Test and Checklist Before Going to Power Up a Busbar Trunking (BBT) System , You MUST DO!!!

Test Before Power Up

Some test and visual inspection are required before power up the BBT line after installation. Most two points need to be checked before power up.

• Insulation Resistance Test 
• Check the BBT as per a checklist.

Insulation Resistance Test

Insulation Resistance Test is used to measure the insulation resistance between different phases like phase to phase, phase to neutral etc. by a specific tool called insulation resistance tester. Basically, in this process, a voltage has been applied (specifically a highly regulated, stabilized DC voltage) across a dielectric, measuring the amount of current flowing through that dielectric, and then calculating (using Ohm's Law) a resistance measurement. The measure resistance should be higher than the international standard, otherwise, the product has insulation failure. This test is used to evaluate the insulation integrity and measured in megaohms.

Megohmmeter Or Insulation Tester

As I was saying, Meggar is a special type of ohmmeter used to measure the insulation resistance. It is really an effective device to find the resistance not only in busbar trunking but also any type of high voltage electrical equipment including motor and cable as well.

Meggar/remondas.blogspot.com

Purpose of IR Test

• A quality control measure at the time a piece of electrical equipment is produced;
• An installation requirement to help ensure specifications are met and to verify proper hookup;
• A periodic preventive maintenance task; and
• A troubleshooting tool.

Maximum Acceptance Value of IR

Insulation resistance should be approximately one megohm for each 1,000 volts of operating voltage, with a minimum value of one megohm. 

For example, a motor rated at 2,400 volts should have a minimum insulation resistance of 2.4 megohms.

Checklist for Any BBT Project