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INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT REPORT

By Kennedy Kiplimo Rotich

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NAME: KENNEDY KIPLIMO ROTICH

ADMISSION NO: 18/15374

SCHOOL: KITALE NATIONAL POLYTECHNIC

DEPARTMENT: ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING

SUBJECT: INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT REPORT

CASE STUDY: KENYA POWER AND LIGHTING COMPANY

UNIT: INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT 2

SUPERVISOR: CAROLINE JEPCHUMBA KORIR

ASSESSOR: ROBINSON CHABAGA

DATE: 14TH JANUARY 2010 - 20TH MARCH 2020

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Contents
DECLARATION..............................................................................................................................................5
CERTIFICATION............................................................................................................................................5
DEDICATION................................................................................................................................................6
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS................................................................................................................................7
ABSTRACT....................................................................................................................................................8
KENYA POWER AND LIGHTING COMPANY BACKGROUND INFORMATION..................................................9
ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE.....................................................................................................................10
.................................................................................................................................................................. 10
MISSION....................................................................................................................................................10
VISION.......................................................................................................................................................10
CORE VALUES............................................................................................................................................11
QUALITY POLICY........................................................................................................................................11
INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................................................11
SAFETY PRECAUTION.................................................................................................................................14
Kenya power Safety Rules for all employees.........................................................................................15
Kenya power Safety Rules for all consumers.........................................................................................18
ATTACHMENT DESIGNATED DEPARTMENTS ATTENDEND........................................................................20
CUSTOMER SERVICE..............................................................................................................................20
EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT...................................................................................................................21
Role of emergency department/teams.............................................................................................21
DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT........................................................................................23
Overview of the Kenya power system and the role of KPLC..............................................................23
Transformers.....................................................................................................................................27
Conductors/ cables............................................................................................................................29
Support structures.............................................................................................................................30
KPLC facility database (FDB)..............................................................................................................32
Design and construction department/ Business Development department.....................................33
Costing...............................................................................................................................................34
First insertion process........................................................................................................................34
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Design of a low voltage distribution network....................................................................................36

Contracting an account and metering...............................................................................................40
OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT.................................................................................43
Substation..........................................................................................................................................43
Load check.........................................................................................................................................47
Faults.................................................................................................................................................48
Pole maintenance..............................................................................................................................53
Wiring and commissioning of a transformer.....................................................................................54
Earthing / grounding..........................................................................................................................55
Measuring soil resistance..................................................................................................................57
Surge arrestor/ diverter.....................................................................................................................57
OBSERVED COMPANY FAILURES................................................................................................................59
RECOMMENDATIONS................................................................................................................................59
Design considerations............................................................................................................................59
CONCLUSION.............................................................................................................................................60
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DECLARATION
I declare that this attachment report is my own work. Where collaboration with other people has

taken place or material generated by other researchers is included the parties and/or materials are

indicated in the acknowledgements or are explicitly stated with references as appropriate.

This work is being submitted for a Diploma in Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Kitale

National Polytechnic. It has not been submitted by any other institution for any other Diploma or

Examination.

Name: ……………………………………………………….

Signature: …………………………….

Date: ………………………………….

CERTIFICATION
This attachment report has been submitted with my approval.

Name: ………………………………………………………….

Signature: ……………………………...

Date: …………………………………...
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DEDICATION
I dedicate this work to my beloved parents with my grandfather for the shear effort they have put

towards my education.

I also dedicate this work to all the people who have helped me in my undergoing course study

which include my tutors and classmates.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The development of this report took an effort, support and guidance of a number of people whom

I wish to thank.

I acknowledge and express my gratitude to Mrs. Caroline Korir my supervisor during most of my

attachment for a great support and direction that she extended not to mention all contribution she

made towards facilitating the success of my attachment.

I also extend a lot of appreciation to field supervisor, Mr. Joshua Kosgei who ensured that all

facilities necessary for the industrial attachment exercise were at my disposal. Thanks to the

team I was patched with, all their directions, explanations, technical and intellectual support

amounted to the quality experience I gained.

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ABSTRACT
The purpose of this report is to provide the details of the intuition of attachment, a description of

all the activities undertaken during the same, the lessons learnt and challenges during the

attachment period. The essence of attachment is to open a deeper insight at the application of the

knowledge learnt in school.

I have gained knowledge on the power grid as how the power is produced to how it reaches the

consumers and the timely maintenance of the supply lines.

I have also learned the steps followed so that power is provided to an area or a specific person or

a homestead.

To fulfill this objective, the report will describe in detail how power is transferred form the

power generating company (KenGen) to the distribution company (K.P.L.C) and then from the

distribution company to consumers all over the country. And also the different systems,

equipment and tools used in the installation and maintenance of the power supply lines.
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KENYA POWER AND LIGHTING COMPANY BACKGROUND

INFORMATION
Kenya Power traces its origins to 1875 when Seyyied Barghash, the Sultan of Zanzibar, acquired

a generator to light his palace and nearby streets. This generator was acquired in 1908 by Harrali

Esmailjee Jeevanjee, a Mombasa-based merchant, leading to the formation of the Mombasa

Electric Power and Lighting Company whose mandate was to provide electricity to the island. In

the same year, Engineer Clement Hirtzel was granted the exclusive right to supply Nairobi city

with electricity. This led to the formation of the Nairobi Power and Lighting Syndicate.

In 1922, the Mombasa Electric Power and Lighting Company and Nairobi Power and Lighting

Syndicate merged under a new company known as East African Power and Lighting

Company (EAP&L).

On February 1, 1954, Kenya Power Company (KPC) was formed and commissioned to construct

the transmission line between Nairobi and Tororo in Uganda. This was to transmit power

generated at the Owen Falls Dam to Kenya. KPC was managed by EAP&L under a management

contract. In the same year, EAP&L listed its shares on the Nairobi Securities Exchange. Making

it one of the first companies to list on the bourse.

EAP&L exited Tanzania in 1964 by selling its stake in TANESCO to the Government of

Tanzania. Due to its presence in only Kenya, EAP&L was renamed the Kenya Power and

Lighting Company Limited (KPLC) in 1983.

Kenya Power Company de-merged from KPLC in 1997 and rebranded to Kenya Electricity

Generating Company (KenGen) and in 2008, the electricity transmission infrastructure function

was carved out of KPLC and transferred to the newly formed Kenya Electricity Transmission

Company (KETRACO). Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) was re-branded Kenya

Power in June 2011.

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ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE

Chief Executive Officer & managing

director

General Managers

Corporate affairs Human Regional Supply

Finance
& company resources & operation chains
secretary administration s

Customer Network & IT & Business Infrastructure

service management Telecommunications strategy development

Regional managers

County Business
Mangers

Engineers, technician, contractors etc.

MISSION
Powering people for better lives by innovatively securing business sustainability.

By striving to provide world-class products and services that delight our customers and

transform lives as we ensure viability of our business. 

VISION
Energy solutions provider of choice.
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By becoming the preferred energy solution for businesses and individuals, we empower our

customers to achieve more and reach their full potential

CORE VALUES
 We put our customers first as they matter most

 We work together as one team to achieve our goals

 We are passionate about powering the nation

 We believe in integrity and delivering on our promises

 We strive for excellence in all that we do

 We are accountable to our customers and stakeholders 

QUALITY POLICY
The Kenya Power & Lighting Plc. is committed to provide cost effective, reliable and quality

power that delights customers and better’s people’s lives. In pursuit of this undertaking, suitable

technologies and innovations shall be embraced to improve power network and customer service.

Quality objectives based on the Corporate Strategic plan shall be established at relevant

functions, levels and processes within the organization. The Board, Management and staff of

Kenya Power are committed to effective implementation and continuous improvement of the

Quality Management System that complies with ISO9001:2015 standard and other applicable

requirements.  
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INTRODUCTION
Kenya Power and Lighting Company Limited's (KPLC) originally known as Kenya Power

Company purchased in bulk from the Kenya Electricity Generating Company Limited (KenGen),

Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited

(UETCL). Kenya Power holds and operates the national transmission and distribution grid, and

is responsible for the scheduling and dispatch of electricity to more than 500, 000 customers

throughout.
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The following is a general summary description of the company;

Full name: Kenya Power & Lighting Co. Ltd

Headquarters: Stima Plaza, Parklands, P.O Box 30099, 00100, NAIROBI.

Status:  Listed

Legal Form:  Other non-liability limited

Operational Status:   Operational

ISIN CODE: KE0000000349

Total Employees:  7,015

Tel: +254 20 3201000 or 243366

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SAFETY PRECAUTION
Electricity flows through metal, wood, water and human beings. Power lines are therefore very

dangerous and safety precautions must be undertaken when within the vicinity of power lines.

The Kenya Electricity Grid Code set out detailed arrangements for the regulation of the Kenya

electricity supply industry and is enforceable under the Electric Power Act, No 11 of 1997. In

addition to the Kenya Electricity Grid Code, the Kenya Safety Codes are reviewed. They

recognize the Factories Act, 1962 (Rev.1972) which requires an employee to use any means or

appliance provided by the Employer for securing safety and also not willfully to do anything

likely to endanger himself or others.

This Act applies to all workplaces where any person is at work, whether temporarily or

permanently. The purpose of this Act is to secure the safety, health and welfare of persons at

work, and protect persons other than persons at work against risks to safety and health arising out

of, or in connection with, the activities of persons at work. Some of the areas addressed here are

machinery safety, chemical safety and health, safety and welfare special provisions are also

provided in the ILO conventions on safety and health in construction recommendation, 1988

R175.
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Kenya power Safety Rules for all employees

A safe work environment is not always enough to control all potential electrical hazards. You

must be very cautious and work safely. Safety rules help you control your and others risk of

injury or death from workplace hazards.

Rule no. 1

Avoid contact with energized electrical circuits. All circuits are to be assumed live unless proven

otherwise

Rule no. 2

Treat all electrical devices as if they are live or energized.

Rule no. 3

Disconnect the power source before servicing or repairing electrical equipment.

Rule no. 4

Use only tools and equipment with non-conducting handles when working on electrical devices.

Rule no. 5

Never use metallic pencils or rulers, or wear rings or metal watchbands when working with

electrical equipment. This rule is very easy to forget, especially when you are showing some

electrical part pointing with metallic pencil.

Rule no. 6

When it is necessary to handle equipment that is plugged in, be sure hands are dry. Wear

nonconductive gloves, protective clothes and shoes with insulated soles.

Below are examples of Safety clothes, gloves and shoes

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Rule no. 7

If it is safe to do so, work with only one hand, keeping the other hand at your side or in your

pocket, away from all conductive material. This precaution reduces the likelihood of accidents

that result in current passing through the chest cavity.

Rule no. 8

Minimize the use of electrical equipment in cold rooms or other areas where condensation is

likely. If equipment must be used in such areas, mount the equipment on a wall or vertical panel.

Rule no. 9

If water or a chemical is spilled onto equipment, shut off power at the main switch or circuit

breaker and unplug the equipment. NEVER try to remove water or similar from equipment while

energized

Rule no. 10

If an individual comes in contact with a live electrical conductor, do not touch the equipment,

cord or person. Disconnect the power source from the circuit breaker or pull out the plug using a

leather belt. Always disconnect the power FIRST

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Rule no. 11

Equipment producing a “tingle” should be disconnected and reported promptly for repair.

Rule no. 12

Do not rely on grounding to mask a defective circuit nor attempt to correct a fault by insertion of

another fuse or breaker, particularly one of larger capacity.

Rule no. 13

Drain capacitors before working near them and keep the short circuit on the terminals during the

work to prevent electrical shock.

Rule no. 14

Never touch another person’s equipment or electrical control devices unless instructed to do so.

Rule no. 15

Enclose all electric contacts and conductors so that no one can accidentally come into contact

with them.

Rule no. 16

Never handle electrical equipment when hands, feet, or body are wet or perspiring, or when

standing on a wet floor.

Rule no. 17

When it is necessary to touch electrical equipment (for example, when checking for overheated

motors), use the back of the hand. Thus, if accidental shock were to cause muscular contraction,

you would not “freeze” to the conductor.

Rule no. 18

Do not store highly flammable liquids near electrical equipment.

Rule no. 19
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Be aware that interlocks on equipment disconnect the high voltage source when a cabinet door is

open but power for control circuits may remain on.

Rule no. 20

De-energize open experimental circuits and equipment to be left unattended.

Rule no. 21

Do not wear loose clothing or ties near electrical equipment. Maintain codes of an electrical

engineer

Kenya power Safety Rules for all consumers

 Replace or repair damaged or loose electrical cords.

 Avoid running extension cords across doorways or under carpets.

 In homes with small children, make sure your home has tamper-resistant (TR)

receptacles.
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 Consider having additional circuits or outlets added by a qualified electrician so you do

not have to use extension cords.

 Follow the manufacturer's instructions for plugging an appliance into a receptacle outlet.

 Avoid overloading outlets. Plug only one high-wattage appliance into each receptacle

outlet at a time.

 If outlets or switches feel warm, frequent problems with blowing fuses or tripping

circuits, or flickering or dimming lights, call a qualified electrician.

 Place lamps on level surfaces, away from things that can burn and use bulbs that match

the lamp's recommended wattage.

 Make sure your home has ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in the kitchen

bathroom(s), laundry, basement, and outdoor areas.

 Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) should be installed in your home to protect

electrical outlets.
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ATTACHMENT DESIGNATED DEPARTMENTS ATTENDEND

Kenya power has different operational structures depending on the population of the region on

which operations are to be undertaken.

This are the 8 departments that operate in a region branch of the Kenya Power and Lighting

Company;

1. Customer Service department

2. Emergency department

3. Design and Construction department (D&C)

4. Operation and Maintenance department

5. Metering department

6. Meter reading department

7. Survey department

8. Business Development department

CUSTOMER SERVICE
The Customer Service division is mandated to undertake customer related aspects of the

business. Specifically, this includes but is not limited to analysis of electricity unit sales growth

in the plan period, sales from new and existing customers, innovations and service reforms to

enhance sales growth and customer satisfaction.

The Division is responsible for the sale of electricity to over 4,7 million customers countrywide.
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EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT
According to the chores assigned to each departments, a lot of electrical and electronics tasks

were embedded in the Emergency department.

Role of emergency department/teams

The role of Emergency department and the teams is to ensure that there is consistence supply of

electricity as well as provide public safety and health by addressing different emergencies.

Kenya power engages in community awareness and prevention programs to help the public

avoid, detect, and report emergencies effectively.

Emergency department and the teams operated on a 24 hours’ basis but in shifts. Every call from

a customer is recorded and printed then handed to workers who work in shifts throughout the day

and night. The main duties of the emergency services include:

 Diagnosing of faults on low voltage overhead and underground lines

 Basic repair and maintenance of low voltage network earthing system

The description of the transmission line operated on the daily basis is given below.

The 132 kV single circuit lines constructed as follows:

 Line length: Approximately 225 km

 Line Configuration: Single Circuit, triangular configuration

 Conductors: Lynx nominal aluminum equivalent of 175mm².

 Earth wires: 1 x OPGW

 Foundations: Concrete pad & chimney

 Step down transformer: 132kv to 33kv

 Next step down level: 33kv to 415v 3phase and 240v single phase
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The 132kv to 33kv Step down transformer serving the entire area under operation

Self-Supporting Steel Lattice Tower for Overhead Transmission Lines

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DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT

Overview of the Kenya power system and the role of KPLC
Kenya Power and Lighting Company transmits, distributes and retails electricity to consumers

throughout Kenya. They construct low voltage lines which are used to distribute power to

consumers.

The power that is distributed by Kenya Power and Lighting Company is generated from various

sources such as water, wind, sun, steam, coal, diesel generators.

 Power generated by water is called hydro-electric power and hydro plants in Kenya

include: -Gitaru, Kindaruma, Kamburu, Masinga, Sondu Miriu and Kiambere.

 Power generated by wind is called wind power and wind power generation sites in Kenya

include: - Ngong Hills and upcoming projects in Lamu and Turkana.

Ngong Hills wind farm

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 Power generated by sun is called solar power and is generated all over the country by use of

individually purchased solar panels by consumers.

The Kenya Government aim is to have the sector produce 600 MWp by 2030. To attain this

goal, it has launched several projects across the country this include; Samburu Solar Project

(40 MWp), Kopere Solar Park in Kisumu (22,7 MWp), Witu Solar Project (40 MWp), Garissa

Solar Project (55MWp), Isiolo County Solar Project (40 MWp), Nakuru Solar Project

(25MWp)

50MW Solar station in Garrisa

 Power generated by steam is called geo-thermal power and geo-thermal power generation

sites in Kenya include: - Olkaria I, II, IV, Eburu plants.

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 Power generated by diesel generators is called thermal power and thermal power plants in

Kenya include: - Kipevu I, III, Garrisa Embakasi gas turbines.

 Power is also generated using coal and coal power plants exist in Lamu.

There are different companies involved from generation to transmission and finally to

distribution of power.

The company involved in generation of power is called Kenya Generation Company Limited

(KenGen).

There also exists independent power producers (IPP’s) such as Iberafrica, Westmont, Tsavo and

OrPower4.

The company involved in transmission is Kenya Transmission Company (KETRACO).

The company involved in distribution is Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC).

Kenya currently produces around 2GW of power on average from all viable sources, 3GW short

of the 5GW target. The current electricity demand is 1.9GW and is growing rapidly.

The required energy reserve should be at least 20% of the installed capacity but Kenya has only

5% energy reserve which is undesirable.

Power is transmitted and distributed at various voltages. The transmission voltages include: -

i. 400KV DC- currently under construction between Kenya and Ethiopia.

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ii. 220 KV A.C

iii. 132 KV A.C

iv. 66KV A.C

The distribution voltages include: -

i. 33 KV A.C

ii. 11 KV A.C

iii. 415 V A.C

iv. 240 V A.C

Single-line diagram of transmission and distribution network

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Power generated has to reach consumers and this is facilitated by the existence of certain

elements such as, transformers, conductors and support structures.

Transformers
Transformers are used to step down the high transmission voltages to low distribution voltages.

Transmission is done at high voltages to reduce energy loss.

Transformers are rated in Kilovolt-amperes (KVA) according to the amount of load that they can

support. The various ratings are, 5/7.5/15/25 KVA single phase pole mounted, 50/100/200/315

KVA three phase pole mounted, 630/1000 KVA and 1.5MVA three phase ground mounted

transformers.

For a customer to get safe and reliable power, the distance between them and the transformer

should be at least 600 meters. At distances beyond 600 meters, the customer will receive

unreliable power and the safety of the transformer and customer will not be compromised.

Small distribution transformers are protected by use of series fuses while the larger transformers

are protected by the use of circuit breakers.

Faults occur in transformers due to overloading, short circuits, failing of cooling mechanisms

and deterioration of windings.

Transformers can be protected by use of relays such as Earth-fault relays, Buchholz relay and

over current relays.

When a transformer is overloaded beyond its rating, the coils overheat causing a failure in the

cooling mechanisms hence the transformer blows.

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Simple transformer diagram

Three phase transformer

Single phase transformer

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Conductors/ cables
Conductors/ cables are the medium through which electricity is transmitted to the consumers.

Conductors are majorly used by KPLC for distribution in rural and less populated areas while

underground cables are used in urban centres and cities where poles and conductors (overhead)

are considered an obstruction to construction and lack aesthetic value.

Proper selection of material and size of conductors is very crucial. Good conductor material

should have very high tensile strength, high conductivity and low cost. Examples of conductors

used by KPLC are the pure Aluminium conductor and the Aluminium core-steel reinforced

conductor.

Pure Aluminium has low tensile strength and is used on short distance conductors while steel

reinforced Aluminium conductors are used on long distance conductors because steel has high

tensile strength.

Conductor sizes range from 10mm2 Cu/ 16mm2 Al single phase to 25mm2/70mm2/ 120mm2

4core/ 185mm2 4 core/ 300mm2 4 core three phase Aluminium core steel reinforced.

Faults may occur on conductors due to clashing, twisting or flash over voltage. This creates a

low impedance path for current flow resulting into very high current being drawn from the

supply causing tripping of relays, damaging insulation and components of equipment such as

transformer fuses.

ACSR conductor cross-section view

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Insulated ACSR conductor

ACSR conductor

Support structures
Support structures are used to anchor conductors. Support structures used in distribution by

KPLC are wooden and concrete poles.

Good support structures should have high mechanical strength, long life, low cost and light in

weight.

The wooden poles majorly used by KPLC are suitable for lines with moderate cross sectional

area and short spans of up to 60 meters. Wooden poles are majorly used because they are low

cost, easily available and have good insulating properties.

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Since poles are susceptible to rotting, the soil at the base is always added a preservative. Poles

can be used singly or combined to form structures such as H pole structures for mounting

transformers.

Poles vary in size and range from 10m/11KV to 11m/11KV 12m/33KV to

13.7m/15m/33KV.Poles support conductors by use of fittings such as cross arms, insulators such

as shackle and pin.

Cross arm

Shackle insulator

Pin type insulator

Connections between poles and conductors vary depending on the angle which the conductor

makes with the pole majorly due to land topography and design of the network.
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The various types of connections are, Double cross arm (DXA) 0-20o, Vertical flying angle

(VFA) 20-45o and vertical section (VS) 45-90o. Intermediate (INT) is for support between two

poles that are more than 60m apart and are usually placed in a straight line as re-enforcement.

There are always safety distances to be observed between the conductor and the ground/

buildings to prevent danger due to flashover voltages. The distances are, 5m/11KV, 7m/33KV,

10m/66KV, 13m/132KV, 15m/220KV, 20m/440KV.These distances are what determine the

length of pole to be used.

KPLC facility database (FDB)

KPLC has a system called the facility database which contains a list of all transformers, meters,

switches, which can be queried by their unique identification code to get information about them

such as their locations. The facility database also contains a layout of high and low voltage

networks throughout the country including substations.

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Design and construction department/ Business Development department.

This department consists of several sections i.e. design, way leaves, drawing office, survey,

construction and metering.

The following occurs in the Design and Construction department from the time a customer fills

up an electricity application form.

i. The customer details are inserted in the ICS (Integrated Customer System).

ii. The customer’s After Diversity Maximum Demand (ADMD) is calculated and approved.

iii. The ADMD is sent to distribution design.

iv. The design cost is approved.

v. The customer is sent a quotation.

vi. The customer pays.

vii. The service line is sent to finance for approval of payments.

viii. The service line is sent to way leaves for acquisition of way leaves issues/ right of way of

line.

ix. Wiring certificate is received.

x. Plot reference number is created (PRN).

xi. Serial number (SRN) is generated/ customer account number.

xii. Customer account is contracted to enable them receive bills.

xiii. Construction commences to metering only if it involves a cable only or project if it

involves poles.
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Costing
Design of a low voltage network to a customer is done by a contractor contracted by KPLC who
then costs the network.

Every material required in the design is grouped according to codes to simplify costing.

Code 0- cost of transformers, cut-outs, way leaves.

Code 1- high voltage transmission line.

Code 2- substation support structure.

Code 3- low voltage network.

Code 4- service cables/ overhead.

Code 6- cost of recovered material.

Code 7- underground service cable.

The contractors submit their proposals (design and costing) to the Design and Construction
department for approval.

First insertion process

This is the process by which the details captured in an electricity application form are entered

into the integrated customer system (ICS).

The details include the customer’s full names, physical address, type of customer (new, meter

separation, additional load) and the appliances used by the customer.

Once the details of the customer are entered into the ICS and saved, the saving action prompts

for the generation of a number called the customer reference number. The customer reference

number. An example is, E24402015070001. E represents the type of customer, in this case a new

customer who requires power, it can be A for a customer requesting additional load or M for a

customer requesting meter separation. 2440 represents the county code, 2015 represents the year,

070 represents the month, 001 represents the number of customer that month.
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Photo of me doing the customer insertion at the Ambwere Plaza office

The first insertion process is followed by the calculation of After Diversity Maximum Demand.

ADMD is the quotient of the sum of customer’s connected load and the number of loads

normally expressed in KVA.

Example: - if a customer has a 1000W iron box and a 2500W water heater, ADMD is calculated

as follows

1000W+2500W=3500W

1000W=1KVA

3500W=? (3500/1000) *1=3.5KVA

ADMD=3.5/2=1.75KVA
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The ADMD is calculated in the ICS automatically upon entry of the customer’s appliances

during first insertion. Once the ADMD is calculated, it is approved and sent to distribution

design for the design process to begin.

Design of a low voltage distribution network

The planning/design of a distribution network is important. Low voltage distribution networks

are usually designed by planning transformers and distribution lines. The major aim is to always

minimize the line losses and maximize the system reliability.

The LV Network is the end delivery vehicle of electricity supply to the customer. Transformers

must be used to enable distribution of the low voltage supply to customers with the standard

cable sizes that have voltage limits.

A low voltage distribution network can either be underground or overhead. Both underground

and overhead have their merits and demerits that should be greatly considered like the high cost

of underground network and the lack of aesthetic value of overhead network in urban area/cities.

Design of a low voltage network should have provision for future network expansion and

demand growth. Future network expansions and changes in demand are very uncertain and

highly volatile and therefore reliance on extensive low voltage networks should be avoided,

instead provision should be made for growth of high voltage networks to cover the future

network expansions and demand growth.

For efficient design and therefore supply, voltage calculations have to be made considering the

demand and diversity of the customers. Customers can be domestic consumers or commercial

consumers of power.

In the design of a low voltage network there are certain rules that apply; -
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 The maximum number of customers must be connected to a circuit that the voltage limit

allows.

 Circuits must be radial from a transformer with a maximum of 600meters apart.

 Service connections must be balanced over the three phases continuously along a circuit.

To design a low voltage network that supplies distributed customers, it is critical to know the

demand load of the customers to be supplied. It is critical to know so as to determine the

transformer requirements and carry out voltage drop calculations.

At the customer’s terminal, the voltage range should be + 6%. The voltage drop at the mains

should not exceed 5% and voltage drop in the distribution cable should be taken as 1%. The

voltage drops and ADMD calculations are done using a software that the designers have access

to.
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To design a LV network to a customer, we first have to know the exact location of the customer

by either physically going to the site or locating them on a current satellite map such as google

earth.

Once the customer is located, we perform a load calculation of both the customer and the

existing network. This is to determine whether the customer can be efficiently supplied by the

existing network /nearest transformer.

If the load of the customer is below 1MVA, then KPLC will provide for a transformer and if the

load is above 1MVA, then the customer will purchase their own transformer.

After all this is determined, a proposal is drawn of how the customer will be connected to the

existing network.

For example; -

A small commercial customer may have a machine of 30hp and requires three phase connection.

The starting current of the motor is calculated as

TX =50KVA, 80A

Motor= 30hp

1hp=746W

30hp= (30/1) x 746 = 22380W

Power= √3 x V x I x cosⱷ

22380=√3 x 415 x I x 1

I=31.14A

As can be seen, the small customer can be supported by a transformer that has a rating of 80A.

In the drawing proposal, the length of the conductor must be indicated and the position of the

poles and transformer if one is required.

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Once the proposal is complete it is approved and costed, the customer is then given a quotation

indicating how much the whole construction will cost.

The quotation of the service line is done in the ICS after which the customer is asked to pay the

amount indicated in the quotation.

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Contracting an account and metering

Contracting an account is the process by which a customer’s account is made active so that they

may be able to receive electricity bills after construction and connection to power.

Once an account has been contracted a report called an installation report is printed that will be

used to retrieve a meter from the store after construction of the service line is complete.

In the construction department, the customer’s assigned contractor is booked for materials that

will be needed to construct the service line as per the design.

The action of booking generates a number that will be used at the stores by the contractor to

retrieve the materials.

The contractor will construct the line and once construction is complete, the customer will be

provided with a meter to monitor their power consumption and help KPLC obtain revenue.

There are two types of meters available, they are, post-paid meter and prepaid meter.

The post-paid meter is an electrical meter that measures the power used by a consumer in

kilowatt hours (kWh). The meter is then read periodically e.g. monthly and then the customer

pays as per the rates provided.

Post-paid electrical meter

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Example

Fixed charge= Ksh 120

0-50 kWh= Ksh 2.50 per kWh

51-1500kWh= Ksh 11.62 per kWh

1500 and above= Ksh 19.57 per kWh

A domestic consumer who consumes 1000kWh will pay a bill of: -

120 + (11.62 x 1000) = ksh 11,740.

Prepaid meters

The prepaid meter is an electrical meter that allows the customer to pay for the electricity

upfront. The meter counts backwards as electricity is consumed and has a relay which

disconnects the power when the reading on the meter reaches zero.

The prepaid meter incorporates hardware which has the ability to decipher the pin number

entered from the token and convert it to Kilowatt Hours.

Prepaid meters have the advantage of helping a customer manage their energy usage and prevent

large and unexpected bills.

Prepaid meter circuitry consists of two main components: -

i. The measurement and control unit (MCU).

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ii. The customer interface unit (CIU)/ User interface unit (UIU).

The common types of prepaid meters are: -

i. Common base

ii. Split function type.

The common base has MCU and CIU in the same casing while in the split function type, the

MCU and CIU are separate entries linked by cable or radio link.

The MCU functions as follows; -

i. It is the circuitry control centre.

ii. It has an inbuilt memory facility which interprets commands and stores data.

iii. It executes two way communications with the CIU.

The CIU is a keypad with a LCD screen installed within easy access to the customer to enable

easy interrogation of the meter.

Prepaid meter circuitry

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OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT

Substation

A substation is a part of an electrical generation, transmission and distribution system.

Substations mainly receive energy transmitted at high voltage from the generating stations,

transform the voltage to a value appropriate for local distribution and provide switching

facilities.

Substations generally have switching, protection and control equipment and transformers. In a

large substation, circuit breakers are used to interrupt any short circuits or overload currents that

may occur on the network. In a small substation, recloser circuit breakers or fuses are used for

protection of the distribution networks.

Substations may be on the surface in fenced enclosures, underground or in special purpose

buildings.

A distribution substation transfers power from a transmission system to a distribution system of a

locale. Distribution substations mainly transform voltage to a value suitable for local distribution
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since it is uneconomical to connect customers directly to the main transmission network unless

they consume large amounts of power.

The input to a distribution substation may be at least two transmission lines. Input voltage may

be 33KV and output voltage via feeders 11KV. The feeders run along streets overhead/

underground and power distribution transformers at customer’s premises or near customer

premises step down voltage.

Distribution substations also isolate faults in either the transmission or distribution systems.

In a distribution substation there exists a bus bar. A bus bar is a strip of copper or aluminium on

which power is concentrated for distribution. The size of a bus bar determines the maximum

amount of current that can be safely carried.

Bus bar

Bus bars are either flat strips or hollow tubes as these shapes allow heat to dissipate more

efficiently due to their high surface area to cross sectional area ratio.

A bus bar may be supported on insulators or may be completely surrounded by insulation. They

are protected from accidental contact by metal earthed enclosure or elevation from normal reach.

Bus bars may be connected to each other and electrical apparatus by bolted clamps or welded

connections.
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In a distribution substation there must also exist lightning arrestors. These are protective devices

for limiting surge voltages due to lightning strikes or equipment faults to prevent damage to

equipment and disruption of service. They are also called surge arrestors.

They are installed on equipment such as poles, towers, transformers, circuit breakers, bus

structures in substations.

Distribution substations also have circuit breakers. A circuit breaker is an automatically operated

electrical switch designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by an overload or

short circuit current. The circuit breaker isolates the faulty part of the power system in case of

abnormal conditions. a protective relay in the circuit breaker detects faults and sends a tripping

signal after which the circuit breaker isolates the faulty part of the power system.

Transformers are also a major component in distribution substations. A transformer is a static

piece of apparatus which transfers electrical power from one alternating circuit to another with

the desired change in voltage without any change in frequency.

Transformers have primary windings and secondary windings through which voltage is stepped

up or down by mutual induction.

The ratio of secondary e.m.f to primary e.m.f is the voltage transformation ratio usually denoted

as E2/E1=N2/N1. N is the number of turns while E is the induced e.m.f.

 46

The transformers in distribution substations are provided with taps in order to adjust the voltage

ratio of the transformer in accordance with the changing loads. The main type of transformer

used is the oil filled transformer that uses oil for the cooling of the major parts of the

transformer. The oil filled transformers have conservator tanks that store extra oil in case of a

drop in oil level.

A distribution substation must have switchgear which is a rage of equipment for switching and

interrupting the currents in the power system during normal and abnormal conditions.

Switchgear consist of: - switches, fuses, circuit breakers, isolators, relays, control panels,
 47

metering panels, lightning arrestors, current transformers. Switchgear function to automatically

disconnect faulty points from the system and to facilitate the re-distribution of loads, inspection

and maintenance of the system.

Load check
The load on a distribution substation varies from time to time due to uncertain demand of the

consumers. The act of recording these load variations half hourly, daily after a certain period

from metering panels in the substation, is called performing a load check.

The load is recorded in amperes and analysed for the purpose of: -

 Helping in future planning and present day operations by showing how the electrical

system will perform during normal, emergency and various times of the day.

 Helping determine the proper voltage selection through transformer tap settings so that

the correct voltage will be present in the network.

 Helping in improvement of network efficiency.

The values recorded can be used to construct a load curve which can be analysed in certain ways

to give specific information for example: -

 The area under the load curve gives number of units generated in a day.

 The highest point on the load curve represents the maximum demand on the station.

 The area under the load curve divided by the total number of hours gives the average load

on the station.

 The ratio of the area under the load curve to the total area of the rectangle in which it is

contained gives the load factor.

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Faults
An electrical power system like any other system cannot always be 100% reliable. This is due to

the occurrence of various types of faults like short circuit conditions that cause huge economic

losses due to interruption of power supply.

An electrical fault is an abnormal condition caused by different problems such as transformers,

human errors and environmental conditions. A fault causes an interruption to electric flows,

equipment damages and injury/death to living things (humans, birds, animals).

An electrical fault is a deviation of voltages and currents from normal values/states. Under

normal operating conditions, power system equipment/lines carry normal voltages and currents

which result in safe operation of the system.

When a fault occurs, excessively high currents flow which cause damage to equipment.

Electrical faults can be caused by: -

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 Weather conditions- this includes lightning strikes, heavy rains, strong winds, salt

deposition on overhead lines and conductors. Strong winds may cause overhead

conductors to clash or twist causing a short circuit fault. The winds may also cause a

branch or tree to fall on a power line causing it to snap. These conditions interrupt power

supply and damage installations.

Tree fallen on power line

 Equipment failure- electrical equipment like motors, generators, transformers, cause short

circuit faults due to ageing, malfunctioning, insulation failure of cables and winding. The

bushings on the line taps of a transformer may become loose with time due to the transformer

vibrations and temperature fluctuations, this may result into perhaps the disconnection of the

neutral line. Disconnection of the neutral line results into no return path for the phase

currents. The red phase currents may return via the blue phase causing double magnitude

current that destroys customers’ equipment. Each phase contains 240V, disconnection of

neutral will cause a phase to have 240x2=440V. Customer equipment is rated at 240V hence
 50

440V will destroy the equipment. These failures result in high current flowing through the

equipment hence damaging them.

 Human errors- man can do errors such as selecting improper rating of equipment and also

forgetting metallic /electrical conducting parts after servicing/ maintenance of equipment and

lines.

 Ionization of particles present in the air surrounding overhead lines results in spark between

the lines or between conductors to insulator. This flashover may cause insulators to lose their

insulating capacity due to high voltages.

 Overload of the circuit- this happens when the total current demand made by the appliances

connected to the circuit exceed the circuit’s design capacity. This may cause a large current

to be drawn from supply hence damaging installations.

Electrical faults result in: -

 Over current flow- the occurrence of a fault causes a very low impedance path for the current

flow. The result is a very high current being drawn from the supply, causing tripping of

circuit breakers, damaging insulation and components of the equipment.

 Danger to operating personnel- a fault can cause electrical shock to an individual operating

on equipment and installation. Severity of the shock depends on the voltage and current at the

fault location and can lead to death.

 Loss of equipment- the heavy current due to a fault results into components being burnt

completely hence improper working of equipment or equipment being burnt completely.

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 Faults also affect not only the location at which they occur but other active circuits

interconnected with the faulty line.

 Ionization of air which results into flashovers and sparks between two conducting paths may

lead to building fires.

Faults can be limited to prevent further damage to equipment and installations. Devices used to

limit faults include, fuses, circuit breakers, relays.

A fuse is a thin wire enclosed in a casing which connects two metal parts. This wire melts when

excessive current flows in the circuit. The type of fuse depends on the voltage at which it is to

operate. Manual replacement of the wire is necessary once it is blown out.

The everyday faults that are encountered are: -

Faults due to weather conditions. Heavy rains accompanied by thunder, lightning and strong

winds which cause overhead conductors in the mainline or low voltage lines to clash or twist.

When low voltage lines clash or twist due to strong winds, the very high short circuit current

developed causes the transformer fuses on the secondary side to blow hence interrupting supply

and protecting the transformer and the consumers. The fuses on the secondary side may also

blow due to overloading of the circuit which results into large currents being drawn from the

transformer exceeding the fuse current capacity hence the fuse blows.

When the high voltage main lines from which the transformer taps power twist or clash due to

strong winds, the very high short circuit current developed causes the transformer fuses on the

primary side to blow hence protecting the transformer and the consumers. The fuses on the

primary side may also blow due to the over voltages caused by lightning strikes or when a surge

arrester blows.
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The choice of fuse to be used for transformer protection is determined by the rating on the

transformer name plate.

The primary fuses are placed in front of the transformer’s points of connection on the primary

side. The types of fuses mostly used are expulsion fuses since the starting current of a

transformer may be higher than the normal current for a short period of time, it is important that

the fuse be as slow acting as possible for that period of time so that the transformer can start.

Rated voltage of expulsion fuses is 12KV. Rated current ranges from 5/10/15/20/25/40/64

Amperes. Rated frequency is 50Hz.

Expulsion fuse

The secondary fuses are placed after the transformer’s output points of connection on the

secondary side. The total value of the fuse must not exceed the secondary current specified

on the name plate. The types of fuses mostly used are the powder fuse. (Fuse with a powder

casing)

Fuse grading of a transformer is done at full load of short circuit current given by: -

Isc=Power (capacity) / √3 x V x Cos ⱷ for 3phase

Isc=Power (capacity) / V x Cos ⱷ for single phase

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Pole maintenance
Maintenance of poles is essential in order to: -

 Have efficient service within the system- outages due to pole failures should be kept to a

minimum.

 Ensure safety of life and property.

A wooden pole is susceptible to decay over a period of time due to environmental conditions. A

pole that has decayed should be replaced due to the economic risks it poses, risks to life and

property.

In order to replace a decayed pole, the circuit in which the pole exists should be isolated to

ensure maximum safety conditions for the operating personnel and consumers on that circuit.

A hole is dug right next to the decayed pole with its depth depending on the height of the pole.

The depth is calculated by the formula, (height of pole/10) + 2.

The new pole is erected by use of a hiab or personnel using guy ropes. The hole is then filled

with stones, soil, and gravel until the pole is firmly in position. The operating personnel then
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attach the required fittings and transfer the line from the decayed pole to the new pole after

which the circuit is made live.

Wiring and commissioning of a transformer

This is the process of installing a transformer and testing it to verify it functions according to its

design specifications and putting it into service.

The transformer is placed on the H-Pole structure at the specified location. A line patrol is done

to find the next transformer serving the circuit in which the next transformer is to be introduced

and to find a point where the circuit can be isolated for safe working conditions. The circuit in

which the new transformer is to be introduced is isolated.

The circuit to be served by the new transformer is separated from the circuit being served by the

next transformer in the network after which wiring of the new transformer begins.

The first step is to terminate the feed wires by cutting the wires to sufficient length. The wires

should then be lugged. Strip back the outer insulating of the wires with a wire stripper or knife.

Insert the wire lug over the bare conductor wire and crimp using the appropriate size crimper

permanently to the wire. Terminate the high side, high voltage of the step down transformer at

the transformer line taps and the bushings.

Wire lug
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The outgoing wires from the transformers low voltage side to the fuse holders to the low voltage

distribution line should be cut, stripped and crimped as required then terminated.

The high voltage feeder lines to the transformer should be grounded including the outgoing low

voltage line and the transformer should also be earthed. Surge diverter should also be present.

These are to protect the transformer and consumers from short circuit faults and overvoltage due

to lightning strikes.

Apply the high voltage to the transformer by switching on the feeder power circuit. Measure the

outgoing phase voltages, line to neutral and line to line to ensure that the consumers receive the

right voltages using a voltmeter. Finally turn on the low voltage side by placing the fuses.

Earthing / grounding
Grounding / earthing is the process of connecting some part of the power system to earth or

metallic bodies of all electrical apparatus and equipment to a huge mass of earth by a wire

having negligible resistance.

Earthing involves connecting the neutral point of the supply system or the non-current carrying

parts of the electrical apparatus to the general mass of the earth in such a manner that all times an

immediate discharge of electrical energy takes place without danger.

Good earthing must have low impedance enough to ensure that sufficient current can flow

through the safety device so that it disconnects the supply.

Good earthing must have qualities such as, low electrical resistance, good corrosion resistance

and must be able to dissipate fault current repeatedly.

The purpose of earthing is to: -

 Provide an alternative path for the fault current to flow so that it will not endanger the

user/ equipment.
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 Ensure that all exposed conductive parts do not reach a dangerous potential.

 To provide a safe path to dissipate lightning and short circuit currents.

Soil resistivity for high voltage earthing should be under 20Ω and low voltage earthing should be

under 10Ω, for surge diverters should be zero and is measured using an earth tester.

There are several types of earthing, one of which is strip/wire earthing. In strip earthing, a strip

electrode of cross section not less than 25mm x 4mm of steel is buried in horizontal trenches of

minimum depth of 0.5m.

The length of the trench should not be less than 10m. The electrodes should be as widely

distributed as possible in a single trench radiating from a point.

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Measuring soil resistance

The above method is the Wenner 4-point test. A probe C1 is driven into the earth at the corner of

the area to be measured. Probes P1 and P2 and C2 are driven at 6’, 12’ and 18’ respectively from

rod C1 in a straight line to measure the soil resistivity from 0’ to 6’ in depth. C1 and C2 apply a

known current while the resulting voltage is measured across P1 and P2. Ohm’s law can then be

applied to calculate the resistance.

Surge arrestor/ diverter

A surge diverter is a device to protect electrical equipment from over voltage transients caused

by lightning (external) or switching (internal) events.

To protect equipment from transients occurring on attached conductor, a surge arrestor is

connected to the conductor just before it enters the equipment.

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The surge arrestor is also connected to ground and functions by routing energy from an over

voltage transient to ground if one occurs while isolating the conductor from ground under normal

operating voltages by use of a varistor which has different resistances at different voltages.

OBSERVED COMPANY FAILURES

1. Employee malpractices- In ethical malpractices by employees who steal the company assets

mainly the cables.

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2. Illegal connections

3. Monopoly-Kenya power being a monopoly in power transmission and distribution in some

instances tends not to be sensitive on the customer’s needs. This is evident mainly on the

many delays in installation and emergency responses.

RECOMMENDATIONS
There are needs to formulate, enforce and review environmental, health, safety and quality codes

and standards, set, review and adjust electric power tariffs, approve power purchase and network

service contracts, examine and approve meters, investigate complaints between parties, accredit

energy auditors, ensure competition, collect and maintain energy data, protect stakeholders’

interests, and prepare an indicative national energy plan.

For the issue of the vandalism situation the following recommendations should be considered

Design considerations
• Use of special conductors

• Use of steel earthing materials

• Bloc wall fencing of substations

• Deployment of tubular pylons

• Branding of materials
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CONCLUSION
The Industrial Attachment challenged me to examine the values of the organization involved in

the experience, and to assess my education as it relates to the Industrial Attachment.

Other benefits I gained from the Industrial Attachment include

1. Explored career interests

2. Learned new skills

3. Gained work experience

4. Developed a professional network

5. Understood workplace expectations

6. Gained valuable experience to build my resume

7. Found out what it's like to work in my potential career

THANK YOU