SAFETY COMPETENCY

TRAINING
POWER SYSTEM ELEMENTS
CONDUCTORS AND CABLES
These are materials through which electrical energy is
transmitted from one point to another .They could either
be insulated or bare. The cross sectional area will
determine among other perimeter, the maximum current
in Amps the conductor / cable can transmit or carry.
Types of materials will vary based on where the
conductor / cable / are to be used. We have solid or flexible
conductors /cables .Copper, aluminium, aluminium alloy
and brass are materials available in the market/industry.
LOW VOLTAGE CABLE SIZES AND CURRENT
CARRYING CAPACITY
Size mm2 Current rating ( amps )
10mm2 cu s/c concentric cable 80
16mm2 cu s/c concentric cable 105
25mm2 4/c cable 87
70mm2 4/c Al. cable 155
120mm2 4/c Al. cable 210
185mm2 4/c Al. cable 270
300mm2 4/c Al cable 355
600mm2 s/c Al cable 433
CONDUCTORS
The conductors to be used shall be the aluminium core
steel reinforced (ACSR).The conductor shall meet the
specification as detail in kplc specifications which is in
accordance with Bs215
Where used and current carrying capacity
Main lines
150mm2
Spurs
75mm2
25mm2
LOW VOLTAGE CABLE SIZES AND
CURRENT CARRYING CAPACITY
SIZES MM2 CURRENT RATING ( AMPS )

25MM2 133

50MM2 208

75MM2 270

100MM2 334

150MM2 430
WHAT TO AVOID WHILE HANDLING CONDUCTORS AND
CABLES
Poor joints –source of energy loss
Kinks –develop weak points and hot spots
Sub-standard lugging-using hammer and other
objects
Dry connections-use of binding wire, coiling etc
instead use the recommended connectors eg line taps
Exercising care to avoid mechanical damage
Professional marching of conductor and cable sizes.
 AIR-BREAK SWITCHES.
The units design is to provide means of opening and
closing of electrical power line.
Its composed of male and female parts.
Its operated using an operating rod which is connected
along the pole with a handle 4fts from the ground.
The HT earth is separated from switch handle and pipe.
The entire switch components is connected to the earth
mat.
The earth mat keeps the operator at the same potential
with the switch while doing the operation.
AIR-BREAK SWITCHES
The switches are used as sectionalizes and load
transfers.
The switches are rated according to type of voltage
they are connected or designed for.
They are arranged in a systematic order with unique
numbers for clear identification.
The switches are used to make and break parallel
without interrupting supplies.
The switch should always be locked for enhanced
safety.
AIR-BREAK SWITCHES
The operator should confirms the physical status of
the switch before and after operation.
The operator should have the rubber gloves on, helmet
and recommended foot wear.
The operating rod should have the permali insulator
to enhance operators safety.
If the switch is by-passed for any reason the control
engineer should be made aware immediately.
The bypass should be done in a visible way to enable
the operator see it from the ground level.
AIR-BREAK SWITCHES
Switch identification
11kv switch identified by letter Y e.g. Y002.
33kv switch identified by letter X e.g. X403.
66kv switch identified by letter W e.g.
W212.

All switches ending with a 1 (one) are

supposed to be earth switches.
SOLID LINK ISOLATORS
Solid links are commonly referred to as “ taplins”
The units are installed on spur lines ,transformers,
sectionalizes.
The link sticks are used for opening ,closing and removing.
They can be opened or closed off load or on load.
Where loads are quite high specially on long spurs ,its
recommended to operate them off load.
 The unit should be inspected periodically to ensure the
connections and blades are firmly in place.
They are rated according to the line voltage
SURGE DIVERTERS
This are units that are installed above the line equipments eg
transformers , high voltage cables to divert any excessive current
and direct it to the ground
The units are connected separately and connected to the earthed
conductor.
The ear thing conductor is run independently to the ground.
The earthed conductor has no provision of a testing point unlike
the HV earth.
The earth conductor should be preferably copper for it good
properties in conductivity .
The connections should be firmly done to avoid any leakage
which can cause damage to the structure.
CIRCUIT BREAKERS.

Just as the name reads above, this is an equipment that will

break or open the circuit rendering it (circuit) un-continuous
TYPES OF CIRCUIT BREAKERS;
Gas circuit breaker
Oil circuit breaker
Vacuum circuit breaker
They are rated at certain voltage and majority of CBS used in
medium and high voltage are autoreclosers.
The size of the breaker depend on the place of use ie
domestic, industrial ,offices etc.
Circuit breakers operate in conjunction with relays which are
set to trigger whenever rated value is exceeded.
EXPULSION FUSES
This are withdraw able units installed on spur lines
and distribution transformers .
The unit carries a fuse element rated at desired value
that isolates the equipment incase its value is
exceeded.
The rating varies from 15 A,25A,40A, 60A depending
on the design of the system .
The fuse holder protects the fuse element from
changing weather conditions.
The fuse holder fall out when the fuse gets burnt.
The link sticks is used to replace and removal of the
fuse holder.
AUTOMATIC VOLTAGE REGULATORS AVRS
In power systems distribution networks, occasionally you
may have AVRS installed.
The purpose is to automatic increase /reduce voltage
beyond the equipment (AVR ).
They are commonly used on long lines , hence compensate
for the voltage drops.
 SECTIONALISERS.
These are equipments that are installed along the power lines
to assist in locating faults whenever they occur along the
system.
The operation is either manual or automatic.
They are installed where vegetation may come into contact
with the power lines ,strong winds ,breaking of conductors etc.
They are used where radial feeders are lengthy and need faster
restoration whenever a fault occurs.
They are constructed with a by-pass switch and taplin
isolators on load and supply side to manage repairs whenever
required.
The unit has the ability to automatically open and close the
line under fault conditions.
Some work in conjunction with others to manage the
operations.
 OYT
This is a unit installed where distribution lines are lengthy.
The unit is rated at desired current value and is set to trip
when that value is exceeded.
It set to three instantaneous trips after which it opens the
section ahead.
When the fault is cleared the unit has to be reset for future
operations.
Incase the unit is to be by-passing or making a parallel the
earth link has to be switched off to avoid the arch generated
current sensed as fault current.
The link is restored immediately after the operation is
completed.
The unit is mounted with a counter that records the number
of operation ,this enables oil replacement after six operations.
 OYS
This unit works in conjunction with an OYT and
operates under dead condition .
It commonly installed along spurs and isolates the fault
ahead immediately after the first trip of the OYT.
The unit has to be reset after an operation takes place.
It mounted with a counter to record the number of
operations which helps to manage its service.
The by-pass switch and taplin isolator are installed on
either side to manage repairs and replacement of the
unit.
 PHASING OUT.
Distribution lines run long distances and the
formation of construction keep changing .
 Sections of the lines are constructed using
underground cables .
The lines from different sub-stations are connected
through switches and sectionalizes.
The phases need to be marched to make sure every
phase corresponds.
Failure to correspond the phases causes the machine
to reverse therefore causing damage to equipments.
Any work done on a ht cable or section from different
feeders should ensure phasing out is carried out.
 UNDERGROUND SYSTEM.
OD / VL UNITS.
OD is a switch immersed in oil and is commonly used on
the underground system.
The handle is designed with mechanical locking that
provide the grip to open or close.
The switch has a tag that show when it is on or off
position.
The oil is changed after a number of operations to ensure
dielectric strength is retained.
Apart from the medium of operation the switch is similar
to air break switch.
 VL UNITS
Fuses are immersed in oil which acts as quenching
medium
The design is similar to powder fuses where a plunger
indentifies the blown fuse.
The unit has a spring mechanism that allows the
removed and replacement of the fuse.
The operator is not supposed to insert his hand in the oil
chamber to avoid touching the live parts.
Only authorized person is allowed to change the fuses.