BAUR · APPLICATION GUIDE
Short answer: BAUR liona Online PD Spot Tester should be selected by matching the complete test workflow to the application, not by comparing one headline specification. Confirm the test object, measurement range, accessories, environment, reporting needs, and local support before committing to a configuration.
- Start with the measurement objective and the decision the result must support.
- Evaluate the instrument, connections, accessories, software, and reporting as one system.
- RCC Electronics can help Canadian teams confirm configuration, availability, service, and brief rental needs.
Interest in BAUR liona Online PD Spot Tester normally comes from a specific measurement problem: a test takes too long, a result is difficult to repeat, an operator needs safer access, or an existing setup no longer provides enough confidence. The model name alone does not answer whether the complete system will work in the intended environment.
This article combines the existing product overview with a structured evaluation method. It covers application fit, accessories, workflow, result review, Canadian support, and questions to ask before purchasing. Confirm the exact configuration and current specifications with the manufacturer documentation and RCC Electronics before relying on any individual capability.
Is this instrument a practical fit?
A useful evaluation begins with five questions. Write the answers before requesting a quotation or demonstration. This prevents an attractive specification from masking a mismatch in connections, operating conditions, test time, or documentation.
| Decision point |
What to confirm |
Why it matters |
| Test objective |
The fault, parameter, or pass/fail decision |
Defines the required method and evidence |
| Operating range |
Expected values, transients, uncertainty, and margins |
Avoids an underspecified or unnecessarily complex setup |
| Connections |
Sensors, leads, fixtures, adapters, and physical access |
The accessory chain can determine safety and repeatability |
| Workflow |
Setup time, operator steps, data storage, and export |
Throughput depends on the full sequence, not one reading |
| Support |
Training, calibration, service, lead time, and spares |
Protects availability over the instrument life |
Technical overview and application context
Partial discharge is one of the most important indicators of insulation problems in cable systems and switchgear. The BAUR liona is a portable online PD spot tester designed to measure and locate partial discharges in cables and switchgear during normal mains operation, allowing users to check asset condition without taking equipment offline. BAUR says even a single PD spot test can assess system condition in just a few minutes, while trend analyses can support longer-term maintenance planning.
One of the biggest advantages of the BAUR liona is that it supports online partial discharge testing during normal network operation. This is important because conventional cable diagnostics often require the cable route to be switched off, which can involve significant effort, operational disruption, and cost. BAUR positions liona as a practical way to identify potential problem areas early, reduce unnecessary maintenance work, and focus resources only where more detailed diagnostics or repairs are truly needed.
The liona is designed to make partial discharge testing both accessible and reliable. BAUR highlights automatic PD detection and the DeCIFer® algorithm, which is used to distinguish noise signals from actual partial discharges. BAUR also says this technology is based on a large database of measurement results, helping the instrument deliver meaningful results even in electrically noisy environments. This is especially valuable for field users who need quick answers without relying on lengthy manual interpretation.
Another key benefit is flexibility. BAUR says the liona can be used on medium- and high-voltage cables, supports simultaneous evaluation of four measurement channels, and can also perform continuous monitoring of a cable route for up to 30 days. The data sheet also notes support for 24-hour commissioning testing according to IEC 60840 and for regular monitoring of critical cable routes using permanently installed sensors. This makes the unit useful not only for spot checks, but also for broader condition-based maintenance programs.
For users who need more than spot testing, BAUR offers the optional iPD transponder, which adds online cable length measurement and precise online PD mapping. BAUR says this setup can help locate partial discharge activity and can also be used on cables with cross-bonding joints. The software includes modules for Spot Tester, Mapping, and Cable Length, with operating modes such as PD TEST, Scope, PRPD, and Waveform analysis. This gives users a path from quick screening to more detailed fault investigation.
A major recent development is the VDS-C VDS PD coupler, which BAUR describes as an important new accessory for online diagnostics on medium-voltage cables. According to BAUR, the VDS-C allows partial discharge measurements on cables through switchgear VDS ports without disconnecting the cable route from service. BAUR says this helps operators check cable condition quickly, even on critical routes that would be costly or difficult to take out of operation.
The VDS-C also expands what can be done in practical field diagnostics. BAUR says it enables fast preselection of cables, supports measurements on belted cables, and allows measurements between individual phases. The product page states that measurements can be completed in minutes and that operators can screen 2 to 3 cables per minute in the liona + VDS-C configuration. BAUR also notes that while this spot-test approach is excellent for preselection and condition screening, detailed fault location still requires the iPD transponder with HFCT sensors or offline diagnostics.
From a hardware perspective, the liona is built as a portable field instrument. The BAUR data sheet lists a partial discharge measurement range of 5 pC to 1,000 nC, 4 signal inputs, sampling at 100 MSamples/s, 14-bit resolution, and overvoltage protection up to 500 V. Communication is provided through USB 2.0 and Ethernet. The unit operates from 100 to 240 V, 50/60 Hz mains or from an internal 12 V, 8 Ah lithium-polymer battery, with a minimum battery life of 3 hours. BAUR lists IP67 protection in the closed state, dimensions of about 550 x 350 x 225 mm, weight of about 13.5 kg, and an operating temperature range of -10°C to +45°C.
The VDS-C accessory is also designed for field convenience. BAUR specifies 3 signal inputs, 3 voltage outputs plus 1 synchronization output, and voltage signal frequency coverage from 100 kHz to 10 MHz. It supports HR, MR, and LRM systems according to IEC 61243-5, and LRM systems according to IEC 62271-213:2021. BAUR lists battery life for the VDS-C at about 24 hours and charging time at about 6 hours, which supports extended use in the field.
Overall, the BAUR liona is a strong solution for utilities, industrial operators, and service teams that need fast and practical online partial discharge diagnostics without unnecessary downtime. With automatic PD detection, DeCIFer®-based evaluation, optional PD mapping with the iPD transponder, and the new VDS-C for diagnostics through switchgear VDS ports, liona supports both quick cable screening and deeper condition assessment for smarter maintenance decisions.
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How to evaluate BAUR liona Online PD Spot Tester for your workflow
Define the test object and normal operating condition first. Record the expected range, the smallest change that matters, the maximum condition the setup may encounter, and whether the result is for troubleshooting, acceptance, maintenance trending, production screening, or engineering analysis. These uses can require different accuracy, speed, isolation, memory, automation, and documentation.
Next, map the complete connection path. Include probes, clamps, sensors, fixtures, test leads, adapters, communication cables, power sources, and protective equipment. Check connector compatibility and physical access as carefully as the instrument specification. A technically capable main unit can still be the wrong choice if the required accessory is unsuitable for the conductor, terminal, frequency, voltage, temperature, or installation space.
Finally, test a representative workflow. Time the setup, confirm the operator can identify a poor connection, save the result, reproduce the measurement, and export the evidence in the format the team actually uses. A short application review or demonstration often reveals more than a long feature comparison.
Planning the measurement and reviewing results
Reliable results come from a controlled method. Document the test conditions, instrument configuration, accessory identifiers, connection points, stabilization time, environmental conditions, and any correction or compensation applied. Where safety procedures or isolation steps are required, include them in the job plan and follow the equipment manufacturer and site rules.
Before collecting production or field data, run a reference check on a known item or a repeatable baseline. Repeat the measurement after reconnecting when connection quality could influence the result. Review the raw value together with range status, warning indicators, time stamps, waveforms, trends, or phase information that the instrument provides. A single number without context can hide a setup problem.
For purchasing decisions, compare the evidence produced by each candidate under the same conditions. Separate mandatory requirements from useful conveniences, and include the cost of accessories, training, software, calibration, downtime, and future expansion. This produces a more defensible decision than comparing list price or one maximum specification.
Buying, renting or servicing in Canada
RCC Electronics supports Canadian utilities, manufacturers, laboratories, contractors, and maintenance teams from Ontario with shipment across Canada. Ask us to verify the exact model, option, accessory, lead time, and service path for your application. See RCCE services or contact the technical sales team. When a short project makes ownership impractical, ask briefly whether a suitable rental configuration is available.
FAQ: BAUR liona Online PD Spot Tester
What information should I provide before requesting a quotation?
Share the test object, expected range, required method or standard, environment, preferred reporting format, and any accessories already in use. Photos or connection drawings can help identify fixture and lead requirements.
Should I choose the widest measurement range?
Not automatically. Choose a range with suitable margin while also checking resolution, uncertainty, speed, input protection, and behaviour under the real test conditions.
Which accessories should be included?
Include every item needed to make the connection safely and repeatably. Confirm ratings and compatibility for probes, clamps, sensors, fixtures, leads, adapters, batteries, cases, and communication options.
How should I compare two candidate instruments?
Use the same representative test object and written procedure. Compare setup time, repeatability, operator effort, result clarity, export, support, and total configured cost.
Can RCC Electronics help with configuration and support in Canada?
Yes. RCC Electronics can review the application, check the current manufacturer documentation, confirm a suitable configuration, and discuss delivery and service options.
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* Specifications are summarised from manufacturer-published information and should be confirmed against the latest official datasheets before final selection. Standard numbers are listed only when supported by the cited manufacturer information or the applicable test procedure.
