Preparing for a High Voltage Audit
Most people spend a little extra time to do there high voltage installations well – However after doing the audits over many years some things a recurring theme that require a little improvment to make the installation complient with AS2067 and as3000
Phase colours and a Unique name on plant
Labels missing – Each item of plant requires a uniue name – EG: tansformer 1 RMU 8 Pumphouse transformer. Phasing missing this can be coloured (Red White Blue) or 1 2 3 whatever you prefer. Danger signage Authorised personal signs and CPR Signs for substations.
Earthing colours and insulated
Earthing colours are fixed to be either green or green and yellow. Black is not a suitable colour for Earths. Earths must be fully insulatated except if there either busbar or braid. I find heatshrink is the easy way to complete the installation and it looks good. Cable jointers have pointed out that Ergon/Energex do it this way (black tape around the Earth) These are electrical entities and can pretty much do as they like and make there own rules. The rest of us have to comply with AS3000 and AS2067
RPEQ signoff
All High Voltage installations require RPEQ signoff. The step and touch values must be calculated to protect workers and the public from dangerous electrical events that might occur if a fault takes place. Its critical the earthing is correct on a high voltage installation as multiple deaths can occur if it is not. Testing of the earth installation and comparing it to the calculated values is the only sure fire way you know your complient.
Segregation of high Voltage cables and Low Voltage cables
High Voltage cable and Low Voltage cables cannot share the same wiring system. They need to have there own dedicated wiring system. This would include being in a conduit if there in a cable pit if LV cables are in there aswell. The idea behind this is to limit the damage that can be done if a fault occurs on the high voltage cable and it cannot extend into the low voltage installation.
Everything ready for your HV Audit??
I want things to go smoothly and I will do my best to get the installation able to be livened up ASAP To do this I need your help Run through the quick checklist. By nowhere this is a complete list – Just a quick punchlist where most people fail . I belive my job is to assist my clients to get there job done and get up and running ASAP and noone likes suprises.
- Paperwork Complete (RPEQ signoff to your step and touch what also means they have looked at protection and co-ordination to get to this step) 100%
- Testing Completed – Insulation resistance checks to cables field tests to transformers and RMU’s 100%
- Installation Completed – Everything is done including earthing. Run over all the connections and make sure everything is tight 100%
- Labels and phase colours cable numbers completed. This includes Auth Personal signs Danger HV Signs and CPR signs iif required. Checik the cable numbers are in place 100%