The Challenges of Commissioning

September 29, 2017

Experts share what their jobs entail

Utility firms rely upon their installations working as flawlessly as possible. During commissioning, the foundations are laid for the future system security of the entire installation. With the CPC 100, OMICRON has a universal test set that can perform a wide variety of electrical tests on current and voltage transformers at its disposal. To find out exactly how commissioning is carried out and the challenges that have to be overcome, we spoke to two experts: Eric Cottens, Managing Director of Cottens & Badoux Energie Services SA (CESSA), and Marcus Stenner, Team Leader Engineering Services at OMICRON.

OM: Why is an inspection necessary before commissioning switchgear?

Eric Cottens: Well, before current and voltage transformers are allowed to be put into operation in switchgear, the design needs to be verified. Not only does this enable installation errors to be detected early on, but it can also identify any design errors that may have occurred in the engineering process.

OM: Which tests are performed during commissioning?

Marcus Stenner: First of all, the wiring and cable designations are checked to determine whether transformers and protective devices have been connected to one another correctly. We can see from the equipment plan whether the correct cables and cable cross-sections have been used. If everything is OK at this stage, various tests are then carried out to measure the loads, magnetization characteristic, and internal resistance. The transmission ratio is also checked. Measurements are also taken for the line and ground impedance as well as step and touch voltage measurements.

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