Partial Discharge Testing 1-Day Course
This 1-day, in-person course is designed for managers and technical staff who wish to gain a general, useful and practical understanding of partial discharge (PD) — specifically how it arises, how it is detected, and how it is interpreted in high voltage equipment. Attendees typically might have prior technical training and expertise at any level but not necessarily specific to partial discharge testing. Attendees should have a basic understanding of electricity and high voltage insulation systems.
- Fully aligned with AS/NZS 3760
- Hands-on training with real equipment
- Perfect for for managers and technical staff
1
Day
$595
+ GST · All Incl.
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$595
+ GST
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Includes all course material and course meals.
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About The Course
Built For Managers and Technical Staff
- Fundamentals of electricity and insulation systems as they apply to high voltage equipment
- How insulation ages and fails, and where partial discharge fits into that failure progression
- The physics behind partial discharge and the conditions required for it to occur
- The different types and characteristics of PD — internal, surface and corona discharge
- The range of PD detection technologies and sensor types available, and their strengths and limitations
- The difference between online and offline PD testing, and where each is applied
- Relevant international standards (IEC 60270, IEC 62478) and practical testing considerations
- How PD testing is applied across cables, switchgear, transformers and rotating machines
What You’ll Learn
Split Into Theory & Hands-On Practice
Module 1: Electrical and Insulation Fundamentals (8:30–9:15)
- Voltage and electric fields, insulation stress, AC waveform basics
- Solid, liquid and gaseous insulation systems
- Insulation ageing, breakdown, and condition assessment methods
- Where PD fits into insulation failure progression
Module 2: Partial Discharge Fundamentals (9:30–10:30)
- What PD is, why it occurs, and the conditions required
- PD physics: field intensification, ionisation, electron avalanche, discharge extinction
- Types of PD: internal, surface and corona discharge
- PD characteristics: PDIV/PDEV, pulse generation, frequency content, acoustic and electromagnetic emissions
Module 3: Detection Methods (10:45–12:15)
- Detection technologies: acoustic, ultrasonic, TEV, UHF, HFCT and radiometric methods
- How sensors work, and their advantages and limitations
- Online vs offline testing: applications, benefits and limitations
Module 4: Measurement and Analysis (12:45–14:45)
- Data acquisition: sampling fundamentals and signal capture
- Noise and interference: common sources and discrimination techniques
- PRPD analysis: understanding phase-resolved patterns and identifying common defect types
- Severity assessment: magnitude, repetition rate, trending, and the limitations of single measurements
Module 5: Practical Applications and Standards (15:00–16:00)
- Equipment applications: cables, switchgear, transformers and rotating machines
- Location techniques: basic TDR concepts and time-of-arrival
- Standards and best practice: IEC 60270 and IEC 62478 overview, practical testing considerations
- Case studies: cable defect, switchgear corona, transformer internal PD
Q&A (16:00–16:30)
- Participants will complete:A short written assessment
Certificate of Completion
- Awarded upon successful completion of the assessment.
Why Choose This Course
Hands-On Learning, That’s Immediately Applicable
This course is designed to give you practical skills you can use right away in your role.
Meet Steve
Lead RF Trainer · Electrotest Ltd
“I’ve been doing RF work for fifty years. This course covers everything I wish someone had sat me down and explained when I started.”
Steve runs every session personally. He’ll walk you through RF principles, take you through every measurement hands-on with real equipment, and answer the questions you actually have about work you’re doing in the field.
50+
Years in RF
1
Day Course
1:1
Field Q&A time
Is This For Me?
If You Work With High Voltage Assets — Yes.
PLEASE NOTE: This is not a course that provides any type of certification for performing partial discharge testing on high voltage equipment.
- Electrical engineers and technical professionals working with high voltage equipment
- Project managers and project engineers involved in high voltage electrical projects
- Asset managers and managers responsible for high voltage equipment and condition assessment
- Maintenance, reliability and asset management personnel
- Electrical testing, commissioning and field personnel
- Engineers and technicians involved in the installation, maintenance or assessment of high voltage cables, switchgear, transformers or rotating machines
- Technical and non-technical managers who need to understand high voltage insulation, partial discharge and the implications of PD test results
- Professionals who receive, review or manage partial discharge testing and condition assessment reports
FAQ
Common Questions.
Something not covered? Click “Enquire Now” or email info@electrotest.co.nz and we’ll get back to you.
1. Do I need prior electrical experience?
No, this course is designed for beginners and does not require previous electrical knowledge.
2. What’s included in the course fee?
All course materials, hands-on training, and meals are included.
3. What kind of appliances will we be testing?
Both Class I and Class II portable appliances are included in the practical sessions.
4. Will I get a certificate?
Yes, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion upon passing the written and practical assessments.
5. Can this be delivered at my workplace?
Yes, on-site training options are available for teams.
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