ISBN 978-0-626-21281-0

NRS 040-5:2007
Edition 1

HIGH-VOLTAGE OPERATING
REGULATIONS

Part 5: Standard procedure and terminology

for the issuing of operating instructions

This document is not a South African National Standard

N R S
 This specification is issued by
the Standardization Section, Eskom,
on behalf of the
User Group given in the foreword.

Table of changes
Change No. Date Text affected

Correspondence to be directed to Printed copies obtainable from

The NRS Projects Manager Standards South Africa

Standardization Section Private Bag X191
Industry Association Resource Centre Pretoria 0001
Eskom
Private Bag X13
Halfway House, 1685 Telephone : (012) 428-7911
Fax : (012) 344-1568
Telephone : (011) 651 6832 E-mail : sales@sabs.co.za
Fax : (011) 651 6827
E-mail : nrs@eskom.co.za

Website: http://www.nrs.eskom.co.za Website : http://www.stansa.co.za

COPYRIGHT RESERVED

Printed in the Republic of South Africa

by Standards South Africa
1 Dr Lategan Road, Groenkloof, Pretoria
 NRS 040-5:2007

Foreword
This part of NRS 040 was prepared on behalf of the Electricity Suppliers Liaison Committee (ESLC)
and approved by it for use by supply authorities and other users.

This part of NRS 040 was prepared by a working group which, at the time of publication, comprised
the following members:

K Krafft (Chairperson) Eskom Resources and Strategy

S A Adams Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality
M Bizior Eskom, Generation
G Booysen City of Tshwane
F Botha Eskom, Distribution
D de Beer Eskom, Transmission
A de Marre Eskom, Distribution
GM Dindi City of Cape Town
R Ferguson Eskom, Distribution
L Govender eThekwini Electricity
AL Gullan uMhlathuze Electricity
K Haylett City Power Johannesburg
B Joubert Mangaung Municipality
E Kamffer Eskom, Distribution
F Knoetze Eskom, Distribution
N Kohne Eskom, Distribution
F Mabuza (Project Leader) Eskom Resources and Strategy
B Magoro Eskom, Transmission
P Nortje Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality
A Toulson Eskom, Distribution
M Walter City Power Johannesburg (Pty) Ltd

A reference is made in the NOTE to clause 1 to "legislation". In South Africa this means the
Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS Act), 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993) (as amended from time
to time) and the Regulations promulgated in terms of the Act.

NRS 040 consists of the following parts, under the general title High-voltage operating regulations:

Part 1: Definitions.

Part 2: Voltage colour coding for diagrammatic displays in control rooms Colour coding for wall-
mounted operating diagrams and electronic displays relating to the generation, transmission and
distribution of electricity.

Part 3: Model regulations Recommended model regulations relating to power systems for
operating, access control and supervision of systems that exceed 1 000 V, for the transmission and
distribution of electricity.

Part 4: Recommended model for the training, competency assessment and authorization of the
electricity supply industry for network operations.

Part 5: Standard procedure and terminology for the issuing of operating instructions.

Part 6: Code of practice for earthing.

3
NRS 040-5:2007

Introduction
This part of NRS 040 has been prepared to establish and promote uniform requirements for the
issuing of operating instructions for application in the South African Electricity Distribution Industry.

The ESLC expresses the wish that all supply authorities will adopt the text of this part of NRS 040 in
so far as their particular conditions will permit. Any differences between the requirements of this
part of NRS 040 and the purchaser's requirements should, as far as possible, be clearly indicated
and, where appropriate, be submitted for consideration in future revisions of this part of NRS 040.

Keywords
earthing, network management centres, operating instructions.

4
 1 NRS 040-5:2007

Contents
Page
1 Scope .......................................................................................................................................... 3

2 Normative references ................................................................................................................. 3

3 Terms, definitions and abbreviations ......................................................................................... 3

4 Requirements .............................................................................................................................. 4

4.1 Operating process ........................................................................................................... 4

4.2 Personal introduction ....................................................................................................... 5
4.3 Site and plant identification .............................................................................................. 5
4.4 Scope of work verification.................................................................................................. 5
4.5 System contingency planning .......................................................................................... 5
4.6 Intercontrol arrangements ............................................................................................... 5
4.7 Issue of operating instructions ......................................................................................... 5
4.8 Confirmation of operating instructions ............................................................................. 6
4.9 Commencement of actual operating ............................................................................... 6
4.10 Reporting of completed operating ................................................................................... 6
4.11 Handing over and handing back of apparatus in substations ........................................ 6
4.12 Handing over and handing back of power lines or sections of power lines ................... 7
4.13 Control functions .............................................................................................................. 7
4.14 National/transmission control or interdistributor control .................................................. 7
4.15 Operating instruction forms ............................................................................................. 7
4.16 Requirements before operating instructions can be issued ........................................... 7
4.17 Operating sequence ........................................................................................................ 7
4.18 Dressing control panels ................................................................................................... 8
4.19 Manual VT selection ........................................................................................................ 8
4.20 Under-frequency load-shedding equipment .................................................................... 8
4.21 Motorized isolators ........................................................................................................... 8
4.22 Transformer tap position control ...................................................................................... 9
4.23 Specific operating sequence ........................................................................................... 9
4.24 Returning an interconnected power system (IPS) line to service after maintenance .... 12
4.25 Taking a transformer panel out of service for maintenance ........................................... 12
4.26 Safety test and earth ........................................................................................................ 13
4.27 Returning a transformer panel to service after maintenance ......................................... 13
4.28 Taking an interconnected power system transformer panel out of service ................... 14
4.29 Taking a bus coupler breaker or bus section breaker out of service ............................. 14
4.30 Returning a bus coupler breaker or bus section breaker back to service ...................... 15
4.31 Requirements for handing over and handing back apparatus ....................................... 17
4.32 Control functions after hand over .................................................................................... 17
NRS 040-5:2007 2

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 3 NRS 040-5:2007

HIGH-VOLTAGE OPERATING REGULATIONS

Part 5: Standard procedure and terminology for the issuing of

operating instructions

1 Scope
This part of NRS 040 defines a procedure and terminology for control and field staff interaction
when operating medium-voltage and high-voltage apparatus.

NOTE This part of NRS 040 is an extension of legislation. Read this part of NRS 040 in conjunction with
legislation (see foreword).

2 Normative references
The following document contains provisions which, through reference in this text, constitutes
provisions of this part of NRS 040. All documents are subject to revision and, since any reference to
a document is deemed to be a reference to the latest edition of that document, parties to
agreements based on this specification are encouraged to take steps to ensure the use of the most
recent edition of the document listed below. Information on currently valid national and international
standards can be obtained from Standards South Africa.

NRS 040-3, High-voltage operating regulations Part 3: Model regulations Recommended model
regulations relating to power systems for operating, access control and supervision of systems that
exceed 1 000 V, for the transmission and distribution of electricity.

3 Terms, definitions and abbreviations

For the purposes of this part of NRS 040, the terms, definitions and abbreviations in NRS 040-1 and
the following apply.

3.1 Terms and definitions

authorized person
person who has, in writing, been delegated defined authority and responsibility in terms of the
relevant HV operating regulations

bus coupler
apparatus used for connecting two sets of busbar

bus section breaker

apparatus used for connecting two sections of the same busbar

controller
employee or official on duty at a control centre, who is responsible for the general operation of the
power system or of a section thereof
NRS 040-5:2007 4

security linking
contingency configuration of the network where isolation for maintenance could compromise
network stability (i.e. redundancy or firm supply requirements)

voltage regulator
device used for automatic voltage control at a pre-set voltage

3.2 Abbreviations
AVR: automatic voltage regulator
HMI: human machine interface
HV: high voltage
IPS: interconnected power system
MV: medium voltage
PTO: permission to operate
PTS: permission to sectionalize
VT: voltage transformer

4 Requirements
4.1 Operating process
The following block diagram depicts the process and communication between control and field staff
as discussed in this part of NRS 040.

Personal Site and plant Scope of work System integrity check and
introduction identification verification contingency planning

Confirmation of Issue of operating Inter-control

operating instructions instructions handover

Approval for
PTO/PTS or
e-operating
Handover of
Commencement of Report completed apparatus
actual operating operating

Control functions (i.e. operating Inter-control End

diagram dressing) handover
 5 NRS 040-5:2007

4.2 Personal introduction

4.2.1 At every occasion that contact is established between a control officer and an authorized
person in the field, the control officer and the authorized person will introduce one to the other by
stating their full names.

4.2.2 If called for by either party, the identification will be confirmed with additional information like
unique or identification numbers.

4.3 Site and plant identification

Before operating instructions are being issued or received, the plant description and location will be
stated in the following manner:

a) the location of the plant will include the name of the line, feeder or substation as it appears on
the equipments nameplate and operating diagram nametag. The line name may be
abbreviated; and

b) the equipment to be operated will be identified by the standard symbol on the operating
diagram and the equipment nameplate on the structure.

4.4 Scope of work verification

Before commencing with the work, the authorized person shall define the proposed scope of work
to the control officer. This shall include the operating approach and placement of earths. The scope
of work shall correspond with the plant outage documentation submitted to the control centre.

4.5 System contingency planning

After the request for a specific outage, the control officer shall verify that a pre-arranged booking
has been made. The booking shall specify all risks and hazards associated with the outage. The
controller shall then assess the status of the substation and the power system to ascertain whether
security linking is necessary. Security linking shall take precedence over any other operation.

4.6 Intercontrol arrangements

If, for example, an interdistributor or IPS line is requested for isolation, the controller shall first
confirm with the other control centre and then with National Control to verify the viability of the
outage and obtain permission for the plant isolation.

4.7 Issue of operating instructions

After the necessary discussions and request for permission have been completed, the actual
operating instructions shall follow. In electronic operating, only the operating instructions agreed
upon and included in the operating schedule will be given. The detailed instructions are discussed
under Requirements to make MV and HV apparatus safe to work on in NRS 040-3.

The authorized person will refer to the controller as control while the controller will address the
authorized person by his first name and surname (for example Koos Snyman).

The dialogue will be as follows:

Controller:
<First name and surname of authorized person>, at <name of substation>, <nominal voltage,
name of the panel >: open (or close) <name of the apparatus>, followed by all consecutive
instructions, as necessary.
NRS 040-5:2007 6

4.8 Confirmation of operating instructions

After the authorized person has received his instructions, he will repeat the instructions to the
controller and the controller can verify whether the operator has the instructions correctly. An
instruction time is then given. In electronic operating, only the operating instructions agreed upon
will be given.

The dialogue will be as follows:

Controller
<First name and surname of authorized person>, at <name of substation>, <nominal voltage,
name of the panel>: I shall <open/close> <name of the apparatus>, followed by all consecutive
instructions.

4.9 Commencement of actual operating

The authorized person carries out the instructions in the sequence they were given to him or her, in
accordance with the network operating regulations in NRS 040-3. A completion time is recorded on
the operating instruction form.

4.10 Reporting of completed operating

On completion of the operation, the authorized person shall report back to the controller that the
operating has been performed. A reported time is issued.

4.11 Handing over and handing back of apparatus in substations

4.11.1 Handing over

After all isolation and earthing have been completed, the controller shall hand over the apparatus to
the authorized person. Handover is an instruction and the operation shall be written out in full by the
authorized person on an operating instruction form together with the time of handing over (handing
back).

4.11.2 Controller

The dialogue shall be as follows:

<First name and surname of authorized person>, at <name of substation>, <nominal voltage,
name of the apparatus> has been opened, isolated and earthed at all points of supply. You may
commence with the specified work. On completion, remove all tools, equipment and workers and
report back to me.

4.11.3 Acceptance from the authorized person

The dialogue shall be as follows:

<First name and surname of authorized person>, at <name of substation>, <nominal voltage and
name of the apparatus> has been opened, isolated and earthed at all points of supply. I may
commence with the specified work. On completion remove all tools, equipment and workers and
report back to you.
 7 NRS 040-5:2007

4.12 Handing over and handing back of power lines or sections of power
lines

4.12.1 Handing over

After all isolation and earthing have been completed, the controller shall hand over the apparatus to
the authorized person. Handover is an instruction and shall be written out in full by the authorized
person on an operating instruction form together with the time of hand over (hand back).

4.12.2 Controller

The dialogue shall be as follows:

<First name and surname of authorized person>, at <nominal voltage of and name of line>, from
<abbreviated pole number> to <abbreviated pole number> the line has been opened and isolated
from all points of supply, with a control earth at the point of isolation. You may test and apply
working earths, commence with the specified work. On completion, remove all tools and equipment,
workers and working earths from the line and hand back the line to me.

4.12.3 As acceptance from the authorized person

The dialogue shall be as follows:

<First name and surname of authorized person>, at <nominal voltage of and name of line>, from
<abbreviated pole number> to <abbreviated pole number> the line has been opened and isolated
from all points of supply, with a control earth at the point of isolation. I may test and apply working
earths, commence with the specified work. On completion, I shall remove all tools and equipment,
workers and working earths from the line and hand back the line to you.

4.13 Control functions

Control shall update the operating diagram according to the changed status of the network
apparatus and lines, and record the authorized persons name against the relevant apparatus that
has been handed over. Also record a reference number, if applicable.

4.14 National/transmission control or interdistributor control

On completion of the necessary operating, an intercontrol handover will take place, thereafter
apparatus will be handed out to the relevant authorized persons.

4.15 Operating instruction forms

Operating instruction forms shall be in accordance with the examples given in NRS 040-3.

4.16 Requirements before operating instructions can be issued

4.16.1 When an outage is requested by field staff, the scope of work, operating sequence and
number of earths required shall be discussed in detail before any instructions are issued. This is
necessary to eliminate any misunderstanding or confusion.

4.16.2 Operating instructions shall be issued and conversed in English.

4.17 Operating sequence

4.17.1 Instructions shall be issued in the following sequence:

NRS 040-5:2007 8

a) switching;

b) linking;

c) safety testing; and

d) earthing.

4.17.2 Where technology allows, control and equipment are not installed in separate rooms,
switching shall be performed in the following order:

a) supervisory facility;

b) umbilical cord devices; and

c) operating switches on the equipment panel.

4.18 Dressing control panels

4.18.1 Auto-reclosing functions

Auto-reclose schemes differ from one protection scheme to the next. The breakers auto-reclose
function shall be made inoperable as given in the site-specific procedure.

4.18.2 Telecontrol and supervisory functions

Supervisory schemes differ from substation to substation and each substation requires different
treatment. At some stations the supervisory shall be switched OFF before any operating is
performed, whilst at others it shall be switched OFF depending on whether operating has been
completed or whether operating is conducted remotely, manually or HMI.

The requirements shall be stated in the local operating procedure.

4.19 Manual VT selection

4.19.1 Where VT selection on busbars are not automated, the VT selection shall be performed
manually when a busbar is taken out of service.

4.19.2 The racking in and out of truck type voltage transformers shall only be carried out under
dead conditions. The particular requirements shall be stated in the local operating procedure.

4.20 Under-frequency load-shedding equipment

Where a substation is equipped with an under-frequency facility, the selector switch shall be
selected to the busbar that remains in service if the other busbar is taken out of service for
maintenance purposes.

4.21 Motorized isolators

All motorized isolators that are used as isolation points shall be made inoperable by disabling the
supply to the motors.
 9 NRS 040-5:2007

4.22 Transformer tap position control

4.22.1 When taking a transformer out of service and when returning it to service, the authorized
person shall ensure that the substation auxiliaries and AVR controls are correctly selected as given
in the site-specific procedure.

4.22.2 In the case of voltage regulators, the authorized person shall ensure that the tap changer
is in the neutral or mid tap position and manual position before bypassing.

4.23 Specific operating sequence

4.23.1 Taking a line breaker out of service for maintenance purposes (alive back)

4.23.1.1 The procedure in 4.23.1.2 to 4.23.1.8 shall be followed when a line breaker is taken out of
service for maintenance purposes.

4.23.1.2 Switch off supervisory (if relevant).

4.23.1.3 Switch off auto-reclose (where applicable).

4.23.1.4 Open breaker (specify voltage).

4.23.1.5 Check breaker to be open (specify voltage).

4.23.1.6 Open line isolator (specify voltage).

4.23.1.7 Open busbar isolator (specify voltage).

4.23.1.8 Safety test: the following shall be done during a safety test:

a) earth busbar side of the breaker (specify voltage);

b) earth the line side of the breaker (specify voltage);

c) specify the number of earths; and

d) obtain a handover from control.

4.23.2 Returning a line breaker to service after maintenance (alive back)

4.23.2.1 The procedure in 4.23.2.2 to 4.23.2.11 shall be followed when a line breaker is returned to
service after maintenance.

4.23.2.2 Hand back to control clear of workmen and equipment.

4.23.2.3 Remove earths at the busbar and line sides of the breaker (specify voltage), and specify
the number of earths.

4.23.2.4 Check breaker to be open (specify voltage).

4.23.2.5 Close busbar isolator (specify voltage).

4.23.2.6 Close line isolator (specify voltage).

4.23.2.7 Close breaker (specify voltage).

NRS 040-5:2007 10

4.23.2.8 Check line to be on load.

4.23.2.9 Switch to auto-reclose (where applicable).

4.23.2.10 Switch to supervisory.

4.23.2.11 Verify with control centre that all alarms are clear.

4.23.3 Taking a line and breaker out of service for maintenance (dead back)

4.23.3.1 The procedure in 4.23.3.2 to 4.23.3.17 shall be followed when a line and breaker are
taken out of service for maintenance.

NOTE Operating instructions are issued in separate steps because two or more authorized persons are
involved. Control centres will co-ordinate operating in conjunction with each other.

4.23.3.2 Verify with control centre that all alarms are clear.

4.23.3.3 Switch off supervisory (where applicable).

4.23.3.4 Switch off auto-reclose (where applicable).

4.23.3.5 Open breaker (specify voltage). (Supervisory shall be switched on for remote switching.)

4.23.3.6 Check breaker to be open (specify voltage).

4.23.3.7 Open line isolator (specify voltage).

4.23.3.8 Open busbar isolator (specify voltage).

NOTE The busbar isolator can be left in the closed position if work is to be done on the line only. Earthing is
then necessary only for the line.

4.23.3.9 Control centres to confirm the status of plant with one another.

4.23.3.10 Control centres to agree on numbers and positions of required earths.

4.23.3.11 Do a safety test: test apparatus for dead on all phases.

4.23.3.12 Earth busbar side of breaker if the busbar isolator is open (specify voltage).

4.23.3.13 Earth line side of breaker if the busbar isolator is open (specify voltage).

4.23.3.14 Earth on the line (specify voltage).

4.23.3.15 Specify number of earths.

4.23.3.16 Control centres to hand over the line with one another as given in NRS 040-3.

4.23.3.17 Control centres to hand over the line to various authorized persons to apply and remove
working earth as given in NRS 040-3.

4.23.4 Returning a line and breaker to service after maintenance (dead back)

4.23.4.1 The procedure in 4.23.4.2 to 4.23.4.14 shall be followed when a line and breaker are
returned to service after maintenance.

4.23.4.2 Authorized persons to hand back to control centre.

 11 NRS 040-5:2007

4.23.4.3 Control centres to hand back to each other and co-ordinate removal of earths.

4.23.4.4 Remove earths from

a) busbar side of breaker, if applied (specify voltage),

b) line side of breaker, if applied (specify voltage),

c) the line (specify voltage), and

specify number of earths removed.

4.23.4.5 Control centres to confirm removal of earths from one another and agree on linking.

4.23.4.6 Check breaker to be open (specify voltage).

4.23.4.7 Close busbar isolator (specify voltage).

4.23.4.8 Close line isolator (specify voltage).

4.23.4.9 Control centres confirm status and agree on closing and switching of auto-reclose and
supervisory.

4.23.4.10 Close breaker (specify voltage).

4.23.4.11 Confirm loading.

4.23.4.12 Switch on auto-recloser (where applicable)

4.23.4.13 Switch supervisory ON.

4.23.4.14 Verify with control centre that all alarms are clear.

4.23.5 Taking an interconnected power system (IPS) line out of service for
maintenance

4.23.5.1 Outage is sanctioned by National Control and operating instructions will be issued in
separate steps as indicated in 4.23.5.2 to 4.23.5.8. This normally involves two control centres who
will issue the isolation and earthing instructions in conjunction with each other.

4.23.5.2 Authorized persons to contact relevant control centres to commence with the requested
outage.

4.23.5.3 Control centres to contact National Control and individually request permission to take line
out. National Control assesses the situation, checks voltage and loading, and switches out the line
at both ends (if required) through supervisory and applies a tag to the breakers. National Control
hands out the line to each control centre to issue the necessary operating instructions and, on
completion, hand back to National Control.

4.23.5.4 Control centres contact each other and co-ordinate the switching OFF of the supervisory
and auto-reclose and proceed with the isolation of line and busbar isolators. Control centres issue
instructions to individual authorized persons.

4.23.5.5 Control centres notify each other that isolations are complete and co-ordinate application
of earths.
NRS 040-5:2007 12

4.23.5.6 Control centres issue earthing instructions.

4.23.5.7 Control centres hand out the line to each other.

4.23.5.8 Each control centre can now hand out the line or panel to the various authorized persons.

4.24 Returning an interconnected power system (IPS) line to service after

maintenance

4.24.1 The procedure in 4.24.2 to 4.24.10 shall be followed when an IPS line is returned to service
after maintenance.

4.24.2 Authorized persons to hand line or panel back to control.

4.24.3 Control centres to hand line back to each other and co-ordinate removal of earths.

4.24.4 Control centres issue instructions to remove earths and return them to the authorized
person.

4.24.5 Control centres contact National Control individually to hand back the line, clear of all
earths.

4.24.6 National Control will sanction busbar selection and switch ON supervisory to control
centres.

4.24.7 Control centre issues instructions to close busbar and line isolators and switching ON of
supervisory to authorized persons. Receive confirmation that linking has been completed as
instructed.

4.24.8 Control centres report back to National Control.

4.24.9 National Control closes breakers at both ends through the network supervisory system and
requests auto-reclose to be switched ON.

NOTE Authorized person shall remain on site to verify all remote switching.

4.24.10 Control centres to notify National Control.

4.25 Taking a transformer panel out of service for maintenance

4.25.1 The procedure in 4.25.2 to 4.25.11 shall be followed when a transformer panel is taken out
of service for maintenance. If the HV busbar links are connected to an IPS busbar, sanction from
National Control shall be obtained before the transformer panel can be isolated.

4.25.2 Switch off supervisory.

4.25.3 Open auxiliary supply (where applicable).

4.25.4 Open tertiary breaker (where applicable) (specify voltage).

4.25.5 Open secondary breaker (specify voltage).

4.25.6 Open primary breaker (specify voltage).

4.25.7 Check breakers to be open (specify voltage).

 13 NRS 040-5:2007

4.25.8 Test transformer to be dead.

4.25.9 Open primary busbar isolator (specify voltage).

4.25.10 Open secondary busbar isolator (specify voltage).

4.25.11 Open tertiary or auxiliary transformer isolator (where applicable) (specify voltage).

4.26 Safety test and earth

4.26.1 In the case of work on transformers and breakers, and on the busbar side of the primary
and secondary breakers, the primary, secondary and tertiary windings of the transformer shall be
as specified in NRS 040-3 (specify voltages).

4.26.2 In the case of work on transformers only, earth the primary, secondary and tertiary sides of
the transformer (specify voltages).

4.26.3 In the case of work on a breaker only, earth the busbar and transformer sides of the
breaker (specify voltage).

4.26.4 The control centre shall hand over the apparatus.

4.26.5 Fully isolate the panel and earth only the apparatus to be worked on. The handout shall be
for that apparatus only.

4.27 Returning a transformer panel to service after maintenance

4.27.1 The procedure in 4.27.2 to 4.27.13 shall be followed when a transformer panel is returned
to service after maintenance.

4.27.2 The authorized person hands back the panel to the control centre office clear of workmen
and equipment and fit for service.

4.27.3 If the primary busbar links are connected to an IPS busbar, sanction shall be obtained from
National Control before the IPS line can be linked up.

4.27.4 Control centre issues instructions for the removal of earths.

4.27.5 Check breakers to be open (specify voltage).

4.27.6 Close tertiary or auxiliary transformer isolator (where applicable) (specify voltage).

4.27.7 Close primary busbar isolator (specify voltage).

4.27.8 Close secondary busbar isolator (specify voltage).

4.27.9 Close primary breaker (specify voltage).

4.27.10 Close secondary breaker (specify voltage).

4.27.11 Close tertiary breaker (where applicable) (specify voltage).

4.27.12 Close auxiliary supply (where applicable).

4.27.13 Switch supervisory ON.

NRS 040-5:2007 14

4.28 Taking an interconnected power system transformer panel out of

service
The operating sequence shall be the same as in the case of a demarcated transformer (taking out
and returning to service).

4.29 Taking a bus coupler breaker or bus section breaker out of service
NOTE Some stations have automatic overcurrent and earth-fault protection schemes.

4.29.1 When changing over busbars from one to the other, start from one end of the busbar,
proceed down the busbar closing all necessary isolators and thereafter proceed up the parallel
busbar opening all necessary isolators.

4.29.2 When changing over busbars without a bus coupler, the dead busbar shall be proved
healthy by means of a line or transformer breaker where possible.

4.29.3 The method of closing and opening each panel in turn is only used in special
circumstances where the possibility of paralleling two zones through isolators exists. This method
shall not be used where a bus coupler is not available.

4.29.4 On the bus coupler breaker, make sure that it is off overcurrent and earth-fault protection
(where applicable). Then follow the steps in (a) to (h):

a) link over all the relevant panels from one busbar to the other;

b) switch OFF supervisory;

c) open the bus section breaker (specify voltage);

d) check breaker to be open (specify voltage);

e) check bus coupler to be floating;

f) switch OFF supervisory;

g) open bus coupler breaker (specify voltage); and

h) check breaker to be open (specify voltage).

4.29.5 On the bus coupler, the following shall apply:

a) open bus coupler, busbar 1 isolator (specify voltage); and

b) open bus coupler, busbar 2 isolator (specify voltage).

4.29.6 On the bus section, the following shall apply:

open the relevant busbar isolators (specify voltage).

4.29.7 Safety test

4.29.7.1 On the bus coupler, the following shall apply:

a) apply on earth busbar 1 on the bus coupler side of the breaker;

 15 NRS 040-5:2007

b) apply on earth busbar 2 on the bus coupler side of the breaker; and

c) apply earth on the bus section breaker, earth both sides of the bus section breaker.

4.29.7.2 On the busbar, the following shall apply:

a) apply earth on the busbar;

b) specify number of earths applied; and

c) control to hand over apparatus to be worked on only.

4.30 Returning a bus coupler breaker or bus section breaker back to service
NOTE Some stations have automatic overcurrent and earth-fault protection schemes.

4.30.1 The procedure in 4.30.2 to 4.30.5 shall be followed when returning a bus coupler breaker or
bus section breaker back to service.

4.30.2 Hand back apparatus to the control centre.

4.30.3 Remove all earths.

4.30.4 On the bus coupler, the following shall apply:

a) check the breaker to be open (specify voltage);

b) close bus coupler, busbar 1 isolator (specify voltage);

c) close bus coupler, busbar 2 isolator (specify voltage);

d) switch on overcurrent and earth-fault protection (where applicable);

e) close bus coupler breaker (specify voltage);

f) switch off overcurrent and earth-fault protection;

g) ensure busbar is alive from voltage indication; and

h) switch ON supervisory.

4.30.5 On the bus section, the following shall apply:

a) check the breaker to be open (specify voltage);

b) close relevant busbar isolators of the bus section breaker (specify voltage);

c) switch on overcurrent and earth-fault protection, where installed;

d) close busbar section breaker (specify voltage);

e) check breaker to be closed;

f) switch off overcurrent and eath-fault protection, where installed;

g) switch ON supervisory; and

h) link over the required panels.

NRS 040-5:2007 16

4.30.6 Taking a busbar or section of a busbar equipped with a bus coupler or

section breaker out of service

4.30.6.1 Switch off supervisory.

4.30.6.2 With the bus coupler or the bus section breaker closed and with overcurrent and earth-
fault protection switched off, complete steps 4.30.6.3 to 4.30.6.9.

4.30.6.3 Link over the required panels to clear the busbar or section.

4.30.6.4 Check that bus coupler or bus section breaker carry no load.

4.30.6.5 Open the bus coupler or bus section breakers.

4.30.6.6 Open isolators on either side of the breakers.

4.30.6.7 Test the relevant busbar or bus section to be dead.

4.30.6.8 Apply earths on the busbar or section of busbar according to NRS 040-3.

4.30.6.9 Control centre hands over the busbar to be worked on only.

4.30.7 Returning a busbar or section of a busbar equipped with a bus coupler or

bus section breaker to service

4.30.7.1 Hand back busbar or section of busbar to control centre.

4.30.7.2 Remove all earths.

4.30.7.3 Specify number of earths.

4.30.7.4 Check breakers to be opened.

4.30.7.5 Close isolators on either side of the breaker.

4.30.7.6 Switch on overcurrent and earth-fault protection, where applicable.

4.30.7.7 Close breaker.

4.30.7.8 Switch off overcurrent and earth-fault protection.

4.30.7.9 Link over required panels.

4.30.7.10 Switch on supervisory.

4.30.7.11 Check that all alarms are clear.

4.30.8 Load transfer, isolating or energizing a section of a busbar without a bus

coupler or bus section breaker

Owing to different technologies and busbar configurations, all operating on unique plant shall be in
accordance with local operating procedure.
 17 NRS 040-5:2007

4.31 Requirements for handing over and handing back apparatus

4.31.1 After the apparatus has been earthed in accordance with NRS 040-3, it shall be handed
over to the authorized person. The authorized person shall be responsible for safety testing and for
the application and removal of working earths when and where necessary on lines only.

The authorized person shall write out the hand over or hand back on an operating instruction form
together with the time handed over and time handed back on completion of work. All normal open
points that are excluded should, where applicable, be recorded as part of the hand over.

4.31.2 After a line has been opened, isolated and earthed in accordance with NRS 040-3 between
two control centres, an intercontrol hand over shall take place. In other words the control centres
shall hand over the line to each other for safety purposes irrespective of whether the control centre
has work to be done. This is also applicable when working with customers that have recognized
control centres.

4.32 Control functions after hand over

4.32.1 The intercontrol hand over shall be recorded in both network management centres'
operating logs.

4.32.2 The operating diagrams shall be dressed with the appropriate hand-over labels (i.e. inter-
control or the authorized persons name).

4.32.3 The symbols used for dressing the operating diagram shall depend on local requirements.
When lines have been handed out between control centres (i.e. intercontrol hand over) the lines
shall only be handed back when they are ready to be made live and not when work has been
completed, i.e. all authorized persons have to hand back first.

Standards South Africa