that such
contact is not possible. When doing so, be sure to take all branches of
the cables into account.

Commissioning
19
3.1.1 Normal Connection
The following figure shows a simplified connection diagram of the VLF SIN-45 test
system:
Connection diagram
Station earth or other suitable
foundation earth electrode
110 V to 230 V,
50/60 Hz
Connection method for cable testing and loss
factor measurement
Connection method for sheath testing and
sheath fault pinpointing

Commissioning
20
Proceed as follows, to connect the VLF SIN-45 test system to the test object:
Step Action
1 Using the green/yellow earth cable make a connection between the protective
earth connection of the device and a suitable point on the protective earth
system (station earth).
Make sure that the connecting points of the earth cable are not polluted /
corroded and that they provide good metallic contact.
2 Insert the plug of the HV connecting cable, aligned as shown, into the HV
output of the system.
The connecting plug has a bayonet fitting. The plug must be pushed gently
against the HV output with some force, and noticeably slot into place. Then
tighten the plug by turning it in a clockwise direction.
3 If you want to carry out a cable test or a
loss factor measurement:
If you want to carry out a sheath test
or a sheath fault location:
Connect the screen of the HV
connecting cable to the earthed screen
of the test object (system earth).
Connect the screen of the HV
connecting cable to the earthing bar of
the cable system (system earth).
4 Connect the internal conductor of the
HV connecting cable to the phase
conductor of the test object.
Connect the internal conductor of the
HV connecting cable to the earth
screen of the test object.
The earth screens must be
disconnected at both cable ends.
5 Connect the power cord included in the scope of the delivery to the system’s
power socket and a power supply socket.
Procedure