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FAQ ABOUT:
SWITCHING HV
I AM THE ONLY AUTHORISED HV OPERATOR ON SHIFT. CAN I USE A SAFETY OBSERVER AS AN ASSISTANT?
NO
There is nothing in legislation to say you even need an assistant …
However …
The term “Assistant” may be a little deceiving.
The HV Switching Assistant should be the more experienced of the two operators.
The “Operator” merely needs to follow instructions, push buttons, and turn handles when instructed to do so by the “Assistant”.
The “Assistant” is the one that ensures the exercise is performed properly and safely with absolute ZERO errors.
I would like to see the term “Switching Assistant” changed to “Switching Director” or “Switching Supervisor” to help employers understand the importance of the Assistant.
WHY USE THE LEATHER GLOVES OVER THE HV RUBBER GLOVES?
Arc Flash Protection.
They are not “Arc Rated” but they provide protection in the event of an arc flash incident.
The HV Rubber Gloves do not provide any protection against Arc Flash; your Arc Flash Suit is incomplete without the Leather Gloves.
Many sites only stipulate HV Gloves are to be worn do not mention the Leather Gloves.
This tends to make some people believe they are not required.
It would be a good idea to amend your site procedures and include the use of the Leather Gloves (Outers or Gauntlets) when wearing the Arc Flash Suit.
SF6: WHY DOESN’T EVERYONE REPLACE THEIR OIL UNITS WITH SF6?
Cost
Bear in mind, oil filled units may be more hazardous, however, SF6 units are not immune from causing Arc Flash Incidents.
Remote Switching is the best personal safety means of switching as well as the cheapest option of engineering change.
WHY DOESN’T EVERYONE JUST SWITCH REMOTELY?
Cost.
Remote Switching may be the cheapest option, but it still costs.
Over time, no one will have to switch in while standing in front of any switchgear.
The upgrades need to be planned, areas shut down, and work completed.
Until then, if you plan the sequence of correct switching, follow the Switching Program, and wear the PPE; the risk is dramatically reduced.
DOESN’T EVERYONE HAVE REMOTE SWITCHING THESE DAYS?
NO
Only a few places have Remote Switching, and they are usually new installations.
ARE THERE ANY DOWNFALLS TO REMOTE SWITCHING?
YES
If the switchgear is operated from a location where it cannot be observed several things can happen.
The capabilities of the equipment are often not checked before operation.
This can lead to destruction of the equipment when operated.
Someone else may be in the switchroom, or worse, standing in front of the switchgear when it is operated.
DOESN’T EVERYONE HAVE AN INTERLOCK KEY SYSTEM THESE DAYS?
NO
CAN A NON-ELECTRICIAN ISOLATE HV?
YES
NOTE:
A Non-Electrician can isolate HV equipment if access is required to mechanical equipment only.
Non-Electricians cannot isolate HV equipment and apply an earth in order for someone to access electrical equipment, i.e. terminal box, conductors, slip rings etc.
Your employer may stipulate that ONLY Electricians can isolate HV equipment, regardless of whether it is for mechanical or electrical purposes.
Anyone can switch HV in the case of an emergency.
DO I ISOLATE THE SUPPLY, OR THE LOAD FIRST?
Load
This will reduce the risk of transient faults from Back EMF.
Some argue it is good to isolate the supply first, in order that the rest of the switching is performed offline; this runs the risk of equipment damage.
HOW DO WE STOP THE EARTH LEAKAGE FROM TRIPPING WHEN WE ENERGISE A TRANSFORMER?
Some sites will allow you to suppress or turn off the E/L when energising or paralleling transformers.
SHOULD WE “SOAK” A TRANSFORMER?
YES; If it is a new or re-wound transformer.
Some think it is a good idea to soak a cold transformer; one that has been de-energised for a period.
A transformer is not an internal combustion engine that needs to idle until the oil is warm enough to effectively get up to the camshaft etc.
Once a winding has been soaked from the first time it was used, there is no need to soak it again.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ONAN AND KNAN?
The material used in the method of cooling the Tx windings.
ONAN is Mineral Oil
KNAN is Non-Mineral (It can be Synthetic or Vegetable)
Why K?
Transformer oil in a KNAN Tx has a higher flashpoint; in excess of 300 degrees.
CAN I PARALLEL TRANSFORMERS THAT HAVE DIFFERENT IMPEDANCE?
YES
All you need to make sure of is they have the same Vector i.e. Dyn11 and the same Voltage.
Other than that, a simple calculation is required to ensure you are not overloading any of the Txs.
CAN I SAFELY OVERLOAD A TRANSFORMER?
YES
Temperature is the key.
If you can reduce the temperature, or dissipate the heat, you can overload the transformer and not cause any damage. i.e. a Tx in Tasmania will have a higher output than the same Tx in the NT.
WE HAVE 2 IDENTICAL TRANSFORMERS ON SITE WITH THE SAME VOLTAGE OUTPUT THAT WE ARE UNABLE TO PARALLEL DUE TO VOLTAGE DIFFERENCE: WHY?
Look at your SLD.
Most likely, your Txs are fed from separate supplies passing through a different number of step-down Txs causing the phases to be out of phase by 30 degrees.
The result would be like paralleling two generators that are out of sync.
Most think if your Txs are identical and have the same output voltage you can parallel them.
This is not so, and this scenario is a classic example.
Make sure you read your SLD for the whole site and check the number transformers in series.
PROSPECTIVE FAULT CURRENT: DO I REALLY NEED TO KNOW HOW TO CALCULATE IT?
YES
Especially when you are having to apply PEDs, it is vital you calculate the PFC to determine how many PEDs are required to effectively earth the location.
DO I NEED A SWITCHING PROGRAM FOR SINGLE POINT ISOLATIONS?
YES; if you are isolating the equipment to access any electrical components.
NO; if it is to simply isolate the equipment to gain access to mechanical components like belts or gearbox etc.
NO; if it is an emergency.
DO I NEED A SWITCHING PROGRAM IF I AM NOT ACCESSING ANYTHING BUT JUST MOVE THE N.O. POINT?
YES.
WHY ARE SWITCHING PROGRAMS SO HARD TO WRITE?
The more experienced you are at a task, the harder it is to translate that “Muscle Memory” into exact instructions.
What may be commonsense to you, is not commonsense to someone who has not done the task.
For example: You do not have to “think” about how to drive a car. It is very difficult to explain to an inexperienced person the exact instructions on how to safely and effectively start a car, put it in gear, ease off the brake, release the clutch and apply acceleration while keeping an eye on the surroundings and pointing the car in the right direction.
WHY ARE THE SWITCHING PROGRAMS SO LONG?
Accuracy to reduce risk.
It is a fine line between designing a Switching Program that sets out the exact actions required without having too much information that causes the operators to lose focus from too much information.
Some complain it makes the switching process take too long.
Switching is NEVER supposed to be done quickly.
Basically, you should “Take 5” before you perform even the most basic action, i.e. push a button, turn a handle, check or test for de-energisation.
The whole idea of the Switching Program is to make sure everything is done exactly as it should be to effectively isolate the equipment safely; NEVER relying on memory or experience.
Use as few words as possible to explain exactly what needs to be done while leaving no room for an inexperienced or incompetent person to misinterpret or skip an action.
CAN I WRITE “OPEN SWITCH, CHECK OPEN, AND LOCK AND TAG” ON ONE LINE?
NO.
Only one action goes on one line.
CAN I WRITE “OPEN SWITCH AND CHECK OPEN” ON ONE LINE?
NO
The “Open” action is performed by the operator.
The “Check Open” action is performed by the Assistant / Director. Two actions; two people.
When the “Open” action is performed, the Assistant / Director is not close enough to be absolutely convinced the correct item was operated, or the item functioning properly.
The action of “Checking” it opened, and remained open, is vital.
Some sites however will have in their site procedures that the Assistant / Director does not raise their eyes of the Switching Program and risk losing their focus on the switching sequence.
If this is the case with your site, the Director should not sign that they confirm the equipment operated correctly; the operator should sign it.
DO I NEED TO WRITE “CHECK CLOSED” BEFORE WE OPEN A DEVICE?
It is a good idea.
I am not a fan of the idea as, for me, it breaks of the concentration purely when it comes to checking a program, However, we MUST always check the status of the device before we operate it.
In saying that, I have been on jobs where we forgot to check beforehand and did not even check why we felt resistance in opening it, and, ended up closing the device.
I may not like writing it in, but it is a good idea.
Some Switching Program templates are set up to make it foolproof, so this never happens.
Contact me if you would like a copy of such a template.
DO I NEED TO WRITE “CHECK GAUGE IS IN GREEN” ON SF6 UNITS BEFORE OPERATING A DEVICE?
It is a good idea.
Some think I am mad for doing it, but I find most people do not check beforehand.
WHY DOES THE SWITCHING PROGRAM HAVE TO BE PERFECT?
Everything to do with isolating HV equipment begins with the Switching Program; if it is not perfect from the beginning, it leaves too much room for error.
ARE PRE-WRITTEN PROGRAMS THE BEST WAY TO GO?
Tough Question.
There are pros and cons to all methods.
I think the best system I have seen is:
Team members must design each and every Switching Program from scratch.
Once they are convinced it is the most efficient and safest way to isolate, they print out the pre-written Switching Program and compare them and decide if they can be improved.
This ensures the team does not lose the ability of designing a program and thus lose the ability to effectively “check” that a program is safe.
This also ensures that the team check their program against a proven design to reduce the chance of making a mistake.
This also ensures the pre-written programs are continually improved.
I also like employers that allow all the team members, as well as anyone wanting to be part of the HV team, to lock themselves away to put their heads together to come up with the best plan of attack when considering a challenging exercise.
WHY DO OUR SLD SHOW NOTHING IS WORKING; EVERYTHING IS OPEN?
All electrical drawings are drawn in the de-energised state, i.e. everything will be shown as open.
Normally Open points will be indicated on the SLD with a symbol or will state N.O.
Questions? Contact us today, our team is always ready to help.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT HV SWITCHING COURSES
WHAT DO I NEED TO HAVE WITH ME?
If you attend a training center the switchroom is a simulated work environment so you should wear your PPE from day one.
You will want a laptop to make it easier to do Switching Programs.
Bear in mind:
Some company laptops will not allow you to save a document to a USB so find out before hand how the RTO will require your evidence.
Only take a laptop that you know how to use.
Calculator. If you know how to use the one on your phone, that will be fine.
Most RTOs will provide lunch, but it will be hit and miss with the quality of catering depending on the RTO.
A notebook is always a good idea; pens will be provided.
WHAT ARE THE PREREQUISITES?
Basic understanding of Electrical Theory is helpful.
Ability to read a Single Line Diagram. (If you understand hydraulics, you will understand the concept)
If you can safely isolate LV equipment, you will easily learn how to isolate HV Equipment.
If you can push a button or turn a handle, you will have the hand skills to isolate HV.
WILL I LEARN HOW TO OPERATE HV SWITCHGEAR?
NO.
You learn how to operate equipment during your on-site training which can take up to three years before you are “Authorised” to operate switchgear.
There are too many different brands and types of switchgear on the market for anyone to be trained up on how to safely operate them.
What you should learn is the process of how to find out how to safely operate different types of HV Switchgear.
I AM NOT AN ELECTRICIAN. CAN I DO THE COURSE?
YES
Individual sites have their policies on whether they insist only Electricians isolate HV Switchgear.
WILL I GET A TICKET TO ALLOW ME TO SWITCH HV?
NO
You will receive a certificate that will legally allow your employer to train you up on how to operate the specific pieces of switchgear they have on the specific site you will be working on.
The on-site training will also include how the HV installation operates regarding ring main systems, drawings, transformer sizes and vectors, loads and essential services etc.
This training under strict supervision of the existing “Authorised” High Voltage Switching Operators, may take three years before you become qualified to switch HV systems.
I AM THE ONLY AUTHORISED HV OPERATOR ON SHIFT. CAN I USE A SAFETY OBSERVER AS AN ASSISTANT?
NO
There is nothing in legislation to say you even need an assistant …
However …
The term “Assistant” may be a little deceiving.
The HV Switching Assistant should be the more experienced of the two operators.
The “Operator” merely needs to follow instructions, push buttons, and turn handles when instructed to do so by the “Assistant”.
The “Assistant” is the one that ensures the exercise is performed properly and safely with absolute ZERO errors.
I would like to see the term “Switching Assistant” changed to “Switching Director” or “Switching Supervisor” to help employers understand the importance of the Assistant.
DIFFERENT TRAINERS PROVIDE DIFFERENT NUMBERS OF UNITS OF COMPETENCIES; HOW MANY DO I NEED?
Depends on your employer.
There is no “High Voltage Switching Certificate” i.e. a Cert IV in HV Switching.
There are simply Units of Competency that individual employers will accept.
Some employers only require a few units; some require as many as 14 units.
If you are wanting to remain open to as many employer options as possible, it may be worth finding out how many units the RTO provides.
WHY ARE THEY SAYING I NEED TO DO THE HV COURSE AGAIN AFTER 5 YEARS?
The time period depends on the employer.
All that is required is for the training to be conducted by an RTO on a “regular” basis.
If an incident occurs and the matter goes before the courts, they will want to know if enough training was provided.
Most of the employers have decided the course should be repeated every 5 years; this has then become the industry standard.
Best industry practice determines a Verification of Competency (VOC) is conducted by an RTO In the middle of those 5 years. Some employers choose 2 years, and some choose 3 years. (Some employers consider merely the assessment is to be conducted every 5 years and not repeat the full course)
You do not “lose” your Units of Competencies, however, most employers will not recognise the units if they are more than 5 years old without re-doing them with an RTO or have not done a VOC with an RTO within 3 years after you acquired your units.
What a VOC is, is another question.
WHAT IS A (VOC)?
Verification Of Competency.
More commonly referred to as, a “Refresher “or “Refresher Course”.
The term “Course” causes some issues.
A VOC is not a course; it is an assessment to ensure you are still competent.
You do not receive any Units of Competency.
You are merely assessed against the Units of Competency you already have.
If you have old units, or no units, and you pass the VOC, you will still only have the old units, or none at all.
Some employees like the idea of a shorter, cheaper course that has their employee back at work sooner and carrying the vital piece of paperwork. (But not realizing the paperwork has no Units of Competency attached to it, but merely states they completed the “course”.)
For this reason, some employees attend a course with little hope of understanding the material, forcing some trainers to forfeit the allocated time to complete the assessment by trying to cram the information in for the test.
If you are doing a VOC, you should have recently been deemed competent on a full course and received Units of Competency, or there really is no point in doing the VOC (Refresher).
If you were new to switching when you completed the full course, buy the time the VOC comes around you will be close to being “Authorised” and should have little trouble with the assessment.
If you have not been switching or been through training on site since you completed your full course, and you have forgotten what you went through in the course; you should book in for a full course.
WHEN SHOULD I DO A REFRESHER?
2 – 3 years after your full course. (See Question “What is a VOC?” And “Why are they saying I need to do the HV course again after 5 years?”)
The time period will depend on your employer but the best industry practice is a full course every 5 years and a Refresher (VOC) in the middle of those 5 years.
WHY DOESN’T MY NEW EMPLOYER FOLLOW THE STANDARD ON HV SWITCHING PROCEDURES LIKE MY LAST EMPLOYER?
There is no “Standard”.
Your last employer did what they thought was the best and safest HV Switching Procedures and clearly made sure you all knew and followed the procedures.
Your new employer is also doing their best, and the challenge you have now is to make sure you learn and fully comply with the procedures of your new employer.
Keep in mind, a lower standard system is better than a perfect system that is not known or followed by everyone.
Questions? Contact us today, our team is always ready to help.
FAQ ABOUT:
LIVESTREAM FACE-TO-FACE TRAINING
WHAT DO I NEED IF I DO LIVESTREAM TRAINING?
A quiet and comfortable location with no distractions.
Comfortable chair and desk space to write.
Easy access to food and water.
Know how to use your computer.
Reliable internet connection.
Microsoft Word.
Download Zoom (Instructions Coming Soon)
Webcam: most laptops will have a Webcam. (The Webcam should have a microphone)
Test your Zoom at an earlier date to the training session to make sure you iron out any issues.
(If you do not have anyone you can Zoom to, contact the RTO to do a trial Zoom session)
IF YOU WILL BE IN A ROOM WITH OTHERS YOU WILL NEED:
Headphones with microphone for your computer.
HOW IS THE THEORY TEST DONE?
Most RTOs will mail you the theory book and assessment, so you have it with you to complete during the course.
Some RTOs will have an online assessment.
HOW ARE THE SWITCHING PROGRAMS DONE?
If your company is paying for a group training session:
The RTO should use material relating to your site; your SLDs, your procedures, your equipment etc.
Make sure your RTO has all the relevant information, including photos and instructions on how your equipment is operated.
If you are in a group with participants from other companies:
You will all be provided with an example of site procedures that everyone will adhere to so those checking the Switching Programs are able to determine of the author has complete the program correctly.
You will be provided with photos of the relevant equipment and instructions on how they are operated.
You will be provided with a SLDs and real-life scenarios for you to solve.
HOW IS THE PRACTICAL TEST DONE?
This can be done in several ways.
If you have equipment on site, you can have someone record you switching equipment and performing the task of a Switching Assistant.
You can complete a logbook that is signed off by an Authorised HV Operator.
A workshop may be willing to allow you to operate their spare equipment.
Plan with your RTO to arrange a time when you are in a town where one of their offices are and then complete your practical.
Once you have provided the practical evidence, your RTO will be able to issue your certificate.
CAN THE TRAINER BE IN A DIFFERENT STATE?
Yes; as long as they cover the legislation relevant to the state you work in.
That is a benefit of livestreaming, your RTO might have a trainer in another state that you have heard about and would rather do your training with them.
DOES HV COACHING DO TRAINING ON WIND FARMS?
Yes.
We have done training for Windfarms, Solar farms, Coal Mines, Hardrock Mines, Power Stations, Ports, LNG Plants, Contractors; we can train any site or people that needs to isolate HV.
CAN HV COACHING DO TRAINING FOR MY RTO?
YES
We subcontract to any Australian RTO, SRTO, TAFE or in-house training organisation.
CAN HV COACHING TRAIN ON OUR SITE OVERSEAS?
Yes
We even have the Yellow Fever Certificate to train in places like South America and West Africa.
Overseas sites can also take advantage of Livestream training.
We are currently running Zoom sessions to follow up on several site training sessions we conducted in West Africa over the past few years.
Questions? Contact us today, our team is always ready to help.