www.kema.com

Transmission & DistributionTesting Services.High- & Medium-Voltage Testing & Certification.

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guish KEMA from other service providers.

Around the globe, KEMA personnel serve

on leading advisory bodies, standardiza-

tion committees and other organizations

concerned with energy and testing & cer-

tification. In this way too, KEMA plays a

key role in assuring the availability, reliabil-

ity, sustainability and profitability of energy

and energy-related products and

processes throughout the world.

Independent authorityOur mission is to act as an independent,

leading authority that delivers added value

for its clients by the provision of risk, per-

formance and quality management ser-

vices linked to the production and use of

electricity, gas and heat.

To this end, we investigate and advise on

energy-related issues. We offer opera-

tional support to energy companies and

bulk energy consumers. We inspect and

assess the condition of infrastructural

assets. In addition, we operate our own,

state-of-the-art testing facilities all over

the world, to which key global players –

energy-related companies and electrical

component manufacturers, bring their

products for testing and certification every

year.

2

About KEMAEstablished in 1927, KEMA is an

independent knowledge leader and a

global provider of high-quality services to

the energy chain, specializing in business

& technical consultancy, operational

support, measurements & inspection, and

testing & certification. KEMA provides

impartial advice and support to the

producers, suppliers and users of

electricity, gas and heat, as well as to

governmental bodies. In addition, the

company also certifies products, systems

and individuals for a wide range of clients.

Technical innovation lies at the heart of

much of what we do.

Our team of professionals worldwide is

dedicated to the provision of customized

solutions. This encompasses everything

from the origination of innovative, yet

practical, answers to the energy-related

problems of the future, to the

development and implementation of

cutting-edge quality assurance services

for electrical and other high-risk

equipment and processes. For more than

eighty years quality, integrity, reliability and

expertise have been KEMA’s core values.

Sustainable balanceThose four core values are of fundamental

significance due to the complexity of the

settings in which KEMA operates. The

international energy world must soon face

its greatest challenge: realizing a

sustainable balance between economic

interests, securing an affordable energy

supply and addressing growing concerns

about our environment and climate. This

challenge has to be faced against a

background of ever-increasing energy

demand.

Key roleExpertise in the fields of energy-related

strategic and policy consultancy combines

uniquely with comprehensive technical

and technological know-how to distin-

A sure guide in a changingworld of energy.

A reliable energy supply is extremely

important, and a reliable supply begins

with reliable components. Without top-

quality circuit breakers, transformers,

cables, switches and disconnectors,

there is no guarantee of uninterrupted

service. That is true for utilities,

manufacturers, industrial users and the

wider community, and so the thorough

and impartial testing of key

transmission and distribution

components is therefore critical.

5

Economic benefits ofindependent testing.

4

KEMA started as a testing institute and

now provides a comprehensive range of

practical services in the field of

component testing. If it involves

electricity, KEMA can test it. We test

T&D components, such as breakers,

transformers and switches. We have

been putting products through their

paces for decades at our High-Voltage

and High-Power Laboratories, the

largest of their type in the world.

At first sight, testing may appear to be a

purely technical activity. Its importance,

however, is primarily economic. We often

hear from our customers that without a

KEMA certificate they would not be in

business.

Wanted: better but cheaperCompanies are under more pressure than

ever before to achieve the best possible

economic performance. This means that

manufacturers design products for

acceptable performance at the minimum

cost, but when you are designing close to

the limit, there is a greater risk of coming

up with a product that doesn’t meet the

requirements.

Clearly, testing is no more formality.

However high the financial stakes, KEMA

is always thorough and scrupulous in its

testing and the assessment of test results.

Independent testingKEMA has the full confidence of its

customers in every corner of the globe.

The most diverse components for the

electricity network are tested in the KEMA

High-Power & High-Voltage Laboratories.

The certificates and affiliated test reports

are globally accepted and indicate that the

quality of the components has been

objectively tested. This is a reassuring

thought in a sector where the quality of

the service has a direct impact on millions

of people. Every year more than 150

companies in over 30 countries regard a

KEMA certificate or a KEMA report as a

valuable marketing tool for selling their

products, and it assures buyers that the

purchased equipment complies with their

expectations. We combine more than

eighty years of experience with a

continuous interest in meeting today’s

demands - while anticipating tomorrow’s

requirements.

KEMA testing services

• To assist manufacturers: Pre-testing

to develop prototypes and

certification

• To assist network operators:

Acceptance tests on final products,

review of test specifications, quality

surveillance and training

• Test objects: Circuit-breakers, switch-

gears, power transformers, fuses,

cables and accessories, instrument

transformers and all other

transmission and distribution

components.

76

History of the KEMAlaboratories.

High-Power LaboratoryThe roots of the High-Power Laboratory

traces back to 1937 when the first KEMA

laboratory to perform short-circuit tests

was commissioned. It served the founders

of KEMA: the joint electricity supply

companies in The Netherlands.

Not long after the first controlled short-

circuit power tests were performed, the

circuit-breaker manufacturers requested

that KEMA be authorized to act on behalf

of the utilities and conduct research and

development tests without the presence

of the utility company representatives. This

started the process of a development that

led to the independent authority and

impartial judgement that characterizes

KEMA today and it further stimulated the

expansion of KEMA's available power

from the 500 MVA station to the

1.000 MVA in the 1940s. To meet

increasing demands, a second laboratory

was commissioned in 1958. Two short-

circuit generators made it possible to

perform three-phase tests at power levels

up to 3.000 MVA. The ever-increasing

power of the Dutch grid necessitated the

construction of a new laboratory in the

seventies. This station is still the world's

most powerful laboratory, utilizing short-

circuit generators with a power level up to

10,000 MVA at 60 HZ.

In the year 2000, KEMA added a medium-

voltage test station with state-of-the-art

controls and instrumentation to optimize

the utilization of the existing capacity and

increase flexibility for both medium- and

high-voltage testing programs.

Flex Power Grid LaboratoryA new laboratory to test power electronic

equipment was built by KEMA in 2008.

The Flex Power Grid Laboratory is capable

of creating a multitude of electrical circuit

configurations and delivering absorbing

power. Flexibility defines the facility. It

offers all facilities to allow for a smooth

assembly and connection of a large

variety of research objects and

components.

KEMA Powertest, Inc.In 1990, KEMA acquired Powertest, Inc.,

which, with its 3,250 MVA of short-circuit

power, is the largest High-Power Laboratory

in the United States. It is located in Chalfont,

Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia. This

laboratory was designed and built in the

early 1970s. The laboratory expanded the

short-circuit and load-switching testing

capabilities to voltages up to 72 kV in 2002.

A synthetic installation was added to the

installation to allow for development

testing on circuit-breakers up to 245 kV.

A highly sophisticated and reliable

installation for the synthetic testing of

(ultra) high voltage circuit-breakers is

available and, in 2008, was upgraded for

voltage levels up to 1,200 kV. This

installation is designed for three-phase

synthetic testing and single-phase

synthetic tests, as required by the circuit-

breakers standards.

High-Voltage LaboratoryThe original High-Voltage Laboratory was

constructed earlier than the High-Power

Laboratory. The laboratory was used for the

Dutch utilities during the integration of the

Dutch high voltage networks and was

equipped with all the required voltage

sources for power frequency tests, lightning-

and switching voltage impulse test.

In 2009 a new and ultra modern High-

Voltage Laboratory was built next to the

High-Power Laboratory. The synergy

between both laboratories is stimulated by

this combination. KEMA is able to offer a

full range of type tests in an optimal way.

The new concept of this laboratory also

enables KEMA to service a number of

clients in parallel. All testing equipment,

voltage sources and measuring systems

have been upgraded to meet today's

standards.

2009

1973

1979

1981

1992

2000

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An overview of the KEMAHigh-Power Laboratory.

KEMA High-Power Laboratory is located

in Arnhem, the Netherlands. With the

world’s highest short-circuit power of

10,000 MVA at 60 Hz, it can test the

T&D components capacity to its

maximum short circuit and switching

performances.

It is equipped with special features, such as:

• Fast master breakers:

Extremely fast master breakers with an

opening time of 6 ms provide half-cycle

(one loop) protection of test objects

• Auxiliary circuit-breakers:

Single pole and three-phase SF6 circuit-

breakers up to 800 kV for synthetic tests

and vacuum circuit-breakers

• Short-line fault testing:

Mobile artificial lines without time

delay for direct SLF testing at currents

up to 100 kA, suitable for 0-0.3 s-CO

duties and synthetic testing of circuit-

breakers

• Transformer secondary fault and

shunt reactor switching:

Large reactors for the control of the

transient recovery voltage with a very

high rate of rise at reduced currents.

1110

An overview of the KEMAHigh-Voltage Laboratory.

The KEMA High-Voltage Laboratory is

located in a new building adjacent to

the High-Power Laboratory. The

laboratory has three sections for

medium-, high- and ultra-high-voltage

testing. The laboratory is completely

shielded for sensitive PD measurements.

All equipment is state-of-the-art, and

computerized control systems operate

the test. Flexible fences and

transportable test equipment make this

laboratory very versatile. The laboratory

is further equipped for functional and

EMC tests on modern protection and

substation automation systems. For on-

site tests KEMA, operates several trailers

with reliable test equipment. Two sets

are available for commissioning tests on

cable systems for on-site testing of

power, generators or complete

substations.

1312

An overview ofKEMA Powertest, Inc.

KEMA-Powertest, Inc. is the largest high

power electrical testing laboratory in the

western hemisphere, providing electrical

power and dielectric and mechanical

testing services mainly to a variety of

clients from industry and utilities since

1969. It aims to offer services mainly

across the Americas. This KEMA lab is

located in Philadelphia, PA. The

laboratory has two short-circuit

generators, rated 1,000 MVA and

2,250 MVA, a 1,000 kV impulse

generator, a 600 kV power frequency

test set, a 13 kA thermal supply, and

other associated test equipment. In

addition to high-quality electrical and

mechanical testing services, KEMA-

Powertest can offer field-testing.

15

as universities, research centers and

governmental bodies.

FlexibilityThe Flex Power Grid Laboratory is an

independent laboratory capable of

creating a multitude of electrical circuit

configurations and delivering or absorbing

power. The Flex Power Grid Lab is

capable of supplying industrial medium-

voltages (up to 24 kV) at a continuous

high power rating (1 MVA) combined with

complex realistic conditions on a 'bad

grid' (DC up to 75 Hz AC, in four-quadrant

operations), with pre-programmable

distortion (harmonics up to 2.4 kHz or

dynamic network phenomena).

Power-electronics-based conversion

systems will become indispensable in the

grids of the future. It is precisely these

components that can enhance the control

and management of power flows. This will

lead to smarter use of grids, preventing

instability and failure. Grid converters for

decentralized generators such as

domestic micro-CHP, wind turbines, solar

cells and even electric vehicles increases

intelligent intervention on a local level.

Managing the risksNetwork operators simply cannot risk a

blackout or brownout by introducing a

component with harmonics-generating

inverters. Certifying Distributed Energy

Resources equipment reduces this risk.

14

An overview of theFlex Power Grid Laboratory.

The increasing application and penetration

of grid-connected power electronics

inevitably raises the demand for research

and testing of the behavior of the

equipment and its interaction with the

power grid. To minimize the risks for both

manufacturer and grid operator, the Flex

Power Grid Lab has been realized. This

innovative lab provides unprecedented

opportunities for research and testing of

such emerging equipment.

The Flex Power Grid Laboratory:• Reduces field-testing time when

integrating new controls of any kind

• Prevents field installation surprises,

preventing unplanned outages, lost

production dollars, lost manhours and

Sustainable energy supply is driven

by stringent environmental targets,

a deregulated electricity market,

increasingly complex grids and the

emergence of distributed energy

sources. Its success depends on

proper control and management of

the power flows. The question is

how one could integrate them on

time, and without encountering

unexpected problems.

negative publicity

• Shortens DG integration time

• Ensures effectiveness of new controls

and operating guidelines prior to full-

scale deployment, avoiding lost man

hours and negative returns on capital

expenditures.

Center of excellenceThe Flex Power Grid Laboratory is the

ideal test environment to develop and

perform state-of-the-art tests under

controlled conditions for grid operators,

manufacturers, researchers and students.

The lab targets manufacturers active in a

variety of different sectors, ranging from

the energy and traction industries to the

marine and shipbuilding industries as well

17

the calibration status of the measuring

equipment, as well as a review of the test-

set-up, is part of the inspection.

These activities and others will be

discussed during a kick-off meeting just

before the start of the project at your

location. The total inspection project may

take one or more days and in the case of

a duration test, such as heat cycling, the

inspector will have to visit the test-location

on more than one occasion.

Factory Acceptance TestFactory Acceptance Tests are one of the

most important checkpoints in a Quality

Assurance process. These kinds of tests

are often based on regular standards with

some additional client specific require-

ments. With a completely new product it is

possible that there are no regular stan-

dards available and the Factory

Acceptance Tests requirements have to be

specified based on available information,

concluding with an approval by the client.

KEMA Inspection Services.

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Inspection Services are accurate and

clearly described in inspection reports,

which can be presented as independent

evidence towards other companies.

Type testWhen type tests are performed they are

done so in accordance with a correspond-

ing standard and are therefore carried out

in the same way, regardless of the labora-

tory. The test might differ in the use of

measuring equipment and/or the test set-

up. However the essence remains the

same, as it is essential that the require-

ments of the standard be fulfilled.

Therefore it is necessary that an assess-

ment of the calibration system, including

Besides the witnessing of type tests and

Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) we are

also in a position to provide other Quality

Assurance services such as setting up or

reviewing specifications, tender evalua-

tions, production audits, deviation control

etc, assuring that the client receives the

best quality that may be expected from the

supplier. This subsequently results in fewer

breakdowns, less trouble, lower risk of

claims and - last but not least - a longer

lifecycle for the components in your grid.

The Inspection Services are accredited by

the Council of Accreditation according the

ISO/IEC 17020 “General criteria for the

operation of various types of bodies

performing inspection”. The results of the

The main objective of our Inspection

Services concerns the witnessing of high-

voltage components. A group of

knowledgeable and experienced

inspectors is available to witness tests on

T&D components, from cables to

switchgear and from transformers to

surge arrestors. Witnessing can be done

at any location in the world.

19

of tests witnessed by KEMA inspectors in

non-KEMA laboratories. If the witnessed

test complies with the full type test

program then an Inspection Report

regarding Type Test is issued. Other types

of inspection reports are inspection

reports regarding Factory Acceptance,

and Special Inspection reports regarding

Quality deviations or Process Audits. On

request KEMA provides customers with a

one page summary of the report.

On-Site reportsThe results from tests performed by

KEMA using the mobile test equipment

are reported in an on-site test report or

Report of Performance. These tests are

often commissioning tests or diagnostic.

Gold or Silver?For a clear distinction between certifica-

tion tests and other laboratory tests,

KEMA introduced the Golden Type Test

Certificate and the Silver Report of

Performance.

Gold means a successfully completed

Type Test program without any deviation

or comments. For buying utilities or

industries, it is not required to read the

whole document to check if everything is

correct. Gold simply means that all the

requirements have been met.

Results for a limited test program or less

Type Test CertificateA Certificate contains a record of a series

of type tests carried out strictly in

accordance with a recognized standard.

The component tested has fulfilled the

requirements of this standard, and the

relevant ratings assigned by the

manufacturer are endorsed by KEMA. The

Certificate is applicable only to the

component tested. KEMA is responsible

for the validity and the contents of the

Certificate. The responsibility for

conformity of any component having the

same designation as the one tested rests

with the manufacturer. The Certificate

contains the essential drawings and a

description of the equipment tested.

KEMA Type Test Certificates are listed on

the internet for easy access by your

customers.

Report of PerformanceA Report of Performance contains a

record of one or more tests, which have

been carried out according to a

recognized international standard or on

the customer’s instructions. These tests

are not necessarily in accordance with a

recognized standard. The test results do

not necessarily verify ratings of the test

object.

Inspection reportsAn inspection report contains the records

18

KEMA Certificatesand Reports.

successful Type Test are reported in the

Silver report “Report of Performance”.

Buying utilities or industries have to check

if the test results meet the requirements.

A Type Test Certificate has a green-leather

cover with a golden embossed print “Type

Test Certificate”. The first page contains a

red ribbon and a circular golden seal. The

bound version comes with a one-page

wall certificate.

A Report of Performance has a green-

leather cover with a silver embossed print

“Report of Performance”. The first page

contains a green ribbon and a square

silver seal.

All components used in the electrical

transmission and distribution systems

can be tested on their performance

during short circuits, dielectric stress and

load current carrying capability. The

KEMA laboratories have all test

equipment available for carrying out

these tests. On successful completion of

a complete type test program KEMA

issues a green-leather cover with Golden

embossed Type Test Certificate. For any

other test performed at the KEMA

Laboratories we issue a green-leather

cover with Silver embossed Report of

Performance. Our white paper cover

contains KEMA reports issued for our

Inspection Services and on-site tests.

21

Circuit-breakers.

All components in the high-voltage

network must serve to transmit electricity

along the connections:

• Switchgear to (de-)energize the

overhead lines and underground

circuits

• Transformers to reach the most

economical voltage level for

transmission

• Capacitor banks and shunt reactors to

control the voltage

• Control centers and telecommunication

systems to operate the grid

• Protection systems to prevent the

collapse of the network’s functionality

in the event of equipment failure.

20

Circuit-breakers are one of the most

important elements to ensure a

functional and reliable network for the

transmission and distribution of electric

energy.

The circuit-breaker will energize and de-

energize a section of the high-voltage

network not only under normal conditions,

but also in the most severe case of a short

circuit somewhere in the network. The

circuit-breaker is the only means to

protect the network under all circum-

stances. If a short-circuit is not interrupted

immediately, the backup protection

systems will trip a larger part of the

transmission grid, leading to the outage of

more overhead lines, busbars and sub-

stations, and consequently the interruption

of the power supply for a larger area.

During a short-circuit, the synchronizing

power of the network is (partially) lost.

Longer duration of a short-circuit may

result in dynamic stability problems for the

generating plants. Therefore, fast

elimination of the fault is necessary.

Rapid, selective, and reliable clearing of

the short-circuit currents is required.

KEMA’s involvement is to reassure, as an

independent and impartial testing

authority, the circuit-breakers’ per-

formance and reliability. That is why KEMA

keeps its High-Power Laboratory up-to-

date with the latest market demands,

which include: 300 kV – 63 kA –

3-phase synthetic testing, 1,200 kV –

80 kA – 1-phase, full pole synthetic

testing, 30 kV – 250 kA – generator

circuit-breaker. All test duties to be

performed with the correct parameters.

Current zero measurementDuring short-circuit tests at KEMA,

detailed information can be obtained from

the high resolution digital measurement

systems about current, voltage, trend

curve, etc. in the period around final

current zero. A special measuring system

for the evaluation of the arc current and

arc voltage of high resolution is available.

Important conclusions can be drawn

about the interruption performance of the

breaker.

Circuit-breaker tests:

• Power frequency voltage withstand

RIV and Corona

• Noise level

• Partial discharge measurement

• Lightning impulse

• Switching impulse

• Impulse current

• Temperature-rise

• Mechanical endurance

• Short-time current withstand

• Short-circuit making and breaking

• Short-line fault

• Out-of-phase

• Mainly active load

• Cable charging

• Line charging

• Capacitor bank charging

• Back-to-back switching

• Low inductive current

• Shunt reactor

• High-voltage motor

• Magnetizing current

• Internal fault

• Pressure relief

• Environmental pollution

• Humidity.

2322

Power Transformers.

Transformers, like series reactors, have

the quality to limit the short-circuit

currents to values predominantly

determined by the transformer’s

impedance.

With an increase of the short-circuit

power throughout the years, the most

severe short-circuit currents will appear

when the transformer has aged. These

short-circuit currents must be withstood

without impairing the transformer.

Before a coveted certificate is issued, a

Total Test program has to be completed,

assuming that the transformer passes all

the checks at the first time of asking.

Before performing the short-circuit tests,

routine tests have to be performed on the

transformer. For smaller ratings the routine

tests are carried out by our High-Voltage

Laboratory. When the short-circuit tests

are successfully performed, the routine

tests will be repeated at our High-Voltage

Laboratory. The final step is to remove the

transformer casing for visual inspection of

the internal components. Only once the

visual inspection has been successfully

completed is a certificate issued to the

manufacturer.

For transformers with larger ratings, the

manufacturer carries out its own tests at

the factory and records the findings in a

report. The transformer is shipped to our

laboratories, where it undergoes high-

voltage and/or short-circuit testing: the

most exacting and crucial phase of the

program. Between the short-circuit test

cycles, the impedance of the windings is

measured to ascertain that there has been

no substantial change. Once a transformer

has come through the short-circuit tests,

various routine checks follow back at the

factory. On request, our inspectors are

flown in specially to witness the on-site

dielectric tests. They then assess the data

against the results of earlier tests. The final

step is to remove the transformer casing

for visual inspection of the internal

components. Only once the visual

inspection has been successfully

completed is a certificate issued.

LogisticsThe laboratories in Arnhem have a jetty on

the Rhine River that is not only suitable for

transportation purposes, but is also

frequently used to moor barges carrying

very large power transformers. In order to

avoid expensive on-shore transportation,

these transformers can remain on the

vessel during the short-circuit tests. For

the testing of smaller transformers, we

have seperate assembly halls with first-

class facilities. The laboratories in Arnhem

also have an open test area where large

Transformer services:

• Routine testing

• Separate certification of short-circuit

test performance

• On-site acceptance testing. We can

test the performance of transformers

in their operational configuration

• Inspection.

transformers transported by truck can be

assembled and tested, all at the same

location.

We have a direct link to the port of

Rotterdam, enabling the problem-free

international shipment of test objects, right

up to the largest power transformers.

With a view toward accommodating the

demand, KEMA is decreasing the time

that vessels need to be moored alongside

the laboratories. In Nijmegen, a city just

south of Arnhem, a wharf has been

identified where various preparatory

activities will be undertaken, including

transformer assembly, oil treatment and

low- and high-voltage testing.

A transformer is a vital component

within the power supply system. It must

therefore be totally reliable. As a

manufacturer, you need to be sure of

your products. The utilities that use

them need to know that they will

perform as expected. As well as being a

major investment, a power transformer

is a unique product – the tailor-made

lynchpin of a transmission and

distribution network. Once

commissioned, it is expected to function

reliably for decades, without

complications. This means that

manufacturers go to great lengths to

have their power transformers

comprehensively tested and certified by

KEMA.

2524

Power Cables.

The use of power cables is growing very

rapidly. Cables have been in service for

many decades for medium-voltage power

networks. For high-voltage and ultra-high-

voltage, cables are becoming a good

alternative for overhead lines. In densely

populated areas, cables are the only

solution for the transmission of huge

amounts of energy to those areas.

The electrical and mechanical properties

of cables and accessories must meet the

demands of the loading cycles, short-

circuits, and temporary over-voltages. The

stress on the insulation materials is largely

due to the compact design of cables and

Power cables are essential components

in high-voltage power networks for the

transmission and distribution of energy

between generators, substations, and

transformers. Cables must function

reliably for many decades, even under

extreme conditions such as water and

mechanical stress when installed

underground. Adequate testing of power

cables and accessories is required before

the cable is installed and put into

operation. It is also vital to be able to

determine the condition of the cable

and its accessories after many years in

operation, thereby reducing the number

of unexpected outages.

accessories. The required basic quality

level has to be verified by means of Type

Testing in accordance with internationally

accepted standards. Factory Acceptance

Tests are required during the production

of the materials to verify whether the

materials comply with the initially tested

design.

The most sensitive part of a cable system

is the transition of a cable to an

accessory. The high electrical fields

present between the cable insulation and

the stress cone, and failure may easily

occur due to design problems or by

installation defects.

In today’s market, cable and accessory

manufacturers join together offering their

services for cable projects, and various

combinations of cables and accessories

are used. Even when using a certified

cable and certified accessories, there is

no guarantee that the combination will

work in the field. Experience showed that

Type Testing of every new combination of

cable and accessory is essential. The

international cable standards have

adopted cable system testing widely.

Pre-QualificationPre-Qualification (PQ) assesses a second

important test for high-voltage cables.

KEMA operates several PQ test fields.

On-site testing of high-voltage and ultra-

high-voltage cables is required to verify

proper installation of the cable and the

cable accessories. The (ultra-)high-

voltage cables can only be tested using a

specialized series-resonant test facility.

KEMA operates two series-resonant tests

for this purpose and these sets have been

used for many hundreds of cable systems.

Cable tests:

• Power frequency

• Lightning impulse

• Switching impulse

• Partial discharge

• Mechanical impact

• Electrical heat cycle dry

• Electrical heat cycle under water

• Salt fog and humidity

• Short-circuit on screen and conductor

• Water penetration

• Test outer protection of joints

• 500 Hz accelerated aging

• Pre-Qualification.

2726

Insulators.

Insulators are used at various locations in

a power network and their insulation and

mechanical characteristics must ensure a

long-lasting barrier. Porcelain and glass

type insulators have been in use for over

100 years.

Composite materialsMore recently, new composite materials

were introduced. Phenomena different

from those affecting porcelain or glass

insulators are relevant for these composite

materials, for example the stability of the

materials when exposed to UV and

extreme weather conditions. Special aging

tests for 5,000 hours with a mix of sun

Insulators have the important task of

creating a barrier between live voltage

and the ground, while providing strong

mechanical support. Insulators must

fulfill their duty even when exposed to

extreme weather conditions for several

decades.

light, salt fog and rain are key indicators if

a composite material is suitable or not.

Corona and RIV testsCorona and RIV tests are important to

verify if a complete insulator assembly

plus hardware can operate under the

stringent rules for EM-fields and RF-noise.

A large open-air installation is available for

building complete insulator assemblies for

full-scale tests. Corona cameras are

available to accurately pin point any weak

spots.

Insulator tests

• Flashover

• Thermal mechanical performance

• Radio influence

• Thermal shock

• Thermal-mechanical load cycle

• Steep front of wave

• Combined mechanical and electrical

• Power arc

• Residual strength

• Salt fog

• Impact

• Humidity

• Cotter key

• Track on housing

• Cement expansion

• Visual and dimensional

• Porosity

• Galvanizing

• Puncture

• Verification of the dimensions

• Verification of the locking system

• Mechanical failing load.

29

that test objects are transported safely to

and from the test areas by means of

forklift trucks or low-loaders, whichever

method our customers prefer.

CustomsA customs office is available in Arnhem for

efficient clearing of customs formalities.

KEMA has specialized staff to assist with this.

On request, customs officials may perform

the necessary activities at the KEMA site.

These formalities are generally carried out at

the port of entry when it involves shipments

that are sent by sea or air.

ShipmentsThe transportation section will arrange for

equipment that arrives in the Netherlands

by sea or air to be collected at the port

and transported to Arnhem as quickly as

possible. At our customer’s request, the

transportation section can make complete

arrangements for shipment from the

customer’s warehouse to KEMA and the

return shipment following the tests.

Infrared camera systemThe infrared camera system allows for a

quick assessment of the thermal condition

of equipment being tested. We are able to

provide a qualitative and quantitative

evaluation of hot spots, temperature

profiles, and other thermal deviations such

as phase asymmetry and improper

KEMA Facilities.

WorkshopsModern, well-equipped workshops are

available for making and modifying

prototypes, carrying out repairs, welding,

etc. Customers of the High-Power and

High-Voltage Laboratories have priority. It

goes without saying that all KEMA

personnel will exercise complete

confidentiality with respect to any

knowledge of test objects.

Assembly baysAssembly bays with cranes up to 150 kN

are available for the unpacking and

preparation of test objects. An office is

adjacent to each bay and is accessable

24 hours - 7 days.

Guestroom for customersA special room is available for customers

at the High-Voltage Laboratory where they

may work or relax. This room is equipped

with all the modern facilities including

access to the internet and email.

Fitters assistanceFitters are available to assist the customer in

unpacking, preparing, and modifying test

objects. These fitters have experience

working with customers from different

countries, are fluent in several languages, and

capable of testing a wide range of objects.

TransportationThe KEMA transportation section ensures

28

To meet our customers’ needs and to

ensure that the entire procedure runs

smoothly on-site at KEMA, we have a

lot of additional services available at

KEMA, including the ones listed below.

connections by means of thermographic

images and advanced software.

Video recording and high-speedcamerasOptical recording with normal and high-

speed video of up to 1,000 colored frames

per second. The recording is digital, but

conversion to any video system is possible.

SF6 handlingFast-operating SF6 handling systems for

evacuation, filling, and removing the gas

from the test object. All SF6 will be

collected and recycled by KEMA, which

eliminates this environmental obligation

for our customers.

31

Arnhem, the capital of the province of

Gelderland, has a rich and eventful past,

partly preserved in a number of historic

buildings such as the Maarten van

Rossemhuis (also called Duivelshuis –

“Devil’s House”), Sabelpoort and

Presickhaeffs Huys.

Restored to their former glory and joined

underneath one of the shopping streets,

the 40 medieval cellars show you what

underground Arnhem used to look like.

Guided tours are available to the public, as

are individual visits.

The history of the town is reflected in the

town centre itself, as well as in the 100-

year-old Sonsbeek park, where you can

take a rest in the heart of the town! The

Church of Eusebius dominates the skyline.

This late Gothic ogive basilica boasts a

unique glass lift, rising to 73 metres and

offering you a view of the attractive

shopping centre. On your way up you will

also see the biggest carillon in Europe.

The town also boasts a wide and varied

range of museums – including ones about

art, water, wine and history - as well as

major attractions such as Burgers’ Zoo

and the Dutch Open-air Museum.

More info at www.vvvarnhem.nl

30

Visiting KEMA at Arnhem.

For more informationplease contact

KEMA

Utrechtseweg 310

6812 AR Arnhem

P.O. Box 9035

6800 ET Arnhem

The Netherlands

T: +31 26 356 63 10

F: +31 26 351 14 68

E: contact.tdt@kema.com

KEMA is located in Arnhem, only one hour from Amsterdam.

There are good connections by train and car to most major European cities.