Introduction
Electrical installations in Ontario are subject to strict safety standards. Systems that are regularly tested and commissioned run smoothly, and consuming less energy. For commercial and industrial clients who depend on a reliable and affordable power supply, this is especially crucial. To develop a testing program, it is necessary to have an accurate description of the components of a power system, such as one-line diagrams, short circuit studies, control logic diagrams, equipment manuals, schematics for lighting, fire protection, backup power, etc.
Data about protective devices, relays, and electrical power systems are required for electrical equipment testing and maintenance. A list of the components and the sequence in which they should to be inspected, tested, and energized should be developed from a review of the system documentation, with a focus to the sequence of criticality.
Important Stages in Testing and Commissioning:
After the installation is complete, a test program will start to ensure everything is working correctly. IEEE and other standards include acceptable procedures for the performance of the tests. The critical steps that electricians must follow are stated below:
1. Field Inspection and Installation Checks:
Inspect the site and check that everything is installed correctly. Make sure the installation follows the drawings and specifications written on nameplate. Also, check the components for damage and cleanliness, the insulators for cracks, the size of the fuses and breakers, the mechanical operation and interlocks; remove the CT shorting jumpers, apply lubrication and inspect the pressure of the insulating liquid or gas.
2. De-energized Component Testing:
Test components while they are not powered to ensure they function properly. Test insulation resistance of equipment and connections, polarity, power factor operation etc.
3. Verify Relay Operation and Calibration:
Check that all instruments and relays are operating and calibrated accurately. Include testing of gauges, alarms, and relays.
4. Visual Check of Wiring:
Carry out visual inspection of all wiring and make sure it follows schematic and wiring diagrams.
5. Continuity Check of Control Circuits:
According to schematic diagrams, test continuity and voltage on control circuits to ensure there are no breaks.
6. Energized Functional Testing of Control Circuits:
Test control circuits while they are powered to ensure they work correctly. Check protective relay operations, safety and interlock operations, and communication operations.
7. Megger Testing of Power Circuits:
Use a megger to test the insulation of power transformer, buses and cables.
8. Test of Power Circuits Phasing:
Check the phases of power circuits to ensure they are correct. Perform primary or secondary injection test for circuit impedance and polarity checks.
9. Equipment Energizing:
Energize the equipment in a specific order to ensure it operates correctly.
10. Testing:
Conduct tests to verify that the equipment performs up-to the mark.
Testing and Commissioning Equipment
If any problems are found during testing, they should be analyzed, repaired, and retested.
Our electrical company provides accurate and complete reports after the testing of the equipment. Analysis of the data and result provided by our experienced electricians includes giving test description and basic procedure, test circuit diagrams, special tools required, time to run the test, acceptance criteria, failure or unusual event information, recommended repair, and when the test should be performed again for equipment maintenance.
Adequate safety rules are followed by our service electrician because many tests on electrical equipment involve the use of high voltages and currents that are dangerous and may cause damage to both the equipment under test and the personnel.
It should be recognized, as the name implies, that over-potential or
high-potential testing is intended to stress the insulation structure above that of normal system voltage. Our experts are thoroughly familiar with the test equipment used in the type of test to be performed and also sufficiently experienced to be able to detect any equipment abnormalities during the performance of the tests.
During the commissioning process, maintain proper documentation because incorrect or missing documentation may result into problems with future maintenance. To make the verification process easier, ensure that all test methods, results, and system specifications are well documented. It is crucial to check that systems meet design intent and electrical standards. It ensures the best performance with minimal risks.
CONCLUSION:
To sum up, an electrical commissioning is essential to guaranteeing the effectiveness and safety of electrical systems. More than ever, there is a need for qualified and certified electricians due to the growing demand for clean and sustainable energy sources and ensuring that electrical systems are installed and run safely and effectively for many years.
That will maximize life expectancy, minimize downtime, and optimize power performance. The appropriate documentation is set up for both routine maintenance and any necessary system modifications. It is necessary to define lists of equipment and record instrument settings, which can be utilized to configure the procedure for recording test results and continuous maintenance. Furthermore, having access to the data from the tests during maintenance will allow for analyzing data, and evaluating the health of the system.
We welcome potential clients to contact us to discuss their needs and explore how FAP Power Solutions can support them.
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LINKS:
1] https://www.hydroone.com/
2] https://esasafe.com/role/oesc/
3] https://www.csagroup.org/store/product/CSA%20C22.1%20ON:21/
4] https://www.opg.com/
