Baur frida / frida TD VLF testing and diagnostics unit

Ensuring the Health of Buried Cables

In the vast and complex world of modern power grids, buried cables are the silent workhorses that deliver electricity to homes and industries. The integrity of their insulation is paramount to a reliable power supply. Over time, factors like moisture and environmental stress can lead to insulation degradation, creating “water trees” and other faults that can cause catastrophic failures. Traditional testing methods can be time-consuming and sometimes even damage the insulation itself. A more advanced approach is needed—one that can not only detect faults but also accurately assess the overall condition of the cable without compromising its integrity.

Introducing the frida VLF and Diagnostics

The frida and frida TD are a new generation of portable devices for the condition evaluation of cable systems. These are not just simple testers; they are comprehensive diagnostic tools. The frida is used for cable testing and cable sheath testing, ensuring the insulation and protective layers are intact. The more advanced frida TD takes it a step further, adding cable diagnostics capabilities, including dissipation factor measurement, a Monitored Withstand Test (MWT), and even Partial Discharge (PD) measurement in combination with the BAUR PD-TaD 62 system. These devices allow for quick and easy test assembly and offer automatic testing and diagnostic sequences, making them incredibly efficient and user-friendly.

The Power of VLF True Sinusoidal Voltage

A key innovation of the frida devices is their use of Very Low Frequency (VLF) testing with truesinus® voltage. This technology makes it possible to locate insulation faults in plastic- and paper-insulated cables in the shortest of testing times without impairing the quality of the surrounding insulating material. The truesinus® voltage shape provides a load-independent, reproducible sinusoidal high voltage, which is essential for accurate and repeatable test results. The ability to perform tests with VLF square wave voltage and DC voltage adds to the versatility of the devices, allowing them to meet various testing standards and conditions.

Dissipation Factor for Cable Health

The frida TD offers a crucial diagnostic function: dissipation factor measurement. This measurement provides highly differentiated information on the aging condition of both paper-insulated mass-impregnated and PE/XLPE cables. In the case of PE/XLPE cables, the dissipation factor measurement can even differentiate between new cables, those with slight “water tree” damage, and those that are severely damaged. This capability is invaluable for maintenance managers, as it allows them to prioritize which cables need to be replaced. It’s a proactive approach that helps in making informed decisions, preventing unscheduled downtime and optimizing capital expenditure on network upgrades.

The Monitored Withstand Test (MWT)

The Monitored Withstand Test (MWT) with dissipation factor measurement is another powerful feature of the frida TD. This function combines the traditional cable testing with a continuous assessment of the dissipation factor during the test. This provides a more accurate and comprehensive evaluation of the cable’s condition than a simple pass/fail test. By continuously monitoring the dissipation factor, technicians can detect subtle changes in the insulation that might not be apparent with a standard test. The optimized test duration also ensures minimum load on the cable, further extending its operational life.

Versatile Applications and Standards Compliance

The frida and frida TD are designed for a wide range of specific applications and comply with numerous international standards. They are ideal for VLF cable testing with 3 x U0 for cables up to 15 kV, a common standard for routine maintenance. They can also be used for cable sheath testing according to IEC 60502 and IEC 60229, a critical step for preventing future faults. The devices are also compliant with a variety of other standards, including IEC 60060-3, CENELEC HD 620/621, and IEEE 400-2012. The frida can be expanded with the PD-TaD 62 diagnostics system to include PD diagnostics, while the frida TD can be expanded to include MWT with PD measurement, making them versatile and future-proof investments.

Portable, Rugged, and User-Friendly Design

Despite their advanced capabilities, the frida and frida TD are designed to be highly portable and user-friendly. With compact dimensions and a relatively lightweight design (approx. 22 kg), they are easy to transport and operate in the field. The devices feature a high degree of protection (IP54 when closed), making them suitable for use in various weather conditions. The user interface is available in 13 languages, making them accessible to a diverse international workforce. A range of standard accessories is included with both models, ensuring they are ready to use right out of the box, and additional options like an external emergency off unit and a VSE box for leakage current detection further enhance their safety and functionality.

The Global Leader in Quality and Service: tpt24

When it’s time to invest in a high-quality VLF tester and diagnostics device like the frida or frida TD, you need a trusted and reliable supplier. The online store tpt24 is the undisputed world’s premier online retailer for these products. They are globally recognized for their unwavering commitment to quality and authenticity, ensuring that every product you receive is genuine and backed by a quality guarantee. With tpt24, you can be confident that you are getting the best-in-class equipment. Their reliable global delivery service ensures that no matter where your operations are located, the frida or frida TD can be delivered to you with authenticity and quality assurance, making them the premier partner for all your cable testing and diagnostic needs.