**Course Full** High Voltage Switching and Operations

The purpose of this course is to equip personnel working with, or associated with, High Voltage Systems, with the knowledge they require to carry out their functions in a safe and competent manner.

The Course is applicable to both those carrying out High Voltage Operations, be that Switching, Installation or Maintenance Works, and Persons who deal with these systems from a managerial or supervisory perspective.

It will offer a structured approach to High Voltage Training, in that all relevant aspects of the subject area are addressed in detail and followed by Practical Exercises.

It will provide participants with a solid foundation in both the theoretical and practical aspects of the operation of High Voltage Systems and Equipment.

This course is designed to provide an awareness of the risks associated with these systems and the methods used to control and minimise

Download Brochure 

This Course is designed to be suitable for varied groups, including:

• Facilities and Maintenance Managers
• Facility Engineers and Technicians
• High Voltage System Operators
• Plant Electricians
• Project Managers and Project Engineers
• Maintenance Technicians

Module 1 – Principles of Electrical Safety

The Objective of this Module is to introduce ‘Electrical Hazard’.The Mechanism of Electric Shock is described, as are the effects on the Human Body. Accident Statistics are introduced and data is presented, with an emphasis on High Voltage Incidents. Safe Work Practices and Protection Methods are described in detail.

Module Content 

• Electrical Safety
• Electric Shock Mechanism
• Electrical Injuries
• Electric Shock
• Effects of Electric Current
• Accident Statistics
• Competency Requirements
• Seven Steps to Safe High Voltage Work
• Safe Work Practices
• Designated Work Area (DWA)
• Protection Methods

Module Outcome 

On completion of this Module, participants will be aware of how a person can receive an electric shock and what type of injuries can occur. In addition, they will understand the relevance of accidents statistics. Participants will also be made aware of the various Safe Work Practices and Protection Methods that are employed to minimise the Risk involved with HV Operations.

Module 2 – Lock-Out / Tag-Out (LOTO) & Testing of Isolations

The objective of this module is to introduce the topic of proper and definitive and safe Isolation Techniques to the Students. The bases of LOTO Systems are outlined, including the requirement to test Isolations in a proper manner.

Module Content 

• Removal of Equipment from Service
• Return of Equipment to Service
• Testing of Isolations
• Duties and Responsibilities
• Shutdown Procedures
• Isolation and Switching
• Group Lock-Out / Tag-Out Procedures
• Shift / Personnel Change Procedures
• Other Personnel / Contractors

Module Outcome

On completion of this Module, participants will have knowledge of the importance of correct and comprehensive Isolation Systems, testing of Isolations and making HV Systems safe for work.

Module 3 – Electrical Drawings and Switching Plans

The Objective of this Module is to introduce Students to the subject of Electrical Drawings, with particular emphasis being placed on Single Line (one Line) Diagrams. Various types of Drawing, including Block Wiring Diagrams and Schematic Drawings are introduced and explained. The Symbology associated with Electrical Drawings is also presented. Switching Plans, which are closely related to Single Line Drawings, are also introduced.

Module Content

• Electrical Symbols
• Electrical Diagrams & Drawings
• Block Diagrams
• Wiring, Connection & Schematic Drawings
• Typical Wiring Drawings
• Switching Plans
• Single Line Diagrams
• Switching Plans

Module Outcome

On completion of this Module, Students will be in a position to interpret Single Line Diagrams and compile Switching Plans for High Voltage Switching Operations.

Module 4 – Electrical Safety Legislation & Standards

Module Objective

The objective of this Module is to provide the Students with an overall appreciation for the Legislation relevant to Electrical Work, with the emphasis being placed on High Voltage Work. The Module also introduces the concept of Competency and the ‘Authorised Person’.  Both the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act and the associated General Application Regulations will be presented.

Module Content

• Relevant Legislation & Guidance Documents
• Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Act (SHWW)
• Employer Responsibilities
• Employee Responsibilities
• The Authorised Person
• Safety, Health & Welfare at Work - General Application Regulations
• Suitability of Electrical Equipment and Installations
• Identification & Marking
• Protection Against Electric Shock
• Switching & Isolation
• Precautions for Working on Electrical Installations
• Testing and Inspection
• Sub-Stations & Main Switchrooms
• Electrical Regulations & Standards

Module Outcome

On completion of this Module, participants will have a firm understanding of the Safety and Health Legislation pertinent to High Voltage Electrical Work. The Participants will also have an appreciation for the Guidelines associated with the Legislation.

Module 5 – Principles of Arc-Flash and Arc-Blast

Module Objective

The Objective of this Module is to introduce the concepts of Electrical Arc-Flash and Arc-Blast. This is a phenomenon which has potentially extreme effects on both People and Equipment, particularly in the case of High Voltage Systems. This Module will outline the mechanisms and hazards related to Arc-Flash and explain the Data generated during a Study. The Data contained on Arc-Flash Warning Labels will also be addressed.

Outline Course Content

• Definition of Arc-Flash and Arc-Blast
• Mechanism of Arc-Flash and Release Energy
• Causes and Effects of Arc-Flash / Injuries associated with Arc-Flash
• Arc-Flash Factors & Characteristics
• Arc-Flash Study Concept
• Results of Arc-Flash Study
• Arc-Flash Boundaries
• Particular Activities
• Effects of Arc Flash & Arc Blast
• Arc Flash Labelling and Label Information

Result / Outcome

On completion of this Module, Students will have a greater understanding of the concept of Arc-Flash and its potential effects on both Equipment and Personnel. They will achieve a better understanding of the Risks involved and the mechanisms available to deal with these Risks.

Module 6 – Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Test Equipment

The Objective of this Module is to describe to the Class the requirements of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), taking account of ‘Cal’ Ratings in relation to Arc-Flash and Arc-Blast. The importance of Care and Testing of PPE is also presented. Examples of Test Equipment, in particular Test Equipment used on High Voltage Equipment, are presented.

Module Content

• Personal Protective Equipment
• Minimum PPE List
• Arc-Rated Protective Clothing
• Care & Maintenance of Arc-Rated Clothing
• Helmets, Face-Guards and Gloves
• Insulated Tools
• Test Equipment
• Low Voltage Test Instruments
• High Voltage Test Equipment
• Safety Equipment – Rescue Pole
• Typical Switchroom Equipment
• Earthing Equipment & Kits

Module Outcome

On completion of this Module, Students will have an appreciation for the type of PPE required when working on High Voltage Equipment. Maintenance and Testing of PPE is also covered as part of this Module. High Voltage Test Equipment, and its correct use, is also introduced. Students will have a working knowledge of all of these Topics on completion of the Module.

Module 7 – High Voltage Switchgear and Transformers

Objective

The objective of this module is to introduce the Building Blocks of High Voltage Systems, i.e. Switchgear, Transformers, Ring Main Units, etc. The various Distribution Systems are outlined and examples are presented. The principle of operation of a Transformer is explained and both Oil-Filled and Cast Resin Transformers are covered in detail. Nameplate Data is explained and the issue of Transformer Inrush Current is addressed.

Module Content

• Transformer Principle of Operation
• High Voltage Switchgear
• Introduction
• Circuit Breakers
• Distribution Networks – Ring & Radial
• High Voltage Ring Main Unit
• Transformers – Principles of Operation
• Transformer Types – Oil-Filled & Cast Resin
• Transformer Classification
• Transformer Parameters
• Cooling Methods
• Transformer Nameplate Information
• Transformer Efficiency
• Transformer Protection
• Transformer Maintenance
• Transformer Inrush Current

Result / Outcome

On completion of this Module, Students will have a good understanding of the operation and configurations of High Voltage System Components. They will also understand the meaning of the Parameters given on Transformer Nameplates. They will have an appreciation for Transformer Maintenance as well as the phenomenon of ‘Inrush’.

Module 8 – General Electrical Theory & Concepts

The Objective of this Module is to provide revision of the main concepts of Electrical Engineering for the Students. The Module covers all aspects of Electrical Theory which affect Power Systems and Equipment, with an emphasis on High Voltage Systems.

Module Content

• Fundamental Concepts
• Fundamental Electrical Quantities
• Overview of Electrical Systems
• Relationship between Voltage and Current
• The Power Triangle
• Power Factor
• Effects of Poor Power Factor
• Power Quality
• Types of Power System Disturbances
• Lightning Protection
• Harmonics
• Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution

Module Outcome

On completion of this Module, Students will have knowledge of the main elements of Electrical Engineering, particularly those applicable to High Voltage Equipment and Installations.

Module 9 – Electrical Circuits and Protection

Module Objective

The Objective of this Module is to outline the various Fault Mechanisms in Electrical Systems and the methods and equipment used to detect them. The Module introduces the Protection of both Personnel and Equipment from Electrical Faults. Particular emphasis is placed on Protection of Personnel from Electrical Faults, in particular Earth Faults.

Outline Course Content

• Overload and Short-Circuit Protection
• Protection Philosophy / Typical Protective Devices
• High Voltage Circuit Breakers, Protection Devices and Settings
• Relays and Contactors
• LV Circuit Breaker Trip Characteristics & LV Protection Settings
• High Voltage Protection Relays
• Toroidal Current Transformer (CT)
• HV Relay Protection Relay Settings
• HV Protection Device Trip Curves
• Selection of Circuit Breakers and Cable Rating
• Protection of Personnel Against Electric Shock
• Protection Against ‘Direct’ Contact and ‘Indirect’ Contact
• Earth Fault Mechanism
• General Notes on Earthing
• Earthing Systems
• Earth Fault Detection and Protection Devices (Isolation of Supply)
• Residual Current Device (RCD) / Trip Characteristics
• Typical Industrial Earthing Installation
• HV Earth Fault Protection
• Maintenance & Safety

Module Outcome

On completion of this Module, Students will have knowledge of High Voltage Protection Devices as well as the concept of Protective Earthing Systems.

Module 10 – Principles of Risk Assessment

The Objective of this Module is to illustrate the concept of Risk Assessment and how it is employed in High Voltage Operations. The Module outlines the Hazards and Risks associated with HV Work and presents Templates of Documentation used in the process of generating Risk Assessments. Also presented is a practical Quantitative Methodology which allows a Risk Matrix to be developed by numerical means. The Matrix can then be used to determine the necessary Control Measures.

Outline Course Content

• Legal Definition and Interpretation
• Terminology
• Concept of Hazard and Risk
• Risk Factors
• Sequence of Actions
• Reasons for Risk Assessments
• Risk Assessment Definition
• Hierarchy of Control & Control Mechanisms
• Safe Plan of Action and Permit-to-Work Systems
• Method Statements
• Practical Risk Assessment
• Risk Estimation & Quantitative Assessment

Result / Outcome

On completion of this Module, Students will have the requisite knowledge to enable them to evaluate the Risks and Hazards associated with High Voltage Tasks and to carry out a Risk Assessment based on their observations. They will also be able to determine the Control Measures required for specific tasks.

Successful Candidates will receive a City & Guild Accredited Certificate in High Voltage Switching and Operations.