Technical Specification
Technical Specification
     This document supersedes the following documents, all copies of which should be destroyed.
      Ref                             Version                                  Title
2.   Scope
     This specification details the produce range, design, constructional and technical requirements for air break
     switch disconnectors for 11kV, 20kV and 33kV overhead lines. Northern Powergrid currently has a preference
     for a single design of disconnector that is suitable for use on both the 11kV and 20kV systems, however
     consideration will be given to individual 11kV and 20kV units.
                  Rod operated, high level, hook stick mechanism requiring two step operation with a third step to
                   apply a mechanical safety lock flap
                  Independent manually operated (Category 0 as defined in Energy Network Association
                   Engineering Recommendation G18, clause 1)
                  Under-slung single or H pole mounted
                  Composite silicon post insulators
     Technical documents referenced within this specification refer to the latest versions of the relevant
     International Standards, British Standard Specifications and all relevant Energy Networks Association
     Technical Specifications (ENA TS) current at the time of supply.
     This specification also includes a requirement for suppliers to provide periodic inspection and maintenance
     information.
2.1 Contents
1.   Purpose ...................................................................................................................................................................... 1
2.   Scope ......................................................................................................................................................................... 1
   2.1 Contents ............................................................................................................................................................... 2
3. Technical Requirements ............................................................................................................................................ 3
   3.1 General Requirements ......................................................................................................................................... 3
   3.2 Technical Requirements ...................................................................................................................................... 3
     3.2.1     Switch Disconnector Category .................................................................................................................... 3
     3.2.2     Equipment Ratings ...................................................................................................................................... 3
     3.2.3    Cable and Line Charging Currents .............................................................................................................. 3
     3.2.4    Special Service Conditions .......................................................................................................................... 4
     3.2.5    Hook Stick Mechanisms............................................................................................................................... 4
     3.2.6     Insulators ..................................................................................................................................................... 4
     3.2.7     Mode of operation ........................................................................................................................................ 4
     3.2.8    Contacts ....................................................................................................................................................... 4
     3.2.9     Leads ........................................................................................................................................................... 5
     3.2.10 Connections ................................................................................................................................................. 5
     3.2.11 Nuts, Bolts and Studs .................................................................................................................................. 5
     3.2.12 Mounting ...................................................................................................................................................... 5
     3.2.13 Labelling ....................................................................................................................................................... 5
   3.3 Testing ................................................................................................................................................................... 5
4.       References ........................................................................................................................................................... 6
   4.1 External Documentation ....................................................................................................................................... 6
   4.2 Internal documentation ......................................................................................................................................... 6
   4.3 Amendments from Previous Version .................................................................................................................... 6
5.       Definitions ............................................................................................................................................................. 7
6.       Authority for issue................................................................................................................................................. 8
   6.1 Author ................................................................................................................................................................... 8
   6.2 Technical Assurance ............................................................................................................................................ 8
   6.3 DBD Assurance .................................................................................................................................................... 8
   6.4 Authorisation ........................................................................................................................................................ 8
3. Technical Requirements
        The equipment shall be suitable for operating under the conditions specified and shall withstand the variations of
        temperature and atmospheric conditions without undue distortion or deterioration.
        There must be at least two distinct operations to open or close the switch. The lever shall incorporate
        an anti-reflex device to prevent reverse movement of the operation rod, operating the equipment. It
        should be designed for ease of operation, under all service conditions, e.g. severe weather.
        Additionally the switch mechanism shall incorporate a “Safety Lock Feature”. The safety lock shall
        consist of an interlock or additional lever that when applied prevents the switch from being moved
        from the open position to the closed position. The lever or interlock shall incorporate a label that
        becomes visible from ground level when the safety lock is applied. The label shall be white lettering on
        a red background with the words “SAFETY LOCK”.
3.2.6   Insulators
        The support insulators shall be manufactured in accordance with ENA TS 43-93 and IEC 61109 and shall be
        of the composite silicone type. All insulators shall provide minimum creepage levels of 25mm/kV as detailed
        for IEC 60815 class 3. They may be of either cylindrical post type or the pedestal post type.
        The composite material shall meet the requirements of clause 3.2.1.2 of NPS/001/006 - Technical
        Specification for Insulators for Overhead Lines up to and including 132kV.
        The switch shall be fully compliant with the requirements for independent manual operation units detailed in
        clause 1.5.7.1 of ENA TS 41-36 Issue 2.
3.2.8   Contacts
        The main fixed and moving contacts shall be self-aligning and shall be manufactured from a suitable high
        conductivity material.
        Where spring loaded devices are used to maintain main contact pressure, they shall be manufactured from
        corrosion resistant materials which are compatible with the contact. Where separate springs are used, these
        should not form part of the current carrying circuit. Shrouds may be used as necessary to maintain spring action
        under ice conditions but they must not act as a trap for moisture or inhibit free air circulation.
        In addition to the “over-toggle” mechanism, there should be positive stops in both the closed and open positions,
        which are independent of the contacts.
        The minimum isolating distance across an open switch shall be 300mm for 11kV and 430mm for 20kV and 33kV
        and this gap shall be clearly visible from ground level.
   Document reference NPS/ 001 /003
    Version: - 3.2         Date of Issue: - April 2011                                         Page        5     of   23
3.2.9   Leads
        Any flexible leads which form the main current carrying path shall be of multi-strand, high conductivity annealed
        copper conductors or laminations of high conductivity strip to BS EN 13599 - 2002. They shall preferably be
        covered for long term protection against abrasion and corrosion. Applied coverings shall fully seal the leads to
        prevent moisture ingress; however it shall not reduce the flexibility of the lead.
        The leads, terminations and supporting apparatus shall be so arranged and connected to provide mechanical
        stress relief at the connections. Leads shall be either supported, or so designed to provide adequate clearance
        between groups of leads and moving parts of the switch and to result in minimum wear of both the leads and
        their coverings.
        Compression lugs shall be manufactured from high conductivity electrolytic copper and generally be in
        accordance with ENA TS 43-92.
3.2.10 Connections
       The connections shall be double hole tinned copper NEMA lug 41mm centres (Figure 4 of ENA TS 41-16).
        All bolts, nuts and washers shall be of non-rusting material and where dissimilar materials are in contact,
        consideration shall be given to any interactive processes between them. Where electrical connections are
        involved brass bolts, nuts and washers with a phosphor bronze spring washer shall be used.
All bolts or studs shall project through the nut. Projections exceeding four threads shall be avoided.
        The components used in the disconnector will be of standard design such that no special spanners or tools shall
        be required.
All mounting and connecting bolts, nuts, washer’s etc. to be provided except pole bolts.
3.2.12 Mounting
       The switch shall be suitable for mounting on both single and H type poles at a distance approximately 2700mm
       from the pole top.
        Manufactures shall provide an option for the supply of common mounting steelwork to accommodate the various
        mounting options listed above.
All ferrous materials shall be hot dip galvanised in accordance with BS EN 1461 after fabrication.
3.2.13 Labelling
       In addition to the rating plate on the operating mechanisms, the manufacturer shall provide a duplicate rating
       plate for each switch unit and a plate that can be fixed to the pole at ground level. Labelling shall include the
       information detailed in IEC 62271-102 Table 4 together with the rated short-circuit making current.
3.3 Testing
        All units shall have been subjected to the type tests detailed in Clause 6.6 of ENA TS 41-36 and the routine tests
        in Clause 6.7 of ENA TS 41-36 Issue 2. Appendix 2 contains self certification conformance declarations.
     Document reference NPS/ 001 /003
      Version: - 3.2         Date of Issue: - April 2011                                     Page          6   of   23
4. References
         ENA TS 41-16: 1981           Apparatus Terminations, Conductor Sizes and Associated Fittings
                                      (Copper) used in Indoor and Outdoor Substations with Outdoor
                                      Equipment
BS EN 12163: 1998 Copper and copper alloys. Rod for general purposes
         BS EN 1461: 2009             Hot dip galvanized coatings on fabricated iron and steel articles.
                                      Specifications and test methods
         IEC 60815: 1996              Guide for the Selection of Insulators in Respect of Polluted Conditions-
                                      Edition 1.0
IEC 62271 – 102: 2002 Standards for high-voltage switchgear and control gear
5.   Definitions
           Term           Definition
     BS                   British Standard
     ENA TS               Energy Networks Association Technical Specification
     ENA ER               Energy Networks Association Engineering
                          Recommendation
     Category 0           Category 0 - ABSDs fitted with a mechanism other than
                          dependent manual or dependent power, and fitted with
                          a self-contained arc extinguishing device (‘interrupter
                          heads’)
  Document reference NPS/ 001 /003
   Version: - 3.2         Date of Issue: - April 2011                                      Page       8   of     23
                                                                         Sign                      Date
                          Overhead Line Standards
       G Hammel                                              G Hammel                   08/04/11
                          Manager
Sign Date
6.4   Authorisation
      Authorisation is granted for publication of this document
                                                                         Sign                      Date
                          Standards and Assessment
       C Holdsworth                                          C Holdsworth               08/04/11
                          Manager
Document reference NPS/ 001 /003
 Version: - 3.2         Date of Issue: - April 2011                                  Page      9     of   23
                                                                                        Northern
                                                                                       Powergrid.
                                Requirements
                                                                                       Commodity
                                                                                         Code
11/20kV, Air Break Switch Disconnector, with High Level Independent Manual
Operating Lever, to Drawing Number 1.09.147.1525 Sheet 7                                    245587
33kV, Air Break Switch Disconnector, with High Level Independent Manual
Operating Lever, to Drawing Number 1.09.147.1525 Sheet 7                                    245586
Air Break Switch Disconnector Retro-Fit Shoot Bolt Mechanism - for upgrading units
with a 12mm pin                                                                             245590
                                Document reference NPS/ 001 /003
                                 Version: - 3.2         Date of Issue: - April 2011                              Page      10   of     23
Switchgear covered by ENATS 41-36 shall comply with the latest issues of the relevant International and British Standards. ENATS 41-36 is
intended to amplify and/or clarify the requirements of those Standards.
This check sheet identifies the clauses in ENATS 41-36 - Part 6 and the clauses of the aforementioned Standards relevant to overhead conductor
connected air-break switch-disconnectors. The manufacturer shall declare conformance or otherwise, clause by clause, using the following levels
of conformance declaration codes.
    1.                             2.                                          3.      4.      5.       6.       7.         8.         9.        10.
    Test Requirement               Specification and standards                 Rated   Test    Confor   Test     Date of    Test       Witnes    Remarks
                                                                               value   req’d   mance    value    test       station    s
                                                                                       Y or    *                            Report     I, M or
                                                                                       N                                    / Cert     ENA **
                                                                                                                            No
1   Dielectric                     IEC60694. Sub-clause 6.2, IEC60265. Sub-
                                   clause 6.2. IEC62271-102. Sub-clause 6.2.
                                    Tables 1a and 1b of ENATS 41-36.
2   Wet 1 minute Voltage           Sub-clause 6.5.5.2 of ENATS 41-36
    Withstand test on
3   operating rod insulated
    Measurement    of resistance   IEC 60694. Sub-clause 6.4, IEC60265. Sub-
    insert
    of circuits                    clause 6.4, IEC 62271-102. Sub-clause 6.4
4   Temperature Rise -             IEC 60694. Sub-clause 6.5, IEC60265. Sub-
                                   clause 6.5, IEC 62271-102. Sub-clause 6.5
        1.                                           2.                                          3.        4.         5.          6.      7.        8.        9.      10.
        Test Requirement                             Specification and standards                 Rated     Test       Confor      Test    Date of   Test      Witness Remarks
                                                                                                 value     req’d      mance       value   test      station   I, M or
                                                                                                           Y or N *                                 Report    ENA **
                                                                                                                                                    / Cert
       Weatherproofing for outdoor equipment. (      clause 6.7, IEC 62271-102. Sub-clause
       outdoor IP3XDW minimum )                      6.7,
       Mechanical impact. ( outdoor – 5J )           Sub-clause 1.5.13 of ENATS 41-36
 7     EMC tests                                     IEC60694.Sub-clause 6.9, IEC60265.
                                                     Sub-
 8     Short-circuit making and breaking tests -     clause
                                                     IEC     6.9, IEC
                                                          60265:      62271-102.
                                                                   PART          Sub-clause
                                                                        1. Sub-clauses  6.101,
       Switch-disconnector                           6.9 1
                                                     (TD
       ( class E1 general purpose switch - IEC       to 5, Table 5).
       60265. Sub-clause 3.4.103.1).                 Test values as per Tables 6.1 & 6.2 of
 9     Mechanical operations - Disconnector /        ENATS
                                                     IEC  60265: PART 1 . Sub-clause 6.102.
       Switch-disconnector - 1000 operations.        41-36.
                                                     IEC62271-102.    Sub-clause 6.102.
       (Class M0 disconnector - IEC 62271-102
       Sub-clause 3.4.101.1).
       (Class M1 general purpose switch - IEC
       60265 Sub-clause 3.4.103.4).
 10    Mechanical operations - Earthing switch –     IEC62271-102. Sub-clause 6.102.
       1000
 11    Operation under severe ice conditions         IEC 60265: PART 1 . Sub-clause 6.103.
       (10mm thickness                               IEC62271-102. Sub-clause 6.103.
 12    Finish                                        Performance to ENATS 98-1.
 13    Process Control                               ISO 9001
Supporting evidence of compliance with type tests shall be submitted with the completed tender document.
    Manufacturers may provide alternative tenders for items not complying with the above specification. This shall
    be clearly stated together with detailed descriptions of any variation from the specification, together with
    drawings and test results.
    The supplier shall provide with the tender full technical details of the equipment offered and shall indicate
    any divergence from these standards or specifications.
Logistical Requirements
    To enable Northern Powergrid. to store the product(s) in accordance with the manufacturer’s
    recommendations the Tenderer should provide details of the recommended storage environment with respect
    to each tendered product.
    Details should be provided where relevant in respect to the minimum and maximum exposure levels,
    frequency of exposure and duration of exposure of the packaged item with respect to;
    The Tenderer shall ensure that each item is suitably packaged and protection to maintain the product and
    packaging as “fit for service” prior to installation taking account of the potential for an outdoor storage
    environment. All packaging shall be sufficiently durable giving regard to the function, reasonable use and
    contents of the packaging. Where product packages tendered are made up of sub packages all the sub
    packages shall unless varied by this specification, be supplied securely packaged together. Where items are
    provided in bagged/boxed form the material from which the bags are manufactured shall be capable of
    sustaining the package weight and resisting puncture by the materials within. Tenderer shall submit at the
    time of tendering the details of the proposed packaging (i.e. materials composition and structure) to be used
    for each product. Where the Tenderer is unable to provide packaging suitable for outdoor storage then this
    should be stated at the time of tender.
    Clearly legible, easily identifiable, durable and unambiguous labelling shall be applied to each individual and
    where relevant multiple package of like products. Where products packages tendered are made up of sub
    packages each sub packages shall be marked. As a minimum requirement the following shall be included;
The following information shall be provided by the supplier for review by Northern Powergrid. . Additional
information shall be provided if requested.
 Requirement                                                                                         Provided
                                                                                                       (Y/N)
 Full product descriptions and part number/reference
Appendix 2 – completed self certification conformance declaration (for each variant offered)
Packaging information