Rationale for a high voltage test facility

Since the 1970s Manitoba Hydro has performed 60 Hz withstand tests together with partial discharge measurements on new and salvaged bushings and current transformers rated ≤115 kV using facilities at our service centre. Similar equipment rated 230 kV, 550 kVac and 500 kVdc has been tested only under special circumstances, and as a result has experienced a higher failure rate in service. A high voltage test facility is currently under construction in Winnipeg that has been designed for full dielectric testing of equipment rated up to 550 kVac and 500 kVdc. The original intent was for testing of instrument transformers, bushings and aerial devices. The scope has been expanded to include power transformers because the avoided costs of associated forced outages are substantial.