IEC TS 62478-2016 PDF

Full title and description

High voltage test techniques - Measurement of partial discharges by electromagnetic and acoustic methods. This IEC technical specification (IEC TS 62478:2016) provides guidance on using electromagnetic (HF/VHF/UHF) and acoustic techniques to detect, measure and locate partial discharges (PD) in the insulation of electrical apparatus.

Abstract

IEC TS 62478:2016 defines measurement approaches and considerations for partial discharge detection using electromagnetic and acoustic sensors. It addresses a variety of applications, sensor frequency ranges and sensitivities, and includes guidance on PD location and on checking or calibrating measuring-system sensitivity to support reliable PD assessment in high-voltage equipment.

General information

• Status: Published / current technical specification (IEC TS).
• Publication date: 29 August 2016.
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 17.080; 17.220.20 (measurement disciplines, electrical and magnetic quantities).
• Edition / version: Edition 1.0 (2016).
• Number of pages: 68 pages.

Scope

Applicable to electromagnetic (HF, VHF, UHF) and acoustic measurements of partial discharges occurring in the insulation of electrical apparatus. The specification covers multiple sensor types and sensitivities, procedures for locating PD sources, and methods for calibration and sensitivity checking of PD measurement systems to ensure meaningful and comparable results across different test situations.

Key topics and requirements

• Principles and objectives of electromagnetic and acoustic PD detection (HF/VHF/UHF and ultrasonic/acoustic methods).
• Typical sensor types, frequency bands and sensitivity considerations for PD detection.
• Recommendations for measurement set‑ups, signal capture and signal‑processing considerations for PD identification.
• Guidance on PD source location techniques using electromagnetic and acoustic measurements.
• Procedures and checks for measurement-system calibration and sensitivity verification to support repeatable PD assessment.
• Practical considerations for different insulation systems and typical test environments (noise, coupling paths, grounding and shielding).

Typical use and users

Used by high-voltage test engineers, laboratory personnel, electrical-asset condition-assessment teams, manufacturers of high-voltage equipment, PD measurement and sensor vendors, and standards committees. Typical applications include factory and service testing, condition monitoring, diagnostic surveys and commissioning tests for transformers, switchgear, cables and other HV apparatus.

Related standards

Related IEC documents and standards in the high-voltage test techniques and PD measurement family, plus standards on instrumentation and EMC for measurement equipment. This TS is intended to complement existing IEC standards on PD measurement practice and high-voltage testing by focusing on electromagnetic and acoustic PD techniques.

Keywords

Partial discharge; PD measurement; high voltage test techniques; electromagnetic detection; HF VHF UHF; acoustic/ultrasonic PD; sensor calibration; PD location.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC TS 62478:2016 is a Technical Specification from the IEC that provides guidance on measuring partial discharges using electromagnetic and acoustic methods in high-voltage equipment.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers application of HF/VHF/UHF electromagnetic and acoustic (ultrasonic) sensors for PD detection, considerations for sensor selection and frequency ranges, measurement set-ups, PD source location techniques, and procedures for calibration and sensitivity checks of PD measurement systems.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: High-voltage test engineers, manufacturers of HV apparatus, condition-assessment and diagnostic teams, PD instrument and sensor suppliers, and national standards bodies adopting or referencing the TS for guidance on PD testing practice.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The document was published on 29 August 2016 (Edition 1.0). As of its publication record it is an active IEC Technical Specification; users should check national-catalogue status or the IEC publication listing for any later amendments or supersessions.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It complements other IEC standards and technical specifications in the high-voltage test and partial-discharge measurement domain; it is a standalone TS focused on electromagnetic and acoustic PD methods and is intended to be used alongside other IEC PD measurement and HV testing documents.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Partial discharge, PD measurement, HF/VHF/UHF, acoustic/ultrasonic detection, sensor calibration, PD location, high-voltage test techniques.