Designation: D877/D877M − 13

Standard Test Method for

Dielectric Breakdown Voltage of Insulating Liquids Using
Disk Electrodes1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D877/D877M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope used as insulating and cooling liquids in transformers, cables,

1.1 This test method describes two procedures, A and B, for and similar apparatus.
determining the electrical breakdown voltage of insulating 1.4.1.2 Procedure A may be used to obtain the dielectric
liquid specimens. The breakdown test uses ac voltage in the breakdown of silicone fluid as specified in Test Methods
power-frequency range from 45 to 65 Hz. D2225, provided the discharge energy into the sample is less
than 20 mJ (milli joule) per breakdown for five consecutive
1.2 This test method is used to judge if the disk electrode breakdowns.
breakdown voltage requirements are met for insulating liquids,
1.4.2 Procedure B:
as delivered from the manufacturer, that have never been
filtered or dried. See Specification D3487, Specification 1.4.2.1 This procedure is used to determine the breakdown
D4652, Specification D6871 and Guide D5222 for the mini- voltage of liquids in which any insoluble breakdown products
mum specified electrical breakdown. This test method should do not completely settle from the space between the disks
be used as recommended by professional organization stan- during the 1–min interval required in Procedure A. Procedure
dards such as IEEE C57.106. B, modified in accordance with Section 17 of Test Methods
D2225, is acceptable for testing silicone dielectric liquids if the
1.3 Limitations of the Procedures: requirements of 1.4.1.2 can not be achieved.
1.3.1 The sensitivity of this test method to the general 1.4.2.2 Procedure B should also be applied for the determi-
population of contaminants present in a liquid sample de- nation of the breakdown voltage of liquid samples containing
creases as applied test voltages used in this test method become insoluble materials that settle from the specimen during testing.
greater than approximately 25 kV rms. These may include samples taken from circuit breakers, load
1.3.2 If the concentration of water in the sample at room tap changers, and other liquids heavily contaminated with
temperature is less than 60 % of saturation, the sensitivity of insoluble particulate material. These examples represent
this test method to the presence of water is decreased. For samples that may have large differences between replicate
further information refer to RR:D27-1006.2 tests. The use of Procedure B will result in a more accurate
1.3.3 The suitability for this test method has not been value of breakdown voltage when testing such liquids.
determined for a liquid’s viscosity higher than 900 cSt at 40°C.
1.4.2.3 Use Procedure B to establish the breakdown voltage
1.4 Procedure Applications of an insulating liquid where an ASTM specification does not
1.4.1 Procedure A: exist or when developing a value for an ASTM guide or
1.4.1.1 Procedure A is used to determine the breakdown standard. Procedure A may be used once the single operator
voltage of liquids in which any insoluble breakdown products precision of 13.1 has been demonstrated.
easily settle during the interval between the required repeated
1.5 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
breakdown tests. These liquids include petroleum oils,
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
hydrocarbons, natural and synthetic esters, and askarels (PCB)
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D27 on with the standard.
Electrical Insulating Liquids and Gases and is the direct responsibility of Subcom-
mittee D27.05 on Electrical Test. 1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2013. Published January 2014. Originally safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
approved in 1946. Last previous edition approved in 2007 as D877–02(2007). DOI:
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
10.1520/D0877_D0877M-13.
2
RR:D27-1006, Round-Robin Data Using Modified VDE Electrode Cell for priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
Dielectric Strength Tests on Oil, is available from ASTM Headquarters. bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 D877/D877M − 13
2. Referenced Documents before being placed into service. Test Method D1816 should be
2.1 ASTM Standards: 3 used to determine the breakdown voltage of filtered and
D923 Practices for Sampling Electrical Insulating Liquids degassed liquids.
D1816 Test Method for Dielectric Breakdown Voltage of 3.5 This test method is used in laboratory or field tests. For
Insulating Liquids Using VDE Electrodes field breakdown results to be comparable to laboratory results,
D2225 Test Methods for Silicone Fluids Used for Electrical all criteria including room temperature (20 to 30°C) must be
Insulation met.
D2864 Terminology Relating to Electrical Insulating Liq-
uids and Gases 4. Electrical Apparatus
D3487 Specification for Mineral Insulating Oil Used in
4.1 In addition to this section, use IEEE Standard 4 to
Electrical Apparatus
determine other requirements necessary for conducting test
D4652 Specification for Silicone Fluid Used for Electrical
Insulation methods and making measurements using alternating voltages.
D5222 Specification for High Fire-Point Mineral Electrical Procedures to ensure accuracy should follow the requirements
Insulating Oils of IEEE Standard 4. Calibration(s) shall be traceable to
D6871 Specification for Natural (Vegetable Oil) Ester Fluids national standards and should be conducted annually or more
Used in Electrical Apparatus often.
4.1.1 Test Voltage—The test voltage shall be an alternating
2.2 IEEE Standards:4
voltage having a frequency in the range from 45 to 65 Hz,
Standard 4, IEEE Standard Techniques for High-Voltage
normally referred to as power-frequency voltage. The voltage
Testing
waveshape should approximate a sinusoid with both half cycles
C57.106 Guide for Acceptance and Maintenance of Insulat-
closely alike, and it should have a ratio of peak-to-rms values
ing Oil in Equipment
equal to the square root of 2 within 65 %.
3. Significance and Use 4.1.2 Generation of the Test Voltage— The test voltage is
generally supplied by a transformer or resonant circuit. The
3.1 The dielectric breakdown voltage is a measure of the voltage in the test circuit should be stable enough to be
ability of an insulating liquid to withstand electrical stress. The practically unaffected by varying current flowing in the capaci-
power-frequency breakdown voltage of a liquid is reduced by tive and resistive paths of the test circuit. Nondisruptive
the presence of contaminants such as cellulosic fibers, conduct- discharges in the test circuit should not reduce the test voltage
ing particles, dirt, and water. A low result in this test method to such an extent, and for such a time, that the disruptive
indicates the presence of significant concentrations of one or discharge (breakdown) voltage of the test specimen is signifi-
more of these contaminants in the liquid tested. See Appendix cantly affected. In the case of a transformer, the short-circuit
X1. current delivered by the transformer should be sufficient to
3.2 A high breakdown voltage measured in this test method maintain the test voltage within 3 % during transient current
does not necessarily indicate that the amount of the contami- pulses or discharges, and a short circuit current of 0.1 A may
nants present in a liquid from which the sample was taken is suffice.
sufficiently low for the sampled liquid to be acceptable in all 4.1.3 Disruptive Voltage Measurement— Design the mea-
electrical equipment. Test Method D877 is not sensitive to low surement circuit so the voltage recorded at the breakdown is
levels of these contaminants. Breakdown in this test method is the maximum voltage across the test specimen immediately
dominated by events occurring at the electrode edges. The prior to the disruptive breakdown with an error no greater than
voltage stress distribution between the parallel disk electrodes 3 %.
used in this test method are quasi-uniform and there is
substantial stress concentration at the sharp edges of the flat 4.2 Circuit-Interrupting Equipment— Design the circuit
disk faces. used to interrupt the disruptive discharge through the specimen
to operate when the voltage across the specimen has collapsed
3.3 This test method may be used for evaluation of insulat- to less than 100 V. It is recommended that the circuit design
ing liquids in equipment that is designed to be filled with limit the disruptive current duration and magnitude to low
unprocessed liquids as delivered by a vendor. values that will minimize damage to the disks and limit
3.4 This test method is not recommended for evaluation of formation of non-soluble materials resulting from the
the breakdown voltage of liquids used in equipment that breakdown, but consistent with the requirements of 4.1.1.
requires the application of vacuum and filtering of the oil 4.3 Voltage Control Equipment—Use a rate of voltage rise
of 3 kV/s. The tolerance of the rate of rise should be 5 % for
any new equipment. Automatic equipment should be used to
3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or control the voltage rate of rise because of the difficulty of
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM maintaining a uniform voltage rise manually. The equipment
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
should produce a straight-line voltage-time curve over the
the ASTM website.
4
Available from The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc., PO operating range of the equipment. Calibrate and label auto-
Box 1331, Piscataway, NJ 08855. matic controls in terms of rate-of-rise.

2
 D877/D877M − 13
4.4 Measuring Systems—The voltage shall be measured by fingers or with portions of the tissue paper or chamois that have
a method that fulfills the requirements of IEEE Standard No. 4, been in contact with the hands. After adjustment of the gap
giving rms values. spacing, the cup shall be rinsed with a dry solvent. A
4.5 Connect the electrodes such that the voltage measured low-boiling solvent should not be used as its rapid evaporation
from each electrode with respect to ground during the test is may cool the cup, causing moisture condensation. If this
equal within 5 %. occurs, the cup should be warmed slightly to evaporate any
moisture before use. Take care to avoid touching the electrodes
5. Electrodes or the inside of the cup after cleaning. Flush the cup using part
of the sample. Fill the cup with a specimen from a sample with
5.1 The electrodes shall have parallel faces and axes in a a known breakdown voltage. Make a voltage breakdown test as
coincident horizontal line when mounted in the cup. Construct specified in this test method. If the breakdown voltage is
the electrodes of polished brass as disks 25.4 mm [1.0 in.] in judged in the proper range for the sample with a known
diameter 62.0 %, and at least 3.18 mm [1⁄8 in.] thick, and with breakdown value, the test cup is prepared for testing other
sharp edges. The sharp edge shall have a quarter circle radius samples. If a value lower than expected is obtained, flush or
no greater than 0.254 mm [0.010 in.]. Refer to Annex A1 for clean the cup as necessary until test results meet the expected
illustrations of measuring edge radius. value for the known sample.
6. Test Cup 7.4 Electrode Edge Verification—Using a 0.254-mm [0.010-
in.] equivalent radius gauge5 or an optical comparator, verify
6.1 Construct the cup of a material having high dielectric
that the radius of the edge of the electrode, on the gap side, is
strength, that is inert to any of the cleaning or test liquids. The
less than 0.254 mm [0.010 in.]; verify the face of the electrodes
cup material shall not absorb moisture or the cleaning and test
are at 90 6 1° to the side edge of the electrode. If the edge
liquids. The vector sum of the resistive and capacitive current
radius is no greater than the value specified and the sides are at
of the cup, when filled with oil meeting the requirements of
90°, the electrodes are satisfactory for continued use. Check
Specification D3487, shall be less than 200 µA at 20 kV, at
the disk in at least four locations for each criteria. If the radius
power frequency. Construct the cup so that no part is less than
exceeds the tolerance or the edges are not at 90°, the electrodes
12.7 mm [0.5 in.] from any part (the side, back or edge) of the
shall be resurfaced to the specified values. Refer to Annex A1
electrode disk. The cup shall be designed to permit easy
for illustrations of measuring edge radius.
removal of the electrodes for cleaning and polishing, verifica-
tion that the sharp edge is within the specified tolerance, and to 7.5 Polishing of Electrodes—When examination of elec-
permit easy adjustment of the gap spacing. The top of the cup trodes shows minor scratching or pitting, the electrodes should
shall be maintained at least 25.4 mm [1.0 in.] above the top of be removed from the test cup and polished by buffing with
the electrodes. jeweler’s rouge using a soft cloth or soft buffing wheel.
(Resurfacing may be necessary in order to remove deep pit
7. Adjustment and Care of Electrodes and Test Cup marks or edge damage.) Care must be taken in resurfacing or
in polishing to ensure that the electrode faces remain perpen-
7.1 Daily Use—At the beginning of each day’s testing
dicular to the axis and the edges’ radius does not exceed the
examine the electrodes for scratches, pitting, and contamina-
value specified in 7.4. All residue from the buffing must be
tion. If pitting or scratches of the disk faces are found, polish
removed before the electrodes are reinstalled in the test cup.
in accordance with 7.5. For severe problems resurfacing may
This can be accomplished by repeated wiping with lint-free
be required. The electrodes should be examined quarterly in
tissue paper saturated with a suitable solvent (such as petro-
accordance with 7.4 for the proper sharp edge, if there is
leum ether), followed by solvent rinsing or ultrasonic cleaning.
apparent edge damage, or upon return from resurfacing. The
After the electrodes have been reinstalled in the test cup, clean
gap shall be reset in accordance with 7.2. Clean and prepare the
and adjust spacing in accordance with 7.2 and 7.3.
cup in accordance with 7.3.
7.6 Storage of Test Cup—When not in use, the cup, if used
7.2 Electrode Spacing—Gauges shall be used to set the
for referee tests, shall be stored filled with a new, dry, filtered
spacing of the electrodes during tests to 2.54 mm [0.100 in.] +
liquid of the type being tested, and tightly covered.
0.0254 mm [0.001 in.]. The gap should be set with “go” and
“no-go” gauges such that the spacing is no less than 2.51 mm 8. Sampling
[0.0990 in.] for a “go” measurement and no larger than 2.57
mm [0.1010 in.]. If the “no-go” gauge can enter the gap, the 8.1 Obtain a sample of the liquid to be tested in accordance
gap must be reset. Alternatively, if the cup is supplied with a with Practices D923. Record on the label of the sample
vernier scale for setting the gap, it can be used following the container identification of the device from which the sample
manufacturer’s instructions. Vernier scales are to be verified at was obtained, the date, and temperature of the sample at the
least monthly with gauges. Recheck the spacing following any time of collection (Note 1). Prior to starting the test, the sample
disturbance of the cup or electrodes and at operation in the
beginning of each day’s testing. 5
The sole source of supply of the apparatus known to the committee at this time
is www.starrett.com, (Radius Gauge, 0.010 in. Part 167-010). If you are aware of
7.3 Cleaning—Wipe the electrodes and the cup clean with
alternative suppliers, please provide this information to ASTM International
dry, lint-free tissue paper or a clean dry chamois. It is important Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
to avoid touching the electrodes or the cleaned gauge with the responsible technical committee,1 which you may attend.

3
 D877/D877M − 13
shall be inspected for the presence of moisture, sludge, metallic 11.3 Procedure B—When testing dielectric liquids de-
particles, or other foreign matter. If the sample shows evidence scribed in 1.4.2.1 to determine dielectric breakdown or when
of free water, the dielectric breakdown test should be waived, comparing breakdown results with other test facilities, make
and the sample shall be reported as unsatisfactory. one breakdown on each of five successive fillings of the test
NOTE 1—It is suggested that 2 L of sample be made available when cup. The mean of the five breakdowns may be reported as the
Procedure B is used, and 1 L of sample be made available when Procedure breakdown voltage, provided the range criteria of 11.4.2 are
A is used. met. Retain all breakdown values. During testing maintain at
least two significant digits for each breakdown.
9. Test Temperature
11.4 Criteria for Statistical Consistency :
9.1 Make the temperature of the test specimen about the
same as the test cup, then equilibrate the specimen and test cup 11.4.1 Calculate the mean of the 5 or 10 breakdowns using
temperature by rinsing the cup with part of the sample and the following equation:
filling the cup with the specimen within 15 s of rinsing the cup.
Record the temperature of the sample and ambient tempera- X̄ 5 n 21 S( D
n

i51
Xi (1)
ture. Tests conducted in a laboratory shall be done at room
temperature (20 to 30°C). See Terminology D2864 for defini- where:
tions. X̄ = mean of the n individual values,
Xi = ith breakdown voltage, and
10. Voltage Application to the Specimen n = number of breakdowns either 5 or 10.
10.1 Start with the voltage across the electrodes at zero. 11.4.2 Acceptable Range Criteria—Using the breakdown
Apply the test voltage as specified in Section 4 until operation values determined in 11.2 or 11.3, calculate the mean break-
of the interrupting equipment. Record the maximum voltage down value using the equation in 11.4.1. Determine the range
reached prior to the breakdown. If no breakdown takes place of the breakdown voltages as follows:
record the highest value reached and report “no breakdown”
Range 5 X Highest 2 X Lowest (2)
occurred.
where:
11. Procedure XHighest = the highest breakdown voltage of the readings, and
11.1 The dielectric breakdown voltage of liquids may be XLowest = the lowest breakdown voltage of the readings.
seriously impaired by the migration of impurities through the Determine that the range of the five breakdowns is less than
liquid. In order that a representative test specimen containing or equal to 92 % of the mean value. If the range is acceptable,
the impurities may be obtained, invert and swirl the sample report this mean value as the dielectric breakdown voltage. If
container several times before filling the test cup (Note 2). the allowable range is exceeded, then conduct five additional
Rapid agitation is undesirable, since an excessive amount of air breakdowns in accordance with 11.2 or 11.3. Obtain the new
may be introduced into the liquid. Immediately after agitation, mean breakdown value for the ten breakdowns. Determine the
use a small portion of the sample to rinse the test cup. The cup
range of the ten breakdowns and if the range is less than 151 %
shall then be filled slowly with the liquid to be tested in a
of the mean value of the ten breakdowns, report this mean
manner that will avoid entrapment of air. It should be filled to
value as the dielectric breakdown voltage for the sample. If the
a level not less than 20.3 mm [0.8 in.] above the top of the
allowable range is exceeded, the error is too large. Investigate
electrodes. In order to permit the escape of air, allow the liquid
the cause of the error and repeat the tests.
to stand in the cup for not less than 2 min and not more than
3 min before voltage is applied.
NOTE 2—It is impractical to handle liquids having viscosities ranging 12. Report
from 10 to 22 mm2/s (cSt) (60 to 100 SUS) at 100°C [212°F] in the
12.1 Report the following information:
manner outlined in 11.1. When testing high-viscosity liquids in this range,
the sample should be allowed to stand until it reaches room temperature. 12.1.1 ASTM designation of the test method used (D877),
The sample container should not be swirled as prescribed in 11.1, but 12.1.2 If Procedure B was used, the report should so
should be inverted for at least 30 min before the test, and then reinverted
and opened just prior to filling the test cup. Refer to 1.3.3. indicate,
11.2 Procedure A—When it is desired to determine the 12.1.3 The type of fluid tested,
dielectric breakdown voltage of a liquid on a routine basis, five 12.1.4 Temperature of the sample recorded at collection
breakdowns may be made on one cup filling with 1-min when available and of the specimen when tested. If the
intervals between each breakdown and the next voltage appli- temperature of the sample at sampling is not supplied, then the
cation. The mean of the five breakdowns shall be considered report should state the sampling temperature was not provided,
the dielectric breakdown voltage of the sample, provided the 12.1.5 The mean breakdown, (Note 3).
range criteria of 11.4.2 are met. Retain all breakdown test 12.1.6 If the sample was observed to contain free water, the
values. If a second series of five breakdowns is required fill the report should so indicate, with a statement that the test was not
cup with a new specimen in accordance with 11.1. During made.
testing, maintain at least two significant digits for each break- NOTE 3—Individual breakdown values should be retained and made
down. available upon request.

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 D877/D877M − 13
13. Precision and Bias Therefore, results of two properly conducted tests in different
13.1 Single-Operator Precision—The single-operator per- laboratories on the same sample of oil should not differ by
cent coefficient of variation of a single test result comprised of more than 30.3 % of the mean of the two results.
5 breakdowns has been found to be 10.7 %. Therefore, results 13.3 Bias—No statement can be made about the bias of this
of two properly conducted tests by the same operator on the test method because a standard reference material is not
same sample should not differ by more than 30.3 % of the available.
mean of the two tests. The maximum allowable range for the
series of 5 breakdowns should not exceed 92 % of the mean of
14. Keywords
the 5 breakdowns. The maximum allowable range for the series
of 10 breakdowns should not exceed 151 % of the mean of the 14.1 breakdown voltage; dielectric strength; disk electrodes;
10 breakdowns. electrical insulating liquids; test cup
13.2 Multilaboratory Precision—The multilaboratory per-
cent coefficient of variation has been found to be 10.7 %.

ANNEX

(Mandatory Information)

A1. Examples for Measuring Electrode Edge Radius

A1.1 Annex A1 covers an example to use for checking Test

Method D877 disk edge radius. The gray area represents the
disk and the white area represents the gauge. See Figs.
A1.1-A1.3.

NOTE 1—Fig. A1.2 illustrates the case where the edge has a radius equal
to the gauge. Note both edges fit to the edge of the gauge and the disk edge
fits in the radius with no gap as in Fig. A1.1. This disk is acceptable,
however, consideration should be given to machining the disk to a sharp
edge because any degradation will make it unacceptable.
FIG. A1.2 Marginally Acceptable Electrode Edge Radius

NOTE 1—Fig. A1.1 illustrates the case where the edge radius of the disk
exceeds the allowable radius. Both sides of the gauge are flush with the
disk, and the edge of the disk does not fit into the gauge. This condition
requires that the disk be machined back to a sharp edge. See Fig. A1.3 for
a sharp edge.
FIG. A1.1 Unacceptable Electrode Edge Radius

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 D877/D877M − 13

NOTE 1—Fig. A1.3 illustrates the condition of a sharp edge meeting the requirements of Test Method D877. Note the sharp edge fits into the radius
gauge and only one side of the gauge fits up against the disk while the other side has considerable space.
FIG. A1.3 Acceptable Electrode Edge Radius

APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE DIELECTRIC BREAKDOWN VOLTAGE OF INSULATING LIQUIDS AT POWER FRE-
QUENCIES

X1.1 The dielectric breakdown voltage of a liquid at power X1.1.10 Concentration of dissolved gases if saturation lev-
frequencies is also affected by the following: els are exceeded as a result of a sudden cooling or decrease in
pressure, which may cause the formation of gas bubbles,
X1.1.1 Water content of the oil,
X1.1.11 Incompatibility with materials of construction, and
X1.1.2 The temperature of the liquid as it affects the relative
saturation level of moisture in solution, X1.1.12 Velocity of flow.
A decrease in dielectric strength of the liquid can have an
X1.1.3 The degree of uniformity of the electric field, accentuated effect on the electric creepage strength of the solid
X1.1.4 The area of the electrodes, insulating materials immersed in the liquid.
X1.1.5 Volume of the liquid under maximum stress, X1.2 Because of the separate, cumulative, and in some
cases, interacting effects of the influences previously listed, the
X1.1.6 Insulation on the electrodes in electrical equipment, average breakdown voltage of a liquid as determined by this
X1.1.7 Size and number of particles in the oil, test method cannot be used for design purposes. Alternate
procedures utilizing electrode shapes and configurations simi-
X1.1.8 Length of time for which the liquid is under stress,
lar to those in the apparatus and in Test Method D1816 should
X1.1.9 Gassing tendencies of the liquid under the influence be used for oil-filled equipment utilizing well-rounded and
of electric stress, insulated electrodes.

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