Testing & Maintenance

Transformer Testing & Maintenance

Field testing and maintenance of liquid-filled and dry-type transformers. Insulation, turns ratio, winding resistance, power factor, and oil sampling, performed and documented to ANSI/NETA and IEEE practices.

Scope

Liquid-filled and dry-type transformers

Deliverable

Detailed report with baseline comparisons

Standards

ANSI/NETA ATS · MTS · IEEE C57.152

Transformer Testing & Maintenance – NewEra Testing
Transformer Testing & Maintenance – NewEra Testing

Service Overview

Core, windings, and insulation. Measured, not assumed.

Transformer deterioration develops long before it causes an outage. The evidence is in the insulation, the windings, and the oil. NewEra Testing field teams perform acceptance and maintenance testing on power and distribution transformers, combining electrical diagnostics with visual and mechanical inspection. Results are compared against nameplate, factory, and prior field data, so developing problems surface early and condition is documented before return to service.

Equipment covered

Liquid-filled power transformers

Pad-mounted distribution transformers

Unit substation transformers

Dry-type and cast-coil transformers

Generator step-up transformers

Grounding transformers and reactors

Load and de-energized tap changers

Transformer bushings

Current and voltage transformers

Testing & Capabilities

Electrical diagnostics and fluid sampling, performed on site

Each test examines a different part of the transformer: core, windings, solid insulation, bushings, and fluid. Read together, they give a clear picture of condition.

01

Insulation Resistance & Power Factor

Insulation resistance with polarization index, plus winding and bushing power factor and capacitance, compared to nameplate and prior results.

01

Insulation Resistance & Power Factor

Insulation resistance with polarization index, plus winding and bushing power factor and capacitance, compared to nameplate and prior results.

02

Turns Ratio (TTR)

Ratio and polarity measured on each tap position to confirm winding integrity and correct tap-changer operation against nameplate values.

02

Turns Ratio (TTR)

Ratio and polarity measured on each tap position to confirm winding integrity and correct tap-changer operation against nameplate values.

03

Winding Resistance

DC resistance of each winding and tap position to identify loose connections, broken strands, and tap-changer contact problems.

03

Winding Resistance

DC resistance of each winding and tap position to identify loose connections, broken strands, and tap-changer contact problems.

04

Excitation Current & SFRA

Excitation current and sweep frequency response analysis to detect core problems, shorted turns, and winding movement after faults or transport.

04

Excitation Current & SFRA

Excitation current and sweep frequency response analysis to detect core problems, shorted turns, and winding movement after faults or transport.

05

DGA & Fluid Sampling

Oil samples drawn for laboratory dissolved gas analysis and fluid quality tests, with results reviewed alongside electrical test data.

05

DGA & Fluid Sampling

Oil samples drawn for laboratory dissolved gas analysis and fluid quality tests, with results reviewed alongside electrical test data.

06

Protection & Auxiliary Devices

Temperature, level, and sudden-pressure device contacts and cooling controls checked through to alarm and trip; differential protection verified by secondary injection.

06

Protection & Auxiliary Devices

Temperature, level, and sudden-pressure device contacts and cooling controls checked through to alarm and trip; differential protection verified by secondary injection.

Applicable Standards

Performed to recognized industry standards.

ANSI/NETA ATS

Acceptance Testing Specifications for Electrical Power Equipment and Systems

ANSI/NETA MTS

Maintenance Testing Specifications for Electrical Power Equipment and Systems

IEEE C57.152

Guide for Diagnostic Field Testing of Fluid-Filled Power Transformers, Regulators, and Reactors

NFPA 70B

Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance

NFPA 70E

Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace

From the Field

Methodology

How every job runs.

01

Scope & Review

We review drawings, one-lines, and the settings issued by the engineer of record or client before mobilizing.

01

Scope & Review

We review drawings, one-lines, and the settings issued by the engineer of record or client before mobilizing.

02

Safe Mobilization

Job briefing, hazard awareness, arc flash precautions, and proper PPE are in place before any test begins.

02

Safe Mobilization

Job briefing, hazard awareness, arc flash precautions, and proper PPE are in place before any test begins.

03

Test & Verify

Relay settings are applied and verified; equipment is tested against ANSI/NETA and manufacturer acceptance criteria.

03

Test & Verify

Relay settings are applied and verified; equipment is tested against ANSI/NETA and manufacturer acceptance criteria.

04

Document & Deliver

Detailed technical documentation records results, as-left settings, and deficiencies — ready for your records and the next test cycle.

04

Document & Deliver

Detailed technical documentation records results, as-left settings, and deficiencies — ready for your records and the next test cycle.

Switchgear lineup in an electrical room

FAQs

Answers to common questions

Which transformer tests are included in a typical maintenance visit?

Most scopes include insulation resistance, power factor, turns ratio, winding resistance, and a DGA oil sample on liquid-filled units. Excitation current and SFRA are added when condition or fault history warrants. Final scope follows ANSI/NETA MTS and your maintenance program.

Should a transformer be tested after a through-fault or relocation?

Yes. Through-faults and transport can shift windings or damage the core without visible signs. Comparing SFRA, excitation current, turns ratio, and winding resistance against baseline data helps determine whether the unit is fit to return to service.

How are insulating oil samples analyzed?

Oil samples are drawn in the field and analyzed by an independent laboratory for dissolved gases and fluid quality. Results are reviewed alongside the electrical test data, so fluid condition and insulation diagnostics are interpreted together.

Do you test the transformer’s protective relays as well?

Yes. Transformer protection is core to our protection and controls work. Differential and overcurrent elements are verified by secondary injection against the settings issued by the engineer of record or client, and sudden-pressure and temperature devices are checked through to trip.

Which transformer tests are included in a typical maintenance visit?

Most scopes include insulation resistance, power factor, turns ratio, winding resistance, and a DGA oil sample on liquid-filled units. Excitation current and SFRA are added when condition or fault history warrants. Final scope follows ANSI/NETA MTS and your maintenance program.

Should a transformer be tested after a through-fault or relocation?

Yes. Through-faults and transport can shift windings or damage the core without visible signs. Comparing SFRA, excitation current, turns ratio, and winding resistance against baseline data helps determine whether the unit is fit to return to service.

How are insulating oil samples analyzed?

Oil samples are drawn in the field and analyzed by an independent laboratory for dissolved gases and fluid quality. Results are reviewed alongside the electrical test data, so fluid condition and insulation diagnostics are interpreted together.

Do you test the transformer’s protective relays as well?

Yes. Transformer protection is core to our protection and controls work. Differential and overcurrent elements are verified by secondary injection against the settings issued by the engineer of record or client, and sudden-pressure and temperature devices are checked through to trip.

Request a Quote

Schedule testing, commissioning, or emergency field support.

Share your scope and schedule — a field service technician is dispatched on request. Call (321) 550-1192 or email nelson@neweratesting.com. Hours 7:00 am – 7:00 pm.

Switchgear lineup with protective relays and control devices

Request a Quote

Schedule testing, commissioning, or emergency field support.

Share your scope and schedule — a field service technician is dispatched on request. Call (321) 550-1192 or email nelson@neweratesting.com. Hours 7:00 am – 7:00 pm.

Switchgear lineup with protective relays and control devices

Request a Quote

Schedule testing, commissioning, or emergency field support.

Share your scope and schedule — a field service technician is dispatched on request. Call (321) 550-1192 or email nelson@neweratesting.com. Hours 7:00 am – 7:00 pm.

Switchgear lineup with protective relays and control devices

Create a free website with Framer, the website builder loved by startups, designers and agencies.