In 2023-year LCOE High Voltage Technological Centre developed a new testing facility to perform mechanical test on primary terminals of instrument transformer according to IEC 61869-1:2023 Standard. In the new edition of the standard, the mechanical test is defined as type test for instrument transformers with U_m ≥ 72.5 kV instead of special test.

Mechanical tests on primary terminals of two instrument transformers manufactured by ARTECHE with rated static mechanical load of 5000 N have been performed in February 2024 at LCOE High Voltage Lab.

The rated load of 5000 N was applied for 60 seconds for each testing configuration (horizontal and vertical) on both P1 and P2 primary terminals of a combined transformer type KA-123 with successful results. During the mechanical tests, applied load and deflection were recorded for each configuration according to the technical requirements of IEC 61869-1 Standard.

The mechanical test was also performed successfully on the primary terminal “A” of a capacitive voltage transformer type DFK-245 and total height of 4 meters with static load of 5000 N.

With the new testing equipment, type test sequence can be completed on instrument transformers up to U_m = 420 kV or even higher voltage levels according to series Standard IEC 61869, including current transformers, conventional inductive or capacitive voltage transformers, combined transformers, low-power instrument transformers and transformers for DC applications.

The testing system allows mechanical tests up to 7000 N of static load, with horizontal and vertical forces applied in all directions with a height of the primary terminals from the ground up to 5 m and it can be used to apply similar mechanical efforts on coupling capacitor, insulated bushings and other high voltage equipment.

LCOE is accredited by ENAC / ILAC to perform type tests and routine tests on instrument transformers according to ISO 17025 Std and is the Spanish Designated Institute in the CIPM MRA for high voltage magnitudes and calibrations.

LCOE accreditation technical scope and Calibration and Measurement Capability (CMC) are available in the following links:

• Technical scope of ISO 17025 accreditation, ENAC
• Calibration and Measurement Capability (CMC), CIPM MRA

Tomás García tgarcia@ffii.es

Paula Cid paula.cid@ffii.es