Suggestions to augment the IEC60270 partial discharge standard in relation to radiated electromagnetic energy

The IEC60270 standard has become the key reference for general measurement of partial discharge (PD) in high voltage. This paper discusses the need to include reference to radiated emissions within this standard alongside the additional PD detection techniques outlined in the Annex. The paper suggests that the Annex should in the future also make reference to combined simultaneous IEC60270 and RF measurement systems allowing traditional apparent charge measurements to be complimented by knowledge of the radiated signals. The issues of RF calibration through the deployment of a combined measurement system are also discussed as well as the potential of a combined apparent charge and RF system to help further identify basic PD fault types.