Faculty of Engineering

The High Voltage Engineering Laboratory is one of the premier laboratories within the Electrical Engineering Study Program at the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU). Established on May 1, 1982, the lab began with a single high-voltage generator set—“HV Construction Kit” from West Germany. With significant support through the HEDS-JICA Project in 1992, the laboratory expanded its capabilities to support both undergraduate practicals and faculty research.

This laboratory supports a range of academic courses, including Electromagnetic Field, Electrotechnical Materials, High Voltage Engineering, and Substation Equipment. It also serves students from other faculties and universities in Medan, Aceh, West Sumatra, and Riau for practicals and research.

Located in a three-story building covering 898 m², the laboratory includes:

• Head of Laboratory & Staff Office: 40 m²

• Equipment & Laboratory Room: 389 m²

• Lecture/Seminar Room: 83 m²
  It is powered by a 35 kVA electrical facility.

Available practicum modules include:

1. Generation and measurement of high voltages (AC, DC, and impulse)

2. Air breakdown voltage tests with various electrode configurations

3. Corona inception voltage measurements

4. Solid insulation dielectric strength and transformer oil breakdown tests

5. Impulse and AC flashover tests on air insulators

6. Measurement of liquid dielectric conductivity, volume & surface resistance

7. Voltage distribution on insulator strings and arrester sparkover tests

8. AC withstand testing for transformers, insulators, and cables

Over the years, the lab has facilitated hundreds of research projects by USU students and faculty, as well as those from other institutions such as UHN and Unimed. It also engages in industrial collaborations, including with PT PLN, PT Sibacom, PT Brata, and PT Mujur Timber, offering services such as dielectric testing, cable fault detection, arrester and insulator testing, and electromagnetic field studies.