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Testing and Commissioning of Metal-Clad Switchgear

Edvard

Dis trib utio n s ub s tatio n - 20/04kV MCs e t me tal-c lad s witc hg e ar (Sc hne id e r Ele c tric )

Electrical testing and commissioning of Metal-Clad switchgear is essential to the saf e start f or the f irst time, regardless of its size, type or industry. T his article cover testing and start-up / commisioning procedures f or all the components of medium voltage switchgear like circuit breaker, busbars, instrument transf ormers (current/voltage), disconnect and grounding switches etc.

1.1. Objective
To verif y the physical condition and proper connections of bus bar.

1.2. Test Equipment Required:

 Insulation test (Megger) Micro ohmmeter High voltage tester Torque wrench

1.3. Test Procedure:

1.3.1. Mechanical Checks and Visual Inspect ion:
Inspect switchgear and all components f or any physical damage / def ects. Check nameplate inf ormation f or correctness. Inspect enclosures f or proper alignment, f oundation f ixing, and grounding and vermin entry. Inspect all covers, panels section and doors f or paintwork and proper f it. Check all the transport locks are removed. Check f or smooth and proper movementof racking mechanisms, shutter, rollers, rails and guides. Check proper alignment of the primary and secondary contacts. Check operation of all mechanical interlocks. Check tightness of all bolted connections. Check f or correct phasing connection of bus bar. Perf orm mechanical check and visual inspection f or breaker / Contactor as per section. Perf orm mechanical check and visual inspection f or instrument transf ormers as per section Perf orm mechanical check and visual inspection on all disconnect / grounding switches as per section.

1.3.2. Insulat ion Resist ance Test :

It includes panel enclosure, busbar, CT and circuit breaker. T he f ollowing precautions should be taken care, bef ore starting the testing. A visual inspection will be made to ensure the surf ace dust and moisture has been removed f rom the component under test. Ensure the component is isolated f rom other connected system, which may f eed back to other components or circuits not under test. On testing, voltage shall be applied between one phase and other phases connected with ground, testing shall be repeated f or other phases as mentioned above. Test voltage limits mentioned in table below: Rated voltage 100-1000V AC/DC >1000 to <5000V AC > 5000V AC Test voltage 1000V DC 2500V DC 5000V DC

1.3.3. Cont act Resist ance Test :

T his test is to conf irm the busbar joints are connected properly and verif y the tightness. T he test connection diagram is as shown in Figure below.

T he test shall be done with CBs inserted and closed. Measure the contact dc resistance between panels by injecting 100A DC . T his will include busbar joint, CB contact resistance, CB cluster resistance, and CT primary resistance (if applicable).

Limit s:
T he obtained results should be similar f or all phases f or each set of measurement. Other inf luencing f actors to be considered, like length of the measured path, rating of the busbar, rating of CB, rating of CT and temperature.

1.3.4 High Volt age Test

To determine the equipment is in propercondition to put in service, af ter installation f or which it was designed and to give some basis f or predicting whether or not that a healthy condition will remain or if deterioration is underway which can result in abnormally short lif e.

Test Inst rument s Required:

Calibrated AC Hi-pot test set f or switchgear with leakage current indicator and overload protection. Calibrated DC Hi-pot test set f or cables with leakage current indicator and overload protection.
Fig ure 1 - Co ntac t re s is tanc e te s t

1.4. Applicable Standard

IEC60298: AC metal enclosed switchgear and control gear f or rated voltage above 1KV to 52KV. Resource: Procedures for Testing and Commissioning of Electrical Equipment Schneider Electric