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Isolation Transformers for HOT Sites

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A HOT site is a PROJECT SPECIAL
high voltage installation PROJECT
(400kV, 132kV, 33kV, etc.)SPECIAL
where PROJECT SPECIAL
the Earth Potential Rise (EPR) that can occur during an earth fault can
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exceed 430V. For SPECIAL
installations atPROJECT
these sites, thereSPECIAL
is a risk that PROJECT
the EPR SPECIAL PROJECT
could be exported onto the HV or LV network and into a consumer’s
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premises, wherePROJECT SPECIAL
it could cause danger PROJECT
to life or damage to property.SPECIAL
Please PROJECT SPECIAL
note that all National Grid sites are generally classified as HOT.
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When an earth fault occurs on a cable at a substation, a proportion of the
SPECIAL
fault current willPROJECT SPECIAL
return to the source substation PROJECT SPECIAL PROJECT SPECIAL
through the ground.This
“ground return” current will flow into the ground through the earth connection
PROJECT SPECIAL
closest to the fault. PROJECT
The current flow SPECIAL
through the substation PROJECT SPECIAL PROJECT
earth resistance
will cause the voltage of the substation earth connections to rise above that
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of a remote (or true) SPECIAL
earth. This voltage is known asPROJECT SPECIAL
the earth potential PROJECT
rise A7042968, SPECIAL
100kVA 1:1 Isolation Transformer

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or EPR. SPECIAL PROJECT SPECIAL PROJECT SPECIAL PROJECT
On LV installations located within designated HOT sites, one common
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method of protection SPECIAL
against the effects of a high PROJECT
Earth Potential RiseSPECIAL
is to PROJECT SPECIAL
design the LV installation as a TT supply and install a 1:1 ratio isolation
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transformer with RCD protection on the incoming and outgoing, as shown
SPECIAL PROJECT
below. The incorporation of anSPECIAL PROJECT
isolation transformer ensures SPECIAL
the LV PROJECT SPECIAL
installation cannot be affected by an Earth Potential Rise.
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PROJECT SPECIAL PROJECT SPECIAL PROJECT SPECIAL PROJECT
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Incoming Terminal Chamber Door Open
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We have recently PROJECTsupplied thisSPECIAL
arrangement to PROJECT
a new National SPECIAL
Grid PROJECT SPECIAL
Project, utilising a 100kVA 1:1 ratio three-phase transformer (see adjacent
PROJECT
images). The 160ASPECIAL PROJECT
variable RCD feeding the SPECIAL
transformer PROJECT
was housed inSPECIALan PROJECT SPECIAL
all-insulated enclosure located adjacent to the service cutout. The RCD Incoming Terminal Chamber & Outgoing
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fitted to the output of the transformer was also rated at 160A with variable
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160A MCCB / RCD assembly
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sensitivity andSPECIAL
time delay but PROJECT
was housedSPECIAL PROJECT
in a segregated compartment SPECIAL PROJECT SPECIAL
fitted on the side of the transformer enclosure.
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Similar isolating transformers are also widely installed on the UK Rail
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Network in locationsSPECIAL PROJECT
where traction SPECIAL
power is supplied via overhead
One of the purposes of the transformer is to prevent an Earth Potential Rise
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lines. SPECIAL PROJECT
SPECIAL
should there be PROJECT SPECIAL
a catastrophic failure PROJECT
of the 25kV overhead SPECIAL
line. Single and PROJECT SPECIAL
three-phase transformers can be supplied, for indoor or outdoor installation.
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If you have a requirement for a 1:1 ratio isolation transformer for a National
SPECIAL
Grid HOT site orPROJECT
a Network Rail SPECIAL PROJECT
overhead line installation, pleaseSPECIAL
contact PROJECT SPECIAL
our Projects Team who will be pleased to assist. All Insulated MCCB / RCD, 160A Rating
PROJECT SPECIAL PROJECT SPECIAL PROJECT SPECIAL PROJECT SP35 - 03/16

South • 1 Thomas Road, Optima Park, Crayford, Kent DA1 4GA Tel: 0845 074 0084 Fax: 0845 074 0085
North • Unit 55, Monckton Road Ind Estate, Wakefield WF2 7AL Tel: 0845 074 0086 Fax: 0845 074 0087

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THE COMPANY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE PRODUCTS WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE Cert No: 902091