A face-to-face 2-day course delivered by UK’s leading switchgear experts.

Kevin Butter has more than 36 years’ experience in the electricity transmission and distribution industry. His experience includes preparation of specifications, assessment and approvals, operating and maintenance procedures and failure investigations on distribution and transmission switchgear with rated voltages from LV up to 420 kV. For over 25 years Kevin was an active member of the UK Energy Networks Association (ENA) Switchgear Assessment Panel.

Ian Naylor currently sits on BSI PEL/17/1 committee for HV switchgear and had done since 2000. He is also an IEC 62271-1 – 200 Maintenance Team representative for GB. Ian has more than more than 30 years industry experience in designing, specifying and assessing switchgear on behalf of manufacturers, trade associations and consulting.

Ian and Kevin have an excellent background in switchgear manufacturing and procurement for many decades including switchgear assessment at the Electricity Association and Energy Networks Association.

Threepwood have been ENA technical authors for over 10 years helping the Switchgear Assessment Panel to update and maintain their suite of switchgear standards.

The course is designed to give Delegates a solid understanding on the design, construction and operation of Switchgear used on distribution networks with operating voltages up to 132 kV.

Delegates could be:

·       Working in DNOs, IDNOs, ICPs who are designing and specifying Switchgear for new installations, including those in the renewable sector.

·       Graduates and new entrants to the electricity industry seeking an understanding of distribution switchgear theory and practice.

·       Operational engineers looking to extend there understanding in the standards area.

·       Project engineers specifying or evaluating switchgear.

·       Planners/ designers of distribution networks.

·       Asset owners involved in network design who wish to extend their knowledge in lifetime asset management of Switchgear.

·       Technical staff wishing to understand the key elements of Switchgear design and construction to provide assurance and confidence when specifying new installations.

The topics covered will provide Delegates with an overview of switchgear theory, specifications, standards, latest technologies and practices, including:

·       UK legislation and Regulations

·       Types of switching devices and capabilities including high level theory.

·       Network stress and switchgear ratings, including X/R considerations.

·       Switchgear environments.

·       Switchgear insulation systems (Air, Oil, SF₆, Alternative gases)

·       Circuit-breaker current interruption principles and procurement considerations.

·       HV switchgear assemblies (Extensible metal-enclosed, ring main units, GIS).

·       Internal arc rating, testing and arc flash, including pressure rise considerations in substations. 

·       AIS switchgear (Circuit-breakers, Disconnectors, Earthing switches)

·       Overhead line switchgear (Auto-reclosers, Air break switch-disconnectors).

·       Low-voltage switchgear used by DNOs (PENDAs).

·       Low-voltage metal-enclosed switchgear assemblies.

·       Switchgear standards, specifications used in UK (including ENA specifications and recommendations).

·       Type tests and routine tests..

·       Operational Safety considerations.

·       Asset Management.

·       Operational and maintenance issues including condition based strategies and tips to optimise switchgear maintenance.

·       Failure modes and associated mitigation.

·       Future technologies impacting switchgear.

Course duration:         2 days.

Course dates:             TBC

Course venue:            Manchester, Venue TBC.

Cost:                          £954

The course and course materials will be in English.

All delegates will receive:

·       Electronic access to the course slides; and

·       Record of Completion at the end of the course.

The course will account for 12 hours of CPD.

The course registration fee includes tuition, course materials, lunches and refreshments. Delegates will cover their own costs of travel and accommodation.