OPERATING PROCEDURES

4-1 INTRODUCTION
This Section of the Manual provides routine operating information for the system installed. Nature of
the installation is such that other than the initial operation of dead circuits, there are only a few tasks to
perform on a regular basis.
The services to the premises will have been energised and set to work with tests carried out to ensure
its correct operation and function particularly with regard to safety systems and interlocks.
These Operating routines should only be carried out by trained and competent personnel who have an
understanding of the systems being energised and its implication on other related systems.
When operating and setting equipment and systems a systematic approach must be taken. Therefore
it is essential that the operative understand the system controls and settings at each stage of operation,
so that they can properly react to any unexpected or unforeseen condition and take the appropriate
action.
The manufacturers manuals and literature must be consulted and referenced to ensure that routines
are followed particularly if there is an unexpected loss or supply or service.
For Specialist systems detailed in this Section as a minimum the authorised user should ensure the
following operations and system information is available, noted and followed:

User Pass Codes.

Engineer Pass codes.

Reporting of any faults, incidents or system alterations.

Ensuring system is tested and maintained in compliance with the relevant legislation,
Codes of Practice, Fire Authority or Insurance Company requirements.

Record keeping of any events.

Emergency Contact Numbers.

4-2 SAFETY PROCEDURES

The following is a brief guide to the procedures that can be generally adopted minimise the risk to
authorised personnel as well as protecting plant and equipment from damage.
WARNING HV & LV SWITCHGEAR CARRIES VOLTAGES WHICH ARE LETHAL & MUST ONLY
BE OPERATED BY AUTHORISED COMPETENT PERSONS.
Access to switch rooms and electrical distribution equipment should be restricted to authorised, trained
and competent personnel who are likely to be engineering staff or qualified personnel working under
the control of the engineering staff. Works in the HV Switchrooms to be only carried out by authorized
and competent persons appointed by a qualified HV engineer.
Prior to switching on a circuit check that the equipment or outlets served to ensure equipment and
switchgear are serviceable and safe to operate. If the circuit has unexpectedly stopped operating then
ensure the fault-finding routines are followed. DO NOT switch or replace the protective device as not
only can this endanger lives but this may cause further damage to the systems or equipment served.
When switchgear, distribution boards, or any other item of plant or equipment is out of service,
unserviceable or unsafe, the item in question must be electrically isolated. All fused switches, circuit
protective devices etc., must be switched off and a suitable warning notice fixed in place.
There are generator backed up power supplies which have automatic changeovers in the Event of
power loss, therefore every source of supply must be isolated and prior to working on equipment.
Secondary power supply systems are provided by generators, battery backup for emergency lighting,
fire alarms, access control systems and intruder alarm systems, must have all sources of supply isolated
and prior to working on equipment. Remote isolation for equipment must be locked off to prevent
unauthorised or inadvertent re-energisation of power.
1. Check to ensure that switch rooms, and plant areas are clean and free from obstruction.
2. Check to ensure all equipment is properly secured, equipment covers and guards are in place.
3. Check to ensure that all equipment access panels and doors are closed and secured.
4. Ensure that all tools and safety equipment are serviceable and in their proper space.
5. Check that fire-extinguishers are in place and have been serviced.
6. Check that fire-extinguishing systems are serviceable.

4-3 PERMITS TO WORK

A permit to work will be required when maintenance work can only be carried out if, after carrying out a
suitable risk assessment, normal safe working practices cannot be followed.
A permit to work system usually comprises of a written document which specifies the extent of the
works, precautions to be taken and anticipated timescale.
The document will usually need to be signed by a suitably experienced and qualified senior member of
the employers staff.

4-4 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

The emergency procedures are intended as a guide only, for each emergency situation that arises has
to be taken in the light of its degree of severity and the conditions prevailing at the time.
Never take risks in an emergency, for a risk can turn a minor emergency into a major one. The safety
of personnel must always come first.
Any temporary repairs effected or arrangements made during or after an emergency must be corrected
as soon as it is practically possible.
The emergency procedures are intended as a guide only, for each emergency situation that arises has
to be taken in the light of its degree of severity and the conditions prevailing at the time.

4-5 MANUFACTURERS RECOMMENDATIONS

Where the following schedules refer to specific manufacturers operation or fault finding
recommendations then reference must be made to the referenced documents located within Section 7
of this manual.

4-6 LV SWITCHBOARDS
A substation has been provided on site by Scottish and Southern Energy (S&SE). The substation is
located in a reinforced section of the Energy Centre at Ground Floor Level. LV supply cabling has
been installed from the transformer LV cabinet in the substation to the LV switch panel located in the
adjacent room of the Energy Centre allocated as the main LV switchroom.

4-6-1 START UP PROCEDURES

Prior to switching on for the first time or following a long period of shut down, it will be necessary to
carry out a general inspection of the LV Switchboard following the manufacturers literature
recommendations located in Section 7 of this manual to ensure they are safe and suitable to operate.
1.

Ensure power is available to both sides of the LV Switchboard via the HV/LV
Transformers.

2.

Visually inspect the HV switches on the transformers. The upper mechanism has two
operating springs; one for closing and one for opening. Both springs are charged in one
operation. Open and Close the circuit breakers by operating the mechanical push
buttons.

3.

The lower mechanism operates the earth switch. There is a mechanical interlock
between these two mechanisms which prevents operating of the disconnector and
earthing switch when the circuit breaker is in closed position. When the earthing switch
is in closed position it will be impossible to operate the disconnector, but the circuit
breaker can be closed for testing purpose.

4.

Once the transformers have been connected to the H.V. mains voltage will be applied in
a non-load state and observed for one hour. No anomalies should occur during this
period of time.

5.

After storage or disconnection for a longer period, it is recommendable to connect the

transformer during four hours in no-load in order to dehumidify through core heating.
After this period it can be put into a normal operation.

6.

The voltage will be measured at the L.V. terminals to check the corresponding output
voltage depending on the transformation ratio.

7.

Apply the load progressively until the rated power is reached and check the increase in
temperature.

8.

Check the transformer temperature monitoring system.

9.

Ensure LV ACB is in the OFF position.

10.

Close the earth switch to the HV switch.

11.

Close the incoming HV switch using the pushbuttons.

12.

Check the HV switch position indicators denote the status as ON.

13.

Voltage should be applied to the Transformer for 1-4 hours with no load to ensure no
anomalies occur.

14.

Check LV voltages at transformer LV terminals and apply LV load progressively and

monitor increase in temperature.

15.

Visually inspect LV switchboard and ensure all outgoing devices are open. Check
settings/ratings of outgoing devices.

16.

The main ACB is motorised and will automatically recharge after each closing. Check
the unit shows a charge and OK display.

17.

Press the button to close the ACB.

18.

Check metering shows voltage is present.

19.

Close the outgoing ACBs or MCCBs serving the LV equipment.

20.

Check surge protection device visual indicator shows normal.

21.

Check earth fault relay unit LED show a healthy condition (GREEN).

22.

Confirm the meter readings and breaker status indication is correct on the BMS PC.

4-6-2 NORMAL OPERATION

The main LV Panel has an essential and non-essential side, the non essential side will drop out when
the main incoming breaker detects undervoltage, and motorised MCCB's controlled and monitored by
the BMS, will enable progressive loading of the switchboard as the generator starts up or the main
supply comes live.
The main LV panel has the facility to have a mobile generator connected to in the event of power failure.
Cabling has been installed from the LV Switch room to the mobile generator location and a mobile
generator connection pillar has been installed for connection of an 800kVA unit.
The generator will not automatically power up but can manually switched by the client. Essential and
non essential services are detailed on the main LV Schematic drawing XXXXX, with motorised MCCBs
annotated together with BMS connections. The Main Building will remain fully operational when the
mobile generator is the main power source.

4-6-3 EMERGENCY OPERATION

1. An EPO button is provided to the LV switchboard located in the LV Switchroom. In the event of
the LV ACB or HV VCB being tripped due to operation of the EPO button, transformer high
temperature cut-out or restricted earth fault relay operating, the COMMON TRIP reset button
will need to be reset before the HV VCB or LV ACB can be reset.
2. The EPO buttons will when pressed lock in the depressed position.
3. Once the cause of the emergency has been resolved, the EPO button head can be released by
twisting and unlocking the head.
4. The HV VCB and LV ACB can then be reset and switched on as described previously.
5. The opening spring of the HV VCB is always charged when the circuit breaker is in closed
position and will then be ready to open immediately if the protection relay gives a trip signal.
However a quick reclosing is not possible. If the mechanism is equipped with a motor operation
a reclosing will take approx. 10 seconds.
NOTE: THE COMMON TRIP BUTTON MUST NOT BE OPERATED UNTIL THE
CAUSE OF THE FAULT HAS BEEN INVESTIGATED AND RECTIFIED.
6. The surge protection device will operate in the event of a high voltage surge typically caused by
lightning. The unit will need to be reset following the manufacturers instruction manual.
7. The restricted stabilized earth fault current relay that provides zero-current differential protection
of the star point winding (restricted earth fault) of a transformer. The output is monitored by the
EMS. The unit will need to be reset after the cause of the earth fault has been rectified.
8. The ACBs are provided with microelectronic control units providing visual indication of fault
currents, overloads and under voltage and will need to be reset as described in the Merlin Gerin
literature, after the fault has been rectified. The ACB can then be manually reset following the
procedure described above.
9. The MCCBs are provided with either thermal-magnetic (TM) or electronic (STR22SE) trip units.
The units protect against fault currents and overloads and will need to be reset manually, after
the cause of the fault has been rectified.

4-6-4 SHUT DOWN

To totally shut down LV switchboard and relevant electrical supplies served by that switchboard:
1. Switch Generator Controls from the AUTO to OFF position to ensure they do not start.
2. Ensure all electrical loads (e.g. LV systems and equipment) have been switched off in a
controlled manner.
3. Open the Incoming LV ACB using the button. The LV side and transformer load is isolated.
Remove control fuse or Open the HV VCB.
4. Open the HV VCB Main switch to isolate the HV side of the Transformer.
5. Refer to the manufacturers literature for switching off the relevant protective devices.