Document Number: ECP 11-0506

Date: 01/05/2013

ENGINEERING COMMISSIONING PROCEDURE

ECP 11-0506

DISTRIBUTION TRANSFORMER COMMISSIONING PROCEDURE

Network(s):

EPN, LPN, SPN

Summary:

This procedure details the testing and commissioning procedures for distribution
transformers.

Originator:

Stephen Tucker

Date:

01/05/2013

Approved By:

Steve Mockford

Approved Date:

03/07/2013

Review Date:

31/03/2018

This document forms part of the Companys Integrated Business System and its requirements are mandatory throughout UK
Power Networks. Departure from these requirements may only be taken with the written approval of the Director of Asset
Management. If you have any queries about this document please contact the originator of the current issue.

Document History
(The document history notes below are intended as a guide only and may not cover all of the changes. If you wish to make use
of this document it should be read in full.)

Version

Date

Details

Originator

3.0

02/05/2013

Reviewed for G81 website

Stephen Tucker

2.0

04/11/2011

Document reviewed. Dual voltage transformer

and energisation checks added

Stephen Tucker/
Sinad Hogan

1.2

13/09/2011

Reclassification of document from Installation

and Commissioning Manual 5.06

John Lowe

1.1

18/03/2011

Rebranded

Jerry Wells

1.0

24/09/2009

Original

Stephen Tucker

THIS IS AN UNCONTROLLED DOCUMENT, THE READER MUST CONFIRM ITS VALIDITY BEFORE USE

Version: 3.0

Distribution Transformer Commissioning Procedure

Document Number: ECP 11-0506

Version: 3.0
Date: 01/05/2013

Contents
1

Introduction ............................................................................................................. 3

Scope ....................................................................................................................... 3

References ............................................................................................................... 3

Abbreviations and Definitions ................................................................................ 4

Equipment ................................................................................................................ 4

Inspection ................................................................................................................ 4

Tap Changer Checks ............................................................................................... 5

Winding Insulation Resistance ............................................................................... 5

Winding Selector Check (Dual Voltage Transformer Only) .................................. 6

10

Energisation............................................................................................................. 6

11

Asset Data ................................................................................................................ 6

12

Test Equipment ....................................................................................................... 6

13

Certification ............................................................................................................. 6

UK Power Networks 2013 All rights reserved

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Distribution Transformer Commissioning Procedure

Document Number: ECP 11-0506

Version: 3.0
Date: 01/05/2013

Introduction

1.1

This procedure details the testing and commissioning procedures for distribution
transformers that shall be satisfied before the transformer can be accepted as fit for
service and energisation.

1.2

This procedure shall be carried out by the Commissioning Engineer or his

appointed representative, who shall be an Authorised Person having appropriate
training and experience.

1.3

This procedure shall be carried out in accordance with the requirements of the UK
Power Networks Distribution Safety Rules.

1.4

This procedure shall be carried out having regard to the requirements and
recommendations of the manufacturer. If conflict exists between the requirements
of the manufacturer and those of UK Power Networks the matter shall be referred
to Asset Management (or your UK Power Networks nominated contact).

1.5

This procedure assumes that the unit has been installed in accordance with the
appropriate procedures and that the equipment is isolated from the network.

1.6

The results of all observations, tests, adjustments and all relevant remarks shall be
recorded on the associated test form.

Scope

2.1

This procedure applies to 11kV and 6.6kV ground-mounted and pole-mounted

distribution transformers.

2.2

This procedure is intended for use by UK Power Networks field staff, contractors
and external connection providers.

References

3.1

This procedure should be read in conjunction with the following references:

UK Power Networks Distribution Safety Rules.
Manufacturer's installation and operation instructions, e.g. CG Power Systems
(previously known as Pauwels), Efacec, Schneider etc (all available from CDL >
Reference Library > Manufacturers).

3.2

This procedure should be used with the following test forms:

ECP 11-0506a Distribution Transformer Test Form.
ECP 11-0504 Substation Energisation Procedure.

UK Power Networks 2013 All rights reserved

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Distribution Transformer Commissioning Procedure

Document Number: ECP 11-0506

Version: 3.0
Date: 01/05/2013

Abbreviations and Definitions

4.1

The following abbreviations are used throughout this procedure.

Term

Definition

ART

UK Power Networks Asset Registration Team

CDL

UK Power Networks Central Document Library

Equipment

5.1

The following test equipment is required to carry out the tests detailed in this
procedure:
1kV insulation resistance tester (e.g. Megger).

Inspection

6.1

Record the substation and transformer details on the test form.

6.2

Carry out a visual inspection of the transformer as detailed below referring to the
manufacturers manual where appropriate. If possible the Commissioning Engineer
shall rectify any non-conformances. However, all equipment defects shall be
referred to Asset Management (or your UK Power Networks nominated contact).
Check that the transformer is correctly installed and the stability foot fully
supported where applicable.
Check that the transformer is undamaged.
Check that all external surface finishes are undamaged and any damaged
paintwork has been repaired.
Check that the earthing terminal(s) are securely connected directly to the
substation earth electrodes and that paint has been removed from the earth
contact points.
Check that there are no oil leaks.
Check that the transformer oil level is satisfactory (if sight glass is available).
Check that any valves are securely closed.
Check that the desiccant dehydrating breather is correctly fitted (if applicable).
Check that the free breather is clear and the end cap has been removed on free
breathing transformers.
Check that the pressure relief device is not blocked and remove any packing if
labelled adjacent to device on sealed transformers.
Check that the HV bushings are satisfactory.
Check that the LV mono block/bushings are satisfactory.
Check the transformer ID labels are fitted (if applicable).
Check oil temperature gauge is fitted in position (if applicable).
For dual-ratio transformers check that the correct voltage ratio has been
selected and the position locked.

UK Power Networks 2013 All rights reserved

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Distribution Transformer Commissioning Procedure

Document Number: ECP 11-0506

Version: 3.0
Date: 01/05/2013

Tap Changer Checks

7.1

Carry out the following tap changer checks referring to the manufacturers manual
where appropriate:
Operate the tap changer through all positions while off-circuit.
Set the desired tap position.
Lock the tap changer.

7.2

Record the tap position on the test form.

Winding Insulation Resistance

8.1

Measure HV winding insulation resistance as follows:

Connect the LV windings together and to earth via the neutral-earth link and
substation earth.
Connect a 1kV insulation resistance tester between the transformer HV winding
and earth.
The insulation resistance should be greater than 100M .
The transformer should be discharged after the measurement.
Note: For transformer-mounted units test from terminals L1 or L2 or L3 on ring
switch 1 with ring switch 1 closed, ring switch 2 open and the circuit-breaker closed.

8.2

Measure LV winding insulation resistance as follows:

If the transformer has a transformer-mounted LV fuse-cabinet it will be
necessary to temporarily remove the neutral-earth link.
Connect the HV windings together and to earth via the substation earth.
Connect a 1kV insulation resistance tester between the transformer LV winding
and earth.
The insulation resistance should be greater than 100M .
The transformer should be discharged after the measurement.
Replace the neutral-earth link if it has been removed previously.
Note: For transformer-mounted units earth the HV winding via the circuit-breaker
earthing switch and test with ring switch 1 open, ring switch 2 open and the circuitbreaker open.

UK Power Networks 2013 All rights reserved

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Distribution Transformer Commissioning Procedure

Document Number: ECP 11-0506

Version: 3.0
Date: 01/05/2013

Winding Selector Check (Dual Voltage Transformer Only)

9.1

Check that the voltage selection handle is secure.

9.2

Operate the winding selection switch several times.

9.3

Measure the HV resistance at both voltage positions. The resistance per phase at
11kV should be at least twice the resistance per phase at 6.6kV.

9.4

Select the correct winding.

9.5

If there is any doubt that the internal winding selection mechanism is not operating
correctly the transformer shall not be energised and the defect reported to Asset
Management (or your UK Power Networks nominated contact).

10

Energisation

10.1

Energisation including phasing checks shall be carried out in accordance with

ECP 11-0504.

11

Asset Data

11.1

Complete the asset data form and either send it to the Asset Registration Team
(ART), email it to the appropriate mailbox (ART.EPN@ukpowernetworks.co.uk,
ART.LPN@ukpowernetworks.co.uk, ART.SPN@ukpowernetworks.co.uk) or send it
to your UK Power Networks nominated contact.

12

Test Equipment

12.1

Record the purpose, make, type and serial number of all test equipment used
during commissioning on the test form.

13

Certification

13.1

When the commissioning has been satisfactorily completed, sign and date the test
form. Place a copy of the test form on-site in a plastic wallet and in a secure
location.

UK Power Networks 2013 All rights reserved

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