Switchgear Support Ltd can upgrade any circuit of a given frame size for most Brush Switchgear, South Wales Switchgear or Hawker Siddeley Switchgear legacy products – whether single or double busbar switchgear.
By using original design component parts, the certified rating of the equipment is maintained.
Case study example – Guernsey Elec (400-1250A double busbar)Fault Level Upgrades
Electricity networks designed in the second half of the 20th Century may have had very different fault level requirements than those being encountered today.Many end users may believe that their only options are to either install new switchgear or install some means of fault limiting device (i.e. reactors). However, in many instances, it is possible to re-rate the switchgear perfectly safely and in accordance with the original certified designs.
The extent of the modifications depends on the original product and required new fault rating. This may mean a simple “replating” exercise or could involve any combination of the following :
- Changing/Retrofitting the breakers
- Replacing the bushings
- Renewing the earthing copperwork
- Addition of bushing or busbar supports
One thing is absolutely certain, the end user must NEVER rely on original manufacturers sales literature that was very generic in its nature and stated “potential” fault ratings. These brochures were not detailed enough to show the many variants within switchgear product ranges – especially the oil based switchgear ranges where many variants were commonplace (e.g. there were 17 variants of South Wales Switchgear D4 oil circuit breakers, with varying fault ratings). Switchgear Support Ltd can provide detailed fault level reports for a variety of Brush Switchgear, South Wales Switchgear or Hawker Siddeley Switchgear legacy products, that will outline:
- Maximum fault rating of existing switchgear
- Modifications required to existing switchgear to enhance fault rating to customers new fault levels
Switchgear Support Ltd Experience
For in excess of 20 years we have been providing solutions for legacy products, where our clients have believed their original HV switchgear ratings to be inadequate. In addition to having detailed product knowledge, we have comprehensive experience with switchgear design and type testing to latest International Standards.
This provides Switchgear Support Ltd with a full understanding and appreciation of the requirements for fault level upgrades and circuit upgrades.
Case studies:
UK Power Networks (Brush VBAD Switchgear, South Wales C/D Switchgear)