16/11/2025
✅ Transformer Megger Test – Full Details (Step by Step)
This test checks the insulation condition of transformer windings.
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📌 1. Understanding the Diagram
A, B, C → HV terminals
a, b, c → LV terminals
n → neutral
E → transformer body (earth)
Red Megger Lead → goes to the winding under test
Black Megger Lead → goes to E (earth/body)
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📌 2. Types of Insulation Resistance Tests
1️⃣ HV to Earth (HV – E)
Red lead → A, then B, then C (one by one)
Black lead → E (body)
Purpose: Check insulation of HV winding to ground
2️⃣ LV to Earth (LV – E)
Red lead → a, then b, then c, then n
Black lead → E
Purpose: Check insulation of LV winding to ground
3️⃣ HV to LV (HV – LV)
Red lead → HV terminals (A/B/C together if required)
Black lead → LV terminals (a/b/c/n together)
Purpose: Check insulation between HV and LV windings
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📌 3. Megger Voltage Selection
Transformer Voltage Megger Test Voltage
415V – 3.3kV 500V – 1000V
6.6kV – 11kV 2500V
33kV – 66kV 5000V (5kV)
132kV – 220kV 10kV
For most power transformers → 5kV Megger is used.
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📌 4. Step-by-Step Procedure
Step 1: Safety
Ensure transformer is fully isolated from system
Remove all jumpers
Disconnect neutral
Remove all temporary earths except one
Step 2: Megger Setup
Connect red and black leads correctly
Select the correct test voltage (5kV for HV)
Step 3: Perform the Test
Press Start/Test
Take 1-minute reading
For PI: take 1-min and 10-min readings
Step 4: Record Results
HV–E
LV–E
HV–LV
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📌 5. Expected / Acceptable IR Values
Transformer Size Minimum IR Value
Small (500 kVA) 200 MΩ – 1 GΩ
Medium (1–10 MVA) 500 MΩ – 2 GΩ
Large (10–50 MVA) 1 GΩ – 5 GΩ
Very Large 5 GΩ+
If IR is low, reasons may be:
Moisture
Oil contamination
Carbon tracking
Internal fault
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📌 6. Polarization Index (PI)
PI = IR at 10 min ➗ IR at 1 min
PI Value Condition
> 2 Excellent insulation
1.5 – 2 Good
< 1 Bad → Winding needs drying
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📌 7. After the Test
Earth all terminals again
Restore all connections
Transformer safe for further tests/service