Transient Earth Voltage (TEV) testing

Detecting partial electrical discharge effectively and efficiently

It is essential that you monitor, manage, and maintain your commercial electrical systems to ensure that everyone and everything is kept safe.

Making a TEV test key. Key in order to avoid equipment failure and potential electrical fires, and key to keeping you compliant at all times.

This specific form of testing allows us to detect any signs of partial discharge quickly and put in place suitable courses of action and repairs effectively.

We’re also able to carry out testing while the equipment is still operational, meaning no costly downtime or disruptions to your everyday activities.

Speak to a member of our team today to find out more.

What is TEV testing?

A TEV test is a non-invasive way to detect partial discharge in switchgears before any issues lead to larger and more costly problems.

Partial discharge often occurs in high-voltage environments, where small areas of insulation fail and begin to break down due to electrical stress, and cause tiny electrical sparks to appear inside the insulator or at electrical connectors.

If these tiny sparks aren’t dealt with, they will often grow into major faults. For example, insulation will continue to deteriorate over time, leading to complete failure; equipment will stop working properly; and the most significant issue…people will be put at risk.

These tiny sparks can occur at any point of weakness, primarily in high-voltage equipment.

Types of partial discharge

There are three main types of partial discharge that we will be able to detect and repair:

Internal partial discharge

Here, partial discharge occurs inside the insulation.

Surface partial discharge

In this instance, partial discharge tracks across the insulation.

Corona partial discharge

Partial discharge of this type comes from a sharp electrode into gas.

When we look at the types of partial discharge in more detail, there are some important points to note:

Ensuring that the correct repairs and replacements are carried out and picking up on those early warning signs, the team at B-Engineering is here for you.

Book your TEV test with the experts today.

TEV testing equipment

TEV testing uses specific devices, such as transient earth voltage sensors, to detect problems as they use the electromagnetic and ultrasonic emissions from partial discharge to highlight a fault.

We will use all handheld TEV tools to externally scan equipment and check for faults, with most tests only taking a few minutes per panel or switchboard to carry out, making it a quick process that doesn’t affect operations or cause disruption to activities.

We will also check all switchgears and panels for signs of stress, any strange smells, and listen for any crackling noises coming from the insulation.

Surface partial discharge

Benefits of transient earth voltage testing

TEV testing is suitable for any business operating high voltage switch gears, such as manufacturing, data centres, hospitals, universities, and utilities, for example.

Some of the main benefits a TEV test can offer include:

Offers early warning and identification of any partial discharge problems

There is no disruption to operations during testing.

Testing provides accurate results, providing peace of mind that equipment and people are protected.

Regular testing helps to reduce risk and ensure continuity.

We provide clear reporting for internal reference and compliance.

An extension of your safety team

We use advanced detection tools matched with our years of experience, industry knowledge, and insight to provide you with high-quality electrical testing solutions that are suited to your specific requirements.

We work across a wide range of sectors, tailoring our electrical services to meet your needs – we understand that not all businesses are the same, which is what makes us different.

Working together, think of us as an extension to your safety team.

Call us today for a quote and to book your transient earth voltage test.

Frequently asked questions

What is TEV testing?

Transient earth voltage testing is an electrical test carried out in order to identify partial discharge in insulation or connectors. Partial discharge occurs in high-voltage electrical equipment insulation and will lead to complete failure of the equipment and, worse, a risk to safety if not repaired.

Partial discharge can occur due to poor electrical installation, ageing of insulation, manufacturing defects, environmental impact, and even third-party damage. If you suspect partial discharge, call B-Engineering today – 01925 551 516.

Partial discharge emits energy, which can be detected using specialist tools that will detect ultra-high frequency energy, which often indicates insulation failure. Testing will take baseline readings, which are then evaluated by an experienced engineer to check insulation quality, locate the area where there is partial discharge, and target these for repair. A TEV test is a non-intrusive testing process that is quick and straightforward for professional engineers to carry out.

TEV testing helps to ensure that all electrical equipment is safe to use, protecting people and equipment. It can help to extend the lifespan of equipment, as well as reduce the risk of downtime (costing money) and more expensive repairs, as any issues are identified and acted upon early.

All of our engineers are reliable, experienced, and friendly. We carry out thorough tests and provide you with detailed reports, highlighting any faults alongside recommendations. We also offer a range of services, such as carrying out online (in-service) and offline (factory) partial discharge testing, which can be carried out on rotating machinery using high voltage insulation.

Contact us to find out more.