Testing, Commissioning and Maintenance of Electrical Systems

After participating in this course, you will be able to:

• Plan, control, and execute the commissioning of electrical systems efficiently.
• Analyze performance specifications and verify them using cost-effective methods.
• Identify appropriate field tests for electrical distribution systems, generators, motors, transformers, switchgear, and cables.
• Determine the best maintenance approach for electric power distribution systems, whether corrective, preventive, or predictive.
• Conduct AC and DC testing of electrical equipment and oversee the handover, acceptance, and transition to operations.

Description
Effective planning, commissioning, and maintenance are fundamental to ensuring the performance and reliability of electrical systems. This course provides insights into commissioning electrical systems of all sizes and highlights the importance of meticulous preparation from the initial engineering phase to the start-up phase. Participants will gain an understanding of how to manage key components like transformers, switchgear, and cables during commissioning and field testing.

In addition, the course covers essential safety protocols related to the testing and maintenance of electrical components. Key systems such as motors, generators, UPS, and battery systems are discussed in detail, ensuring participants can navigate the complexities of field testing and operational requirements. You will also learn how to handle insulating materials like oils, fluids, and gases and interpret test results for effective troubleshooting and system optimization.

By the end of this course, you will be equipped to manage maintenance strategies, improve system performance through testing techniques, and handle the complete transition from testing to ongoing operations. Real-world case studies on commissioning will reinforce learning outcomes and provide practical insights.

Who Should Attend
This course is ideal for professionals involved in designing, testing, commissioning, and maintaining electrical systems. Electrical, design, and project engineers will benefit from practical insights into commissioning, testing, and maintenance strategies that ensure project execution and system reliability. Commissioning and testing engineers, consulting engineers, and electrical technologists will find value in the course’s focus on safety protocols and field testing for key components like motors, transformers, and switchgear.

Project managers, plant managers, and operating and maintenance personnel responsible for electrical system reliability will gain essential skills in preventive and predictive maintenance techniques. Those in industries such as manufacturing, utilities, and power generation who manage electrical distribution systems or testing equipment will also benefit from applying the best practices and commissioning techniques covered in this course.

Special Features & Requirements

Day I

Welcome, Introduction, Workshop Preview, Learning Outcomes and the Assessment Method

Overview of Field Test Requirements

• Development of test regime
• Outline of typical tests
• Interpretation of test results
• Troubleshooting

Basic Electrical Theory

• DC circuits basics
• AC circuit laws
• Impedance and power factor
• Bridge methods

DC Voltage Testing Techniques

• Insulation resistance tests
• Step voltage and high voltage tests
• Testing power factor correcting capacitors

AC Voltage Testing Techniques

• Power factor and dissipation factor tests
• AC high potential test
• Safety precautions

Insulating Oils, Fluids and Gases

• Deterioration of oil
• Oil testing and analysis
• interpretation of test values
• Reconditioning used oil
• Insulating gases

Transformers

• Polarity, terminal markings and connections
• Dry-type transformers: inspection and acceptance tests
• Liquid type transformer: inspection and acceptance tests
• Routine testing: AC high potential testing, TTR test, polarity test, induced potential test, polarization recovery voltage test, and DC winding resistance tests

 DAY II

Testing of Motors and Generators

• Insulation resistance
• High potential test
• Power factor test
• Dissipation factor
• Voltage surge comparison testing

Lightning Protection

• Testing and commissioning of lightning arrestors and over-voltage arrestors

Switchgear

• Insulation resistance measurement test
• DC or AC high-potential testing
• Power factor or dielectric loss test
• Circuit breaker contact resistance test

Cables and Accessories

• Insulation resistance measurement test
• DC over potential testing
• Voltage versus leakage current
• Power factor test
• Cable fault locating

Battery System

• Tests for acceptance
• Performance
• Service
• Connection resistance
• Impedance tests

DAY III

Protective Relay Systems

• Classifications of current transformers
• CT accuracy classes (metering, relaying)
• Testing instrument transformers (CT, VT)
• Testing protective relays

Power System Grounding and Ground Resistance Measurement

• Solidly grounded, ungrounded and resistance-grounded systems
• Grounding electrodes
• Factors affecting soil resistivity
• Methods of Ground Resistance Measurement

Power Quality and Harmonics Monitoring

• Effects of harmonics on equipment
• Power quality measurement
• Recognizing power quality issues
• Mitigating PQ effects and optimizing energy use
• Stand by diesel generators and transfer systems

Day IV

Power Distribution System Maintenance

• Types of maintenance (corrective, preventive and predictive)
• Canadian Code requirements

Selling Management on the Need for Preventive and Predictive Maintenance Program

Electrical Safety, Arc Flash Hazard, Switching Practices and Precautions

• Lock out and tag out
• Personal protective equipment
• Safety grounds

Overview of Commissioning

• Terminology
• Objectives
• Specifications
• Development of procedures, forms and documentation
• Interpretation of results

Case Study on Commissioning and Testing

Questions and Answers and Feedback to Participants on Achievement of Learning Outcomes