1.1 This test method covers the detection and measurement of partial discharge (corona) pulses at the terminals of an insulation system under an applied test voltage, including the determination of partial discharge (corona) inception and extinction voltages as the test voltage is raised and lowered. The test method is also useful in determining quantities such as apparent charge and pulse repetition rate together with such integrated quantities as average current, quadratic rate and power. The test method is useful for test voltages ranging in frequency from zero (direct voltage) to approximately 2000 Hz.

1.2 The test method is directly applicable to a simple insulation system that can be represented as a two-terminal capacitor (1), (2).

1.3 The test method is also applicable to (distributed parameter) insulation systems such as high-voltage cable. Consideration must be given to attenuation and reflection phenomena in this type of system. Further information on distributed parameter systems of cables, transformers, and rotating machines will be found in Refs. (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), and (9). (See AEIC CS5-87, IEEE C57 113-1991, IEEE C57 124-1991, and IEEE 1434-2005.)

1.4 The test method can be applied to multi-terminal insulation systems, but at some loss in accuracy, especially where the insulation of inductive windings is involved.

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precaution statements are given in Sections 8 and 14.