Integrated Diagnostics for Current Transformers and Transformer Insulation Health
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Summary
Current transformer field diagnostics require a structured approach that verifies nameplate compliance, functional performance, and dielectric condition through tests such as insulation resistance, winding resistance, demagnetization, excitation or saturation, ratio, and polarity. For transformer insulation diagnostics, complementary dielectric methods—including power factor, dissipation factor, dielectric frequency response, and 1-Hz testing—improve sensitivity to moisture, ageing, contamination, and early insulation degradation. Together, these practices support safer testing, more accurate condition assessment, targeted maintenance, and improved grid reliability by reducing uncertainty, thus preventing protection mis-operation. This webinar will provide an in-depth understanding of how to test and maintain your current transformers and transformer insulation.
Speakers
Swapnil Marathe
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Swapnil Marathe graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a BS in electrical engineering in 2020. He began working with Megger as an Intern to support protection and control and eventually moved to substation testing. Marathe’s area of focus is testing transformers, batteries, and MV/HV circuit breakers. He is an active participant in the IEEE PES Transformer Committee and the IEEE Electrical Insulation Conference (EIC). Marathe has also written papers and presentations focused on insulation diagnostics of transformers and continues to work with new methodologies to give more insights into the same
Bret Hammonds
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Bret Hammonds obtained his BS in electrical engineering technology (BSEET) from Texas Tech University and an MS in business administration from the University of Phoenix. Hammonds has more than 30 years of experience in testing power system apparatus within the electrical power industry. He has spent a large portion of his professional career in technical support roles such as a Senior Applications Engineer for Megger and Director of Application Resources at Protec Equipment Resources. Hammonds is an IEEE member and was previously a voting member of the ASTM D27 Insulating Liquids and Gasses Committee. His articles on low-voltage circuit breaker testing have been published in IEEE’s Transactions Journal, and addition articles on various industry topics on various industry topics have appeared in NETA World and EC&M. Hammonds has presented at industry conferences such as the Transmission and Substation Design and Operations Symposium (TSDOS) and the International Electrical Testing Association’s (NETA) PowerTest Conference.
David Tamez
Substation Application Engineer
Megger
David Tamez brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role as a Substation Application Engineer at Megger, where he is responsible for substation applications, ensuring the highest standards of quality and reliability in electrical systems. Throughout his 18-year career, he has specialized in electrical testing in controls and relay/switchgear protection, as well as motor rebuilds and panel/drive wiring. Tamez’s educational background includes certifications from the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET), NFPA 70E, OSHA 10/30, MSHA, Corona Inspection Training Institute (CITI), Electrical Generating Systems Association (EGSA), Load Banks, Motors AC/DC, and NETA training.
