STEVO Electric was founded in 1999 by Stefaan Volkaert. It originally focused on the Be-Lux distribution of Programma Electric AB products, consisting of both high and low voltage test equipment for the energy sector. Shortly after its founding, STEVO Electric also began distributing cable measuring vans on behalf of Vandentempel BV.
In 2003, STEVO Electric began distributing monitoring and diagnostic equipment for transformers for the Be-Ne-Lux market, due to the merger of Programma with GE Energy. Years of experience secured STEVO Electric as a leading center for sales and post-sale service for this type of technology. The former Programma activities were later sold to the Megger Group in 2007, but this did not affect STEVO Electric’s distribution.
In the field of transformer servicing, STEVO Electric began developing a device to measure the static and dynamic resistance for on-load tap changers for a local transmission company. Several of these devices are now operational in various countries, and they have become an accepted measurement technique for transformer servicing.
At this time, the railway and transport industry expressed a need for mobile testing equipment, for testing high-speed DC circuit breakers used in infrastructure (including substations and rolling stock). Since no suitable equipment existed, STEVO Electric developed the first mobile testing device for this application. This led to the development of testing equipment for all kinds of electromagnetic circuit breakers, as well as AC circuit breakers (both 50Hz and 162/3Hz for traction vehicles).
STEVO Electric has since developed its 3rd generation model of this first mobile DC high-current generator, which has been on the market since 2004. It provides an adequate way of testing high-speed DC circuit breakers in the transport sector, i.e. trains, subways, trams and trolleys, for both traction substations and rolling stock. The master/slave configuration, offering a capacity up to 13,000A, has been distributed worldwide, particularly in domains utilizing high-speed DC circuit breakers. STEVO Electric maintains long-term contact with manufacturers of high-speed DC circuit breakers to ensure testing is performed in a valid and agreed-upon way.
Railway networks – both tram and train networks – have been in full growth, and the need for testing becomes ever more prevalent. Modern networks deliver tremendous performance, and are able to do so because of the ultimate safety guarantee provided by high-speed circuit breakers. These breakers must be routinely maintained and tested, also testing their overcurrent detection. Furthermore, network expansion often leads to adjustments to the trip setting of circuit breakers, or the replacement of the release mechanism altogether, after which testing is crucial.
Eventually, STEVO Electric developed a new innovative system based on the first mobile DC high-current generator (the BALTO 6,000A) to answer the need for increased portability, capacity and functionality. Incorporating input not only from manufacturers, but also from railway network management, this led to the BALTO 3,000-30,000/4,000-40,000 range of systems. This new system is now being used all over the world.
In 2020, Megger acquired the BALTO product range. STEVO Electric continues to provide support for all existing systems and is working closely with Megger to realize the future of BALTO testing equipment. Open Megger website
The distribution of Megger testing equipment in Be-Lux was transferred to Megger Germany. Open Megger Germany website