Testing and commissioning services

Partial Discharge Testing Services Australia

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Talk to an engineer: 1300 730 499 or service@megavar.com.au

Detect Insulation Defects Before They Become Failures

Partial discharge (PD) is a localised electrical discharge within HV insulation that does not fully bridge conductors. Individually small, PD is a symptom of insulation degradation that will progressively worsen to complete failure if undetected. Megavar provides online and offline PD testing for cables, switchgear, transformers, GIS, and rotating machines across Australia.

ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 certifiedLicensed in every Australian stateTeams in Hobart, Launceston, Adelaide and Newcastle

Partial discharge testing on high voltage switchgear in Australian substation

Online PD Testing

Performed while equipment remains energised and in service – no outage required. We use TEV (transient earth voltage), HFCT (high-frequency current transformer), and UHF sensors to detect and locate PD in switchgear, cable terminations, joints, and transformer bushings under normal operating conditions.

Offline PD Testing

Equipment de-energised with external voltage source applied for more sensitive, calibrated measurement. Includes phase-resolved PD (PRPD) pattern analysis for defect classification using the Omicron MPD 600 partial discharge system, per IEC 60270.

Case study: locating PD sources on new 22 kV switchgear

Equipment We Test

HV cables and joints – XLPE and oil-filled cables 11–220 kV. Void defects, contamination, termination/joint issues.
Switchgear – AIS and GIS. Particle contamination, tracking, contact degradation.
Power transformers – Bushing defects, tap changer insulation, winding degradation.
Instrument transformers – Internal insulation defects that can cause catastrophic failure.
Rotating machines – Stator winding insulation for generators and HV motors.

Standards

Per IEC 60270, IEC 62478, CIGRE TB 728/861, and IEEE 400. Results interpreted by experienced engineers who classify severity, type, and likely defect location.

Take it to your team

Capability statement

High-Voltage Resonant Hipot Testing

AC withstand testing to 500 kV on Megavar-owned resonant test sets, with partial discharge measurement.

Capability statement

High-Voltage Testing, Commissioning and Maintenance Services

Primary plant testing, protection and SCADA commissioning, substation maintenance and the design capability behind them.

Clients

What our clients say

Megavar are industry leaders in HV commissioning services, offering high quality commissioning services. They are experts in high voltage commissioning services, and their work is always on time, on budget and to the highest quality.

Shaun ColtonEngineering Manager Substations & BESS, Downer Group

Megavar has repeatedly demonstrated their ability to quickly mobilise their highly skilled technicians to meet project demands and effectively develop solutions in a highly proficient and professional manner.
Megavar have been a pleasure to deal with, and we look forward to continuing to work closely on future projects for years to come.

Matt LawlessDirector – High Voltage Contracting

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions Partial Discharge Testing Services Australia

What is partial discharge testing?

PD testing detects localised electrical discharges within HV insulation caused by voids, contamination, or damage. Early detection enables planned repairs before complete insulation failure, avoiding unplanned outages and catastrophic damage.

What is the difference between online and offline PD testing?

Online PD testing is done while equipment is energised – no outage needed. Uses sensors (TEV, HFCT, UHF) under normal conditions. Offline requires de-energisation and external voltage for more sensitive, calibrated measurements with PRPD pattern analysis.

Can PD testing be done without a shutdown?

Yes. Online PD testing requires no interruption to service – ideal for critical assets where outages are difficult to schedule.

What defects can PD testing detect?

Voids in solid insulation, surface contamination and tracking, loose particles in switchgear, degraded joints and terminations, bushing deterioration, and moisture ingress in oil-filled equipment.

Does Megavar provide PD testing nationally?

Yes. We deploy from offices in Tasmania, SA, NSW and Queensland to sites across all states and territories.

ISO Certified and Licensed in Every State

Megavar is certified to ISO 9001 (quality), ISO 14001 (environment) and ISO 45001 (safety), and holds electrical contractors licences in every Australian state.

Ready to commission your substation? Contact Megavar today on 1300 730 499 or visit our contact page to request a quote.

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1300 730 499 service@megavar.com.au Hobart · Launceston · Adelaide · Newcastle · Gladstone

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