Tap adapter installation procedure

Created by Patrícia Siqueira, Modified on Wed, 04 Oct 2023 at 03:42 PM by Patrícia Siqueira

The following procedure indicates the most common ways for the mechanical installation of Treetech TAP adapters.

The existence of several models of Capacitive TAPs on high-voltage bushings indicates the necessity of different models of TAP adapters for bushing monitoring installation.

The installation of the adapters must mainly respect the mechanical construction of each bushing. There are two models of TAPs available:

Voltage TAP: these, normally more robust, may present a higher resistance to threading. We do not indicate to use of tools for threading unless extremely necessary.
Test TAP: these, ordinarily less robust, can be threaded more easily. We do not recommend the use of tools for tightening the TAP adapters.

Installation procedure

The installation procedure for the TAP adapters should follow the steps below:

Removing the TAP grounding cap: You must take care when removing the TAP cap, as old bushings may be too tight. In these cases, it may be necessary to use appropriate tools for its removals, such as a fixed open-end wrench or adjustable spanner. If a utensil is required, you should note that high torques can damage the TAP of the bush when this is not robust. In some cases, another wrench may be necessary to support the TAP (an example of TAP is shown in Figure 3 below);
Cleaning of the capacitive TAP thread for adapter installation: preferably using a steel brush, but you can also use a cloth, sponge, or similar materials, to ensure complete removal of residues such as iron filings, contaminated grease, solder tin, paint, rust, et cetera;
Check the measuring connection pin/point of the TAP adapter: This should be clean and free of obstructions such as iron filings, solder tin, paint, and rust, among others. If necessary, you should clean, and it may be required to use abrasive material such as sponge or sandpaper to remove imperfections;
Adapter thread testing: this should install without the use of tools. In cases where the TAPs are robust, it may be necessary to use a greater force to thread the adapter. If the use of tools is demanded, these must respect the construction of the TAP in question to avoid overtightening;
Testing the electrical connection of the adaptor: Firstly, the mechanical connection of the contacts is tested by marking the connection pin with a projector pen or pencil, and the proper connection is verified (by removing the ink from the initial marking). Additionally, it can measure the leakage current by injecting voltage into the bushing. Alternatively, the capacitance can be measured using a multimeter. It is worth noting that this measurement will not be close to the actual capacitance of the bushing.
Connection of the adapter plug: The plug should be connected and installed according to the BM bushing monitor manual.

Adaptadores disponíveisAvailable adapters

The following are indications of existing TAPs and recommended care during the installation of TAP adapters.

Voltage TAP

There are several models of voltage TAP with different levels of robustness, represented in the photos below. It is not recommended the use tools for threading unless it is necessary to guarantee electrical contact and sealing.

Figure 1 -Tensioning tap with robust construction attached to the bushing base.

Figure 2 - More robust TAP built into the bushing base.

On the following TAP, less robust construction, no tool should be used to install the adapter, as the TAP may rotate, causing leakage or moisture ingress.

Figure 3 - Voltage tap with less robust construction

Test TAP

There are several models of test TAP. Below is an indication of some of the models. In general, test TAPs are not robust, but there are exceptions. We do not recommend the use of tools for threading.

Figure 4 - Test TAP, although it looks robust and is not indicated to use tools for installation.

Figure 5 - Test TAP. Is not robust, the thread comes directly from inside the bushing, so we do not indicate the use of tools for installation.

Figure 6 - Test TAP. Although it is robust as it is attached to the base of the bushing, it is not recommended that tools are used for installation.

Figure 7 - Test TAP. Although it is robust as it is attached to the base of the bushing, it is not recommended that tools are used for installation.

Observations

The Treetech TAP adapter is designed for applications in the most severe weather conditions, tested and approved in thousands of applications worldwide.

Test	Interval/Description
Maximum voltage developed with disconnection of cables	14 ± 2 Vca
Permanent conduction cap. at 125ºC w/ cables disconnected	2 x 250mA (redundant protection)
Operating temperature	25 °C to 120 °C
Degree of protection	IP 65
Cable section	0.3 to 1.5 mm² (22 to 14 AWG)
Maximum tightening torque	15 N.m
Maximum vertical load	20 kg
Sealing pressure	1 bar

Installation precautions

Screw on by hand, without the aid of tools.
Do not lean, step on or hang objects on the tap adapter. Always anchor the cable or conduit in a nearby structure to relieve mechanical stress on the plug.

Bushing Testing

It is necessary to remove the TAP adapter to connect the TAP to the BM-MM to perform tests on the bushings. To do this, once it has been verified that there is no voltage on the bushing (transformer disconnected), disconnect the plug cable from the TAP adapter, as shown in the Figure below. Then disconnect the TAP adapter taking the same precautions as mentioned above, according to the type of TAP.

Figure 8 - TAP adapter socket removed from the adapter, connected to the bushing TAP.

Once the tests have been carried out (according to the manual for the bushing and the manufacturer's guidelines), follow the same installation precautions previously mentioned to put the equipment back into operation.

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Possible Problems Installing TAP Adapters

If you have any problems or difficulties with the procedure, please do not hesitate to contact us!

Contacts:  
Telephone: +55 (11) 2410 – 1190 — Ext. 425
Cellular: +55 (11) 97225 – 8683 - WhatsApp
E-mail: sac@treetech.com.br
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