Partial Discharge

Partial Discharge

Partial Discharge occurs when an energized particle traveling in a conductor finds a void in the insulation media, and hasn’t quite found a path to a non energized conductor-Yet. This revolutionary new technology can assist with finding microscopic voids in the insulation media of medium voltage equipment. When the electron(s) find an alternate path create a “full discharge” failure and explosion typically result causing catastrophic damage and down time. Every electrical system has some degree of partial discharge and there are known acceptable values. Newer technology can now measure, track and predict potential failures before they occur. This can be a very valuable tool for future planning because usually when equipment fails, it does so at the least opportune times.

One of the best virtues of the electrical equipment testing is that it is performed “on-line” in a normal working condition, which does NOT require any equipment shut down. Southwest Energy Systems, LLC uses test equipment that has been researched, designed and developed by a test equipment manufacturer specifically for this type of measurement. The test equipment is not a compilation of various spectrum analyzers and other items run through a complex spreadsheet. This testing is non-invasive, non-destructive and because of the task specific equipment we utilize, the test values are very repeatable.