Testing Procedure for Switchgear High Voltage Pressure Test
A. Preliminary Work
1. Note down particulars of switchgear to be tested including make, model, rated voltage, rated
current and serial number.
2. Barricade area in the substation where high voltage test will be conducted with chain or
warning tape and warning notice.
3. Ensure that no unauthorised person is in the vicinity of the switchgear.
4. Check with a.c. voltmeter on voltage monitoring point (after capacitor voltage divider) or
observe voltage indicator located on the panel. Ensure that both busbar and circuit sides of
switchgear is not alive.’
B. Test with Main Contacts Close
1. Turn switchgear to ‘ON’ position.
2. Connect R phase of switchgear to HV output terminal of HV test set. Y and B of switchgear
shall be connected to nearest earth point. Earth point on the test set and switchgear shall be
connected together. Ensure that all connections are secure.
3. Conduct insulation test on R phase with an insulation tester.
4. Raise test voltage gradually to required a.c. test voltage and maintain for 1 minute. No
breakdown of insulation shall occur throughout the test.
5. At completion of test, reduce test voltage gradually. After control knob is returned to minimum
position, switch off the test set. Discharge the cable with a discharge rod until switchgear is
fully discharged.
6. Repeat step 1 to 5 for yellow phase (with R and B phase connected to earth) and blue phase
(with R and Y phase connected to earth) of cable.
C. Test Across Open Contacts
1. Turn switchgear to ‘OFF’ position. Rack out withdrawable part of the switchgear.
2. Connect R, Y, B spouts on one side of switchgear (busbar or circuit side) to HV output
terminal of HV test set. The three spouts on the other side of switchgear shall be connected to
nearest earth point. Earth point on the test set and switchgear shall be connected together.
Ensure that all connections are secure.
3. Conduct insulation test across main contact of switchgear with an insulation tester at 5kV d.c.
4. Raise test voltage gradually to required a.c. test voltage and maintain for 1 minute. No
breakdown of insulation shall occur throughout the test.
5. At completion of test, reduce test voltage gradually. After control knob is returned to minimum
position, switch off the test set, Discharge rod until switchgear is fully discharged.
D. End of Test
1. Remove test connections between test set and switchgear.
2. Check once more that no wires or other objects are attached to the switchgear and all
temporary earth points have been disconnected.
3. Clear test equipment, tools and warning taped etc. from site.
