Solutions High Current Testing
Core Services
Temperature Rise and Continuous Current Testing
Temperature rise testing ensures that equipment can safely handle its rated current without overheating or exceeding temperature limits set by the relevant test standards. The testing ensures that temperature levels remain within safe limits to prevent insulation and contact degradation, equipment failure, and fire hazards.
Capabilities:
Our lab provides continuous test current and temperature measurements in a controlled test environment. The lab can produce 60 Hz ac current up to 5,000 A three-phase or 10,000 A single-phase, and DC current up to 5,000 A. Current levels are maintained at target levels with an automated data acquisition and control system. Temperature rise is measured using thermocouples and a multi-channel calibrated data acquisition system at all key points on the device under test (e.g., connections, contacts, conductors, terminals, and insulation). The long-term performance of connections is evaluated by resistance measurements using low-resistance micro-ohmmeters.
Products:
Temperature rise testing is performed on every type of electrical device on the power system to confirm its current-carrying capability, including switchgear, transformers, fuses, cables, bus, connectors, terminations, and bushings. Testing can be done to national and international standards, or our team of experienced engineers can assist with planning and execution of custom, non-standard test programs if required.
Connector Testing
Electrical connectors are used to join conductors and equipment on all parts of the power system. They must maintain a low resistance connection under long-term exposure to varying environmental and mechanical loading conditions. Powertech has many years of experience testing and evaluating connectors, including compression, mechanical, automatic splices, and separable insulated connectors.
Capabilities:
Powertech can perform continuous current, current cycling and mechanical testing to a variety of connector standards, including ANSI C119, CSA C57, IEC 61238-1, IEEE 386, IEEE 837, and NEMA CC 1. Testing is automated using a custom-designed control system and can run both the Current Cycle Testing (CCT) and Current Cycle Submergence Testing (CCST) procedures. Powertech’s high-temperature connector testing facility allows combined tension and current loading to test full tension and high temperature connectors. Automated testing allows precise current cycle control and resistance measurements without the need to pause the tests, providing uninterrupted testing in the most efficient manner possible.
Instrument Transformer Testing
Instrument transformers provide voltage and/or current readings for metering, protection, and control. They are subjected to a range of tests to ensure they meet the requirements for the transformer class and design, whether it is traditional induction or newer electronic and optical designs.
Capabilities:
The full range of tests for instrument transformers can be provided by various labs at Powertech, including High Current, High Voltage, High Power, Mechanical, and Environmental Labs. Powertech can test a variety of instrument transformer types with metering accuracy classes up to 0.1, and protection classes up to 10P. Standard tests can be performed to IEEE C57.13, IEC 61869, and CSA C60044. Tests may include accuracy, composite error, dielectric, Impulse, RIV, partial discharge, dissipation factor, capacitance, temperature-rise, inter-turn over voltage, mechanical loading, and short-circuit.
Why Choose Powertech?
Test for the Real World
Simulate lightning strikes, fault currents, grid interactions, and high-temperature operating conditions with the precision needed to uncover design limitations and verify resilience.
Comply with Confidence
Align your testing with globally recognized standards (IEC, IEEE, CSA, UL) and interconnection requirements—supported by engineers who understand the path to certification and market entry.
Accelerate Innovation
Use our data-rich results to inform product development, troubleshoot weak points, and validate performance before launch.
Work with People Who Get It
Our team includes deeply experienced high-voltage specialists who’ve tested thousands of products and systems across generations of electrical infrastructure.
Applicable Standards
Testing aligned with: IEC, IEEE, CSA, UL, NERC, ISO interconnection and equipment standards.
How This Applies to Your Industry
Utilities
Validate transformer, switchgear, and cable performance under fault and surge conditions. Ensure compliance with NERC and grid integration requirements.
Electrical OEMs
Certify high-voltage equipment for type testing and market entry. Reduce time to compliance with repeatable, standards-aligned testing.
Industrial Manufacturing
Test proprietary systems and components to prevent electrical failure and ensure safe high-voltage performance in operational environments.
Energy (Oil, Gas & Renewables)
Simulate power system behavior for renewable grid integration and offshore/onshore fault event readiness.
Hydrogen
Evaluate HV components in hydrogen infrastructure under surge and thermal stress. Ensure safe integration with renewable power systems.
Government and Public Sector
Support infrastructure development with accredited high-voltage testing aligned to public safety and regulatory requirements.
"Precision under pressure. Our High Current Lab doesn’t just test—it proves your equipment can perform when every amp counts."
Logan Connaughton
Division Manager, High Energy Applied Testing
Where Current Meets Confidence.
When your systems face the demands of high current and low voltage extremes, there’s no room for compromise. Powertech’s High Current Lab delivers the assurance you need—through accredited testing that reflects the realities of field conditions.
Whether you're validating thermal endurance, simulating fault conditions, or preparing for compliance, our expert team and advanced facilities help you identify weaknesses, confirm durability, and move forward with certainty.
Let’s build a test plan that aligns with your technical, safety, and certification goals. Reach out today.
Logan Connaughton
Division Manager, High Energy Applied Testing
email us | 604.590.7500
Let's Work Together.
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