Why Measure Partial Discharge in HV / MV Assets?
- Take care of your high voltage and medium voltage assets
Measuring partial discharge (PD) activity in your High Voltage/Medium Voltage (HV/MV) assets gives you a clear picture of the true condition of your power assets, so you can schedule your maintenance programme based on actual condition rather than time intervals, saving you both time and money.
Did you know that 85% of disruptive switchgear failures are partial discharge related? Once you have PD present, it will always increase and if left will inevitably cause a failure which may be sudden and catastrophic. PD is the most reliable indicator of the condition of insulation within live assets.
EA Technology UltraTEV Plus² Hand-held Partial Discharge (PD) Instrument and UTP2-WPR Wireless Phase Reference Unit work together to...
- Distinguish true PD from noise and other interference
- Ensure perfect phase reference / phase-lock every time, through multiple methods (mains power connection, e-field, Rogowski coil and photo-sensor)
- Aids connection wirelessly; UTP2-WPR communicates with UltraTEV Plus² (up to 40 metres away)
- Keep working as long as you need to with its long-life battery allowing up to 16 hours operation
Critical early warning sign
Partial discharge is a critical early warning sign of insulation failure in electrical systems. For professionals responsible for High Voltage and Medium Voltage assets, the ability to measure partial discharge accurately can be the difference between continued operation and costly downtime.
High Voltage and Medium Voltage installations such as switchgear, transformers, cables, and rotating machines are essential components in power distribution. Over time, insulation within these systems deteriorates due to environmental conditions, manufacturing defects, or mechanical stress. This deterioration can lead to partial discharge, a localised electrical discharge that does not completely bridge the insulation. Left unchecked, it can evolve into a full breakdown, posing serious safety risks and expensive repair costs.
So, why is it vital to measure partial discharge? Early detection allows maintenance teams to take proactive steps before failures occur. By identifying discharge activity within High Voltage or Medium Voltage assets, facility managers can prioritise repairs and prevent catastrophic failures. This improves both safety and operational reliability.
Modern test equipment now makes it easier than ever to measure partial discharge with precision. These portable diagnostic tools can detect and localise discharges in a non-invasive way. This reduces downtime and increases confidence in your electrical infrastructure.
Partial discharge testing should be an integral part of any condition-based maintenance strategy. Whether you are overseeing utilities, manufacturing facilities, hospitals, or data centres, the health of your High Voltage and Medium Voltage systems should never be left to chance. If your facility experiences an unexpected failure due to undetected partial discharge, the operational and reputational damage can be significant.
At Acutest, we specialise in supplying test equipment that helps professionals measure partial discharge efficiently. Our expert team can advise on the best tools and techniques to support your High Voltage and Medium Voltage maintenance programmes.
Do not wait for the lights to go out. Measure partial discharge before it becomes a crisis. Incorporating this testing into your regular maintenance schedule not only extends the life of your equipment but also protects your facility, your people, and your bottom line.
Ready to move forward with PD testing at your facility?
Get the right test equipment at the right price — contact us now for a fast, competitive quote.
💬 Talk to the Experts
Our team is ready to discuss your requirements. Get straightforward advice, proven performance, and reliable solutions that work.
📍 Want to See It in Action?
We’ll bring the demo to you. Book a live on-site demonstration and see our test equipment perform in real-world conditions.