Endeavour Energy have recently released a technical bulletin explaining that the major overhaul task is no longer required for RMU SF6 insulated metal-clad HV switchgear including circuit breakers.

The change comes as part of the ‘Endeavour 2020’ efficiency initiative with an investigation being undertaken to review the maintenance requirements of all RMU SF6 insulated metal clad HV switchgear.

Background

As part of the ‘Endeavour 2020’ efficiency initiative an investigation was undertaken to review the maintenance requirements of all RMU SF6 insulated metal clad HV switchgear. 

• This scope includes;
• ABB Safelink, Safelink 2 and Safe-Ring
• Schneider / Merlin Gerin RM6, SM6 and VM6
• Siemens 8DJ10, 8DJ20 and 8DJH
• Areva FBX -C

This review justified the removal of the major overhaul tasks RMU SF6 insulated metal clad HV switchgear as outlined in SMI212. This applies to padmount configurations and indoor substations. It does not include switching stations or switchgear in zone substations. The review included extensive consultation with distribution stakeholders.

Actions

No ‘major overhaul’ tasks as specified in SMI212 shall be undertaken for RMU SF6 insulated metal clad HV switchgear including circuit breakers but excluding switching stations and switchgear in zone substations. Vermin guards for Safelink switchgear are still to be installed where missing in accordance with 5.9.3.1 of SMI212 but only when an outage is coincidently obtained. The actions are summarised in the table below:

Implementation

Portfolio Management and Governance Branch will manage the implementation of the contents of this technical bulletin and will notify relevant staff of changes made to current and future maintenance activities outlined.

Impacted Standards

The contents of this technical bulletin impact the following standards and will be included in the next standards update; 

• SMI212 – ‘HV Switch and Switch Fuse units’
• SMI101 – ‘Minimum requirements for maintenance of distribution equipment’