Frequently Asked Questions

VA-TEK is the electrical testing brand of Shenzhen Feso Automation Technology Co., Ltd. (FESO), an electrical test equipment manufacturer based in Shenzhen, China. We design and build relay protection test sets, CT/PT analyzers, and high-voltage test instruments for power utilities, testing service companies, EPC contractors, and industrial plants. Our instruments are engineered and manufactured at our Shenzhen facility and exported to customers in more than 40 countries. For online transformer dissolved gas analysis (DGA) monitoring, our sister brand PAS DGA (pasdga.com) offers dedicated online monitors.

Yes. Our instruments comply with IEC 61010-1 (safety requirements for electrical test and measurement equipment) and IEC 61326-1 (EMC requirements). They are CE marked for the European market. All instruments are supplied with a NIST-traceable calibration certificate. Our calibration laboratory maintains reference standards traceable to national and international measurement standards.

Our relay test sets support all common protection relay types, including overcurrent (ANSI 50/51), differential (87), distance (21), voltage/frequency (27/59/81), directional overcurrent (67), motor protection (49/46/48), transformer differential (87T), restricted earth fault (REF), breaker failure (50BF), synchronizing (25), and reclosing (79) relays. Testing is done through the relay's conventional current and voltage inputs; IEC 61850 process-bus IEDs that receive Sampled Values over Ethernet need a dedicated IEC 61850 test set. Our test software includes pre-configured test modules for all major relay manufacturers.

Testing frequency depends on several factors including relay criticality, operating environment, fault history, and regulatory requirements. As a general guideline, critical transmission protection relays should be tested every 2-4 years, while distribution and industrial relays may be tested every 4-6 years. Electromechanical relays typically require more frequent testing than modern digital IEDs. NERC PRC-005-6 (North America) and similar regulations in other regions mandate specific testing intervals — consult your local grid code or regulatory authority for applicable requirements.

Protective relay testing is the process of verifying that a protection relay will operate correctly under fault conditions. Using a secondary injection test set, calibrated currents and voltages are injected into the relay's input terminals to simulate real fault scenarios. The relay's response — pickup accuracy, operating time, and output contact operation — is measured and compared against the relay's settings and specifications. Regular relay testing is essential because relays may sit idle for months or years, and the only way to confirm they will trip correctly when a fault occurs is through systematic testing.

Technical support is available by email at support@va-tek.com, by phone at +86 183 2729 8186 during business hours (09:00-18:00, GMT+8), or through your local authorized distributor. For urgent issues outside business hours, a 24/7 emergency support line is available for critical fault investigations. Please have your instrument model and serial number ready when contacting support.

All VA-TEK instruments are covered by a standard 24-month warranty from the date of shipment. The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. Extended warranty packages of up to 5 years are available for purchase. Warranty terms and exclusions are detailed in our Standard Terms and Conditions of Sale.

Our primary markets include electric power transmission and distribution utilities, power generation companies, renewable energy developers (solar, wind, BESS), oil and gas facilities, petrochemical plants, mining operations, steel and heavy manufacturing, railways, and independent testing and commissioning service providers.

VA-TEK is the electrical testing brand of Shenzhen Feso Automation Technology Co., Ltd. (FESO), an electrical test equipment manufacturer based in Shenzhen, China. Our design, manufacturing, and calibration operations are located at our Shenzhen facility. We serve customers worldwide through a network of authorized distribution and service partners across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas.

Every shipment includes: the instrument unit, a set of test leads (current and voltage), mains power cable, USB communication cable, VA-TEK Test Manager software license and installation media, a printed user manual, factory calibration certificate, and a rugged transport case. Optional accessories include additional clamps and probes, a ruggedized laptop pre-loaded with Test Manager, and extended warranty packages.