Document Number: ECS 11-0001

Version: 9.0
Date: 04/12/2015

ENGINEERING COMMISSIONING STANDARD

ECS 11-0001

GRID AND PRIMARY COMMISSIONING REQUIREMENTS

Network(s):

EPN, LPN, SPN

Summary:

This standard details the commissioning requirements for all protection, control and
plant at grid and primary substations. The requirements apply to all UK Power
Networks staff and contractors involved in commissioning.

Owner:

Kevin Burt

Date:

04/12/2015

Approved By:

Steve Mockford

Approved Date:

09/12/2015

This document forms part of the Companys Integrated Business System and its requirements are mandatory throughout UK
Power Networks. Departure from these requirements may only be taken with the written approval of the Director of Asset
Management. If you have any queries about this document please contact the author or owner of the current issue.

Applicable To
UK Power Networks

External

All UK Power Networks

G81 Website

Asset Management

Contractors

Capital Programme

ICPs/IDNOs

Connections

Meter Operators

HSS&TT
Network Operations
UK Power Networks Services
Other

Grid and Primary Commissioning Requirements

Document Number: ECS 11-0001

Version: 9.0
Date: 04/12/2015

Revision Record
Version

9.0

Review Date

04/12/2020

Date

04/12/2015

Author

Stephen Tucker

Why has the document been updated: Renumbering of referenced documents.

What has changed:

HV insulation testing document reference updated (Section 8.2).

HV polymeric cable sheath testing added (Section 8.3).
References to Ellipse changed to Asset Register.

Version

8.0

Review Date

23/03/2019

Date

23/03/2015

Author

Stephen Tucker

Why has the document been updated: Document revised to provide clarification on its applicability
and to include new and updated requirements.
What has changed:

Scope clarified (Section 2).

Use of test forms clarified (Section 7).
Earthing tests updated to align with other documents (Section 8.16).
BSC metering requirements added (Section 8.17).
References updated (Section 10).

Version

7.1

Review Date

23/11/2016

Date

06/07/2012

Author

Stephen Tucker

Document reviewed for publishing on G81 website

Version

7.0

Review Date

Date

30/09/2010

Author

Stephen Tucker

Document reviewed and updated. Pilot cables added. Document re-classified from EI 05-1001 to an
ECS 11-0001
Version

6.0

Review Date

Date

22/02/2011

Author

Version

5.0

Review Date

Date

14/04/2010

Author

Don Fossett

Document rebranded

Stephen Tucker/ Bob

Higgins

General update and realigned to only cover grid and primary commissioning. Reference to new
secondary commissioning policy added
Version

4.0

Review Date

Date

04/12/2009

Author

Stephen Tucker

Comprehensive review and update by protection and commissioning forum

UK Power Networks 2016 All rights reserved

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Grid and Primary Commissioning Requirements

Document Number: ECS 11-0001

Version: 9.0
Date: 04/12/2015

Contents
1

Introduction ............................................................................................................. 4

Scope ....................................................................................................................... 4

Definitions ................................................................................................................ 5

Design Consultation................................................................................................ 5

Commissioning Plan ............................................................................................... 5

Co-ordination and Delegation of Commissioning Work ....................................... 6

Commissioning Tests ............................................................................................. 7

Test Schedule .......................................................................................................... 7

8.1

Inspection .................................................................................................................. 7

8.2

HV Insulation Test ..................................................................................................... 7

8.3

HV Cable Sheath Test ............................................................................................... 7

8.4

Transformer Primary Injection ................................................................................... 7

8.5

Resistance Measurements ........................................................................................ 7

8.6

CT Magnetisation Curves .......................................................................................... 7

8.7

CT Primary Injection .................................................................................................. 8

8.8

Relay Secondary Injection ......................................................................................... 8

8.9

Pilot Wires ................................................................................................................. 8

8.10

Secondary Circuit Insulation Resistance.................................................................... 8

8.11

Control Circuit Wiring Checks .................................................................................... 8

8.12

Electrical Function Tests ........................................................................................... 8

8.13

Mechanical/Electrical Interlock Checks ...................................................................... 8

8.14

SCADA Checks ......................................................................................................... 8

8.15

Back-tripping and Blocking Circuit Tests.................................................................... 9

8.16

Earthing ..................................................................................................................... 9

8.17

Metering .................................................................................................................... 9

8.18

Pre-energisation Checks ......................................................................................... 10

8.19

Energisation ............................................................................................................ 10

8.20

Post-energisation Checks ........................................................................................ 10

Test Results ........................................................................................................... 11

9.1

Asset Records ......................................................................................................... 11

9.2

Protection Settings and Logic .................................................................................. 11

9.3

As-built Drawings and Commissioning Records ...................................................... 11

10

References ............................................................................................................. 12

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Grid and Primary Commissioning Requirements

Document Number: ECS 11-0001

Version: 9.0
Date: 04/12/2015

Introduction

This standard details the grid and primary substation, plant and equipment commissioning
requirements. These requirements cover the design review, testing, protection settings and
logic, recording results and settings, and producing as-built drawings and technical records.
The commissioning engineer acts on behalf of all the stakeholders responsible for the future
operation and maintenance of new plant. Commissioning tests are a form of assurance that
plant and equipment will operate safely and correctly.
Comprehensive testing is important to prove correct operation. Deficiencies in protection
schemes, for example, may never show until a system fault occurs, and can then result in
mal-operation with serious consequences. Commissioning tests are therefore carried out to
prove that:

The design specifications for the plant and equipment are satisfied.
New plant and equipment can be confidently and safely connected to the system.
The test results for the equipment are within acceptable limits.
The plant and equipment together with its protection and control equipment will function
correctly (this also means demonstrating by test that it does not function incorrectly).
The installation is recorded and as-built drawings and records have been produced.

Commissioning also provides an opportunity for staff to become familiar with new plant,
equipment and protection and control schemes.

Scope

The requirements apply to:

All new grid and primary substations, which are commissioned by UK Power Networks
engineers or appointed Contractors.
All connections at 132kV and 33kV.

The requirements apply to the EPN, LPN and SPN networks and covers network plant,
protection configurations and automation schemes.
The commissioning requirements for secondary plant and equipment are detailed in
ECS 11-0002.
This document is intended for internal and external use.

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Grid and Primary Commissioning Requirements

Document Number: ECS 11-0001

Version: 9.0
Date: 04/12/2015

Definitions

Term

Definition

ART

Asset Registration Team

BSC

Balancing and Settlement Code

CT

Current Transformer

ENMAC/Power On

UK Power Networks Electricity Network Management and Control

Network Management System

SCADA

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition

Design Consultation

The design shall be subject to peer review during development and verification on
completion. This will compare the scheme against accepted standards and operational
practice. The review will ensure that any necessary changes are incorporated at the design
stage and minimise changes at the commissioning stage.
All designs shall allow for full functional testing before schemes are energised and for future
maintenance testing.

Commissioning Plan

A commissioning plan detailing the commissioning works shall be submitted to UK Power

Networks Project Manager before starting the site commissioning activity. The plan shall be
developed by the appointed Commissioning Engineer responsible for the project.
The plan shall include the following:

Scope of works details of systems and plant items to be tested. The plan can be for a
stage of a project providing further plans are written as the stages progress towards
energisation.
List of engineers involved in the commissioning works for the purposes of clarity name
all the major players in the plan. For example, the appointed Commissioning Engineer
(UK Power Networks may require a CV for any contractors previously unknown to the
Project Manager) and the appointed UK Power Networks Witness Engineer.
Programme showing logical sequence of tests and a description of these tests for
example, magnetisation curves, wiring checks, insulation checks, primary injection,
operation checks etc. Sufficient detail is required to identify at an early stage when
witnessing is critical.
Configuration of relay settings and files including who will install them, how they will be
confirmed as correct and the point at which no further changes will be made.
Agreed list of tests to be omitted and the justification for this (e.g. factory timing tests or
tests that may be impractical). Consider the risk to omitting tests.
References list of drawings and documents issue numbers to be used (e.g. wiring
diagrams, schematic drawings, user manuals and approved configuration and setting
specifications for relays).
Test results format UK Power Networks in-house style or contractor style.
Instrument calibration assurance that all instruments and test equipment will be
calibrated and fit for purpose.

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Grid and Primary Commissioning Requirements

Document Number: ECS 11-0001

Version: 9.0
Date: 04/12/2015

UK Power Networks Project Manager and the UK Power Networks appointed witness
engineer shall review the plan before the commissioning works begin. The following risks
shall be considered and the necessary mitigating measures shall be put in-place before the
plan is approved:

Provision of sufficient time and resources to carry out the commissioning works safely,
accurately and completely.
Availability of all information including drawings, manuals, protection settings and
configuration in particular that the latest approved drawings will be available and that
they represent the condition of the plant supplied.
Review of the training and experience of personnel (CVs from unknown contractors).
Identification of any complex and unusual protection or automatic switching schemes or
network configuration.
Identification of any new or different types of protection or control device and the
required interface software.
Review of the potential impact on the network of any errors or omissions during and after
the commissioning phase.
Review
the
requirement
for
network
contingency
plans
during
the
construction/commissioning phase.
Review the adequacy of plans for familiarisation training and provision of information
(e.g. warning labels) to address possible user human errors.

Co-ordination and Delegation of Commissioning Work

The appointed Commissioning Engineer shall either be an UK Power Networks engineer or

a contractor. The appointed Commissioning Engineer is responsible for ensuring that
suitable standards of care, co-ordination and completeness are maintained.
If the Commissioning Engineer is a contractor, UK Power Networks may appoint a witness
engineer.
On larger schemes more than one test engineer may be required, the appointed
Commissioning Engineer shall co-ordinate all works to the commissioning plan, ensure
proper results are obtained and be present at all tests deemed critical.
The duties of the appointed Commissioning Engineer and/or witness engineer will include
the following:

To agree the start and/or end of outages in consultation with Network Control.
To agree the schedule of operations for the energisation phase.
To gain familiarity with the system to be tested and commissioned.
To help with the familiarisation training of future users before energisation.
To be present during the critical elements of the commissioning.
To ensure that the commissioning is carried out in accordance with the commissioning
plan and agree any variations.
To verify the completeness and accuracy of the testing and the results.
To countersign the test forms.
To help identify any technical issues or variations from design specifications that may
arise during commissioning.

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Grid and Primary Commissioning Requirements

Document Number: ECS 11-0001

Version: 9.0
Date: 04/12/2015

Commissioning Tests

The minimum testing required is outlined in Section 8. ECP 11-0201 lists the suite of test
forms that are available internally1 to record the results. External contractors may use any
industry approved test form.
The appointed Commissioning Engineer shall agree an acceptable alternative if testing is not
possible in the manner prescribed. The appointed Commissioning Engineer shall require a
full repeat of the tests where substantial changes have been made on site to previously
commissioned equipment.
If the test voltages specified in the standards cannot be achieved advice shall be sought
from Asset Management.

Test Schedule

8.1

Inspection

All plant shall have a visual inspection before further commissioning is carried out. The asset
data from the Asset Register shall also be collected and submitted to UK Power Networks
Project Manager.
8.2

HV Insulation Test

Plant shall be subject to a high voltage insulation test in accordance with ECS 11-0006.
8.3

HV Cable Sheath Test

All new HV polymeric insulated underground cables shall be subjected to a sheath test in
accordance with ECP 11-0007.
8.4

Transformer Primary Injection

Transformers shall be subject to a primary injection test to prove phasing and ratio on all
taps.
8.5

Resistance Measurements

The resistance of the following shall be measured using a micro-ohmmeter:

8.6

Site-assembled busbar and earth bar joints.

Contact resistances of all circuit-breakers and disconnectors.
CT Magnetisation Curves

The magnetisation curve of all current transformers (CTs) shall be measured at sufficient
points to enable the straight line and knee point, where possible, to be accurately plotted.
Previously untested CTs shall be driven to saturation, where possible, before measuring the
magnetisation curve.

UK Power Networks are currently revising the test forms with the intention of publishing them externally during
2016.

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Grid and Primary Commissioning Requirements

Document Number: ECS 11-0001

Version: 9.0
Date: 04/12/2015

Factory test curves may be used as a comparison but are not a substitute for site tests.
8.7

CT Primary Injection

All current transformers (CTs) shall be subject to a primary injection test after they have
been fitted to the switchgear and are in their final location. The test current shall be the CT
primary rated current or the maximum current available from the test set if it cannot produce
CT primary rated current.
8.8

Relay Secondary Injection

Relays shall be subject to a secondary injection test.

8.9

Pilot Wires

Pilot wires shall be subject to an insulation resistance and loop resistance tests.
8.10

Secondary Circuit Insulation Resistance

AC and dc secondary circuits, including inter-panel wiring, shall be subjected to an insulation

resistance test.
8.11

Control Circuit Wiring Checks

Control circuit wiring shall be subject to the following:

Check all ferrule numbering.

Check the mechanical security and tightness of all crimps and terminals.
Check the electrical circuit configurations against the approved schematic and wiring
diagrams.

8.12

Electrical Function Tests

Plant shall be subject to the following functional tests:

Prove normal operation (e.g. trip and close by all devices that initiate these functions).
Prove correct identification of any isolating links or switches.
Circuit-breakers timing test, contact resistance and auxiliary switch checks.

These tests shall include negative checks, i.e. that a function is disabled by the removal of a
link or operation of a switch.
8.13

Mechanical/Electrical Interlock Checks

Plant shall be subject to mechanical and electrical interlock checks.

8.14

SCADA Checks

SCADA control, alarm, indication and measurements shall be tested end-to-end between all
plant or relay panels and ENMAC/Power On.

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Grid and Primary Commissioning Requirements

Document Number: ECS 11-0001

Version: 9.0
Date: 04/12/2015

8.15

Back-tripping and Blocking Circuit Tests

Back-tripping and blocking circuits shall be subject to the following tests:

Prove correct operation of the overall scheme.

Prove correct segregation or switching of bus-wiring at bus-section panels.
Prove correct identification of any isolating links or switches.

Where network restrictions or phased installation prevents testing of the overall scheme,
individual tests will be repeated for each new phase.
8.16

Earthing

The earthing system shall be subject to the following:

A visual inspection of the complete earthing system including the fence(s) and all
connections.
A check that all design recommendations have been implemented.
A measurement of the overall earth resistance or impedance.
A continuity test of all joints and equipment connections.
A fence separation test (independently earthed fences only).
A calculation of the earth potential rise (EPR) and site classification for inclusion in the
UK Power Networks substation earthing database (refer to EDS 06-0002).

8.17

Metering

All metering current transformers (CT) and voltage transformers (VT) shall be subject to the
following:

Insulation resistance test.

Primary injection test to check phasing (VT only) and ratio.
Polarity test (CT only).
Compliance with the BSC metering requirements detailed in ECP 11-0010.

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Grid and Primary Commissioning Requirements

Document Number: ECS 11-0001

Version: 9.0
Date: 04/12/2015

8.18

Pre-energisation Checks

Before energisation all plant shall be subject to the following checks:

All withdrawable circuit-breakers will be selected to their normal operating position with
the busbar and circuit dead, where practicable, to prove correct alignment of the circuitbreaker in its housing. Where there is a double busbar arrangement, alignment with both
busbars must be checked.
Full load secondary injection test (to check actual protection settings are stable for
maximum load current) has been carried out shortly before equipment is energised.
Commissioning is complete.
All test results are satisfactory.
CT ratios and final protection settings are as issued.
Check with Network Control that the plant is ready to be energised and that it has been
correctly recorded on the network diagram.
All parties on site are aware that the plant is to be energised through the issue of a
written notice of connection/energisation.
Running arrangements agreed for the energisation and for connecting the load.

8.19

Energisation

A commissioning programme shall be submitted to Network Control and will include the
following:

Plant to be commissioned details of all plant that will be commissioned/energised.

Communications contact details for field staff and Network Control etc.
Documentation network diagrams, diagram amendments, system alteration notice etc.
Pre-commissioning plant status.
Initial conditions.
Switching programme.
Post commissioning checks.

8.20

Post-energisation Checks

After energisation the following checks shall be carried out:

VT secondary voltage.
Correct indication on all voltage measuring devices.
CT secondary current.
Correct indication on all current measuring devices.
Correct indication of all analogues on telecontrol system.
On-load stability of directional and differential protection.
Correct operation of automatic voltage control (AVC) scheme.
All capacitance (phasing) devices are connected to the correct phase.
Test the intertrip on-load to prove that circuit-breakers at all ends of the circuit trip if the
protection is called to operate.

Note: When a full intertrip test is not approved by Network Control, then as
a minimum, when re-commissioning existing equipment, the DC operations must be checked
from a point which is beyond the point of disturbance and the tests should be such that they
provide the level of confidence that the equipment to be returned to service will perform as
required.

UK Power Networks 2016 All rights reserved

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Grid and Primary Commissioning Requirements

Document Number: ECS 11-0001

Version: 9.0
Date: 04/12/2015

Test Results

The cost and effort of carrying out commissioning can be wasted if the results are not
recorded in a consistent and usable manner. As a minimum requirement all recorded results
shall be stored securely on site. The test results shall be those directly recorded during
testing and not transcribed at a later stage. A paper copy shall remain on-site at all times.
9.1

Asset Records

During cold commissioning the plant, equipment and relay serial numbers and all associated
data shall be provided to the UK Power Networks Project Manager for inclusion in the Asset
Register.
Note: The protection settings will no longer be issued if this data is not present.
9.2

Protection Settings and Logic

The protection settings and logic are provided by or approved by UK Power Networks where
they apply to UK Power Networks owned assets. An electronic copy shall be made available
for storage in the UK Power Networks document management system.
9.3

As-built Drawings and Commissioning Records

Two copies of the drawings and a full drawing schedule are required during on-site
commissioning work.
1. The first copy shall be marked up as changes take place and along with the
commissioning test records shall remain on site at all times.
2. The second copy shall be marked up to enable the as-built drawings to be created and
stored electronically.
Once the paper copies of the as-built drawings are returned to site all earlier versions shall
be removed.

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Grid and Primary Commissioning Requirements

Document Number: ECS 11-0001

Version: 9.0
Date: 04/12/2015

10

References

EDS 06-0002

HOT Site Requirements (internal only)

ECS 11-0006

HV Insulation Testing

ECP 11-0007

HV Polymeric Cable Sheath Test Procedure

ECS 11-0002

Secondary Commissioning Requirements

ECP 11-0003

Testing and Commissioning Guidance Notes

ECP 11-0010

BSC Metering Equipment Commissioning Requirements

ECP 11-0201

Grid and Primary Commissioning and Maintenance Test Forms

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