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Partial Discharge Testing
Detect Electrical Faults Before They Cause Failure
What Partial Discharge Reveals
Partial discharge (PD) is a localized electrical breakdown that gradually degrades insulation and conductive components — often long before it's detectable without specialized tools. Left unaddressed, PD can affect transformers, bushings, arrestors, switchgear, cables, and other substation components above 1000V, and by the time it's noticeable, significant damage may already have occurred.
Our trained FITs detect these early warning signs on energized equipment — no system shutdown required.
What PD Inspections Can Detect:
- Insulation deterioration
- Arcing and electrical discharges
- Breakdown in transformer insulating liquid
- Internal voids or cavities in solid or liquid dielectrics
- Surface discharge at insulation boundaries
- Corona activity around connections and insulators
4 Benefits of Partial Discharge Testing
The Earliest Possible Warning
PD inspections detect certain failure indicators long before other inspection methods can, giving you maximum lead time to act.
Build a Complete Diagnostic Picture
PD data combined with oil analysis and IR scanning results on your Transformer Dashboard® enables more accurate diagnoses and better maintenance decisions.
No Downtime Required
Our FITs perform PD inspections on energized equipment, so you get critical condition data without interrupting your operation.
Confirm What's Happening Inside
PD testing can confirm transformer oil testing results or serve as a standalone detection technique giving you confidence in every maintenance decision.
Understanding PD Inspections
How Our PD Inspection Process Works
01
Consult
We start by understanding your fleet, your facilities, and your specific concerns so every PD inspection is purposeful, targeted, and focused on what matters most to your operation.
02
Inspect
Our trained FITs use tools including ultrasound parabolic dishes, contact probes, and Transient Earth Voltage (TEV) sensors to detect discharge activity on energized equipment without powering down your system.
03
Analyze
A specialist correlates PD findings with oil analysis results, IR data, and visual inspection notes, uploading everything directly to your Transformer Dashboard®.
04
Act
You receive a clear report with severity ratings, likely causes, and recommended next steps — whether that's closer monitoring, further testing, or scheduled repairs.
See Your Fleet's Health at a Glance
Combining human expertise with powerful data visualization.
Your data, your way. Whether you're managing one transformer or an entire fleet, Transformer Dashboard® helps you stay ahead of potential issues and make informed decisions fast.
Our secure, web-based Transformer Dashboard® gives you:
- Easy access to test results anytime, anywhere
- Visual trend analysis that spots problems before they escalate
- Maintenance planning tools to optimize your resources
- Real-time insights backed by expert interpretation
From raw data to strategic action — all in one intuitive platform.
IR Windows with Ultrasound Ports
Safer access for both IR thermography and PD inspections.
IR windows allow for safe IR thermography on energized equipment without opening switchgear, breaker panels, or cabinet transformer doors — eliminating the arc-flash risk inherent in traditional inspections.Â
With an optional ultrasound port, IR windows also enable ultrasonic PD data collection during regular IR scans, making both inspections safer, faster, and more repeatable. Our technicians can specify and install IR windows on your cabinet transformer doors and metal-enclosed and metal-clad switchgear.
Experience the SDMyers Difference
Get more out of your PD inspections.
Partial discharge testing is just one part of your transformer fleet reliability journey. We pair PD inspections with visual inspection, oil analysis, and IR scanning — capturing all findings at the same point in time so our diagnostic team can correlate results and make more accurate, specific recommendations.
Certifications & Standards
We align with industry standards and best practices to deliver accurate testing, sound diagnostics, and safe fieldwork.
Get Started with Partial Discharge Testing
Detect internal discharge threats before they lead to costly failures.
Call (330) 630-7000 or fill out the form to connect with an SDMyers transformer expert today.
