Due to the increased utilization of electric converters feeding rotating high voltage motors, their insulation is subject to transient impulse and high frequency oscillating voltages. In corresponding life time experiments with repetitive oscillating impulse voltage at winding insulation samples, higher life time coefficients were observed than known from previous investigations and operational experience. In order to understand the discharge and aging phenomena, the purpose of this work is the secure detection of partial discharges in solid and solid–air insulation types for transient impulse voltage stress by applying an adequate partial discharge (PD) measurement technique to future life time experiments. It is shown that partial discharges under impulsive voltages can be detected with conventional measuring equipment using broadband shunts, as well as inductive antennas. It becomes apparent that a precise voltage source, a precise shunt, as well as a high resolution oscilloscope are mandatory for reliable current measurement results. As a part of the analysis of the measurement data, it is shown that partial discharges can be distinguished from the displacement current caused by impulse voltages in a capacitive insulation material, as well as noise and disturbance from the measurement environment. As a first approach, a high order bandpass filter is applied in order to gain sound signals for future automated signal separation.