TRANSFORMER

WINDING RESISTANCE
METER
TRM
■ Transformer Winding Resistance Meter is designed to measure the winding
resistance of highly inductive test objects transformers, Inductors, generators and
motor windings, Tap Changers Etc.
■ Winding Resistance values of transformers and rotating machines are directly
displayed. These are portable winding resistance meters designed to work in live
EHV switchyards up-to 765 kV. A backlit LCD with a user-friendly menu sets up the
instrument for the test.
■ These meters are protected against the back-Emf offered by large inductive
windings.
■ Transformer winding resistance measurement is carried out as a type test, routine
test and also as a field test.
■ In the factory, it helps in determining the following :
■ Calculation of the I2R losses in transformer.
■ Calculation of winding temperature at the end of temperature rise test of
transformer.
■ As a benchmark for assessing possible damages in the field.
■ TRM is done at site in order to check for abnormalities due to loose connections,
broken strands of conductor, high contact resistance in tap changers, high voltage
leads and bushings.
■ Procedure of Transformer Winding Resistance Measurement
■ For star connected winding, the resistance shall be measured between the line and
neutral terminal.
■ For delta connected windings, measurement of winding resistance shall be done
between pairs of line terminals.(R-Y, Y-B ,B-R)
As in delta connection the resistance of individual winding can not be
measured separately, the resistance per winding shall be calculated as
per the following formula:
Resistance per winding = 1.5 × Measured value
Temperature of winding = Average temperature of insulating oil

■ The resistance is measured at ambient temperature and then converted to

resistance at 75oC for all practical purposes of comparison with specified design
values, previous results and diagnostics. Winding Resistance at standard
temperature of 75oC
(Average temperature of insulating oil should be taken 3 to 8 hours after
de-energizing transformer and when the difference between top and
bottom oil temperatures becomes less than 5oC.) The resistance can be
measured
■ Principle and methods for resistance measurement:‐ There are basically two
different methods for resistance measurement: namely, the so‐called “voltmeter‐
ammeter method” and the bridge method. “Voltmeter‐ammeter Method” The
measurement is carried out using DC current. Simultaneous readings of current and
voltage are taken. The resistance is calculated from the readings in accordance with
Ohm’s Law. This measurement may be performed using conventional analog (rarely
used nowadays) or digital meters; however, today digital devices such as Data
Acquisition Systems (DAS) with direct resistance display are being used more and
more. Measurement with voltmeter and ammeter The measuring circuit is shown in
figure 2.1. Resistance RX is calculated according to Ohm’s Law:
■ “Resistance measurement using a Kelvin (Thomson) Bridge” This measurement is
based on the comparison of two voltage drops: namely, the voltage drop across the
unknown winding resistance RX, compared to a voltage drop across a known
resistance RN (standard resistor).
■ DC‐current is made to flow through RX and RN and the corresponding voltage drops
are measured and compared. The bridge is balanced by varying the two resistors
Rdec and RV, which have relatively high resistance values. A balanced condition is
indicated when the galvanometer deflection is zero, at which time the following
The influence of contact resistances and the connection cable resistances (even of the
connection between RX and RN) can be neglected .
Value of the DC‐current of measurement

Maximum value:
■ To avoid an inadmissible winding temperature rise during the measurement, the
DC‐current should be limited to a maximum 10% of the rated current of the
corresponding winding.
Minimum value:
The lower limit of the DC‐current is given by the following considerations:The
measuring circuit for all resistance measuring methods consists of a DC‐source and a
transformer winding fixed around an iron core as represented by the following
equivalent circuit, Winding inductance is strongly dependent on current and displays the
following characteristic for transformers,.As the measuring circuit time‐constant is
given by the relation L/R, the current‐time characteristic differs quite significantly when
switching on the DC‐source, depending on the measuring current value (magnetizing
current). Therefore, the DC measuring current should be at least 1.2 times higher than
the crest value of the magnetizing current to be sure to saturate the iron core
Why winding resistance is measured with
the help of DC supply not AC source
■ You are measuring the Winding 'Resistance'. Hence, you don't want the inductive
reactance to come into the picture.
■ In DC supply, frequency is 0Hz. Hence, inductive impedance is 0 ohm. You will
effectively be measuring the resistance of the Winding (R) and not the total
impedance I.e. R+XL.
■ XL=omega*frequency, is frequency dependant and AC supply provides that
frequency. Hence, we don't use AC for measuring Winding Resistance.
Winding Resistance Test Report
Transformer Dy11 (Tapping on HV side)

Tap RY YB BR r-n y-n b-n

01 80.1 80.2 80.5
02 79.9 79.8 80
03 81 81.5 81.8
04 80.6 80.5 80.5

Verify winding Resistance Data with manufacture data Sheet