Investigation of Switchgear Ratings

Dec 2015

Electricity Distribution

Reference: NIA_ENWL012

Status: Complete

Start Date: Dec 2015

End Date: Dec 2016

Funding Licencee(s): Electricity North West Limited

Contact: Electricity North West Innovation Team

Funding Mechanism Network Innovation Allowance

Research Area: None

Core Technology(ies): LV & 11kV Networks, Measurement and Fault Level

Estimated Expenditure: £300,000.00

Introduction: This project will conduct a series of investigative fault withstand tests to enable the assignment of new short circuit ratings which can be applied to devices based on the network location and protection operating time.

Objectives:

1. Carry out a series of investigative short circuit tests at an independent test station on a range of commonly used distribution switchgear and publish revised fault level ratings where appropriate.
2. Calculate the actual fault level at distribution substations and the level of typical attenuation.
3. Assess the available fault level headroom.
4. Publish a report outlining the details of the investigations and the potential for application of revised ratings.

Expected Benefits:

Completion of the short circuit tests and reports.
Table of actual fault levels at distribution substations.
Table of actual fault level headroom.