Volume 7, Issue 12, December – 2022 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology

ISSN No:-2456-2165

Testing Procedure of Three Phase Transformer

Md Fazlul Haque, Electrical Consultant, SMEC Int. Pty Ltd (Bangladesh Office)
Bachelor of Science in EEEE from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET),
M.Sc. in Electrical Power Engineering, Glasgow Caledonian University, UK, Session 2023 – 2024

Abstract:- The transformer plays an important role in this test to be deemed healthy. This test is run between
the electrical generation, transmission, and distribution the LV and HV windings, as well as between the HV
systems. Therefore, the entire generation, transmission, and LV windings.
and distribution systems will be impacted if the
transformer is not operating properly. Therefore, we  Procedure of Magnetic Balance Test of
must conduct some tests to determine the transformer's Transformer:
overall health.  Disconnect all the line and neutral terminals of the
transformer from the outgoing and incoming
Keywords:- IR test, windings resistance test, Magnetic feeders.
balance and current test, No load loss and full load loss,  Meter leads are connected to LV and HV bushing
Open circuit and short circuit test. studs to measure the insulation resistance (IR)
value in between the LV and HV windingsas
I. INTRODUCTION shown in figure # 01.
 Megger leads are connected to HV bushing studs
During the design phase of a transformer, we need to
and the transformer tank earth point to measure the
follow some international standards for the safety of the
insulation resistance (IR) value in between the HV
transformer itself as well as other related equipment.
windings and earthas shown in figure # 02.
We need to do some tests to validate that all the  Megger leads are connected to LV bushing studs
international standards are maintained. and the transformer tank earth point to measure the
insulation resistance (IR) value in between the LV
The following are some crucial tests: windings and earthas shown in figure # 03.
 Transformer Insulation Resistance (IR) Test  The temperature of the insulating oil should be
 Windings Resistance Test noted at the time of the insulation resistance test of
 Transformer Magnetic Balance Test the transformer, since the IR value of the
 Transformer Magnetic Current Test of LV side transformer insulating oil may vary with
temperature.
 Transformer Magnetic Current Test of HV side
 IR values are to be recorded at intervals of 1
 “No load loss” and “Full load loss” of transformer
minute, and 10 minutes.
II. TECHNIQUES OF DIFFERENT TYPE OF TEST  The IR value increases as the voltage is applied for
a longer period of time. The increase in IR is an
A. Insulation Resistance (IR) test of transformer. indication of the dryness of the insulation.
 Introduction:The insulation resistance (IR) test is  Polarization index (PI) = 10 minutes' value/1
performed to evaluate the insulation resistance of minute's value PI must be greater than 1.5
transformers. Insulation Resistance shows the
resistance value of the insulation between copper  Expected result: For the 11/0.415kV transformer, IR
conductors to earth (zero point). Based on the IR value on the HV side must be greater than 11 MΩ as
value, we can reveal the degradation of insulation due well as IR value on the LV side must be greater than
to contamination, moisture, and severe cracking. The 0.415 MΩ.
test can be performed through a megger by applying a
Insulation resistance shall be at least 1 MΩ for
constant DC voltage of 2500 volts to 5000volts for 10
every kV of voltage. A value of IR is considered
minutes between HV and LV windings, LV windings
"Poor" if it is repeated twice; otherwise, it is
to earth, and HV windings to earth. An electrical
considered as "Good".
power transformer's total insulating system must pass

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Volume 7, Issue 12, December – 2022 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165

 Comments on practical test result: From the result, 04. Result would be similar as all HV windings are
it is clear that the Insulation Resistance between HV to internally connected with each other and LV windings
LV, HV to Earth and LV to Earth is very good. as well. Typical connection diagram as mentioned
below:
 IR test procedure 2: Insulation Resistance (IR) test
can be performed in another smelliest way, figure #

 All HV bushing studs are connected through a R ph—ph = 2 x R ph for star or Y-connected
wire, and then IR values are taken between one HV windings,
bushing stud and the earth point. R ph—ph = 2/3 x R ph for delta-connected windings
 All LV bushing studs are connected through a wire,
and then IR values are taken between one LV stud Here,
and the earth point. R ph—ph is phase-to-phase or line-to-line resistance.
 All HV bushing studs are connected by a wire, and R ph is the resistance between phase and neutral
all LV bushing studs are connected by a wire as
well. The earth point is also connected to the
megger's LV point, and IR values are obtained Formula for temperature correction: R ref = R test
between one HV bushing stud and one LV bushing x (T ref + C const) / (T test + C const)
stud. R ref. = Resistance of windings at Standard
temperature of 75°C
 Impact of Temperature on Insulation R test = Resistance of windings at testing temperature
Resistance:Transformer windings are made of copper of 30°C
or aluminium. The resistance of copper or aluminium T ref. = Standard temperature which is 75°C
changes if temperatures change. So we need to adjust T test = Temperature at the time of testing
the impact of temperature if the test is not performed at C const = Constant, which is 234.5°C for copper and
the standard winding temperature of 75°C. 225°C for aluminium
Relation between phase-to-phase resistance and phase-
to-neutral resistance

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Volume 7, Issue 12, December – 2022 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
B. WINDINGS RESISTANCE TEST OF TRANSFORMER  During our test, we injected a DC current of 10 A and
 Introduction: The resistance of transformer windings 1 A for the HV and LV windings respectively
is very important for the performance of the  Now, voltage is measured between R and Y windings
transformer. through the winding’s resistance tester, as shown in
figure # 02 (green cables).
This test is performed to check:  Voltage measurement leads shall be independent of the
 Copper loss of windings current injection leads to protect them from high
 Quality and healthiness of windings voltages that may occur during switching on and off
 A loose joint or a poor winding connection the current circuit. (Figures # 03 and 04 are for the LV
 Any open winding turns side test.)
 The readings shall be recorded after the current and
 Procedure of Magnetic Balance Test of Transformer: voltage have reached steady-state values. This may
 The tap position is kept at the ordinary or normal take a few minutes.
operating position  Windings' resistance is measured directly on the Y or
 Disconnect the transformer connections (HV and LV) star side. Phase-to-neutral resistance is half of line-to-
from incoming and outgoing feeders line resistance.
 Disconnect the transformer neutral point from ground  We cannot directly measure the phase winding
or earth resistance on the delta side. So, we need to measure
 The transformer shall be kept in an off condition line-to-line resistance and then multiply the measured
without excitation for at least 3 to 4 hours. During this value by 0.67 to get actual phase winding resistance.
time, the winding temperature will reach the same  Repeat the test for each of the three phases
level as the oil temperature
 Now, DC current is injected between two phases (R Typical connection diagram for windings resistance test:
and Y) of HV windings, as shown in figure #01 (red
cables).

Practical test result for winding resistance test:

11/0.415kV 2000kVA delta-- star

HV side test: 10A and 2 Ω range
tap R-Y mΩ Y---B mΩ B---R mΩ
1 219.4 218.8 219.1
2 214.3 214.5 213.9
3 207.1 206.8 207.3
4 201.6 201.2 201.4
Table # 01 (Winding resistance in mΩ for HV side) Table # 02 (Winding resistance in mΩ for LV side)

 Expected result:For a given tap position, resistance value  Precaution:The windings resistance test shall be
between R—Y to Y—B to B—R as well as r—n to y—n performed at the end of all tests, as this test will charge
to b--n shall be very close to each other. both the windings and core. So, the results of other tests
 Comments on test result: The resistance of windings is may be affected.
as per expectation and windings are good

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Volume 7, Issue 12, December – 2022 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
C. MAGNETIC BALANCE TEST OF TRANSFORMER  Procedure of Magnetic Balance Test of
 Introduction: The magnetic balance test of a Transformer:
transformer is a widely used test that is performed only  The tap changer of the transformer shall be placed
on three-phase transformers and on the Y, or star, side in an ordinary position
of the transformer, though the magnetic balance test  Disconnect the transformer connection from
can also be performed on the delta side. The results of incoming and outgoing feeders
this test indicate the uniform distribution of flux in the  Disconnect the transformer neutral point from
core. ground or earth
 Supply a single phase 230 V AC supply across the
This test is performed to check: one phase winding and neutral terminal, as shown
 The imbalance in the magnetic circuit in figure # 01, 02 and 03
 Any fault or defect in the magnetic core  Now, measure the voltage that is induced between
 To identify inter-turn faults in the transformer the other two phases with respect to the neutral
terminal
 Repeat the test for each of the three phases

 Typical connection diagram for the magnetic balance test:

If we apply 230V between r (the windings of the core's Outcome: If we apply 230V between the r and n
left limb) and n (the windings' neutral point), the flux phases, the sum of the induce voltages between y and n as
induced in the core's other two limbs (the middle and right well as b and n must equal the supply voltages as shown
limbs) are different due to the different reluctance paths. As below:
a result, the induce voltages between y and n, as well as b
and n, is different from each other.

Practical Test result:

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Volume 7, Issue 12, December – 2022 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165

 Comments on result: In the practical test, it is clear or problems in tap changers. These conditions change
that there is a negligible difference between the supply the effective reluctance of the magnetic circuit, thus
voltage and the sum of induce voltages of the other affecting the current required to establish flux in the
two phases with respect to neutral. core.

On the other hand, the percentage of induced voltages  Procedure of Magnetic Current Test LV side --01:
is very close to expected values.  Keep the tap changer in normal position
 Disconnect all HV and LV terminals from
This indicates that the transformer is magnetically incoming and outgoing feeders
balanced.  Disconnect the transformer neutral point from
ground
D. Magnetic Current Test of Transformer in LV side:  Supply a three-phase 415 V supply on the line
 Introduction:The magnetic current test of a terminals for three-phase transformers and keep the
transformer is a widely used test that is performed only neutral open as shown in figure # 01
on three-phase transformers. A magnetic current test  Measure the supply voltage between r—y, y—b,
can be performed on both the star and delta sides. This and b—r, as well as the current through r, y, and b.
test is performed to detect the magnetic core structure,
shifting of windings, failure in between turn insulation,

 Expected result: Normally, there are two similar  As shown in figure #02, keep the circuit breaker
higher readings on two outer limb (r and b) phases on (CB) switch on for the r and n terminals and turn it
transformer core and one lower reading on the center off for the y and b terminals
limb (y) phase, in the case of three phase transformers.  Measure the voltage between r—n, y—n, and b—n,
as well as the current flowing through the r
 Comments of test result: Current through r and b is terminal
higher than the current of phase y which indicate that  As shown in figure # 03, keep the circuit breaker
transformer core is good. (CB) switch on for the y and n terminals and turn it
off for the r and b terminals
 Procedure of Magnetic Current Test LV side --02:  Measure the voltage between r—n, y—n, and b—n,
 Disconnect all HV and LV terminals from as well as the current flowing through the y
incoming and outgoing feeders terminal
 Disconnect the transformer's neutral point from  As shown in figure # 04, keep the circuit breaker
ground (CB) switch on for the b and n terminals and turn it
 Supply the three-phase, 415-volt supply on the line off for the r and y terminals
terminals for three-phase transformers and the  Measure the voltage between r—n, y—n, and b—n,
neutral wire to the neutral point of the transformer as well as the current flowing through the b
terminal

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Volume 7, Issue 12, December – 2022 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
 Typical connection diagram for test procedure—02

Test result:

 Comments of test result: Applied voltage to one  Procedure of Magnetic Current Test for HV side:
phase to neutral is almost equal to the sum of another  Keep the tap changer in the lowest position
two phases with respect of neutral. So, the core of  Disconnect all HV and LV terminals from
transformer is good. incoming and outgoing feeders
 Disconnect the transformer neutral point from
E. Magnetic Current Test of Transformer in HV side: ground
 Introduction:The magnetic current test of a  As shown in figure #05, supply a three-phase 415
transformer is a widely used test that is performed only V supply to the line terminals of three-phase
on three-phase transformers. A magnetic current test transformers
can be performed on both the star and delta sides. This  Determine the supply voltage between R—Y, Y—
test is performed to detect the magnetic core structure, B, and B—R, as well as the current flowing
shifting of windings, failure in between turn insulation, through R, Y, and B.
or problems in tap changers. These conditions change  Repeat the test as described above, but this time
the effective reluctance of the magnetic circuit, thus leave the tap changer in the normal or ordinary
affecting the current required to establish flux in the position, and keep the record
core.  Repeat the test as above while keeping the tap in
the highest position and keeping the record.

 Comments of test result: Current through r and b is

higher than the current of phase y which indicate that
transformer core is good.

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Volume 7, Issue 12, December – 2022 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
 Caution: This magnetizing current test and balance supply voltage as well as the output power as per the below-
test of a transformer shall be carried out before DC mentioned procedure.
resistance measurement test.
 Procedure 1 (test-01): When the frequency is less (49
F. No Load test (open circuit test) of Transformer: Hz) than the standard frequency of 50 Hz,
 Introduction: When a transformer's one side (the HV If the supply voltage is 415 volts and the frequency is 49
side) is open and not connected to any loads, it is Hz, the supply voltage must be multiplied by 50/49 = 1.02
called the "no load" condition of the transformer. Now, times. As a result, the final supply voltage must be 415 x
if we apply any voltage to the LV side, then a very 1.02 = 423 volts.
small amount of current (usually 2% to 5% of the full
load current) will flow through the LV windings. This Similarly, output power means no load loss and shall
current is known as the "no load current" of a be multiplied by (50/49) + (50/49) * (50/49)/2 = 1.03.
transformer. So, the copper loss due to this "no load
Because the total "no load loss" of three phases in our
current" is very small and can be ignored, and hence
first test for a 2000 kVA transformer was 1760 watts, the
the input power is almost similar to the core loss of the
final "no load loss" must be 2760 x 1.03 = 1812.80 watts.
transformer. This core loss of the transformer is
referred to as the "no load loss" of the transformer. So,  Procedure 2 (Test 02): When the frequency is higher
the "no-load loss" of a transformer does not depend on (51 Hz) than the standard frequency of 50 Hz,
the load of the transformer. This happens for 24 hours If the supply voltage is 415 volts and the frequency is 51
a day and 265 days a year. Hz, the supply voltage must be reduced by 50/51 = 0.98
times. As a result, the final supply voltage must be 415
 Description: When measuring a transformer's no-load
times 0.98, or 406 volts.
loss and current, one of the windings (often the HV
winding) is kept open while the other windings (LV Similarly, output power means no load loss and shall
windings) are powered at the specified voltage and be multiplied by (50/51) + (50/51) * (50/51)/2 = 0.97.
frequency. Then a very small amount of "no load
current" will flow through the LV windings. In three- The total "No load loss" of three phases in our second
phase transformers, the no-load currents are neither test for a 2000 kVA transformer was 1990 watts, so the final
symmetrical nor equal in amplitude. For each of the "No load loss" shall be 1992 x 0.97 = 1932.24 watts.
three phases, the phase angles between the voltages
and currents may change. The wattmeter readings on  Procedure 3 (Test 3): When the frequency is equal to
each of the three phases may not be equal because of the standard frequency of 50 Hz,
this. One of the wattmeter results may occasionally be If the supply voltage is 415 volts and the frequency is 50
zero or negative (-). The fundamental test requirement Hz, then the supply voltage shall not be multiplied by any
is that voltage and frequency (50 Hz or 60 Hz) must factor. Because the testing condition is similar to the
both fall within tolerances of 1% and 3%, respectively. standard condition, no factor must be applied to the output
power. In our third test for a 2000 kVA transformer, the
If the frequency of the supply source is less or total "No load loss" of three phases was 1870 watts, so the
higher than the standard frequency, then we need to final "No load loss" shall be 1870 watts.
adjust the supply voltage and output power.
 Comments on the result: After adjustment of lower and
 Procedure of “No load loss” Test: higher frequency impacts, "no load loss" of a three-
 Disconnect all HV and LV terminals from incoming phase, 2000 kVA transformer is almost similar for all the
and outgoing feeder test conditions.
 Disconnect the neutral of Transformer from the
grounding/Earthing  Expected result: "No load loss" of 2000kVA
 Keep the HV windings openas shown in figure # 01 transformer shall be around 1500wattas per IEC. So, our
 Connect watt meter (W), voltmeter (V) and ammeter test result can be accepted.
(A) as shown in figure # 01
 Supply a three phase 415 V on LV side (Y or Star G. Full Load test (short circuit test) of Transformer:
side) of three-phase transformers  Introduction: Transformer’s "full load test" is also
 Now, supply voltage is gradually increase, by variac, known as a "short circuit test," as one side (the LV
from zero to rated voltage (415volt). side) of the transformer is short circuited. Now, if we
apply any voltage to the HV side, then current will
 If supply voltage reach to rated value then reading of
flow through the HV windings. This current is known
all instruments are recorded.
as the "full load current" of a transformer. So, the
The reading of an ammeter is known as the no-load copper loss due to this "full load current" is very large,
current, which is very small. So, the copper loss is so small and hence the input power is almost similar to the
that it can be neglected. Hence, the wattmeter readings give copper loss of the transformer. This copper loss of the
the core losses of the transformer. Total core loss is the sum transformer is referred to as the "full load loss" of the
of three wattmeter’s readings. After getting wattmeter, transformer.
voltmeter, and ammeter readings, we may need to adjust the

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Volume 7, Issue 12, December – 2022 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
 Description: When measuring a transformer's full-  Connect watt meter (W), voltmeter (V) and ammeter
load loss and current, one of the windings (often the (A) as shown in figure # 02
LV winding) is kept short while the other (the HV  Now voltage is applied to HV side (delta) and
windings) is powered at the specified voltage and gradually increase, by variac, from zero to until the
frequency. The input voltage is increased from zero ammeter reading reach to rated value.
until the ammeter in the HV windings indicates normal  If ammeter reading reach at rated current value then
full-load primary current. When this occurs, the reading of all instruments are recorded.
normal full-load secondary current is circulating in the
secondary winding. Because the secondary terminals In comparison to the rated voltage, the voltage applied
are short-circuited, the input voltage required to for full load current is very low. So, the core loss is so small
produce full-load primary and secondary currents is that it can be neglected. Thus, the wattmeter reading can be
around 3% to 10% of the normal input voltage level. taken as the copper loss of the transformer. Total copper loss
With such a low input voltage level, the core losses are is the sum of two wattmeter’s readings.
so small that they can be neglected. However, the
windings are carrying normal full-load current, and so Outcome of test: Total full load loss of a 2000 kVA
the input is supplying the normal full-load copper transformer is the sum of two wattmeter readings, which is
losses. around 14546 watts, so the overall loss of the transformer is
the sum of "no load loss" and total full load loss. Therefore,
Due to these two factors, the short-circuit test is the total loss of a 2000 kVA transformer is around 16416
always conducted on the HV side. watts.
 Rated current must flow through the windings
during short circuit testing, and the rated current of Now, we need to adjust this value to standard
the HV side is less than the rated current of the LV temperature of 75°C.
side.As a result, achieving the rated current on the
Formula for temperature correction: R ref = R test
HV side is easier than on the LV side.
x (T ref + C const) / (T test + C const)
 If we short the HV windings and supply a voltage R ref. = Resistance of windings at Standard
to the LV side, then the current flow through the temperature of 75°C
HV side is very high (because the VA rating is R test = Resistance of windings at testing temperature
constant) compared to the LV side, causing the of 30°C
transformer to burn. T ref. = Standard temperature which is 75°C
 Procedure of “Full load loss” Test: T test = Temperature at the time of testing
C const = Constant, which is 234.5°C for copper and
 Disconnect all HV and LV terminals from incoming
225°C for aluminium
and outgoing feeder
 Disconnect the neutral of Transformer from the So the final value of total loss is: 16416 x (75 + 234.5)
grounding/Earthing / (30 + 234.5) = 16416 x 309.5 / 264.5 = 19208.89 watts,
 LV side windings is short circuited as shown in figure which is very close to the IEC reference value of 18000
# 02 watts (maximum). IEC TS 60076-20:2017 IEC 2017 (table
04).

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Volume 7, Issue 12, December – 2022 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
III. CONCLUSION

One of the most important components of electrical

power systems is a transformer, especially a three-phase
transformer. If a transformer fails, then the whole
transmission and distribution network will go offline. If
there is any issue with an oil leak or fire, this will be
dangerous to people's safety and the environment. As a
result, before the transformer is installed, some cost-
effective and dependable testing activities must be carried
out to ensure its health. This will increase the operating life
of a transformer as well. Routine tests must be performed
every year after installation to ensure the transformer's
health.

REFERENCES

[1.] IEC TS 60076-20:2017 IEC 2017 (table 04)

[2.] https://doi.org/10.3390/en15093379 (Oil-Immersed
Power Transformer Condition Monitoring
Methodologies: A Review)
[3.] DOI: 10.1109/TDLA47668.2020.9326248
Correlation between Insulation Resistance and
Dissolved Gas Analysis Tests in Power Transformers
[4.] https://doi.org/10.1016/j.measurement.2014.09.034
(Measurement variations of insulation
resistance/polarization index during utilizing time in
HV electrical machines – A survey)
[5.] https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engfailanal.2022.106213
(Evaluation of power transformer health analysis by
internal fault criticalities to prevent premature failure
using statistical data analytics approach)
[6.] “United for Efficiency Policy Guide on Energy-
Efficient Transformers” for more information.
(https://united4efficiency.org/resources/accelerating-
global-adoption-energy-efficient-transformers/)
[7.] https://www.electrical4u.com/transformer-testing-
type-test-and-routine-test-of-transformer/
[8.] https://www.hightest.co.uk/transformer-magnetic-
balance-
test/#:~:text=The%20magnetic%20balance%20test%
20is,early%20stage%20of%20manufacturing%20wor
k
[9.] Principles of Power Systems, V. K.Mehta

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