GIS Substation Cable Duct Sealing To Protect HV High Voltage Power Systems

Published 17 Dec 2024

Cable Duct Sealing

Water Ingress in GIS Substations

A dry cable basement achieved by cable duct sealing is a cornerstone of reliable GIS (Gas Insulated Switchgear) substation operation – substations provide electricity distribution for both medium (MV) and high voltage (HV) power systems in the UK typically distributing electrical power at 11kV, 33kV, 66kV and 132kV voltages.

Water intrusion, even in limited volumes, can have severe and catastrophic consequences to the provision of uninterrupted LV MV HV power supply:

Corrosion: Water ingress and flooding accelerates cable corrosion including metal components compromising the structural integrity of the substation
Electrical Faults: Water can bridge insulation, leading to short circuits, arcing, and potential substation fires
Reduced Equipment Lifespan: Moisture can degrade insulation materials and accelerate equipment aging
Operational Disruptions: Water ingress through unsealed cable ducts can necessitate unplanned maintenance and outages, impacting power delivery


Prevention is Key | Cable Duct Sealing

To safeguard GIS substations, implement these preventive measures:

Robust Drainage Systems: Ensure effective drainage to divert water away from the substation basement.
Waterproof Cable Duct Sealing: Regularly inspect and maintain ducting seals on cable entries plus doors, and other openings.
Regular Inspections: Conduct routine inspections to identify and address potential water ingress points.
Emergency Response Plans: Develop and implement contingency plans for water intrusion events.

By prioritizing a dry cable basement, you can enhance the reliability, safety, and longevity of your GIS substation, MV HV cables and electrical infrastructure – view our complete range of duct seals.

The NOFIRNO Duct Seal System is the proven choice for watertight and gas-tight protection for cable ducts, manhole entries, duct bank entries, and similar applications to prevent flood damage to GIS substations on the UK DNO and private network.

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