Multi-method partial discharge detectors combining thermal imaging, airborne acoustic (AA), and transient earth voltage (TEV) for comprehensive MV switchgear inspection.
There is no universal partial-discharge sensor. A useful shortlist starts with the equipment type, accessible measurement point and whether you need screening, localization or diagnosis.
| Method | Typical use | Main limitation to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| TEV | Screening metal-clad switchgear | Requires suitable accessible metal surface |
| Airborne ultrasonic | Corona, tracking and arcing with an acoustic path | Enclosure and background noise can block or mask signals |
| HFCT | Cable earth paths and cable-system diagnostics | Sensor installation point and interference control |
| UHF | GIS and selected enclosed HV assets | Compatible sensor/window and frequency environment |
Portable handheld PD detector with TEV and airborne acoustic (AA) detection methods and wireless control from a phone or tablet. The everyday choice for MV switchgear surveys and substation rounds.
Multifunctional PD detector supporting five detection methods: UHF, HFCT, TEV, AE and AA, with WiFi data sharing. For GIS, cable, transformer and generator testing where one instrument must cover several methods.
PD detector price and selection guide → | How to choose the right detection method →
There is no single sensor that sees every defect. Match the method to the asset and to the access point you have, then use a detector that covers the methods your inspection rounds actually need.
| Method | What it picks up | Typical asset | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| TEV (transient earth voltage) | Surface PD inside metal-enclosed switchgear | MV/LV switchgear, ring main units | No outage, sensor on the enclosure wall |
| AA (airborne acoustic) | Airborne ultrasound from surface PD and corona | Open switchgear, outdoor terminations, insulators | Locates the defect by pointing; good for corona |
| AE (acoustic emission) | Structure-borne ultrasound from internal PD | Cable terminations, transformers, rotating machines | Contact probe on the tank or the mounting surface |
| UHF (ultra high frequency) | Internal PD in gas-insulated equipment | GIS, GIL, UHF-coupled compartments | Very high immunity to external noise |
| HFCT (HF current transformer) | PD current pulses travelling along cable sheaths and earths | MV/HV cables, online monitoring | Clamp-on; works for online and offline cable tests |
Handheld detectors cover the methods above in one instrument for periodic surveys; fixed sensors are used where continuous online monitoring is required. If you are also looking for contactless acoustic imaging, see our acoustic cameras and the thermal vs acoustic PD comparison.
Contact our technical team for a personalized recommendation based on your application.
Handheld or online, TEV, AA, AE, UHF or HFCT: tell us the assets you inspect and we will recommend the right configuration and quote it. OEM and neutral packaging available.
Distributors, EPC contractors and procurement teams: see how this product line is supplied with factory-direct quotations, OEM branding and volume pricing.
Supplier & OEM supplyA partial discharge (PD) detector is a portable instrument that detects the small electrical discharges that occur inside or on the surface of insulation before it fails. It measures signals such as transient earth voltage (TEV), airborne and structure-borne acoustic emission, UHF radiation or HF current pulses, and reports a severity reading so maintenance teams can rank the asset for further action.
Choose by asset and access point. TEV and AA cover metal-enclosed MV switchgear without an outage, AE is used for cable terminations, transformers and machines, UHF is for GIS compartments and HFCT is for cable sheath current. Multi-method detectors such as the HPD500 cover several of these in one instrument.
Handheld detectors are used for periodic inspection rounds and spot checks; online monitoring is used where the asset is critical and continuous trending is required. Many teams start with a handheld survey instrument and add fixed monitoring later on the assets that show activity.
Price depends on the detection methods covered, the number of channels, calibration and accessories, software and packaging. Send us the assets you inspect and the methods you need, and we will quote a configuration and its current price. See our PD detector price guide for what drives the cost.
Yes. OEM branding and neutral packaging are available, and we can quote wholesale quantities for distributors. Tell us the quantity and the branding you need when you request a quotation.