10/350 & 8/20 Impulse Current Test System

ICTS 10/350&8/20 Impulse Current Test System has Crowbar and RLC circuit, it can output 10/350μs impulse current with Crowbar circuit and its current peak reaches 200kA, and 200kA, 8/20μs current wave can also be produced. The test system is used for carrying VPR Test，Residual Voltage Test, ClassⅠ and Class Ⅱ Classification Test, Operating Duty Test and so on. The test system contends the requirements of IEC 61643 and UL 1449 standards.

Application

The ICTS 10/350 & 8/20 Impulse Current Test System is a specialized electrical testing device designed to simulate high-energy surges such as lightning strikes or large power grid switching events. It is primarily used to evaluate the withstand capability, discharge performance, and safety of electrical equipment under extreme transient high-current conditions.

Standards

IEC61643. UL1449. IEC60060

Technical Parameters

Features

High-precision intelligent control:

The system is equipped with a built-in PLC control module and a color touchscreen, supporting manual, automatic, and programmed control modes. Some units also feature an integrated web server, enabling users to access test status and reports directly via a web browser.

Wide range and multi-level output:

The system provides an extremely wide output range (currents up to several hundred kA) and allows flexible adjustment to generate waveform outputs compliant with different industry standards.

High safety and protection mechanisms:

It adopts a high-voltage and low-voltage isolation design to ensure operator safety. The system includes audible and visual alarm functions as well as an emergency stop function. It is also equipped with grounding protection and a door interlock safety system.

Maintenance Information

1. Strict Safety Rules

Safety grounding:

Before operation, a grounding rod must be used to manually discharge the high-voltage capacitor bank to ensure the voltage is reduced to zero.

Limit switches and interlocks:

Regularly inspect the safety interlock switches of the shielding room and test operation cabinet to prevent unauthorized access during high-voltage charging.

2. Routine and Periodic Maintenance

High-voltage capacitor maintenance:

Check whether the capacitors show signs of swelling, oil leakage, or abnormal noise, and regularly measure capacitance values.

Spark gap cleaning:

High-current discharges may erode the surface of the spark gap. It is necessary to periodically polish it with fine sandpaper to maintain a smooth surface and recalibrate the gap distance.

Connection circuit tightening:

Test currents ranging from hundreds to several thousand amperes generate strong electromagnetic forces and mechanical vibration. Therefore, all connections of waveform shaping inductors, resistors, and main circuits must be regularly tightened.

3. Calibration & Measurement

Rogowski coil / shunt calibration:

The current measurement system used for recording impulse current waveforms (e.g., Rogowski coils) must be calibrated annually to ensure accurate peak value and waveform timing.

4. Common Troubleshooting

Waveform distortion:

For example, when a 10/350 μs waveform deviates from the required parameters, adjustments may be made by replacing tuning resistors or inductors.

High-voltage failure / no discharge triggering / PLC communication errors:

These issues may involve software faults or electrical hardware failures, such as control system communication problems or triggering circuit malfunctions.

FAQ

1. What is this product?

You are using a 10/350 & 8/20 Impulse Current Test System, a high-voltage testing device designed to generate standardized surge current waveforms (10/350 μs and 8/20 μs) for evaluating the performance of electrical and electronic components under lightning and switching surge conditions.

2. What is this product used for?

You can use it to test surge protective devices (SPDs), lightning arresters, varistors, grounding systems, and power equipment. It helps evaluate current withstand capability, energy absorption performance, and insulation reliability under simulated lightning strike and surge events.

3. Why is this product important?

It allows you to reproduce real lightning and switching surge conditions in a controlled laboratory environment. This ensures that products meet international safety and performance standards, reducing failure risks in real-world electrical and power systems.

4. What industries is this product suitable for?

You can use it in electrical power systems, lightning protection equipment manufacturing, renewable energy (solar and wind), rail transit, automotive electronics, and research institutions focused on high-voltage testing and safety certification.

5. What types of this product are available?

You can choose between dual-waveform systems (10/350 μs and 8/20 μs combined), single-waveform models, capacitor-discharge impulse generators, and fully automated systems with programmable current levels, waveform control, and data acquisition software to meet different testing standards and application requirements.