Switchgear Engineering Services - Switchgear and Transformer Services

Switchgear Engineering Services (SES) is a leader in the switchgear and transformer industry, providing a comprehensive range of services. We have extensive experience of both new and obsolete switchgear and transformers ranging from 415V to 33kV.

Switchgear retrofits

We can carry out the refurbishment of all types of HV and LV circuit breakers and contactor starter panels either on site or at our manufacturing unit in Audenshaw, Manchester. Typically this covers the following types of activity:

• HV replacement of oil circuit breakers to vacuum contactors on GEC BVP17 switchgear, Lawrence Scott Slendar vacuum contactor conversions to Areva vacuum contactors
• LV English Electric OB23, M23, M80 and Statter retrofits to GE M-Pact Mk2 ACBs with modern electronic M-Pro protection relays
• HV and LV replacement of protection devices and control systems including a complete re-wire

Non-intrusive inspection service for distribution transformers

SES provides a non-intrusive inspection service on live distribution transformers up to 33kV. This includes oil sample analysis to BS5730, dielectric, water content, routine and dissolved gas analysis. This provides early detection of incipient faults and greatly reduces the need for unplanned outages. The procedure typically includes:

• General cleaning work
• Inspection of the exterior of the transformer, checking for paint work damage, oil and compound leaks
• Inspection of the cable end boxes for leaks
• Inspection of the cable jointing and earthing
• Inspection of the security and environmental conditions
• Removal of an oil sample for analysis to test to BS5730
• Test reports for each item and an oil analysis report

HV switchgear preventive maintenance

SES provides a range of HV switchgear preventive maintenance services. This includes general cleaning work and lubrication where required, insulation resistance 'megger' checks at 5kV, contact resistance 'ducter' checks across the CB contacts, and AC withstand tests on the insulating oil, replacing where necessary.

We can inspect the isolating, main and fixed contacts, inspect the operating mechanism (lubricating where necessary), and measure the resistance of the operating coils. We also carry out secondary current injection tests on the protection relays and ammeters, and inspection of the tripping unit and the environmental conditions of the substation. We can provide test reports for each item.

LV switchgear preventive maintenance

Our capabilities also extend to LV switchgear preventive maintenance services, including general cleaning work, insulation resistance 'megger' checks at 1kV DC, contact resistance 'ducter' checks across the ACB contacts, and secondary current injection tests on the protection relays and ammeters.

We inspect the isolating, main and fixed contacts, inspect the operating mechanism (lubricating where necessary), and measure the resistance of the operating coils. We can provide test reports for each item.

Switchgear project management services

One of the strengths of SES is our knowledge of switchgear and systems for a wide variety of switchgear, which enables us to provide a project management service that can include:

• Site discrimination protection survey
• Protection and metering upgrades which can include new front fascias
• CTs and VT changes or modifications to suit new schemes.
• Removal of compound cable boxes and replacement with an air insulated box suitable for use with modern cables such as XLPE
• Full documentation including AutoCAD diagrams

Support services for HV and LV switchgear

Our company is very familiar with the operation, maintenance and overhaul of many of the older style HV and LV switchgear circuit breakers, starters and products up to 33kV manufactured previously by companies including:

HV switchgear:

• J. G. Statter (AC01)
• Johnson & Philips (AG16, FG16)
• Ferguson Palin (BVP3/4 and VSLP9)
• AEI (JB424, BVP17/22, VIR, RLR, PLR)
• GEC (VMX, HMC410, HMC1072, HMX36)
• Long & Crawford (T4GF3, GF3, J4, WPD)

LV switchgear:

• English Electric (OB3, OB23, M80, M23)
• GEC (M-Pact/System 4)
• Ellison (GEA, ABDO)
• J.G. Statter (HAS)
• Ottermill (OMA)

Erection and installation of HV and LV switchboards

A full erection service is available, including off-loading, moving into position and installation. Our trained engineers will carry out both the inter-cubicle wiring busbar connection and testing.

On-site commissioning of transformers and switchgear

We offer a full on-site commissioning service for all aspects of installations, including transformers, HV and LV switchboards, and protection relay testing by suppliers such as Areva MiCom, Midos and CDG, P/B Gold, Reyrolle, ABB, Siemens and AVK/SEG. This service is fully backed by certified test and measuring equipment. If required, we can generate a fully documented manual of test results for record purposes of all calculations and readings.

Switchgear Engineering Services is an audited and registered company complying with ISO9002.