Incipient Fault Causes
Incipient Fault Causes
(OP)
Hello all,
I am a newer engineer, and have recently been given the job of performing a sectionalizing study for a local utility. As my employer was going over some of the basics with me, he mentioned enabling incipient fault detection on the substation relays. He was actually not certain how they were caused, he was just aware that it was a potential problem.
Can anyone give a bit more information on just what they are, and how they occur? I've done a good deal of research online, but have found little information.
I am a newer engineer, and have recently been given the job of performing a sectionalizing study for a local utility. As my employer was going over some of the basics with me, he mentioned enabling incipient fault detection on the substation relays. He was actually not certain how they were caused, he was just aware that it was a potential problem.
Can anyone give a bit more information on just what they are, and how they occur? I've done a good deal of research online, but have found little information.






RE: Incipient Fault Causes
Generally the relay element picks up as the fault begins to draw more current than the set point, don't know how much more you can do to respond to incipient faults.
RE: Incipient Fault Causes
Rafiq Bulsara
http://www.srengineersct.com
RE: Incipient Fault Causes
You mention it is more detectable in oil insulated transformers. How is it distinguished from other faults?
It was suggested to me that a small opening in the insulation could result in arcing, but that the voltage through the small opening is so small that the arc cannot sustain. As repeated small arcs occur and damage continues, eventually the break in insulation becomes so large the arc can sustain itself, turning into a 'regular' fault.
Does this sound right? The person who told me this wasn't sure of their cause, but this was his best guess.
RE: Incipient Fault Causes
Degradation of insulation of cables, insulators, windings open to atmosphere or air is more difficult to detect. If the relay has the ability to detect arcing fault currents, it could help. I am not personally aware of those.
Yes, what the "person" told you is correct. Cause could be bad insulation, poor installation and maintenance, harsh environmental conditions, accidental damage..the list can go on.
Rafiq Bulsara
http://www.srengineersct.com
RE: Incipient Fault Causes
Google "Buchholz relay"
Bill
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"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter
RE: Incipient Fault Causes
Thanks again
RE: Incipient Fault Causes