How SDMyers is providing better dielectric breakdown voltage testing recommendations

For several years, SDMyers has included ASTM D877 as the dielectric test for power equipment as part of the liquid screen test package. In recent years, organizations such as IEEE and ASTM have compared it to another dielectric test, ASTM D1816, and have found that the D1816 test provides more accurate results for determining the dielectric characteristics of liquid inside power equipment. Because of that, SDMyers now recommends D1816 over the traditional D877 dielectric test.

What is changing, and why?

SDMyers now recommends ASTM D1816 as the standard dielectric test for electric power equipment owners. There are three primary reasons we are making this transition:

1. Improved sensitivity and technical accuracy — The electrodes in the D1816 test are more responsive to particles and dissolved water in oil, providing a better evaluation of changes that may occur in the oil from transformers.
2. Better representation of transformer characteristics — The electrodes in D877 are thin flat disks, which are not representative of the dielectric environment inside transformers and other power equipment. The rounded electrodes in D1816 more closely resemble transformer applications.
3. Industry acceptance — As our industry’s science has improved, so has SDMyers’ testing. The D1816 test has become the most widely accepted dielectric test because of the results of real-world application and the expertise of power professionals worldwide—including those here at SDMyers—to help provide the best diagnostics possible to ensure the reliable life of power equipment.

This change results from our relentless pursuit of providing the best value to our customers. We are committed to maximizing the reliability and safety of your electrical power equipment and keeping you up and running with confidence.

What are the differences between D877 and D1816?

The two standard methods from ASTM International are D877, Standard Test Method for Dielectric Breakdown Voltage of Insulating Liquids Using Disk Electrodes, and D1816, Standard Test Method for Dielectric Breakdown Voltage of Insulating Oils of Petroleum Origin Using VDE Electrodes. As shown in the table below, there are notable differences between the two ASTM standards.

What does this mean for me?

Currently, SDMyers customers can request either dielectric test, D877 or D1816, as part of their testing package. As always, your contact at SDMyers can walk you through the differences at a deeper level and guide you in deciding what works best for you and your equipment.

We strive to deliver the best value to electrical power system owners in a way that is constantly improving, advancing, and exceeding industry expectations. A key part of how we do this is by working to ensure we provide results and testing recommendations with a focus on the highest technical accuracy possible. That way, you can have confidence that your results are reliable, accurate, and helpful in maintaining the longevity of your assets.

April 06, 2022