SUB- STATION SAFETY TIPS:

By Manoj Kumar(Alstom University’s Certified EHS Professional, Long experience in working at

765/400/220 KV Sub-Stations)

E-Mail: HSEGURU@YAHOO.IN

Electrical substations bring efficiency, redundancy, and safety to our electrical systems for

power delivery. There are different types of substation design, but they all help connect

individual components or systems within the electrical grid.

Distribution substations, for example, use a transformer to step down the voltage from

transmission lines so energy can flow through lower-voltage distribution lines. Collector

substations take energy from wind farms, hydroelectric power plants or other renewable

energy sources and step up the voltage to enable energy to flow through transmission lines.

Switching substations make it possible to connect and disconnect transmission lines for planned

and unplanned outages. These substations help keep service running during storms,

preventative maintenance and new line construction.

Electrical Substation Equipment

Although substation design engineers create substations with a specific purpose in mind,
many different types of substations overlap in their functionality and equipment. A transformer

is a common piece of equipment found within a substation. Step-up transformers are used for

increasing alternating voltages at low currents. Step-down transformers are used for decreasing

the alternating voltages at high currents.

Substations are also generally equipped with switching, protection and control equipment.

Large transformers house circuit breakers that are used to manage short circuits and overload

currents. Capacitors, voltage regulators and reactors are also frequently included in power

substation design.

Electrical Substation Safety

The grounding system is one of the most important power substation design features.

Grounding systems help ensure the safety of anyone who may come near an electrical

substation. In the event of a fault, electrical currents can be discharged into the ground. The

earth does not conduct electricity, so the ground within the substation and the surrounding

area is generally safe to walk on during a fault. However, conductive materials that come into

contact with the ground can become electrified. Metal fences can create a significant safety

threat if not included in the grounding system.

To prevent such hazards, a substation design engineer can calculate the total ground potential
rise during a short circuit in the transmission system. “Touch and step potentials” as they are

commonly called, are the gradient potential ground rise during a short circuit. Calculating the

touch and step potentials is part of the substation design engineering process. Hazards are

carefully identified and appropriately grounded to protect both utility workers and the public.

Design Concepts for Electrical Substation Safety

Electrical Safety Code Standards create hard and fast rules for electrical substation

design. Within the confines of the code, substation design engineers have some leeway to
improve safety through their design. A well-designed substation can reduce or minimize

hazards by creating a safe environment for utility workers and the public.

Power Substation Design Clearance

Energized parts should be designed with enough clearance to reduce the risk of accidental

contact. If the desired clearance cannot be achieved, live parts should be enclosed with a

protective barrier.

Minimum Height in Electrical Substation Design

Ungrounded parts and other substation elements should be at least 6-8 feet from the ground.

This is to ensure that a person standing on the ground cannot touch a substation element that

has the potential to become energized. For example, a post insulator supporting an energized

bus should have at minimum 6 feet of clearance, measuring from the bottom of the insulator.

Touching the bottom of the insulator could become unsafe if the bus flashover to the ground

over the insulator occurs. Giving clearance for both the bus and insulator reduces this risk.

Illumination in Electrical Substation Design

Carefully thought out illumination and lighting can help create a safe work environment.

Personnel should be able to clearly see the equipment and surroundings to perform their work

safely. Emergency or backup lighting sources would also improve safety.

Electrical Substation Passageway Design

All passageways, stairs, and catwalks should be wide enough for utility workers to navigate

safely. Railing and handrails should be included where appropriate. Stairs should have non-slip

treads as well as uniform stair height and depth. Stairs that face exposure to the elements

should be designed to reduce the risk of falls from rain, snow, or ice.

Electrical Substation Exit & Evacuation Route Design

Exits should be clearly marked and free from obstructions. Where appropriate, multiple exits or
escape routes should be designed to prevent personnel from being trapped in the event of a

fire or other catastrophic event. Escape routes should be clearly marked. Personnel assigned to

work at the substation should be educated on fire suppression safety features and/or

equipment, evacuation routes, and practice drills routinely. Evacuation routes should also be

pointed out to any electrical substation visitors.

Location, Aesthetic Design & Fencing Design

Although the selection of the location of a substation is largely determined by the proximity of

the connecting structures and distribution area, some design decisions can be made by

the substation design engineer to improve safety. In coastal areas, equipment may need to be

elevated in areas prone to surges or flooding. Environmental influences such as drainage, noise,

and road traffic must be taken into consideration.

In urban areas, substations are often disguised as homes or other buildings. Often this is done

for aesthetic reasons, but it can have added benefits. Cleverly designed facades can reduce

curiosity from the passing public. This can help keep the area secure, protecting intruders from

the risk of injury and the equipment from vandalism or damage.

Fencing is also important for substations located on open land. Metallic fencing must be

grounded. Fence design should aim to keep out people and animals. Gates should have sturdy
locking mechanisms.

Conclusion

Substation design engineers have many considerations during the substation design process.

They must create a structure that is cost-effective and reliable. But most importantly, they must

build a substation that is safe. Engineers must juggle electrical substation design

standards, performance requirements, and many of the design concepts we’ve laid out here. A

quality design will exceed these constraints and make substation design a wise investment of
time and resources.