ISO 17025 Partial Discharge Testing Services for High Voltage Equipment
Schedule a Partial Discharge TestThe Only Accredited Lab in North and South America for Partial Discharge Testing & Calibrations
Constellation PowerLabs is the only testing and calibration lab in the Americas accredited to perform ISO 17025 partial discharge testing, providing accuracy whether performed in-lab or onsite.
We offer:
- Difficult-to-source high-voltage calibrations and testing performed by experienced technicians.
- ISO 17025 accredited under A2LA for a wide range of calibration disciplines.
- Six U.S. laboratories plus mobile onsite calibration options across North America.
- Supporting critical industries including nuclear, utilities, aerospace, and pharma.
Our Partial Discharge Testing Parameters and Capabilities
For certified PD testing and high-voltage equipment calibrations, our specialized service guarantees your test equipment performs with the highest degree of accuracy, supporting the integrity of your operations.
- A2LA-accredited calibration to ISO 17025 standards for partial discharge up to 10,000 pC.
- The only accredited laboratory for this specific parameter in North and South America.
- Expertise across detectors, VLF testers, and other HV-test equipment.
What Are the Main Types of Partial Discharge Testing Methods?
While several partial discharge testing methods exist including UHF, Acoustic, Optical, and Chemical techniques, we specialize in the Electrical (Conventional) PD method, which measures apparent charge in picoCoulombs (pC).
At Constellation PowerLabs, we provide partial discharge calibrator certification, a specialized service that verifies the accuracy of partial discharge detectors and measuring systems used in high-voltage testing.
We proudly stand as one of the only laboratories in North and South America that is accredited for this parameter, with ISO 17025 accreditation covering certification up to 10,000 pC.
The Electrical (IEC 60270) Testing Standard
This conventional method measures apparent charge pulses that travel through the high voltage equipment’s terminals. It is the standardized technique used for factory acceptance tests and routine electrical component testing.
- Quantifies partial discharge in picoCoulombs (pC)
- Often performed alongside tan delta testing for a complete insulation assessment
- Requires a direct (galvanic) connection to the high-voltage circuit for detection
Partial Discharge Testing at Our Lab or On Site
Whether you need the convenience of onsite testing or prefer the controlled environment of one of our high-voltage testing labs, Constellation PowerLabs adapts to your requirements. Our dedicated onsite team, led by a high-voltage coordinator, maintains efficient scheduling, consistent communication, and accurate results, no matter the project size or complexity.
- Ideal for critical assets, including large generators, utility transformers, and industrial switchgear, supporting accurate high voltage testing of transformer equipment.
- Flexible scheduling available to accommodate multi-day projects and planned outages.
- Receive the same high-quality accredited calibration standards on-site as you would in our own labs.
Serving High-Stakes Industries Across the U.S. and Canada
We provide calibration services for the most demanding industries across the U.S. and Canada. Our expertise makes sure your equipment meets the strictest regulatory standards, supporting operational reliability and compliance.
- Nuclear Power Plants – Specialized services and documentation to meet rigorous NRC-regulated compliance.
- Utilities & Energy Providers – Complete testing of electrical components for power generation and distribution systems.
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing – Providing process integrity with FDA audit-ready documentation and calibration.
- Aerospace & Defense – Services that meet stringent mil-spec and quality requirements.
Constellation PowerLabs partners with growing industries across Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, and throughout North America to support reliable operations and continued quality.
Partner with Constellation PowerLabs for Your Next Partial Discharge Test
As a leading electrical testing company, Constellation PowerLabs is your ideal partner to safeguard critical operations. Whether you are upgrading infrastructure or centralizing your partial discharge testing program, we provide the NIST-traceable, ISO 17025-accredited results you can trust.
Our services are available nationally and internationally, with a strong presence across the U.S. and Canada.
Common Questions About Partial Discharge Testing
Here are answers to common questions about partial discharge testing to help you choose a provider who understands the technical details.
How can partial discharge be detected?
Partial discharge can be detected using electrical, UHF, acoustic, optical, or chemical methods, each identifying signals like pulses, EM waves, sound, light, or gas byproducts.
What is the major cause of partial discharge?
Partial discharge is mainly caused by insulation defects, such as voids, cracks, or contamination in high-voltage equipment that create localized electric stress leading to small discharges.
How do you conduct a partial discharge test?
A partial discharge test is performed by a qualified calibration lab using certified high-voltage test equipment. The process generally includes:
- Preparation: Using ISO 17025-calibrated PD detectors and test equipment.
- Connection: Attaching the appropriate sensors (electrical, UHF, acoustic, etc.) to the high-voltage equipment under test.
- Application: Gradually applying the test voltage to the required levels.
- Recording: Measuring apparent charge pulses in picoCoulombs (pC) or other signal types.
- Analysis: Comparing results with standards such as IEC 60270 to evaluate insulation performance.