Electrical Power & Protection


Partial discharge monitoring solution for MV switchgear

January 2025 Electrical Power & Protection


Lebo Ntsane, sales lead for Mining, Minerals and Metals Services at Schneider Electric.

Schneider Electric South Africa has unveiled its PowerLogic PD100 Partial Discharge Monitoring Solution, designed to be installed on medium voltage (MV) switchgear to detect anomalies early, to prevent unplanned downtime.

“The PD100 Partial Discharge sensor is suited to greenfield projects and can only be fitted to Schneider Electric’s new-generation switchgear and voltage detecting indicating system (VDIS),” says Lebo Ntsane, sales lead for Mining, Minerals and Metals Services at Schneider Electric. “It enables continuous partial discharge monitoring on MV switchgear, and also on all the critical connections made in the field, such as cables, transformers and busbar connections.” He explains that a partial discharge happens when electrical insulation in high-voltage environments deteriorates under stress, leading to insulation failure. It is a complex phenomenon that requires specific knowledge and competencies to get the right insights into equipment.

All types of partial discharge

“Based on our reliable capacitive coupler technology, the PowerLogic PD100 Partial Discharge Monitoring sensor detects all types of partial discharges such as Corona, surface or void discharges,” says Ntsane. “The PowerLogic PD100 Partial Discharge Monitoring is essentially an additional safety measure on your switchboard panel, particularly medium voltage. We know that about 25% of MV asset failures are due to partial discharge. If you quantify 25% across one operation, that is potentially a lot of damage and danger to equipment and human beings.”

The PowerLogic PD100 partial discharge sensor is typically installed in MV switchgear with Active Plus connectivity, which provides 24/7 monitoring and detection of all types of partial discharge to maximise continuity of service and optimise maintenance of critical equipment.

Remote monitoring

Ntsane explains that the product comes with the next-generation EcoStruxure Service Plan that combines remote monitoring and alarms through an innovative digital platform, supported by experts from Schneider Electric’s Connected Services Hub. This enables Schneider Electric to provide insights and maintenance recommendations to improve business operations efficiency. “Through our service plan with Asset Advisor, we provide simple and clear information accessible anywhere and anytime from our Connected Services Hub. With a service plan, we combine all elements needed − data, algorithms, and expertise from the Connected Services Hub − to provide notifications, insights and predictive analytics,” he continues. “When an abnormal partial discharge activity is detected, our experts will remotely assess the equipment health, anticipate potential issues, and provide recommendations, including a dedicated onsite ProCorona diagnostic of live equipment to accurately determine the root cause.”

This unique approach helps optimise site operations and maintenance costs, reducing unplanned downtime and improving safety. PowerLogic PD100 is suited for indoor applications with Schneider Electric’s MV equipment with a capacitive coupler.


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Solar energy reimagined
Electrical Power & Protection
As the global energy sector races to meet net-zero commitments, utility-scale solar is undergoing a fundamental transformation. No longer defined by megawatt capacity alone, solar projects are now being evaluated on their ability to deliver dispatchable power, enhance grid stability, and provide critical ancillary services.

Read more...
Schneider launches new Breaker Status and Communication Module
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric has launched its new Breaker Status and Communication Module Modbus SL/ULP, which delivers enhanced performance, improved connectivity and simplified integration for power distribution systems.

Read more...
Battery energy storage is critical to stabilise SA’s grid
Electrical Power & Protection
As the global energy transition accelerates, South Africa is quietly becoming a major player in one of the sector’s fastest-growing energy segments: battery energy storage systems.

Read more...
Schneider Electric drives innovation in Africa
Schneider Electric South Africa News
Schneider Electric has officially launched its first Innovation Hub on the African continent, coinciding with the opening of its new regional headquarters in Midrand, South Africa.

Read more...
Reliable redundancy with the Mibbo
Conical Technologies Electrical Power & Protection
In industrial automation and control systems, uninterrupted power isn’t a luxury, it’s essential. The Mibbo M3DN Series Redundant Module steps in as the perfect solution when you need reliable 24 V DC power without the risk of single-point failure

Read more...
Rugged, industrial-Grade DIN rail
Conical Technologies Electrical Power & Protection
The Mibbo MTR960W from Conical Technologies is a high-powered, compact and reliable industrial power supply. It delivers a solid 960 watts of output power at 24 or 48?V DC, and is reliable and cost-effective.

Read more...
Schneider Electric’s microgrid enables optimised energy operations
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric has launched its EcoStruxure Microgrid Flex product.

Read more...
Energy management pays off
Electrical Power & Protection
Onsite energy utilities such as boilers must be independently managed to achieve meaningful performance outcomes.

Read more...
Integration of power and energy management with industrial
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
Water and power management form the backbone of society and the country’s industrial landscape. With infrastructure challenges, stricter environmental regulations and the need for greater operational efficiency, water and wastewater operators need to optimise their systems. This is where the integration of power and energy management and industrial automation can alleviate some of these operational challenges.

Read more...
Schneider Electric South Africa certified as 2025 Top Employer
Schneider Electric South Africa News
Schneider Electric is proud to announce its South African operation has been awarded Top Employer 2025 certification by a global authority in HR excellence, Top Employers Institute.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved