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Advanced Field Testing of Zinc Oxide Arresters: The ZXBLQ-I Analyzer

Time:2025-07-29 Number:1

Introduction
      Zinc Oxide (MOA) surge arresters are critical protective devices within electrical power systems. Ensuring their integrity through precise electrical performance testing is paramount for system reliability. The ZXBLQ-I Zinc Oxide Arrester Tester represents a significant advancement in portable diagnostic instrumentation, offering comprehensive analysis capabilities suitable for both live-line and offline testing scenarios. This article details its technical capabilities and positions it within the landscape of MOA test equipment.

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Core Functionality and Measurement ScopeThe ZXBLQ-I excels in measuring key MOA health indicators beyond basic leakage current:

Current Analysis: Measures total leakage current (I<sub>total</sub>), fundamental resistive current (I<sub>r</sub>), and the harmonic components (3rd, 5th, 7th) of the leakage current. It captures both the fundamental effective value and peak values (including positive and negative resistive peaks - Ir<sup>+</sup>, Ir<sup>-</sup>).

Voltage Analysis: Measures the power frequency reference voltage (U<sub>ref</sub>) and its harmonics.

Phase & Power: Calculates the phase angle difference (Φ) between the fundamental voltage and total current, and determines the active power (Watts) dissipated by the arrester – a direct indicator of losses and potential aging.

Waveform Visualization: Displays real-time voltage and current waveforms on its large LCD screen, enabling visual inspection for abnormalities.

Key Features & Technical Advantages

Versatile Application: Uniquely suitable for live-line testing (enhancing operational efficiency and safety), offline testing (post-maintenance or fault investigation), or laboratory use. Voltage reference can be acquired up to 20m away (extendable).

Enhanced Diagnostics: The ability to isolate and measure the resistive current component (I<sub>r</sub>) and its harmonics is crucial. An increasing I<sub>r</sub>, particularly higher harmonics, is a primary indicator of valve aging, moisture ingress, or internal degradation – defects often masked in total current readings alone. Compared to basic testers measuring only I<sub>total</sub>, the ZXBLQ-I provides significantly deeper diagnostic insight.

Three-Phase Efficiency: Features fully isolated current and voltage sensors. A, B, and C phase arresters can be tested and stored as a single logical group, streamlining substation surveys.

Robust Data Handling: Includes a high-speed thermal printer for immediate hardcopy reports of data and captured curves. Its internal non-volatile memory securely stores up to 200 complete test datasets, allowing extensive field campaigns without external devices. RS232 interface enables data export for further analysis or reporting.

User-Centric Design: Features a large 5.7" (320x240) graphical LCD for intuitive menu navigation, parameter display, and waveform visualization. Housed in a rugged, dustproof, waterproof, and corrosion-resistant engineering plastic case.

Performance: Utilizes high-speed sampling and advanced Digital Signal Processing (DSP) techniques, ensuring strong anti-interference performance and measurement accuracy (±5% for current >100µA, ±2% for voltage >30V) under demanding field conditions.

Portability: Compact dimensions (360x260x140mm) and lightweight (5kg) design make it highly suitable for field deployment.

 

Technical Specifications Summary

Parameter

Specification

Power Supply

AC 220V ±10%, 50Hz

Leakage Current

0 - 10 mA

Voltage (Uref)

30 - 100V (RMS)

Current Accuracy

>100µA: ±5% rdg ±1 digit

Voltage Accuracy

>30V: ±2% rdg ±1 digit

Key Parameters

I<sub>total</sub>, I<sub>r</sub> (F + H3,H5,H7), Ir<sup>+</sup>/Ir<sup>-</sup>, U<sub>ref</sub> & H, Φ, Power

Data Storage

200 Groups

Display

5.7" Graphical LCD (320x240)

Printer

High-Speed Thermal

Interface

RS232

Uref Distance

20m (Standard, Extendable)

Enclosure

IP Rated Dust/Water/Corrosion Resistant Plastic

Dimensions (mm)

360 x 260 x 140

Weight

5 kg

Comparison and Positioning
While simpler testers exist, they often focus solely on total leakage current or lack the harmonic analysis capability. The ZXBLQ-I distinguishes itself through:

Comprehensive Parameter Set: Measurement of resistive current and harmonics is essential for proactive defect identification, going beyond simple pass/fail checks.

 

 

Live-Line Capability: Enables testing without costly outages, a significant operational advantage over many offline-only units.

Field Ruggedness & Portability: Its robust enclosure and weight make it significantly more suitable for harsh substation environments than bulkier lab equipment offering similar analysis.

Data Management: Onboard storage and printing streamline workflow compared to testers requiring immediate PC connection.

Conclusion
The ZXBLQ-I Zinc Oxide Arrester Tester provides power system technicians and engineers with a powerful, portable, and reliable tool for critical diagnostic testing of MOAs. Its ability to perform detailed analysis of resistive current components and harmonics under live-line or offline conditions, coupled with robust data handling and user-friendly design, makes it an excellent choice for effective preventive maintenance programs. By detecting subtle changes indicative of internal moisture or valve degradation early, the ZXBLQ-I plays a vital role in preventing arrester failures and enhancing overall power system reliability.

GDZX is a manufacturer of power detection equipment, offering a diverse range of products with comprehensive models and providing professional technical support. Contact us at +86-27-6552607 or +86-17396104357.Website: http://en.gdzxdl.com/