Automated motor tester can spot progressive faults

Published: 04 July, 2023

The British electrical test and measurement specialist Megger has announced a range of automated static motor analysers that can be used: to assess the health of electric motors; to monitor and analyse trends in motor condition; and to locate faults. Depending on the model, the portable Baker ADX analysers can provide high-voltage tests for surge, turn-to-turn partial discharge, insulation resistance, polarisation index, DC Hipot and step voltage tests, as well as low-voltage tests for winding resistance, inductance and capacitance. A single set of plug-in high-voltage Kelvin test leads means there is no need to change leads between tests.

All of the ADX analysers offer a choice of manual, automatic or sequenced testing. They also support configurable route-based site testing and incorporate asset management tools. Test results are displayed on an 10.4-inch daylight-viewable touchscreen and are stored locally on the instrument.

When an Internet connection is available, the results can be synchronised automatically with the cloud-based PowerDB Dashboard application which provides additional facilities for analysis, reporting and archiving.

“Carrying out comprehensive static tests on motors has traditionally involved using multiple instruments, which has made it inconvenient and costly,” explains Megger’s regional sales manager, Mike Herring. “Because of this, tests have rarely been carried out routinely, which means that opportunities to spot and remedy progressive faults on critical motors have been missed. By providing a full range of tests in one fully automatic instrument, the ADX solves this problem, while also offering an invaluable resource for acceptance testing and fault-finding.”

The analysers are available in versions that support testing up to 4, 6, 12 or 15kV. All can be supplied in a basic configuration that offers DC insulation resistance, polarisation index, DC Hipot and surge tests, or with additional options including low-voltage resistance, inductance and capacitance testing, and facilities for partial discharge testing during surge tests. A 15kV model with the ability to perform bar-to-bar surge tests for DC armatures is also available.

Megger’s Baker ADX analyser provides automated testing of electric motors

With the addition of the optional interface, the analysers can be used with Baker PPX power packs, increasing the test voltage capability for both the DC and surge tests up to 30 or 40kV, depending on the model. This combination allows users to test motors from low-voltage machines of a few hundred watts, up to 13.8kV machines in the megawatt range. In addition, new coil-testing software allows fast, efficient impulse testing of HV coils, comparing each coil to a reference, and providing full traceability of the coil number via a detailed test report.

Accessories include test leads, transport cases and a backpack to carry test leads and other items.

Megger acquired the Baker Instrument business from SKF in 2018.

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