EA Technology UHF Directional Antenna Kit
The EA Technology UHF Directional Antenna Kit is a powerful accessory designed to enhance the performance of the UltraTEV® Plus2 partial discharge detector. Built for reliability, this kit enables engineers and maintenance teams to accurately locate sources of internal partial discharge (PD) activity in high-voltage electrical equipment. By combining robust construction with user-friendly operation, the kit helps prevent dangerous and costly failures across substations and switchyards.
Partial discharge is a major contributor to unexpected equipment breakdown, accounting for more than 80% of disruptive failures in high-voltage assets. The UHF Directional Antenna Kit gives users the tools to identify PD sources early, supporting safer operations, reduced downtime, and extended asset life.
Key Features of the UHF Directional Antenna Kit
- Plug and Play Design – Connects seamlessly to the UltraTEV Plus2 via the UHF receiver for quick setup and instant UHF measurement capabilities.
- Advanced Detection Options – Switch easily between the omnidirectional whip antenna (for general detection) and the directional antenna (for precise PD source location).
- High Sensitivity – Forward gain of 13.6 dBi at 800 MHz with narrow beamwidths (40° E-plane and 50° H-plane) for accurate pinpointing of discharge sources.
- Rugged and Reliable – Built with durable vacuum-formed plastic casing, designed for use in demanding substation environments.
- Safety-Focused – Suitable for use around open terminal switchgear, reducing risk while improving inspection efficiency.
- Prevents Failures – Early PD detection helps avoid catastrophic equipment breakdowns, reducing unplanned outages and costly repairs.
Applications:
The UHF Directional Antenna Kit is ideal for:
- Outdoor switchyards and air-insulated substations
- Detecting internal PD activity within:
- Instrument transformers
- Circuit breakers
- Isolators and disconnectors
- Other critical high-voltage assets
By enabling precise PD location, the kit plays an essential role in condition monitoring programmes, ensuring safe and reliable energy distribution.
What comes in the Kit?
- 1 x UHF Directional Antenna
- 1 x 2m BNC Cable
- 1 x Soft Carry Case
Note: The UltraTEV Plus2 Locator Kit requires the UHF Receiver Kit (UHFR-KIT) for operation. See the photo below for how the units connect.
Technical Specifications (Directional Antenna)
- Dimensions: 440mm x 440mm x 110mm
- Weight: 2.1kg
- Enclosure: Self-coloured vacuum formed plastic case
- Connector: 1 x BNC signal port
- Operating Temperature: 0–55 °C
- Humidity: 0–90% non-condensing
- IP Rating: IP42 (EN 60529)
- Forward Gain: 13.6 dBi at 800 MHz
- Beamwidth: 40° (E-plane) / 50° (H-plane)
- Bandwidth: 100 MHz centred on 800 MHz
- Front to Back Ratio: ~20 dB
Why Choose the UHF Directional Antenna Kit?
- Improved Accuracy – Pinpoint PD sources rather than just detecting their presence.
- Operational Confidence – Provides clear data for condition-based maintenance decisions.
- Cost Savings – Reduces the likelihood of expensive failures and outages.
- Safety Enhancement – Early warnings help safeguard staff and critical infrastructure.
- Trusted Technology – Developed by EA Technology, a global leader in asset management and PD detection solutions with over 50 years of expertise.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What equipment do I need to use the UHF Directional Antenna Kit?
A. The kit works with the UltraTEV Plus2 but requires the UHF Receiver Kit (UHFR-KIT) for connection.
Q2: Can this kit be used indoors?
A. While the antenna is primarily designed for outdoor switchyards and substations, it can also be used indoors for pinpointing PD sources in suitable equipment.
Q3: Why is partial discharge detection important?
A. Partial discharge is a leading cause of unexpected substation failures. Early detection prevents breakdowns, enhances safety, and saves money on maintenance.
Q4: How portable is the kit?
A. The kit comes with a lightweight directional antenna (2.1kg) and a soft carry case, making it practical for field engineers to transport between sites.
The Takeaway
The EA Technology UHF Directional Antenna Kit is a vital accessory for professionals tasked with maintaining high-voltage assets. By combining portability, accuracy, and rugged design, it empowers engineers to identify and locate dangerous PD activity before it escalates into catastrophic failure. For organisations committed to safety, reliability, and cost-effective maintenance, this kit is an indispensable investment.