Switchgear Testing and Commissioning Requirements

 


This blog covers testing and commissioning procedures for all the segments of medium voltage switchgear like a circuit breaker, disconnect and grounding switches, instrument transformers (current/voltage), etc.

Set an objective

To test the physical condition and proper connections of the bus bar

What is Test Equipment Required?

  • Insulation test (Megger)

  • Micro ohmmeter

  • High voltage tester

  • Torque wrench

What is the Test Procedure?

1. Mechanical Checks and Visual Inspection:

  1. Inspect switchgear and all segments for any physical damage/faults.

  2. Check nameplate data for accuracy.

  3. Inspect enclosures for foundation fixing, precise alignment, and grounding and vermin entry.

  4. Inspect all caps, panels’ section and doors for paintwork and proper fit.

  5. Check all the transport locks are excluded.

  6. Check for uniform and proper movement of racking mechanisms, rollers, shutter, rails and guides.

  7. Check proper alignment of the primary and secondary contacts.

  8. Check operation of all mechanical interlocks.

  9. Check the tightness of all bolted connections.

  10. Check for accurate phasing connection of bus bar.

  11. Execute mechanical check and visual inspection for breaker / Contactor as per section.

  12. Run mechanical check and visual inspection for instrument transformers as per section

  13. Run mechanical check and visual inspection on all disconnect/grounding switches as per section.

2. Insulation Resistance Test:

It covers busbar, panel enclosure, CT and circuit breaker. The subsequent precautions should be taken care, before beginning the testing. A visual inspection will be performed to ensure the surface dust and moisture has been removed from the element under test. Ensure the component is detached from other connected systems, which may feedback to other components or circuits not under test.

On testing, voltage shall be implemented between one phase and other phases connected with the ground, testing shall be repeated for other phases as stated above. Test voltage limits specified in the table below:

Rated voltage Test voltage

  • 100-1000V AC/DC 1000V DC

  • >1000 to <5000V AC 2500V DC

  • 5000V AC 5000V DC

3. Contact Resistance Test:

This test is to verify the busbar joints are attached properly and verify the tightness.

The test shall be accomplished with CBs interpolated and closed. Measure the contact dc resistance within panels by injecting 100A DC. This will add busbar joint, CB cluster resistance, CB contact resistance, and CT initial resistance (if applicable).

4 High Voltage Test

To discover the equipment is in proper condition to put in service, after installation for which it was invented and to give some support for predicting whether or not that a health condition will continue or if the deterioration is underway which can result in an abnormally short life.

If you're looking for testing & commissioning company, then get in touch with Power Advantage: www.poweradvantage.com

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