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“The Right to Information, The Right to Live” “Step Out From the Old to the New”

IS 7816 (1975): Guide for testing insulation resistance of

rotating machines [ETD 15: Rotating Machinery]

“!ान $ एक न' भारत का +नम-ण”

Satyanarayan Gangaram Pitroda
“Invent a New India Using Knowledge”

“!ान एक ऐसा खजाना > जो कभी च0राया नहB जा सकता ह”

है”
ह
Bhartṛhari—Nītiśatakam
“Knowledge is such a treasure which cannot be stolen”
( Reaffirmed 2002 )
 Indian Standard
GUIDE FOR TESTING INSULATION
RESISTANCE OF ROTATING MACHINES

Rotating Machinery Sectional Committee, ETDC 15

ChUil7Wl Representing
SW J. S. ZAVERI Bharat Bijlee Ltd, Bombay

Members
Spu C. E. BHA~KARCiao (Alternate
_ to Shri J. S. Zaveri)
S&+ APPuKwrrAN Fact Engineering and Design organization,
Udyogamandal
SHR~G. HARINDRAN (Alhnutd)
ASSISTANT DIRECXORELE~~ICAL Naval Headquarters, New Delhi
BNGINI~ERI~G
( ~~ATERIAL)
STAFFOFFICERLEANDERPROJECT
,,$E.g~c/l W~4
Guest, Keen, Williams Ltd, Bombay
S&r A. S. ABHYANKAR(Alternate)
Sm A. S. BENDRE Hindustar. Brown Boveri Ltd, Bombay
SHRI Y. D. DOSAJ (Alternate)
SW G. R. BHATIA Directorate General of Supplies & Disposals
(Inspection Wing), New Delhi
SKRI J. S. PASSI(Alternate)
SHRI. C. S. BIJLANI Walchandnagar Industries Ltd, Walchandnagar
SHRI K. S. CWTTERJEE Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd, Hardwar
SHRI R. K. AGGARWAL (Alternate)
DR B. G. DESM, Jyoti Limited, Baroda
SHRI P. L. PRADHAN(Alternate)
DIRRcTOR (HED-1) Central Electricity Authority, New Delhi
DEPW DIRECTOR (HED-I) (Al&z&)
DR S. K. GUPTA Research and Development Organization for
Electrical Industry, Bhopal
DR A. K. GoswAMy Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd, Bhopal
SHRI A. S. R. SHASTRI(Altcmate)
JOINT DIRECTOR STANDARDS Railway Board @finistry of Railways)
(ELSXTRICAL-I)
DEPUTY D~RECXORSTANDARDS
:SHRI T(eR”z;z;;-II) (Ahnate)
Siemens India Ltd, Bombay
S&u i. L. NARAYANAN(Alternate)
SHRI B. MUKHOPADHYYA National Test House, Calcutta
SHR~D. N. UPADHYAYA (Alternate)
(-m&w3

J
Q Copyright 1976
INDIAN STANDARDS INSTITUTION
~hii publication is protected under the Zndiun Copyright Act (XIV of 1957) and
reproduction in whole or in part by any means except with etten mn of the
: publisher shall be deemed to be an infringemant of copyright under the said Act.
9
 MdSlS RcfJfesenting

SERlA.K.NAOAZKA~ Kirlckar Elestric Company Ltd, Bangalore

LT-COLS. P. NARULA Army Headquarters, New Delhi
Sam S. K. SARXAR(Al-)
SEN K. G. PARUCIFI Millowne~’ Association,Bombay
SB.U S. S-L - (Alternate)
SERX D. P. PATEL Crompton Greaves Ltd, Bombay
SHU R. K. T- (Akmate)
DRG.M.pAADyB In~~m~~trical Manufacturers’ Association,

Smu J. R. hfAE.tJAN ‘I
(Altcma&,
&uK.N.WAMY Diie~;t;e~l of Technical Development,

DR VAXILAHYEO (Alterm&)
SI33U--RA Delhi Electric Supply Undertaking, New Delhi
SERI P. mu (Alkmatu)
Bharat Heavy Blcctricals Ltd, Hyderabad
7Z.2ZALI NDALARAO (Alkmuk)
Sni N. S&~WAN, Director General ISI (Ex-qdscioMe&r)
Dinxtor (Elec tech)

secretary
SHRI R. C. JAIN
Deputy Director (Elec tech), IS1

Panel for Finalization of Guide for Testing of Insulation Resistance of

Rotating Machines, ETDC 15 : P14

Smq K. S. CIwlTlrpJBe Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd, Hardwar

M&S
Smu K. S. RAO (Alknmk to
Shri K. S.. Chattajcc)
Bharat Heavy Blectricals Ltd, Bhopal
ZL..~.v~~- Jyoti Limited, Baroda
Siemens India Ltd, Bombay
National Tat House, Calcutta
Bhant Heavy Bkctricab Ltd, Hydrnbrcl

2
 IQ : 7m - 1@75

CXJ’flX FOR TESTING lNSULATION

RESISTANCE OF ROTATING MACHINES

0. FOREWORD
.
8.1 This IndianStandard was adopted by the Indian Standards Institution
on 15 October 1975, after the draft finalized by the Rotating Machinery
Sectional Committee had been approved by the Electrotechmcal Division
Council.
0.2 This guide describes characteristics of insulation resistance of windings,
the manner in which these characteristics may serve to indicate the condition
of the winding and the testing procedure for obtaining insuIation resistance
values.
0.3 This standard has been prepared with a view to achieving the following
objectives:

4 To describe and define insulation resistance as applied to the wind-

ing of a rotating machine.
b) To review the factors which affect or change insulation resistance
characteristics and recommend uniform test conditions.
4 To outline and recommend uniform methods for measuring insula-
tion resistance together with precautions for avoiding erroneous
results.
4 To provide a basis for interpreting insulation resistance test results
to estimate the suitability of the insulation system of winding for
service or for high voltage test.
4 To present empirical formulae, based on machine ratings, for the
calculation of recommended minimum insulation resistance values
for various types of rotating machines.

0.4 This standard is not intended to be applied for routine or type testing
for insulation resistance of rotating machines but to bring out the various
factors influencing the insulation resistance of a machine and to help in the
correct assessment of the condition of the insulation whenever this infaLtion
is required. It is, therefore, expected to assist both the manufactuzcr 4
the user to verie the condition of the insulation of the machine.
05 In the preparation of this standard, assistance has been derived %wn
IEEE Code No. 43 ‘Recommended guide for testing insulation r&stance &
rotating machinery’ issued by Institutionof Electrical and Ekctztmim
Errgineers, USA.

3
IS : 7816 - 1975

0.6 In reporting the result of a test made in accordance with this standard
if the final value, observed or calculated, is to be rounded off, it shall be
done in accordance with IS : 2-1960*.

1. SCOPE
1.1 This guide lays down method for the measurement of insulation
resistance of armature and field windings of all types and voltages of rotating
electrical machines rated 1 MW and above.
1.2 This standard also recommends minimum values of insulation resistance
of windings of ac and dc rotating machines.

2. TERMINOLOGY
2.1 For the purpose of this standard, in addition to the definitions given in
IS : 1835 (Part XXXV)-1973t the following definition shall apply.
2.1.1 Polarization. Index - It is the ratio of the IO-minute insulation
resistance value to the l-minute resistance value.

3. GENERAL INFORlMA’l’tON
3.1 Insulation resistance is the term generally used to describe the quotient
of the applied voltage between the windings and frame or between open
windings divided by the current at some given time measured from the start
of electrification ; thus references to terms like ‘one-minute’ or ‘ten-minute’
insulation resistance have been made in this guide.
NOTE 1 -Before commencing the insulation resistance test, the continuity of the
winding shall be checked.
NOTE 2 -‘The current which results from the applied direct voltage consiits of two
parts; that which flows in leakage paths over the surface of the insulation and that which
flows within the volume of the insulation. The current which flows within the volume of
the insulation may be further subdivided as follows:
The capacitance charging current is of comparatively high magnitude and short
duration. Usually the charging current has effectively disappeared by the time
the first readings are taken, and does not affect the measurements.
The absorption current decays at a decreasing rate from a comparatively high
initial value to zero. The resistance-time relationship is a power function which
may be plotted on log-log graph paper as a straight line. Usually the resistance
measured in the first few minutes of a test is largely determined by the absorption
current.
The conduction current, which, with the surface leakage current, is practically
steady with time. These currents predominate after the absorption current has
become insignificant.
NOTE 3 - The discharge current which flows after the removal of the impressed voltage
in a suitable discharge circuit consists of following two parts:

*Rules for rounding off numerical values (revised).

tElectrotechnica1 vocabulary: Part XXXV Rotating machines.

4
 IS : 7816 - 1975

a) The capacitance discharge current which is nearly instantaneous, depending upon

the dischgc rc&tance, and
b) The absorption discharge current which decays from a high initial value to zero.
3.2 The insulation resistance of a rotating machine winding is a function
of the type and assembly of insulating material. In general, it varies directly
with the thickness of the insulation and inversely with conductor surface area.
3.3 Insulation resistance measurements are affected by the factors given
below :
Surface condition,
z] Moisture,
Temperature,
:I Magnitude of test voltage,
e> Duration of application of test voltage,
f 1 Residual charge in the winding,
Ageing of insulation, and
fj Mechanical stresses.
3.3.1 The effects of some of these factors are described in 4.
3.4 Readings of insulation resistance are usually taken after the application
of test voltage for 15 seconds and 1 minute and if facilities are available after
10 minutes to provide data for obtaining the polarization index.
3.4.1 The polarization index may be expressed as the ratio of the values
of IO-minute to l-minute insulation resistances.
3.4.2 Alternatively, the polarization index may be expressed by the ratio
of values of 60-second to 15-second insulation resistances.
NCITE- Depending upon the facilities available any one of the methods, given in
3.411 and 3.4.2 may be chosen for expressing the polarization index but it shall be clearly
specified which method is to be adopted, before the test is performed. The value of the
polarization index,shall be expressed alongwith the ratio of time employed.

3.5 The interpretation of insulation resistance measurements of machine

windings is described in 8. A history of such measurements for a particular
winding is valuable. The polarization index (ratio of lo-minute to l-minute
insulation resistance readings) is a useful means of determining if a machine
is suitable for high voltage testing or for operation. For this purpose, the
effett of temperature is usually small enough to be neglected and correction
for temperature is not required. However, (see 8.2, 8.3) when only the
l-minute insulation resistance value is available, it may be compared to the
calculated recommended minimum value of insulation resistance, after the
observed value has been corrected for temperature (see 4.3).

4. FACTORS AFFECTING INSULATION RESISTANCE

4.1 E&ct of Surface Condition
4.1.1 Foreign matter, such as carbon, dust, oil, grease and corrosive

5
vapour dspaited on creepage surfaces, lowers the insulation resistance.
The carbon dust is particularly important in the case of machines having
commutators or slip rings or both as these machines have relatively large
exposed creepage surfaces.
4.1.1.1Dust on insulation surfaces which is ordinarily non-conducting
when dry may, when exposed to moisture, become partially conducting and
lower the insulation resistance.
4.1.1.2 If the insulation resistance is reduced because of &nation
or excessive surface moisture, it may usually be boaught up to its proper
value, where no defect exists, by cleaning and drying to remove the moisture.
4.2 Effect of Moisture
4.2.1Regardless of the cleanliness of the winding surface, if the winding
temperature is at or below the dew point of the ambient air, a moisture film
forms on the insulation surface and lowers the insulation resistance. The
effect is more pronounced if the surface is contaminated. It is important
to make resistance measurements when the winding temperature is above the
dew point.
42.2 Many types of winding insulation are hygroscopic and moisture
may be drawn into the body of the insulation from the humid ambient air.
Absorbed moisture has a large effect on the insulation resistance. Machines
in service are usually at a temperature high enough to keep the insulation
corn aratively dry. Machines out of service may be heated to keep the
win C!ing temperature at least 5°C above the dew point.
4.2.3 If the machine is out of service for a long time, it is likely to absorb
moisture. Drying out operation in accordance with 8.41 of IS : 900-1965*
shall, therefore, be carried out before the machine may be put into operation
if the insulation resistance value and the values of polarization index are low.
Figure 1 illustrates a typical example of the values of insulation resistance
for 10 minutes and 1 minute during drying process.
4.2.4 When’tests are to be made on a machine that has been in service,
the tests should be made before the machine winding temperature drops to
room temperature. The opportunity should b: taken to test at several
temperatures to establish the applicable temperature coefficient (see 4.3.4).
43 E&ct of Temperature
4.3.1When polarization index is used to determine the insulation condi-
tion the effect of temperature is usually small enough to be disregarded and
it is not necessary to make a temperature correction. The effect of tempera-
tures on oolarization index is small if the machine temoerature
I does not
change b&ween the l- and IO-minute readings.
43.2 Insulation resistance of most of the insulating materials varies
inversely with temperature.
*Code of practice for insulationand maintenanceof induction ndoti (rwW).

6
 x6:7616-I67S

0 20 CO 60 60 100 120
TIME ( HOURS 1
Initial Winding Temperature 2532
Final Winding Temperature 75%
FIG. 1 TYPICAL VALUES OF I-~&NIJTE AND IO-MINUTE
INSJLATION RESSTANCE DU_B(ING
THE DRYING PROCESSOF A CLASS B
INSULATEDac ARMATLJIZE
WINDING OF LARGE MACXINE
NOTE- The polarization index values in the figures relates to IO-minuta to
1 -minute insulation resistance values.

4.3.3 To minimize the effect of temperature when comparing the resulti

of insulation resistance test, or when applying the recommended minimum
value of insulation resistance as given in 9, it is important that the test vabu
should be corrected to 40°C. ‘l+z correction may be made conveniegtly
by use of the following formula :
Rwc = &o-c x R,
where
= insulation resistance (in megohms) corrected to_4O”C$
= measured msulation resistance of the wrndmg (ur
megohms) at PC, and
R &PC = temperature coefficient of insulation resistance aa
observed for temperature t”C found in accordance with
4.3.4 (see Fig. 2).
NOTE-For example,it may be notedthat an insulation
havinga raiatancxof 100
~at6oCmighthavearerirtanceat400Cof10~andat720Cof1mceohm.
433.1 The insulation resistance temperature coefficient is influenced
by the same variables which affect insulation resistance (JSS4.1and 4.2).
43.4 Tbe correction of insulation resistance to 40°C may be donetiy
making measurements at several temperatures, all above the dew
and plotting the results. When a logarithmic scale is used for insuE tion

7
I6:76l6-1975
resistance and a linear scale for temperature, test points should approximate
a straight line which indicates the 40°C value. For a similar condition,
KW for any temperature may be determined from such a plot by inversion
of formula given in 43.3.
433 The value of the temperature coefficient of insulation resistance is
also dependent on the class of insulation system used (see IS : 1271-1958*).
43.6 An approximate value for the temperature coefficient xpy be
obtained by using Fii. 2 which is based on doubling of insulation resistance
for each 18°C reduotion in temperature (above dew point).

RESISTANCE 1~~) TO LO*C, MULTIPLY

BY THE TEMPERATURE COEFFICIENT

WINDING TEMPERATURE (*C 1

FIG. 2 APPROXIMATETEMPERATURECOEFFICIENT OF INSULATION
RESISTANCEOF ARMATUREWINDING OF ROTATING MACHINE
4.4 Effect of Magnitude of Test Voltage
44.1 In the measurement of insulation resistance the applied voltage shall
lSpeci&tion for classificationof insulatingmaterials for electricalmachinery and
apparatus
in relationto theirthermalstabilityin service.

8
 18: 7616-1975

be restricted to a value appropriate to the voltage rating of the w$ding.

This is particularly important in the case of smal& low-voltage machmes
wet or water-soaked units. If the test voltage is too high, the applied g
voltage may actually overstress and cause failure of the insulation.
4.U Insulation resistance tests are usually made at direct voltage of 500
to 5 000 volts depending upon the rated voltage of tbe winding. The value
of insulation resistance decreases somewhat with an increase in applied
voltage, however, for machines in good condition substantially the same
insulation resistance is obtained for auy test voltage up to the peak value of
the rated operating voltage.
4.43 If the insulation resistance decreases signikantly with an increase
in applied voltage it may be an indication of imperfections or Gactmes of
the Insulation aggravated by the presence of dirt or moisture, or may be due
to the effects of dirt or moisture alone, or may result from numerous other
phenomena not necessarily associated with any defect or weakness. The
change in resistance is more pronounced at voltages considerably above
operating voltage as used in dc high voltage insulation testing.

4.5 Effect of Duration of Application of Test Voltrrge; Polarization

Index
4.5.1 The measured insulation resistance of a winding normally increases
with the duration of application of the direct test voltage (see Fig. 3). The
increase usually is rapid when the voltage is first applied and the readings
gradually approach a fairly constant value as time elapses. After 30 seconds
of voltage application, these resistances may be a small fraction of their final
values. The measured insulation resistance of a dry winding in good condi-
tion may continue to increase for hours with constant test voltage continu-
ously applied; however, a fairly steady value is usually reached in 10 to 15
minutes. If the winding is wet or dirty, the steady value is usually reached
in 1 or 2 minutes after the test voltage is applied. The slope of the curve
which is an indication of insulation conditions, is usually apparent if a lO-
.
minute test is made.
4.5.1.1 The amount of insulation resistance increase with the duration
of the test voltage application may be useful in appraising the cleanliness and
the dryness of a winding. If facilities are available, the test voltage may be
applied for 10 minutes or more to develop the dielectric absorption charac-
teristic. This characteristic may be used to advantage to detect moisture or
dirt in the windings.

4.52 The polarization index is the ratio of the lo-minute resistance value
to the 1-minute resistance value. The polarization index may be considered
as a means of expressing the shape of the characteristic curve. (AM4.5.1.1 and
Fig. 1 and 3) in terms of a single numerical quantity, since a rising curve
tends to increase the index and a flat curve tends to lower it. The polariza-
tion index is useful in the appraisal of the winding for dryness and for fitness

9
 TIME (MINUTESI

FM%. 3 TYPICAL &RVIZS SHOWING VARIATION OF INSULATION

RJ&?ISTANGRWITH Turx FOR CLASS B INSTJLATRD~~.TERNATING-
~~RRRNTARMA~RE~~D~NGS

for high voltage tests. The measurements for determining polarization

index should be made just prior to making the high voltage test (see8 and 9).
43.9 The l-minute readings of insulationresistanceare influencedby the
absorption characteristics. However? the l-minute insulationresistanceis
usefulfor evaluating insulationcondtuonwhere comparisonsare to be made
with earlier and later data, similarly obtained.

4.6 E&et of Existing Chnrge on Winding Iadation Resistance

lb&wmwnents
4.6.1Insulation resistance measurements may be in error if residual
charges exist in the insulation. Therefore, before measuring insulation
resistanceor polarization index, windingsshall be completely dischargedto
the earthed machine frsune. If any doubt exists as to the sufhciency of
discharge, discharge current should be measured. It should be negligible
compared to the expected test current.
4.6.2 After the application of high dc voltage, earthing of windings is
important for safety as well as for test accuracy. The time required for
sufkicnt dischargeto earth may amount to several hours.

10
 IS: 7816.197!I -

5. UNIF~T~&ONDlTIONS FOR MEASURING INStJLAl%ON

5.1 The insulation surface shall be clean and dry if the measurement is to
provide information on the condition within the insulation as distinguished
from the surface condition. Surface cleanliness is of great importance when
tests are made in humid weather.
5.2 The winding temperature should be a few degrees above dew point to
avoid condensation of moisture on the winding insulation. It is also
important that comparison of insulation resistances of machixie windings
shall be made at 40°C. (For converting insulation resistance values to this
temperature ste 4.3 and Fig. 2.)
5.3 It may not be necessary that the machine should be at standstill when
insulation resistance tests are made.
!L5.1 It is often desirable to make insulation resistance measurements
when the rotating winding is subject to centrifugal forces similar to those
occurring in service.
5.3.2 In case of generators, it is practical to make periodic insulation
resistance measurements while machines are rotating on short-circuit dryout.
5.3.3 Usually, machines are at standstill during measurement of insulation
resistance. Whenever this is not the case, precautions should be taken to
avoid damage to equipment or injury to personnel. Historical test records
of a given machine should indicate any special test condition.

6. WINDING CONNECTIONS FOR INSULATION RlWSTANCE

TESTS
6.1 It is desirable to test each phase separately to earth with the other
phases also earthed. This provides a useful comparison both to earth and
between phases’ under similar conditions. Furthermore, insulation resis-
tance tests of a complete winding to earth do not provide a check of the
insulation between portions of the winding.
6.2 The connecting leads, brush block assembly, cables, switches, capacitors,
potential transformer, current transformer, lightning arresters, and other
external equipment may influence the insulation resistance test reading on a
machine winding to a marked degree. Thus, it is desirable to measure the
insulation resistance of a winding exclusive of the external equipment of the
machine, particularly, if the insulation resistance readings are low. Further,
it is necessary to earth all internal circuits that do not form part of the winding
during the test.

7. METHODS OF MEASURING INSULATION RESISTANCE

7.1 Direct measurement of insulation resistance may be made with the
following instruments.

11
I8 : 7816- 1975

7.1.1 Direct-indicating ohmmeter with self-contained hand or power-

driven generator.
7.1.2 Direct-indicating ohmmeter with self-contained battery.
7.1.3 Direct-indicating ohmmeter with self-contained rectifier using an
external ac supply.
f-L.4 Resistance bridge with self-contained galvanometer and batteries.
7.2 Insulation resistance may be calculated from readings of a voltmeter
and microammeter using an external dc supply.
7.2.1 The voltmeter-ammeter method is a simple method for the deter-
mination of insulation resistance by measurement of the voltage impressed
across the insulation and the current which flows through it. A source of dc
voltage is required and the voltmeter shall be selected to fit the maximum and
minimum voltage which may be used. The ammeter is usually a multi-
range microammeter selected to measure the full range of leakage currents
which may be encountered at the voltage or voltages used.
7.2.2 The microammeter shall be on the highest range or short-circuited
during the first few seconds of charge so that it is not damaged by the capa-
citance charging current and the initial absorption current.
7.2.3 It may be kept in mind that if the microammeter is at test voltage,
suitable precautions should be taken to ensuresafety to the operator, and by
insulating the meter to avoid inaccuracies in measurement.
7.2.4 For test voltages above 5 000 volts, the lead between the test set and
the winding shall be well insulated, shielded, of large diameter and spaced
from earth; otherwise, leakage currents and corona loss introduce errors in
the test data.
7.2.4.1 Both ends of the winding should be connected together to mini-
mize surges, shouldthe insulation fail during test.
7.2.5 Resistance is calculated from the formula R= E/I, where R is insula-
tion resistance in megohms, E is the voltmeter reading in volts, and I is the
ammeter reading in microamperes at a stated time after apphcation of test
voltage.
7.3 Another method for measurement of insulation resistance of dc windings
with their own dc source is given in Appendix A.
7.4 In general, a finite time is required to bring the voltage impressed on the
insulation to the desired test value. Full voltage should be applied as rapidly
as possible.
7.5 Instruments in which the test voltage issupplied by motor-operated
generators, batteries or rectifiers are usually used for making tests of over
one-minute duration; that is for tests for dielectric absorption or polarization
index (see 8 and 9).

12
 IS : 7816 - 1975

7.8 It is essential that the output voltage of any direct current source shall be
very steady to prevent fluctuation in the charging current due to the capa-
citance of the machine winding. When a high-voltage dc test set is supplied
by an ac source, this source should, if necessary, be regulated to provide a
non-fluctuating supply to the dc test set.
7.7 Where protective resistors are used in test instruments, their effect on the
magnitude of the voltage applied to the insulation under test should be taken
into account. The voltage drop in the resistors may be an appreciable
percentage of the instrument voltage when measuring a low insulation
resistance.
7.8 To compare with previous and future test, the same voltage should be
applied by the same method so that uniform test conditions permit a proper
comparison of results.
7.9 The measurement of insulation resistance of direct water cooled windings
of large turbo-generator machines is given in Appendix B.

8. INTERPRETATION OF l.NSULATION RESISTANCE TEST

RESULTS
8.1 Insulation resistance history of a given machine, made and kept under
uniform conditions so far as the controllable variables are concerned, is
recognized as a useful way of supervising the insulation condition. Esti-
mation of the suitability of a machine for the application of appropriate high
voltage tests or for operation may be obtained by comparing present and
previous records of polarization index or observed one-minute insulation
resistance values corrected to 40°C (see 43.4).
89 When no previous insulation resistance history is available, recommended
minimum values of polarization index or of the 1-minute insulation resistance
may be used to estimate whether the condition of the winding is satisfactory
for application of high voltage test or for operation. The observed
l+ninute insulation resistance value after correction to 40°C should be at
least equal to the recommended minimum insulation resistance value obtained
from the formula in 9.3.
82.1 Windings having large surface area, very large machine or slow-
speed machine or machines with commutators, may have values of insulation
resistance slightly less than the recommended value.
83 The observed value of insulation resistance is a useful guide in evaluating
the comb tion of a machine winding. It should not be considered as an exact
criterion. It has several limitations.
83.1 Insukdi~ resistance of a winding is not directly related to its
dielectric strength. It is impossible to specify exactly the value of insulation
resistance at which a winding may fail electrically.

13
8.4 A 4 le insulation resistance measurement at one particular voltage
does not’@!!.Idicate whether foreign matter is concentrated or distributed
throughout the winding.
8.5 Plasma Index
8.5,# Typical insulation resistance versus time characteristics are shown
by F@. 1 and 3, illustrating behaviour of insulation under diffi
condi*ons. The curves illustrate the significance of polarization index.
Polarization index is usually not affected by temperature when the
machine temperature is not changing rapidly (see 4.5).
8.53 Depending upon the winding condition, insulation class, and ma-
chine type, values of 1 to 7 have been obtained for the polarization index.
Class B insulation usually has a higher polarization index than that of a Class
A insulation. Moisture or conducting dust on a winding lowers the pola-
rization index. When high voltage ac machines have end windings, which
are tregted with semi-conducting material for corona elimination purposes,
the pal rization index may be somewhat lower than that of a similar machine
which 1)s untreated.
&&9 If the polarization index is reduced because of dirt or excessive
moisture, it may be brought up to proper value if no defects exist by cleaning
and drying to remove moisture. When drying insulation, the polarization
index may be used to indicate when the drying process may be terminated
(see Fig. 1).

9. RECOMMENDED MINIMUM VALUE OF POLARIZATION

INDEX AND INSULATION RESISTANCE
9.1 The recommended minimum polarization index or the recommended
minimum value of insulation resistance at 40°C (Z&J of an ac or dc rotating
machine winding in this specified guide is the least value which a winding
should have just prior to application of an appropriate high voltage test or if
the machine is to be operated (SGG 9.2 and 9.3).
9.1.1 It is impractical to specify a definite minimum value of insulation
resistance and polarization index of a rotating machine below which the
machine cannot be operated.
9.1.1.1 It is recognized that it is sometime possible to operate machines
with values lower than the recommended minimum value, but it is not consi-
&red good practice in the majority of cases.
9.1.2 In some cases special insulation materials or designs, not injurious
to the dielectric strength, provide lower values of insulator resistance.
9.1.2.1 When the end winding of a machine is treated with a semi-
conducting material, for corona elimination putposes, the observed insula-
tion resistance may be somewhat lower than that of a similar ma&&
which is untreated.

14
B.2 The recommendedminimum value of polarizationindex, IR~~ZRw
for ac and dc rotating machines is 1.5 for Class A insulation +UDS, 2-O
for Class B insulation systems and 1.75 for Class E insulation systems
(.a~ IS : 1271-1958*).
NCJTE-The recommended minimum value of pola&a&n index, IR,,-JZRa,-
abotild be 1.3 for all classezof insulation system of rotating maebines.

9.8 7’htrecommended minimum insulation resistance (&) for ac and dc

-chine armature windings and for field windings of ac and dc machines
may be determined by the following empirical relationship:
R, = kV+I
where
Rm = recommended minimum insulation resistance in megohms at
48°C of the entire machine winding, and
kV = rated machine voltage, in kilovolts.
Rp at WC is in effect one megohm per 1 Ooo volts plus one megohm.
9.3.1The actual winding insulation resistance to be used for compar%n
with the recommended minimum value (R,) is the observed insulation
resistance corrected to 4WC, obtained by applying dc voltage to the entire
winding for one minute.
9.3.2 Temperatnre corrections should always be made if the winding is
not at a temperature of 48°C. The observed l-minute resistance may be
corrected by multiplying by the temperature coefficient of insulation resis-
tance & 48°C (see 43.3 and 43.4 cmdFig. 2).
9.3.3 In actual practice, it is observed that the insulation resistance of one
phase of a three-phase armature winding with the other two phases earthed,
is approximately twice that of the entire winding. Therefore, when the three
phases are tested separately, the observed resistance of each hase should be
divided by two to obtain a value which after correction Por temperature,
may be compared with the recommended minimum value of insulation
resistance.
9.3.3.1 If each phase is tested separately and guard circuits are used on
the other two phases not under test, the observed resistance of cacb phase
should be divided by three to obtain a value, which after correction fo+
temperature may be compared with the recommended minimum value of
insulation resistance.
9.3.3.2 A typical example of guard circuit for insulation resismce
measurement is given in Fig. 4.

+Clasrification of insukting -terMa for electrial mAincry 8nd m mrcwiaB

to their thermal stability in am&e.

15
 93.4 It should be noted that in practice machines with insulation
tance readings 10 to 100 times the minimum recommended value
obtained from the formula (se 9.3) are not uncommon.

LUGI?PHASE LINEY PHASE LINE-B PnASE

INSTRUHENT INSTRUMENT INSTRUMENT

TRANSFORMERS TRANSFOR~~ERS TR4NSFofwEffs

GENERATOR
WINDING

IIf EARTHIN TRANSFORMER

NOTE 1 - During insulation resistance measuremen& the connection links A, B, C

at lint end as we11SUID, E, F, at neutral end shall be removed.
No-m 2 -While doing measurements on windings of one phase the other two
phase.9shall be solidly earthed abng with core.
Nolg 3-While d oing measurements on windings between phzss, the third phase
bz solidly earthed.

Fm. 4 A TYPICAL GUARD CIRCUIT FOR INSIJLATION

RESISTANCE

MEASUREMENT

16
 IS I 7816 - 1675

APPENDIX A
(Czuure7.3)
METHOD FOR MEAS- OF INSULATION RESISTANCE
OF dc WINDINGS WITH THEIR OWN dc SOURCE

A-l. GENJ3RAL
A-l.1 The insulation resistance may he calculated from reading of a volt-
meter using the dc source of the winding itself (see Fig. 5).

41 uvz
V V-

d 4
‘= =

FIG. 5 CIRCUIT FOR ~~EMUREMENTOF INSULATIQNRESISTANCEOF dc

WINDINGSWITH THEIR OWN dc SOURCE

The insulation resistance is calculated from the formula:

R=RY uv -1)
4, 4-Gi
where
R insulation resistance of the winding in ohms,
Rv == resistance of voltmeter in ohms,
voltage measured across the winding terminals in voits,
voltage of one polarity of winding to earth in volts, and
voltage of the other polarity of winding to earth in volts.

A-2. PROCEDURE
A-2.1 The test is carried out by running the machine at rated speed to deve-
lop the rated voltage across armature. The machine is open circuited a.nd
the voltage across armature terminals, that is, between posrtive and negative
with respect to earth, is measured.

17
X6:7616-1675

APPENDIX B
(Czuuse 7.9)
MEASUREMENT OF lNSULATlON RESISTANCE OF
DIRECr WATER COOLED WINDINGS OF LARGE
TURRO-GENERATOR MACHINES

B-1. Presence of water in the hollow conductors and the connecting hoses
and headers of large turbo-generators gives rise to erroneous values of the
insulation resistance .if measured in the normal way. Normally the water
supply and ret& headers housed within the machine are mounted on insula-
tors and the pipe &nnections are brought out of the generator casing through
insulators. This enables measurement of insulation resistance of dry wind-
ings in fairly accurate manner. However, once outside pipe connection for
supply of distillate to the winding are made and distillate is under circulation
then the insulation resistance of the windings is largely influenced by the
resistivity of the distillate and the parallel connections of the unearthed
windings with the earthed windings (while measuring insulation resistance).
Hence for the measurement of insulation resistance of direct water cooled
windings, the following procedure shall be followed.
a) The insulation resistance of the windings shall be measured before
connecting the external water supply connections. In case these
connections are already made and water is circulated in the windings,
then before measuring the insulation resistance, such connection &all
be removed and the windings be dried by blowing air through the
windings.
b) As high voltage tests are to be done on the water cooled windings
with water flowing through the windings, measurement of insulation
resistance before and after high voltage test may not be considered
as guiding factor for deciding suitability of the winding to perform
high voltage test.
Typical values of insulation resistance of the direct water cooled stator
winding for 200 MW turbo-generator are as follows:
1) For dry winding without the water flowing:
IR 60 500 Megohms
IR5 = 200 Megohms
2) For winding while the water is flowing:
IR 60 = IR 15 =30 to 70 kilo-ohms

18