Purpose of Transformer Oil testing

Among different tests, testing the dielectric strength test of transformer oil is one of main test which was carries out to verify
the insulating properties of oil under high voltage. Dielectric strength of Transformer must be above the threshold value.
However this strength can be reduced by contaminants such as water, sediment and conducting particles. There can
different reasons of these particles and contaminants which is beyond the scope of this article. These particles are mostly
conducting which tend to reduce the dielectric strength of oil. Weakening of dielectric strength can result in leakage current
between HT and LT winding. In extreme cases it can result in the spark and may be short circuit. One indication of
healthiness of transformer oil is its dryness and cleanliness. However this does not necessarily indicates the absence of all
contamination.

Equipment to perform Transformer oil test

The equipment is used to measure the dielectric strength of transformer must have the following provisions.

Capable of supplying high voltage.

Arrangement to hold sample of oil.
Visibility of spark.
Voltmeter.
The equipment should be capable to increase the voltage at rate of 2kV/sec.
Typical transformer oil testing device is shown the figure.

It can be seen that it contains transformer oil cup, a voltmeter and high voltage provision. There are certain rules or
requirements oil cup.

The air gap between two electrodes in oil cup must have air gap of 2.5mm according to IEC 60156 standard.
The gap between electrodes must be adjustable.
The ends of electrodes must be concave in shape.
 Desired results of transformer oil testing
High voltage should be applied between 1 min to 5 min.
New transformer oil must withstand upto 70KV voltage.
Used transformer oil should withstand 40 to 50 kV voltage. s

Transformer oil testing procedure

Take free oil from transformer main tank in glass bottle. Dont used PET material or plastic bottle for oil sample.
Connect the equipment with grounding wire. Then connected with 220VAC, 50Hz or 110VAC, 60Hz according
vender recommendation.
First set the air gap between the electrodes, it must 2.5 mm according IEC 60156 standard.
Then fill oil cup with sample oil until the electrodes fully dip in oil. Close the safety cover of the cup.
There will be start button on test set and display showing voltage. Press the test start button, test will start and
voltage will increase at the rate of 2kV/sec, that can be observed on display.
The voltage will increase until breakdown of oil occurs, at this point voltage will be stop to increase. Note the
reading from display it first breakdown voltage reading of the transformer oil.
Remove safety cover of cup. The shake the oil with help clean small wooden stick.
Now wait 10 minutes for next reading. After 10 minutes same procedure may repeat. Similarly take six reading and
take average value of six reading.
For used oil acceptance value is 40 ~ 50 kV while for new oil 70kV is limit.