Test & Measurement

EC&M Asks — How Do You Perform Partial Discharge Testing in the Field?

March 25, 2025

SME Tom Sandri addresses common challenges to PD testing in a factory setting vs. in the field in Episode 42.

In Episode 42 of EC&M Asks features subject matter expert Tom Sandri, director of workforce development at Vector Power. He addresses common questions he receives about partial discharge (PD) testing and how testing differs between the field and in a factory setting. Tom also gives a general overview of PD testing and what it means when it comes to qualification, quality assurance, and condition assessment.

“EC&M Asks” is a video series that enlists the technical expertise of our brand’s subject matter experts to answer our readers’ most pressing electrical questions. Tthese quick videos offer Q&As on topics related to various installations, applications, and troubleshooting scenarios. When our readers ask, EC&M answers.

About the Author

Thomas Sandri

Thomas Sandri is the Director of Workforce Development at Vector Power, where his responsibilities include designing and developing learning courses. He has been actively involved in the fields of electrical power and telecommunications for over 40 years. During his career, Tom has developed numerous training aids and courses, been published in various industry guides, and conducted seminars both domestically and internationally. Thomas supports a wide range of electrical and telecommunication maintenance application disciplines. He has been directly involved with and supported test and measurement applications for over 35 years. He is considered an authority in application disciplines, including insulation system analysis, medium- and high-voltage cable testing, and partial discharge analysis, as well as testing and maintenance of battery and DC systems. Tom received a BSEE from Thomas Edison University in Trenton, New Jersey.