ISBN 978-0-626-22040-2

NRS 000-1:2008
Edition: 1

NRS DEFINITIONS

Part 1: Compilation of NRS and other

definitions used in the Electricity
Supply Industry

This document is not a South African National Standard

N R S
 NRS 000-1:2008

This specification is issued by the

Standardization Section, Eskom,
on behalf of the
User Group given in the foreword.

Table of changes
Change No. Date Text affected

Correspondence to be directed to Printed copies obtainable from

The NRS Projects Manager The SABS Standards Division

The Industry Association Resource Centre Private Bag X191
Private Bag X13 Pretoria 0001
Halfway House - 1685

Telephone : (011) 651 6832 Telephone : (012) 428-7911

Fax : (011) 651 6827 Fax : (012) 344-1568
E-mail : nrs@eskom.co.za E-mail : sales@sabs.co.za
Website : http://www.nrs.eskom.co.za Website : http://www.sabs.co.za

COPYRIGHT RESERVED

Printed in the Republic of South Africa

by the SABS Standards Division
1 Dr Lategan Road, Groenkloof, Pretoria
 NRS 000-1:2008

Foreword
This part of NRS 000 was prepared on behalf of the Electricity Suppliers Liaison Committee
(ESLC) and approved by it for use by supply authorities.

A reference is made in several definitions to various legislation and regulations. The following
table provides details thereof.

Page no. Definitions affected Relevant legislation/regulation

8 appointed operator OHS Act

18 Chief inspector of Machinery OHS Act

20 close proximity OHS Act

22 competent person OHS Act

24 consumer’s supply point OHS Act

31 design tension OHS Act

31 designated person OHS Act

43 experienced person OHS Act

50 ground span

54 insulated OHS Act

64 live work declaration

79 operating authority

79 operating authority form

84 point of control OHS Act

85 point of supply OHS Act

95 regulation

107 specifically trained person OHS Act

108 standard for live work OHS Act

109 standard voltage Electricity Act

111 supervision

111 supplier

119 authority responsible for regulations Post Office Act, 1958 (Act 44 of 1958)
 NRS 000-1:2008

This edition supersedes NRS 034-0: 2001 (edition 1.2) and NRS 040-1: 1999 (edition 1.1).

NRS 000 consists of the following parts, under the general title NRS definitions:

Part 1: Compilation of NRS and other definitions used in the Electricity Supply Industry

Part 2: Electricity pricing.

Part 3: HV operating regulations

Part 4: Electricity distribution – Guidelines for the provision of electricity distribution networks in
residential areas

Introduction
The definitions in this part of NRS 000 have, in general, been drawn from the NRS specifications
published up to March 2008 and includes those definitions from NRS 034-0 and NRS 040-1.

This part of NRS 000 consists of terms and definitions extracted from published NRS
specifications. Certain definitions have also been included from documents published by Eskom.

The list was compiled as a step towards standardization of terminology. No attempt was made to
remove any inconsistencies or conflicting statements. Users are encouraged to select the most
appropriate definition from the list.

In some instances there were several options for a single definition, each option being
determined by its contextual use. A preferred option is highlighted. Where a definition from an
IEC standards was used, it was indicated in squared brackets after the definition. The intention is
to use the IEC definition unless there is good reason to modify the definition for a specific
application.

Stakeholders of the Electricity Supply Industry are urged to avoid a proliferation of definitions
used in the industry by using the definitions contained in this part of NRS 000. It is the intention to
revise this part of NRS 000 annually.
 1 NRS 000-1:2008

Contents
Page

1 Scope ........................................................................................................................... 3

2 Normative references.................................................................................................... 3

3 Terms and definitions .................................................................................................. 3

 2 NRS 000-1:2008

This page intentionally left blank

 3 NRS 000-1:2008

NRS DEFINTIONS

Part 1: Compilation of NRS and other definitions used in the

Electricity Supply Industry

1 Scope
This part of NRS 000 covers terms and definitions that are used in the Electricity Supply Industry.

2 Normative references
Not applicable.

NOTE However, as indicated in the Introduction, the definitions in this document have, in general,
been drawn from NRS specifications published up to March 2008. NRS specifications are
accessible on the NRS Website <http://www.nrs.eskom.co.za>.

3 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this part of NRS 000, the following terms and definitions apply.

“a” contact (make contact)

control or auxiliary contact that is closed when the main contacts of the mechanical switching
device are closed and open when they are open

a gas turbine set

thermal generating set in which the prime mover consists of a gas turbine

a test position (of a withdrawable part)

position of a withdrawable part in which an isolating distance or segregation is established in the
main circuit and in which the auxiliary circuits are connected
absolute error
algebraic difference between the indicated value and a comparison value
absolute error
difference obtained by subtracting the true value of the quantity from the measured value
acceptable
acceptable to parties concerned, or acceptable to the customer (depending on the context used)
account card
card which, when presented by a customer, automatically identifies the electricity account that the
customer has with the electricity distributor
accreditation
procedure by which an authoritative body gives formal recognition that a body or person is
competent to carry out specific tasks [ISO/IEC Guide 2]

accreditation (of a person)

process of verifying that the applicant meets the specified requirements
accreditation (of a laboratory)
formal recognition that a testing laboratory is competent to carry out specific tests
 4 NRS 000-1:2008

accreditation body
body that conducts and administers a laboratory accreditation system and that grants
accreditation
accredited calibration laboratory
laboratory that has been accredited by the government endorsed national accreditation body
(SANAS) in accordance with SANS 17025 for calibration of metering equipment.

NOTE Laboratories can be accredited by SANAS anywhere in the world through mutual recognition
schemes.

accreditation criteria
set of requirements that is used by an accreditation body, to be fulfilled by a testing laboratory in
order for it to be accredited
accredited laboratory
testing laboratory to which accreditation has been granted
accredited laboratory
laboratory that has been accredited by SANAS in accordance with [ISO/IEC17025]
accredited test authority
authority that is accepted by the South African National Accreditation Service (SANAS)
accredited test laboratory
laboratory that has been accredited by the government endorsed national accreditation body
(SANAS) in accordance with SANS 17025 for type testing of metering equipment.

NOTE Laboratories can be accredited by SANAS anywhere in the world through mutual recognition
schemes.

accumulator
count of impulses associated with impulse energy metering

accuracy class
designation assigned to an instrument transformer, the current or voltage error and phase
displacement of which remain within specified limits under prescribed conditions of use.
[IEC]

accuracy class
category of measuring instruments, all of which are intended to comply with a set of specifications
regarding uncertainty
accuracy class index
number that gives the limits of the permissible percentage error as defined in the applicable
specification for a meter when the meter is tested under reference conditions
NOTE Multi-range and multipurpose instruments may have more than one accuracy class index.
activation date
date on which a new tariff or season or year becomes active
NOTE All the rate period totals for the billing month up to the activation date shall be saved and the new
totals created and used for the remaining period of the billing month.

active energy
electrical energy transformable into some other form of energy [IEC]
active energy
integral of active power with respect to time.
 5 NRS 000-1:2008

active energy meter

instrument that is intended to measure active energy by integrating active power with respect to
time [IEC]
active power
under periodic conditions, mean value, taken over one period T of the instantaneous
power of p

I T
P=
T ∫
O
pdt

active power
time average of the instantaneous power over one period of the wave, measured and calculated
in watts
NOTE In the case of sinusoidal quantities in a two-wire circuit it is the product of the voltage, the current,
and the cosine of the phase angle between them. In the case of non-sinusoidal quantities it is the sum of the
harmonic components, determined as above. In the case of a polyphase circuit it is the sum of the active
powers of the individual phases.
active power transducer
transducer for the measurement of the active electrical power
actual transformer ratio
ratio of the actual primary current to the actual secondary current
additional customer capacity
additional amount of power rated in kVA that a customer requires by increasing his notified or
actual maximum demand
addressing of data-points
protocol function that supports the addressing of individual data-points or groups of data-points.
NOTE The protocol allows the user to query the current status of an individual, a group or all analogue,
digital and counter data-point(s)
addressing of remote terminal units (RTUs)
protocol function that supports the unique addressing of devices in any network topology
adjustment
operation that is intended to reduce the differences between the values indicated by an
instrument and the values realized by a reference standard to within a predetermined tolerance
aerial bundled conductor
aerial cable that consists of a group of insulated conductors laid-up together. In the case
of a low-voltage aerial bundled conductors (ABC) that uses a supporting core system, the
supporting core can be bare or covered (see note). A medium-voltage ABC is supported
by a separate steel catenary wire
NOTE Two types of construction of LV ABC are commonly used. One type comprises phase
conductors supported by a neutral conductor, which can be bare or insulated. (This type, which is
used in France, is commonly referred to as the French ABC system.) The other type of construction
comprises conductors that are all equally supported by fittings. (This type of construction, called
self-supporting ABC, is used in Germany, and is known as the German ABC system.)

aerial bundled conductor

aerial cable that consists of cores twisted together
 6 NRS 000-1:2008

aerial bundled conductors

aerial cable that consists of a group of insulated conductors laid-up together. In the case of a
medium-voltage aerial bundled conductors, conductors are supported by a separate steel
catenary wire
after diversity maximum demand
simultaneous maximum demand of a group of consumers divided by the number of consumers,
expressed in kilovolt amperes
NOTE Characteristic after diversity maximum demand (ADMD): the value of the ADMD in a specific area of
supply generally decreases to an approximate constant value for 1 000 consumers or more. This value is
known as the characteristic ADMD. Where the ADMD is used with no mention of the number of consumers,
it is assumed to be the characteristic ADMD, and is equal to the design ADMD.
airdac
service cable suitable for single-phase reticulation and connections

NOTE It is specially developed for intermediate voltage use at 1,1 kV. (See concentric cable and split
concentric cable.)

air filled enclosure

metallic enclosure designed to protect the ends of the cables, bushings, current transformers or
live conductors
air insulated termination
air filled enclosure within which the cable cores are electrically terminated by stress control
appropriate to the cable design and voltage with air being the sole insulation for the terminal
connections
air mass
numerical value used to give an overall measure of the amount of atmosphere through which
solar radiation has to pass. At sea level, when the sun is directly overhead, the air mass is 1,0.
When the sun is lower in the sky (some hours from noon, or in winter months), the solar radiation
has to cut through more atmosphere and the air mass is then higher than 1,0. [RAPS design
manual]
airbreak switch
device used for the purpose of connecting, sectionalizing or isolating equipment or sections of
overhead line
alive; live
electrically charged
algorithm
precise and rigorous statement of a method of calculation

all aluminium conductor

stranded conductor, of which all wires are made of aluminium
all-aluminium alloy conductor (AAAC)
stranded conductor of which all wires are made of aluminium alloy [IEC Dictionary]

all aluminium conductor, steel reinforced (ACSR)

conductor comprising aluminium strands helically wound around steel reinforcing strands (s)

allocation mechanism
algorithm or parameters to apportion a cost to different sub-elements
alternating current system
electrical system fed by alternating voltage
 7 NRS 000-1:2008

alternating current system; a.c. system

electrical system fed by alternating voltage [IEC]
aluminium alloy conductor steel reinforced
reinforced conductor with one or more layers of aluminium alloy wires stranded around a core of
galvanized steel wires
aluminium conductor steel reinforced
reinforced conductor with one or more layers of aluminium wires stranded around a core
of galvanized steel wires [IEC]
amortization period
period over which a future cash flow is converted into an annuity
analog(ue) representation
(of a physical quantity): representation of one physical quantity by another physical quantity in
which the representing quantity may continuously assume any value between specified limits,
when the physical quantity to be represented is varied continuously between corresponding limits
analog(ue) signal
signal in the form of a continuously variable value [IEC]
analog(ue) to digital conversion
transformation of an analogue quantity into a digital representation by means of sampling,
quantization and encoding, and the necessary auxiliary operations
analogue to digital converter
electronic device for performing the analogue to digital conversion of electrical signals, and for
supplying the converted values in digital electrical form
analogue control
protocol function that supports the issuing of analogue outputs on the slave

NOTE (For example the level setting of analogue loop outputs or the level of the voltage output pulse)
analogue signal
signal in which the characteristic quantity representing information may at any instant assume
any value within a continuous interval
anchor
device, usually buried in the ground , so installed as to provide a firm point of attachment for
resisting upliftment.
anchor rod
rod or other metallic element, connecting the stay, or guy, to the anchor [IEC]
aniline point
temperature at which the oil becomes a solvent and gives an indication of the level of refining
annualized cost
single cash flow converted into an annuity with an equal present worth
anti-climbing device
device installed on, or attached to, a support, structure, tower, guy, etc., to prevent climbing by
unauthorized persons
apparatus
electrical appliance, machinery, switchgear, feeder, plant or electrified fencing that forms part of a
system
apparatus
transformer, motor, circuit-breaker, switch, link, feeder, test equipment, electrified fence or any
other LV/MV/HV plant installed in a substation, feeder or system
 8 NRS 000-1:2008

apparatus
general term used for designating instruments , detectors, assemblies, sub-assemblies
and components
apparatus
device or assembly of devices which can be used as an independent unit for specific functions

apparent power
product of the measured root mean square (r.m.s.) a.c. current and the measured (r.m.s.) a.c.
voltage, expressed in volt-amperes (VA)
apparent power
product of the r.m.s voltage U, between the terminals of a two-terminal element or a two-terminal
circuit and the r.m.s electric current I, in the element or the circuit: S=UI
apparent power
square root of the sum of the squares of the active and reactive powers, measured and
calculated in volt-ampere, for sinusoidal quantities in either single phase or polyphase circuits
NOTE This is, in general, not true for non-sinusoidal quantities.
appointed operator
employee who has been authorized in writing to carry out switching, isolating, safety testing and
earthing operations in terms of the relevant HV Operating Regulations
apportioned share of incremental costs
share calculated by a particular method, based on the additional capacity required, of the
incremental costs which is required to supply the particular applicant
approval
process of obtaining approval from the Regulator to provide services based on compliance with
specified requirements
NOTE The accreditation of an applicant should precede the process of granting approval.
approval; approved
with the approval of (or approved by), the purchaser, in writing
approved
acceptable to and approved, in writing, by purchaser
approved
given approval in writing by the supplier or its authorized representative
approved
acceptable to, and approved in writing by, the person in charge of the system
approved laboratory
laboratory approved by the Regulator
approved/approval
approved in writing by the purchaser
archived data
data from the operational metering database that was saved/stored on a storage medium

NOTE For example tape-drives or compact discs

arcing distance
shortest distance in air external to the insulator between the metallic parts which normally have
the operating voltage between them [IEC]
 9 NRS 000-1:2008

arithmetic simultaneous demand

simultaneous demand (SD) obtained by addition of the magnitudes of the kilowatt or kilovolt-
ampere values for one group of supply points for each integrating period
armour
covering consisting of metal tape(s) or wires, generally used to protect the cable from
external mechanical effects
armour
layer of wires applied to a cable to provide mechanical protection or earth continuity, or both
armour clamp
fitting for gripping the armour of a cable at its termination to the gland body, and capable of
retaining the armour in position for fault currents within the design parameters
armoured cable
cable provided with a wrapping of metal (usually tape or wire) for the purpose of mechanical
protection
NOTE The armour can itself be covered with a protective sheath or serving.
armoured cable
cable that contains metallic armouring elements

assessed level
level used to evaluate the measured values at a particular site against the compatibility levels.

NOTE The assessment criteria require both the measurement instrument to be defined, and a statistical
criterion to be applied to the measured data points.
asynchronous link
interconnection between two a.c. systems operating at independent frequencies
attended substation
substation which is operated by personnel during the normal working hours and otherwise as
necessary
audit
process of inspecting the procedures, facilities and other relevant items to confirm compliance
with requirements
audit
systematic and independent examination to determine whether the activities and results
comply with planned arrangements and whether these arrangements are effectively
implemented and are suitable to achieve reliability performance and maintainability
performance objectives
audited
process of being subjected to an audit
authentication
process used between a sender and a receiver, to ensure data integrity and origin integrity

authority
either a supply authority or a telecommunication authority
authorized capacity
capacity per point of supply/stand that has been provided and paid for by the customer/developer.
This will at least be the capacity according to the approved zoning but could be higher as notified,
requested, agreed and paid
 10 NRS 000-1:2008

authorized maximum demand (AMD)

maximum load that the customer is authorized by the licensee to take from that point of supply
(POS)
authorized maximum demand (AMD)
maximum demand, requested in advance by the consumer and authorized by the supply
undertaking under the terms of an agreement, for which the supply capacity is made
available
authorized operation
operation authorized by the system controller or superintendent
authorized person
person who has been granted, in writing, defined authority and responsibilities by the
designated person in terms of the relevant operating regulations
authorized person
person who has been authorized, in writing, with defined authority and responsibilities
automatic reclosing
automatic reclosing of a circuit-breaker associated with a faulted section of a network after an
interval of time which permits that section to recover from a transient fault
auto-recloser
mechanical switching device that, after opening, is capable of closing automatically after a
predetermined time; several reclosers could occur before lock-out
auxiliary circuit (of a relay)
whole of the electrical parts within a relay(including those parts, if any, intentionally coupled by
inductive and capacitive means) and which are connected to those terminals to which a given
auxiliary energizing quantity is applied
auxiliary circuit (of a meter)
elements (lamps, contacts, etc.) and connections of an auxiliary device within the meter case that
are intended to be connected to an external device, for example a clock, a relay, an impulse
counter [SANS 62052-11]
auxiliary circuit
circuit carrying the current of the auxiliaries such as the compressors and the fans
auxiliary power supply
power supply that energizes the auxiliary circuit
auxiliary switchboard
panel (or a cubicle) on which are fixed the devices necessary to control, to protect and to
distribute auxiliary a.c. and d.c. supplies within a substation [IEC]
auxiliary transformer
in a substation, a transformer intended to provide supply to the auxiliary equipment [IEC]
auxiliary transformer of a unit
transformer supplying auxiliaries of a unit (of a power station)
availability
ability of an item to be in a state to perform a required function under given conditions at a
given instant of time or over a given time interval, assuming that the required external
resources are provided
availability
state of an item of being able to perform its required function [IEC]
 11 NRS 000-1:2008

average capital contribution

amount of contribution obtained by multiplying the additional capacity required by an applicant by
the capital contribution standard charges
average costing
costing based upon the average input cost per unit of output
average load
total kilowatt-hours or kilovolt-ampere hours divided by a selected time in hours
average power factor
kilowatt hours divided by kilovolt amperes multiplied by 1 divided by T where T is the integration
period in hours (see portable working standard)
axis
each pole is defined by two axes, a major axis and a minor axis, which cross through the pole's
centre of gravity
“b” contact (break contact)
control or auxiliary contact that is open when the main contacts of the mechanical switching
device are closed and closed when they are open

back up protection
protection equipment or system which is intended to operate when a system fault is not cleared in
due time because of inability or failure of the main protection to operate, or in the case of failure
to operate of a circuit-breaker other than the associated circuit-breaker [IEC]

backfill
soil removed during excavation and re-installed after the installation of the
foundation [IEC]

backfill (imported)
soil or other material placed in an excavation after the installation of the foundation, when the
original soil is unsuitable
back-up data
replica database of the on-line available data that can be used in case of emergency when the
on-line available database fails or gets corrupted
back-up meter
additional meter installed on the same primary plant as the main meter for the purpose of storing
backup data in the event of failure of the main meter

NOTE 1 See main metering which states: a dedicated metering system with one active energy meter, and,
depending on the tariff in use, one reactive energy meter and one recorder (where applicable)
NOTE 2 This assembly of meters is fed from one dedicated current instrument transformer core and one
dedicated voltage instrument transformer winding.
barcode
machine-readable code in the form of a pattern of parallel lines of varying widths, printed on a
commodity and used to identify such for stock control purposes

bare conductor
conductor without any insulating covering

bar-primary current transformer

current transformer where the primary winding is a straight bar-type primary conductor passing
centrally through the core
 12 NRS 000-1:2008

barrier
part providing protection against direct contact from any usual direction of access
barrier
earthed metallic cover, or an insulating cover, over live equipment parts that prevents an
authorized person from inadvertently coming into contact with the live parts
barrier/barricade
device designed to restrict approach to live electrical apparatus, excavations or other dangerous
conditions
base load set
generating set whose purpose is to run on continuous duty under operating conditions
approaching full load for as long as that operation mode is economical [IEC]
basic current
value of current in accordance with which the relevant performance of a direct connected
meter is fixed
basic current (Ib)
r.m.s. value of current in accordance with which the relevant performance of a direct connected
meter is fixed [IEC]
basic insulation
insulation that is applied to live parts to provide basic protection against electric shock [IEC]
NOTE Basic insulation does not necessarily include insulation used exclusively for functional purposes.
basic insulation level
specific insulation level, expressed in kilovolts, in accordance with which the complete system
(including the line pole insulation to earth at every pole, the switchgear, the line isolators and
reclosers, and the substations connected to the system, including their transformers) is designed
and constructed
basic insulation level (BIL); basic lightning impulse
specific insulation level, expressed in kilovolts, that is equal to the crest value of a standard
lightning impulse
NOTE The BIL can refer to a complete system, such as a distribution network (including the line pole
insulation to earth at every pole, the switchgear, the line isolators and reclosers, and the substations
connected to the system, including their transformers) or to a single piece of equipment. Where the BIL is
declared by a manufacturer as the impulse voltage level for which the equipment is designed, it is often
referred to as the rated insulation level, or rated lightning impulse withstand voltage.
battery powered earth fault indicator
earth fault indicator that is powered by means of a disposable battery
baulk
concrete beam, attached, in a horizontal position, to the pole at a point or at points below ground
level, to improve the stability of the pole under conditions where it is not practicable or possible to
use stays
bay (of a substation)
part of a substation within which the switchgear and controlgear relating to a given circuit is
contained
NOTE According to the type of circuit , a substation may include: feeder bays, transformer bays, bus
coupler bays, etc.
 13 NRS 000-1:2008

bay processor
BP
intelligent electronic device (IED) that operates within either a protection bay or a system control
and data acquisition (SCADA) switch bay in a substation
bedding
cushioning layer or layers applied to a cable immediately beneath a metallic layer such as the
armour or the reinforcement [IEC]
bedding
layer of extruded compound applied to a cable to form a circular base beneath the armour in
order to prevent damage to the insulation by the armour
bedding; undersheath
cushioning layer or layers applied to a cable immediately beneath a metallic layer such as
the armour or the reinforcement
benchmarks
default technical losses at various voltage levels or profiles to be used by a utility in the absence
of better information

benefit of diversity
result of the operation of totalization and the possible flattening of the load curve, that has an
inherent benefit to the customers' maximum demand charge
benefit of diversity
benefit granted to a consumer where electricity is supplied to a consumer at more than one point
of delivery and the maximum demand charged for is the simultaneous maximum demand (co-
incident in time) for all points rather than the sum of the individual demands
beta distribution
statistical distribution function that can be used to describe the electrical load of a group of
consumers at any given time
bidirectional metering
meter that can measure import and export active energy and/or leading and lagging reactive
energy
billing
process of producing and delivering a bill (an account) for payment by a customer, calculated
from the tariff schedule, and for the majority of customers, the consumption measured and
recorded by the metering system [SANS 62051]
NOTE Bills are also calculated on estimated consumption and for unmetered installations. Customers are
billed at regular cycles (e.g. monthly, bimonthly, quarterly or yearly) and when an account is finalized or
when a special reading is requested.
billing month
time period over which the energy registers are accumulated before they are used to generate a
bill. The billing month does not necessarily correspond to a calendar month
billing period
time between consecutive billing dates, nominally in months (e.g. one, three or six months) but in
practice defined as a number of days (e.g. 28 days, 60 days, 91 days etc.,) [IEC]
binary element
group of statements, each being realised by a digital signal, to represent information in digital
electrical form
 14 NRS 000-1:2008

NOTE The meaning of each statement is determined by the code of the system and is represented by the
position in time (or space) of the corresponding signal values. Each statement consists of either a logical
"one" or a logical "zero", corresponding to the "one" level state or the "zero" level state of the representing
signal. Each of these two values constitutes a binary element, and is represented by a binary digit, or bit.
binder (of a disc)
resinous material which serves to bind the various component materials of a disk
binder (of a cable)
layer incorporated in a cable with the specific function of holding the components of the cable
together within the layer
bipolar d.c. link
link having two poles normally operating at d.c. voltages of opposite polarity in relation to earth
birdcaging
loosening and separation of the outer layer wires from the inner wires
blank module
new secure module that has not been registered at the Eskom key management centre
NOTE A blank module has not been loaded with master keys or vending keys.

blinding
selected fine material used to completely cover an underground cable or pipe
block symbol
simple graphical symbol, representing an assembly of items and intended to indicate the function
of the assembly, neither giving details about the items nor taking account of all connections
NOTE Block symbols are generally used in diagrams where a single-line representation is applied. They
may also be used in diagrams with all input connections shown.
blocking diode
diode (usually Schottky) used to prevent battery discharge through the photovoltaic (PV) array at
night
NOTE 1 The blocking diode will also prevent damage to the regulator if the PV array is short circuited.
NOTE 2 Blocking diodes are normally used in PV systems where the nominal voltage exceeds 24 V.
blown tube for fibre optic core
tube inserted in the centre of a pilot cable for the purpose of housing optical fibre(s)
boiler
installation whose function is to vaporize water under pressure, to superheat and, in some cases,
reheat the steam [IEC]
bolted-type separable connector
separable connector in which the electrical contact is made by a bolted device
bonding
low-impedance interconnection of conductor and equipment, to form an equipotential platform
branch joint
accessory that connects a branch cable to a main cable [IEV 461-11-07, modified]
branch line (spur)
electric line connected to a main line at a point on its route
NOTE A branch line which is in a final circuit is called a spur.

branch line; spur feeder

electric line connected to a main line at a point on its route [IEC]
NOTE A branch line which is a final circuit is called a spur.
 15 NRS 000-1:2008

breaker; circuit-breaker
mechanical switching device capable of making, carrying and breaking currents under normal
circuit conditions and also making, carrying for a specified time and breaking currents under
specified abnormal conditions, such as those of a short circuit [IEC]
breaking force
tensile load applied during testing, under which a cable finally breaks or becomes permanently
deformed
breaking load
load in newtons (N), that a material, component or device will resist before it breaks
breaking load
tensile load applied during testing, and at which the cable breaks or becomes permanently
deformed
broadcast facility
protocol facility that provides for the distribution of one message to more than one recipient,
group of slaves or all the slaves in the network.
NOTE Recipients include, amongst others, remote terminal units (RTUs) masters and submasters
bulk supply
supply to a consumer's substation at a voltage of 80 kV or higher
burden
value of the impedance of the secondary circuit expressed in ohms (or in volts per ampere at the
rated secondary current) at the relevant power factor
burden (of an instrument transformer)
impedance of the secondary circuit [IEC]
NOTE The burden is usually expressed as the apparent power absorbed by the secondary circuit at a
specified power factor at the rated secondary current or voltage.
burying depth
specified depth at which a cable is to be buried

NOTE This shall be a minimum of 500 mm.

bus coupler
apparatus used for connecting two sets of busbar

bus coupler
circuit-breaker designed to connect or disconnect two busbar sections in parallel
bus coupler circuit-breaker
in a substation a circuit-breaker which is located between two busbars and which permits
the busbars to be coupled; it may be associated with selectors in case of more than two
busbars [IEC]
bus section breaker
apparatus used for connecting two sections of the same busbar

bus section circuit-breaker

circuit-breaker designed to connect or disconnect two busbar sections in series
bus-coupler switchgear panel
bus-section switchgear panel
switchgear panel that is used to open and close the electrical connection and provide safety
isolation between two busbar systems of a switchboard with a double busbar configuration

NOTE It could include a switch-disconnector or a circuit-breaker.

 16 NRS 000-1:2008

bus section isolator

isolator designed to connect or disconnect two busbar sections in series
busbar
low impedance conductor to which several electric circuits can be separately connected [IEC]
bushing
device that enables one or several conductors to pass through a partition such as wall or a tank,
and insulates the conductors from it. The means of attachment (flange or fixing device) to the
partition forms part of the bushing
NOTE 1 The conductor may form an integral part of the bushing or may be drawn into the central tube of
the bushing.
NOTE 2 The bushings may be of the following types: liquid filled bushing; liquid insulated bushing; gas
filled bushing, gas insulated bushing; oil impregnated paper bushing; resin bonded paper bushing; resin
impregnated paper bushing ; ceramic, glass or analogous inorganic material bushing; cast insulation
bushing ; composite bushing

bushing
structure carrying one or more conductors through a partition (such as a wall or tank) and
insulating it there from, including the means of attachment (flange or other fixing device) to the
partition
bus-section; bus-coupler switchgear panel
switchgear panel that is used to open and close the electrical connection and provide safety
isolation between two sections of busbar of the switchboard
NOTE 1 The bus-section switchgear panel may include a switch-disconnector or a withdrawable circuit-
breaker.
NOTE 2 In a double busbar configuration, a bus-section switch opens or closes the electrical connection
between two sections of the same busbar, or of the top and bottom busbar sections, or of the front and rear
busbar sections. A bus-coupler switch is used only on a double busbar configuration and opens or closes
the electrical connection between the two busbar systems, or, alternatively, between the top and bottom or
the front and rear busbar systems.
bypass diode
diode used to prevent damage to the photovoltaic module under partial shade conditions
cable
feeder, normally underground, including its terminations
cable
length of one or more insulated conductors with or without an overall protective covering
cable
assembly of one or more conductors or optical fibres or both, with a protective covering
and possibly filling, insulating and protective material
cable
length of one or more cores with an overall protective covering
cable gland
device to seal and secure the sheath and to secure the armour (where provided) of an electric
cable to the terminal equipment by means suitable for the type of the cable for which it is
designed, including provision for making an electrical connection to the sheath and to the armour
cable termination box
cable termination enclosure that can be used for either single-core or three-core cables
cable tie
component that has the specific purpose of holding together the cable cores which it surrounds
 17 NRS 000-1:2008

cable wiping gland

cable gland that has a wiping gland body
cable (superconductivity-related technology)
conductor which consists of two or more wires
NOTE A cable or individual strands which may or may not be covered by an electrical insulation

calibration
set of operations that establishes, by reference to standards, the relationship which
exists, under specified conditions, between an indication and a result of measurement
calibration
set of operations that establishes, under specified conditions, the relationship between the values
indicated by a measuring system and the corresponding values of a quantity realised by a
reference standard or a working standard
calibration report
report that contains the results of all calibration tests carried out on a metering installation or a
component of a metering installation by an approved laboratory as part of the certification process
capacitor voltage transformer
voltage transformer comprising a capacitor divider unit and an electromagnetic unit so
designed and interconnected that the secondary voltage of the electromagnetic unit is
substantially proportional to the primary voltage, and differs in phase from it by an angle
which is approximately zero for an appropriate direction of the connections
capacitor voltage transformer
CVT
voltage transformer that comprises a capacitor divider unit and an electromagnetic unit so
designed and interconnected that the secondary voltage of the electromagnetic unit is
substantially proportional to and in phase with the primary voltage applied to the capacitor divider
circuit
capital charges
all charges raised towards covering the network capital costs including: connection fees, monthly
capital charges and up front capital contributions but excluding charges contained in the monthly
tariffs
capital contributions
once off contributions made by customers/developers towards the capital costs of networks
installed by the utility to meet the customer/developers electricity needs
capital contributions
cash contributions made by customers towards the capital cost of networks installed by the utility
on behalf of the customer
capital contributions due
highest of the average capital contribution and the apportioned share of incremental costs plus
the dedicated costs
NOTE 1 Incremental costs are capital costs, incurred at the time of development.
NOTE 2 Dedicated costs are the total capital costs associated with a particular customer only.
capital contribution rebates
amounts deducted from the capital charges due or repaid to a developer because of work done
by or materials provided by a developer or customer considered not part of their contributions
capital contribution standard charges
charges calculated to represent the average capital costs per unit of various networks in the utility
 18 NRS 000-1:2008

capital contribution subsidies

situations where the required capital contribution is funded by another party than the one to whom
it is due
capital rate
non-escalating monthly capital repayment rate applied to the capital contribution due to the
conversion to a monthly capital charge
capless line post insulator
rigid insulator that consists of one or more insulating parts with metal insert, and intended to be
mounted rigidly on a supporting structure by means of a spindle
NOTE The definition for capless line post insulators differs from one in IEC 60383-1: this definition is
applicable to a line post insulator without a cast iron cap.
capped line post insulator
rigid insulator that consists of one or more insulating parts with metal base and sometimes a cap
intended to be mounted rigidly on a supporting structure with the metal base attached by means
of a stud or one of several bolts
carrier frequency coupling device
circuit element that is intended to permit the injection of carrier frequency current, and that is
connected between the low-voltage terminal of a capacitor divider unit and earth
NOTE The coupling device has an impedance that is insignificant at power frequency but appreciable at
the carrier frequency.
certification
procedure by which a third party gives written assurance that a product, process or service
conforms to specified requirements [ISO/IEC Guide 2]

certification
confirmation that the whole metering system is installed and functioning correctly, and that the
metering installation and its individual components comply with the overall accuracy limits and
component standards
certification report
report that contains the calibration report and other information relevant to the certification of a
metering installation or a component thereof
certified test report
certificate that gives evidence of compliance with requirements given in the specification where
testing for these requirements was carried out by a recognized authority
chamber
enclosure in which high voltage apparatus is separated from other apparatus by partition walls or
other means and the access to which is restricted by interlocks
channel (metering)
input or a register for raw data that corresponds to a specific meter
NOTE If the encoder has built-in meters, the meter is considered to have four channels with values
corresponding to kilowatt-hours (import and export) and kilovar-hours (leading and lagging).

channel
load profile data corresponding to one of the measurands such as kWh or kVAh
channel multiplier
constant by which the channel readings are multiplied in order to obtain engineering units
 19 NRS 000-1:2008

character
member of a set of elements used by agreement, for the organization, representation or control of
information
NOTE Characters may be letters, digits, punctuation marks or other symbols and, by extension, functions
controls such as space shift, carriage return or line feed contained in a message.

character
member of the set of elements that is intended for use in conveying information, either when
arranged together in an agreed fashion, or when isolated
check metering
dual-redundant metering system (a completely separate installation) that has two dedicated
current transformer (CT) cores but may have only one dedicated voltage transformer (VT)
winding
Chief Inspector of Machinery
chief inspector appointed by the Minister of Labour in terms of the Occupational Health and
Safety (OHS) Act, 1993 (Act 85 of 1993)
child key
key that is encrypted with a parent key

cipher
method of cryptography that applies an algorithm to the letters or digits of the plaintext to create
cipher text, and vice versa

NOTE Typically the algorithm is used in conjunction with one or more keys.

circuit
conductor or a system of conductors through which an electric current is intended to flow
circuit
arrangement of conductors for the purpose of carrying electrical energy
circuit earth
that part of a circuit that is or can be connected directly to earth
circuit-breaker
mechanical switching device capable of making, carrying and breaking currents under normal
circuit conditions and also making, carrying for a specified time, and breaking currents under
specified abnormal conditions, such as those of a short-circuit [IEC]
circuit-breaker
class B
circuit-breaker so designed as to not require maintenance of the interrupting parts of the main
circuit during the expected operating life of the circuit-breaker, and only minimal maintenance of
its other parts
NOTE Minimal maintenance might include aspects such as lubrication, replenishment of gas, and cleaning
of external surfaces.

circuit-breaker panel
switchgear panel complete with a fixed or withdrawable circuit-breaker

circuit-side
side of a circuit-breaker or switch that contains the cable or circuit connections, and that can be
isolated from the busbars
 20 NRS 000-1:2008

cladding
dielectric material of an optical fibre surrounding the core

clamping voltage
voltage that is maintained between the terminals of an arrester during the passage of the
discharge current, and that determines the protective characteristics of the arrester
clamping voltage
see residual voltage
class A insulator
insulator or insulator unit in which the length of the shortest puncture path through solid insulating
material is at least equal to half the arcing distance
NOTE An example of a class A insulator is a long rod insulator with external fittings.
class designation
maximum of the load range in amperes. (see load range which states: the maximum range in
amperes over which the meter is designed to operate continuously with a specified accuracy
under certain conditions)
NOTE This is usually applicable to meters of American origin.(see load range)

class index
conventional designation of an accuracy class by a number or symbol
class index
see accuracy class index, which states: a number that gives the limits of the permissible
percentage error as defined in the applicable specification for a meter when the meter is tested
under reference conditions
NOTE Multi-range and multipurpose instruments may have more than one accuracy class index
clean up
action of remediation that includes soil excavation, bioremediation, solvent soil wash, land
farming or electrochemical treatment
clearance
distance between two conductive parts along a string stretched the shortest way between these
conductive parts

clearance
shortest distance between two conductive parts.
NOTE 1 In this code of practice the term “clearance” or “safety clearance” is used to specify the minimum
distance between a live part and an object for the safety of persons. Where reference is made to a specific
type of safety clearance the terms
“working clearance” or “live-line working clearance”, as applicable, are used.
NOTE 2 For the philosophy behind safety clearances as applicable to this code of practice.

clearance
shortest distance through air or through an insulating fluid or semi-fluid between two
conductive parts
clearance
shortest distance between two conductive parts, usually related to distance in air
a) activity clearance
sum of the personal reach and the length of a hand-held object
 21 NRS 000-1:2008

b) electrical clearance
distance in air between live parts and earthed material or between live parts at different
potentials which serves as protection against electrical breakdown
NOTE In generic terms, the electrical component of the minimum working distance between two
electrodes is required to prevent sparkover under the most severe electrical stress that will arise
under the chosen conditions.

c) object clearance
sum of the uncertainty and activity clearances

d) safe clearance
sum of the electrical and uncertainty clearances

e) uncertainty clearance
additional distance stipulated by the supply authority to allow for uncertainty

f) working clearance
straight-line distance between the live part and the position of the person working on the
electrical system

NOTE The working space is the region within the boundary of the working clearance where a
person can safely work on dead equipment.

clearance to earth
clearance between any conductive parts and any parts which are earthed or intended to be
earthed

close proximity
a position in which a part of a person or part of a tool being used could inadvertently
encroach within the minimum safe clearance (of any bare, live parts) according to the OHS
Act
close proximity
beyond a position in which any part of a person or tool being used could inadvertently encroach
within the minimum safe clearance (of any bare, live parts) according to the OHS Act, 1993
closed loop breaking current
breaking current when opening a closed loop circuit, i.e. a circuit in which both sides of the switch
remain alive after breaking and in which the voltage appearing across the terminals is
substantially less than the system voltage [IEC]
closing
closing of a circuit-breaker by either manual or automatic control of protective devices [IEC]
NOTE The expression "closing" of a network item (line, transformer) in fact means closing of the
associated circuit-breakers.

code
set of rules defining a one-to-one correspondence between information and its representation by
characters, symbols or signal elements
code
agreed set of unambiguous rules to specify the way in which data may be represented by the
characters of a character set
 22 NRS 000-1:2008

coded module
secure module initialized and loaded with the vending keys of specific supply group codes
NOTE A coded module has been loaded both with master keys and vending keys.

code of practice
document that recommends practices or procedures for the design, manufacture, installation,
maintenance or utilization of equipment, structures or products. [ISO/IEC Guide 2].

NOTE A code of practice can be a standard, a part of a standard or independent of a standard.

coincidence factor (CF)
way to describe diversity

NOTE CF is equal to the inverse of the diversity.

1
CF(N) = and 0 < CF < 1 and CF = 1 for one customer
DF(N)

i.e. CF is always between 0 and 1, except for one customer when it is equal to 1.

cold load pick-up feature

feature that allows modification of the overcurrent protection characteristics in order to prevent
relay maloperation under conditions of system energization
cold reserve
total available capacity of generating sets in reserve for which the starting up may take several
hours [IEC]
cold start-up of a thermal generating set
process by which the generating set is raised to speed, the machine connected to the system and
loaded after a long period of being out of operation [IEC]
coloured coating
thin coating applied on the primary coating in order to make each fibre distinguishable by its
colour
combined neutral and earth
conductor that combines the functions of a neutral conductor and an earth conductor
commissioning
formal procedure for the addition of apparatus or systems to the existing system
common auxiliaries
group of auxiliary equipment which is common to the unit and the power station
common group
see common supply group

common mode (CM) voltage

mean of the voltages appearing between each conductor and a specified reference, usually earth
or frame

common supply group

supply group that associates a set of electricity dispensers on a geographical or regional basis, in
which each and every electricity dispenser in the supply group has a common dispenser key

communication core
insulated solid wire that is intended to carry data
 23 NRS 000-1:2008

communication data link

means of communication between two or more electronic devices, using a defined protocol
communication lines
lines that convey information by electrical means, specifically excluding optical fibre
communication media
physical communication media supported by the protocol

NOTE (e.g. radio, keyed radio transmissions; telephone dial-up modem)

compact switchgear
switchgear where the overall dimensions are reduced due to enhanced insulation (for example
gas insulation)
NOTE The reduction in the width of the panels is most desirable.
compacted conductor
stranded conductor in which the interstices between the component wires have been reduced by
mechanical compression, or by drawing, or by suitable choice of the shape and disposition of
wires

compatibility level (electromagnetic compatibility level)

specified disturbance level at which an acceptable, high probability of electromagnetic
compatibility should exist [IEC]
NOTE Quality of supply (QOS) is described by a particular set of electromagnetic compatibility
levels. These compatibility levels are used to set minimum standards. It follows that the
compatibility level should be so chosen that the equipment connected to the supply network has a
high probability of operating correctly, and that the supply network has a high probability of
operating within the required limits.

compatibility level (electromagnetic)

specified electromagnetic disturbance level used as a reference level for coordination in the
setting of emission and immunity levels
competent person
person who complies with section A.1 (vii) of the OHS Act, 1993, and is in possession of a
competency certificate for the classes of work in which he is deemed to be competent to work
without constant supervision
competent person
person that complies with the appropriate sections of the Occupational Health and Safety Act,
1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993) and is in possession of a competency certificate for the classes of work
in which he is deemed to be competent to work without constant supervision

completely self-protected (CSP) transformer

transformer that is designed to be self-protected against overloads, short-circuits and overheating
compliance testing (of a metering installation)
procedure whereby a metering installation and its component parts are proved to comply with
applicable requirements

NOTE The procedure includes the issuing of a compliance report.

composite cable
cable containing both elements of copper and optical fibre
 24 NRS 000-1:2008

composite insulator
insulator made of at least two insulating materials; the core and the external envelope. The
composite insulator, for example, can consist either of individual sheds mounted on the
core, with or without an intermediate sheath or alternatively, of the complete envelope with
sheds directly moulded or cast in one piece on the core
composite insulator
insulator that consists of at least two insulating parts, a core part and a housing part equipped
with fittings
NOTE A composite insulator, for example, can consist either of individual shed mounted on the core, with
or without an intermediate sheath, or alternatively, of a housing directly moulded or cast in one or several
pieces on to the core.
compression jointing; crimped jointing
method of securing a connector to a conductor by using a special tool to produce permanent
deformation of the connector and the conductor
concentric cable
sheathed cable that has a phase core surrounded by a neutral-earth conductor that forms a
single concentric layer around the phase core
concentric cable
sheathed cable that has an insulated phase conductor surrounded by a neutral-earth conductor
that forms a concentric layer around the phase conductor

conductor
any wire, bar or tube intended to conduct electric current
NOTE A conductor usually consists of a single, or bundle of, flexible metallic, copper or aluminium
strand(s).
conductor
part of a cable having the specific function of carrying current
NOTE A conductor usually consists of a single, or bundle of, flexible metallic, copper or aluminium
strand(s).

conductor
conductive part intended to carry a specified electric current
conductor insulation
insulation applied on a conductor or on a conductor screen [IEC]
conductor size
nominal cross-sectional area of a conductor
conductor(cable)
part of a cable which has the specific function of carrying current
conduit
protective metal or plastic pipe to contain wires
conduit
part of a closed wiring system of generally circular cross section for insulated conductors
or cables in electrical or communication installations (or both), allowing them to be drawn
in and/or replaced
connecting length
physical length of the insulator or insulator string measured between its attachment points at
either end
 25 NRS 000-1:2008

connection fees
standard minimum up front fee payable by the customer towards the cost of a new connection
connector
component that terminates conductors for the purpose of providing connection and
disconnection to a suitable mating component [IEC]
connector
fitting providing mechanical connection between two electrical conductors
connector
metallic device that connects cable conductors. [IEV 461-17-03], modified
connector
device that has a barrel or socket at one end or at both ends, for connecting a conductor to an
equipment terminal or for connecting two or more conductors
connector
device providing connection and disconnection to a suitable mating component
consensus
general agreement characterized by the absence of sustained opposition to substantial issues by
any important part of the concerned interests and by a process that involves attempting to take
into account the views of all parties concerned and to reconcile any conflicting views
consolidated edition
edition of a specification in which all approved amendments and technical corrigenda have been
incorporated. The consolidation will be reflected in the incremented edition number that will reflect
the year(s) of publication of the amendments and corrigenda and the publication date of the base
document
constant force spring
strip of non-magnetic stainless steel that is wound to form a spring and that is intended to
maintain a constant force on a circular object
construction supervisor
person with on-site control of construction

consumer
person who is supplied (or who is to be supplied) with electricity by an electricity supplier
consumer
user of electricity provided by an electricity supply system, generally a distribution system
[IEC]
consumer
party who receives electricity from the supply or distribution undertaking
consumer’s earth terminal
clamp or terminal at the point of supply by means of which the exposed conductive parts of the
consumer’s installation are connected to an earth electrode or to the supplier’s protective
conductor. A terminal fitted on equipment and providing a means of connection for an earth
conductor [IEC]
consumer’s installation
electrical apparatus under the control of a consumer on the consumer’s premises
consumer’s supply point
see point of supply, which states: the point at which electricity is supplied to any premises by a
supplier. [Regulation R1, OHS Act]
 26 NRS 000-1:2008

consumer's substation
substation owned and operated by a consumer to distribute electrical energy around his premises
NOTE The electricity supply authority responsibility ends at the point of supply.
consumption
energy used by a customer during a specific period, measured in kWh
continuous current of an arrester
current flowing through the arrester when energized at the continuous operating voltage [IEC]
contractor
(revenue protection contractor)
company or organization that provides revenue protection services for a supplier
control board (desk)
board (desk) on which are fixed control devices which are necessary to control and display a
substation or a system [IEC]
control cable
multicore cable for the transmission of control, measuring and indication signals in electric
installations

control centre
place from where the safe operation of the generation, transmission and distribution of electric
power to customers is controlled or directed (or both)
control centre (controlling station)
station which performs the telecontrol of outstations. The place where a master station is located.
control centre
master station
central station responsible for the monitoring and control of an electricity utility power network

control officer; controller

employee or official on duty at a control centre, who is responsible for the general operation of the
power system, or of a section thereof
control panel
panel incorporating all the control means necessary for the operation of a signalling installation,
with or without corresponding indications
control panel; panel
panel on which control switches and other equipment are mounted for controlling the operation of
the apparatus
control panel; panel
panel on which are mounted control switches and other equipment for controlling the operation of
the apparatus are mounted
control range
range of values defined by the two extreme values within which the controlled variable can vary
under specified operating conditions
control range (of a generating set)
specified range of active power within which a power-controlled generating set must be able to
operate [IEC]
control switch
switch or device that controls the operation of a breaker, switch, isolator or other apparatus
 27 NRS 000-1:2008

control switch (control and auxiliary circuits)

mechanical switching device which serves the purpose of controlling the operation of the
switchgear or controlgear, including signalling, electrical interlocking, etc.
controllable load
load of particular consumers which, under contract, must be reduced for a limited period of time,
at the request of the distribution supply undertaking [IEC]
controllable set
generating set whose purpose is to run at load levels varying according to the needs of the
network supplied as long as that operational mode is economical [IEC]
controller
employee or official on duty at a control centre, who is responsible for the general operation of the
power system or of a section thereof

conventional switching (lightning)

peak value of a switching (lightning) impulse test voltage at which an insulation shall not show
any disruptive discharge when subjected to a specified number of applications of this impulse
under specified conditions [IEC]
NOTE This concept applies particularly to non-self-restoring insulations.
conversion of electricity
changing of the characteristics of the form and frequency of voltage and current by means of a
converter [IEC]
conversion fees
minimum up front contribution payable when there are tariff changes, meter changes, changes in
installation or when a supply point is shifted
converter substation
substation including converters and the main function of which is to convert alternating current
into direct current or vice versa [IEC]
core
single insulated conductor without an overall protective covering
core
parts of a magnetic circuit in a machine, excluding the air-gap, which are intended to carry the
magnetic flux
core
central region of an optical fibre through which most of the optical power is transmitted
core
assembly that comprises a conductor with its own insulation (and screen, if any)

core
central region of an optical fibre, generally with higher refractive index than the surrounding
cladding resin coating applied directly to the cladding, usually at the time of the fibre drawing, in
one or more layers, to preserve the integrity of the cladding surface
core (of a composite insulator)
internal insulating part of a composite insulator design to ensure the mechanical characteristics
The core usually consists of glass fibres which are positioned in a resin-based matrix.
core; insulated conductor
assembly comprising a conductor with its own insulation
 28 NRS 000-1:2008

corrosive sulfur
sulfur that contains molecules that have negative effects on oil and can cause corrosion problems
in power equipment
cost pooling
cases where the cost of a network is pooled for various customer categories for the purpose of
determining charges
cost of services
cost of services includes all direct costs incurred by the utility to supply electricity plus indirect
costs such as profits, taxes, subsidies and abnormal costs
cost sharing
cases where costs are pooled and shared between the customers taking supply from the network
cost vs. price
cost is the amount of money incurred by the utility to supply a unit of goods or service. Price is the
amount of cash paid by the customer to a utility for a unit of goods or service
cost-of-supply methodology
standard procedure based upon a selected philosophy that is used to derive and allocate the
costs of supplying electrical energy to various customer categories
countable events
particular events such as over current, earth fault and sensitive earth fault that are accumulated
on the counts-to-open counter
counter
see accumulator, which states: a count of impulses associated with impulse energy metering
counter
sequential circuit in which a number is stored and to which a constant integer number is added
algebraically depending on a switching variable at the counter input
covered conductor
conductor for use on overhead electrical distribution lines, that is covered with a thin layer of
insulation, insufficient to provide full insulation for the applied voltage
credit dispensing unit
device used in the vending process to physically carry out the sale of electricity to the customer
through the encoding of a token or a receipt (or both)
NOTE 1 A credit dispensing unit (CDU) can vend (dispense) different types of tokens (credit, reset, current
limit, etc.).
NOTE 2 A CDU will contain a token encryption device (TED) and a token issuing device (TID).
creepage distance
r.m.s. value of sinusoidal voltage at rated frequency applied to the secondary terminals of the
transformer, all other windings being open-circuited, which, when increased by 10 %, causes the
r.m.s. value of the excitation current to increase by 50 % [IEC]
creepage distance
shortest distance, along the surface of the insulating material, between two conductive
parts [IEC]
creepage distance
shortest distance or sum of the shortest distances measured along the contours of the external
surfaces of the insulating parts between those parts of an insulator which normally have the
operating voltage between them
 29 NRS 000-1:2008

crimped jointing
see compression jointing, which states: a method of securing a connector to a conductor by using
a special tool to produce permanent deformation of the connector and the conductor
cross-arm
component of a pole structure, usually horizontal, to which the line insulators are attached to
provide the required clearance distance
crossing
span of a network where it crosses over a road, river, railway, telecommunication or other service

cryptographic key
parameter used in conjunction with an algorithm for the purposes of validation, authentication,
encipherment or decipherment

cryptography
discipline that embodies the principles, means and methods for the transformation of data in
order to conceal its information content, or prevent its undetected modification, or prevent its
unauthorized use (or any combination of these)

cubicle switchgear
metal-enclosed switchgear that does not have separate compartments for the switching device,
cable box and busbars
cumulative distribution function
(of a sample of customers’ loads): function that gives the probability that the load sample will be
less than or equal to a specific value of the load current
cumulative energy
quantity of energy (kilowatt-hour, kilovar-hour or kilovolt-ampere hour) over a period of time
current circuit
internal connections of the meter and part of the measuring element through which flows the
current of the circuit to which the meter is connected [SANS 62052-11]
current circuit
circuit of a measuring instrument in which the current is equal or proportional to the
current of the circuit to which the measuring instrument is connected
current pick-up setting
user settable current level above which the fault path indicator (FPI) will indicate a transgression
of the overcurrent pick-up setting
current rating (of cables)
r.m.s. value of current that a cable can carry continuously under the specified normal conditions
of use and behaviour.
current rating (of cables)
rated normal current of a cable is the r.m.s. value of current that the cable can carry continuously
under the specified conditions of use and behaviour.
current transformer (CT)
instrument transformer in which the secondary current, in normal conditions of use, is
substantially proportional to the primary current, and differs in phase by an angle which is
approximately zero for an appropriate direction of the connections [IEC]
customer
person or legal entity that has entered into an electricity supply agreement with a utility
level. The assessment criteria require both the measurement instrument to be defined, and
a statistical criterion to be applied to the measured data points.
 30 NRS 000-1:2008

customer
person or entity that purchases a commodity or service from the supplier
customer
party who receives electricity from the supply or distribution undertaking
customer
customer or legal entity that has entered into an electricity supply agreement with a utility
customer
person (or legal entity) who/that either has entered into a non-grid electricity service agreement
with a non-grid service provider, or legally consumes electricity supplied by that non-grid service
provider
NOTE A potential customer (i.e. a person or legal entity that applies for or requests a non-grid electricity
service within a concession area) is also referred to as a customer.
customer cable
connects the customer’s plant to the supply at the metering point
customer categories
single load profiles that best describe the customer type, for example, business, industrial,
residential, electrification, night time users, agricultural
customer group
pools of customers created within the customer base consisting of customers taking supply at the
same network position
cut-out
see outdoor distribution cut-out, which states: a drop-out vented expulsion fuse-link assembly or
solid-link assembly, together with the associated components
cut-out base
fixed part of a cut-out, provided with the contacts and terminals
cycle of battery
sequence of a discharge followed by a charge or a charge followed by a discharge under
specified conditions [IEC]
data
information represented in a manner suitable for automatic processing
data
information that is contained in electronic format
NOTE Data includes information regarding the quantity of energy used, the revenue due by the customer
and the information about the metering installation.

data
re-interpretable representation of information in a formalized manner suitable for communication,
interpretation, or processing
data acquisition system
software package capable of reading the data from all meter types for the transfer to other
applications such as the billing system
data concentrator
intelligent electronic device (IED) that relays communications from a number of devices to a
single device, or vice versa
data concentrator
equipment located at each end of a path which enables this path to serve more terminals than
there are transmission channels in the common path
 31 NRS 000-1:2008

data integrity
property that shows that data have not been altered or destroyed in an unauthorized manner

data logger
device that is capable of registering meter data such as consumption and demand data
referenced to time and date and that has the capability of communicating data to a central point
by means of an electronic interface
data point
representation in the protocol of an analogue, digital or counter value
data registry
information database

data structure
definition of the elements that comprise a communication packet of information
dead
at or near zero potential and disconnected or isolated from any live power system
NOTE Rotating plant should not be regarded as dead until it is not excited and is stationary or
being slowly rotated by means of barring gear.

dead
adjective describing a studio or other location which has a very short reverberation time, used for
example to stimulate open-air acoustic conditions
dead time
time between the instant that the current is interrupted by the auto-recloser and the instant the
contacts of the auto-recloser close as a result of automatic reclose operation [IEC]
dead time
time during automatic reclosing when the power line or phase is not connected to any network
voltage
dead time
time interval, after the initiation of discharge resulting in a normal pulse, during which a
counter tube is insensitive to further ionizing events
deadbreak connector
separable connector that is designed to be connected and disconnected on de-energized circuits
only [IEC]
declared voltage
voltage declared by the utility as the voltage at the point of supply
NOTE The declared voltage is typically specified in the supply agreement with the customer.

decipherment
cryptographic transformation of ciphertext data (see also cryptography) to produce plaintext data;
the reversal of encipherment

declared voltage
voltage declared by the utility as the voltage at the point of supply levels. The assessment criteria
require both the measurement instrument to be defined, and a statistical criterion to be applied to
the measured data points
decommission
removal of an item of equipment from the network for an extended period (a period exceeding
three months)
 32 NRS 000-1:2008

dedicated supply
where a network or a portion of a network is considered dedicated according to the best
judgement at the time
de-energized
disconnected from any live system
default group
See default supply group

default supply group

supply group that associates a set of electricity dispensers which have not yet been allocated
to a unique supply group or a common supply group, and in which each and every electricity
dispenser in the supply group has a unique dispenser key

definite time lag protection element

protection element with a time delay capable of being set that is constant above the pick-up
current setting
delayed protection operation
protection function that consists of a family of curves with operating times inversely proportional
to the fault current as a multiple of the pick-up setting
delayed protection operation
protection function that enables delayed breaker operation, be it due to an inverse definite
minimum or a definite time lag protection element
demand
magnitude of an electricity supply, expressed in kilowatts or kilovolt-amperes
demand
average value of power or a related quantity over a specified interval of time
demand integration period
interval of time, for example 15 min, 30 min, on which the demand measurement is based
[SANS 62051]
demand integration period
interval time of (half an hour; quarter of an hour; etc), over which the electricity consumed
is integrated in order to determine the average hourly (half-hour; quarter hour) demand
demand meter
metering device that indicates or records either the demand, the maximum demand, or both
demand period
see demand integration period, which states: The interval of time, for example 15 min, 30 min, on
which the demand measurement is based [IEC]
density
ratio of the mass to a given volume of oil

depth (of voltage dip)

difference between the declared voltage and the residual voltage during a voltage dip event. [IEC
61000-2-8, modified]

NOTE 1 The depth may be expressed as a value in volts or as a percentage or per unit value relative to the
declared voltage.
 33 NRS 000-1:2008

NOTE 2 Frequently the word “depth” is used in a descriptive, non-quantitative sense, to refer to the voltage
dimension of a voltage dip, without the intention of specifying whether that dimension is expressed as the
residual voltage or depth, as defined above. Care is needed to ensure that this meaning is clear in the
context in which it is used.
design tension
statutory maximum load (see the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act 85 of 1993), to
which the ABC may be subjected
design tension aerial bundled conductor (ABC)
statutory maximum load (see the OHS Act), to which the ABC can be subjected
designated person
person approved by the purchaser
designated person
person who is designated in terms of General Machinery Regulation GMR 2 of the OHS
Act, to supervise the use of machinery or electrical apparatus (or both) on or in specific
premises
designated person
person, officially appointed by the supply authority or by the telecommunication authority, to
control a project
designated range
range of conductor cross-sectional areas with which the fittings are intended to be used
design-data confidence level
level of confidence, expressed as a probability (per unit or percentage), in the accuracy of
the data used to estimate the after diversity maximum demand (ADMD) and the
slenderness factor for a particular group of customers
NOTE The opposite of design-data confidence level is design-data uncertainty level.

design-data uncertainty level

see design-data confidence level, which states: the level of confidence, expressed as a
probability (per unit or percentage), in the accuracy of the data used to estimate the after diversity
maximum demand (ADMD) and the slenderness factor for a particular group of customers
NOTE The opposite of design-data confidence level is design-data uncertainty level.
developers
entities who undertake the required activities of developing a particular area and this could
include rezoning land to a different zone and meeting all the requirements set by the Local
Government
developing network
network, the construction of which has not yet reached the initially planned configuration, and
from which temporary or early supply is made available to customers by agreement, in order to
avoid delayed service availability
dielectric
substance whose basic electromagnetic property is to be polarized by an electric field
dielectric
substance that can maintain a steady electric field and hence is an insulator
dielectric test
test of short duration which consists of applying a specified voltage to the insulation to prove that
it is in accordance with the rated insulation voltage of the circuit, as stated by the manufacturer
 34 NRS 000-1:2008

dielectric test
test applied to insulation made by applying a high voltage across the insulation to
determine the adequacy of its dielectric strength
dielectric dissipation factor
tan delta
measurement of the tangent of the phase angle or the tan of the loss angle based on the
measurement of the leakage current through the oil, which in turn is a measure of the
contamination or deterioration (or both) of oil
dielectric strength
ability of oil to withstand electrical stress, and is influenced by the presence of moisture and
particulate material in the oil

differential mode (DM) voltage

voltage between any two of a specified set of active conductors
differential relay
electrical measuring relay the characteristic quantity of which is the result of comparison of the
input energizing quantities, either in magnitude or in phase and magnitude [IEC]
differential relay
measuring relay having two windings so connected in different parts of a circuit that the
relay will operate if the difference between the currents in the two circuits exceeds a
specific value
digital representation
(of a physical quantity): representation of a physical quantity by discreet numerals of digital
signals when the physical quantity to be represented is varied between specified limits
digital signal
signal which has a discreet number of ranges and values of the signal parameter, different
information being associated with each of the ranges
digital signal
discreetly timed signal in which information is represented by a finite number of well defined
discrete values that one of its characteristic quantities may take in time
digital signal
signal whose information parameter may assume one out of a set of discrete values
direct acting indicating instrument
instrument in which the indicating device is mechanically connected to and actuated by the
moving element
direct-buried underground cable
cable designed to be installed under the surface of the earth, in direct contact with the soil

direct current system; d.c. system

electrical system fed by unidirectional voltage [IEC]
direction (of power)
direction of power which is considered to be the direction of the corresponding energy transfer
direction (of reactive power)
direction of reactive power where a capacitor produces it and an inductor absorbs it
direction of lay
lateral direction of inclination to the axis (either left or right hand) of the receding helix formed by a
wire or a core in a cable
 35 NRS 000-1:2008

direction of lay
direction of twist of a layer of wires of a stranded conductor as viewed from the end
direction of lay
direction of rotation of a component of a cable in relation to the longitudinal axis of the
cable

disc reset time

time required for the disc of an electromechanical inverse definite minimum time lag
(IDMTL) protection relay to turn back to its original position after it has turned to the
position where a protection operation was initiated
discharge
controlled removal of electric charge, and thereafter the verification of the absence of charge
discharge (electrical)
discontinuous movement of electrical charges through an insulating medium, initiated by electron
avalanches and supplemented by secondary processes
discharge current of an arrester
impulse current, which flows through the arrester [IEC]
discharge of battery
operation during which a battery delivers current to an external circuit by the conversion of
chemical energy into electric energy [IEC]
discharge voltage
see residual voltage, which states: The voltage that is maintained between the arrester terminals
during the passage of discharge current, and that determines the protective characteristics of the
arrester
disconnector
mechanical switching device that provides, in the open position, an isolating distance in
accordance with specified requirements [IEC]
NOTE 1 A disconnector is capable of opening and closing a circuit either when negligible current is
broken or made, or when no significant change in the voltage across the terminals of each of the
poles of the disconnector occurs. It is also capable of carrying current under normal circuit
conditions and carrying, for a specified time, currents under abnormal conditions such as those of
short-circuit.
NOTE 2 “Negligible current” implies currents such as capacitance currents of bushings, busbars,
connections and very short lengths of cable, currents of permanently connected grading
impedances of circuit-breakers and currents of voltage transformers and dividers. For rated voltages
of 420 kV and below, a current not exceeding 0,5 A is deemed to be a negligible current for the
purpose of this definition; for rated voltages exceeding 420 kV, the manufacturer should be
consulted.
NOTE 3 “No significant change in voltage” refers to such applications as the by-passing of
induction voltage regulators or circuit-breakers. [IEC]

disconnector
device on a surge arrester that will separate the earth tail connection from the arrester when the
power-frequency current flowing through the arrester exceeds a specific value
discrimination (in protection)
ability of protection devices to disconnect only that section of a power system in which a fault has
occurred
discrimination (in telecontrol)
minimum time by which events must be separated such that the sequence of their occurrence is
determined correctly
 36 NRS 000-1:2008

dismantling costs
total cost of taking down a network and removing the equipment
dispenser key
key associated with an electricity dispenser and used together with the standard transfer
algorithm to encrypt tokens generated at a credit dispenser and to decrypt tokens input at an
electricity dispenser

distortion
undesired change of waveform
NOTE Distortion may result from:
a) non-linear relationship between input and output;
b) non-uniform transmission at different frequencies; and
c) phase shift not proportional to frequency.
distortion (of waveform)
change in the form of the ideal waveform, usually by the addition of harmonics
distortion factor
ratio of the r.m.s. value of the harmonic content (obtained by subtracting from a non-sinusoidal
alternating quantity and its fundamental term) to the r.m.s. value of the non-sinusoidal quantity
NOTE The distortion factor is usually expressed as a percentage. [IEC]
distribution kiosk
enclosure, consisting of rear (feeder) compartment and a front (service connection) compartment,
used to provide a convenient and safe point from which to distribute electricity to customers.
NOTE The feeder compartment is equipped with phase and neutral busbars, onto which the feeder cables
are terminated. The front compartment is equipped with one circuit-breaker or one fuse and its holder, for
each customer's service cable. Access to the enclosure may be via the removable cover or hinged access
doors. The service connection compartment contains no exposed live parts, and there is no access through
to the feeder compartment from the service connection compartment.
distribution fuse cut-out
drop-out fuse comprising a fuse-base, a fuse-carrier lined with arc-quenching material, and a
fuse-link having a flexible tail, and a small diameter arc-quenching tube surrounding the fuse-
element [IEC]
distribution line
see distributor, which states: a main low-voltage line or a main telecommunication line
distribution line
line which is used for the distribution of electricity
distribution network/system
apparatus installed for the distribution of electrical energy
distribution network; distribution
apparatus installed for the distribution of electric energy
distribution of electricity
transfer of electricity to consumers within an area of consumption [IEC]
distribution transformer
voltage step-down transformer to supply a section of a distribution network with electrical energy
distribution undertaking
organization that supplies electricity to a group of consumers by means of a distribution
system [IEC]
NOTE The preferred term is “electricity supplier”.
 37 NRS 000-1:2008

distributor; distribution line

that part of a supplier's distribution system to which service cables or conductors are
connected for the purpose of supplying electricity to consumers
distributor
entity which provides a physical supply (of electricity) to a customer on behalf of a supplier and
that is contracted to do so through a connection agreement with that customer [IEC]
distributor
overhead line or cable or an underground cable from which service connections are tapped

distributor; distribution line

main low-voltage line or a main telecommunication line
disturbance recorder; perturbograph
instrument in continuous operation, provided with a memory making it possible to record events
and transient variables before and during fault conditions [IEC]
diversity
lack of coincidence in the time of consumer’s individual maximum demand. (see maximum
demand which states: The highest registered electrical demand that is integrated for a
specific period)
diversity factor
ratio of the sum of the non-coincident maximum demands of two or more loads to their coincident
maximum demand for the same period. The further away from the individual supply points the
higher the diversity
diversity factor (DF)
sum of the non-simultaneous maximum demands of a number of loads divided by the
simultaneous maximum demand

sum of non simultaneo us demands

DF(N) = ≥ 1 and DF(1) = 1
simultaneo us demand

NOTE The DF is always greater than 1 except for one customer when it is equal to 1. The figure of 1000
customers is chosen as a reference base since the diversity factor generally does not increase
significantly beyond 1000 customers.

diversity (reception)
radio reception method in which one resultant signal is obtained from several received signals
which convey the same information but for which the radio path or the transmission channel
differs by at least one characteristic such as a frequency, polarization, or the position or
orientation of antennas
drip
dripping that can accumulate and result in a pool of oil
double busbar substation
substation in which the lines and transformers are connected via two busbars by means of
selectors [IEC]
double circuit
two distinct and separate overhead line circuits that are electrically supplied from different
sources and that are supported on a common transmission tower, pole or structure
double circuit line
line comprising two circuits not necessarily at the same voltage and frequency installed on the
same support
 38 NRS 000-1:2008

double earthing switches

pair of three-phase earthing switches, one fitted on each side of a disconnector
double earthing switches
three-phase earthing switch on each side of a disconnector
double insulation
insulation which comprises both basic insulation and supplementary insulation [IEC]
double insulation
two-stage insulation, the first being between the live conductors and an intermediate
frame and the second between the intermediate frame and the body of the vehicle

dressing of poles
attachment of hardware and accessories to poles
drop-out fuse-link assembly (cut-out)
assembly that comprises all components that form a complete device intended to protect
equipment or parts of a reticulation system (or both), in which the fuse-carrier automatically drops
into a position that provides an isolating distance after the fuse has operated
NOTE In this specification the term “cut-out” is often used in place of “drop-out fuse-link” assembly.
dry lightning impulse withstand voltage
lightning impulse voltage which the insulator withstands dry, under the prescribed conditions of
test
dual-phase system (bi-phase system)
distribution system, with two live conductors and a neutral, fed from a centre-tapped single-phase
transformer winding
duct cable
cable designed to be installed under the surface of the earth in a duct that isolates the cable from
direct contact with the soil

duplicate supply
supply to a load by two circuits which are considered to be independent of each other in terms of
security of supply [IEC]
dwelling
place or structure of residence
dwelling, rural
clustered or scattered structures, usually of low density, not served by a well established
infrastructure (roads, telecommunication, etc.), the power is usually supplied radially by overhead
lines emanating from one distribution station
dwelling, urban
formally or informally built structures, usually of high density, served by a well established
infrastructure (roads, telecommunication, etc.), the power network is usually supplied by more
than one distribution station
earth (ground)
conducting mass of the earth whose electrical potential at any point is conventionally taken as
zero [IEC]
earth conductor
conductor of low impedance which provides an electrical connection between a given point in
equipment (an installation or system) and an earth electrode
 39 NRS 000-1:2008

earth connection
terminal or clamp at earth potential, to which all the equipment earth wires are connected and to
which an earth electrode is connected externally
earth continuity conductor (ECC)
conductor that comprises a separate (bare or insulated) cable core or tinned hard-drawn copper
wires in cable armour
earthed; earthing
electrically connected to the general mass of earth as to ensure the efficient transfer of electrical
energy
earth electrode
part, or group of parts, of the earth termination system which provides direct electrical contact
with, and disperses the lightning current to the general mass of earth
earth electrode
conductor or group of conductors in intimate contact with and providing an electrical
connection to the earth
earth electrode
conductive part, which may be embedded in a specific conductive medium, e.g, concrete or coke,
in electric contact with the earth
earth electrode
one or more conductive parts that are embedded in the earth for the purpose of making effective
electrical contact with the general mass of the earth
earth electrode; ground-electrode (USA)
conductor or group of conductors in intimate contact with and providing an electrical connection to
earth [IEC]
earth fault
fault caused by a conductor being connected to earth or by the insulation resistance to earth
becoming less than a specified value

earth fault factor

at a given location of a three-phase system, and for a given system configuration, the ratio of the
highest r.m.s. phase-to-earth power frequency voltage on a healthy phase during a fault to earth
affecting one or more phases at any point on the system to the r.m.s. phase-to-earth frequency
voltage which would be obtained at the given location in the absence of any such fault [IEC]
earth grid
earth electrode consisting of a large rectangular arrangement of conductors buried in trenches
and divided by longitudinal and transverse conductors into a number of smaller rectangles having
mesh dimensions of the order of five meters or greater

earthing lead
conductor, including any clamp or terminal, by which connection of the consumer’s earth terminal
is made

earthing lead
conductor, including any clamp or terminal, by which connection of the consumer’s earth terminal
is made

earth leakage current

current flowing from the live parts of the installation to earth, in the absence of an insulation fault
 40 NRS 000-1:2008

earth leakage current

current flowing to earth on account of imperfect insulation
NOTE In the context of this code of practice, the earth leakage current would flow as a result of an
insulation failure on the electrical apparatus in the consumer's installation or as a result of the
bridging of insulation by any means, for example, a consumer's making inadvertent contact with a
live conductor or terminal.

earth leakage protection

form of protection in which an earth leakage unit is used
earth leakage unit
device that is capable of detecting the flow of a specified or predetermined current from a circuit
to earth and of disconnecting automatically and reliably the affected circuit within a specified time
when such current exceeds the specified or predetermined value
earthing position (of a withdrawable part)
position of a withdrawable part in which the closing of a mechanical switching device causes a
main circuit to be short-circuited and earthed

earth resistance
resistance of the electrode and surrounding earth as measured between the earthing lead and
ground

earth resistivity
resistance between the opposite faces of a cube of earth having sides of 1 m in length

earth rod
earth electrode consisting of a metal rod driven into the ground

earthing system
system intended to provide at all times, by means of one or more earth electrodes, a low
impedance path for the immediate discharge of electrical energy, without danger, into the ground

earth terminal
terminal connected to the accessible metal parts of a machine, intended to be connected
to an earth or protective conductor
earth terminal (consumer installation)
any clamp or terminal at the point of supply, by means of which the exposed conductive parts of
the consumer's installation are connected to an earth electrode or to the supplier's protective
conductor
earth terminal
terminal intended for connection to the earth
earth terminal
terminal fitted on plant or equipment that provides a means of connection for an earth conductor

earth terminal; ground terminal (USA)

terminal fitted on equipment and providing a means of connection for an earth conductor [IEC]
earth termination system
that part of an external lightning protection system which is intended to conduct and disperse
lightning current to the general mass of earth
earthed
connected to the general mass of earth in such a manner as to ensure, at all times, an immediate
 41 NRS 000-1:2008

safe discharge of electrical energy

NOTE This definition applies only in respect of the supply authority.

earthed
connected to the general mass of earth as to ensure an immediate safe discharge of
electrical energy
earthed neutral system
system in which the neutral is connected to earth, either solidly, or through a resistance or
reactance of low enough value to reduce materially transient oscillations and to give a current
sufficient for selective earth fault protection
earthed voltage transformer
single-phase voltage transformer which is intended to have one end of its primary winding directly
earthed, or a three-phase voltage transformer which is intended to have the star point of its
primary winding directly earthed
earthed; earthing
connected to the general mass of the earth as to ensure an immediate safe discharge of electrical
energy
earthing gear; earthing device
fixed or portable appliance used for earthing electrical apparatus
earthing label
printed form or label attached to an apparatus to indicate that it has been earthed
earthing lead
conductor including any clamp or terminal, by which connection of equipment’s earth terminal or
conductor to an earth electrode is made

earthing position (of a withdrawable part)

position of a withdrawable part in which the closing of a mechanical switching device causes a
main circuit to be short-circuited and earthed
earthing switch
in a substation, a special disconnector which is intended to connect phase conductors to earth for
safety purposes [IEC]
earthing switch
mechanical switching device for earthing parts of a circuit, capable of with-standing for a
specified time currents under abnormal conditions such as those of short-circuit, but not
required to carry current under normal conditions of the circuit [IEC]
NOTE 1 An earthing switch can have a short-circuit capacity.
NOTE 2 An earthing switch can be incorporated into a disconnector.

earthing system (rn); grounding system (USA)

arrangement of connections and devices necessary to earth equipment or a system separately or
jointly [IEC]
earth termination system
that part of an external lightning protection system which is intended to conduct and disperse
lightning current to the general mass of earth
economical load of a unit
load corresponding to the minimum of the curve of the heat rate as a function of the load [IEC]
 42 NRS 000-1:2008

effectively earthed system

earthed system in which the healthy phase power-frequency phase-to-phase over voltages
associated with the earth faults are limited to 80 % of the highest phase-to-phase voltage of the
system
efficiency
ratio of active output power to active input power, expressed per unit or as a percentage
efficiency
ratio of output power to input power of a device
efficiency (of inverter)
ratio of the output power at unity power factor to the input power which is the product of the
measured d.c. voltage and the measured d.c. current
electric field plot
diagram that shows the position of the high-voltage conductors, earth wires and ADSS on the
structure together with the lines of electric fields around them

electric line
arrangement of conductors, insulating materials and accessories for transferring electricity
between two points of a system
electrical clearance
distance in air which serves as protection against electrical breakdown. In generic terms, the
electrical component of the minimum working distance between two electrodes required to
prevent spark over under the most severe electrical stress that will arise under the chosen
conditions
electrical clearance
separation distance between conductors

NOTE This is based on the minimum distance specified in the Occupational Health and Safety Act when
allowing for mid-span swing.

electrical clearance (of a contact line)

minimum distance permitted between fixed structures and parts energized at contact line voltage
electrical distance
distance in air required to prevent with a probability considered as negligible a disruptive
discharge between energized parts or between energized parts and earthed parts (or both)
during live working
electrical distance
DU
distance in air that serves as protection against electrical breakdown during live working
[IEC 61472]

electrical distance
distance in air which serves as protection against electrical breakdown during live-line working
[IEC]
electrical equipment
transformer, capacitor, voltage regulator, recloser, switchgear or cable that contains dielectric
fluid

electrical power system/network

(in a broad sense) electrical power system; power network: particular installations,
substations, lines or cables for the transmission and distribution of electricity [IEC]
 43 NRS 000-1:2008

electrical power system; power system

electricity supply system (in a broad sense). All installations and plant provided for the purpose of
generating, transmitting and distributing electricity [IEC 601-01-01]

electricity dispenser (ED); prepayment meter

electricity metering device that can (by means such as tokens, cards, and keypads) be
programmed to allow the flow of a prepurchased amount of energy through an electric
circuit
NOTE 1 An ED is a metering device that is installed at the customer's premises and allowing the
customer to consume the units (kilowatt-hours) of energy for which he/she has purchased credit.
NOTE 2 An ED comprises at least a token registering system, credit memory, a kilowatt-hour meter,
a credit memory decrement system and a supply interruption breaker.
NOTE 3 The more generic term "prepayment meter" is the preferred term for an ED.

electricity dispenser (ED) key register

physically secure environment for the non-volatile storage of the electricity dispenser's current
dispenser key

electricity distribution networks

electrical infrastructure of the distributor over which electrical energy is transported from source to
point of delivery to customers. This includes all assets including substations with their buildings
and ground, lines and cables with servitudes, control equipment, meters and service connections
electricity meter
device which measures and registers the integral of an electrical quantity with respect to time
electricity supply industry
generation, transmission and distribution of electricity
electricity sales system
system that consists of combinations of management information systems/management control
systems, system master stations, credit dispensing units and electricity dispensers operated by a
distributor or by a number of distributors, for the sale of electricity
NOTE The term “electricity dispensing systems” is used synonymously with the term “electricity sales
systems”.

electromagnetic compatibility
ability of a device to operate without malfunction in the presence of external electromagnetic
interference, as well as the limitation of electromagnetic interference produced by the device itself
that could cause malfunction of adjacent equipment such as radios
electromagnetic compatibility
electromagnetic compatibility is the condition which prevails when telecommunications equipment
is performing its individually designed function in a common electromagnetic environment without
causing or suffering unacceptable degradation due to unintentional electromagnetic interference
to or from other equipment in the same environment

electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)

ability of equipment or system to function satisfactorily in its electromagnetic environment without
introducing intolerable electromagnetic disturbances to anything in that environment
 44 NRS 000-1:2008

electromagnetic disturbance
an electromagnetic phenomenon which may degrade the performance of a device, equipment or
system. An electromagnetic disturbance may be electromagnetic noise, an unwanted signal or a
change in the propagation medium itself

electromagnetic environment
the totality of electromagnetic phenomena existing at a given location

electromagnetic interference (EMI)

degradation of the performance of equipment, transmission channel or system caused by an
electromagnetic disturbance

electromagnetic emission
phenomenon by which electromagnetic energy emanates from a source

electromechanical meter
metering device that measures active or reactive energy consumption electromechanically by
means of the Ferraris principle

NOTE The product of voltage and current magnetic fields causes a torque proportional to the active or
reactive power on a rotating metallic disc. Integration of power is achieved by registering the number of
revolutions of the disc through a gear ratio.

electromechanical regulator
regulator that uses electromechanical switching devices to control the flow of charge to a battery
NOTE The rate of switching frequency is usually low.
electronic meter
meter that converts voltage and current inputs into signals, via VTs, CTs and electronic circuits,
and where the consumption is displayed through an LCD display

electrostatic discharge
transfer of electrostatic charge between bodies of different electrostatic potential, in proximity or
through direct contact [IEC]
emergency switching
operation intended to remove as quickly as possible danger which may have occurred
unexpectedly
emergency switching
opening, only, of such breakers or switches as may be necessary to avoid imminent
danger to life or damage to apparatus
encipherment
cryptographic transformation of plaintext data (see cryptography (3.1.8)) to produce ciphertext
data

enhanced performance architecture

EPA
reduced protocol stack that comprises three layers as defined by IEC 60870-5-3

enclosure
any room, chamber, yard or enclosed area in which it is possible for a person from ground or floor
level to make inadvertent contact with, or come into close proximity of, live conductors or
apparatus
 45 NRS 000-1:2008

enclosure
weatherproof housing that is custom-made, or a standard ISO container
enclosure
part providing protection of equipment against certain external influences and, in any direction,
protection against direct contact

enclosure
housing affording the type and degree of protection suitable for intended application
encryption
See encipherment

end cap
device placed on the ends of a cable to prevent the ingress of moisture during storage,
transportation and installation
end cap
cap that is used to seal the end of an insulated conductor against the ingress of moisture and that
is held in position by elastic forces only
energy
scalar quantity which characterizes the ability of a physical system to do work, and which
is conserved for any transformation of the system
NOTE Energy exists in different forms that are transformable into each other.

energy
integral of the active power with respect to time
energy absorption capacity
maximum amount of energy (expressed in kilojoules per kilovolt of rated voltage) that an arrester
can absorb without its thermal stability being adversely affected
energy delivered [energy purchased by the utility]
energy measured at substation feeder level from which customers are connected;
NOTE The difference between energy delivered and energy sales will give total losses.
enhanced performance architecture
reduced protocol stack that consists of three layers, as defined by IEC
equipment
electrical equipment such as support structures, pole mounted transformers, miniature
substations, service distribution boards, etc
equipment
associated assemblies intended to achieve a defined final objective
equipment
single apparatus or set of devices or apparatuses, or the set of main devices of an
installation , or all devices necessary to perform a specific task
 46 NRS 000-1:2008

equipment port (see NOTE 3)

particular interface of the equipment which couples this equipment with or is influenced by the
external electromagnetic environment

Enclosure port

a.c. power port Control port

d.c. power port Equipment

Signal port

Earth port

Figure 1 — Examples of equipment ports

equipotential platform
environment where all metallic structures in the vicinity of electronic equipment (for example,
cabinets and cable trays) are bonded together, in order to render more benign the
electromagnetic environment within which the electronic equipment operates
NOTE 1 The process of creating an equipotential platform is known as equipotentialization.
NOTE 2 An equipotential platform is typically, but not necessarily, connected to earth.
extra high voltage
set of nominal voltage levels that are used in power systems for bulk transmission of electricity in
the range 220 kV > Un ≤ 400 kV
equipotential platform
environment where all metallic structures in the vicinity of electronic equipment (for example,
cabinets and cable trays) are bonded together, in order to render more benign the
electromagnetic environment within which the electronic equipment operates.
The process of creating an equipotential platform is also known as equipotentialization
NOTE An equipotential platform is typically, but not necessarily, connected to earth.
equivalent area
cross-sectional area of a conductive material required to provide the same conductive properties
as the conductor used as a reference
NOTE This term is used to accommodate the possible use of different materials in, for example, phase and
neutral conductors.
equivalent span
fictitious single span in which tension variations due to load or temperature changes are nearly
the same as in the actual spans in a section of overhead cable [IEC]
ergonomic distance
distance in air, taken into account inadvertent movement and errors in judgement of distances
while performing work
 47 NRS 000-1:2008

ergonomic distance
DE
distance that allows for inadvertent movement or errors in appraising distances while performing
work [IEC 61472]

NOTE This distance takes into consideration the actions of the persons as well as the tools that are used
and manipulated.

estimation
process whereby values are inserted into the set of energy usage data for a customer and where
such data is not available through maloperation of equipment or failure to retrieve it within a
specified performance period or when metering is deliberately not reading at every billing interval

European standard (EN)

standard adopted by CEN/CENELEC (see 3.2) for implementation in the European Union

even harmonics
see voltage harmonics
events (occurrences)
events that are detectable by the sectionalizer control and that represent the fault conditions
against which the power line is to be protected
excess reactive energy
total reactive energy in excess of a certain percentage of the total active energy
NOTE This term is directly related to the implementation of Eskom T2 time-of-use tariff option (Megaflex).
Exexclusive-or addition: See modulo-2 addition (3.1.27). (NRS 009-7:1999)

experienced person
see the OHS Act, 1993 (Act 85 of 1993)
explosion vent
normally closed opening, preferably arranged at the rear or bottom of the metallic enclosure,
which, in the case of an internal electrical fault, will rupture or open to release overpressure in a
controlled manner to the atmosphere
exposed conductive part
any conductive part that can be touched and is not live but can become live under fault conditions
expulsion fuse
fuse in which operation is accomplished by the expulsion of gases produced by the arc [IEC]
external development services
networks that fall outside the boundaries of a particular development and are required for a
particular development
external lightning protection system
group of measures that are applied to the outside of a structure, and that involve so-called
lightning conductors (air terminations), earthing conductors (down conductors) and earth points
(earth terminations) , in order to limit the damaging effects of lightning to the structure and to
provide a pre-determined path for lightning discharge
external supply
term that generally refers to the bulk electricity supply to a township
 48 NRS 000-1:2008

extra high voltage

set of nominal voltage levels that are used in power systems for bulk transmission of electricity in
the range 220 kV less than Un or equal to or less than 400 kV. The assessment criteria require
both the measurement instrument to be defined, and a statistical criterion to be applied to the
measured data points
extra high voltage networks
networks at voltages above 132 kV. This includes all Eskom’s transmission assets even where at
different voltages as defined in the Transmission Grid Code
extra high voltage to HV transformation networks
transformation networks between EHV and HV voltages
extruded insulation
insulation that consists generally of one layer of a thermoplastic or thermo-setting material and
that is applied by an extrusion process [IEC]
factor of safety (of any component)
ratio of a component’s failing load to the maximum working load for which it is designed
failing load
load at which a deflection begins to show a disproportionate increase in relation to an increase in
load
fast curve protection function
family of near-inverse curves with approximately equal operating (delay) times relative to the
multiple of the pick-up setting
fast protection function
family of near-inverse curves with approximately equal operating (delay) times relative to a
multiple of the pick-up setting
fault
unplanned occurrence or defect in an item which can result in one or more failures of the
item or of other associated equipment [IEC]
fault (electric power system)
unplanned occurrence or defect in an item which may result in one or more failures of the item
itself or of other associated equipment
fault current (in a network)
current flowing at a given point of a network resulting from a fault at another point of this network
fault current (insulation)
current that results from an insulation failure or from the bridging of insulation
fault locator
device used for fault location [IEC]
fault path indicator
pole-mounted electronic device, specifically designed for the detection of phase and earth faults
on overhead distribution lines
feeder
electric line originating at a main substation and supplying one or more secondary substations
[IEC]
feeder
untapped overhead or underground three phase cable, or set of conductors connecting
distribution stations
 49 NRS 000-1:2008

feeder bay
in a substation, the bay relating to a feeder or a link to a transformer, a generator or another
substation [IEC]
feeder circuit-breaker
in a substation, a circuit-breaker which is located within a feeder bay and through which a feeder
can be energized [IEC]
feeder compartment
that part of a meter kiosk where the feeder cables are terminated onto busbars
feeder disconnector
disconnector which is located in series at the end of a feeder, within a substation bay, in order to
isolate the feeder from the system [IEC]
feeder (feed line)
a radio frequency transmission line interconnecting an antenna and a transmitter or receiver.
For an antenna comprising more that one driven element, a radio frequency transmission line
interconnecting the antenna input and a driven element.
feeder (feeder cable)
electrical connection between the contact line and a substation
ferrule (cable)
accessory in the form of a short tube to provide cable support or termination of a cable screen
ferrule (optical fibre)
mechanical fixture, generally a rigid tube, used to confine the stripped end of a fibre bundle or an
optical fibre
ferrule; through connector
connector for connecting two consecutive lengths of conductor
fill factor
way of summarizing the differences in the shapes of photovoltaic module current-voltage curves.
It is defined as Vmax multiplied by Imax divided by Voc multiplied by Isc where Vmax is the module
voltage at maximum power, Imax. is the module current at maximum power,
Voc is the module voltage on open circuit, Isc is the module current on short circuit. All quantities
at standard test conditions (see standard test conditions)
NOTE The fill factor is sometimes used as an indicator of the quality of the photovoltaic cells and modules.
In high quality modules, the fill factor is higher. The typical fill factor of a high quality module should exceed
75 %.

filler
inert material in a disk compound which is used as an extender in the plastic material
filler
material used to fill the interstices between the cores of a multiconductor cable
filter
component that is designed specifically for its frequency domain response and that is intended to
attenuate unwanted interference or noise
NOTE A filter alone is usually a surge protective device.
filter
material placed in a beam of radiation in order to produce filtration
filter
linear two-port device designed to transmit spectral components of the input quantity
according to a specified law, generally in order to pass the components in certain
frequency bands and to attenuate those in other bands
 50 NRS 000-1:2008

filter (optical)
regularly transmitting device used to modify the radiant or luminous flux, the relative spectral
distribution, or both, of the radiation passing through it
NOTE A distinction is made between selective filters and non-selective filters or neutral filters or neutral
grey filters according as they do or do not alter the relative spectral distribution of the radiation. A selective
filter that makes a significant change in the chromaticity of the radiation is called a coloured filter; one that
alters the spectral distribution but, because of metamerism, transmits radiation of nearly the same
chromaticity as that of the incident radiation, may be called a grey filter.
final tripping; lock-out
disconnection of faulty equipment or a part of the network after a predetermined number of
unsuccessful reclosures [IEC]
firm supply
design standard that will ensure single contingency in security of supply. Sometimes referred to
as N-1.
fixed wiring
switchgear of modular design with each unit comprising a fixed circuit-breaker (non
withdrawable), switch or switch fuse combination and, where required, its associated off-
load disconnector
fixed wiring
wiring that is permanently installed to various outlet points

flagged data
measurement time interval in which interruptions, dips or swells occur, the measurement results
of all other parameters made during this time interval are flagged [SANS 61000-4-30]

NOTE 1 The “flagging” concept avoids counting a single event more than once in different parameters, for
example counting a single dip as both a dip and a frequency variation. Flagging is only triggered by dips,
swells and interruptions. The detection of dips and swells is dependent on the threshold selected by the
user, and this selection will influence which data are “flagged”.

NOTE 2 The flagging of data is applicable during measurement of power frequency, voltage magnitude,
flicker, voltage UB, voltage harmonics and interharmonics, mains signalling and measurement of
underdeviation and overdeviation parameters.

flange
mounting plate connecting the enclosure to the equipment
flange
fixed or removable circular disk forming one piece with the hub, on one or both sides of a hub for
the purpose of protecting the magnetic tape wound on the hub
flashover
breakdown of electrodes in a gas or in a liquid or in a vacuum, at least partly along the surface of
solid insulation
flashover
short-circuit caused by arcing between brushes or brush-holders at the surface of the
commutator of an electrical machine or from any of these parts to the frame
flashover
disruptive discharge over a solid surface [IEC]
 51 NRS 000-1:2008

flashover (sparkover; disruptive discharge)

passage of an arc following dielectric breakdown
NOTE This term is used when a disruptive discharge occurs over the surface of a solid dielectric
surrounded by a gaseous or liquid medium.
flash point
temperature at which sufficient vapour is given off by the oil to support combustion
float charge voltage
voltage at which a battery is maintained in a fully charged condition without excessive gassing
footing resistance
resistance of a structure to earth
forced interruption
interruption that:
a) occurs when a component is taken out of service immediately, either automatically or as soon
as switching operations can be performed, as a direct result of emergency conditions, or
b) is caused by human error or by the improper operation of equipment or human error.
forced interruptions on EHV and HV networks
a) momentary interruptions (EHV/HV)
forced interruptions in the range > 3 s to ≤ 1 min.
b) sustained interruptions (EHV/HV)
forced interruptions with a duration greater than 1 min
NOTE 1 In general a one minute limit differentiates all automatic reclose events from events involving
operator intervention. A one minute classification is commonly used internationally by transmission utilities.
NOTE 2 In some cases, Transmission utilities may use a ≤ 10 s sub-classification to cover three phase
auto-re-closer events not related to generation supply points (the latter may have dead times of 20 s to 30 s
and restoration times of up to 45 s).
forced interruptions on MV and LV networks
a) momentary interruptions (MV/LV)
forced interruptions in the range > 3 s to ≤ 5 min

b) momentary interruption events (MV/LV)

where an interrupting device has a sequence of operations, for example if a recloser or breaker
operates two, three or four times and then holds, those momentary interruptions shall be
classified as considered as one momentary interruption event. Such a sequence shall be
completed in a specified time not to exceed 5 min
c) sustained interruptions (MV/LV)
forced interruptions with a duration greater than 5 min
forced outage
outage due to the unscheduled putting out of service of an item [IEC]
forced outage
unplanned outage whose onset, automatic or manual, cannot be deferred
formed tie
custom-designed wire strand, or set of wire strands or plastics strands, that has been factory
formed to suit a particular insulator neck size, or conductor or stay wire type (or both)
 52 NRS 000-1:2008

frequency; power frequency

frequency of alternating voltage generated by power system generators
frequency
frequency of alternating voltage generated by power system generators. The assessment criteria
require both the measurement instrument to be defined, and a statistical criterion to be applied to
the measured data points
frequency
reciprocal of the period
frequency converter substation
substation in which an a.c. current at a given frequency is converted into an a.c. current at
another frequency [IEC]
fully insulated enclosure
unfilled enclosure where those parts of the bushings inside the enclosure, including all live metal
parts and cable cores, are fully insulated for the appropriate insulation level
functionality
defined capability to perform certain functions
furanic content
content normally produced by the solid insulation in power equipment due to ageing and fault
conditions in the equipment, and is a by-product of paper degradation

fuse carrier
movable part of a fuse designed to carry a fuse-link
fuse element
part of the fuse-link that is designed to melt under the action of a current that exceeds some
definite value for a definite period of time [IEC]
fuse switch
switch (disconnector) in which a fuse-link or a fuse-carrier whose fuse-link forms the moving
contact
fuse-carrier
movable part of a fuse-link assembly designed to carry a fuse-link [IEC]
fuse-link
part of a fuse, including the fuse element(s), intended to be replaced after the fuse has
operated [IEC]

galvanic corrosion
enhanced corrosion of a metal owing to its being in electrical contact with a conductor of a more
noble metal in an electrolyte

gapless arrester
arrester that has no integrated series or parallel spark gaps
gapless metal-oxide surge arrester
arrester having non-linear metal-oxide resistors connected in series and/or in parallel
without any integrated series or parallel spark gaps [IEC]
gas-insulated line
electric line whose conductors are contained in an enclosure and insulated with a compressed
gas [IEC]
 53 NRS 000-1:2008

gas-insulated switchgear
switchgear which is totally enclosed and whose conductors and busbars are insulated by an inert
gas such as sulphur hexafluoride (SF6)
gassing tendency
property, which is a function of the capacity of the oil, dependent on the structure of the oil, to
absorb the hydrogen formed by electrical discharges
NOTE Two types of oil are available – gas evolving and gas absorbing oils.
gas turbine set
thermal generating set in which the prime mover consists of a gas turbine

general purpose switch

switch capable of performing, with currents up to its rated breaking currents, all making and
breaking operations which may normally occur in distribution systems as well as carrying and
making short-circuit currents [IEC]
general symbol
symbol, usually simple, common to a whole family of items, and characteristic of that family
generating set
group of rotating machines transforming mechanical or thermal energy into electricity [IEC]
generating station
building that contains the necessary equipment for generating electrical energy
generation of electricity
process whereby electrical energy is obtained from some or other form of energy
generation schedule
scheduling of generation facilities for a specified period [IEC]
generation system
total means of generation in a system [IEC] One can also consider only one given subgroup
(thermal generation system for example)
generator
authorized entity that is responsible for producing electricity and making it available to the power
system
generator
electrical portion of generating plant; its circuit shall include all apparatus between its outgoing
terminals and the busbar isolators and between its neutral terminals and earth
generator
machine which converts mechanical energy into chemical energy
ghosting
false reflection which appears at an integral multiple of the distance from the initial (true) reflective
event
NOTE For example if a large reflection occurs at say 1 000 m, there could be a ghost at 2 000 m due to the
reflective light bouncing back and forth within the fibre.
graphical symbol
figure, mark or character conventionally used on a diagram or other document to represent an
item or a concept
grid current
magnitude of the current injected into the soil by the earthing system. In the extreme the grid
current equals the fault level
 54 NRS 000-1:2008

grid resistance
earth resistance of the earth grid
ground
general mass of the earth (terra firma)
ground clearance
minimum distance between the specified conductor(s) and the ground

ground clearance
minimum distance between the conductor and ground level in a span with the conductor at its
maximum design temperature, usually 50 ºC

ground span
horizontal distance between supporting structures that, on level ground with the conductor at
maximum sag, enables the statutory clearance of the conductor above the ground to be achieved
NOTE The ground span is dependent on the structure height, the type of conductor, the temperature, and
the tension limits within which the conductor is designed to operate.
guy grip dead-end fitting
preformed fitting for attaching a stay wire or rope to other stay components such as anchor rods,
thimbles and stay insulators
half-hour
period that ends on each hour and half-hour
hard disconnection
service is removed completely (i.e. the asset is removed from the field)
harmonics
sinusoidal components of the fundamental current or voltage waveform (i.e. 50 Hz) that have
frequencies that are integral multiples of the fundamental frequency. (see also voltage harmonics)

harmonics
components of the output voltage or output current waveform that have frequencies different from
that of the standard frequency (50 Hz in South Africa)
NOTE Harmonics exist if the waveforms are not exactly sinusoidal.

harmonization (of national standards)

prevention or elimination of differences in the technical content of standards having the same
scope, particularly those differences that may cause hindrances to trade

harmonized European standard (in the sense of the EMC-Directive)

European standard published in the Official Journal of the European Communities (OJEC)
supporting the presumption of conformity with the protection requirements of the EMC Directive

high current impulse of an arrester

peak value of discharge current having a 4/10 microsiemens impulse shape which is used to test
the stability of the arrester on direct lightning strokes [IEC]

high frequency (HF) (see NOTE 2)

frequency above 9 kHz
 55 NRS 000-1:2008

high voltage
1) In a general sense, the set of voltage levels in excess of low-voltage.
2) In a restrictive sense, the set of upper voltage levels used in power systems for bulk
transmission of electricity.
high voltage
set of nominal voltage levels that are used in power systems for bulk transmission of
electricity in the range 44 kV less than Un or equal to or less than 220 kV
high voltage networks
lines, cables, switches, protection and associated equipment at voltages from
44 kV to 132 kV
high voltage (HV) (networks)
set of nominal network voltage levels that are used in power systems for bulk transmission of
electricity in the range 33kV < Un ≤ 220 kV [SANS 1019, modified]
high voltage to medium voltage transformation networks
transformation networks between HV and MV voltages. This includes all substation equipment
high voltage 1 (high tension)
voltage having a value above a conventionally adopted limit
high voltage 2 (high tension)
highest of two or more voltages in an apparatus or installation
highest (lowest) voltage of a system
highest (lowest) value of operating voltage which occurs under normal operating conditions at any
time and any point in the system [IEC]
NOTE Transient over voltages caused, for example, by switching operations and abnormal temporary
variations of voltage are not taken into account.
highest system voltage
highest r.m.s. phase-to-phase voltage of the system
highest voltage for equipment (Um)
highest r.m.s. phase-to-phase voltage for which the equipment is designed in respect of its
insulation as well as other characteristics which relate to this voltage in the relevant equipment
standards [IEC]
highest voltage for equipment (Um) (transformer winding)
applicable to a transformer or reactor winding. The highest r.m.s. phase-to-phase voltage for
which a transformer or reactor winding is designed in respect of its insulation
NOTE Um is the maximum value of the highest voltage of a system to which the winding may be
connected, in respect of its insulation.
high-reactance current transformer
transformer in which the effects of leakage flux are such as to prevent an assessment of its
performance being made from a knowledge of the exciting current, secondary winding resistance
and turns ratio
high-voltage d.c. link; HVDC link
installation for transmitting large quantities of electricity at high-voltage d.c. including the
converter substations [IEC]
NOTE In this context, high voltage includes medium, extra-high and ultra-high voltages. [non-IEC note]
high-voltage yard; HV yard
enclosure that contains exposed overhead medium voltage, high-voltage; extra-high voltage or
ultra-high voltage components
 56 NRS 000-1:2008

horizontal personal reach

horizontal distance from position of feet (when together) to the tip of the outstretched horizontal
hand

hot stand-by
all the means of generation ready to start-up for prompt coupling to the system [IEC]
hot start-up of a thermal generating set
process by which the generating set is raised to speed, the machine connected to the system and
loaded after a short period of being out of operation which did not change the turbine thermal
state very much [IEC]
housing
external insulating part of the insulator that also provides the necessary creepage distance
housing
part of a kiosk that encloses the internal parts and components

hydroelectric installation
ordered arrangement of civil engineering structures, machinery and plant designed chiefly to
convert the gravitational potential energy of water into electricity [IEC]
hydroelectric power station
power station in which the gravitational energy of water is converted into electricity [IEC]
IDMT relay
relay, the minimum operating time of which is adjustable and is inversely proportional to the fault
current

immunity (to a disturbance)

ability of a device, equipment or system to perform without degradation in the presence of an
electromagnetic disturbance

impedance earth neutral system

system in which at least one neutral point is earthed through a device having an impedance
designed to limit the line-to-earth short-circuit current
impedance earthed (neutral) system
system whose neutral point(s) is (are) earthed through impedances to limit earth fault
currents [IEC]
impulse
time integral of a force over the time during which the force is applied
impulse
pulse that, for a given application, approximates a unit pulse or a Dirac function
impulse
intentionally applied periodic transient voltage or current, which usually rises rapidly to a
peak and then falls more slowly to zero
NOTE Such an impulse is in general well represented by the sum of two exponentials.

impulse voltage test

test that consists of applying a specified impulse voltage to the insulation to prove the ability of a
device to withstand without damage, over voltages of very high value and very short duration
in commission
state of any apparatus in the normal operating mode, or available for immediate use. The state of
an item of being able to perform its required function [IEC]
 57 NRS 000-1:2008

incident
event of external or internal origin, affecting equipment or the supply system and which disturbs
its normal operation [IEC]
independent manual operation
stored energy operation where the energy originates from manual power stored and is released in
one continuous operation, such that the speed and force are independent of the action of the
operator [IEC]

independent test facility

organization that is not connected to, or part of, the supplier and that is accredited, to the
satisfaction of the purchaser, to carry out the required tests
indoor substation
substation sheltered from external weather conditions by being installed within a building [IEC]
indoor termination
termination that is intended for use where it is not exposed to either solar radiation or weathering
induction meter
see electricity meter, which states: a device which measures and registers the integral of an
electrical quantity with respect to time
induction meter
energy meter which operates by the rotation of the disc of an induction measuring element
informative elements
elements that are included in a document for information or guidance only and that are not
considered to be part of the requirements of the document
infrastructure
permanent structural installations that form the structural foundation for the telecommunication
authority (TA) or the supply authority (SA) to continue its operation and business
NOTE Typical examples of equipment that form part of such installations would be poles, cables and
conductor(s).
infrastructure developments
activities where the nature of an area is transformed through the installation of infrastructure
inhibited or uninhibited, adj
condition of oil where organic compounds (anti-oxidant additives) are found in an insulating oil
that undergoes oxidation
NOTE During the oxidation process, chemically unstable intermediate compounds are formed, with the
production of final oxidation products such as organic acids and sludges. A product that can render this
oxidation reaction inactive would be an inhibitor. Oils do contain a certain portion of natural inhibitors, but
additional inhibitors may be added to oil. The most commonly used inhibitor is Diisobutyl-para-cresol
(DBPC), also known as Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT).

initialized module
secure module loaded with master keys, registered at the Eskom key management centre
NOTE An initialized module has been loaded with master keys but not with vending keys.
input impedance
impedance presented by a piezoelectric filter to the signal source when terminated in the specific
load impedance
input impedance
input electrode impedance
 58 NRS 000-1:2008

input impedance
impedance of a network seen as the terminals of an input port, when all other ports are
connected to a specified terminating immittances
input impedance
impedance of the input circuit that is measured between the input terminals of the
apparatus under operating conditions [IEC]
input-output voltage dependency
percentage change in output voltage when the input voltage is varied over a specified range
inrush restraint
built-in filter that filters out all 2nd and 3rd harmonics from the measured current during inrush
and cold load pick-up conditions
in-situ testing
testing done under live conditions in a non-intrusive way to verify the accuracy of a metering
installation
inspection
visual or audible (or both) examinations that can be assisted by mechanical or electrical (or both)
means, that will detect obvious unsatisfactory conditions or discrepancies (IEC modified)
installed system-minutes
unit used to approximate a measure of the relative loss of supply in an electricity supply network
installing authority
authority that initially erects and owns a structure
instantaneous protection element
element with no intentional time delay active above a pre-determined pick-up current setting
instrument
transformer specially designed to maintain a certain relationship in phase and magnitude
between the primary and secondary voltages or currents
instrument security factor (FS)
ratio of a rated instrument limit primary current to the rated primary current [IEC]
instrument transformer
transformer intended to transmit an information signal to measuring instruments, meters and
protective or control devices
instrument transformer
current transformer (CT) or voltage transformer (VT) that is used to reduce the value of
currents or voltages, respectively, applied to a meter in known and definite ratios that
bring the current and voltage to within the range of the meter having normal current and
voltage ratings
instrument transformer
transformer specially designed to maintain a certain relationship in phase and magnitude
between the primary and secondary voltages or currents
instrument transformer accuracy class
see accuracy class, which states: A designation that is assigned to an instrument transformer, the
current or voltage error and phase displacement which remains within specified limits under
prescribed conditions of use [IEC]
instrument transformer accuracy rating
(for metering): accuracy class together with a standard burden for which the accuracy class
applies
 59 NRS 000-1:2008

insulated
covered with insulating material of such thickness and properties that the material will prevent the
flow of electrical energy between the object so covered and its surroundings or any external
object in contact with it [OHS Act]
insulated cable
assembly consisting of :
a) one or more cores;
b) their individual covering(s) (if any);
c) assembly protection (if any); and
d) protective covering(s) (if any).
additional uninsulated conductor(s) may be included in the cable
insulated tool
tool made of conductive material and fully or partly covered by insulating material [IEC]
insulating oil
mineral oil used in transformers and other electrical equipment for insulation and cooling

insulating pole (working pole)

insulating tool made of insulating tube or rod with end fittings [IEC]
insulating tool
tool essentially made of insulating material [IEC]
insulation (1)
all materials and parts used to insulate conductive elements of a device
insulation (2)
set of properties which characterize the ability of an insulation to provide its function
NOTE Examples of relevant properties are: resistance, breakdown voltage.
insulation (of a cable)
insulating materials incorporated in a cable, with the specific function of withstanding voltage
[IEC]
insulation co-ordination
selection of the dielectric strength of equipment in relation to the voltages that can appear on the
system for which the equipment is intended and taking into account the service environment and
the characteristics of the available protection devices [IEC]
insulation level
for a particular item of equipment a characteristic defined by one or two values indicating the
insulation withstand voltages
insulation level
combination of the following:
a) the rated short duration power-frequency withstand voltage; and
b) the rated lightning impulse withstand voltage.
insulation piercing connector
insulated device that is used for connecting two or more insulated conductors by piercing the
insulation of the conductors
insulation piercing connector
connector in which electrical contact with the conductor is made by metallic protrusions
which pierce the insulation of the cable core
 60 NRS 000-1:2008

insulator
device that provides both electrical insulation and mechanical linkage between a live
conductor and an earthed structure [IEC]
insulator
device designed to support and insulate a conductive element
insulator
that component of a cut-out base, which is intended to insulate the load-side and the source-side
from each other and from earth and which is fitted with an insulator-fixing stem

insulator
device intended for electrical insulation and mechanical fixing of equipment or conductors which
are subject to potential differences [IEC]
insulator-fixing stem
component for attaching an insulator to a mounting L-bracket
integrated control
device with built in telecontrol with remote terminal unit (RTU) capabilities
integrating instrument
instrument that records the time integral of the measured quantity
integrating period
see demand integration period, which states: interval of time, for example 15 min, 30 min, on
which the demand measurement is based [IEC]
integrating (measuring) instrument
measuring instrument which gives the integral of an input quantity with respect to another
quantity, generally time
intelligent electronic device
processor-based electronic interface with switchgear that provides protection or system control
and data acquisition (SCADA) capability (or both)
interconnected system
systems connected together by means of one or more interconnection links
NOTE This term is also used in the singular for a system whose elements are interconnected.

interconnected systems
systems connected together by means of one or more interconnection links [IEC]
NOTE This term is also used in the singular for a system whose elements are interconnected
interconnection
connection of distinct electric circuits or networks to each other
interconnection (of power systems)
single or multiple transmission link between transmission systems enabling electricity to be
exchanged between these systems by means of circuits or transformers (or both) [IEC]
interconnection (of power systems)
connection of distinct electric circuits or electric networks to each other
interdac 1
connection cable comprising two conductors suitable for single-phase reticulation and
connections, and specially developed for intermediate voltage use at 1,9 kV
 61 NRS 000-1:2008

interdac 3
three-phase cable with special armouring used as the neutral conductor, specially developed for
intermediate voltage use at 3,3 kV

interfacial tension (IFT)

measure of the dipole concentration of a liquid
NOTE 1 A test is carried out to measure the strength of the interface between water and oil, which is
dependent on the polar groups in the oil.
NOTE 2 The test mentioned in note 1 is a very sensitive test; it will give an indication of the presence of
contaminants such as oxidation products or other foreign substances likely to be found.
interharmonics
see voltage harmonics
interlock
electrical, mechanical or electromechanical device to ensure that operations are performed in a
pre-determined sequence
intermediate voltage (IV)
a.c. medium voltage in the range 1000 V to 3300 V phase to phase

intermediate voltage distribution

distribution system operating at a nominal a.c. voltage of 1,9 kV phase-to-neutral, or 3,3 kV
phase-to-phase

intermittent fault
fault of an item which persists for a limited time duration following which the item recovers
the ability to perform a required function without being subjected to any action of
corrective maintenance
intermittent fault
transient fault which recurs repeatedly in the same place and due to the same cause [IEC]
internal development services
networks that fall within the boundaries of the development and are specifically required to take
the required capacity to each stand of the potential customers in the development
internal lightning protection system
group of measures that are applied to the volume inside a building, to render the electromagnetic
environment more benign
NOTE This usually involves the creation of equipotential platforms and lightning protection zones.
internal network
term that generally refers to all electrical distribution equipment within the boundary of a township
up to an agreed interface with the external supply
interoperability
ability to exchange keys, whether manually or automatically, between equipment supplied by one
manufacturer and operated by one party and equipment supplied by another manufacturer and
operated by another party

interruptible load
load of particular consumers which, according to contract, can be disconnected by the supply
undertaking for a limited period of time

interruption
phenomenon that occurs when one or more phases of a supply to a customer/group of customers
is/are disconnected for a period exceeding 3 s
 62 NRS 000-1:2008

interruption (interrupt)
suspension of a process, such as the execution of a computer program, caused by an event
external to that process and performed in such a way that the process can be resumed
interruption of supply
loss of supply to one or several consumers [IEC]
interruption, forced
interruption that occurs when a component is taken out of service immediately, either
automatically or as soon as switching operations can be performed, as a direct result of
emergency conditions, or an interruption that is caused by improper operation of equipment or
human error [NRS 047]
interruption, planned
interruption that occurs when a component is deliberately taken out of service (by the utility or its
agent) at a selected time, usually for the purposes of construction, preventative maintenance or
repair
intrinsic error
error of a measuring instrument when used under reference conditions
inverse definite minimum time lag protection element
protection element, the minimum operating time of which is adjustable and that is inversely
proportional to the fault current
inverse definite minimum time relay
relay the minimum operating time of which is adjustable and that is inversely proportional to the
fault current
inverter
device which changes d.c. input into a.c. output [IEC]
inverter
static converter for the conversion of direct current to alternating current
inverter
electric energy converter that changes direct electric current to single-phase or polyphase
alternating currents
inverter
a.c/d.c converter for inversion
to disconnect the supply or apparatus (or both) from all possible sources of electrical potential.
This may be achieved by opening isolator links, disconnecters or fuses, or by racking-out
associated switching devices, or by removing jumper connections
irrecoverable costs
labour, transport, contract costs of installing a network and portion of material costs that cannot
be re-used when a network is removed

island network
network that is operated without connection to the main grid

isolate
to disconnect from all possible sources of electrical potential
NOTE In this context apparatus may be isolated by the
a) opening or removing (or both) of fuses;
b) opening of isolators;
c) removing of jumpers;
d) opening of air-break switches;
 63 NRS 000-1:2008

e) withdrawal of truck type switchgear;

f) immobilization of circuit-breakers that have visible contact separation and that are not fitted with
grading capacitors; and
g) utilization of an approved change-over circuit-breaker or isolator.

isolate(1)
disconnect completely a device or an electric circuit from other devices or electric circuits
isolate(2)
provide, by separation, a specified degree of protection from any live electric circuit
isolated neutral system
system that has no intentional connection to earth except through indicating, measuring or
protective devices of very high impedance
isolated neutral system
system where the neutral point is not intentionally connected to earth, except for high
impedance connections for protection or measurement purposes [IEC]
isolation of a unit
emergency measure consisting of the disconnection of a unit to maintain the supply of its own
auxiliaries [IEC]
isolation voltage
maximum a.c. or d.c. voltage that may be continuously applied between the input and either the
output or the chassis of equipment
isolator
device provided for the purpose of isolating apparatus from the source of electrical energy
isolator
apparatus that is provided for the purpose of isolating the supply or apparatus from the
source of electrical energy
isolator (deprecated)
mechanical switching device which provides, in the open position, an isolating distance in
accordance with specific requirements
NOTE A disconnector is capable of opening and closing a circuit only when negligible current is broken or
made.
isolator; one-way attenuator
two-port device having much greater attenuation in one direction of propagation than in the
opposite direction
NOTE An isolator is often used to prevent return reflections along a transmission path.
item
any part, component, device, subsystem, functional unit, equipment or system that can be
individually considered (IEC)

joggle chamber
purpose designed panel used to align the busbars of different types of metal-clad switchgear

joint
assembly designed to permit connections between two or more optical fibres
 64 NRS 000-1:2008

joint
device for joining two conductors together, that might or might not be subject to mechanical
tension
joint
connection between two conductors, sheaths or armour wires including their insulation, if
any, to form a continuous circuit
keys
keys used to operate safety locks, which are kept in a key safe, and are required for the issue of
a work permit
key activation date
attribute associated with a vending key value that defines the date upon which the vending key
becomes the supply group's current vending key, and the date upon which the associated key
revision number becomes the supply group’s key revision number

key block
in the context of the standard on data encryption (ANSI X3.92), the 64 bit block of data that
contains the 56 bit key

key expiry number

attribute associated with a key value that defines the period during which the key value can be
used
NOTE 1 A token that is encrypted with a key whose token identifier exceeds the electricity dispenser's
key expiry number for the key will be rejected by the electricity dispenser.
NOTE 2 Implementation of key expiry is optional for an electricity dispenser.

key revision number

attribute associated with a key value and that provides a key sequencing identifier

key type
attribute associated with a key value and that defines the purpose for which the key value can
be used

kiosk substation
compact substation, often prefabricated and used for distribution purposes [IEC]
kneepoint voltage
r.m.s. value of sinusoidal voltage at rated frequency applied to the secondary terminals of the
transformer, all other windings being open-circuited, which, when increased by 10 %, causes the
r.m.s. value of the excitation current to increase by 50 % [IEC]

kVA (demand)

kVAh kWh2 + kvarh2

= = kW 2 + kvar 2
T T

where T is the integration period in hours.

kVAh
kWh 2 + kvarh 2
 65 NRS 000-1:2008

kvar (demand)
kvarh
T

where T is the integration period in hours.

kW (demand)
kWh
T
where
T is the integration period in hours.
lagging
wooden battens fixed to the edges of the cable drum flanges to protect the cable wound on the
drum

lapped separator (of a cable)

separator that consists of tapes applied helically in a concentric layer
large customer
large power user with a notified maximum demand that exceeds 100 kVA
large/small customer
categories of customers based on the capacity required by a customer
lashed cable
telecommunication cable, of circular cross-section, that is attached to a suspender wire on an
overhead line, by means of a lashing wire wrapped around the cable and suspender wire
lashing wire
thin galvanized or stainless steel wire that is used to attach a telecommunication cable to a
suspender wire
lead wires (of a photoelectric control unit
three separate wires that lead from a one-part photoelectric control unit and that are intended for
direct connection to the power supply and the load
leak
continuous dripping that will result in pooling of oil
NOTE Leaking requires corrective action since the electrical equipment will have to be topped-up.
leapfrog developments
developments that are remote from the existing available electricity networks of the utility and
beyond any short-term expansions of the services
length
complete length of cable drawn from a pre-form during manufacturing
length of lay (of a cable)
axial length of one complete turn of the helix formed by one cable component [IEC]
licensee
see utility (licensee), which states: a body, licensed by the National Electricity Regulator,
that generates, transmits or distributes electricity.

NOTE Such a body might be the direct licensee, or an agent (sub-distributor) of the licensee.

licensee
supply authority licensed by the NER to distribute electricity
 66 NRS 000-1:2008

licensee
recipient of a licence issued by the NER that authorizes the generation and/or transmission
and/or distribution and/or supply of electrical energy
NOTE This licence is renewed on a periodic basis.
life cycle cost
net present value of the sum of all the direct and indirect costs incurred to acquire, install,
commission, operate, maintain, decommission and dispose an item throughout its life
NOTE The maintenance component of the life cycle cost should include the costs of risk, spares, labour,
maintenance facilities and equipment, transport, site establishment and any special training.
life cycle items
primary items and all other network items which together account for 80 % of the sum of all life
cycle costs

lightning arrester
device designed to protect electrical apparatus from high transit voltage and to limit the duration
and amplitude of the follow current

NOTE They are usually connected between the electrical conductors of a system and earth.

lightning (or switching) impulse (protective level)

maximum permissible peak voltage value on the terminals of a protective device subjected to
lightning (or switching) impulses under specific conditions [IEC]
lightning impulse
impulse that has a front duration of less than a few tenths of a microsecond to less than one
microsecond (µs)
lightning impulse
voltage impulse of a specified shape applied during dielectric tests with a virtual front
duration of the order of 1 µs and a time to half value of the order of
50 µs
NOTE The lightning impulse is defined by the two figures giving these durations in microseconds;
in particular the standard lightning impulse is: 1,2/50 µs

lightning impulse
impulse voltage, applied during dielectric tests complying with standards, with a front duration of
the order of 1 s and a time to half value of the order of 50 s. give these durations in µs; in
particular the standard lightning impulse is 1,2/50 µs
NOTE The lightning impulse is defined by the two figures that give these durations in microseconds (µs); in
particular the standard lightning impulse is 1,2/50 µs.[IEC]
lightning impulse withstand voltage
lightning impulse voltage that an insulator under prescribed conditions of test will withstand when
the insulator is dry
lightning protection system (external)
group of measures that are applied to the outside of a structure, and that involve so-called
lightning conductors (air terminations), earthing conductors (down conductors) and earth points
(earth terminations), in order to limit the damaging effects of lightning to the structure and to
provide a pre-determined path for lightning discharge
lightning protection system (internal)
group of measures that are applied to the volume inside a building, to render the electromagnetic
environment more benign
NOTE This usually involves the creation of equipotential platforms and lightning protection zones.
 67 NRS 000-1:2008

lightning protection zone (LPZ)

volume in which the lightning electromagnetic environment, in terms of conducted surges and
radiated fields, is defined, quantified and managed. The boundaries between zones are
established by suitable screening and bonding measures and by surge protective devices
NOTE The following lightning protection zones are characterized by significant changes of the
electromagnetic conditions at their boundaries:
a) LPZ 02: possible direct lightning strikes, and unattenuated electromagnetic fields, for example a zone
with exposed conductors outside a structure;
b) LPZ 08: no direct lightning strikes, but unattenuated electromagnetic fields can occur, for example a zone
with buried conductors or screened cables outside a structure;
c) LPZ 1: no direct lightning strikes, but currents on conductive parts and electromagnetic fields are
attenuated with respect to LPZ 0A and LPZ 08, for example a zone inside a structure; and
d) LPZ 2: no direct lightning strikes, but currents in conductive parts and electromagnetic fields are
attenuated with respect to LPZ 1, for example a protective zone inside a structure, such as a computer
room.
limit range of operation
extreme conditions that an operating instrument can withstand damage to and without
degradation of its metrological characteristics when it is subsequently operated under its rated
operating conditions
limited purpose switch
switch which complies only with one or more but not with all service applications of a general
purpose switch [IEC]
limits of intrinsic error
limits of intrinsic error with respect to reference conditions
limits of variations
limits of variations with respect to rated operating conditions
NOTE These can be indicated by assigning an accuracy class to an instrument whereby the limits are
implicit in the classification. For example, a class 2 instrument has a limit of intrinsic error not exceeding 2 %.
line (overhead line)
overhead feeder, including the supports and the cable (where provided) between the terminal
supports and the station apparatus
line
device connecting two points for the purpose of conveying electromagnetic energy between the
them
NOTE 1 Electromagnetic energy may be extracted from or supplied to a line at an intermediate point.
NOTE 2 Examples of lines are two-wire line, polyphase line, coaxial line, waveguide.

line (overhead line)

arrangement of conductors, insulating materials and accessories, supported above ground level
by structures, for transferring electricity between two points of a system
line post insulator
class A insulator where the puncture path of the insulator material is greater than 50 % of the
external flashover distance

line voltage drop

difference, at a given instant, between the magnitudes of the r.m.s. voltages measured at two
given points along a line [IEC]
line (trace or scan)
visible or recordable path traced on the screen or target by the moving spot
 68 NRS 000-1:2008

link
isolator: device provided for the purpose of isolating apparatus from the source of electrical
energy
NOTE The term link is deprecated by the IEC, and the term isolator should rather be used.
link (telecommunications)
means of telecommunication with specified characteristics between two points
NOTE The type of transmission path or the capacity is normally indicated: for example, line link, radio link,
broadband link.
link in a system
branch between two nodes of a system [IEC]
NOTE It generally comprises a line, a transformer or a connection between two adjacent busbars.
link stick; operating stick
approved insulating rod designed for use at specific voltages to safely operate links, drop-out
fuses and other similar equipment
NOTE The term “link” for “disconnector” is deprecated by the IEC.

live
electrically charged, or capable of being electrically charged at any time
live
adjective describing a studio or other location which has a comparatively long reverberation time
live enclosure
live chamber
chamber or enclosed area that contains medium-voltage, high-voltage; extra-high-voltage or
ultra-high-voltage apparatus which could be unscreened and could be alive
live part
conductor or conductive part intended to be energized in normal operation, including a
neutral conductor, but by convention not a conductor that has the function of a protective
earth
NOTE This concept does not necessarily imply a risk of electric shock.

live part
part of an electrical system that is live under normal operating conditions
live tester
device used to determine whether a conductor is live or dead by making physical contact with the
conductor
live work
activity in which a worker makes contact with the energized live parts or penetrates inside
the live working zone with either parts of his or her body with tools, equipment or devices
being handled
NOTE 1 Examples of live working include maintenance, connection and disconnection operations.
NOTE 2 The live working is performed using specific methods: hot-stick working, insulating glove
working, bare hand working.

live work
generic term indicating the various working methods used to carry out maintenance, including
connection and disconnection operations on electrical installations while in service
live work declaration
printed form that contains declarations and clearance sections for the authorization of all live work
to be done on live, operational apparatus in terms of the regulations
 69 NRS 000-1:2008

live work warning notice

portable warning notice that is provided to indicate that live work is in progress on apparatus or to
indicate any special operating condition in force (or both), on any panel or circuit whilst live work
is in progress
live working
generic term indicating the various working methods used to carry out maintenance, including
connection and disconnection operations on electrical installations while in service [IEC]

live working (live work)

activity in which a worker makes contact with energized live parts or penetrates inside the live
working zone with either parts of his or her body or with tools, equipment or devices being
handled
NOTE 1 Examples of live working include maintenance, connection and disconnection operations.
NOTE 2 The live working is performed using specific methods: hot stick working; insulating glove working;
bare hand working

load
device that absorbs power [IEC]
load
part of the circuit which lies beyond the output terminal or output reference plane
load (1)
device intended to absorb power supplied by another device or an electric power system
load curve
graphical representation of the observed or expected variation of load as a function of time [IEC]
load duration curve
curve showing the duration, within a specified period of time, when the load equalled or exceeded
a given value [IEC]
load factor
ratio, expressed as a numerical value or as a percentage, of the consumption within a specified
period (year, month, day, etc.), to the consumption that would result from continuous use of the
maximum or other specified demands occurring within the same period
NOTE 1 This term should not be used without specifying the demand and the period to which it relates.
NOTE 2 The load factor for the given demand is also equal to the ratio of the utilization time to the time in
hours within the same period.

load factor
factor that allows for the average period in which an appliance uses maximum load, derived by
average load divided by the maximum demand
NOTE Power outage hours must be excluded from load factor calculations
 70 NRS 000-1:2008

load factor (LF)

actual energy supplied (in kWh) over a period divided by the maximum demand in kWh over that
period multiplied by the time period selected (i.e. actual energy supplied divided by potential
energy supplied). It is always less or equal to unity

100
MAXIMUM DEMAND Actual Energy
LF =
DEMAND (kW)

80 MD (kVA).PF.1

60
A A MD(kW) = MD(kVA).PF
where PF is the power
40 factor

20 B Additional potential energy

if the load is constant at MD

A
0 Actual energy used per day

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 B
B
LF =
TIME (HOURS) A +B

load in a system
1) active, reactive or apparent power generated, transmitted or distributed within a system
2) power demanded by a group of consumers classified according to their particulars, and
characteristics, e.g. heating load, daytime reactive load, etc.
load range
maximum range in amperes over which the meter is designed to operate continuously with a
specified accuracy under certain conditions
load reconnect voltage
voltage set-point of the regulator at which the loads are reconnected to the battery after load-shed
has occurred
load sensing
preferred characteristic of an inverter such that if no load is connected to the output of the inverter
the inverter automatically switches to a standby mode and the input current is minimized
NOTE This avoids unnecessary discharge of the storage battery. The inverter should automatically revert
to normal operation when a load is reconnected.
load shedding
process of deliberately disconnecting pre-selected loads from a power system in response to an
abnormal condition in order to maintain the integrity of the remainder of the system [IEC]
load transfer
transfer of signalling traffic from one signalling link to one or more other links
load transfer
redistribution of load flow within similar components of the network, due to the failure or
risk of failure, of a part of the network [IEC]
 71 NRS 000-1:2008

load-shed voltage
voltage at which the regulator is set to disconnect loads to protect the battery from further
discharge to prevent premature damage to the battery due to repeated cycles at low states of
charge.
NOTE This set-point is set to the voltage when the maximum permitted depth of discharge is reached.
lock-out
state of an auto-recloser when it has completed its tripping and closing sequence and is in its final
open state
lock-out (final tripping)
disconnection of faulty equipment or part of the network after a predetermined number of
unsuccessful reclosures
log book
book in which all operating or testing procedures or faults are recorded for future reference
long-rod insulator
single insulator equal to a number of disk insulators designed for tensile loading to support an
overhead line conductor under tension or suspension

long span
span exceeding a length of 250 m

long-span ADSS
ADSS cable up to a span length of 400 m

longitudinal redundancy check

check digit used to ensure the integrity of the information read from the magnetic stripe on the
card

lost call
request for a connection which is rejected due to network congestion
lost call
telephone call that gets through to the licensee but that is not answered

low frequency (LF) (see NOTE 2)

frequency up to and including 9 kHz

low-voltage (1)
voltage having a value below a conventionally adopted limit
low-voltage (2)
lowest of two or more voltages in an apparatus or installation
low-voltage
a.c. r.m.s. voltage that does not exceed 1 kV or a d.c. voltage that does not exceed
1 500 V
low-voltage (LV) (networks)
set of nominal voltage levels that are used for the distribution of electricity and whose
upper limit is generally accepted to be an a.c. voltage of 1 000 V
(or a d.c. voltage of 1 500 V) [SANS 1019 modified]
NOTE In certain fields of technology, for example motors and mining, voltages up to and including
1 000 V are traditionally regarded as low voltage.
 72 NRS 000-1:2008

low-voltage
set of voltage levels used for the distribution of electricity and whose upper limit is generally
accepted to be 1 000 V a.c.
low-voltage feeder cable
the supplier’s three-phase, low-voltage cable to which service cables are connected, through
distribution kiosks or meter kiosks, for the purpose of supplying electricity to customers

NOTE 1 Feeder cables use a combined neutral and earth system, therefore four-core armoured cables are
used.

NOTE 2 In networks that have separate neutral and earth systems, a four-core armoured cable with a
separate earth conductor is used.

low-voltage networks
lines, cable, switches, protection and associated equipment at voltages below 1 000 V
lower contact
load-side contact of a cut-out base, which also allows a removable fuse-carrier or solid-link to
pivot
low-reactance current transformer
transformer of which a knowledge of the secondary exciting current, secondary winding
resistance and turns ratio is sufficient for an assessment of its performance
low-voltage panel
mounting plate for meters, moulded case circuit breaker (MCCBs), plugs, and other accessories
(but not for busbars)
LPZ 0A
possible direct lightning strikes, and unattenuated electromagnetic fields, for example a zone with
exposed conductors outside a structure
LPZ 0B
no direct lightning strikes, but unattenuated electromagnetic fields can occur, for example a zone
with buried conductors or screened cables outside a structure
LPZ 1
no direct lightning strikes, but currents on conductive parts and electromagnetic fields are
attenuated with respect to LPZ 0A and LPX 0B, for example a zone inside a structure
LPZ 2
no direct lightning strikes, but currents in conductive parts and electromagnetic fields are
attenuated with respect to LPZ 1, for example a protected zone inside a structure, such as a
computer room
LPZ lightning protection zone (LPZ)
volume in which the lightning electromagnetic environment, in terms of conducted surges and
radiated fields, is defined, quantified and managed. The boundaries between zones are
established by suitable screening and bonding measures and by surge protection devices
NOTE The following lightning protection zones are characterized by significant changes of the
electromagnetic conditions at their boundaries.
lug
connector that comprises a palm and a connector barrel, for connecting a conductor to an
equipment terminal
lug terminal
screw-type terminal designed for clamping a cable lug or bar directly or indirectly by means of a
screw or nut.
 73 NRS 000-1:2008

luminaire
apparatus which distributes, filters or transforms the light transmitted from one or more
lamps and which includes, except the lamps themselves, all the parts necessary for fixing
and protecting the lamps and, where necessary, circuit auxiliaries together with the means
for connecting them to the electric supply
made safe
de-energized or isolated and earthed as required to allow the necessary work to be carried out
without danger

magnetic card electricity dispenser

electricity dispenser that incorporates magnetic card token technology as the mechanism for
inputting standard transfer specification tokens

magnetic card token technology

technology that enables entry, by a human, of a standard transfer specification disposable
magnetic card token into a device via a magnetic card reader

main and check metering

dedicated metering system with two active energy and two reactive energy meters fed from two
dedicated CT cores and two (or may be only one) dedicated VT winding(s). (see backup meter:
an additional meter installed on the same primary plant as the main meter for the purpose of
storing backup data in the event of failure of the main meter)
NOTE The recording equipment should also be duplicated.
main busbar
double (or triple) busbar substation, any busbar which is used under normal conditions [IEC]
main circuit
all conductive parts of an assembly of switchgear and controlgear included in a circuit
that is intended to transmit electrical energy [IEC]
main circuit
all conductive parts of a switching device included in the circuit which is designed to close or
open
main earth
earthing device applied as part of the requirement for the issue of a permit to work
main earthing conductor
conductor that maintains earth continuity throughout a cable joint or that connects the earth circuit
of a cable to the metallic enclosure of terminal equipment, and that is rated to carry the
prospective earth fault current of the system
main and check metering
dedicated metering system with two active energy and two reactive energy meters fed from two
dedicated CT cores and two (or maybe only one) dedicated VT winding(s)

NOTE The recording equipment should also be duplicated.

main metering
dedicated metering system with one active energy meter, and, depending on the tariff in use, one
reactive energy meter and one recorder (where applicable)
NOTE This assembly of meters is fed from one dedicated current instrument transformer core and one
dedicated voltage instrument transformer winding.
 74 NRS 000-1:2008

main substation
transformer or switching station (or both) on the distribution system
mains
cables or overhead lines forming part of the reticulation network
maintenance
combination of all technical and administrative actions, including supervision actions, intended to
retain an item in, or restore it to, a state in which it can perform a required function (IEC)
maintenance history
detailed log of all the service details pertaining to an item of plant
maintenance philosophy
system of principles for the organization and execution of the maintenance (IEC)
maintenance policy
general approach to the provision of maintenance and maintenance support based on the
objectives and policies of owners, users and customers (IEC)
major axis
axis about which the pole has the greater strength
maloperation; misoperation
performance of a device different from that which would be expected [IEC]
manned substation
substation which is locally operated by personnel working within the substation [IEC]
manufacturer's identification marks
markings that include the manufacturer's name or trade mark and the fitting reference.
marginal costing
costing based upon the cost of producing an additional unit of output
mass memory
memory in a meter that is used as a load profiling tool and that stores energy values, at regular
specified intervals, for later retrieval
mass span
portions of the span lengths on either side of the structure that impose a vertical load on the
structure
NOTE The maximum mass span that can be supported by the structure is dependent on the strength of the
structure and the strength of the supporting hardware, including insulators. The mass span is calculated
using the mass per unit length of the conductor supported by the structure.

master station
data station that has been designated by the control station to ensure data transfer to one
or more slave stations
master station
system control and data acquisition (SCADA) central controlling station
master station
device that is capable of accessing a number of encoders and transferring data from these
encoders
master station
station which performs the telecontrol of outstations
master station
device that is capable of accessing a number of encoders and meters and transferring data from
these devices. Also known as a Data Acquisition System
 75 NRS 000-1:2008

master substation
manned substation from which remotely controlled substations are controlled [IEC]
maximum allowable ovality
maximum allowable ovality of a cable or of its component, which is specified by the manufacturer
maximum capacity of a unit (a power station)
maximum power that could be generated by a unit (power station), under continuous operation
with all of its components in working order [IEC]
NOTE This power may be gross or net.
maximum continuous operating voltage (or Uc)
highest r.m.s. power-frequency voltage that an arrester can withstand continuously
maximum current (Imax)
highest r.m.s. value of current at which a meter purports to meet the accuracy requirements
maximum demand
highest registered electrical demand integrated for a specified period
NOTE this is typically 5-60 minutes and 30 minutes is normally used as this is close to the thermal constant
of transformers and lines.

maximum demand indicator

instrument that has a resettable pointer to indicate the maximum demand of the equipment during
a specified period
maximum permitted depth of discharge
maximum permitted charge depletion chosen to prevent premature damage to the battery
NOTE The maximum permitted depth of discharge is indicated approximately by the battery voltage. A
suitable settling time has to be allowed for under open-circuit conditions.
maximum pulse rate
number of pulses per second at which a pulse device is nominally rated
maximum simultaneous demand
maximum kilowatt or kilovolt-ampere simultaneous demand that is supplied to a group of supply
points during a billing period
measurand
particular quantity subject to measurement
measurement unit (of a split pre-payment meter)
portion intended for mounting in a suitable enclosure in a place inaccessible to the customer. The
measurement unit is the metrological portion of the pre-payment meter and may include the load
switch
mechanical cable gland
metallic bush that seals and secures the cable to the enclosure by mechanical means
mechanical failing load
maximum load reached when a string insulator unit or a rigid insulator is tested under the
prescribed conditions of test
NOTE Mechanical failing load is commonly used in connection with glass or with porcelain insulators.

medium span
span of length 100 m to 250 m
 76 NRS 000-1:2008

medium voltage
set of voltage levels lying between low and high-voltage
NOTE The boundaries between medium and high voltage levels overlap and depend on local
circumstances and history or common usage. Nevertheless the band 30 kV to 100 kV frequently contains
the accepted boundary.
medium voltage
set of nominal voltage levels that lie above low-voltage and below high-voltage in the range 1 kV
less than Un or equal to of less than 44 kV
medium voltage
a.c. r.m.s. voltage that exceeds 1 kV but does not exceed 44 kV
medium voltage
set of nominal voltage levels that lie above low-voltage and below high-voltage in the
range 1 kV less than Un less than 44 kV
medium voltage networks
lines, cable, switches, protection and associated equipment at voltages from
1 000 V to 22 kV. Sometimes 33 kV can be considered MV in rural areas
medium voltage to low-voltage transformation networks
transformation networks between MV and LV voltages
mesh
set of branches forming a loop and containing only one link of a given co-tree
mesh (of a system)
arrangement of electric lines forming a closed loop and supplied from several sources [IEC]
mesh substation
single busbar substation in which the busbar is formed as a closed loop with circuit-breakers in
series within the loop [IEC]
meshed system
system or part of a system consisting of multiple meshes [IEC]

metal-clad switchgear
metal-enclosed switchgear in which certain components (e.g. circuit-breakers) are arranged in
separate compartments that have metal partitions and are intended to be earthed
NOTE This term applies to metal-enclosed switchgear with metal partitions that provide the degree of
protection, or a higher degree, and that has separate compartments for the following:
a) each main switching device;
b) components connected to one side of a main switching device (e.g. a feeder); and
c) components connected to the other side of the main switching device (e.g. busbars)
metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear
see switchgear and controlgear – metal-enclosed, which states: switchgear and controlgear
assemblies with an external metal enclosure intended to be earthed, and complete except for
external connections [IEC]
metal-oxide surge arrester without spark-gaps
arrester having non-linear metal-oxide resistors connected in series and/or in parallel without any
integrated series or parallel spark-gaps [IEC]
metal-oxide varistor
highly non-linear varistor that has a high impedance at power-frequency voltage and a very low
impedance to over voltages that exceed the maximum continuous operating voltage
 77 NRS 000-1:2008

metal-sheathed cable
cable provided with a metal sheath for the purpose of excluding moisture from the conductors and
their insulation
meter
device for measuring and totalling the variable consumption of a product
NOTE In general a meter consists of a sensor and an integrating device that displays the total consumption
in metrological units. [SANS 62051]
meter braking elements
part of a meter that comprises one or more magnets and their adjusting devices, and that
produces a braking torque by the action of its magnetic fluxes upon the currents induced in the
moving elements
meter compartment
part of a kiosk where the meters and circuit-breakers or fuse holders (or both) are installed

NOTE The customer cables are terminated in the meter compartment.

meter constant
value expressing the relationship between the active energy registered by a meter and the
corresponding value of the test output
meter constants
values that are assigned to a specific meter that quantify the energy output values of that meter
NOTE These constants may apply to pulse outputs, calibration outputs or register values.
meter cover
enclosure on the front of the meter, made either wholly of transparent material or opaque material
provided with window(s) through which the movement of the rotor can be seen and the register
can be read
meter kiosk
used to provide a safe and convenient point at which to connect multiple customer cables to the
busbar and feeder cable via meters and circuit breakers
meter rotor
moving element of the meter on which the magnetic fluxes of fixed windings and of braking
elements act, and that operates the registers
meter type
particular design of meter, manufactured by one manufacturer, having:
a) similar metrological properties;
b) the same uniform construction or parts determining these properties; and
c) the same ratio of the maximum current to the reference current
meter type
designation that is used for defining a particular design of meter, manufactured by one
manufacturer, that has similar metrological properties, the same uniform construction of parts
determining these properties, the same number of ampere turns for the current winding at the
basic current and the same number of volt turns for the voltage winding at the reference voltage,
and the same ratio of the maximum current to the basic current
metered demand tariff
tariff where a demand charge is applicable to the measured maximum demand
metering
equipment associated to measure and calculate the quantities of electricity used
 78 NRS 000-1:2008

metering compartment
that part of a meter kiosk where the meters and circuit-breakers are installed. The customer
connects his cables in the metering compartment

metering device
device that is capable of calculating, storing and displaying active and/or reactive energy values
and real-time information
NOTE These functions may be performed in a single unit or in an assembly of modular components, such
as time switches, termination blocks and individual energy meters. A common example is a large power user
board.
metering device configuration
settings of clocks, registers and memory that can be configured in any way by the user so as to
implement switching times, rate registers, display sequences, integrating periods, etc. (see
metering device: A device that is capable of calculating, storing and displaying active and/or
reactive energy values and real-time information)
NOTE 1 These functions may be performed in a single unit or in an assembly of modular components,
such as time switches, termination blocks and individual energy meters. A common example is a large
power user board.
NOTE 2 This definition is included to address the confusion of terms. Reference is often made to
"programming" the meters by users, whereas what actually occurs is the configuration of meters. The action
of changing the configuration of the device is called "configuring".
metering device program
code that is executed on the embedded controller or other form of processor(s) that are
implemented in the metering device
NOTE This code, usually referred to as the firmware of the meter, is produced by the meter manufacturer
and cannot be changed by the user in any way.
metering element
device in a meter that carries out the required functions of multiplication of the voltage and current
in order to obtain electrical power and integration to obtain energy
metering equipment
collection of components in the metering installation

NOTE Components include instrument transformers, cables, meters, recorders and any housing and
ancillary equipment such as test blocks.
metering information
data (unprocessed information), processed information and stored information that relate to
metering equipment at the metering point or the point of supply
NOTE Metering information includes the following:
a) Configuration data. It relates directly to the metering device itself. It uniquely describes the processing
inherent in the device that converts secondary electrical quantities (voltage and current) into the required
measurand;
b) Status data. It relates to the condition of the metering device and the validity of the metering information
that originates from it. It could be contained in the information presented at the site interface, or elsewhere in
the metering system; and
c) Metering data. It refers to the measurands of energy values (active, reactive and apparent), and the
instantaneous values that may be available from the meter.
metering information manipulation system
information management system into which metering information is entered, and which is able to
produce reports and manipulations on the information according to the needs of the various users
of the metering system. The “metering master station” often referred to in practice is a specific
implementation of this concept
 79 NRS 000-1:2008

metering installation
meters, fittings, equipment, wiring and installations, used for measuring the flow of electricity, and
that comply with standards
metering point
point where energy transfer is measured
NOTE 1 Each point can have kilowatt-hours (import and export) and kilovar-hours (leading and lagging).
NOTE 2 The metering equipment should preferably be installed at the point of supply.
metering site
see metering point, which states: point where energy transfer is measured
NOTE 1 Each point can have kilowatt-hours (import and export) and kilovar-hours (leading and lagging).
NOTE 2 The metering equipment should preferably be installed at the point of supply.
mimic diagram; wall diagram
arrangement of symbols representing the current state of switchgear and lines of a substation
(network) and which may be updateable and may have control functions [IEC]
miniature circuit-breaker
circuit-breaker that is usually designed to clip onto a standard mounting rail on a distribution
board
minimum approach distance
DA
minimum distance in air to be maintained between any part of the body of a worker or any
conductive tool (or material other than specific live tools) being directly handled, and any part at
different potentials

NOTE This minimum working distance will vary depending upon the electrical and ergonomic components
that are chosen.

minimum safe output of the unit

power level below which a unit cannot be maintained in continuous service without risk to, at
least, one of its components [IEC]
mini-substation (mini-sub)
factory assembled and tested free-standing unit that is suitable for use in an area accessible to
the public, that comprises a transformer, an equipped medium-voltage compartment and an
equipped low-voltage compartment and that is suitable for connection to under-ground cables
minor
work that entails the installation of line or cable that does not exceed a distance of 2 km or the
excavation of less than 3 m of ground
minor axis
axis about which the pole has the lesser strength
modifications from manufacturers
changes made to an item to incorporate developments after manufacture
modular design
compartments and transformer provided in a "modular" design are constructed to be
dismountable. The compartments shall be so designed and assembled that the transformer can
be removed in its entirety without appreciable disturbance of the MV and LV compartments.
Conversely, the compartment housings shall be removable, after removal of the common roof,
without disturbance of the transformer, the contents of the compartments or the underground
cables.
modular process
course of actions or proceedings consisting of standardized parts or independent units
 80 NRS 000-1:2008

module
removable plug-in unit generally with a front panel, and designed to be introduced into a crate
module
smallest complete environmentally protected assembly of interconnected solar cells [IEC]
modulo-2 addition
binary addition with no carry, giving the following values:
0 + 0 = 0;
0 + 1 = 1;
1 + 0 = 1;
1 + 1 = 0.

moisture content
moisture dissolved in oil and measured in parts per million
NOTE 1 The moisture content of oil can be measured in milligrams per kilogram.
NOTE 2 The insulating value of oil is decreased with the presence of moisture. Moisture can originate from
various sources, both internal and external.
monopolar d.c. link
link having only one energized pole whatever the means of return of the d.c. current [IEC]
monthly capital charge
monthly repayment of the required capital contribution outside of the tariff where the utility
provided a customer with financing
moulded-case circuit-breaker (MCCB)
circuit-breaker that has a supporting housing of moulded insulating material forming an integral
part of the circuit-breaker [IEC]
mounting L-bracket
(of an outdoor distribution cut-out) device used to facilitate the mounting of a cut-out on either a
wooden cross-arm or a steel cross-arm
multi-drop
protocol facility that supports the linking of more than one slave device on the same
communication link
multipair cable
cable that consists of a number of pairs of insulated conductors
multiple channel instrument
instrument, the input circuit(s) of which is/are intended for connection successively to different
external circuits by cyclic switching
multiple-point earthing
earthing of the protective conductor at points on the distributor in addition to the source earthing
of the medium-voltage/low-voltage transformer neutral point
multiplication ratios
ratios that are used to transform meter constants from secondary to primary quantities
NOTE Multiplication ratios are the product of the VT ratio and the CT ratio.
multi-rate meter
energy meter that is provided with a number of registers, each becoming operative at specified
time intervals corresponding to different tariffs [IEC]
mutual induction
electromagnetic induction in an electrical circuit arising from the current flowing in another circuit
 81 NRS 000-1:2008

mutual induction
electromagnetic induction in a tube of current due to variations of the electric current in
another tube of current
medium-voltage equipment earth
continuous earth that has the combined effect of bonding metal tanks of transformers, switchgear,
surge arresters and all metalwork supporting or enclosing medium-voltage apparatus, including
the sheaths and armouring of medium-voltage cables and any continuous earth conductors
associated with the medium-voltage system, to an earth electrode, direct
naphthenic, paraffinic or aromatic insulating oil
dependent on the relative proportions of the three molecular types, each of which conveys its own
properties of the finished product
NOTE Oil consists of hydrocarbon mixtures of three main types, i.e. naphthenes, paraffins and aromatics
as well as small quantities of sulfur, nitrogen and oxygen.
narrow face
pole face through which the minor axis passes
National Electricity Regulator
see regulator, which states: independent electricity regulating authority that is established by the
government of the day, referred to as the National Electricity Regulator (NER)
net capital contribution due
net amount required from applicants as obtained by deducting the tariff capital allowance from the
capital contribution due
network
electrical infrastructure over which energy is transported from source to point of consumption
network capacity
maximum technical limit of load that can be delivered by a particular network before equipment
life would be abnormally reduced
network capital costs
costs incurred through once-off expenditure on plant equipment and other productive resources
network splitting (islanding)
process whereby a power system is split into two or more islands
NOTE Islanding is either a deliberate emergency measure, or the result of automatic protection or control
action, or the result of human error.
network splitting; islanding (USA)
emergency measure comprising the division of a power system into subsystems in each of which
there is an attempted balance between generation and load to achieve isolated operation [IEC]
network strengthening/upgrading/augmentation costs
capital expenditure required to increase the capacity of the network to be able to meet increased
demand or capacity required on the network
network/wires charges
monthly tariff charges that are unbundled to reflect the costs associated with networks (wires) and
are usually based on the utilized capacity of the supply
network refurbishment costs
major capital expenditure that is required to existing network equipment after the end of its
technical life which is required to extend the life of the asset to an age similar to when it is new
network upstream costs
costs that have to be incurred further away from the point of supply into the utility network
 82 NRS 000-1:2008

neutral
designation of any conductor, any terminal or any element connected to the neutral point of a
polyphase system [IEC]
neutral conductor
conductor connected to the neutral point of a system and capable of contributing to the
transmission of electrical energy

neutral point connection

means of electrical connection of the neutral point to earth [IEC]
neutral point displacement voltage
voltage between the real or virtual neutral point and the earth [IEC]
neutral point in a polyphase system
common point of the windings in star-connected equipment such as a power transformer, or an
earthing transformer [IEC]
neutralization value
acidity
total acid number
indication or measure of the acidic constituents or contaminants in the oil
NOTE High acidity levels will promote the degradation of the paper and will induce corrosion in the
transformer. The presence of acids is normally an indication of oxidation of oil.
new oil
virgin oil or oil that has never been used in electrical equipment and that complies in all respects
with SANS 555
node
point, line or surface in a standing wave where some specified characteristic of the wave field has
essentially zero amplitude
NOTE 1 In practice, this amplitude is generally not zero but simply a minimum. The node are then said to
be partial.
NOTE 2 The appropriate modifier should be used before the word "node" to signify the type that is
intended; e.g. displacement node, particle velocity node, sound pressure node.
node
telecommunication network, any point where two or more links are interconnected
node
end-point of a branch connected or not to one or more other branches
node
point of common connection of consumer service conductors to a feeder, or a branch point in a
feeder
node (panel point)
point of concurrence of several members in a tower
nominal discharge current of an arrester (In)
peak value of lightning current impulse, which is used to classify an arrester [IEC]
nominal power
designated power of a device, expressed either in watts (W) or in volt-amperes (VA) and reflected
on a nameplate
nominal system voltage
suitable approximate value of voltage used to designate or identify a system
nominal voltage
declared r.m.s. phase-to-phase voltage of the supply to which the equipment is connected
 83 NRS 000-1:2008

nominal voltage of a system; nominal voltage

suitable approximate value of voltage used to designate or identify a system [IEC]
nominal circuit voltage; circuit insulation voltage
highest circuit voltage to earth on which the instrument will be used and that may be used to
determine its insulation test
non-coincident approach
network cost allocation method based on using the summated individual maximum demand
requirements of customers as opposed to the maximum simultaneous demand of customers
non-directional protection
protection that operates when a fault occurs on either side of a given reference point
non-grid
supply of electricity that is not provided by means of the conventional generation, transmission
and distribution of electricity
NOTE Sources and systems of non-grid supply include, but are not limited to photovoltaics, wind
generation, micro hydro, systems, etc.
non-grid service provider
authorized supplier of non-grid services
non-load-breaking connector
bushing and its associated premoulded elbow connector, which cannot be removed safely while a
load is being carried
non-PCB
oil, including oil in electrical equipment and in any item of equipment, that has a measurable PCB
concentration of less than 20 ppm
non-technical losses
losses that arise from theft
non-technical losses
generally due to theft, faulty meters, billing errors, etc and calculated by subtracting technical
losses from total losses
non-volatile memory
storage device that can retain information in the absence of power [IEC]
NOTE The information is retained for a period of at least three months.
normal operating (PV) cell temperature
temperature of a photovoltaic cell when subjected to an irradiance of 800 W/m squared, an
ambient temperature 20 °C, and a wind velocity of 1m/s
normalized coincidence factor (NCF)
factor used to account for the loss of diversity between customers as the number of customers on
the distributor diminishes from 1000

CF(N) DF(1000)
NCF(1000) = 1.0 and NCF(N) = = ≤ 1.0
CF(1000) DF(N)

i.e. the NCF = 1,0 for 1000 customers and the NCF(N) for less than 1000 customers is greater
than 1,0 and is a maximum for 1 customer.

normative elements
elements setting out the provisions to which it is necessary to conform in order to be able to claim
compliance with the specification
 84 NRS 000-1:2008

notified maximum demand

contracted maximum demand notified in writing by the customer for a specific period and
accepted by the utility as that which the customer requires
number of cells in a battery
number of series-connected cells which make up the complete battery
nxx
corresponding location in the reduced network diagram (RND). The replacement costs of each
asset category of the RND should be determined according to the RND of the specific utility. This
table is drawn up in accordance with the specified RND
object
person or a conductive item in contact with a person
object
defined function within a protocol
occurrences
see events (occurrences) which states: events that are detectable by the sectionalizer control and
that represent the fault conditions against which the power line is to be protected
odd harmonics
see voltage harmonics
off-load switching device
switch that is only capable of making or breaking a circuit when no current is flowing
OHS Act, 1993
Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act 85 of 1993)

one-way function
function y = f(x) that is relatively easy to compute, but the inverse of which is much more
difficult to compute (in other words, given x, it is easy to find y, but given a value y it is
difficult to find any solution x of y = f(x))

on-line available data

data that is available in the active operational metering database
NOTE This data is normally part of the (DAS) data acquisition system.
on-load switching device
switch that is capable of making and breaking a limited flow of electric current
on-site
own site
site, road or property that belongs to the owner of a particular item of electrical equipment
opening; tripping
opening of a circuit-breaker by either manual or automatic control of protective devices [IEC]
NOTE The expression tripping of a network item (line, transformer) in fact means tripping of the associated
circuit-breakers.
open-type substation
substation in which the insulation to earth and between phase conductors is mainly provided by
air at atmospheric pressure and in which some live parts are not enclosed [IEC]
NOTE An open-type substation may be indoor or outdoor.
operating
switching, isolating, safety testing, or earthing
 85 NRS 000-1:2008

operating authority form

printed form that is used for detailing, in writing, the extent of authorization of authorized persons
in terms of these regulations
operating diagram
wall diagram or electronic diagram in a control centre or control room to indicate the operating
position and status of all apparatus
operating diagram
permanent or electronic diagram in a control centre or control room, to indicate the
operating position and status of all apparatus
operating instruction form
printed form that is used to record operating instructions issued by the controller in relation to the
operation of electrical apparatus
operating procedure form
printed form used to record the operating instructions that are authorized by the controller and
that are related to the operation of electrical apparatus
operating stick; link stick
insulating rod that is designed and approved for use at specific voltages to operate links and
drop-out fuses with safety
NOTE The term "link" used for a disconnector is deprecated by the IEC.
operating voltage
operating voltage of a cable is defined by the ratio of the power frequency r.m.s. voltage between
phase and neutral or earth, and the power frequency r.m.s. voltage between phases
operating voltage (in a system)
value of the voltage under normal conditions, at a given instant and at a given point of the
system [IEC]
NOTE This value may be expected, estimated or measured.

operational earthing
earthing of a point in the electrical circuit of equipment (e.g. the neutral point) which is necessary
for correct operation of this equipment and/or the system [IEC]

optical ground wire

earth wire conductor with optical fibres embedded within a steel or aluminium earth wire. It must
be able to carry both lightning strikes and fault currents without detrimental effect to the optical
fibre telecommunication facilities
optical port
infra-red communications port
origin integrity
corroboration that the source of data received is as claimed

out of commission
state of any apparatus that has been taken out of service and is not available for immediate use.
outage; unavailability
state of an item of being unable to perform its required function [IEC]
outdoor distribution cut-out
drop-out vented expulsion fuse-link assembly or solid-link assembly, together with the associated
components
 86 NRS 000-1:2008

outdoor substation
substation which is designed and installed to withstand external weather conditions [IEC]
outdoor termination
termination that is intended for use where it is exposed to either solar radiation or weathering (or
both) [IEC]
outer sheath
extruded protective covering applied to a cable
outer sheath
non-metallic sheath applied over a metallic covering, such as armouring, constituting the
outermost sheath of the cable
outer sheath (oversheath)
non metallic sheath applied over a covering, generally metallic, ensuring the protection of
the cable from the outside
NOTE 1 In North America, the term sheath is generally used for metallic coverings, whereas the term
jacket is used only for non-metallic coverings.
NOTE 2 In case of special bonding, the oversheath may provide electrical insulation of the
underlying conducting covering.

outgoing
pertaining to traffic at a point of a device or network to indicate that the direction of the
call set-up is from that port to another point
outgoing (incoming) feeder
in a substation, a feeder bay which is normally used to transmit power to the system (receive
power from the system) [IEC]
ovality
It is a percentage ratio of diameters according to: (d1 – d2) / (d1 + d2) % where d1 is the maximum
measured diameter of the cable and d2 is the minimum diameter of the cable measured at the
same cross-section as d1
overall accuracy
difference between the measured energy and the true energy, expressed as a percentage of the
true energy
overcurrent
current exceeding the rated current
overcurrent
current of a value exceeding the highest rated value [IEC]
overcurrent
any current exceeding the rated value. For conductors, the rated value is the current-carrying
capacity
overhaul
work done with the objective of repairing or replacing parts which are found to be out of tolerance
by inspection, tests, examination, or as required by the manufacturer's maintenance manual, in
order to restore the item to an acceptable condition
overhead earth wire; ground wire (USA)
conductor connected to earth or lightly insulated, usually installed above the phase conductors of
a line or a substation to protect them from lightning strikes [IEC]
overhead line
electric line whose conductors are supported above ground, generally by means of insulators and
appropriate supports [IEC]
 87 NRS 000-1:2008

overhead line
line with one or more conductors or a cable supported above ground by appropriate
means
NOTE 1 An overhead line may consist of only one conductor when the circuit is closed by the earth.
NOTE 2 An overhead line may be constructed with bare conductors, generally supported by
insulators, or with insulated conductors.
NOTE 3 The concept of overhead line generally includes the supporting elements.

overhead line
system consisting essentially of overhead lines. [IEC] (see also power line which states: an
overhead line that is erected to convey electrical energy for any purpose other than
communication, but that excludes the overhead contact or catenary wires of an electric traction
system)
overhead service connection
overhead conductor between an LV distributor and the consumer’s electrical installation

overhead system
system consisting essentially of overhead lines [IEC]
NOTE Certain overhead lines can also be constructed with insulated conductors.
oversheath
non metallic sheath applied over a covering, generally metallic, ensuring the protection of the
cable from the outside
overturn span (of an overhead line
maximum span length capability of the structure foundation under maximum wind load conditions
with the statutory foundation factor of safety (currently 2)
overvoltage
any voltage, between one phase and earth or between phase conductors, that has a peak value
exceeding the corresponding peak value (Um √2 or Um √2 respectively) of the highest voltage for
equipment [IEC]
per unit (p.u.) voltage (phase to earth)
theoretical unit of voltage equal to the peak value of the maximum system voltage with reference
to earth
NOTE 1 p.u. = Um √2
√3 kV.
pair
in telecommunication, uniform line consisting of two conductors
pair
two insulated conductors twisted together
panel
group of modules fastened together, pre-assembled and wired, designed to serve as an
installable unit in an array and/or sub-array [IEC]

panel (of radiating elements)

rigid assembly consisting of an array of radiating elements supported by a reflecting plane
panel; bay
apparatus in the same circuit situated on one or more floors in a building or buildings or
throughout a structure, from and including the busbar isolators
 88 NRS 000-1:2008

paper cable
single-core and three-core, mass impregnated non-draining (MIND) paper-insulated, lead-
sheathed, electric cables
parallel groove clamp
bolted connector that has parallel grooves and that accommodates two conductors that could be
of similar or of different sizes and materials
parent key
key used to encrypt a child key for the purpose of concealing the child key, in order to prevent its
undetected modification or unauthorized use (or both)

partially insulated enclosure

unfilled enclosure in which the cable cores only are fully insulated for the appropriate insulation
level
PCB
any one of a number of 209 congeners containing one to ten chlorine atoms attached to a
biphenyl group, and are synthetic products not known to occur naturally
NOTE New oil produced from crude oil does not contain PCB.
PCB contaminated item
equipment (e.g. transformer, electric motor, pump or pipe) or container (e.g. package, can, bottle,
bag, barrel, drum, tank) or any other device that contains PCB or the surfaces of which have
been in contact with PCB (the PCB being at a concentration of between 50 ppm and 500 ppm), or
any article (e.g. container, oil, water, soil, personal protective equipment) that has been in contact
with PCB or PCB contaminated equipment
PCB item
any item that has a measurable PCB concentration equal to or exceeding 500 ppm
PE conductor
protective (earth) conductor that is separate from the neutral conductor
peak load
maximum value of load during a given period of time, e.g. a day, a month, a year [IEC]
peak load set
generating set whose purpose is to nun under discontinuous load conditions and to respond
rapidly to peaks in the power demand of the network [IEC]
PEN conductor
conductor that functions as both a protective conductor and a neutral conductor
percentage depth of discharge
amount of charge removed from a fully charged battery at a specified discharge rate, expressed
as a percentage of the battery’s rated capacity
NOTE 1 The removal of 25 Ah at the specified discharge rate applicable to the rating of the battery from a
fully charged 100 Ah rated battery results in a 25 % depth of discharge (DOD)
NOTE 2 One hundred per cent DOD means fully discharged; zero percent DOD means fully charged.
percentage error
the value that is obtained by the following formula:

Em − Et
Percentage error = x 100
Et
where
Em is the energy registered by the meter and Et is the true energy
 89 NRS 000-1:2008

NOTE Since the true value cannot be determined, it is approximated by a value with a stated uncertainty
that can be traced to standards agreed upon between manufacturer and user or to national standards.
periodic testing
testing done according to a predetermined maintenance schedule, with reference to standard
maintenance procedures and with the aim of ensuring correct operation of the metering
installation
permanent fault
fault which affects a device and prevents its restoration into service until action has been taken at
the point of the fault [IEC]
permanently manned substation
substation which is continuously controlled by personnel who are stationed at the substation [IEC]
phase
designation of any conductor, bundle of conductors, terminal, winding or any other element of a
polyphase system, which is intended to be energized under normal use [IEC]
phase to earth (line to ground voltage)
voltage between phase and earth
phase to neutral voltage
voltage between a phase in a polyphase system and the neutral point [IEC]
phase-to-neutral voltage (deprecated)
voltage between a line conductor and the neutral conductor at a given point of an a.c.
circuit
phase to phase voltage
voltage between phases [IEC]
phase-to-earth voltage
voltage between phase and earth [IEC]
phase-to-earth voltage (deprecated)
voltage between a line conductor and reference earth at a given point of an electric circuit
phase-to-neutral voltage
voltage between a phase in a polyphase system and the neutral point [IEC]
phase-to-phase voltage (deprecated)
voltage between two line conductors at a given point of an electric circuit
photoelectric control unit
device that comprises a photoelectric sensor that responds to variations in illuminance and that is
combined with a means of switching an electric load
physically secure environment
environment in the form of a facility, enclosure or device the penetration of which, in any manner,
actively renders unintelligible any secret data contained therein, or that itself precludes any
penetration that could allow disclosure of secret data

pick-up setting
expression which is a variable used to indicate sensitivity activation level of a protection device
piggyback system
system where more than one high-voltage line of different voltages are supported on the same
structure. This term excludes double circuit structures and high-voltage structures carrying low-
voltage conductors.
pin connector
connector that has a solid cylindrical stub at one end and a connector barrel at the other end
 90 NRS 000-1:2008

planned interruption
interruption that occurs when a component is deliberately taken out of service (by the
utility or its agent) at a selected time, usually for the purpose of construction, preventative
maintenance or repair
planned outage
outage scheduled in advance, for maintenance or other purposes
planned outage; scheduled outage
outage due to the programmed taking out of service of an item [IEC]
planning level
level to which a utility designs its networks when it evaluates the impact on the supply system of
all loads connected to the system. These levels might change from network to network,
depending on network structure and circumstances, and are typically lower than the compatibility
level
planning level
level to which a licensee designs its network when it evaluates the impact on the supply system
of all loads connected to the system

NOTE This level can differ from network to network, depending on the network structure and
circumstances, and is typically lower than the compatibility level. Recommended planning levels
are provided in NRS 048-4.

plug-in type separable connector

separable connector in which the electrical contact is made by a sliding device
PMRTU
remote terminal unit that is designed for pole mounting and that operates specific pole-mounted
equipment remotely
point of common coupling
point of a power supply network, electrically nearest to a particular load, at which other
loads are, or may be connected
NOTE 1 These loads can either be devices, equipment or systems, or distinct customer's
installations.
NOTE 2 In some applications, the term "point of common coupling" is restricted to public networks.

point of common coupling

PCC
point in a network where more than one customer is connected or will be connected. The
assessment criteria require both the measurement instrument to be defined, and a statistical
criterion to be applied to the measured data points
point of common coupling
point in a network where more than one customer is connected or will be connected
point of control
point at which the electrical installation on or in any premises can be switched off by a user or
lessor from the electricity supplied from the point of supply [Regulation R1, OHS Act]
point of metering
point on a distribution or reticulation network at which the metering, or the current and voltage
transformers supplied for metering, are located
point of supply
point at which the electrical installation of a customer (on any premises) is connected to the
distribution system of the licensee (undertaker) [Electricity Act,1987 (Act No. 41 of 1987)
modified].
 91 NRS 000-1:2008

NOTE Words in brackets are used in the Act –new text in italics.
point of supply
point at which electricity is supplied to any premises by a supplier [Regulation R1, OHS Act]
point of supply
point in the electrical system where the technical and commercial criteria of supply are
specified
NOTE The point of supply may be different from the boundary between the supply system and the
consumer's own installation or from the metering point.

point of supply
physical point on the electrical network, where electricity is supplied to a customer or where the
customers network connects to that of the utility
pole (of a d.c. system)
designation of a conductor, terminal or any other element of a d.c. system which is likely to be
energized under normal conditions; e.g. positive pole, negative pole [IEC]
pole (of equipment)
certain types of equipment such as switchgear, the part corresponding to one of the phases in
a.c. or to one of the polarities in d.c. [IEC]
NOTE According to the number of poles within the equipment, it is called: single-pole equipment, two-pole
equipment, etc.
pole pike
device that is used to assist the manual erection of poles. The top end usually consists of an
aluminium tube of diameter approximately 75 mm, with the lower end being flat with a pair of
handles
NOTE For the erection of wooden poles, a single pike or a pair of pikes secures the pole during erection
and backfill operations.
pole-mounted remote terminal unit
pole-mounted terminal unit that operates specific pole-mounted equipment remotely
pole-mounted remote terminal unit
remote terminal unit that is designed for pole mounting and that operates specific pole-mounted
equipment remotely
pole-mounted substation
outdoor distribution substation mounted on one or more poles [IEC]
poles (number of)
(number of) conducting paths between the interior of the enclosure and the electrical equipment
(e.g. a transformer), which may be one, two, three or four, depending on the number of bushings
pole-top make-off
preformed fitting designed to secure a component to the top of a pole
portable earthing device
portable appliance provided for connecting to earth a circuit or apparatus that is isolated
portable working standard
standard instrument that has been calibrated at an approved calibration laboratory or approved
test house and is designed for calibrating metering equipment in the field
post insulator
insulator intended to give rigid support to a live part which is to be insulated from earth or
from another live part
NOTE A post insulator may be an assembly of a number of post insulator units.
 92 NRS 000-1:2008

post insulator (in air filled enclosures)

structure supporting one or more conductors, and insulating it or them from the point on the
enclosure to which the structure is attached, including the means of attachment
NOTE It follows that such an enclosure might be self contained and removable; it might also be a
compartment of the connected equipment and therefore an integral feature of that equipment; it might also
be a stand-alone item of equipment, for example a junction box.
post insulator (in junction boxes)
structure that supports one or more conductors, and that insulates it or them from the point on the
enclosure to which the structure is attached, including the means of attachment
potential gradient
potential difference per unit length (usually expressed in volts per metre, V/m) measured in the
direction in which the potential difference is at a maximum

pour point
point at which oil loses its liquid properties
NOTE This property is important in cold climates, where the oil still needs to flow freely and serve its
purpose as an insulant.
power cable
cable designed for application in electrical power distribution networks

power demand from the system

power which has to be supplied to the system in order to meet the demand [IEC]
power equipment
enclosure that contains live power line conductors

power factor
ratio of the watts in a system to the voltage ampere load
power factor
ratio of the watts in a system to the volt-ampere load
NOTE It is usual to calculate the average power factor as kWh divided by kVA multiplied by 1 divided by T
where T is the integration period in hours.
power factor
ratio of the (real) power to the apparent power

power factor
ratio of the total power (in watts) dissipated in an electric circuit to the total equivalent volt-
amperes applied to that circuit
 93 NRS 000-1:2008

power factor (PF)

real active power in kW divided by the apparent power in kVA i.e.

P(kW)
PF = = COS(Φ )
S(kW)

S (kVA) Q (kVAr)
S(kVA) = p(kW) + jQ(kVAr)

PF = cos φ
φ

P (kW)

power/frequency control
secondary control of the active power of generating sets in response to variations in system
frequency and to the variations in the grand total of active power exchanged with the
interconnected systems [IEC]
power frequency; frequency
frequency of alternating voltage generated by power system generators
power frequency; frequency
conventionally, the values of frequency used in the electricity supply systems [IEC]
power line
arrangement of electrical conductors, insulating materials and accessories for transferring
electricity between two points of a system, which is supported above ground level by structures
power line
overhead line that is erected to convey electrical energy for any purpose other than
communication, but that excludes the overhead contact or catenary wires of an electric
traction system. (see also overhead line which states: An overhead line that is erected to
convey electrical energy for any purpose other than communication, but that excludes the
overhead contact or catenary wires of an electric traction system)
power outage recording
recording dates, times and reasons for power outages
power rating
designed power output of an item of equipment as stated on its rating plate under the specified
conditions, measured in kilowatts (kW)
 94 NRS 000-1:2008

power station
installation the purpose of which is to generate electricity and which includes civil
engineering works, energy conversion equipment and all the necessary ancillary
equipment
NOTE The power station includes all the equipment up to the point where energy is ready for
transmission or distribution. It could, or need not include any substation situated within the
precincts of the power station.

power station; electrical generating station

installation whose purpose is to generate electricity and which includes civil engineering works,
energy conversion equipment and all the necessary ancillary equipment [IEC]
power system
power stations, feeders, substations and apparatus whereby electrical energy is made available
to the customers' points of supply
power system frequency
fundamental frequency
frequency of alternating voltage generated by power system generators

NOTE synonymous with “fundamental frequency” as defined in SANS 61000-4-30.

precision
repeatability of measurement data, customarily expressed in terms of standard deviation
preferred
most desirable from a selection of options, unless otherwise specified
premium supplies
supplies with features specifically contracted with the customer whether it is the same or different
features to the standard set by the particular utility on a specific network
prepayment meter
energy meter provided with a mechanism which, by insertion of suitable payment means
e.g. (coin, token, credit card), connects a supply of electricity and then disconnects it after
the consumption of a predetermined amount of energy or after a predetermined duration
prepayment meter
electricity meter (hereinafter referred to as a meter) that can (by means such as tokens, cards,
keypads) be operated and controlled to allow the flow of a prepurchased amount of energy in an
electrical circuit
prepayment metering
system whereby a prepayment meter is installed at the consumer’s premises, instead of the credit
type Ferraris disc meter
prescription
limitation by law of the time within which a claim can be made
pressure relief device of an arrester
means for relieving internal pressure in an arrester and preventing violent shattering of the
housing following prolonged passage of fault current or internal flashover of the arrester [IEC]
pressure relief rated current
continuous current through the arrester that will cause the pressure relief device to operate, thus
relieving the internal pressure inside the arrester and preventing violent shattering of the housing
preventive maintenance
maintenance carried out at predetermined intervals or according to prescribed criteria and
intended to reduce the probability of failure or the degradation of the functioning of an item (IEC)
 95 NRS 000-1:2008

primary control
(of the speed of generating sets) control of the speed of each generating set by its individual
governor which ensures that the driving torque is a function of the system frequency [IEC]
probability distribution
function giving the probability that a random variable takes any given value or belongs to a given
set of values
probability distribution function
(of a sampled load) function that describes the probability that a certain value might appear as the
sampled load
NOTE This function is derived from the cumulative distribution function.
programmable metering device
device that is capable of calculating, storing and displaying active and reactive energy values
according to a user-defined configuration
prohibited area
enclosed area, in which live conductors or live parts of electrical apparatus are accessible, and to
which access is restricted to specifically authorized persons
project
line or cable installations exceeding a distance of 2 km and work that entails detailed planning
and project work which generally takes more than a month to complete
protection
provision for detecting abnormal conditions in a power system and then initiating signals,
indications or clearance of the condition, or a combination of these
protection
provisions for detecting faults or other abnormal conditions in a power system, for
enabling fault clearance, for terminating abnormal conditions, and for initiating signals or
indications
NOTE 1 The term "protection" is a generic term for protection equipment or protection systems.
NOTE 2 The term "protection" may be used to describe the protection of a complete power system
or the protection of individual plant items in a power system e.g. transformer protection, line
protection, generator protection.
NOTE 3 Protection does not include items of a power system plant, provided for example, to limit
over voltages on the power system. However, it includes items provided to control the power system
voltage or frequency deviations such as automatic reactor switching, load-shedding, etc.

protection capability
ability to perform the functions of a protection relay or protection device
protection device
device designated to perform a specific protection function
protective (protection) current transformer
current transformer that is intended to supply electrical protective current
protective (protection) device
device that is incorporated in an instrument for the purpose of limiting over voltage or over current
that can appear in one or more of its components
 96 NRS 000-1:2008

protective conductor
conductor provided for purposes of safety, for example protection against electric shock
protective device (capacitor voltage transformer)
device incorporated in a capacitor voltage transformer for the purpose of limiting over voltages
which may appear across one or more of its components, notably due to error resonance
phenomena
protective conductor
conductor that forms part of a low-voltage distributor, and that connects the source earth to the
consumer's earth terminal. The conductor is also connected to other earth electrodes and
exposed conductive parts of the low-voltage distributor. (see also PE conductor which states, a
protective (earth) conductor that is separate from the neutral conductor, and protective earth
neutral (PEN) conductor which states: a conductor that functions as both a protective conductor
and a neutral conductor).
protective current transformer
current transformer intended to transmit an information signal to protect and control devices
NOTE The accuracy class of a protective current transformer is designated by its class index followed by
the letter P (protection). The class index gives the limit of the absolute value of the composite error at the
rated accuracy limit primary current for the class concerned, as a percentage of this current.
protective level of a protective device
highest peak voltage value that should not be exceeded at the terminals of a protective device
when switching impulses and lightning impulses of standard shapes and rated values are applied
under specified conditions
protocol driver
software interface code to translate propriety meter code to values that the master station or data
acquisition system can utilize
protocol stack
defined implementation of the communication layers in a protocol
pulse
abrupt variation of short duration of a physical quantity followed by a rapid return to the
initial value
pulse
variation of physical quantity where a transition from one value to another is followed immediately
after some time interval by a return to the initial value
pulse
wave that departs from an initial level for a limited duration of time and ultimately returns to the
original level
pulse device
functional unit for initiating, transmitting, retransmitting or receiving electric pulses, representing
finite quantities, such as energy, normally transmitted from some form of electricity meter to a
receiver unit. (see pulse: a wave that departs from an initial level for a limited duration of time and
ultimately returns to the original level, see pulse initiator: any device, mechanical or electrical, that
is used with a meter to initiate pulses, the number of pulses that is proportional to the quantity
being measured)
NOTE It may include an external amplifier or auxiliary relay (or both) and see pulse receiver: The units that
receive and register the pulses. (see pulse above)
NOTE It may include a periodic resetting mechanism, so that a reading proportional to the demand may be
obtained.
 97 NRS 000-1:2008

pulse receiver
units that receive and register the pulses. (see pulse: wave that departs from an initial level for a
limited duration of time and ultimately returns to the original level)
NOTE It may include a periodic resetting mechanism, so that a reading proportional to the demand may be
obtained.
pulse recorder
device that receives and records pulses over a given demand period. (see demand integration
period which states: the interval of time, for example 15 min, 30 min, on which the demand
measurement is based [IEC]
pulsing meter
unit that forms part of the metering device that houses the metering element and performs the
integration function to generate proportional pulses for the measured active or reactive energy (or
both)
pulsing unit
unit that is mounted in the pulsing meter, that generates the output pulses proportional to the
measured active or reactive energy (or both), and that is of a defined time/length
pumped storage
operation whereby water is raised by means of pumps and stored for later use in one or more
hydroelectric installations for the generation of electricity [IEC]
pumped storage power station
hydroelectric power station employing high level and low level reservoirs permitting repeated
pumping and generating cycles to be carried out [IEC]
puncture
path produced through a solid by a breakdown producing permanent damage. The term is used
as a synonym for electrical breakdown in solids
puncture (of an insulator)
disruptive discharge passing through the solid insulating material of the insulator which
produces a permanent loss of dielectric strength
pure risk
risk which results only in loss, damage, disruption or injury with no potential for gain, profit or
other advantage

p.u. voltage (phase to earth)

theoretical unit of voltage equal to the peak value of the maximum system voltage with reference
to earth
NOTE 1 p.u. = Um 2 / 3 kV.

qualification procedure
number of type tests that are carried out on one meter or a small number of meters of the same
type having identical characteristics, selected at random, to verify that the meter type has no
serious system abnormalities
NOTE The precise tests and the number of meters to be tested are to be agreed upon between the parties.
qualifying symbol
symbol added to another to provide additional information
NOTE 1 Qualifying symbols cannot normally be used on their own but a general symbol may sometimes be
used for qualifying purposes. Thus the general symbol for an auto-transformer may be added to that for a
motor starter to produce the symbol for an auto-transformer starter.
NOTE 2 The term “supplementary symbol” has been used in the past with the same meaning as qualifying
symbol.
 98 NRS 000-1:2008

quality
fitness for purpose of a product or service
quality assurance
everything that must be done to ensure the quality of a product or service
quality control
verification of quality
quality of supply (QOS)
appraisal of the deviations of technical criteria outside a defined range (explicit or implicit) of the
electricity supply or of the aggregate of electricity supplies within an electrical system [IEC]
quality of supply (QOS)
technical parameters to describe the electricity supplied to customers, and that are used
to determine the extent to which the needs of customers are met in the utilization of
electricity
NOTE Sometimes used synonymously with “power quality”, which is defined as the
“characteristics of the electricity at a given point on an electrical system, evaluated against a set of
reference technical parameters.” [SANS 61000-4-30]

radial feeder
see single feeder, which states: electric line supplied from one end only [IEC]
radial system
system or part of a system consisting of single feeders supplied from a single source of supply
[IEC]
range-taking accessory
accessory that is designed to accommodate more than one size of cable
rapid protection operation
protection function that enables rapid breaker operation, be it an instantaneous protection
function (i.e. operation with no intentional time delay), a fast curve protection function, or an
instantaneous function with a relatively short definite time delay
rapid voltage change
changes in the magnitude of the supply voltage that occurs within the order of milliseconds
rate period
period of the day for which energy values are accumulated and recorded in a specific register
NOTE There are three rate periods for the time-of-use tariffs, namely peak, standard and off-peak.
rated burden
value of the burden on which the accuracy requirements of a specification are based
rated capacity of a cell or battery
quantity of electricity, declared by the manufacturer, which a cell or battery can deliver under
specified conditions
NOTE 1 Typically at a constant discharge current and battery temperature after a full charge. For a current
I20 which will fully discharge the battery in 20 h, the rated capacity is abbreviated to C20.
NOTE 2 This value is usually expressed in ampere-hours. [IEC]
rated discharge current
peak value of lightning current impulse which is used to classify an arrester [IEC]
rated fibre stress
stress in the wood from the applied load just before breaking
rated frequency
frequency at which the transformer or reactor is designed to operate
 99 NRS 000-1:2008

rated frequency
frequency of the supply mains in Hertz (Hz) specified by the manufacturer for normal
usage of a generator ,and the accessory or associated equipment

rated impulse withstand voltage

prescribed peak value of the (switching/lightning) impulse withstand voltage which
characterizes the insulation of an equipment as regards the withstand tests [IEC]
rated impulse withstand voltage
see basic insulation level, which states: specific insulation level, expressed in kilovolts, in
accordance with which the complete system (including the line pole insulation to earth at every
pole, the switchgear, the line isolators and reclosers, and the substations connected to the
system, including their transformers) is designed and constructed
rated insulation level
set of standard withstand voltages which characterize the dielectric strength of the insulation
[IEC]

rated insulation level

test voltages, under specified conditions, that the insulation is designed to withstand
NOTE These test voltages can for instance :
a) rated lightning impulse and short duration power frequency withstand voltages
b) rated lightning and switching impulse withstand voltage (phase-to-earth).

rated insulation level (b)

combination of the rated lightning impulse withstand voltage and the rated short duration power
frequency withstand voltage specified in table 2 of SABS IEC 60298

rated knee point voltage

knee point voltage on which the performance of class X current transformers is based and which
is marked on the rating plate
rated normal current
main circuits and switching devices, the r.m.s. value of current that they can carry continuously
under the specified conditions of use and behaviour might not have the same value of rated
normal current
NOTE Some main circuits of switchgear (e.g. busbars and feeder circuits)
rated normal current
for main circuits and switching devices, the r.m.s. value of the current that they are designed to
carry continuously under the specified conditions of use and behaviour

NOTE Some main circuits of switchgear, for example, busbars and feeder circuits might not have the same
value of rated normal current.

rated peak withstand current

main and earthing circuits, the peak current that a mechanical switching device is designed to
carry in the closed position under prescribed conditions of use and behaviour
rated peak withstand current
for main and earthing circuits, the peak current associated with the first major loop of the short-
time withstand current that a mechanical switching device is designed to carry in the closed
position under prescribed conditions of use and behaviour
 100 NRS 000-1:2008

rated primary current (of a CT)

value of the primary current that appears in the designation of a CT and on which its performance
is based [IEC]
rated primary voltage (of a VT)
value of the primary voltage that appears in the designation of a VT and on which its performance
is based [IEC]
rated short-circuit breaking current
main and earthing circuits, the r.m.s. value of current that the switching device can carry in the
closed position during a specified short time under prescribed conditions of use and behaviour.
rated short-circuit breaking current (of a switch-fuse combination)
highest prospective short-circuit current that the combination shall be capable of breaking under
the conditions of use and behaviour defined, and expressed by the r.m.s. value of its a.c.
component

rated short-time withstand current

main and earthing circuits, the r.m.s. value of current that the switching device shall be able to
carry the closed position during a specified short time under prescribed conditions of use and
behaviour
rated system voltage
highest r.m.s. phase-to-phase voltage of the system
rated tensile strength
calculated breaking load of the optical ground wire (OPGW) construction
rated time
value marked on the rating plate as the time in seconds for which a current transformer will
withstand the rated short-time thermal current
rated transformer ratio
ratio of the rated primary current to the rated secondary current
rated value
value of the measured quantity that corresponds to the upper limit of the effective range
rated voltage
highest r.m.s. phase-to-phase voltage of the supply for which the equipment is designed
rated voltage of an arrester (Ur)
maximum permissible r.m.s. value of power-frequency voltage between an arrester’s terminals at
which it is designed to operate correctly under temporary over-voltage conditions as established
in the operating duty tests
NOTE 1 The rated voltage is used as a reference parameter for the specification of operating
characteristics.
NOTE 2 The rated voltage is the 10 s power-frequency voltage that is used in the operating duty test after
high-current impulses or long-duration impulses. Tests used to establish the voltage rating in IEC, and also
in some National Standards, involve the application of repetitive impulses at nominal current with power-
frequency voltage applied. Attention is drawn to the fact that the two methods that are used to establish
rating do not necessarily produce equivalent values (the resolution of this discrepancy is under
consideration).
rated voltage (for accessories)
voltage assigned by the manufacturer for a specified operating condition of an accessory
raw data
data that is extracted from the meter without any processing/manipulation
raw meter data
unprocessed information that is received directly from a metering installation
 101 NRS 000-1:2008

reactive energy
product of voltage and current and the sine of the phase angle between them integrated
over a time period, and that is normally measured in kilovar-hours
reactive energy
a.c. system, the captive electrical energy exchanged continuously between the different electric
and magnetic fields associated with the operation of the electrical system and of all the connected
apparatus [IEC]
reactive energy meter
meter that is used for the measurement of reactive energy. (see var hour meter which
states: reactive energy meter: An electricity meter that measures and registers the
integral, with respect to time, of the reactive power of the circuit in which it is connected
NOTE The unit in which this integral is measured is usually the kilovar-hour.

reactive energy meter

instrument intended to measure reactive energy by integrating reactive power with respect to time
reactive-power voltage control
voltage control by the adjustment of reactive power generation in a power system [IEC]
real power of a power inverter
power measured at the output side of the inverter using a wattmeter of suitable bandwidth
real time clock
device that maintains to an acceptable level of accuracy, information describing the date and time
of day. This information is maintained irrespective of whether power is supplied to the unit within
which the clock is installed
recoverable works
work where the costs are always directly recoverable from a customer or where a third party is
liable for the cost of such work
NOTE They are never pooled in the tariffs and should not be confused with ‘recoverable costs”.
recycling
process of reusing a previously coded secure module, involving recoding under authorization, at
the KMC

redundancy
existence of more than one means for performing a required function (IEC)
reference current of an arrester
peak value (the higher peak value of the two polarities if the current is asymmetrical) of the
resistive component of a power-frequency current that is used to determine the reference voltage
of the arrester
NOTE Depending on the nominal discharge current or the line discharge case (or both) of the arrester, the
reference current will be typically in the range 0,05 mA to 1,0 mA per square centimetre of disc area for
single column arresters.
reference standard
measuring instrument that has been calibrated by an approved calibration laboratory

reference voltage of an arrester (Uref)

peak value of power frequency voltage divided by 2, that is applied to an arrester to obtain the
reference current. The reference voltage of a multi-unit arrester is the sum of the reference
voltages of the individual units.
NOTE Measurement of the reference voltage is necessary for the selection of a correct test sample in the
operating duty test. [IEC]
 102 NRS 000-1:2008

refund of capital contribution

amounts repaid to customers where they have previously paid capital contributions for networks
which are now utilized by other customers
refurbishing
reinstatement of items to their original condition and intended performance with consideration for
cost and current technology for the purpose of extending the plants useful life expectancy
regenerated oil
reclaimed oil
used oil that has been reprocessed to comply in all respects with SANS 555
register
term was derived from the visible dial on the face plate of the electromechanical meters, where
the register provided an indication of the energy usage. In electronic meters, this term refers to
the non-volatile memory locations within the metering device where similar energy usage
information is stored
registered maximum demand
highest averaged demand measured in kVA or kW, during any integrating period within a
designated billing period (usually one month)
regulation
document providing binding legislative rules, that is adopted by an authority
regulation
difference between the maximum and minimum values of the tube voltage drop of a voltage
stabilizer tube within a stated range of anode current. difference between the maximum and
minimum values of the tube voltage drop of a voltage stabilizer tube within a stated range of
anode current
remediation
method of clean up that will ensure a minimum hydrocarbon or synthetic oil presence of
1 000 ppm or 0,1 % above the background level in the case of petroleum products, and
5 000 ppm in the case of mineral-based products
repair
that part of corrective maintenance in which manual actions are performed on the item
replacement value
value of installing a new system in the year for which calculations are done. These calculations
have to be done annually to reflect the present day average costs
reinforcement of a system
addition or substitution of some items in a power system (transformers, lines, generators, etc.) so
that it will be able to meet an increased load or provide a better quality of supply [IEC]
relative density
ratio of the density of a substance to the density of a standard, usually water in the case of a
liquid or solid, and air in the case of a gas
relative error
ratio of the absolute error to a comparison value
NOTE 1 The term is used in the “true value” approach.
NOTE 2 The comparison value should be a true value of the quantity but, since a true value cannot
be determined, in general, a conventional true value is used.

relative error
ratio of the absolute error to the true value of the measured quantity
 103 NRS 000-1:2008

relative error
ratio of the absolute error to the setting value
relay chamber
metal-enclosed chamber that contains control, measuring, indicating, alarm, protective and
regulating equipment associated with a switchgear panel
remote station
station which is monitored, or commanded and monitored by a master station [IEC]
remote terminal unit
telecontrol remote terminal unit which monitors and operates specific equipment remotely
remote terminal unit
device that provides an interface between the auto-recloser (AR) and the supervisory control and
data acquisition (SCADA) system
remotely controlled substation
unmanned substation which is controlled by means of telecontrol devices [IEC]
repair
that part of corrective maintenance in which manual actions are performed on the item
reserve busbar
double (or triple) busbar substation, any busbar which is used under abnormal conditions. It is
generally less well equipped than a main busbar [IEC]
reset time
selectable period that starts from a ‘first’ countable event and that represents the period during
which the counter will reset to 0 if the countable events remain less than the counts-to-open
setting
reset time
time that elapses from the instant that the auto-recloser first recloses onto a healthy line to the
time that the trip counter resets to zero
reset time
user selectable period that is started by an overcurrent pick-up transgression. The reset time may
be set to time-out,
a) after a pre-set time;
b) after return of voltage or
c) after the FPI is manually or remotely reset.
reset time
time duration after a circuit-breaker close operation for which the measured currents are below a
fault detecting level. On expiry of this time the protection sequence resets.
reset time (for elementary relays)
time interval between the application of the specified input voltage to a bi-stable relay in
the operate condition and the change of state of the last output circuit, bounce time not
included
reset time (USA)
time after an automatic reclosure, before the automatic reclosing equipment will initiate another
reclosure in the event of another power system fault
residual strength
remaining tensile strength of the conductor after it has been in service
 104 NRS 000-1:2008

residual voltage
peak value of voltage that appears on the protected output terminals of an surge protective
device during the passage of discharge current
residual voltage
sum of the instantaneous values of all three line-to-earth voltages, in a three-phase system
residual voltage
voltage equal to the sum of the phase-to-earth voltages
residual voltage (discharge voltage) (Ures)
voltage that is maintained between the arrester terminals during the passage of discharge
current, and that determines the protective characteristics of the arrester
residual voltage (of voltage dip)
minimum value of r.m.s. voltage recorded during a voltage dip
NOTE The residual voltage may be expressed as a value in volts or as a percentage or per unit value of
the reference voltage. [SANS 61000-4-30, modified]
residual voltage winding
winding of a transformer between the terminals of which is produced the residual voltage or one
of the three component voltages which, when added together, constitute the residual voltage
[IEC]
residual voltage; discharge voltage
voltage that is maintained between the terminals of an arrester during the passage of the
discharge current, and that determines the protective characteristics of the arrester
resistance volume of an earth electrode
volume of earth around an earth electrode within which the major part of the potential difference
between the electrode and the general mass of the earth occurs

resolution
smallest change in a measurand, or quantity supplied, which causes a perceptible change in the
indication
resolution (of an instrument)
smallest change in the quantity being measured that will produce an observable change in the
reading of the instrument. When used in the context of an analogue-to-digital converter, it
represents the smallest change in analogue input that will generate a change of one bit
resolution (definition)
measure of the sharpness of detail of a television picture
resonant earthed (neutral system)
system in which one or more neutral points are connected to earth through reactances which
approximately compensate the capacitive component of a single-phase-to-earth fault current
responsible person
person who has been authorized in writing to be responsible for ensuring that the work on the
electrical apparatus can be carried out with safety
restraint
protection parameter limits that prevent sectionalizer operation, for example current inrush and
low current restraint
restricted earth fault relay
earth fault relay that is unconditionally stable for faults outside the protected zone but that will
operate for earth faults above the preset value within the zone
 105 NRS 000-1:2008

restricted earth-fault protection

protection in which the residual current from a set of three-phase current transformers is balanced
against the residual output from a similar set of current transformers or, more usually, from a
single current transformer located on the earthing connection, if any, of a neutral point
reticulation system
distribution network/system for a specific local distribution area
retrofit
modifications done to an item to incorporate improvements in design to ensure enhanced
operating performance
revenue protection
any steps taken to prevent, minimize, eliminate or recover the loss of revenue owing to theft, non-
payment or any other similar causes, for services supplied
ring feeder
arrangement of electrical lines forming a complete ring and supplied only from a single source
[IEC]
NOTE A ring can be operated open or closed.

ring main
electrical supply through cable in a closed ring, providing alternative paths
ring main
see ring feeder, which states: arrangement of electrical lines forming a complete ring and
supplied only from a single source
NOTE A ring can be operated open or closed. [IEC]
ring main switch
switch housed in a ring main unit and connected in a ring main

ring main switchboard

single busbar switchboard that can supply a reticulation network and can open or close a section
of a ring main
ring main unit
switchgear assembly with an external metal enclosure, usually comprising two ring main switches
connected in series and a switch or switch-fuse connected to the junction between the ring main
switches
ring main unit
completely enclosed single busbar unit which forms part of the ring main and contains one or
more branch switches
ring main unit
switchgear assembly with an external metal enclosure, usually comprising two ring main switches
connected in series and a switch or switch-fuse connected to the junction between the ring main
switches
ring substation
single busbar substation in which the busbar is formed as a closed loop with only disconnectors
in series within the loop [IEC]
ringfencing
financial separation of the electricity related costs from all other costs incurred within a utility, and
the further financial separation of the generation, transmission and distribution costs within the
utility
 106 NRS 000-1:2008

risk
chance of loss, or the probability that an undesired event may occur, multiplied by the cost of that
event if it does occur
risk management
managerial function which has the objective of protecting people, assets and profits of a
business, by eliminating or minimizing the potential for loss from pure risk and the provision of
funds to recover from losses that do occur
routine test
test made by the manufacturer on each manufactured length of cable to check that each length
meets the specified requirements
routine test
test that is required to be carried out on every item or batch of items before delivery
routine test
test made on each individual device during or after manufacture to check if it complies with the
requirements of the standard concerned or the criteria
routine test on a cable
test carried out on all finished cable lengths by the cable manufacturer to demonstrate the
integrity of the cable
routine tests
quality control tests performed during and after manufacturing
run-of-river power station
hydroelectric power station, which uses the river flow as it occurs, the filling period of its own
reservoir by the cumulative water flows being practically negligible [IEC]
run-to-failure
failure of an item, which has intentionally not been subject to preventive maintenance

rural
clustered or scattered structures, usually of low density, not served by a well established
infrastructure (roads, telecommunication, etc.). The power is usually supplied radially by
overhead lines emanating from one distribution station.
rural (area)
area characterized by clustered or scattered structures, usually of low density, not served by well
established infrastructure (roads, telecommunications, etc.)
rural network
networks not considered urban
rural networks
electrical networks found in areas that are sparsely populated e.g. farming communities;
[networks that are not defined as urban (see urban networks)]

rural (networks or system)

networks or systems serving clustered or scattered structures, usually of low density, not served
by well established infrastructure (roads, telecommunications, etc.). The power network is usually
supplied radially by overhead lines emanating from one distribution station.
 107 NRS 000-1:2008

SANS 1524-0
definitions in SANS 1524-0 apply
SANS 470
definitions in SANS 470 apply
SANS 780
definitions in SANS 780 apply
SANS 60050
definitions in SANS 60050 chapter 441apply
safe clearance working; hot stick working (USA)
method of live working by which the worker remains at a specified distance from the live parts
and carries out his work by means of insulating poles [IEC]
safety clearance
minimum distance that, for safety reasons, needs to be maintained between any part of a
person’s body or any work tool and any unearthed, bare LV conductor or any unearthed and
screened MV/HV conductor (see safety clearances)
safety clearances
safety clearances are specified according to the rated voltage of the system:
rated voltage (r.m.s. phase-to-phase) safety clearance:
up to 11 kV 0,20 m
above 11 kV and up to 33 kV 0,43 m
above 33 kV and up to 66 kV 0,77 m
above 66 kV and up to 132 kV 1,45 m
above 132 kV and up to 275 kV 2,35 m
above 275 kV and up to 400 kV 3,20 m
above 400 kV and up to 765 kV 5,50 m
safety equipment
equipment or article, including protective clothing, which is manufactured, provided, installed or
used in the interest of safety
safety lock
approved lock or suite of locks for which only one single key is available
safety testing
testing of apparatus to ascertain whether it is live or dead by means of equipment provided for
this purpose
sag
maximum vertical distance between a conductor that spans between supports, and a straight line
that joins the conductor’s points of support [IEC]
sample test
test carried out on a sample of a completed cable or on components taken from a
completed cable, at a specified frequency so as to verify that the finished product
complies with the design specifications
sample test
test on a sample
sample test
test made by the manufacturer on samples of complete cable or components taken from a
completed cable at a specified frequency, so as to verify that the finished product meets the
specified requirements
 108 NRS 000-1:2008

sample test
test carried out on a sample (of a completed product) or on components thereof so as to verify
that the finished product complies with the design specifications
sampling test
test on a number of devices taken at random from a batch
satellite substation
one of the remotely controlled substations, controlled by a master substation [IEC]
screen (of a cable)
conducting layer(s) having the function of control of the electric field within the insulation
NOTE A screen may also provide smooth surfaces at the boundaries of the insulation and assist in the
elimination of spaces at these boundaries. [IEC]
screened (equipment)
completely surrounded by earthed metal or protected from accidental contact by a fixed barrier of
non-conducting material
screened (insulation)
insulation that has a surrounding earthed metallic layer to confine the electric field within the
insulation.
screened separable connector
separable connector, which has a fully screened external surface [IEC]
screened separable connector termination
air filled enclosure within which the cable cores are terminated with screened separable
connectors
screening
electrical screen of non-metallic or metallic material or both covering the insulation
seal
passive, one-time locking device, preferably with a unique number or other form of identification
that is used to provide a reliable deterrent against tampering and to give an indication of
tampering

NOTE Tampering can be unauthorized removal or attempted removal.

sealed cable (end cap)

device placed on the ends of cable to prevent the ingress of moisture during storage,
transportation and installation
sealed end
termination to the end of the cable providing a seal from the external environment and
maintaining the filling within the cable
sealed system
box or enclosure that can only be accessed by the customer by removing either a locking device,
a series of securing bolts or some other security device

sealing
process whereby access to metering equipment is restricted by means of a mechanical seal to
deter and identify unauthorized access to such equipment

sealing tool
device for securing the seal, where required
 109 NRS 000-1:2008

secondary control
(of active power in a system) co-ordinated control of the active power supplied to the network by
particular generators [IEC]
secondary control
part of a cascade control, operating with a reference variable, provided by the main
controller and with measurement and feedback of subsidiary controlled variables only
secondary distribution
distribution system that is normally fed from primary distribution switchgear rather than from
transformers
secondary earthing conductor
conductor that, for crossed-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulated cable, connects the copper
screen of the cable to the main earthing conductor at a joint or termination
secondary injection
passage of a current into a metering circuit at a point beyond the instrument transformer
NOTE This is typically used for the calibration or verification of a metering installation.
sectionalizer
device that contains a switch that opens automatically on a downline fault to disconnect a power
line during the dead time of an auto-recloser and that is manually operated to close
sectionalizing switch (sectionalizer)
switch provided on overhead lines for use in conjunction with an auto-reclosing circuit-breaker for
the automatic disconnection of faulty sections of overhead line whilst the line is dead
secure control
single non-latching switch that effects one control only. An example of which is either a non-
latching switch or two separate push-buttons that effect one state of a control function only in
each position. If a control is activated repeatedly it only effects that state and does not change the
state of the control
secure control (in the context of auto-recloser (ARC)
single non-latching switch that affects one control only
security linking
contingency configuration of the network where isolation for maintenance could compromise
network stability (i.e. redundancy or firm supply requirements)

seed key
key used by an algorithm as a starting or initializing value for the generation of another value

selector switch
switching device capable of making, carrying and breaking current, combining the duties of a tap
selector and a diverter switch [IEC]
selector switch
switch for changing the connections from one set of its terminals to another
selector switch disconnector
double or triple busbar substation, a disconnector which is intended to connect a primary circuit
(line, transformer, etc.) to one of the busbars [IEC]
self-monitoring (fault)
condition whereby a fault, that does not cause the system protection to operate, will manifest
itself in another way, usually by failure of the consumer’s apparatus to operate
self-restoring insulation
insulation which completely recovers its insulating properties after a disruptive discharge [IEC]
 110 NRS 000-1:2008

self-supporting aerial bundled conductor

multicore aerial bundled conductor system in which all cores are under tension
self-synchronization
process of synchronization of an unloaded and unexcited synchronous machine that is excited
either at the same time as it is coupled to the system or shortly afterwards [IEC]
sensitive earth fault
low level earth fault below 5 A primary current
sensitive earth fault relay
relay that is sensitive to very low earth fault currents and in which the operating settings are for
current magnitude with a definite time delay
sensitive earth fault sensing
arrangement that renders the sectionalizer sensitive to very low earth fault currents
separable connector
fully insulated termination that allows the connection and the disconnection of a cable to other
equipment
separate neutral and earth cable
cable or distributor in which the neutral conductor and the earth conductor are electrically
separated from each other
separate neutral and earth (SNE)
system where the neutral and the earth conductors are separate at the customer’s installation,
but are combined at the source

separation distance
minimum distance between power conductors and telecommunication conductors
separator
thin layer used as a barrier to prevent mutually detrimental effects between different
components of a cable, such as between the conductor and the insulation or between the
insulation and the sheath [IEC]
separator (electrochemical)
electrochemical cell, device made of insulating material permeable to the ions of the electrolyte
and prohibiting totally or partially the mixing of the materials
NOTE Membranes and diaphragms are special forms of separators.
separator (of a battery)
material with ion permeable structure to provide electrical insulation between plates of opposite
polarity
series capacitor
capacitor connected in series with the voltage circuit of a measuring instrument in order to extend
its measuring range
series capacitor
power capacitor intended to be connected in series with a line
NOTE These capacitors are used primarily for the compensation of all or part of the reactance of
the line.

series capacitor
device for reducing the impedance of a line to improve the load transfer
series reactor
device used for limiting the fault current
 111 NRS 000-1:2008

series reactor
reactor intended for series connection in a network, either for limiting the current under
fault conditions or for load-sharing in parallel circuits
series regulator
regulator that prevents overcharging of a battery by disconnecting the photovoltaic current in an
array and effectively placing the array in open circuit
NOTE The switching frequency can be high, thus having small voltage sags.
service cable
cable that has two or more conductors arranged concentrically within an outer protective sheath
service conductor
branch line from the electrical distribution system, to supply one or more customers
service connection
branch line from the main distribution system to the point of supply
service connection
tapping from a distributor, usually of a smaller cross-sectional area, to supply one or more
consumers
service connection
tapping from a low voltage distributor, usually of a smaller cross-sectional area, to supply one or
more power or telecommunication consumer(s)
service connection works
equipment that connects the customer to the utility network
service disconnection
temporary suspension of service due to non-payment, tampering or cancellation
service distribution box
prefabricated box, with or without protective devices, for terminating several service connections
to the distribution line(s)
service distribution point
generic term for LV distribution boxes, cluster metering boxes, LV kiosks, pillars, pole-boxes, etc.,
used for supplying consumers from a distributor
service position
position of a removable part in which it is fully connected for its intended function [IEC}
service provider
entity (individual or organization) that offers a service or services

servitude
right of entry for the installation, operation and maintenance of a power system given to a supply
authority by way of law and registered against the title of the property

NOTE The supply authority pays the land owner for this right depending on the utilization the land.

shared structure
structure that supports both power and telecommunication distributors or, a structure which
supports both service connections

sheath
envelope or casing of a conductor
 112 NRS 000-1:2008

sheath
uniform and continuous tubular covering of metallic or non-metallic material, generally
extruded [IEC]
shield
barrier or enclosure provided for mechanical protection, which may also have the function of a
screen
shield (of a cable)
surrounding earthed metallic layer to confine the electric field within the cable or protect
the cable (or both) from electrical influence
NOTE Metallic sheaths, armours and earthed concentric conductors may also serve as shields.

shielding; screening
conductive covering that surrounds conductors or equipment and that is primarily intended to
prevent externally generated interference from impinging on the conductors or equipment
short-circuit
accidental or intentional conductive path between two or more conductive parts forcing
the electric potential differences between these conductive parts to be equal to or close to
zero
short-circuit
accidental or intentional connection by a relatively low impedance of two or more points on a
circuit which are normally at different potentials [IEC]
short-circuit power
product of the current in the short circuit at a point of a system and a conventional voltage,
generally the operating voltage
short-circuit protection
protective feature that limits the current under short-circuit conditions, to prevent the equipment
from being damaged

short span
span up to a length of 100 m

shrouded conductor
conductor in an air-filled enclosure that has additional, unscreened, local insulation enhancement
shrouded insulation termination
air-insulated termination that has additional, unscreened, local insulation enhancement typically
consisting of bushing protection or taping along with a suitable heat shrink, cold shrink or slip-on
cover at the terminal connections
shrouded termination
indoor termination that is used in an air-filled terminal box that is insulated but unscreened at the
bushing connection
shunt
resistor that is connected in parallel with an instrument in order to reduce the current that
passes through it
NOTE The resistance may be so chosen that the reduction is a known ratio.
 113 NRS 000-1:2008

shunt
resistor connected in parallel with the current circuit of a measuring instrument in order to extend
its measuring range
NOTE A shunt is generally intended to provide a voltage proportional to the current to be measured.
shunt
qualifies a machine to denote that it is excited by a winding in parallel to the armature winding
shunt capacitor
power capacitor intended to be connected in parallel with a network
NOTE These capacitors are used primarily for power factor correction by reactive power

shunt capacitor
device for generating reactive power for voltage control
shunt reactor
reactor intended for shunt connection in a network to compensate for capacitive current
shunt reactor
device used for absorbing reactive power for voltage control
shunt regulator
regulator that prevents overcharging of a battery by shunting the photovoltaic array current to a
low-impedance bypass
shutters
mechanically operated safety covers for, or on, orifices, to prevent access to live parts of
switchgear
shutters
movable part incorporated into a socket-outlet arranged to shield at least the live socket-
outlet contacts automatically when the plug is withdrawn
simultaneous demand
arithmetic or vectorial sum of the kilowatt or kilovolt-ampere demand that is supplied at a group of
supply points during the same integration period
single busbar substation
substation in which the lines and transformers are connected to one busbar only [IEC]
single earthing switch
three-phase switch on one side of a disconnector
single feeder; radial feeder
electric line supplied from one end only [IEC]
single home electricity system
non-grid supply of electricity that is generated on the premises of a customer and consumed by
the same customer
NOTE An example of such a non-grid system is a solar home system.
single-mode fibres
optical fibre in which the radiation of only one bound mode can propagate at the wavelength of
interest
single supply
supply given to a load by one circuit only
 114 NRS 000-1:2008

single wire earth return

single phase system in which the neutral side of the connected loads is joined to earth. There is
usually no continuous conductor between the source and load neutral, and the neutral current
flows through electrodes into the mass of the earth.
single wire earth return
a.c. electrical distribution network where only one overhead conductor is used to supply a
load, and the earth is used as the current return path
single-line diagram
system diagram in which the polyphase links are represented by their equivalent single line
single-point (source) earthing
earthing of the distributor neutral conductor at the medium-voltage/low-voltage transformer
neutral point
site
physical points in the electricity supply network, which have been categorized for the purpose of
monitoring QOS
skid boards
panels that have a smooth clean upper surface that is placed between the butt of the pole and the
face of the excavation, to facilitate the erection of the pole
slave device
intelligent electronic device (IED) or remote terminal unit (RTU) that operates under the control of
a master station
slenderness factor
ratio that characterizes the shape of a specific probability distribution curve
( = mean/standard deviation)
small power distribution unit
ready-wired distribution box or board with appropriate circuit-breaker protection and socket-
outlets, which is suitable for direct connection to a customer’s electricity dispenser or meter
soil resistivity
resistance between the opposite faces of a cube of soil having sides of length 1 m. This value is
expressed in ohm meter

solid conductor
conductor consisting of a single wire
NOTE The solid conductor may be circular or shaped.

solid earthed neutral system

system in which at least one neutral point is earthed directly
solid-link
component for use in place of a fuse-carrier, to effect a manual disconnection
solid-link assembly
assembly that comprises all components that form a complete device intended to isolate
equipment or parts of a reticulation system, or both, form the source of supply

solidly earthed neutral system

system whose neutral point(s) is (are) earthed directly [IEC]
solid state meter
meter that converts voltage and current inputs into signals, via voltage transformers (VTs),
current transformers (CTs) and electronic circuits, that drive a stepper motor which in turn drives
the rolling register of the meter
 115 NRS 000-1:2008

solid-state regulator
regulator that uses solid-state switching devices to control the flow of charge to a battery
NOTE The rate of switching is typically at high frequency.
source earthing
single-point (source) earthing, which states: the earthing of the distributor neutral conductor at the
medium-voltage/low-voltage transformer neutral point
spacer block
piece of timber that is used as a spacer between poles and cross-arms in five-pole structures but
that is not intended to be used in contact with the ground
special tool
non-standard tool that is necessary to carry out maintenance on a disconnector isolator or
earthing switch (or both). Such a tool could be for contact-assembly and contact pressure setting,
but also for mechanical bearing assembly and disassembly, etc.
specifically trained person
telecommunication authority employee, trained in accordance with the requirements of the
Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993) and those of the
telecommunication authority concerned, for work on shared structures

specified mechanical load

load specified by the manufacturer, which is used for mechanical tests and forms the basis for the
selection of insulators
NOTE Specified mechanical load is commonly used in connection with composite insulators.
specified operating range
range of values of a single influence quantity which forms part of the rated operating conditions
speed ratio
speed ratio of all fuse-link sizes rated at 100 A and below is the ratio between the current that
melts the fuse in 0,1 s and the current that melts the fuse in 300 s
speed ratio
ratio of the maximum service speed to the rated speed at full field with the motors grouped
for maximum speed
spill
amount of oil present out of its normal container
NOTE "Normal" refers to a transformer or a drum, etc. (see electrical equipment).

spinning reserve of a system

difference between the total available capacity of all generating sets already coupled to the
system and their actual loading [IEC]
splicing
fusion of the ends of two fibres to create a joint with minimal optical loss
split concentric cable
cable having two conductors in a single concentric layer separated from each other by insulating
material
split meter; split prepayment meter
prepayment meter that consists of a customer interface unit and a measurement unit
NOTE The intention of a split prepayment meter is to allow credit token interaction between the customer
and the customer interface unit without allowing access to the mains conductors in order to minimize the
possibility of tampering (unauthorized interference).
 116 NRS 000-1:2008

split-concentric cable
sheathed cable that has a phase core surrounded by two conductors, a neutral conductor and an
earth conductor, that, together, form a single concentric layer around the phase core, the two
conductors being separated from each other by insulating material
spur feeder
feeder to which subscriber's taps or looped system outlets are connected
spur feeder
see branch line, which states: an electric line connected to a main line at a point on its route [IEC]
NOTE A branch line which is a final circuit is called a spur.

standard
document, established by consensus and approved by a recognized body, that provides,
for common and repeated use, rules, guidelines or characteristics for activities or their
results, aimed at the achievement of the optimum degree of order in a given context
NOTE Standards should be based on the consolidated results of science, technology and
experience and should be aimed at the promotion of optimum community benefits.

standard for live work

written instructions for the safe execution of work on apparatus, constituting an extension of these
regulations, stating exactly how live work, referred to in these regulations, is to be carried out
standard network capacity
maximum capacity that would economically be allowed on a particular network before system
reinforcement is required
standard specification
South African specification issued in terms of the Standards Act, 1993 (Act 29 of 1993), provided
that, until such time as a South African specification has been issued, the latest revision of
another appropriate national specification or an appropriate International Electro-technical
Commission specification shall be deemed to be the standard specification.
standard supply
supply where the design standard is according to the standard accepted by the utility for the
particular type of work
standardization revenue
monetary value assigned to the results of a standardization activity, estimated from the expected
value added derived from application of the result
standard test conditions
prescribed range for influence quantities to be used during testing the performance of a
measuring instrument
standard test conditions
conditions where the irradiance is 1 000 W/m², the temperature of the photovoltaic cell is 25 °C
and the air mass is 1,5 (see air mass which states: a numerical value used to give an overall
measure of the amount of atmosphere through which solar radiation has to pass. At sea level,
when the sun is directly overhead, the air mass is 1,0. When the sun is lower in the sky (some
hours from noon, or in winter months), the solar radiation has to cut through more atmosphere
and the air mass is then higher than 1,0)
standard voltage
phase voltage of 230 V measured between a phase conductor and the neutral conductor, or a
line voltage of the square root of 3 multiplied by 230 V measured between phase conductors
[Electricity Act, 1987 (Act No. 41 of 1987), regulation R2265]
 117 NRS 000-1:2008

standby capacity
capacity available to customers to meet the abnormal load requirements above an agreed normal
in the event of failure of alternative generation (or start-up)
standby current
current drawn by an inverter when no load is connected to the output
NOTE This should be as small as possible to avoid unnecessary discharge of the storage battery.
standby supply
supply which can be used when the normal supply becomes unavailable or inadequate [IEC]
static reactive power compensator
device used for automatic reactive power control, for compensator voltage control and for
balancing the three phases
station
power station or a substation
statistical energy (check) metering
metering at the substation, feeder or bulk supply level, of the energy supplied to a project or
supply group
stay
steel wire, rope or rod, working under tension, connecting a point of support to a separate
anchor, or connecting two points of the support [IEC]
stay insulator
insulator designed to withstand the tension of a stay wire or rope and to insulate the lower portion
of the stay from leakage currents, but not from fault currents
stay wire
stranded wire portion of a stay
step potential
part of the earth electrode potential gradient that can be bridged by a person from foot to foot
through the body

step-up substation
transformer substation in which the outgoing power from the transformers is at a higher voltage
than the incoming power. [605-01-04]

step-down substation
transformer substation in which the outgoing power from the transformers is at a lower
voltage than the incoming power [IEC]

stop end (insulating cap)

insulating device to terminate the unconnected end of an energized cable
stop-end
accessory that provides a means of insulating the unconnected end of an energized cable [IEV
461-10-07, modified]
storage and transport conditions
extreme conditions which a non-operating measuring instrument can withstand without damage
and without degradation of its metrological characteristic when it is subsequently operated under
its rated operating conditions [IEC]
 118 NRS 000-1:2008

stored-energy operation
operation by means of energy stored in the mechanism itself prior to the completion of the
operation and sufficient to complete it under predetermined conditions

stored energy operation (of a mechanical switching device)

operation that is completed under predetermined conditions by using energy stored in the
switching device prior to the completion of the operation.

strain fitting
fitting that transfers the tensile load between the supporting conductor and the strain resisting
structures of an aerial bundled conductor system
stranded conductor
conductor consisting of a number of individual wires, all or some of which generally have a helical
form [IEC]
stranded conductor
conductor consisting of a number of wires, all or some of which are wound in a helix
structure
relations among the elements of a system
structure
building or part of an installation or part of a plant, inside of which a lightning protection zone can
be established
structure
construction of wood, concrete or steel, used in a line to support conductors or cables (or both)
and associated accessories and equipment
structure (of an overhead line)
construction, of wood, concrete or steel, used in a line to support conductors or cables (or
both) and associated accessories and equipment above the ground
structure (of an overhead line)
device designed to carry, through insulators, a set of conductors of a line
structure loading
vector resultant sum of the loadings incident to the structure including the mass of the
conductors, the wind loading, the tension in the conductors and the forces due to staywires

subdivisions
situations where a particular piece of land is subdivided thus allowing for more than one utility
service connection to be made to the development
substation (of a power system)
part of an electrical system, confined to a given area, mainly including ends of
transmission or distribution lines, electrical switchgear and controlgear, buildings and
transformers. A substation generally includes safety or control devices (for example
protection)
NOTE The substation can be qualified according to the designation of the system of which it forms
a part. e.g. transmission, distribution substation, 400 kV or 20 kV substation.

substation (of a power system)

part of a power system, concentrated in a given place, including mainly the terminations of
transmission or distribution lines, switchgear and housing and which may also include
transformers. It generally includes facilities necessary for system security and control (e.g. the
protective devices) [IEC]
NOTE According to the nature of the system within which the substation is included, a prefix may qualify it.
 119 NRS 000-1:2008

Examples: transmission substation (of a transmission system), distribution substation, 400 kV

substation, 20 kV substation.
super-clean material
material that, once extruded, is free from
3
a) voids larger than 50 µm, and a maximum of 30 voids per 16,4 cm larger than 25 µm,
3
b) contaminants larger than 125 µm, and a maximum of 10 contaminants per 16,4 cm in the size
range 50 µm to 125 µm (666 contaminants/kg), and

c) translucent material larger than 625 µm

supervision
activity , performed either manually or automatically, intended to observe the state of an
item
supervision
function of indicating the status of and of controlling a call, a system or a network
supervision (supervising; supervised)
overseeing of the actions of a person or persons to a degree sufficient to prevent any act which
could be dangerous or in contravention of these regulations
NOTE For the purposes of these regulations, the authorized person responsible for the supervision of
workmen has to execute the level of supervision demanded by the situation.

supervisory
remote control and indications of an auto-recloser or a pole-mounted remote terminal unit
by means of a telecommunication link

supplementary insulation
independent insulation that is applied in addition to the basic insulation, in order to
provide protection against electric shock in the event of a failure of the basic insulation
supplier
authorized supplier of electricity
NOTE The supplier can also be a supplier of water, gas, or other services.
supplier
party supplying electricity to distribution undertakings or to consumers
supplier (of electricity)
authority that, in terms of legislation, has the right to supply electricity
NOTE “Electricity supplier” should always be used instead of “supplier”.
supplier; manufacturer
person or company from whom equipment, materials or services can be obtained
supply (of electricity)
public service provided by a distribution undertaking to any consumer and determined according
to technical and commercial criteria such as frequency, voltage, continuity, maximum demand,
point of supply, tariffs
NOTE In French, in a restrictive sense, electricity supplied to a consumer, groups of consumers or other
utilities (or both).
 120 NRS 000-1:2008

supplier
utility
supplier of electricity authorized by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa

NOTE The supplier might also be a supplier of water, gas, or other services.

supply authority
utility, which states: a body, licensed by the National Electricity Regulator, that generates,
transmits or distributes electricity. Such a body might be the direct licensee, or an agent
(subdistributor) of the licensee.
NOTE The preferred term is “electricity supplier”.

supply authority
distributor of electrical power which includes Eskom, municipalities and any other similar
organization that is licensed to distribute electrical power
supply authority
electrical undertaking that is authorized and licensed by the National Electricity Regulator to
supply power to consumers in a designated area
supply disconnection
interruption of supply over a significantly long period of time, due to the opening of a
switching device [IEC]
supply group key revision number
attribute of a supply group and that defines the current key revision number for the supply group,
and therefore the current vending key value for the supply group (see also key revision number

supply service; line connection

branch line from the distribution system to supply a consumer's installation. [IEC]
supply voltage
voltage which a distribution undertaking maintains at the consumer's point of supply [IEC]
NOTE If a supply voltage is specified, for instance in the supply contract, then it is called "declared
(supply) voltage".

supply voltage
voltage, excluding signal voltage, applied to the circuit of an electrode by an external source
support structure
device designed to carry, through insulators, conductors of a line
supporting conductor ABC
multicore aerial bundled conductor system that is so installed that only the neutral
conductor is under tension
surge
transient over voltage or transient overcurrent
surge isolation device
component such as an isolation transformer, optocoupler or fibre-optic link, the purpose
of which is to protect electronic equipment from surges by means of galvanic isolation
surge management device
term that is used to include either a surge isolation device or a surge protection device
 121 NRS 000-1:2008

surge protective device (SPD)

circuit that consists possibly of silicon suppressors, metal oxide varistors and spark gaps
(gas gaps), the purpose of which is to limit transient over-voltages and transient over-
currents, appearing on cables, to levels that are safe for the electronic equipment
connected to those cables
NOTE There are two basic types of SPD:
a) a type I SPD, which is a current diverting device (for example, a spark gap); and
b) a type II SPD, which is a voltage clamping device (for example, a metal-oxide varistor.

susceptibility
inability of a device, equipment or system to perform without degradation in the presence of an
electromagnetic disturbance. Susceptibility is the lack of immunity [CIGRE]

NOTE 1 Voltage ratings are consistent with the IEC's definitions [IEC 61000-3-7] because of the
frequent reference to IEC standards in this document. These ratings may differ from those
currently used by ESI members and other NRS documents.

NOTE 2 CISPR / IEC definition. Where referred to in the context of radio equipment, the
traditional IEEE radio frequency bands, i.e. LF (30 kHz - 300 kHz), MF (300 kHz - 3 MHz), HF (3
MHz - 30 MHz), VHF (30 MHz - 300 MHz), and UHF(300 MHz - 3 GHz) are implied.

NOTE 3 The ports of interest are shown in figure 1. The enclosure port is the physical boundary
of the apparatus (e.g. enclosure). The enclosure port provides for radiated and electrostatic
discharge (ESD) energy transfer, whereas the other ports provide for conducted energy transfer.

suspender wire
steel, multistranded wire that is used to support a telecommunication cable on an
overhead line
suspension fitting
fitting that supports a service cable or conductor at intermediate positions between strain
fittings
suspension fitting
fitting that supports the aerial bundled conductor at intermediate positions between strain fittings
suspension fitting
fitting that supports the aerial bundled conductor at intermediate positions between strain fittings
switch
component fitted with an actuator and contacts to make and break a connection
switch
mechanical switching device capable of making fault current and carrying and breaking load
current
switch
device for changing the electric connections among its terminals
switch
switching device capable of making, carrying and breaking currents under normal circuit
conditions which may include specified operating overload conditions and also carrying currents
under specified abnormal circuit conditions such as those of short-circuit, for a specified time
[IEC]
 122 NRS 000-1:2008

switch
mechanical switching device capable of making, carrying and breaking currents under
normal circuit conditions, which can include specified operating overload conditions, and
also carrying for a specified time currents under specified abnormal circuit conditions
such as those of short-circuit
NOTE A switch can be capable of making but not of breaking short-circuit currents
switch chamber; switch room
chamber or room that contains switchgear

switchboard
two or more switch panels with their interconnecting busbars

switchboard
general term that covers switching devices and their associated control, measuring,
indicating, alarm, protection and regulating equipment, also assemblies of such devices
and equipment with associated interconnections, accessories, enclosures and supporting
structures, intended in principle for use in connection with the generation, transmission,
distribution and conversion of electric energy
switchboard
part of a manual or manually supervised exchange at which the interconnection of circuits is
manually controlled
switch disconnector
mechanical switching device which provides, in the open position, an isolating distance in
accordance with specified requirements

switch disconnector
switch that, in the open position, satisfies the isolating requirements specified for a
disconnector
switch disconnector
switch which, in the open position, satisfies the isolating requirements specified for a disconnector
[IEC]
switch disconnector panel
switchgear panel complete with a non-withdrawable type switch disconnector or switch-isolator
switch panel
apparatus comprising any one circuit of a switchboard, including the busbar and the connection to
the cable
switch yard
outdoor enclosed area that contains switchgear
switch-fuse
switch-fuse combination
switch in which one or more poles have a fuse in series in a composite unit
switch-fuse panel
switch-fuse combination panel
switchgear panel complete with a non-withdrawable switch-fuse combination
 123 NRS 000-1:2008

switchgear
general term covering switching devices and their combination with associated control,
measuring, protective and regulating equipment, also assemblies of such devices and
equipment with associated interconnections, accessories, enclosures and supporting
structures, intended in principle for use in connection with generation, transmission,
distribution and conversion of electric energy

NOTE When reference is made in this specification to a switchgear panel and a switchboard,
the term switchgear is used.

switchgear (indoor)
switchgear and controlgear designed solely for installation within a building or other
housing, where the switchgear and controlgear are protected against wind, rain, snow,
abnormal dirt deposits, abnormal condensation, ice and frost

switchgear (outdoor)
switchgear and controlgear suitable for installation in the open air, i.e. capable of
withstanding wind, rain, snow, dirt deposits, condensation, ice and frost

symbol element
simple figure with a defined meaning, which has to be combined with other figures to form
the complete symbol for a device or a concept. machine, series and shunt field windings,
bushes and terminals. When symbol elements are combined in this way, their arrangement
is not necessarily related to the physical structure of the device symbolized
switchgear and controlgear
equipment provided to be connected to an electrical circuit for the purpose of carrying out one or
more of the following functions: protection, control, isolation, switching

switchgear and controlgear – metal-enclosed

switchgear and controlgear assemblies with an external metal enclosure intended to be
earthed, and complete except for external connections

switchgear panel
switchgear panel of modular design that comprises a mechanical switching device (e.g. a
circuit-breaker, a switch, a switch-disconnector or a switch-fuse) and its associated
control, measuring, indicating, alarm, protection and regulating equipment with
interconnections, accessories, enclosures and support structure

switching
opening or closing of circuit-breakers or switches on links in a system
switching
opening or closing of circuit-breakers or switches
switching
process of temporarily associated functional units, transmission channels or telecommunication
circuits for the purpose of providing a desired telecommunications facility
switching differential
ratio of the measured switch-on level to the measured switch-off level
 124 NRS 000-1:2008

switching substation
substation which includes switchgear and usually busbars, but no power transformers
[IEC]
switching unit
aggregate of switching equipment and auxiliary equipment at a node in a telecommunication
network enabling connections, as required by individual users to be established
switching unit of a photo-electric control unit (PECU)
part of a two-part PECU that contains the load-switching device
switch yard
outdoor enclosed area that contains switchgear
symmetrical fault
insulation fault at one point of a circuit, affecting the insulation of all three phase
conductors between one another and usually to earth
synchronization
process of adjusting clock frequencies to achieve synchronism of two time-varying, phenomena,
time-scales or signals
synchronization
The matching of two systems with respect to their frequency and to their voltage
magnitude and voltage phase for interconnection purposes [IEC]

synchronization of two systems

matching of two systems with respect to their frequency and to their voltage magnitude
and voltage phase for interconnection purposes
synchronous condenser
synchronous machine used for reactive power control

synchronous operation of a machine

ideal operating condition of a synchronous machine connected to the network in which
the electrical angular velocity of the machine corresponds with the network frequency
NOTE Under practical operating conditions the angular velocity of the machine may slightly
oscillate around the ideal value.

synchronous operation of a system

condition of a system in which all machines are in synchronous operation
system
set of interrelated elements considered in a defined context as a whole and separated from their
environment
NOTE 1 A system is generally defined with the view of achieving a given objective, e.g. by performing a
definite function.
NOTE 2 Elements of a system may be natural or man-made material objects, as well as modes of thinking
and the results thereof (e.g. forms of organization, mathematical methods, programming, languages)
NOTE 3 The system is considered to be separated from the environment and the other external systems by
an imaginary surface, which cuts the links between them and the system.
NOTE 4 The term "system" should be qualified when it is not clear from the context to what it refers, e.g.
control system, colorimetric system, system of units, transmission system.
 125 NRS 000-1:2008

system
electrical system in which all the conductors and devices are electrically connected to a
common source of electrical energy

system configuration
permanent or temporary grouping of similar or dissimilar individual system patterns
system configuration
specified arrangement of telecontrol stations and their interconnections
system demand control
control of the power demand of the consumers on a power system [IEC]

system diagram
topological representation of a system in which the information content depends on a
specific requirement [IEC]

system earthing – effective

earthed system, or portion of the system, in which the power frequency phase-to-earth
over voltages associated with earth faults are limited to 0,8Um

system earthing - non-effective

system in which the neutral is intentionally connected to the system earth through a
current limiting device
system master station
centrally located unit that collects, stores and processes data from, and transmits data to, credit
dispensing units (CDUs) and distributors’ management computer systems
NOTE 1 A system master station is capable of producing, from the data collected, reports and information
as defined from time to time by the supply authority.
NOTE 2 A system master station is also capable of transmitting processed data and control information to
and from a supply authority’s computer systems.
system operational diagram
system diagram representing a particular operational condition
system pattern
repetitive arrangement of the nodes in a system and their connections, e.g. feeder, ring, mesh.
etc.
system-minutes
unit used to measure the relative loss of supply in an electricity supply network
SZ
method of constructing a cable where the direction of rotation of the elements of the cable
reverses periodically along the cable

take-over
act of taking over equipment by the purchaser to operate, after it has been accepted and
approved, with or without reservations
NOTE The date of take-over is often associated with the commencement of a guarantee period.
 126 NRS 000-1:2008

take-over current
current co-ordinate of the intersection between the time-current characteristics of two
overcurrent protective devices

tampering
unauthorized interference with the supplier’s equipment, or removal of the supplier’s seal from a
protective device or from metering equipment

tampering
unauthorized interference with the supplier's equipment, or the removal of the supplier's seals
from the protective devices or metering equipment, or the illegal connection of cables to the
utilities’ infrastructure

tamper detection
means of detecting whether unauthorized individuals have accessed the meter

tapped (tee off) substation

single supply substation fed from a single branch line [IEC
tariff
statement setting out the components to be taken into account and the methods to be
employed in calculating the amounts to be paid to the supply undertaking by the
consumer, according to the characteristics of the supply
tariff
price structure for electricity supplied to a point of supply
tariff
combination of monthly charges each at particular rates that are usually escalated annually and is
applied to recover measured quantities such as consumption and capacity costs and unmeasured
quantities such as service costs
tariff capital allowance
contribution to network capital costs that are contained in the tariffs
tariff charges
charges that make up the tariff
tariff module
device installed at a metering point, and which is capable of receiving inputs from meters,
accumulating these values separately for various user defined rate periods and seasons, storing
these totals in memory, and displaying the stored totals
tariff rates
level at which each of the tariff charges are set
taxes
contributions required by the utility, which are in addition to costs incurred directly for the
provision of electrical energy and services, such as contributions to rates, shareholders
dividends, return-on-investments, taxes required by the National Electricity Regulator and street
lighting, but excluding working capital and development capital used for future system
reinforcement and upgrading
technical loss factor
factor which links energy sales, energy delivered and technical losses
NOTE technical loss factor multiplied by energy sales equals energy delivered.
 127 NRS 000-1:2008

technical losses
energy losses in electricity supply networks due to the resistivity of the conductors and
energization of transformers
NOTE This is generally referred to as copper and iron losses. Technical losses can be calculated using
well proven methods that yield acceptable accuracy levels.

technical losses
losses incurred over electrical networks due to the characteristics of the physical equipment
usually associated with dissipation
tee-connector
pre-moulded connector for connection to a bushing in conjunction with an elbow connector to
permit termination of a second cable core to a bushing
teed feeder
main line to which branch lines are connected [601-02-11]

teed line
main line to which branch lines are connected
teed system
modified radial system to which spurs have been added [601-02-16]

TN-C-S system
neutral and protective functions combined in a single conductor between the source and the point
of supply and separated in a consumer’s installation

SOURCE OF ENERGY
L1
L2
L3
N
COMBINED PROTECTIVE EARTH
AND NEUTRAL (PEN) CONDUCTOR (PE)
L1 L2 L3 N
CONSUMERS PREMISES L N
CIRCUIT-BREAKER
AND METERING
SOURCE CONSUMERS EARTH CONSUMERS EARTH
EARTH TERMINAL TERMINAL
POINT OF SUPPLY
EXPOSED CONDUCTIVE

NOTE The usual form of a TN-C-S system is as shown, where the supply is TN-C and the arrangement in
the consumer’s installation is TN-C-S.

All exposed conductive parts of a consumer’s installation are connected to the PEN conductor through the
consumer’s earth terminal and the neutral terminal, these terminals being permanently connected together.
 128 NRS 000-1:2008

TN-S system
separate neutral and protective conductors throughout the system.

SOURCE OF ENERGY
L1
L2
L3
N
PROTECTIVE CONDUCTOR
(PE)
L1 L2 L3 N E
CONSUMERS PREMISES L N
CIRCUIT-BREAKER
AND METERING
SOURCE CONSUMERS EARTH CONSUMERS EARTH
EARTH TERMINAL TERMINAL
POINT OF SUPPLY
EXPOSED CONDUCTIVE
PARTS
(eg. appliances)

NOTE The protective conductor (PE), which is connected to the source neutral earth, is either a separate
conductor or the metallic covering of the cable that supplies the installations.

All exposed conductive parts of a consumer’s installation are connected to this protective conductor via the
consumer’s earth terminal.

telecommunication authority
provider of a telecommunication service network, which includes Telkom and any other similar
organization that is licensed to provide a telecommunication service network
telecommunication authority
licensed provider(s) of a telecommunication service

NOTE Telecommunication authorities include Telkom and any other similar organizations that are licensed
to provide a telecommunication service.

telecommunications authority (review SNO)

authority responsible for administering the Regulations of the Post Office Act, 1958 (Act 44
of 1958)
telecommunication line
apparatus, instrument, wire, optical fibre, pipe, pneumatic or other tube, which may be used for,
or in connection with, the sending, conveying, transmitting or receiving of signs, signals, sounds
or other information, but excluding telecommunication poles or masts
templating
activity of placing or positioning the structure on the ground profile, drawing or map
temporary earth; working earth
supplementary earthing device that is applied at, or within view of, the work site and that is
removed before clearance of the permit to work
temporary over-voltage
oscillatory phase-to-earth or phase-to-phase over voltage at a given location in a system, of
relatively long duration and that is undamped or only weakly damped
NOTE Temporary over-voltages usually originate from switching operations or faults (e.g. load rejection,
single phase faults) or from non-linearities (ferro-resonance effects, harmonics). They may be characterized
by their amplitude, their oscillation frequencies, and by their total duration or their decrement. [IEC]
 129 NRS 000-1:2008

temporary over-voltage
power-frequency over voltage of relatively long duration [IEC]
NOTE The over voltage can be undamped or weakly damped. In some cases, its frequency can be
several times lower or higher than the power frequency.

temporary supply
electricity supply that is provided to a customer in the event of unusual circumstances. Such a
supply might not conform to the service levels normally provided by agreement between the
customer and the licensee
temporary supplies
supplies to customers that are limited in such as a building supply or for a function or such
ten (10) minute r.m.s. value
average (root mean square) value of all the samples taken during a 10 min period
tensile load
tensile load applied during testing, and at which the cable breaks or becomes permanently
deformed
terminal assembly
two or more terminals fixed to the same conductive part

terminal block
support made of insulating material on which all or some of the terminals of the meter are
grouped together
terminal block
assembly of terminals in a housing or body of insulating material to facilitate interconnection
between multiple conductors
terminal block
insulating part carrying one or more mutually insulated terminal assemblies and intended to be
fixed to a support

terminal box
box, usually covered, mounted on the machine or separately and containing terminals which
make the connections between the machine and the supply cables
terminal box
air-filled or compound-filled box that fully encloses a termination [IEV 461-10-03, modified]
terminal box
box enclosing a cable termination and forming a part thereof
terminal cover
cover which protects the meter terminals and, generally, the ends of the external wires or
cables connected to the terminals
terminal cover
cover, enclosing the meter terminals and, generally, the ends of the external wires or cables that
are connected to the terminals [IEC]
termination
device fitted to the end of a cable to ensure electrical connection with other parts of the
system and to maintain the insulation up to the point of connection [IEV 461-10-01]
termination
arrangement provided for making the connections between the machine internal leads and the
external conductors
 130 NRS 000-1:2008

termination
part of an accessory to which a conductor is permanently attached
termination tail
part of a cable termination that, for an impregnated-paper insulated cable, extends from the
metallic sheath to the end of the core insulation and, in the case of an cross linked polyethylene
(XLPE) insulated cable, extends from the extruded bedding to the end of the core insulation
test
technical operation that consists of the determination of one or more characteristics of a
given product, process or service according to a specified procedure
NOTE A test is carried out to measure or classify a characteristic or a property of an item by
applying to the item a set of environmental and operating conditions and/or requirements.

test block
device that permits access to voltage and current circuits for testing purposes while the metering
installation is in normal service
test current
current that is specified by the manufacturer for the main adjustment of the meter (full load
adjustments)
test facility
device connected to the metering circuit that allows for the connection of a test instrument to
measure burden, current or voltage
NOTE Such devices could be test blocks.
test laboratory
facility that is used for the testing and calibration of meters and metering installations not
necessarily approved/accredited by the NER/SANAS
test method
specified technical procedure for performing a test
test position (of a withdrawable part)
position of a withdrawable part in which an isolating distance or segregation is established in the
main circuit, and in which the auxiliaries are connected
test report
document that presents test results and other information relevant to a test
testing laboratory
laboratory that performs tests
NOTE Not necessarily accredited by SANAS.
touch potential
part of the earth electrode potential gradient that can be bridged by person from hand (or hands)
in contact with a structure, through the body to the feet or other earthed point

TASE.2
TASE based on the ICCP model

theft
unauthorized use of electricity owing to tampering
thermal runaway (battery)
critical condition arising during constant voltage charging in which the current and the
temperature of the battery produce a cumulative mutually-reinforcing effect which further
increases them and can lead to the destruction of the battery
 131 NRS 000-1:2008

thermal runaway of an arrester

term “thermal runaway” is used to describe a situation when the sustained power loss of an
arrester exceeds the thermal dissipation capability of the housing and connections, leading to a
cumulative increase in the temperature of the resistor elements and culminating in failure [IEC]
thermal stability of an arrester
arrester is thermally stable if, after an operating duty causing temperature rise, the temperature of
the resistor elements decreases with time, when the arrester is energized as specific continuous
operating voltage and at specified ambient conditions
thimble
component designed to protect a stay wire or rope against abrasion and excessive bending at a
third party supplies/wheeling
situations where electricity is supplied by a particular supplier over the network of another to a
customer
thixotropic gel
gel that undergoes a reduction in viscosity when shaken, stirred or otherwise mechanically
disturbed and that readily exhibits a stable form at rest

three-phase system diagram

diagram of a three-phase system in which all phase and neutral conductors are each represented
by separate lines [IEC]
through connector
see ferrule, which states: connector for connecting two consecutive lengths of conductor [IEC]
through connector
metallic device for connecting two consecutive lengths of conductor
tie clamp
part of a cable tie that binds together its ends round the cables that it ties
time of use
concept referring to the time when a specific product or service is utilized. It is applied to tariffs
where the price of the product or service varies with time
time of use metering
ability to record consumption according to time-dependant tariffs
to earth/to ground
effect the necessary connections in order to maintain a given point of equipment, an installation
or a system as close as practical to earth potential
to earth/to ground (USA)
(equipment, an installation or a system); effect the necessary connections in order to maintain a
given point of equipment, an installation or a system as close as practicable to earth potential
[IEC]
toggled control
single latching switch that enables a single control operation in one position and disables the
same control operation in the other position

token
element that is used to transfer encrypted information between a credit dispensing unit
(CDU) and an electricity dispenser (ED)
NOTE 1 The information consists of credit information, instructions and any other information to be
passed between the CDU and the ED.
NOTE 2 A group token is a token that will be accepted by any one of a predefined group of EDs.
 132 NRS 000-1:2008

NOTE 3 An engineering token is a token used to initiate or perform specific engineering or

management functions on an ED. Only installation or maintenance personnel normally use these
tokens. A coding token is a particular type of engineering token used to set the ED key.
NOTE 4 A unique token will only be accepted by the dispenser for which it was issued.
NOTE 5 A token can act as a receipt.

token encryption device

security module: physically and logically secure device which performs all tasks that have a
security requirement, for example, token encryption, credit control, password control, message
authentication and verification
NOTE A security module can serve several CDUs.
token identifier
value associated with a token and that distinguishes the token from other tokens issued for the
same electricity dispenser − it is derived from the date and time the token is issued at the credit
dispenser

total consumption
integrated electrical consumption from a specified time until the register is reset

total distribution losses

difference between total distribution purchases and total distribution sales

total harmonic distortion

see voltage harmonics
total harmonic distortion
total harmonic factor at the output of a transmission channel or two-part device producing
harmonic distortion, when the input signal is a sinusoidal oscillation of a specified frequency and
amplitude
total harmonic distortion
ratio of the r.m.s. value of the harmonic content to the r.m.s. value of the fundamental
component or the reference fundamental component of an alternating component
NOTE 1 The total harmonic ratio depends on the choice of the fundamental component. If it is not
clear from the context which one is to used an indication should be given.
NOTE 2 The total harmonic ratio may be restricted to a certain harmonic order. This is to be stated.

total sales
total measured or estimated energy consumption of a group of customers
totalization
operation of adding the energy usage from each feeder to a particular customer to obtain the total
energy usage for that customer. See distributor which states: an entity which provides a physical
supply (of electricity) to a customer on behalf of a supplier and that is contracted to do so through
a connection agreement with that customer [IEC]
touch voltage
voltage that, during a fault, appears between simultaneously accessible conductive parts
touch voltage
voltage appearing during an insulation fault, between simultaneously accessible parts
NOTE 1 By convention, this term is used only in connection with protection against indirect contacts.
NOTE 2 In certain cases, the value of the touch voltage may be appreciably influenced by the impedance
of the person in contact with these parts.
 133 NRS 000-1:2008

township
any land laid out, divided into or developed as a site for residential, business, industrial or similar
purposes, where such a site is arranged in such a manner as to be intersected or connected by
or to abut on any street

NOTE The site or street should, for the purposes of this definition, include a right of way or any site or
street which has not been surveyed or which is only notional in character.

traceability
property of the result of a measurement or of a value of a standard such that it can be
related to stated references, usually national or international standards, through an
unbroken chain of comparisons all having stated uncertainties [IEC]
NOTE 1 The concept is often expressed by the adjective traceable.
NOTE 2 The unbroken chain of comparisons is called a traceability chain.

traceability
process whereby the indication of a measuring instrument can be compared, in one or more
stages, with a national standard for the measurand in question
tracking
progressive degradation of the surface of a solid insulating material by local discharges to form
conducting or partially conducting paths
NOTE Tracking usually occurs due to surface contamination.

tracking
progressive formation of conducting paths on the surface of a solid insulating material,
and caused by the combined effects of electric stress and electrolytic contamination on
this surface
traction substation
substation, the main function of which is to supply a traction system
trainee authorized person
person who has been authorized in writing to carry out switching, isolating, testing and earthing
procedures on defined apparatus or equipment under the instruction of the controller, and under
direct supervision of an authorized person
transfer bus coupler
circuit-breaker used either for connecting two sets of busbars or for putting a feeder on transfer
transfer circuit-breaker
circuit-breaker used to energize the transfer busbar when putting a feeder on transfer
NOTE A transfer busbar is sometimes provided at EHV substation. It is a busbar in addition to the normal
substation busbars, to which feeders can be connected temporarily, usually for the purpose of maintenance.
The operation required to connect a feeder to the transfer busbar is known as “putting a feeder on transfer”.
transformation of electricity
transfer of electricity through a power transformer [IEC]
transformer
static item of apparatus used to transform or regulate voltage, including all conductors
permanently connected to its terminals
transformer
electric energy converter without moving parts that changes voltages and currents
associated with electric energy without change of frequency
 134 NRS 000-1:2008

transformer circuit –breaker

substation, one of the circuit-breakers located on each side of the transformer and which is
usually designated
transformer substation
substation at which the electric energy of a primary supply system is transformed to the voltage of
the contact line
transformer substation
substation containing power transformers interconnecting two or more networks of
different voltages [IEC]
transient fault
insulation fault which only temporarily affects a device's dielectric properties which are restored
after a short time [IEC]
transient over-current
current that flows as a result of a transient over-voltage
transient over-voltage
short duration over voltage of a few milliseconds or less, oscillatory or non-oscillatory, usually
highly damped [IEC]
transient over-voltage
temporary, superimposed voltage that is induced onto power cables and onto signal cables owing
to switching, lightning and electrostatic discharge events
NOTE The duration of transient over voltage is usually less than 1 ms.

transient over-voltage
short-duration over-voltage of a few milliseconds (ms) or less, oscillatory or non-
oscillatory, usually highly damped
NOTE 1 Transient over voltages may be immediately followed by temporary over-voltages. In such
cases the two over-voltages are considered as separate events.
NOTE 2 IEC defined three types of transient over voltages, namely slow-front over voltages, fast-
front over voltages and very fast-front over voltages according to their time of peak, tail or total
duration, and possible superimposed oscillations.

transient suppression device

surge protection device (SPD), which states: A circuit that consists possibly of silicon
suppressors, metal oxide varistors (MOVs) and spark gaps (gas gaps), the purpose of which is to
limit transient over voltages and transient over currents, appearing on cables, to levels that are
safe for the electronic equipment connected to those cables
NOTE There are two basic types of SPD:
a) a type I SPD, which is a current diverting device (for example, a spark gap); and
b) a type 2 SPD, which is a voltage clamping device (for example, a metal-oxide varistor (MOV).
transition joint
straight or branch joint that forms a connection between cables having different types of insulation
transition joint
accessory making a connection between two cables having different types of insulation
transmission line
means for conveying electromagnetic energy between two points with a minimum of radiation
transmission line
line which is part of an electric power transmission system
 135 NRS 000-1:2008

transmission line
overhead power line to transfer large amounts of electrical energy
transmission line
manufactured transmission medium used to convey electromagnetic energy between two points
with a minimum of radiation
transmission of electricity
transfer in bulk of electricity, from generating stations to areas of consumption [IEC]
transmission system
medium voltage, high voltage, extra-high voltage or ultra-high voltage apparatus installed
for the transmission and transformation of electrical energy, including the switchboards at
major substations
transmission system
1). set of principles defining a particular method of transmission.
2) whole of the means of transmission between two points, comprising the transmission
medium, terminal equipment, any necessary intermediate equipment and any equipment
provided for such ancillary purposes as power feeding, supervision and testing.
treated/treatment
impregnated/impregnation with an acceptable preservative
tree'd system
modified radial system to which spurs have been added
trip-free facility
facility on a mechanical switching device, such that the contacts close fully, then return to and
remain in the open position when the closing operation is initiated after the initiation of the trip
operation, even if the closing command is maintained
trip-free mechanical switching device
mechanical switching device, the moving contacts of which return to and remain in the
open position when the opening operation is initiated after the initiation of the closing
operation, even if the closing command is maintained
NOTE To ensure proper breaking of the current which may have been established, it may be
necessary that the contacts momentarily reach the closed position.

triple busbar substation

substation in which the lines and transformers are connected via three busbars by means of
selectors [IEC]
twinning
process of twisting two insulated conductors (cores) together to form a pair
twinning (line pairing)
imperfect interlacing of the scanning lines
type test
conformity test made on one or more items representative of the production
type test
test that is required to be carried out on equipment to prove that the equipment complies with
certain specifications applicable to its acceptability for the purpose for which it was intended
 136 NRS 000-1:2008

type test
test that is conducted before a type of cable covered by this specification is supplied on a general
commercial basis, in order to demonstrate that the cable has the necessary performance
characteristics for the intended application. The test is of such a nature that, after it has been
successfully completed, it need not be repeated unless changes that might change the
performance characteristics of the cable are made in the cable materials, or in the design or in
the method of manufacture
type test
test made before supplying, on a general commercial basis, a type of cable covered by this
standard in order to demonstrate satisfactory performance characteristics to meet the intended
application. The test is of such a nature that, after it has been successfully completed, it need not
be repeated unless changes are made in the cable materials or design or manufacturing process
that might change the performance characteristics
type test
test carried out at the introduction of a new material or component (or both)
type test
test of one or more samples of equipment (or parts of equipment) made to a particular
design, to show that the design and construction meet one or more requirements
type testing
compliance testing on the basis of one or more specimens of a product representative of their
production [ISO/IEC Guide 2]

type tests
tests required to prove the adequacy of the design
ultimate tensile strength
highest load applied to a metal in the course of a tensile test, divided by the original cross-
sectional area
ultra-high voltage
set of nominal voltage levels that are used in power systems for bulk transmission of electricity in
the range Un > 400 kV
ultraviolet-stabilized
modified by methods such as carbon loading to withstand ultraviolet radiation
unarmoured cable
cable that contains no metallic armouring elements

uncertainty
parameter that is associated with the result of a measurement which characterizes the dispersion
of the values that could reasonably be attributed to the quantity being measured
undercut
peripheral portion of an excavation which is undercut to ensure that the stay anchor assembly
bears against undisturbed soil [IEC]
underground cable
electric line with insulated conductors buried directly in the ground, or laid in cable ducts, pipes,
troughs, etc.
NOTE The same expression is used to describe the item physically.
underground cable electrical work
arrangement of grouped single core or multicore electrical cables or telecommunication cables (or
both) and joints buried at various depths below ground level and separated at various distances
(where more than one cable is involved)
 137 NRS 000-1:2008

underground cable; cable

electric line with insulated conductors buried directly in the ground, or laid in cable ducts,
pipes, troughs, etc [IEC]
NOTE The same expression is used to describe the item physically.

underground system
system consisting essentially of underground cables [IEC]
under voltage event
reduction in the supply voltage to a value less than 90 % of the dip threshold voltage for a period
of time exceeding 3 s, and which is not an interruption
unfilled enclosure
metallic enclosure designed for the purpose of receiving and protecting the end(s) of cable(s) in
air
NOTE It follows that such an enclosure can be self-contained and removable; it can also be a compartment
of the connected equipment and therefore an integral feature of that equipment; it can also be a stand-alone
item of equipment, for example a junction box.
unique group
See unique supply group

unique supply group

supply group that associates a set of electricity dispensers on a geographical or a regional
basis, in which each and every electricity dispenser in the supply group has a unique dispenser
key

uni-strut
proprietary support channel for cables
unit (of an arrester)
completely housed part of an arrester which can be connected in series and/or in parallel with
other units to construct an arrester of higher voltage and/or current rating [IEC]
NOTE A unit of an arrester is not necessarily a section of an arrester.
unit auxiliaries
auxiliary equipment specific to the unit and indispensable for its operation, e.g. mills, circulating
pumps, induced draught fans
unit generator transformer
transformer connected to the generator terminals through which output power of the generating
set is transmitted to the system
unit protection
protection whose operation and section selectively are dependent on the comparison of electrical
quantities at each end of the protected section
unit protection
apparatus that is able to detect a fault in a predefined section of the power system and that under
fault conditions causes one or more circuit-breakers to disconnect the faulty section
unitary design
compartments and transformer provided in a "unitary" design are constructed to make up a non-
dismountable whole, i.e. a unit that is not intended to be disassembled in the field to allow
removal of the compartments or the transformer
unmanned substation
substation which is operated by personnel who are not stationed at the substation [IEC]
 138 NRS 000-1:2008

unplanned interruption
interruption that occurs when a component is taken out of service immediately, either
automatically or as soon as switching operations can be performed, as a direct result of
emergency conditions, or an interruption that is caused by improper operation of equipment or
human error

unplanned interruption on EHV and HV networks

a) momentary interruption
unplanned interruption in the range > 3 s to ≤ 1 min

b) sustained interruption
unplanned interruption with a duration exceeding 1 min

NOTE 1 In general a one minute limit differentiates all automatic reclose events from
events involving operator intervention. A one minute classification is commonly used
internationally by transmission utilities.

NOTE 2 In some cases, transmission utilities may use a ≤ 10 s subclassification to cover

three-phase auto-recloser events not related to generation supply points (the latter may have
dead times of 20 s to 30 s and restoration times of up to 45 s).

unplanned interruption on MV and LV networks

a) momentary interruption
unplanned interruption in the range > 3 s to ≤ 5 min

b) momentary interruption event

where an interrupting device has a sequence of operations, and then holds, the momentary
interruptions are considered one momentary interruption event

NOTE 1 Examples of such devices are reclosers or breakers that operate two, three or four
times and then hold.

NOTE 2 The sequence of events is completed in a specified time not exceeding 5 min.

c) sustained interruption
unplanned interruption with a duration exceeding 5 min

unscreened (insulation)
insulation that does not have a earthed metallic layer
unscreened separable connector
separable connector which does not have a screened external surface

unscreened separable connector

separable connector that does not have an external screen.

unscreened separable connector termination

air insulated termination that is fitted with unscreened separable connectors
upper contact
source-side spring-loaded contact of a cut-out base
 139 NRS 000-1:2008

urban
networks serving formally or informally built structures, usually of high density, serviced by well
established infrastructure
urban
descriptive of an area that has formally or informally built structures, usually of high
density, served by a well-established infrastructure (roads, telecommunication networks,
etc.). The power network is usually supplied by more than one distribution station.
urban
formally or informally built structures, usually of high density, served by a well established
infrastructure (roads, telecommunications, etc.). The power network is usually supplied by more
than one distribution station.
urban (areas)
areas characterized by formally or informally built structures, usually of high density, served by
well established infrastructure (roads, telecommunications, etc.). The power network is usually
supplied by more than one distribution station.
urban networks
supply to an applicant will be considered to be urban when any one of the following conditions are
met:
a) When it is proclaimed a township or within a proclaimed township as determined by the
townships board;
b) When the number of connections within 1 km radius of the particular point of supply
exceeds 314. All connections within the particular development will then qualify;
c) When the number of, current and newly applied connections per km of MV line exceeds
44 and there must be at least 40 connections in one development; and
d) Contestability (of work). A customer has the right to contest a quote by the utility and thus
use a contractor to do the work.
(of supply) Where a customer does not have to be supplied with energy and customer services by
the utility to whose network it is connected.
urge management device
term that is used to include either a surge isolation device (SID) or a surge protection device
(SPD)
users
organizations that purchase, operate and maintain equipment
utility
organization such as a municipality or Eskom Distribution that supplies electrical energy using its
own infrastructure, to customers within its licensed area of supply
utility; licensee
body, licensed by the National Electricity Regulator, that generates, transmits or distributes
electricity. Such a body might be the direct licensee, or an agent (sub-distributor) of the licensee.
utilized customer capacity
maximum capacity used by the customer at the specific location of the customer
validation
process of checking the data integrity of a message, or selected parts of a message

valid test certificate

certificate copy of the original test certificate of a test conducted by an approved testing authority
 140 NRS 000-1:2008

var-hour meter (reactive energy meter)

instrument intended to measure reactive energy by integrating reactive power with respect
to time.
var hour meter (reactive energy meter)
electricity meter that measures and registers the integral, with respect to time , of the reactive
power of the circuit in which it is connected
NOTE The unit in which this integral is measured is usually the kilovar-hour

varistor
resistor whose resistance is dependent on voltage
vectorial simultaneous demand
sum of demands for a group of supply points, calculated according to the following formulae:

kVA = (∑ kW ) + (∑ kvar ) , and

2 2

kW = ∑ kW,

where the sum of kW and kvar is for one group of supply points for each integrating period.
verification
execution of specified tests to measure the ability of a process or a person to meet specified
criteria
verification (of calibration)
operations which is used to check whether the indications, under specified conditions, correspond
with a given set of known measurands within the limits of a predetermined calibration diagram
NOTE 1 This term is used in the “ uncertainty” approach.
NOTE 2 The known uncertainty of the measurand used for verification will generally be negligible with
respect to the uncertainty assigned to the instrument in the calibration diagram.
vertical personal reach
vertical distance from a person’s feet to the tip of the fingers of an upward stretched hand

viscosity
ability of a certain volume of oil to flow over a period of time at a given temperature
NOTE The viscosity properties are directly related to the cooling characteristics of the oil.
visual display unit
unit comprising devices which are necessary to display information required and, possibly to
include an acknowledgement facility [IEC]
voltage (V)
difference in electrical potential between any two conductors or between a conductor and earth

voltage circuit (general)

circuit of a measuring instrument to which is applied the voltage of the circuit to which the
measuring instrument is connected.
NOTE This voltage can be:
a) the voltage directly involved in the measurement,
b) a proportional voltage supplied by an external voltage transformer or voltage divider; or
c) derived by means of an external series resistor or impedance.
 141 NRS 000-1:2008

voltage circuit; shunt circuit

internal connections of the meter, part of the measuring element and power supply for the meter,
supplied with the voltage of the circuit to which the meter is connected [IEC]
voltage control
adjustment of the network voltages to values within a given range
voltage deviation
difference, generally expressed as a percentage, between the voltage at a given instant at a point
in the system, and a reference voltage such as: nominal voltage, a mean value of the operating
voltage, declared supply voltage
voltage dip
sudden reduction in the r.m.s. voltage, for a period of between 20 ms and 3 s, of any or all of the
phase voltages of a single-phase or a polyphase supply.

NOTE 1 The duration of a voltage dip is the time measured from the moment the r.m.s. voltage drops below
0,9 per unit of declared voltage to when the voltage rises above 0,9 per unit of declared voltage
NOTE 2 The definition of a voltage dip in SANS 61000-4-30 is more generic, as the duration of a voltage dip
is not internationally agreed. The above definition is applicable for the assessment and classification of dips
as specified in NRS 048-2.
voltage drop probability level (p)
probability (p.u. or percentage) that, at the design load, the voltage drop measured at the point of
supply, for a customer connected at the end of the heaviest loaded circuit of the system under
consideration, will be within the required voltage drop limit
NOTE 1 The opposite of voltage drop probability level is voltage drop risk level.
NOTE 2 The designer’s choice of the voltage drop probability level will be influenced by his confidence that
the load will have the characteristics of the chosen beta distribution function.
voltage drop risk level
see voltage drop probability level, which states: probability (p.u. or percentage) that, at the design
load, the voltage drop measured at the point of supply, for a customer connected at the end of the
heaviest loaded circuit of the system under consideration, will be within the required voltage drop
limit
NOTE 1 The opposite of voltage drop probability level is voltage drop risk level.
NOTE 2 The designer’s choice of the voltage drop probability level will be influenced by his confidence that
the load will have the characteristics of the chosen beta distribution function.
voltage flicker
modulation of the amplitude of the supply voltage, perceived by the observer as a fluctuation of
light intensity in electric lighting. levels.

NOTE 1 The assessment criteria require both the measurement instrument to be defined, and a statistical
criterion to be applied to the measured data points.

NOTE The above definition is commonly used to refer to the QOS parameter that gives rise to flicker.
SANS 61000-4-30 more fundamentally defines “flicker” as the “impression of unsteadiness of visual
sensation by a light stimulus whose luminance or spectral distribution fluctuates with time.”

voltage harmonics
sinusoidal components of the fundamental waveform (i.e. 50 Hz) that have a frequency that is an
integral multiple of the fundamental frequency
 142 NRS 000-1:2008

NOTE
— Odd harmonics are defined as the 3rd (150 Hz), 5th (250 Hz), etc.
— Even harmonics are defined as the 2nd (100 Hz), 4th (200 Hz), etc.
— Interharmonics are frequency components that are not an integral multiple of the
fundamental frequency
— Total harmonic distortion (THD) is given by:
N
2
THD = ∑ Vh
h =1

where
th
Vh is the per cent r.m.s. value of the h harmonic or interharmonic voltage component,
and N is the highest harmonic considered in the calculation.
voltage level
nominal voltage values used in a given system [IEC]
voltage monitoring/alarming facility
facility that monitors the measuring of voltage on the secondary part of the VT without circuit
intrusion
voltage regulation
ability of the steady state r.m.s. voltage to remain between the upper and lower limits
voltage regulation
control of design parameters or equipment, to maintain the voltage deviation at specified
points within certain limits
voltage regulation
percentage change to the output voltage of a device when a load is applied to the output and
based on the voltage before the load was applied
voltage regulation
ability of the steady-state r.m.s. voltage to remain between the upper and lower limits

NOTE The assessment criteria require both the measurement instrument to be defined, and a statistical
criterion to be applied to the measured data points
voltage regulation
concept of managing the voltage drop profile from a regulated busbar (MV of transformer with
OLTC) down to the customers supply point so that the supply voltage is maintained within
statutory or contracted voltage limits (generally 230V ± 6 %)

voltage regulator
device used for automatic voltage control at a pre-set voltage
voltage transformer
VT
instrument transformer in which the secondary voltage, in normal conditions of use, is
substantially proportional to the primary voltage, and differs in phase from it by an angle which is
approximately zero for an appropriate direction of the connections [IEC]
voltage unbalance
condition in a polyphase system in which the r.m.s. values of the line (phase) voltages
(fundamental component) or the phase angles between consecutive line voltages, are not all
equal [SANS 61000-4-30]
 143 NRS 000-1:2008

NOTE The unbalanced voltages can be represented by the sum of three sets of symmetrical
vectors, i.e.:

a) the positive sequence set, consisting of three vectors all equal in magnitude and
symmetrically spaced, at 120° intervals, in time-phase, their phase order being equal to the
phase order of the system-generated voltages,

b) the negative sequence set, consisting of three vectors all equal in magnitude and
symmetrically spaced, at 120° intervals, in time-phase, their phase order being the reverse of
the positive sequence phase order, and

c) the zero sequence set, consisting of three vectors, all equal in magnitude and phase.

Voltage unbalance (UB) is usually expressed as a percentage, given by:

V V
n p
U
B

= × 100

where
Vn is the negative sequence voltage, in volts; and
Vp is the positive sequence voltage, in volts.

Alternatively, simultaneous measurement of the three r.m.s. line-to-line voltages can be used to
calculate unbalance:

1 − 3 − 6β
UB = × 100
1 + 3 − 6β
where

V124 + V234 + V314

β=
(V 2
12 + V232 + V312 )
2

and where, for example,

V12 represents the fundamental frequency, line-to-line voltage between phases 1 and 2.

voltage unbalance
polyphase system, a condition in which the r.m.s. values of the phase voltages or the
phase angles between consecutive phases are not all equal
voltage unbalance
phenomenon due to the differences between voltage deviations on the various phase, at a point
of polyphase system, resulting from differences between the phase currents or geometrical
asymmetry in the line
voltage unbalance
voltage unbalance arises in a polyphase system when the magnitudes of the phase voltages or
the relative phase displacements of the phases (or both) are not equal
warning notice
portable notice provided to indicate that work is in progress on a supply system or apparatus or to
indicate any special operating conditions in force on any panel or circuit, or to indicate both.
 144 NRS 000-1:2008

wayleave agreement
right of way obtained from a land owner, who signs an agreement with the supply authority, for
the installation, operation and maintenance of a power system

NOTE It is not registered against the title of the property.

watt-hour meter
active energy meter
instrument that is intended to measure active energy by integrating active power with respect to
time [IEV 301-04-17]
watt-peak power (of a photovoltaic (PV) module)
maximum power, in watts, that a photovoltaic module can deliver under standard test conditions
weak link (in the context of ABC fittings
fitting that can be fitted between the pole fitting and a suspension fitting and that is designed to
fail at a predetermined load, generally less than the breaking force of the aerial bundled
conductor or of the suspension fitting
weather stabilized
modified by methods such as carbon loading to withstand ultraviolet radiation and the effects of
temperature, humidity and wind
weighting
method of assigning weights to different categories for use in allocation methods. Usually aimed
at expressing costs or number of customers relative to each other
wet power-frequency withstand voltage
power-frequency voltage which the insulator withstands wet, under the prescribed conditions of
test
wide face(of a pole with rectangular cross-section)
pole face through which the major axis passes
wind loading
load imposed by wind pressure acting at right angles to the conductor and the structure

wind span
horizontal distance between the points at mid-span on each side of a support
windspan
length of conductor calculated on the design span upon which the wind acts

NOTE It is the sum of half wind loading on each of the two adjacent spans.

wind span (of an overhead line)

sum of those portions of span lengths on either side of the structure that, when subjected
to wind, impose a horizontal load on the structure
NOTE The maximum wind span is dependent upon the ability of the structure and its foundation to
resist the overturning moment caused by the action of the wind.

winding
assembly of interconnected turns or coils intended for common operation (or both)
NOTE A winding is provided with terminals and is intended to produce a magnetic field when
carrying electric currents or to produce voltages between appropriate points when placed in a time-
varying magnetic field or moved through a magnetic field.
 145 NRS 000-1:2008

winding
set of coils that is wound in series with a conductor for the transformation of current or in parallel
to a conductor for the transformation of voltage
NOTE The number of rings in a coil determines the transformation value of voltage or current.
wiping gland
non-ferrous metal bush fitted to an enclosure to which the metal sheath of the cable is plumbed,
to which the armour is clamped and which seals and secures the cable to the enclosure
withstand voltage
value of the test voltage to be applied under specified conditions in a withstand test,
during which a specified number of disruptive discharges is tolerated
NOTE The withstand voltage is designated as:
a) conventional assumed withstand voltage, when the number of disruptive discharges tolerated is
zero. It is deemed to correspond to a withstand probability Pw = 100 % (this is in particular the case
in the low-voltage technology);
b) statistical withstand voltage, when the number of disruptive discharges tolerated is related to a
specified withstand probability, for instance Pw = 90 %.

work
refers to all physical activities in connection with apparatus, excluding operating activities and
other non-dangerous activities that will not affect the health and safety of workers or the safe
operation of apparatus
work permit
document(s) for the authorization of all work to be done on any supply system or apparatus
NOTE A work permit can include the application, permit, clearance and workmen’s declaration documents.
work permit form
printed form that contains the application, permit, clearance and workmen's declaration for the
authorization of all work to be done on any supply system or apparatus
working clearance
minimum safe distance to be observed between normally exposed live parts and any
person working in a substation [IEC]
working clearance
straight-line clearance between the live part and the position of the feet where a person might be
required to work
NOTE The working space is the region within the boundary of the working clearance where a person can
safely work on dead equipment.
working earth
supplementary portable earthing device that is used on apparatus in such a position that it is
visible from, and applied as close as possible to, the point of work. This includes personal earths
and bonding/shunt conductors
working pole; working stick
insulating tool made of insulating tube and/or rod with end fittings [IEC]
working standard
measuring instrument that has been calibrated by an approved calibration laboratory or an
approved test laboratory, and that is used for the calibration of meters and metering equipment
working standard
standard which, usually calibrated against a reference standard. Is used routinely to
calibrate or check material measures, measuring instruments or reference materials
 146 NRS 000-1:2008

wrapping
one or more layers of an insulating material wrapped around all the cores of a cable before the
shield or sheath is applied
XLPE cable
single-core and three-core, cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulated, electric cables
zone capacity
capacity associated with a development based on the type of development in the area and the
average coverage (floor area ratio) such as industrial development with a high capacity required
per square meter
zone sequence co-ordination
feature that allows devices to maintain sequence co-ordination for combinations of rapid and
delayed trip operations. The upstream device senses the presence of a fault and so the clearance
of that fault (by downstream device) and proceeds to the next trip operation in its sequence
zone sequence co-ordination
feature that allows protection devices to maintain sequence co-ordination for combinations of
rapid and delayed protection operations.
zone sequence co-ordination insulation
feature that allows protection devices to maintain sequence co-ordination for combinations of
rapid and delayed protection operations

© SABS