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Bunding – Oil Filled Transformers, To Bund or Not to Bund?

April 25th, 2019
Transformer Bunds

Transformer Bunds | Bunds for oil-filled transformers manufactured from steelwork on reduced lead time and at competitive prices from Thorne & Derrick | Contact us with your requirements | Stock, Service & Product Support

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Thorne & Derrick can provide design and manufacturing services for Transformer Bunds with optional oil filters, drain valves, filter systems and ancillaries in both mild and galvanised steel (painted or unpainted) – innovative, efficient, safe and cost-effective solution for protection against leakages of insulating liquid to BS EN 61936-1:2010.


BS EN 61936-1:2010

Power Installations Exceeding 1kV a.c. Common Rules

Oil Filled Transformers

Oil Filled Transformers

Guest Contribution: Carl A. Watkin IMEMME (Hons) I.Eng MIMMM MIET AIOSH

Carl has over 40 years experience as a Projects Director, Electrical Engineer & Project Manager in the highly regulated HSE HID hazardous and heavy industry sectors – this includes global ATEX and IECEx hazardous environment and area industries, civil tunnelling, LV MV HV utility sectors and the renewables sector.

In this original post from LinkedIn, the business and employment-oriented social media network, Carl discusses transformer bunds with gathered opinions from industry peers featured in the thread of comments below.


Bunding – Oil Filled Transformers

To Bund or Not To Bund?

by Carl A. Watkin

Question to all my fine Engineering contacts regarding oil filled distribution transformers – transformers are exempt from the UK oil storage regulations, as they are oil using (cooling) rather than storing, unless they have a conservator, holding in excess of 201lts, connected by single pipe – I see many transformer installs, including DNO installations, that do not have bunds around the transformers.

See: BundGuards | Substation & Transformer Oil Spills & Leaks Containment

What are your thoughts on bunding, or not, of oil filled transformers? What criteria would you use to assess whether to bund, or not?

Neil Denbow (Director at Eden Transformer Oil). For distribution transformers yes you can but the process should be carried out by an accredited MIDEL Service Partner (we were the first). For power transformers yes but with referral to M&I Materials. There have been many successful retrofills around the world – MIDEL 7131

Transformer Bunds

Contact Applied Power Engineering

Usually sealed distribution transformers up to 630-800 kVA don’t need to be bunded.

Neil Denbow (Director at Eden Transformer Oil). Manuel, BS EN 61936-1:2010 doesn’t differentiate between breathing and hermetically sealed transformers, it is defined by the volume of oil in the transformer.

(Richard Emery IEng MIET MIHEEM Authorising Engineer (E) IHEEM AE(E) at Green Building Design Consultants). I get the transformer bunding problem, and even if you don’t have an oil storage problem, and the environment agency have incorrect information there is the risk assessment? Is a spillage going to cause secondary contamination, disruption and damage? How do we deal with external transformers/ bunding and rain water? I have seen some bunded walls with 300mm of water in them others with drain taps left on.

Neil Denbow (Director at Eden Transformer Oil). Richard, larger 11kV transformers will have oil/water separation systems, smaller transformers will have valve with a oil/water capture filter that allows water to pass through but trap oil. We sell the latter on our website www.edenoil.co.uk and have a partner for the lager systems:- When a bund has not been maintained or doesn’t have filter system, we offer a bund emptying service.

➡ We’ve put in from full on concrete swimming pools, active filters to perspex shields around the rads to stop fluid spraying past the bund. Most of the time midel is used these days which doesn’t have the same environmental issues, a bund with a filter seems to be what we do most though.

Neil Denbow (Director at Eden Transformer Oil). Dan, you are right that MIDEL is readily biodegradable but BS EN 61936-1:2010 doesn’t differentiate between oil, synthetic or natural esters. However, insurance companies do.

This has been debated many times in the Rail industry. With respect to Environmental Agency website error, certain parties in Rail industry have received same letter from Environmental Agency but certain representatives contradict each other in their response.

➡ Derrick Stableford P.Tech.(Eng.) (Electrical, Instrumentation and Controls Designer at Associated Engineering). Funny I had a containment question at work this week. Sorbweb matting would be my answer for leak control. Most trannys at this level have level switches as options, the hard part is the comms back to the control centre, without creating a cyber security intrusion risk. The sorbweb Mat adsorbs oil, and repels water. No need for a shed. Using food grade oil will also help with environmental risks. You could fry your lunch with a drawn off sample, or bang it in your diesel. The bunding and double wall systems have their own cost adders and maintenance issues, Inc water pump outs and disposal. Mechanical separators can freeze and fail, esp. here at severely minus temps.

Transformer Bunds

Contact Applied Power Engineering

➡ 

Karl R (Functional Safety & Systems Engineer). Watch out for an error in the HSE publicised “Hierarchy of Controls” leaflet. The vitally important area of physical isolation was missed. The hierarchy is actually: 1 Eliminate – do it a different way that doesn’t use the hazardous methods or substances. There’s no risk if there’s no hazard. No need to mitigate for a non existent hazard. Save effort, money and time for use elsewhere. 2 Substitute – use something non/less hazardous 3 Isolation – Physical separation. Barriers, bunds, locked areas and vessel containment. Dual layers. 4 Design – Automation, control, monitor, report and safely shutdown/reroute. Engineered solutions to mitigate hazardous situations and prevent hazardous material release. Control and safety systems to look after the process. Switchgear protection. 5 Admin – Enforcement and training. Emergency Response Procedures. Authorised areas, Competency, Risk Assessments, Design Reviews, Method Statements, verification and validation, maintenance, etc. 6 PPE

➡ There’s a regulation in the 18th edition where it covers transformers containing oil shall be bunded or pitted to distinguish any potential fires


Thorne & Derrick stock and supply the DrainEezy range of transformer bund filters for use with LV MV HV Oil-Filled Transformers providing passive, self-regulating environmental protection and preventing bunds from overflowing during rainfall events; the DrainEezy Bund Filter System is field-ready to fit and retrofittable allowing clean water to drain freely while automatically blocking and retaining insulating oil in the event of a leak or catastrophic transformer failure.

Transformer Bund Filters

600/1000V | 11kV | 33kV | 66kV Transformer Bund Filters


Lucy Zodion Titan2 Street Lighting Cut Outs – Single & Double Pole

April 16th, 2019

Lucy Zodion

  • Uploaded By - Chris Dodds (Thorne & Derrick Sales & Marketing Manager)

Street Lighting Cut Outs

Lucy Zodion Ltd, are the leading UK manufacturer of street lighting cut-outs, controls, feeder pillars and street lighting isolators – their street light cut outs (SLCOs) are also part of the G81 specification framework.

Lucy Zodion Titan2 cut outs are supplied as standard with features that ensure the street lighting technicians task is considerably easier.

The Lucy Titan2 cam lever handle enables effortless release of the Lucy fuse carrier in one movement and there is plenty of cabling space to terminate a wide variety of conductor types and sizes.

Insulated or brass cable gland plates are also available for when dual or triple entries are required.

High quality engineering thermoplastics make the Lucy Zodion Titan2 range the ideal choice to withstand heavy use in demanding locations.

Cut Outs

Lucy Zodion Titan2

Street Lighting Cut Outs Range

  • Single or double pole cut outs
  • Single or twin fuse cut outs
  • Brass or insulated gland plate options
  • Extensive trough options
  • 1 up, 2 up, 1 up 1 down circuit arrangements
Street lighting Cut Outs - Titan2

Street lighting Cut Outs – Titan2

TITAN2 SINGLE & DOUBLE POLE CUT OUTS

PRODUCT SPECIFICATION

Should you require any technical support and advise in order to select the correct street lighting cut out please do not hesitate to contact us.

Lucy Cut Out Part No  Fuseways Components Description Cable Entry Image
Titan2 (NT06) double pole single fuse cut out, complete with earth block, and brass plate with:
THM0006032 1 2 x 20mm grommets NT06-TT-NG12 Cable Entry Titan2 (NT06)
THM0010170 1 2 x BW20 brass glands NT06-TT-NG18 Cable Entry
THM0010121 1 2 x 20mm tubes NT06-TT-NG25 Cable Entry
THM0031147 1 2 x 25mm tubes NT06-TT-NG26 Cable Entry
Titan2 (NT06) double pole single fuse cut out, complete with earth block, small extension trough, and brass plate with :
THM0010657 1 2 x 20mm grommets NT06-TT-NEF-NG12 Cable Entry Titan2 NT06
THM0017257 1 2 x 20mm grommets NT06-TT-NEF-NG13 Cable Entry
THM0013678 1 2 x BW20 brass glands NT06-TT-NEF-NG18 Cable Entry
THM0010211 1 2 x 20mm tubes NT06-TT-NEF-NG25 Cable Entry
THM0010212 1 2 x 25mm tubes NT06-TT-NEF-NG26 Cable Entry
Titan2 (NT06) double pole single fuse cut out, complete with earth block, large extension trough, and brass plate with :
THM0036546 1 2 x 25mm grommets NT06-TT-NED-NG13 Cable Entry Titan2 (NT06)
THM0037191 1 2 x 20mm tubes NT06-TT-NED-NG25 Cable Entry
THM0028975 1 2 x 25mm tubes NT06-TT-NED-NG26 Cable Entry
THM0016546 1 2 x BW25 glands and 1 x 25mm grommet NT06-TT-NEE-NG82 Cable Entry
Titan2 (NT08) double pole twin fuse cut out, complete with earth block, and brass plate with :
THM0009901 2 2 x 20mm grommets NT08-TT-NG12 Cable Entry Titan2 (NT08)
THM0012689 2 2 x BW20 brass glands NT08-TT-NG18 Cable Entry
THM0013303 2 2 x 20mm tubes NT08-TT-NG25 Cable Entry
THM0014521 2 2 x 25mm tubes NT08-TT-NG26 Cable Entry
Titan2 (NT08) double pole twin fuse cut out, complete with earth block, small extention trough, and brass plate with :
THM0010563 2 2 x 20mm grommets NT08-TT-NEF-NG12 Cable Entry Titan2 NT08
THM0029334 2 2 x 25mm grommets NT08-TT-NEF-NG13 Cable Entry
THM0014659 2 2 x BW20 brass glands NT08-TT-NEF-NG18 Cable Entry
THM0011708 2 2 x 20mm tubes NT08-TT-NEF-NG25 Cable Entry
THM0010841 2 2 x 25mm tubes NT08-TT-NEF-NG26 Cable Entry
Titan2 (NT08) double pole twin fuse cut out, complete with earth block, large 2-way extention trough, and brass plate with :
THM0037298 2 2 x 25mm grommets NT08-TT-NED-NG13 Cable Entry Titan2 (NT08)
THM0037316 2 2 x 20mm tubes NT08-TT-NED-NG25 Cable Entry
THM0037323 2 2 x 25mm tubes NT08-TT-NED-NG26 Cable Entry
Titan2 (NT10) double pole twin fuse cut out, complete with earth block, 3-way extension trough, and brass plate, with :
THM0027135 2 3 x 25mm tubes NT10-NED-NEE-NT6-NG61 Cable Entry Titan2 (NT10)
THM0012093 2 3 x 20mm grommets NT10-NEC-NT6-NG68 Cable Entry
THM0010786 2 2 x 25mm grommets, 1 x 20mm grommet NT10-NEC-NT6-NG52 Cable Entry

Lucy Zodion Titan2

Specifications

Specifications
  • Designed and tested in accordance with BS 7654:1997 and IEC/EN 60947-Part 1
  • Accepts fuses to IEC 269-1 and BS 88 Part 1, AC16 tag type
  • Moulded in high performance thermoplastics
  • IP43 rating
  • Single or double pole cut outs
  • Single or twin fuse
  • Detachable terminal block in extension trough facilitates termination of heavy duty cables
  • Electroplated brass terminal blocks accept conductors up to 25sqmm
  • Terminal blocks for 1 to 3 conductors
  • Stud and lug connections
  • Serrated bores in terminals to ensure good contact with all conductor types
  • Red terminal block cover for safety
  • Brass or insulated gland plate options
  • Padlock and sealing wire facilities provided
  • Captive screw on cam lever
Options
  • Single or Double pole
  • Single or Twin fuse
  • Brass or insulated gland plate options
  • Extensive trough options
  • 1 up, 2 up, 1up 1 down circuit arrangements
Lucy Also Provide DNO Cut Outs That Offer Street lighting Contractor Improved Cable Access

Lucy DNO Cut Outs Offer Street Lighting Contractors Improved Cable Termination Access

 

Lucy Lighting Titan SLF

Single Pole Cut Outs

With its low body split line to maximise cabling access, the Lucy Lighting Titan SLF is the simplest exponent of the single pole cut outs.

Tough, engineering grade thermoplastics and fully electroplated brass componentry ensure that the Lucy SLF street lighting cut out will have a long, reliable service life.

The Lucy Zodion Titan MC040SLF cam operated fuse handle ensures that electrical disconnection takes place prior to the fuse carrier being extracted by the street lighting contractor.

Lucy Zodion MC040SLF Single Phase Cut Out Specifications

  • Cut out designed and tested in accordance with BS 7654:1997
  • 25A maximum fuse rating
  • Accepts fuse links to BS 88 Part 1, AC 16 tag type
  • IP22 rating
  • Single pole isolation
  • Single fuse
  • Electroplated brass terminals with serrated bores
  • Max. cable size; 16sqmm stranded copper, 25sqmm solid aluminium
  •  Cable entry via PVC grommets as standard
  • Outgoing cables exit below horizontal to form drip loop
  • Sealing wire facility
Lucy Zodion Titan MC040SLF Single Phase Cut Out Dimensions
Height 150mm
Width 76mm
Depth 60mm
Order Details For MC040SLF Street Lighting Cut Out
Order Code Description
MC040SLF 25A SLCO TYPE 1 (SNE) Separate Neutral and Earth
MC040SLF 25A SLCO TYPE 2 (CNE) Combined Neutral and Earth

 

➡ For further information about how Lucy Zodion provide control and power distribution products for street lighting applications, please review the Lucy Titan (Cut-outs) and Lucy Trojan (Isolators) ranges of products.

Complete range of LV Cable Accessories  ➡

Cable Breakouts | Cable Caps | Cable Lugs | Cable Cleats | Cable Trough | Cable Duct | Feeder Pillars | for 11kV/33kV/66kV networks see MV HV Joints & Terminations

Joints Terminations Connectors

Pfisterer | Nexans Euromold | Prysmian | Cable Joints & Terminations MV HV

Cold Shrink

Cold Shrink by 3M | Joints | Abandonment | Terminations | Low Voltage LV Cables

Lead Wiping | A Disappearing Cable Jointers Skill Video Tutorial

April 16th, 2019

Wiping Lead Pipes

How to Wipe Lead Cables

Prior to Cable Jointing

  • uploaded by - Chris Dodds Thorne & Derrick Sales & Marketing Manager

Heat shrink cable joints for jointing paper or polymeric insulated cables (PILC or XLPE) with lead sheaths are specified for Low Voltage power distribution systems in the oil, gas and petrochemical industries where underground cables are exposed to waterlogging and corrosive liquids and vapours – cable construction including the lead sheath cover or jacket protects against penetration and degradation of electric cable insulation by hydrocarbon contaminants (whether underground or airborne).

Today, lead wiping has virtually disappeared from the cable jointers skill-set as more modern techniques, such as constant force spring armour and lead earthing continuity kits, which are integral to 3M hydrocarbon resistant cable joint kits have become commonplace. The modern day trend towards the manufacture and adoption of Polymeric (XLPE EPR insulated) cables has further reduced the demand for jointers with competency to work, maintain and splice using PILC type cables.

Cable Jointing & Lead Wiping

Credit: ThunderboltNZ

Lead Sheath Cutting & Removal From Paper Insulated Cables

Due to Occupational Health & Safety problems with handling lead and associated fumes, lead wiping has been replaced by jointing the cable sheaths using copper earth braid and constant force springs.

Lead Sheath Wiping

Lead Sheath Wiping

Pictured : A cable repair being conducted on a 200 pair (400 wire) lead-sheathed, paper-insulated cable (PILC). The photo illustrates the difficult conditions under which cable jointers often have to work. The gas lantern is required for both lighting and heating as it is important that the paper insulation of the individual wires do not become damp.

The joining of paper-insulated, lead-sheathed cables is not an easy task. Each 200 pair joint can take over two days to complete. The wires are identified by a colour code and are layered in a particular way: a common mistake when repairing these cables is to join pair number 1 to pair number 200 (i.e. 180 degrees out of phase). Each wire is individually joined together and covered by a paper sleeve. The photo below shows a close-up of the cable being spliced with some pairs having been joined and the remainder temporarily folded back out of the way.

Lineman Cable Splicing

Cable Splicing

LV Cable Joints (Low Voltage Cables)

Thorne & Derrick stock and distribute LV Joints in Cold Shrink, Heat Shrink or Resin Cast technologies – multicore and multi-pair cable joints are available for immediate backfill and energisation of Low Voltage power, control and instrumentation cables 600V/1000V 3.3kV.

Further Reading

Complete range of LV Cable Accessories  ➡

Cable Breakouts | Cable Caps | Cable Lugs | Cable Cleats | Cable Trough | Cable Duct | Feeder Pillars | for 11kV/33kV/66kV networks see MV HV Joints & Terminations

Joints Terminations Connectors

Pfisterer | Nexans Euromold | Prysmian | Cable Joints & Terminations MV HV

Cold Shrink

Cold Shrink by 3M | Joints | Abandonment | Terminations | Low Voltage LV Cables

Fire Walls & Fire Risk Hazards Of Electrical Equipment – BS EN 61936-1 : 2010

April 16th, 2019

BS EN 61936-1:2010 Fire WallsTransformer Bunds

The following information and clauses concerning fire walls is extracted from BS EN 61936-1:2010.

Power Installations Exceeding 1kV a.c. Common Rules

8.7 Protection Against Fire 8.7.1 General

Relevant national, provincial and local fire protection regulations shall be taken into account in the design of the installation.

NOTE: Fire hazard and fire risk of electrical equipment is separated into two categories: fire victim and fire origin.

Precautions for each category should be taken into account in the installation requirements.

  1. precautions to fire victim:
  2. space separation from origin of fire;
  3. flame propagation prevention:

 physical layout of the substation,

 liquid containment,

 fire barriers (e.g. REI fire-resistant materials 60/90),

 extinguishing system;

  1. precautions to fire origin:
  2. electrical protection;
  3. thermal protection;
  • pressure protection;
  1. fire resistant materials.

Care shall be taken that, in the event of fire, the escape and rescue paths and the emergency exits can be used (see 7.1.6).

The user or owner of the installation shall specify any requirement for fire extinguishing equipment. Automatic devices to protect against equipment burning due to severe overheating, overloading and faults (internal/external) shall be provided, depending on the size and significance of the installation.

Equipment in which there is a potential for sparks, arcing, explosion or high temperature, for example electrical machines, transformers, resistors, switches and fuses, shall not be used in operating areas subject to fire hazard unless the construction of this equipment is such that flammable materials cannot be ignited by them.

If this cannot be ensured, special precautions, for example fire walls, fire-resistant separations, vaults, enclosures and containment, are necessary.

Consideration should be given to separating different sections of switchgear by fire walls. This can be achieved by means of bus ducts which penetrate the fire wall and which connect the sections of the switchgear together.

8.7.2 Transformers, Reactors

In the following sub-clauses, the word ‘transformer’ represents ‘transformers and reactors’.

For the identification of coolant types, see 6.2.2.IEC 61100 classifies insulating liquids and transformer oils according to:fire point and net caloric value (heat of combustion).

Three classes have been defined:

 Class O, if the fire-point is less than or equal to 300 °C. (e.g Mineral Oil).

 Class K, if the fire-point is above 300 °C. (e.g MIDEL 7131 and MIDEL eN 1024).

 Class L, if the insulating liquid has no measurable fire-point.(e.g. Xiameter PMX-561).

IEC 60076-11 classifies dry-type transformers in terms of their behaviour when exposed to fire. The fire hazard associated with transformers of outdoor and indoor installations is dependent on the rating of the equipment, the volume and type of insulating mediums, the type and proximity and exposure of nearby equipment and structures.

The use of one or more recognized safeguard measures shall be used in accordance with the evaluation of the risk.

♦ IEC 60076-11:2018 Power Transformers – Part 11: Dry-type Transformers

NOTE: For definition of risk, see ISO/IEC Guide 51.

Common sumps or catchment tanks, if required, for several transformers shall be arranged so that a fire in one transformer cannot spread to another. The same applies to individual sumps which are connected to the catchment tanks of other transformers; gravel layers or pipes filled with fluid can, for example, be used for this purpose.

Arrangements which tend to minimize the fire hazard of the escaped fluid are preferred.

8.7.2.1 Outdoor Transformer Installations

The layout of an outdoor installation shall be such that burning of a transformer with a liquid volume of more than 1,000 litres will not cause a fire hazard to other transformers or objects, with the exception of those directly associated with the transformer. For this purpose, adequate clearances, G, shall be necessary.

Guide values are given in Table 3. Where transformers with a liquid volume below 1,000 litres are installed near combustible walls, special fire precautions may be necessary, depending on the nature and the use of the building.

If automatically activated fire extinguishing equipment is installed, the clearance G can be reduced.

If it is not possible to allow for adequate clearance as indicated in Table 3, fire-resistant separating walls with the following dimensions shall be provided:-

a) between transformers (see Figure 6) separating walls. For example EI 60 in accordance with the Official Journal of the European Community, No. C 62/23:

 height: top of the expansion chamber (if any), otherwise the top of the transformer tank;

 length: width or length of the sump (in the case of a dry-type transformer, the width or length of the transformer, depending upon the direction of the transformer);

b) between transformers and buildings separating walls. For example EI 60; if additional fire separating wall is not provided, fire rating of the building wall should be increased, for example REI 90 (see Figure 7) in accordance with the Official Journal of the European Community C 62/23.

Table 3 – Guide Values For Outdoor Transformer Clearances

Transformer Type Liquid Volume Clearance G to
Other transformers or non-combustible building surface (m) Combustible building surface (m)
Oil insulated transformers (O) 1000 <…..< 2000 3 7.5
2000 <…..< 20000 5 10
20000 <…..< 45000 10 20
< 45000 15 30
Less flammable liquid insulated transformers (K) without enhanced protection 1000 <…..< 2000 1.5 7.5
≥3800 4.5 15
Clearance G to building surface or adjacent transformers
Less flammable liquid insulated transformers (K) without enhanced protection Horizontal (m) Vertical (m)
0.9 1.5
Dry-type transformers (A) Fire behaviour class Clearance G to building surface or adjacent transformers
Horizontal (m) Vertical (m)
F0 1.5 3.0
F1 None None

 

NOTE 1: Enhanced protection means:

  • tank rupture strength
  • tank pressure relief
  • low-current fault protection
  • high-current fault protection

For an example of enhanced protection, see Factory Global standard 3990 (33) or equivalent.

NOTE 2: Sufficient space should be allowed for periodic cleaning of resin-encapsulated transformer windings, in order to prevent possible electrical faults and fire hazard caused by deposited atmospheric pollution.

Three classes have been defined:

 Class O, if the fire-point is less than or equal to 300 °C. (e.g Mineral Oil)

 Class K, if the fire-point is above 300 °C. (e.g MIDEL 7131 and MIDEL eN 1024)

 Class L, if the insulating liquid has no measurable fire-point.(e.g. Xiameter PMX-561)

8.7.2.2 Indoor Transformer Installation In Closed Electrical Operating Areas

Minimum requirements for the installation of indoor transformers are given in Table 4.

Table 4 – Minimum Requirements For The Installation Of Indoor Transformers

Transformer Type Class Safeguards
Liquid Volume
≤ 1000 I El 60 respectively REI 60
≤ 1000 I El 90 respectively REI 90 or El 60 respectively REI 60 and automatic sprinkler protection
Less flammable liquid insulted transformers (K) Nominal power/max
Without enhanced protection (no restriction) El 60 respectively REI 60 or automatic sprinkler protection
With enhanced protection ≤ 10 MVA and U≤ 38 kV El 60 respectively REI 60 or separation distances 1.5m horizontally and 1.5m vertically
Dry-type transformer (A) Fire behaviour
F0 El 60 respectively REI 60 or separation distances 0.9m horizontally and 1.5m vertically
F1 Non combustible walls

 

NOTE 1: REI represents the bearing system (wall) whereas El represents the non-load bearing system (wall) where R is the load bearing capacity, E is the fire integrity, I is the thermal insulation and 60/90 refers to time in minutes.

NOTE 2: Enhanced protection means:

  • tank rupture strength
  • tank pressure relief
  • low-current fault protection
  • high-current fault protection

For an example of enhanced protection, see Factory Global standard 3990 (33) or equivalent.

NOTE 3: Sufficient space should be allowed for periodic cleaning of resin-encapsulated transformer windings, in order to prevent possible electrical faults and fire hazards caused by deposited atmospheric pollution.

Doors shall have a fire resistance of at least 60 min. Doors which open to the outside are adequate if they are of low flammability material. Ventilation openings necessary for the operation of the transformers are permitted in the doors or in adjacent walls. When designing the openings, the possible escape of hot gases shall be considered.

8.7.2.3 Indoor Transformer Installations In Industrial Buildings

For all transformers in industrial buildings, fast-acting protective devices which provide immediate automatic interruption in the event of failure are necessary.

Transformers with coolant type O require the same provisions as in 8.7.2.2.

For all other liquid-immersed transformers, no special arrangements in respect of fire.

protection are required, except for the provisions for liquid retention in case of leakage and the provision of portable fire extinguishing apparatus suitable for electrical equipment.

Dry-type transformers (A) require the selection of the correct fire behaviour class depending on the activity of the industry and on the material present in the surroundings. Fire extinguishing provisions are advisable, particularly for class F0.

NOTE: For all transformers in industrial buildings, additional fire precautions may be necessary, depending on the nature and use of the building.

8.7.2.4 Indoor Installations In Buildings Which Are Permanently Occupied By Persons

In high-voltage installations, located in public or residential buildings, special conditions shall be observed in accordance with existing standards or national regulations.

8.7.2.5 Fire in the vicinity of transformers

If there is an exceptional risk of the transformer being exposed to external fire, consideration shall be given to

  • fire-resistant separating walls;
  • gas-tight vessels capable of withstanding the internal pressure generated;
  • controlled release of the hot liquid; fire extinguishing systems.

8.7.3 Cables

The danger of the spread of fire and its consequences shall be reduced, as far as possible, by selecting suitable cables and by the method of installation.

The cables may be assessed by reference to the following categories:

  • cables without particular fire performance characteristics;
  • cables (single) with resistance to flame propagation (IEC 60332 series);
  • cables (bunched) with resistance to flame propagation (IEC 60332 series);
  • cables with low emission of smoke (IEC 61034-1);
  • cables with low emission of acidic and corrosive gases (IEC 60754-1 and IEC 60754-2);
  • cables with fire-resisting characteristics (IEC 60331-21 or IEC 60331-1).

Cables in trenches and buildings shall be laid in such a way that the regulations regarding fire safety of the building are not adversely affected. For example, to avoid fire propagation, holes or cable ducts through which the cables go from one room to another shall be sealed with suitable fire proof and resistant material.

A physical separation or different routing of power circuits from the control circuits for high voltage equipment is recommended if it is necessary to preserve the integrity of the latter as long as possible following damage to the power circuits.

Where necessary, a fire alarm and fire extinguishing systems shall be installed in cable tunnels and in cable racks in the basement of control buildings.

8.7.4 Other Equipment With Flammable Liquid

For all equipment, such as switchgear which contains more than 100 l of flammable liquid in each separate compartment, special fire precautions as specified for transformers may be necessary, depending on the nature and use of the installation and its location.

Figure 6 – Separating Walls Between Transformers

Figure 6 - Separating walls between transformers

Figure 7 – Fire Protection Between Transformer & Building

Figure 7 - Fire Protection Between Transformer & Building

Key

For Clearance G. see Table 3

a) The wall in this area shall be designed to avoid a spread of fire

Further Reading

Transformer Oils – 11kV 33kV 66kV Substation Transformer Oil Refilling, Sampling & Analysis

Utilising Distribution Transformers To Optimise Solar

11kV Transformers | Introducing Amorphous Core HV Transformers

VIDEO How To Verify Total Absence of Voltage By The Push Of a Button

 

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The 11kV Specialists

Thorne & Derrick distribute the most extensive range of 11kV Cable Jointing, Terminating, Pulling & Installation Equipment – we service UK and international clients working on underground cables, overhead lines, substations and electrical construction at 11kV and up to and EHV transmission and distribution voltages.

Cable Joints Glands Cleats Lugs - LV Low Voltage

LV – Low Voltage Cable Joints, Glands, Cleats, Lugs & Accessories (1000 Volts)

Cable Joints Terminations - MV HV Medium High Voltage

MV HV – Medium & High Voltage Cable Joints, Terminations & Connectors (11kV 33kV EHV)

Cable Protection Duct Seals Rollers

Cable Laying – Underground Cable Covers, Ducting, Seals & Cable Pulling Equipment

CATU Electrical Safety Equipment

T&D, CATU Electrical Safety & Arc Flash Protection Specialists for SAP’s, Linesmen, Jointers & Electrical Engineers – Largest UK Stockist

ALVIN by EA Technology | Identify LV Electrical Equipment Faults

April 15th, 2019
ALVIN by EA Technology Identify LV Electrical Equipment Faults

ALVIN by EA Technology Identify LV Electrical Equipment Faults

  • uploaded by - Chris Dodds Thorne & Derrick Sales & Marketing Manager

ALVIN by EA Technology

The ALVIN (Automatic Low Voltage Intelligent Network) has been developed by EA Technology (EATL) and is supporting customers and saving time and money through speedy fault and location detection.

ALVIN Reclose is the next generation of supply-restoration reclose equipment, providing Network Operators with invaluable support in reducing costs and delivering better customer service.

ALVIN Reclose meets the immediate needs of Network Operators to improve customer service on ageing, low voltage networks, while providing the foundation for future automation and communication schemes.

EA Technology’s ALVIN Reclose is the most advanced, compact, cost-effective solution available on the market enabling intelligent automation and fault restoration on low voltage electrical and cable networks.

ALVIN Reclose

ALVIN Reclose

ALVIN & Western Power Distribution

Stoke Plant Team Manager at Western Power Distribution Steve Weddell said: “We use the ALVINs on intermittent faults where existing electrical equipment has failed to locate the issue or where visibility of the underlying problem is required. It provides visibility to power quality information which helps to locate the fault or power quality issue.”

Steve and his team worked closely with EA Technology for 12 months and the team has since achieved 100% success rate in detecting issues where we have deployed the ALVIN on known faults and problem circuits.

Western Power Distribution Using ALVINs On Intermittent Faults

Western Power Distribution Using ALVINs On Intermittent Faults

Stoke Engineering Specialist David Phillips gave a real case example of where the ALVIN has helped customers. “In early 2018 we received reports of flickering lights in Alrewas in the Stoke distribution patch. Power quality devices were fitted but no meaningful cause for the disturbance was found.

The issue continued for several months.

During a visit to EA Technology my colleague and I discussed the matter and we decided to use the ALVIN as an experiment to investigate the cause. On installation, the problem was immediately found and the electrical power fault rectified within two days.”

The device records the voltage and current waveforms associated with a collection of brief faults, which disappear (self-heal) before a fuse operates. The ALVIN fits in a standard low voltage holder and which, on detection of a fault, will break the circuit and disconnect supplies, wait for approximately thirty seconds, then reclose and reconnect the circuit.

The ALVIN fits in a standard low voltage holder and which, on detection of a fault, will break the circuit and disconnect supplies, wait for approximately thirty seconds, then reclose and reconnect the circuit.

In 2017 EA Technology launched a new LV (Low Voltage) Cloud data service which enabled the voltage and current waveform visualisation and fault location service to be provided.

Identify LV Electrical Equipment Faults With ALVIN By EA Technology

Identify LV Electrical Equipment Faults With ALVIN By EA Technology

We have had several sets of ALVINs since 2016. Approximately 12 months ago, we bought the communication equipment which enabled it to communicate to the LV Cloud.  These sets have been distributed between Nottingham and Stoke depots where the ALVIN systems have been deployed to manage and locate problematic LV faults.

David explained: “The waveform data is captured by the device and the status of customer supplies is confirmed by text or email.  The severity and frequency of pre-fault activity can be used to indicate supply interference as well as implying the likelihood of an impending fault or probability of getting a good thermal reading or ‘sniff’ of fault gases to confirm the suspected location fault.

David concluded: “We have found the units to be extremely versatile and currently work in close partnership with EA technology in exploring the possibilities of these devices and future development.”

ALVIN Reclose

ALVIN Reclose

ALVIN

Business Benefits

  • Ability to identify and ‘self-clear’ multiple transients and overload faults so reducing engineering costs and delivering improved customer service
  • Simple, retrofit installation with no hidden ‘start up’ costs means the low-cost ALVIN Reclose offers excellent cost/benefits justification.
  • flexible features give businesses exactly what they need now.  The device is the foundation building block of a range of low-cost add-on devices and services, making it ‘future-adaptable’
  • ALVIN Reclose uses the latest technologies, ensuring the safety of employees and customers
  • The ALVIN Reclose device allows for more effective asset management, increasing reliability, efficiency and safety at lower costs

Automatic Low Voltage Intelligent Network

Features

  • Automatic ‘self-clearing ‘of transient and overload faults,
  • Supply restoration with no need for manual intervention
  • High quality specification, functionality and reliability
  • ‘All-in-one’ mechanism tests and restores power automatically
  • Unique SafeON™ technology ensures power can be restored safely
  • Fully self-contained, it does not require any auxiliary components
  • Full load, network analysis and diagnostics are available through the external data port
  • Ready for future use: it is the foundation for a range of low-cost, add-on products and services
  • The only retrofit product with arc-less switching for improved network protection.
  • Fitting is simple, fast, safe and compatible with existing 92mm fuse holders
  • factory programmed to suit different customer requirements
  • Comprehensive training, together with on-call service support

ALVIN Technical Specification

ITEM RATING
Rated Operating Voltage 275V phase to neutral on either pole
440V across poles
Rated Insulation Voltage 690V
Rated Operating Current 400A or 500A as thump option for ALVIN RecloseITTM version
Operating frequency 50Hz
Rated making capacity 80kA
Rated breaking capacity 80kA
Overcurrent trip characteristic Inverse time-based on 315A & 400A BS88-2 It zones
Ambient air temperature -25°C to +45°C
Operating cycles 1000
Voltage measurement ±1.5% 50V to 253V AC RMS
Current measurement ±1% >200A, ±2A ≤200A
Harmonic monitoring Yes
Directional Fault Indicators Yes
Fault location ready Yes
Making on faulty cable SafeONTM with current limiting to 2.4kA
Standards applied IEC 60947-2, IEC 61000, IEC60255

 

EA Technology

EA Technology are a global provider of end to end power engineering solutions and provide expert consultancy, innovative instruments, skills training, technical services and more.

EA Technology

Thorne & Derrick Specialist Electrical Distributor

Established since 1985, T&D distribute the most extensive range of LV, MV & HV Cable Jointing, Terminating, Pulling & Installation Equipment – contact us today for a competitive quotation.

Key Products : MV Joints & Terminations, Cable Cleats, Duct Seals, Cable Transits, Underground Cable Protection, Jointing Tools, Feeder Pillars, Cable Duct, Earthing & Lightning Protection, Electrical Safety, Cable Glands, Arc Flash Clothing Protection & Fusegear.

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