Introduction: Historically Maintenance Delivery Electricitys (MDE) staff have used a spring balance and piece of nylon line to determine the spring pressure on any single contact in a series of up to 25 contacts. The nylon line was attached to the contact and the spring balance to the line on pulling the balance a reading was taken. This has led to inconsistencies in the measured values obtained over the years. With this method it was also very difficult to build up a historical data base on the condition of springs with a view of determining any gradual degradation in the condition of the spring’s strength.

Objectives: The project will deliver the ability to measure accurately and consistently both the opening and closing spring pressures on Transformer Tapchangers. To allow ENI and asset policy build a clear picture of the condition of tapchanger spring contacts.