4.1 Accurate sampling, whether of the complete contents or only parts thereof, is extremely important from the standpoint of evaluating the quality of the liquid insulant sampled. Obviously, examination of a test specimen that, because of careless sampling procedure or contamination in sampling equipment, is not directly representative, leads to erroneous conclusions concerning quality and in addition results in a loss of time, effort, and expense in securing, transporting, and testing the sample.

4.2 A study of gases and moisture contained in insulating oils from transformers and other electrical power apparatus can frequently give an early indication of abnormal behavior of the apparatus, and may indicate appropriate action be taken on the equipment before it suffers greater damage. Specific gas and moisture content can be determined from oil sampled for this purpose.

1.1 These practices cover sampling of new electrical insulating liquids including oils, askarels, silicones, synthetic liquids, and natural ester insulating liquids as well as those insulating liquids in service or subsequent to service in cables, transformers, circuit breakers, and other electrical apparatus. These practices apply to liquids having a viscosity of less than 6.476 × 10^-4 m²/s (540 cSt) at 40°C (104°F).

1.2 Representative samples of electrical insulating liquids are taken for test specimens so that the quality pertinent to their use may be determined. The quality in different portions of a given container, or the average quality of the whole bulk may be ascertained if desired.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are regarded as the standard where applicable. Inch pound units are used where there is no SI equivalent.

1.4 These practices also include special techniques and devices for sampling for dissolved gases-in-oil (DGA) (D3612), water (D1533) and particles (D6786).

1.5 For ease of use, this document has been indexed as follows:

Section Title

Section/Paragraph

Mandatory Conditions and General Information

Section 5

Description of Sampling Devices and Containers

Section 6, Annex A1, Appendix X2

Most Frequently Used Sampling Techniques for Electrical Apparatus

Collecting Samples from Electrical Equipment Using Bottles  and Cans

Section 7, Appendix X1, Appendix X2

Collecting Samples from Electrical Equipment Using Glass  Syringes (DGA and Water Analysis)

Section 8

Collecting Samples from Electrical Equipment Using  Stainless Steel Cylinders (DGA and Water Analysis)

Section 9

Sampling of Cans, Drums, Tank Cars, Tank Trucks and  Small Electrical Equipment

Sampling Using the Dip-Type Device (drum thief)

Section 10

Sampling Using the Pressure-Type Device

Section 11, Annex A1.1

Sampling Using the Tank Car-Type Device

Section 12, Annex A1.2

Sampling Cable Feeders

 Mandatory Conditions

Section 13

 General Considerations

Section 14

 Sampling Using the Manifold-Type Device

Section 15, Annex A1.3

Cleaning, Preparation, Storage, and Handling of Sampling  Containers

Section 16

Storage, Packaging and Shipping of Samples

Section 17

Cleaning and Storage of Sampling Devices

Section 18

Sample Information

Section 19

Mandatory Information—Construction of Sampling Devices

Annex A1

Determination of Electrical Apparatus Temperature

Appendix X1

Sample Container Types

Appendix X2

1.6 Handle askarels containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) according to federal and local regulations existing for that country. For example, the federal regulations concerning PCBs in the United States can be found in 40 CFR Part 761.

1.7 Properly contain, package and dispose of any liquid or material resulting from the use of these practices in a manner that is in accordance with local and state regulations specific to the country in which the samples are taken.

1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, 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 warning statements are given in 1.6, 1.7, Section 5, 10.1, 13.2, 15.2.3, Section 16, and 18.2. These practices involve close contact with the electrical insulating liquids being sampled as well as liquids and other materials used to clean the sampling tools and devices. When required, or as a matter of diligence to personal safety, use personal protective equipment (PPE).