According to the results of 2019, employees of the regional isolation and surge protection service (RI SPS) and isolation services of production divisions of Rosseti Volga branch (the brand of IDGC of Volga PJSC) - Ulyanovsk Grids conducted 8019 tests of electrical equipment.  They included 1570 tests at transformer substations (SS) 0,4/6/10 kV, 717 tests for 110/35 kV SS and 3016 tests for 110 kV core insulation.

Power engineers can achieve maximum accuracy and efficiency in conducting electrical tests and measurements by using modern diagnostic methods and high-tech equipment. In particular, the vibroacoustic method is used to detect microcracks on the porcelain of the support-rod insulation. Since 2017, the branch has also used an ultrasound method to diagnose the structure of high-voltage porcelain.

The most effective, so-called contactless method for diagnosing the condition of equipment and structures without taking them out of operation is thermal imaging. Thermal imaging surveys allow power engineers to detect even minor defects by fixing and converting infrared radiation into visible spectrum. In 2019, RI SPS specialists used a thermal imager to survey 71 high-voltage substations, 43 high-voltage overhead lines, and 1579 6-10/0.4 kV transformer substations. In addition, in the branch operates a modern high-performance chemical chromatographic laboratory that analyzes samples coming from the entire region.

 At the end of last year, the laboratory staff conducted 896 analyses of transformer oil samples. Physical-chemical and chromatographic analyses performed on electronic equipment using new techniques and technologies allow us to determine any deviations from the norm as accurately as possible and to diagnose slowly developing defects in transformers at an early stage.

Periodic tests, measurements and inspections of electrical equipment allow early detection of defects and malfunctions, thereby eliminating the risk of damage to expensive equipment and the occurrence of technological violations in the networks. All data obtained during surveys are taken into account when forming and adjusting annual production programs.