When are Switching Platforms Required?
When are Switching Platforms Required?
(OP)
Currently we require switching platforms for operators to stand on while switching all our 110KV air switches. There is no requirement to have them for our 22KV air switches. Is there a standard voltage requirement to have them? Thanks for all responses.






RE: When are Switching Platforms Required?
Sorry, I don't understand your Q.
Could you please provide more information.
Actually, operation procedures are depend on primary configuration of SS and not on the voltage level. single bus for 35kV and 350kV, are same rules for switching.
Best Regards.
Slava
RE: When are Switching Platforms Required?
RE: When are Switching Platforms Required?
In my earlier years, I was an Operator's Helper and spent many a working hour in station switchyards, regularly working in the vicinity of 4 to 115 KV circuitry. Those line trucks can pick up a whale of a static charge from the peripheral equipment.
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
RE: When are Switching Platforms Required?
Alan
Alan
RE: When are Switching Platforms Required?
Bill
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"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter
RE: When are Switching Platforms Required?
As Alan says, however, grounding platforms are cheap. We specify them at all group-operated switches in a substation.
RE: When are Switching Platforms Required?
To my knowledge, there is no standard specifying the requirement of such gradient control mats.But IEEE STD-80 recommends that type of mats under gang operated switches.These switches at this voltage range are normally owned and operated by Utilities.Therefore, the relevant Utility codes should have some reference to the requirement of these mats.
Anyhow, I strongly feel that it is a good operating practice to have these mats below any outdoor gang operated air switches down to 1000 V.
RE: When are Switching Platforms Required?
It seems to depend on local practice. It is an extra safety measure.
RE: When are Switching Platforms Required?
Section 36
High-voltage installations
Voltages in excess of 750 volts
Rule 36-310 Gang-operated switch handle grounds
Gradient control mats are required to maintain touch potentials at tolerable levels as specified in Table 52
If the calculated touch voltages tend to approach the tolerable limit at higher voltages, your utility may have mandated platforms to increase operator safety at higher voltages.
Bill
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"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter
RE: When are Switching Platforms Required?
RUS talks about operator mats in their "Design Guide for Rural Substations", bulletin 1724E-300. It is a pretty large document; over 700 pages. Figure 9-37 shows a typical switch grounding detail. Look under their website, http://www.usda.gov/rus/electric/index.htm.
RE: When are Switching Platforms Required?
Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter
RE: When are Switching Platforms Required?
Maybe you are asking the OP?
Alan
RE: When are Switching Platforms Required?
Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter
RE: When are Switching Platforms Required?
I have seen some ground grid designs which claim adequate performance such that switch ground mats are not provide but I'm somewhat against that.
Many distribution switches don't have ground mats provided - the operators have gloves providing adequate insulation for the system exposure level.
RE: When are Switching Platforms Required?
Some codes demand mats.
Some utilities supply portable mats to their crews. The mats are carried in the service trucks and rolled out and connected before switching.
Bill
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"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter
RE: When are Switching Platforms Required?