OPERATING MANUAL

SURGE GENERATOR
Models
SWG 1750 CI
SWG 1750 CDI

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Quality System Certificate

The quality management system of Seba

Dynatronic and sebatel fulfils the stringent
requirements of the international quality standard DIN
ISO 9001 and of the European standard EN 29001.

If you require technical assistance

and are located in
The United States of America,
Canada or Mexico,
please contact HDW Electronics, Inc.
Tel. (610) 861-8862 Fax (610) 861-8864
e-mail sales@hdwelectronics.com
e-mail service@hdwelectronics.com
webpage www.hdwelectronics.com
89 South Commerce Way, Suite 940, Bethlehem, PA 18017

Page II

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Contents

1 Description 1

1.1 Technical data 2

1.2 Control Panel Layout 3

2 Grounding 4

3 Connection to Faulted Cable 4

4 AC Supply 5

5 Thumper Operation 5

5.1 Setting of the Surge Voltage Range 5

5.2 Switching on the High Voltage 5

5.3 Surge Frequency Adjustment 6

5.4 Overheat Protection 6

5.5 Switching off the Surge Generator 6

6 DC Hipot Operation 7

7 Burn Operation 7

8 Important User Guidelines 9

9 Copyright, Usage, Warranty 10

Page III
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1 Description

The impulse generator Models SWG1750 CI and SWG1750 CDI contain

three major components:
High Voltage Generator
Switchable Capacitor
Spherical Spark Gap
All components are mounted in a 19” housing. The compact construction
and low weight of the unit have been achieved through the use of modern
components and compact components.

The heart of the impulse generator is the switchable capacitor (capacitor

bank), featuring four impulse capacitors, which can be switched in parallel,
in series or in a series/parallel configuration. This design avails the full 1750
J or 3,500 J at 8, 16, or 32 kV. The extremely low self-inductance of the
capacitors ensures minimum loss within the surge circuit, releasing the full
surge energy in the faulted cable, which in turn produces the highest
possible fault current for optimum fault locating.
The capacitors are charged by means of silicon rectifiers from a dry type
high voltage transformer. Depending on the individual switching
configuration of the high voltage transfor- mer and capacitors, the output in
terms of voltage and surge energy is as follows:

Range I 0 - 8 kV 1,750 or 3,500 J , Model CI or CDI

Range II 0 - 16kV 1,750 or 3,500 J , Model CI or CDI
Range IIl 0 - 32 kV 1,750 or 3,500 J , Model CI or CDI
Within each range the voltage can be adjusted continuously through a
Variac, which controls the input voltage to the primary side of the
transformer. The spark gap assembly consists of a surge spark gap (surge
solenoid) and a grounding or discharge spark gap (grounding sele- noid).
The surge frequency or impulse sequence of the surge selenoid can be
preselected by means of an adjustable dial, from 2-10 seconds.

By turning the switch to zero the surge timer is disabled and a single surge
pulse can be released by means of a pushbutton.
(Single Shot Feature, Blue Push Button).

Whenever there is an AC power failure the unit will be switched off and both
the surge selenoid and the grounding selenoid will assume a fail-safe
position, which grounds both the unit (surge capacitors) and the faulted
cable. The same safe condition is achieved when the High Voltage is
switched off.

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All control elements are located on the front panel; all cable connections are
located on the rear side of the unit. (AC Power, key lock, BNC cable connec
-tors to filter and TDR).
A voltmeter in the front panel enables the measurement of the output
voltage in the range of 0 – 32kV.

1.1 Technical Data

Surge voltage:
Range I 8 kV
Range II 16 kV
Range III 32 kV
Surge output:
Range I 1,750 or 3,500 J depending on model
Range II 1,750 or 3,500 J depending on model
Range III 1,750 or 3,500 J depending on model
Thump Frequency: 1½, 3 or 6 seconds
AC supply: 220/250 V , 50-60 Hz,
Step-up transformer 120V – 230V provided
Isolation transformer 120V – 120V provided
Input: 1.2 kVA
kV-meter : 0 - 32 kV
Ammeter : 0 – 5mA full scale
Dimensions : 17” x 21” x 18” Model 1750 CI
28” x 21” x 18” Model 1750 CDI
Weight : 180 lbs. Model 1750 CI
300 lbs. Model 1750 CDI

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1.2 Control Panel Layout

9 7 10
0

8 11

1 2 3 4 5 19

Figure 1: Operating and termination panel all SWG models

with leakage current indication

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1 Red Button “HV OFF” 11 Voltage Range Switch

2 White Button “AC ON” 12 HV Output Cable
3 Green Button “HV ON” 13 BNC Output for Surge Pulse
4 Blue Button “Single Shot 14 AC Power Cord Plug in
Mode” and “Over-temperature
Protection Indicator”
5 Thump Frequency Dial 15 Safety Ground Terminal
6 Circuit Breaker 16 N/A
7 DC HiPot Timer Dial 17 Key Switch Interlock
8 Voltage Control VARIAC 18 N/A
Dial
9 Leakage Current Meter 19 DC Hipot Indication
10 kV Voltmeter

2 Grounding

Before putting the surge generator SWG 1750 CI/ CDI into operation, it is of
utmost importance to ensure that the unit is properly grounded. The
grounding terminal (yellow wing nut, item 15 in fig.1) is situated at the rear.
The ground wire in the AC power supply cord is not sufficient to establish a
reliable ground because considerable currents can flow between the (high
voltage) return and the safety ground due to the high voltages being applied.
The safety ground provided with the unit must remain attached to it at all
times and connected to the system ground at the test location.

3 Connection of faulted cable

The surge generator has a short (approx. 12’) high voltage output cable,
which is either connected directly to the cable to be tested (HV lead to
conductor, HV return to concentric of cable to be tested, not typical set-up)
or through a cable rack system, which allows a connection of the cable to be
tested of up to 125’ from the location of the surge generator.

NOTE:
It is absolutely necessary to connect both the HV lead and the HV return,
otherwise an unsafe condition can occur jeopardizing the safety of the
operator and potentially damaging the unit.

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4 AC Supply

The AC cord is Mains connection is connected to socket on the rear of the

unit (item14 in fig. 1). When the unit is connected to AC the White pilot light
will come on (item 2 in fig. 1)

5 Thumper Operation

5.1 Setting of the Surge Voltage Range

With the AC switched on the safety key switch in the rear of the unit (item 17
in fig. 1) must be turned to the “ON” position in order to proceed (NOTE: the
key can be only removed in the “OFF” position).
The desired surge voltage is pre-selected by means of the voltage selection
switch (item 11 in fig.1). . Before changing the range the voltage switch must
be pulled upwards, set to the desired voltage position and be pushed down
all the way.
NOTE: In order to prevent unintentional switching with high voltage being
present, the voltage selection switch is equipped with a micro switch, which
interlocks the switch as long as the green light (item 3) or the red (item 1 in
fig.1) light are on. The micro switch releases the interlock with only the white
light on.
After switching on, the desired surge voltage can be selected by means of
Voltage Range Switch (Fig. 1, item 11):

0 - 8 kV
0 - 16 kV
0 - 32 kV

In all ranges an output of 1,750J or 3,500J (depending on Model) can be

obtained at the maximum voltage in each range.

5.2 Switching on High Voltage

After the desired voltage range has been selected with the voltage range
switch the white light is pushed down and the green light (item 3 in fig. 1)
comes on, provided the VARIAC (item 8 in fig. 1) has been set to zero (if
green light does not come on, make sure to readjust VARIAC to zero). The
green light indicates that the unit is properly set up to be operated in the high
voltage mode, but is still grounded. By pushing the green light down the red
light (item 1 in fig.1) will come on (lifting the grounding contact) and signals
that the unit will put high voltage out as soon as the VARIAC is raised from
the zero position. The VARIAC is adjusted until the voltage on the kV
voltmeter (item 10) reads the desired value.

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5.3 Thump Frequency Timer

The Thump Frequency Timer Dial (Fig. 1, Item 5) is used to set the number
of seconds between each “thump” while in Direct Thump Mode. Adjust the
dial to the desired thump interval, from 2 to 10 seconds. Be sure to select a
frequency that permits the capacitors to reach full voltage before releasing
the shot. (Normal position is between 6-7 seconds).
*** In the “0” Zero Position, there is no Thump Sequence. This is called the
“Single Shot Position” ***

5.4 Overtemperature Protection

When an over-temperature condition is detected in the high voltage
transformer an audible and acoustical alarm will come on and the high
voltage will be shut down automatically. The visual alarm is indicated by
lighting of the blue push-button (item 4 in fig.1). After the blue light has
extinguished the unit can be switched on again.

5.5 Switching off the instrument

After completing the fault locating process with the surge generator the
instrument can be switched off by pushing the red button (item 1 in figure
1), after the VARIAC has been set to zero. In this position the capacitor
bank as well as the faulted cable are discharged and grounded. The kV
voltmeter (item 10 in fig.1) must read zero.
NOTE: Prior to disconnecting the test leads from the cable it is required
to attach a grounding jumper to the faulted cable.

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6. DC HiPot Operation (Optional)

6.1 Switching on High Voltage / Leakage Current Measurement

The same steps are followed as described under 5.1 and 5.2.

NOTE:

Ensure the SWG’s Voltage Range Switch (Fig 1, item 11) is in the “0-
32kV/DC HiPot” Range. (Pull, turn and push) HiPot Feature is available
only in this range!!

Ensure the M219 Filter is switched to the “Direct” Position. (Pull, turn
and push large knob on Filter)
Ensure the Thump Frequency Dial is turned fully counter-clockwise to
the “0” Zero Position. (Located next to the Blue Button, also called the
Single Shot Position)
Ensure the Voltage Control VARIAC Dial (Fig 1, item 8) is turned fully
counter-clockwise to the “0 kV” Position. (If not, the Green Button will
not illuminate in the next step)
Push the White “AC-On” Button. (Green Button will illuminate. If not,
make sure VARIAC is turned all the way down to the 0kV Position)
Push the Green “HV-On” Button. (Red Button will illuminate)
Push and hold the Blue Button (which closes the Surge Solenoid) while
simultaneously adjusting the Voltage Control VARIAC Dial to the
desired test voltage. (Voltage can be adjusted higher or lower at any
time)
Once you have reached your desired test voltage, set the DC HiPot
Timer Dial (Fig 1, item 7), located next to the Ammeter, to the desired
length of time for your HiPot Test (0-30 minutes), then release the Blue
Button. The DC HiPot Indication Light (Yellow/Green Triangle, Fig 1,
item 19) will come on. The cable is now under HiPot Test.
If the test cable holds voltage (indicated on voltmeter), there should be
little to no leakage current indicated on the Ammeter.
If the voltage drops and the Ammeter shows leakage, the cable has
failed the HiPot Test.
When the Automatic DC HiPot Timer expires, the HiPot Test will end
and both the unit and the cable will be grounded and discharged
automatically.

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7. Burn Operation

7.1 Switching on High Voltage/Burn Function

The same steps are followed as described under 5.1 and 5.2

NOTE:

To begin, start by selecting the the “0-8kV Range” on the Voltage Range
Switch (Fig 1, item 11, Pull, turn and push knob). If necessary, select
“0-16kV or “0-32kV” Ranges when higher voltages are required during
repeat tests. Max burn current is: 320mA at 8kV; 160mA at 16kV; 80mA
at 32kV

Ensure the M219 Filter is switched to the “Direct” Position. (Pull, turn
and push large knob on Filter)
Ensure the Thump Frequency Dial (next to the Blue Button) is turned
fully counter-clockwise to the “0” Zero Position. (Also called the Single
Shot Position)
Ensure the DC HiPot Timer Dial (next to the Ammeter) is set to “0”
Zero Minutes. (Do not try to “force” it back to zero if timer is still
running) *** Note: The Ammeter is not in operation during “Burn”
Mode. Ammeter is only active during “HiPot” Mode ***
Ensure the Voltage Control VARIAC Dial (Fig 1, item 8) is turned fully
counter-clockwise to the “0 kV” Position. (If not, the Green Button will
not illuminate in the next step)
Push the White “AC-On” Button. (Green Button will illuminate. If not,
make sure VARIAC is turned all the way down to the 0kV Position)
Push the Green “HV-On” Button. (See Red Button illuminate)
Push and hold-down the Blue Button (which closes the Surge
Solenoid) while simultaneously increasing the Voltage Control VARIAC
Dial. When the Voltage indicated on the Volt Meter can no longer
climb, the faulted cable is “burning”, and therefore no higher voltages
can be applied. Keep holding-down the Blue Button for as long as
needed to “burn” or “condition” the fault for improved fault locating.
The Burn Function should not exceed 5 continuous minutes at a
time. If used longer, the unit may overheat and the “Over-temperature
Protection Feature” will initiate. The Blue Button will illuminate, and the
unit will be inoperable until it cools off and the Blue Button light turns
off.
When finished burning, push the Red “HV-Off” Button to turn off High
Voltage. (Red Button light should turn off). Now the cable under test
and the unit will be discharged and grounded automatically.

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8. Important User Guidelines

The instrument is designed for operation in vertical position and should

therefore not be tilted more than 15°.

NOTE:
Prior to opening the instrument, all cables and leads have to be
disconnected. After opening any of the side panels and before carrying
out any maintenance work inside the unit a grounding jumper must be
connected to all terminals of the the capacitor bank to ensure that it is
discharged and remains discharged.

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COPYRIGHT NOTICE
The information contained in this document is for informational purposes only and is
subject to change without notice. HDW Electronics, Inc makes no warranty of any
kind with regard to the information contained in this manual, including but not limited
to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
HDW Electronics, Inc shall not be liable for errors contained herein, nor for incidental
or consequential damages from the furnishing of this information.

This manual contains proprietary information that is protected by copyright. All rights
are reserved. No part of this manual may be photocopied, reproduced, magnetically
stored or translated into another language without the prior written consent of HDW
Electronics, Inc

USAGE
The HDW Surge Generator SWG 1750 C/D is intended to be used only for fault
locating and testing of primary power cables. It must be operated only by trained and
certified Power Utility Personnel in accordance with all applicable federal, state and
local regulations and safety standards, including, but not limited to, standards
describing the proper handling of High Voltage.

WARRANTY
THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY
WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY BEYOND THOSE STATED HEREIN.

HDW Electronics, Inc. warrants its equipment to be free from defects in

workmanship and material under normal and proper use and service for one year
from date of purchase by original user. HDW Electronics, Inc. assumes no obligation
to repair or replace equipment which has been altered or repaired by other than a
HDW Electronics, Inc -approved procedure, been subject to misuse, misapplication,
improper maintenance, negligence or accident; has had its serial number or any part
thereof altered, defaced or removed; or been used with parts other than those
approved by HDW Electronics, Inc. Warranty does not include batteries. Expendable
items such as fuses and lamps are excluded.

Any product proved defective under this warranty will be repaired or replaced free of
charge at the HDW Electronics, Inc factory or approved HDW Electronics, Inc repair
station. The equipment should be returned to our factory by prepaid transportation
after requesting and receiving return authorisation from our Service Department.
HDW Electronics, Inc obligations are limited to repair or replacement of broken or
defective parts which have not been abused, misused, altered or accidentally
damaged or at the option of HDW Electronics, Inc to refund of the purchase price.
HDW Electronics, Inc. assumes no liability for removal or installation costs,
consequential damages or contingent expenses of any other nature.
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