Disconnect Switch
Test Procedure
LNDTP008
Application: This applies to all Disconnect Switch.
LNDTP008 Disconnect Switch Test Procedure 1
1. Equipment / Tools
1. Contact Resistance Test set
2. DC/AC Hipot Tester
3. Insulation Resistance Test set
4. Temp/humidity meter
5. Cleaning Kit
6. Vacuum Cleaner
7. Torque-wrench
2. General Description
• This procedure covers the acceptance testing as required by NETA [Link].
• Document LNDTS008
3. Testing Procedure
TASK DESCRIPTION COMMENTS
3.1 Visual & Mechanical Inspections
1. Record all nameplate data on the • Compare equipment nameplate data with drawings and
disconnect switch test form. specifications.
2. Verify unit is clean. • Clean if necessary.
3. Record power and PT fuse • Confirm the fuse size and types with drawing and specification.
information, if applicable
4. If provided, record the value of the • Verify the counter functions properly with the switch operation.
operation counter.
5. Function the switch to ensure • Keep clear of moving parts when opening and closing the switch.
correct operation.
6. Verify correct blade alignment and • Keep clear of moving parts when opening and closing the switch.
penetration while operating the
switch.
7. Verify correct barrier installation, • Check for discoloration and cracks.
clean if necessary. • Wipe clean and remove dust and dirt.
8. Visually inspect the blade • Keep clear of moving part when opening and closing the switch.
alignment and penetration.
9. Perform a complete inspection and • Verify the integrity of the fuse with an ohmmeter. The fuse
testing of power fuses. resistance values should not deviate more then 15%.
10. Verify operation of heater and cell • If provided
lights.
LNDTP008 Disconnect Switch Test Procedure 2
TASK DESCRIPTION COMMENTS
11. Verify operation and sequencing of • Ensure the switch operation is not possible if the interlocking
interlocking of interlocking conditions are not met.
systems.
12. Test the applicable protective • Refer to manufacturer manual.
devices, if installed.
3.2 Contact Resistance Test
1. Perform contact resistance test. • Use 100 Amp DC test current.
2. Connect contact resistance leads. (see figure below)
• Test is performed with switch closed
• The current leads can be connected any place where a secure connection can be made.
• If the switch has a power fuse, do not include the fuse in the current loop.
• The potential should be place so that the full switchblade and connections are included in the test. The
potential leads should be place inside the current leads.
3. Perform the test on each phase.
4. Record the values on the disconnect test sheet.
LNDTP008 Disconnect Switch Test Procedure 3
TASK DESCRIPTION COMMENTS
EXPECTED TEST VALUES • Resistance values should be within the normal range as specified by
the manufacturer’s data.
(Contact Resistance Test)
• Typically, values should not vary between phases more than 50% of
the lowest test value as per NETA ATS 7.4.D.1 or MTS 7.4.D.1
• Not all phase conductors are the same length and therefore a
variation between phase resistances may be noted. Make sure the
trend is consistent.
• Values higher than this may require further cleaning or inspection.
Inspect the test leads to confirm proper connection to the test point.
• Test results that remain higher than normal may indicate a high
resistance connection. Place the potential leads at as many
connection points along the current path as possible to identify a
possible cause. This may include bolted bus joints or a breaker.
Record all results in ‘Notes’ area.
3.3 Insulation Resistance Test
1. Perform insulation test on each Caution: Ensure that there is proper isolation of the bus duct. Make
phase, phase to phase and ground. note of the test setup.
• Connect the megger lead to one of the phases of the bus duct
• Use properly rated test jumpers to connect the remaining phase
to ground.
LNDTP008 Disconnect Switch Test Procedure 4
TASK DESCRIPTION COMMENTS
2. Perform test on each phase and record results on test sheet. See table for test voltage.
• Megger at 500V to ensure that no short if present. Increase test voltage to the maximum level as
defined by the manufacturer of NETA Table 100.1
• The voltage should be maintained for a duration of 1 minute. Record the resistance on the test sheet.
• Using a test jumper, ground the phase under test to discharge any existing potential.
• Repeat the above step for each phase with all other phases grounded.
3. Ensure that all test jumpers are removed and accounted for.
EXPECTED TEST VALUES • The insulation resistance values should be in accordance with
manufacturer’s published data. If no manufacturer information is
(Megger Test)
available use NETA Table 100.1.
• NETA Table 100.1 minimum resistance values are based on a
nominal 1000-foot busway run. To convert the test value to a 1000-
foot nominal value, use the following formula. (R1000ft = Meas.
Res.*Length of Run/1000)
• Resistance values lower than this warrant further investigation.
Possible sources may include test jumpers not removed, PT fuses
not removed, faulted area of insulation, faulty control wiring, other
contaminants creating path to ground.
3.4 Dielectric Withstand Test
LNDTP008 Disconnect Switch Test Procedure 5
TASK DESCRIPTION COMMENTS
1. Ensure all inspections and tests • This is the last test to be performed to ensure that the insulating
are complete. system of the bus duct is acceptable.
2. Secure the testing area using • Use proper flagging protocol.
appropriate flagging and warning
signs.
3. Using the Humidity/Temp. meter, • Let the meter acclimate to the correct temperature for a few
record the temperature and minutes.
Relative Humidity on the test
sheet.
4. Perform a dielectric withstand on Caution: Ensure that there is proper isolation of the bus duct.
each phase, phase to phase and • Connect the hipot lead to one of the phases of the bus duct.
ground. • Use properly rated test jumpers to connect the remaining phases
and ground.
• Ensure the hipot case is also grounded.
5. Perform test on each phase and record results on test sheet. See table below.
• Start the hipot ensuring the test voltage is set to ZERO.
• Slowly increase the test voltage to the maximum withstand voltage as defined by the manufacturer or
NETA Table 100.17.
• The maximum withstand voltage should be maintained for a duration of 1 minute. At the end of the
withstand, the leakage current in µA should be recorded.
• Slowly decrease the test voltage to zero and turn the hipot ‘Off’. Using a test jumper, ground the phase
under test to discharge any existing potential.
• Repeat the above steps for all three phases.
LNDTP008 Disconnect Switch Test Procedure 6
TASK DESCRIPTION COMMENTS
6. Remove all test jumpers and safety flagging from the area.
EXPECTED TEST VALUES • Test values lower than this warrant further investigation. Possible
sources may include test jumpers not removed, faulted area of
(Hipot Test)
insulation or other contaminants creating path to ground.
• Possible sources may include test jumpers not removed, PT fuses
not removed, faulted area of insulation, faulty control wiring, other
contaminants creating path to ground.
• Contact supervisor.
3.5 End of Job Tasks
1. Return bus duct to as found state.
2. Complete Job close out and complete all test documentation for submission.
LNDTP008 Disconnect Switch Test Procedure 7
