What is Tan Delta?

Tan Delta, also known as the dissipation factor or loss tangent, is a diagnostic parameter used to assess the condition of electrical insulation in equipment such as transformers, cables, and motors. It measures the ratio of energy dissipated as heat in the insulation to the energy stored in the insulation when subjected to an alternating voltage. A higher Tan Delta value typically indicates insulation degradation, contamination, or other issues that can lead to equipment failure. It is commonly used in predictive maintenance programs to identify potential problems and prevent costly breakdowns.