CHAPTER 11

TESTING AND COMMISSIONING

1.0 TESTING:
1.1 After final checking is carried out and there are no defects / shortcomings in the work of
the transmission line, the line is considered as having been completed and clear for
energizing.

1.2 Pamphlets bearing the warning notice as shown in Appendix – A are got circulated in the
area through which the transmission line is passing.

1.3 The concerning Executive Engineer shall be present at the time of charging the transmission
line who shall ensure that all testing and checking has been done and approval of the
relevant authorities has been obtained.

1.4 Before commissioning the line, the tests given below are to be carried out.

2.0 INSULATION RESISTANCE TEST:

2.1 This test is carried with a motor driven megger / insulation tester of at least 5 kV rating.
This test is carried out to ascertain the insulation condition of the line.

2.2 Measures for ensuring safety from induced high voltages in the lines should be taken before
carrying out this test.

2.3 The line is kept open at the other end. The insulation resistance is measured between each
phase and ground, and between the phases. The ambient temperature and weather
conditions are noted for future reference.

2.4 The insulation resistance values are dependent on the ambient temperature and weather
conditions prevailing at the time when these are measured. Therefore no comparable values
are prescribed. However, the values should not be ZERO. The observed values are
recorded.

3.0 Conductor Continuity Test:

3.1 The electrical resistance of the conductors is to be measured with a Wheatstone Bridge or
other suitable instrument. This test is carried out to verify that each conductor of the
transmission line is properly connected electrically. This is verified by comparing with the
electrical resistance of a continuous conductor of the same size and length after correcting
it to the temperature at which measurement has been made.

3.2 Measures for ensuring safety from induced high voltages in the lines should be taken before
carrying out this test.

3.3 For measurement of the resistance, the line is got earthed at the other end. The resistance of
each phase to ground is measured. The ambient temperature is noted for reference. The
observed values are recorded and compared as given at para 3.4.

3.4 The maximum values of electrical resistance at 20°C of the conductors used in the
transmission lines are given below as per IS 398 (Part 2) – 1996 / IS 398 (Part 5) – 1992.
144 Construction Manual for Transmission Lines

Transmission Line Code name of Resistance in ohms Resistance in ohms

No. Voltage Conductor per km per km per phase
1. 400 kV ACSR Moose 0.05552 0.02776
2. 220 kV ACSR Zebra 0.06868 0.06868
3. 132 kV ACSR Panther 0.13900 0.13900

4.0 APPROVALS:
4.1 Check and ensure that the approvals have been received from the following authorities.
a) Power & Telecommunication Coordination Committee.
b) Railway Authorities.
c) Electrical Inspector.

5.0 Verify that testing of the control & relay panels including the line protection has been
carried out by the Protection Wing.

6.0 The clearance for charging the line, certifying that all men, material, T &P and earthing
have been removed from the line, is obtained from the Contractor / Officer – In – Charge
of constructing the line.

7.0 The permission for energizing the line is obtained from Load Despatch along with the
charging code.

8.0 Clearance is obtained from the sub station at the other end of the line for energizing the
line.

9.0 The line is then charged. The following points are checked.

a) The leakage current meters on the three Lightning Arresters of the line should
indicate the leakage current.

b) In case of 220 kV and 400 kV lines, the line voltage of all the three phases and
between the three phases is read in the voltmeter on the control panel of the line.

c) The checking given above at (b) is also got carried out at the other end of the line.
Testing and Commissioning 145

APPENDIX – A
146 Construction Manual for Transmission Lines