This course provides an introduction to electrical safety when working around substations and switchgear. A substation provides a protected area for switching power circuits and may include transforming power from one voltage to another. For the purposes of this discussion, substation refers to substations and switching stations. A substation presents an inherent safety hazard because usually only some portions of the substation apparatus can be deenergized for maintenance. For safe operation and maintenance, a thorough knowledge of the substation, including aerial and underground line connections, is necessary. Systems are designed to be safe to operate if maintained properly. Operating safely requires maintenance to be done in a manner that eliminates risks and requires knowledge of the work area, its hazards, and its design basis. Course Outline 1. SUBSTATION WORK 2. SWITCHING 3. FUSES 4. ENERGY STORING PROTECTIVE DEVICES 5. INSTRUMENT TRANSFORMERS 6. POWER TRANSFORMERS AND REGULATORS 7. METALCLAD SWITCHGEAR 8. STATIONARY BATTERIES 9. INSULATING OIL HANDLING OPERATIONS This course will give electrical engineers and others information about good practices for working with electric power distribution substations and switchgear.

Learning Objectives

• Learn about basic safety considerations when working at substations;
• Learn the importance of interlocking to electrical safety;
• Learn how to safely open or close a power switch;
• Learn how to safely operate gang-operated airbreak switches;
• Learn the safety consequences of operating a faulty oil switch, or closing into a faulted circuit with an oil switch;
• Learn the proper procedures for working with surge arresters; and
• Learn how to work safely with current transformers.