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iPec PD Detector Pro User Manual

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PD Detector Pro
User Manual
Version 1.4
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Summary of Contents for iPec PD Detector Pro

  • Page 1 PD Detector Pro User Manual Version 1.4 Read this manual before using the equipment Retain this manual for future use...
  • Page 2 Copyright Copyright © 2025 IPEC Limited. All Rights Reserved. Contains information owned by IPEC Limited and/or its affiliates. Do not copy, store, transmit or disclose to any third party without prior written permission from IPEC Limited Other product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of other companies and are the property of their owners.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Lifting Safety ..............................6 Work Equipment Safety ........................... 7 Environmental Protection ..........................7 What is the PD Detector Pro? ................... 8 About the PD Detector Pro ..........................8 PD Detector Pro Parts ............................9 PD Detector Pro Kit List ..........................10 Getting Started .......................
  • Page 4 PD Detector Pro User Manual www.ipecuk.com Adjusting the screen brightness ........................42 Changing the language ..........................43 Changing the data and time .......................... 43 Mains Frequency ............................44 Updating the Software ................... 45 Troubleshooting ..................... 47 Appendix ........................ 48 What is Partial Discharge? ..........................48 How do the sensors detect Partial Discharge? ....................

  • Page 5: Safety Information

    • Never connect the PD Detector Pro and PD sensors to, or put the equipment near, any high- voltage components. The PD Detector Pro and PD sensors have been designed for use only on the earthed, outer surfaces of metal-clad equipment and earthed connections of cables/switchgear.

  • Page 6: Lone Workers

    PD Detector Pro User Manual www.ipecuk.com Lone Workers WARNING Risk of serious injury or death! Clear and safe procedures MUST be in place before a worker is permitted to work alone. A lone worker is defined as anyone working without the direct and immediate support of supervisors or colleagues.

  • Page 7: Work Equipment Safety

    This product contains general electronic components that may be environmentally harmful if improperly disposed. Please follow the local regulations on correct disposal methods. Alternatively, devices can be returned to IPEC at the end of use for correct disposal. IPEC-PDDP-UMAN-1-4...

  • Page 8: What Is The Pd Detector Pro

    What is the PD Detector Pro? About the PD Detector Pro The PD Detector Pro is a handheld instrument for quickly detecting and quantify Partial Discharge (PD) in Medium Voltage (MV) and High Voltage (HV) assets using a wide range of internal and external sensors.

  • Page 9: Pd Detector Pro Parts

    Touchscreen Ultrasonic Sensor TEV Sensor Multi-Sensor Port Left Context Button (Hold: Power ON / OFF) Middle Context Button Right Context Button USB-C Port Headphone Socket Status Bar Display Screen Icon Tray Figure 1 - PD Detector Pro function diagram. IPEC-PDDP-UMAN-1-4...

  • Page 10: Pd Detector Pro Kit List

    PD Detector Pro User Manual www.ipecuk.com PD Detector Pro Kit List The following is included in the standard PD Detector Pro kit: • 1 x PD Detector Pro • 1 x Peli™ carry case • 1 x USB-C charger •...

  • Page 11: Getting Started

    The battery icon in the top-right corner of the screen shows the level of charge of the device. Figure 3 - Battery icon charge level indication. Before using the PD Detector Pro, connect the USB-C charger to the USB port on the bottom of the PD Detector Pro to charge the device.

  • Page 12: Turn On The Pd Detector Pro

    3.3.2 External Sensors External optional sensors can be connected to the PD Detector Pro’s multi-sensor port (see Figure 1) using their included sensor cable. The sensor type will automatically be detected by the PD Detector Pro and the sensor mode switched until the sensor is disconnected.

  • Page 13: Perform A Function Test

    Perform a Function Test Before using the PD Detector Pro, use the PD Function Tester (PD-FT) to check it is operating correctly. The PD-FT is a battery-operated test device for checking the PD Detector Pro TEV and Ultrasonic functions.
  • Page 14 3.4.2 Check the TEV Function 1) Use the left icon/context button to set the PD Detector Pro to TEV Mode. 2) Hold the bottom of the PD-FT against the PD Detector Pro sensor head. 3) Press and hold the yellow button on the PD-FT.
  • Page 15 1) Use the left icon/context button to set the PD Detector Pro to Ultrasonic mode. 2) Hold the PD-FT against the PD Detector Pro’s built-in ultrasonic sensor. Use the two rubber extensions to set the distance between the PD-FT and the PD Detector Pro. 3) Press and hold the yellow button on the PD-FT.

  • Page 16: How To Measure Pd Activity

    PD Detector Pro User Manual www.ipecuk.com How to Measure PD Activity This section describes how to use the PD Detector Pro to measure PD activity using the various sensors and display options. Changing the display The PD Detector Pro has three main display types: Level, Live PRPD, and persistent PRPD Heatmap.

  • Page 17: Level Display

    Figure 10 - Screenshot of the Level Display. This is the default display and shows the real-time signals levels measured in dB. It also gives live values for the noise level using IPEC’s noise identification algorithm, pulse count per cycle, and the calculated severity level.
  • Page 18 Figure 11 - Screenshot of the Live PRPD Display. The Phase-Resolved Partial Discharge (PRPD) display shows the activity detected in real time synchronized with the power cycle using IPEC’s patented built-in power field detector. The X-axis represents time and is calibrated to represent a power cycle: For a 50Hz system, each power cycle shows 20ms.

  • Page 19: Pause And Resume

    Figure 15 - Cropped screenshots showing the Sync icon and measured power frequency. When the PD Detector Pro detects and locks to the ambient power field from the HV assets, it displays icon in solid black and the measured power frequency in the top right corner of the status bar.

  • Page 20: Display Options

    PD Detector Pro User Manual www.ipecuk.com Display Options Tapping the options icon in the top-left corner of the screen opens the display options menu. Figure 16 - Screenshot of the display options menu. Tapping on the gear icon at the bottom of the screen opens the device settings menu. For more information on device settings, please see Section 6.
  • Page 21 PD Detector Pro User Manual www.ipecuk.com 4.4.3 Units This is a drop-down list with different measurement unit options depending on which sensor is being used. Please see the table below for a list of the units for the level display.

  • Page 22: How To Verify Activity As Pd Or Noise

    4.5.1 PRPD Patterns Follow the guides for using the PD Detector Pro’s sensors in sections 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, and 4.10. After observing the activity on the Level display, switch to the Heatmap PRPD displays. This display will show a PRPD pattern to aid in verifying the activity as PD or Noise.
  • Page 23 PD Detector Pro User Manual www.ipecuk.com 4.5.2 Using the PD Noise Algorithm Figure 19 - Screenshots of the Level screen with the PD Noise Algorithm disabled (right) and enabled (left). The screenshots above show the effectiveness of the PD Noise Algorithm which removes signals classified as background noise from the mini PRPD Heatmap display in the bottom-left corner.

  • Page 24: How To Do A Tev Measurement

    Select Level display using the middle icon/context button. 2) Starting at one end of the switchgear, check each panel for activity. a) Depending on the type of switchgear, the PD Detector Pro may need to be placed near the top, middle or bottom section.
  • Page 25 Figure 21 - An external TEV Sensor for use with the PD Detector Pro. An external TEV sensor can be connected to the PD Detector Pro to measure TEV signals in harder to reach areas. To use the external TEV sensor, insert the external TEV cable into the multi-sensor socket.

  • Page 26: How To Do An Ultrasonic Measurement

    IPEC recommends using the included headphones when performing ultrasonic measurements. 1) Switch the PD Detector Pro to Ultrasonic Mode and Level Display. a) Select Ultrasonic Mode using the left icon/context button. b) Select Level display using the middle icon/context button.
  • Page 27 Figure 23 - The Flexible Probe for use with the PD Detector Pro. The Flexible Probe can be used with the PD Detector Pro for recording ultrasonic measurements in hard-to-reach areas such as gaps between panels high up and low down on assets. To use the Flexible Probe, insert the sensor cable into the multi-sensor socket.
  • Page 28 Figure 24 - The parabolic dish for use with the PD Detector Pro. The Parabolic Dish can be used with the PD Detector Pro for recording ultrasonic measurements on overhead lines and bushings out of reach. To use the Parabolic Dish, insert the sensor cable into the multi-sensor socket.
  • Page 29 Apply petroleum gel to the asset panel. Figure 25 - The Contact Ultrasonic Sensor for use with the PD Detector Pro. The Contact Ultrasonic Sensor is used for recording ultrasonic measurements in sealed assets where airborne ultrasonic sensors have no direct air path to the high-voltage stress points and therefore are unable to detect the partial discharge activity.

  • Page 30: How To Do A Hfct Measurement

    Once the HFCT is connected to the PD Detector Pro then couple the HFCT around the cable under test. To ensure this is done safely, please refer to sections 4.8.2 and 4.8.3.
  • Page 31 Record the results by saving a screenshot or saving the data. See section 5 for more details. Confirm the activity recorded is PD. Please refer to Section 4.5 for more information. Figure 27 - Photos showing the HFCT sensor being coupled around the cable earth and connected to the PD Detector Pro. IPEC-PDDP-UMAN-1-4...
  • Page 32 PD Detector Pro User Manual www.ipecuk.com 4.8.2 Safely Coupling the HFCT Around the Cable Earth Often the most convenient place to couple the HFCT on a cable is around the cable earth strap. To do this please follow the diagrams below.
  • Page 33 PD Detector Pro User Manual www.ipecuk.com 4.8.3 Safely Coupling the HFCT Around a Cable Core DANGER! Risk of serious electric shock or death! Ensure the cable asset is DE-ENERGIZED and there is NO VOLTAGE present before attempting to couple a HFCT around it! Please also refer to the site/asset operator’s safety guidelines.
  • Page 34 PD Detector Pro User Manual www.ipecuk.com DANGEROUS Warning High Electrical Stress. The HFCT is coupled below Risk of serious electrical the earth and will not shock and death. function correctly. Incorrect HFCT Core Coupling The installation on the left is DANGEROUS as the HFCT is at ground potential. With no cable insulation present the HFCT is now in an area of high electrical stress.

  • Page 35: How To Do A Uhf Measurement

    (GIS). For more information about how PD occurs and how the UHF pulses propagate within GIS, please refer to Appendix A.2. In UHF mode, the PD Detector Pro detects UHF signals that are from both partial discharge sources and noise sources. An algorithm processes the detected signals and distinguishes between the partial discharge and noise so that the level of each can be shown separately.
  • Page 36 4.9.2 Active UHF Adaptor To connect to an IPEC Active UHF Barrier sensor or Embedded UHF sensors, use the Active UHF Adaptor which provides power from the PD Detector Pro to the active UHF sensor. For more information, please contact sales@ipecuk.com.
  • Page 37 PD Detector Pro User Manual www.ipecuk.com 4.9.3 Correct placement of the UHF sensor. The ideal position for the UHF sensor to be positioned on a GIS barrier spacer is in the centre of the spaces between the barrier spacer bolts. If the sensor is positioned over a barrier spacer bolt it will attenuate the escaping UHF signal.

  • Page 38: How To Do A Vds Measurement

    IPEC’s VDS sensor can be connected to these VDS banana sockets and the PD Detector Pro to detect partial discharge signals that are present on each of the switchgear bus-bars.
  • Page 39 4.10.1 Using the VDS Sensor 1) Connect the VDS cable to the multi-sensor port on the PD Detector Pro. The PD Detector Pro will automatically switch to VDS mode. 2) Select Level display using the middle icon/context button. 3) Connect the red banana connector on the VDS sensor to the first phase port on the switchgear VDS using a banana cable.

  • Page 40: How To Record Measurements

    • “Save Both” – Save measurement as both a PNG screenshot and an entry in a CSV file. The CSV and PNG files can be accessed and viewed when the PD Detector Pro is connected to a computer. Once a save option is selected a reference name text box and keyboard will appear.

  • Page 41: Download Saved Data And Screenshots

    This will bring up the Data Download screen and the computer will recognise the connected PD Detector Pro as a USB storage device. Figure 36 - Diagram of how to access the Data Download screen on the PD Detector Pro. Using the computer’s file explorer, open the device labelled “PDD”.

  • Page 42: Pd Detector Pro Settings

    PD Detector Pro Settings This section will cover the settings menu of the PD Detector Pro. Figure 38 - Diagram showing how to access the PD Detector Pro settings menu. On the PD Detector Pro, select to go to the options menu and select to go to the settings menu.

  • Page 43: Changing The Language

    “Save” button. Figure 41 - Diagram showing how to set the time on the PD Detector Pro. Tapping on “Set Time” brings up the time menu where the PD Detector Pro device time can be set. IPEC-PDDP-UMAN-1-4...

  • Page 44: Mains Frequency

    PD Detector Pro User Manual www.ipecuk.com Mains Frequency This sets the frequency of the power grid the PD Detector Pro will synchronize with for the Live and Heatmap PRPD displays. Figure 42 - Screenshot of the mains frequency setting on the PD Detector Pro.

  • Page 45: Updating The Software

    3. Select “Update” next to Software Update. This then brings up the software update screen and the computer will detect the PD Detector Pro has been connected as USB storage. 4. Download the software update files from IPEC. There are two files; a “.tgz” zip folder and a “.txt file.” Please contact sales@ipecuk.com...
  • Page 46 5. On the computer, open the PDD device to view the stored files on the device. 6. Drag and drop the software update file onto the PD Detector Pro and into the “Software Update” folder. Wait until the copying is completed.

  • Page 47: Troubleshooting

    The table below contains some issues and the steps to resolve them. Symptom Possible Cause Remedial Action PD Detector Pro Battery out of Connect the PD Detector Pro to the USB charger and not turning on charge leave to charge up. Electronics failure Contact IPEC.

  • Page 48: A Appendix

    PD Detector Pro User Manual www.ipecuk.com Appendix To get the most from your PD Detector pro, IPEC has provided supplementary information about partial discharge and the device itself. This appendix contains information about Partial Discharge, understanding criticality levels, and determining if the activity is partial discharge or noise. This appendix also contains the device specifications, regulatory compliance, and a declaration of conformity.

  • Page 49: How Do The Sensors Detect Partial Discharge

    PD Event Figure 44 - Diagrams of how TEV pulses propagate from a PD event inside switchgear to the internal TEV Sensor on the PD Detector Pro. PD creates electromagnetic radiation that dissipates in all directions away from the source. Metal components, for example, the panels around switchgear, pick up this radiation and small voltages called Transient Earth Voltages (TEVs) are induced on the surface.
  • Page 50 PD Detector Pro User Manual www.ipecuk.com Figure 45 - Photo of pitting on a VT chamber spout which produced TEV signals. The above figure shows a damaged chamber spout in a VT switchgear. The pitting seen on the damaged component produced TEV signals that propagated through the whole of the switchgear panels.
  • Page 51 However, a small portion of this ultrasonic energy is transmitted into the metallic enclosure and be detected by a contact ultrasonic sensor. The PD Detector Pro can make use of a contact acoustic sensor to detect PD in these insulation mediums where airborne ultrasonic detection is not possible, for example in oil-filled transformers.
  • Page 52 PD Detector Pro User Manual www.ipecuk.com High-Frequency Current Transformers (HFCTs) for Conducted Pulses Figure 48 - Diagram of PD pulses propagating along a cable core and earth sheath. When a PD occurs in cable insulation or in a cable joint, a current pulse is induced both on the cable core and the sheath.
  • Page 53 PD Detector Pro User Manual www.ipecuk.com Figure 50 - Diagram showing the PD pulse propagation with the HFCT coupled. Figure 50 above shows the HFCT coupled around the cable core is “above the earth” and therefore the waveforms can be detected. Figure 51 below shows the HFCT coupled around the cable earth and installed “above the earth”...
  • Page 54 PD Detector Pro User Manual www.ipecuk.com Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) Radiation Figure 52 - Diagram of UHF radiation from a PD event being reflected within GIS. When a PD event occurs, it will radiate energy in two main forms: Ultrasonic and Electromagnetic. This ultra-high frequency (UHF) electromagnetic radiation dissipates in all directions away from the source.

  • Page 55: Understanding Partial Discharge Levels

    PD Detector Pro User Manual www.ipecuk.com Understanding Partial Discharge Levels It is important to know how serious and what actions are required when assessing partial discharge measurements. Criticality The Criticality of a high voltage asset, for example, a cable circuit or switchgear panel, is a measure of how likely it is to fail.

  • Page 56: Specifications

    PD Detector Pro User Manual www.ipecuk.com Specifications Description Specification Measurements PD Sensors Transient Earth Voltages (TEV) Ultrasonic Airborne Acoustics (AA) High-Frequency Current Transformer (HFCT) Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) Voltage Detection System (VDS) Hardware Enclosure Injection moulded plastic case Display High Resolution Colour Touchscreen...

  • Page 57: Regulatory Directives

    PD Detector Pro User Manual www.ipecuk.com Regulatory Directives The PD Detector system complies with the following directives: • EN 61000-6-2: 2005 - Immunity standard (Industrial environment) • EN 61000-6-4: 2007 - Emission standard (Residential, commercial, and light industry environment) IPEC-PDDP-UMAN-1-4...

  • Page 58: Declaration Of Conformity

    PD Detector Pro User Manual www.ipecuk.com Declaration of conformity Manufacturer's Name: IPEC Limited Manufacturer's Address: IPEC Limited Carrington House 39 Carrington Field Street Stockport, Manchester SK1 3JN Description of Product(s): PD Detector Pro Partial Discharge Handheld Instrument I declare that the listed product(s) complies with the following standards/directives:...

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