BAUR · APPLICATION GUIDE
Short answer: BAUR SSG Surge Voltage Generators 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 SSG Surge Voltage Generators 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
Fast and accurate cable fault location depends on having the right surge generator for the fault condition, cable type, and voltage level. The BAUR SSG series is designed as a family of surge voltage generators for use in low- and medium-voltage networks, offering high surge energy, continuously adjustable output voltage, and strong DC surge current for reliable cable fault location and testing work. BAUR positions the SSG range as a practical solution for testing and simulating surge loads in electrical networks while supporting precise fault location workflows.
One of the biggest strengths of the SSG family is its wide model coverage. BAUR lists the range from SSG 500 through SSG 3000, allowing users to choose different levels of surge energy, burn current, and physical configuration depending on the application. On the product comparison page, BAUR specifies the following main ratings: SSG 500 with 3 to 16 kV, 512 J, and 480 mA; SSG 1100 with 0 to 8 / 16 / 32 kV, 1100 J, and 560 mA; SSG 1500 with 1536 J and 850 mA; SSG 2100 with 2048 J and 850 mA; and SSG 3000 with 3000 J and 850 mA. This gives utilities and service teams a scalable platform for different cable fault location needs.
The purpose of these generators is not only to create impulse voltage, but to support practical cable fault location on real networks. BAUR says the SSG 1100 to SSG 3000 units enable accurate location of high-resistance, low-resistance, and intermittent faults on high-, medium-, and low-voltage cables. The SSG 500 is described as especially suitable for buried power cables, in particular low-voltage cables, and can be used for both pre-location and pin-pointing of cable faults. This makes the SSG family useful across a broad range of service environments, from lower-voltage distribution work to more demanding medium-voltage fault location tasks.
Another major advantage is voltage flexibility. BAUR states that the output voltage on the higher-capacity SSG units is continuously adjustable across 0 to 8 kV, 0 to 16 kV, and 0 to 32 kV ranges. This allows users to match the output more precisely to the cable and fault condition, rather than relying on only fixed steps. On the SSG 500, BAUR specifies selectable surge voltage levels of 4 / 8 / 16 kV, with the option to switch to 3 / 6 / 12 kV at 56 percent of surge energy. This gives technicians more flexibility when working on sensitive low-voltage cables or when a lower surge level is more appropriate for the job.
High surge energy is one of the key reasons to choose the SSG series. BAUR highlights that these generators offer high surge energy in all voltage ranges, which is important for reliable acoustic fault pin-pointing and effective fault burning. The higher-capacity models provide 1100 Ws, 1536 Ws, 2048 Ws, and 3000 Ws respectively, while the SSG 500 provides 512 J at its main surge settings. For cable fault location teams, this means stronger support for finding difficult faults and generating clear fault indications in the field.
The SSG family also supports DC functions that add value beyond surge generation alone. BAUR states that the units can be used in DC output mode, and the SSG 500 specifically supports cable and cable sheath testing with DC voltage up to 16 kV. For the SSG 1100 to SSG 3000, BAUR lists maximum DC output current values of 560 mA / 280 mA / 140 mA for the SSG 1100 across the 8 kV, 16 kV, and 32 kV ranges, and 850 mA / 425 mA / 210 mA for the SSG 1500, SSG 2100, and SSG 3000. This strong DC output current is one of the reasons BAUR highlights the SSG range for reliable power monitoring and fault conditioning tasks.
From an operating standpoint, BAUR has designed the SSG units for practical field workflows. The SSG 1100 to SSG 3000 offer four selectable operating programs: single pulse, low impulse frequency, high impulse frequency, and DC output. The SSG 500 supports automatic surge mode or manual triggering, with surge sequences of 10 or 20 pulses per minute. BAUR also notes features such as 3-range kV-meter direct reading, electromagnetically operated surge switch, and thermal overload protection, all of which contribute to easier and more dependable operation in fault location work.
Safety is another important part of the SSG design. BAUR states that the SSG 1100 to SSG 3000 include an automatic discharging device, and when the instrument is switched off, the connected cables and internal surge capacitors are automatically discharged separately from each other. BAUR also lists security control according to VDE 0104 on the larger models, while the SSG 500 is described as having maximum safety through the electrical safety control unit, automatic discharge unit, fully enclosed design, and separate protective and operational earthing. The SSG 500 data sheet also cites compliance with EN 50191 for the safety control unit. These details are important for technicians working around high impulse voltages in the field.
The SSG series also fits well into a broader BAUR fault location system. BAUR notes a control output for coupling of system SA 32 (SIM-MIM) on the SSG 1100 to 3000 models, which supports advanced fault pre-location workflows. On the SSG 500, BAUR specifically mentions that in combination with the BAUR protrac® system, users can carry out acoustic pin-pointing and the step voltage method. This means the SSG generators are not isolated tools, but part of a more complete cable fault location process that can move from surge generation to pre-location and final pin-pointing.
From a physical and deployment standpoint, the models are designed for different use cases. The SSG 500 is a compact unit arranged in a 19-inch housing, with approximate dimensions of 500 x 290 x 390 mm and a weight of about 48 kg. The larger SSG 1100 to 3000 units weigh about 79 kg, 120 kg, 126 kg, and 147 kg respectively, with enclosure dimensions around 514 x 645 x 730 mm, except the SSG 3000 at approximately 514 x 645 x 880 mm. This lets users choose between a more compact low-voltage-focused solution or higher-energy models for more demanding cable fault location tasks.
Overall, the BAUR SSG family is a strong solution for utilities, contractors, and cable service professionals who need dependable surge voltage generation, DC testing capability, and support for accurate cable fault location. With model options from the compact SSG 500 up to the high-energy SSG 3000, the range offers flexibility for low- and medium-voltage applications while integrating well with broader BAUR fault location systems and workflows.
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How to evaluate BAUR SSG Surge Voltage Generators 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 SSG Surge Voltage Generators
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.
