EoW March 2013

News Technology

Highly electrifying! At the extrusion of cables their insulation is inspected by spark testers (high-voltage spark testers) and possible insulation faults are detected and documented at an early stage. With the new high-frequency spark tester Spark 6030 HF, Sikora opens a new chapter in the spark tester segment: powerful, high reliability in the detection of faults and intelligent multimedia functions. At the same time the Spark 6030 HF underlines that reliable technology alone is not sufficient to support the operator considerably at work and to ensure safety. That is the reason why Sikora has integrated a 4-step function and safety test according to EN61010-1:2010. Until now this had to be performed by means of external testing devices in the factory. The Spark 6030 HF is developed for the reliable detection of insulation faults in cables with a diameter from 0.5 to 30mm. The system reliably distinguishes between punctual faults (pin holes) and bare patches. For testing, the dry cable runs through the sturdy bead chain electrode of the spark tester. Typically the device is installed after the cooling section. Here the cable

when operating the device (according to EN61010-1:2010). Function (sensitivity) test: The spark tester automatically performs a function test. By means of an integrated spark gap 20 artificial faults (breakdowns) are initiated in less than 20 seconds. The spark tester automatically checks the correctness of fault detection. Corona test: The Spark 6030 HF automatically measures and evaluates the corona level. Within the creation of the test certificate the corona level is documented. Up to now, the operator was depending on subjective and visual evaluation of the condition of the insulators in order to fulfil the requirements of EN61010-1:2010. Worldwide the Spark 6030 HF is the only spark tester that carries out this test. Via Wi-Fi and smart phones, each test is proved by a test certificate which is stored and transmitted to quality management with a single touch of the button. The sparktester conforms to approved test standards (AS, BS, CS, CENELEC, EN, UL, VDE) and safety regulations (as demanded by DIN/VDE 0800, IEC 479-1).

insulation is exposed to the specific test voltage and faults in the insulation are reliably detected. Directly integrated in the device is a display, visualising the selected test voltage, the capacitive load and number of high-voltage break downs. The display is combined with a control panel for entering the test voltage. For production lines without a line computer the Spark 6030 HF is combined with the processor controlled display and control device Remote 2000. standards, measuring and testing equipment has to be checked regularly. As an innovation in the spark tester segment the Spark 6030 HF optionally integrates a 4-step function and safety test. Accordingly, the spark tester is tested with regard to high-voltage, corona level, short-circuit current and function (sensitivity). High-voltage test: In this test, the spark tester checks the displayed high-voltage of the device for correctness. The high-voltage has to be within a tolerance of 5%. Test of the short-circuit current: The spark tester automatically checks the maximum short-circuit current, which for a human body model should not exceed 10 mA According to European

Sikora AG – Germany Website : www.sikora.com

45

www.read-eurowire.com

March 2013