Test leads from Megger assess lightning protection in wind turbine blades

Wind turbines are increasingly becoming an important source of renewable energy and are being used by several countries as a way to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. Turbines come in varying sizes and are manufactured in various vertical and horizontal axis types.  Small turbines are used to charge batteries for auxiliary power in boats, caravans and traffic warning signs and signals.  Medium sized turbines are generally used to generate and contribute a small amount of power to the domestic power supply as well as selling unused power back to the utility supplier through the electrical grid.  The largest turbines, also known as wind farms, are an important source of renewable energy for many countries in the world. Ensuring proper working condition and safety of these turbines, no matter what size, is important.  Megger recognized this and has developed a series of test leads in conjunction with key wind turbine manufacturers that assess the continuity of lightning protection conductors in wind turbine blades.

Megger’s KC series is the first commercially available product of its kind to have been specifically designed for wind turbine applications.  This unique series of leads offers more accurate results and eliminates the time consuming, inconvenient and unreliable process of engineers and technicians having to fabricate their own test leads. Available in three lengths, 328 feet, 164 feet and 98 feet, the KC series can be used on site or in a manufacturing plant.

Each testing lead comes standard on a heavy-duty cable reel that is fitted with a friction brake to avoid tangles when reeling out the cable. The KC series is expertly designed with large, robust Kelvin clips for easy termination and the ability to provide consistent and reliable connections that ensure accurate and repeatable test results.  Each lead set includes a 16-foot cable fitted with a duplex handspike for probing the lightning receptors on the tips of the turbine blades.

For use with most modern low resistance ohmmeters, the KC series leads are ideally suited for use with Megger’s DLRO 10HD that combines a rugged construction with high test current capability. By assessing the continuity of lightning production conductors in wind turbine blades, communities are protecting their investment, while investing in their future.