Test Systems
Provide precise information on the status of the breaker
Switchgear devices are situated at the key points of electrical energy transmission and distribution systems. Their reliability has a decisive influence on the availability, safety and economic efficiency of electricity supply systems. Only regular, on-site tests can ensure that switchgear devices function perfectly throughout their operational life. ACTAS test systems provide precise information as to the condition of the chamber and drive unit without requiring them to be opened. The sheer number of parameters to be determined, the wide variety of different types of switchgear equipment in use and the harsh environmental conditions encountered during on-site tests place extreme demands on test equipment.
Provide Comprehensive on-site switchgear testing
Using the integrated control panel of ACTAS P260 | P360, it is possible to carry out complete tests on medium-, high- and extra-high-voltage switchgear. Analysis can be performed quickly, easily, automatically and with a high degree of flexibility within a single test procedure using the following measurements:
• PIR and main contact measurement on up to 12 main contact chambers
• Status of up to 12 auxiliary contacts
• Motor current measurement
• Coil current measurement on up to three closing and opening coils
• 9 analog/digital sensors for pressure, travel and temperature measurement
• 3 voltage measurement inputs
• Static/dynamic resistance determination on up to 6 main contact chambers with PROMET SE
• Determination of operating times with earthing on both sides on up to 6 main contact chambers with PROMET SE
• Undervoltage release and minimum operating voltage testing with EPOS MC3
The test fulfils all the requirements stipulated in IEC 62271-100 for assessing the mechanical behaviour of high-voltage circuit breakers.
Assessing the interrupter unit by analysing contact resistance
Regular measurements of the static and dynamic contact resistance allow an accurate assessment of the condition of the entire contact system. This ensures that maintenance requirements can be identified at an early stage and down times kept to a minimum. Using three PROMET SE ohm meters and the CSW3 connection unit, contact resistance measurements can be carried out on up to 6 main contact chambers and can be incorporated within the test procedure. The test current can be set to a maximum of 200 A. Even very low resistance values in the single-digit micro-ohm range can be measured extremely accurately. The measured values are used for the evaluation of tests and are included in the test report.
Static and dynamic measurement
A high contact resistance within a switchgear device leads to high power loss
coupled with thermal stress which can potentially cause serious damage to the
switchgear device. Problems, such as high transfer resistance resulting from poor
connections, can be identified by measuring static contact resistance. Dynamic
contact resistance measurements can be used to determine the resistance
characteristic during a freely definable switching operation. Measurements of
this type give an indication of the length and state of the arcing contacts of
high-voltage breakers, for example.
Testing with earthing on both sides
Switchgear equipment is often tested with earthing on both sides in order to prevent danger caused by capacitively coupled voltages from neighbouring components. However, when switchgear equipment is tested using conventional measuring methods, earthing must be removed on at least one side. When tests are carried out in combination with PROMET SE, measurements can be carried out with earthing on both sides. Not only does this make tests much safer, it also makes them simpler and quicker because all the steps which need to be taken in order to remove the earth lead are no longer required.
Motor and coil tests
The ability to connect a powerful AC/DC source makes it possible to test the correct functioning of motors and coils of switchgear devices directly and independently of the station voltage. When tests are carried out in combination with EPOS MC3, sources are controlled automatically via the ACTAS test system. Analyses of motor and coil operation, through the determination of the minimum operating voltage and through testing undervoltage releases for coils, for example, are reproducible and can always be carried out under identical conditions.
PROMET SE ohm meter
PROMET SE is a compact, battery-operated ohm meter with an adjustable test current of up to 200 A. Two current outputs and two voltage measurement inputs allow the resistance to be determined at two measurement points simultaneously. Because the device weighs just 1.5 kg and features a compact housing fitted with a carrying strap, it can even be used in situations where it cannot be put down, for example when working on ladders or hoisting platforms.
ACTAS testing software
Configuration and analysis of tests are carried out with the ACTAS testing software and the control panel located on the test system itself. The expertise which has gone into the development of the testing software results from more than 20 years of experience in developing and manufacturing switchgear test systems and from close cooperation with network operators and switchgear manufacturers. It is easy for tests to be called up, edited or used as templates. A graph of all measured signal characteristics, featuring zoom functions and measurement cursors, offers a wide variety options for detailed analysis. Test analysis and test management can also be carried out with a PC. Test data can be imported or exported with a USB flash drive or a network connection.
Result help
The ACTAS testing software features a comprehensive help function to support users in the selection and evaluation of the measurement results. Descriptions and graphs facilitate the correct interpretation of the results obtained.
Automatic generation of test reports
The software includes an option for automatically creating test reports to document test results. As well as the results themselves, reports also include curve characteristics of recorded signals, switchgear data and test parameters.
High-precision, battery-operated timing analyser
ACTAS BTT is a battery-operated, hand-held measuring device which can determine operating times, contact synchronicity, sequence time and coil currents extremely quickly and easily. Thanks to this extensive functionality and its high measurement accuracy, ACTAS BTT can be put to a wide range of different uses when measuring the operating times of low-, medium- and high-voltage switchgear devices, relay contacts, contactors and switch disconnectors, to mention but a few applications.
- Determination of operating times
- Test for contact synchronicity
- Determination of CO sequence time
- Measurement of coil currents
- Compact, ergonomic design
- Battery operation for up to 12 hours
- Easy-to-read graphical display
- Status display for inputs and outputs
- Bluetooth incl. remote control function for Android
Determination of operating times
ACTAS BTT features one output for controlling the OPEN coils and one output for controlling the CLOSE coils of a switchgear device. Both outputs can be used to control DC- and AC-operated coils. The determination of operating times can be carried out simply and reliably on up to three main contacts by triggering C, O and CO switching operations. The clear graphical display shows the corresponding operating times for all the binary inputs as the result.
Test for contact synchronicity
As well as determining the operating times, ACTAS BTT also establishes the synchronicity of the opening and closing operations of the main contacts. When assessing a switchgear device, for example, this allows determination of the time interval between the first and last contact touch of the poles during a closing or opening operation in a three-phase grid.
Measurement of coil currents
The coil current is measured automatically during the measurement of the operating times. Both the mean and the peak value are displayed as the result, allowing assessment of the mechanical and/or electrical functioning of the release coils