Visual Test is a method to obtain information on the presence of Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) by sight which is carried out on transformers and capacitors that are still in use or are no longer in use. However, many people still do not know how to do the visual test.
Visual testing can be done by checking the plates or log books on transformers and capacitors. The first thing to check is whether the transformer is a wet type or not. If not, the transformer is excluded from the PCBs level test. If it is a wet type, the transformer must be checked whether it uses dielectric oil with the trade name listed in Attachment 1 of the Regulation of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia No. 29 of 2020. If yes, then a PCBs content test must be carried out, if not, then it is seen whether the transformer was produced before 1997. If not, then a PCBs content test is carried out, if yes, then a check is carried out whether the transformer has a drainage channel (outlet, if it does not have an outlet channel then it is excluded from the PCBs content test. If yes, then a further check is carried out whether the transformer has ever been purified, if not then it is excluded from the PCBs content test. If the transformer has ever been purified, a PCBs content test is carried out.
References:
Agusri. (2022). Purification and Replacement of 1000 KVA Transformer Oil. Accessed on January 13, 2025 from https://youtu.be/M9C4MCSk3Oo?si=7iAl7lJLek_q6IOX
Deswandi, R. 2021. Profile of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in Indonesia and Its Management Strategy. Presented at the Webinar “Dissecting the Ministerial Regulation on the Management of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs): Corporate Responsibility and Law Enforcement”. Organized by Hukum Online on February 11, 2021.
Hyprowira. (2022). Visual Test of Transformers according to the Regulation of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia Number 29 of 2020. Accessed on January 13, 2025 from https://hyprowira.com/blog/Uji-Visual-Trafo-menurut-Permen-LHK-Nomer-29-Tahun-2020
Shoiful, A., R. Nugroho, H. Fujita and K. Honda. 2014. Concentration of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and Polychlorinated Dibenzo-P-Dioxins/Polychlorinated Dibenzofurans (PCDDS/FS) in Water from the Jabodetabek Urban Area. Indonesian Water Journal Vol. 7 (1): 1 – 10.
