Experience with aging and humidity tests according to IEC Report 932

The aim, object and first experiences with this report are presented. IEC Report 932 aims at classifying medium voltage indoor switchgear and control gear. Three design classes (0, 1 and 2) corresponding with three degrees of severity of service conditions with regard to condensation and pollution have been defined. First investigations have been carried out at the HV-Laboratory of Technical University of Darmstadt by using a medium voltage switchgear model. Additionally, some investigations at real switchgear panels have been performed. These investigations showed that the tightness of the switchgear enclosure with regard to the penetration of the outer climate is of primary importance. Using partial discharge and leakage current measurement as diagnostic tools in the so-called “penetration test” is an intelligent test procedure. However, some problems with regard to suitable hardware facilities have still to be solved. Modification of IEC Report 932 for applications on dry type power transformers is of interest. First testing experiences are reported