NOJA Power installation video for OSM series Automatic Circuit Reclosers simplifies customer training

Electrical switchgear engineers NOJA Power today announces the release of a ten-minute video which comprehensively covers the installation of the OSM series Automatic Circuit Reclosers (“auto-recloser” or ACR). The video has been produced by the company’s service department and will help customers streamline the instruction of both internal staff and external contractors.

The video commences with instructions on how to mount the ACR tank to the wood or concrete feeder pole. The presentation then continues by describing how to mount the RC-10 control and communications cubicle, control cable connection, surge arrester mounting, earthing, high voltage (HV) connection, low voltage (LV) AC supply connection and final installation checks.

Instruction follows established industry best practice to ensure the highest standards of safety and equipment integrity for trouble-free long life operation. For example, the video recommends double insulation points to isolate the RC-10 cubicle from the low voltage supply and that cables entering the cubicle are sealed with cable glands to prevent the ingress of dust and water. Special attention is given to the best method of installation of surge arresters, earth cables and earthing points to protect the equipment against the lightning that frequently strikes medium-voltage distribution feeders.

Each section of the video is accompanied by an instructional voice-over and in addition to basic installation instructions includes information about safety, component protection, wiring dimensions and unit testing after power is restored.

While the video describes how to install NOJA Power’s ACRs it is intended as a guide only, and installation, use and servicing should only be carried out by trained and experienced personnel who are familiar with the equipment and electrical safety systems. Personnel must refer to the user manual shipped with the equipment for detailed safety, hazard, installation, operating and maintenance procedures.

“Although we have made the process of installing our ACRs as straightforward as possible, these are advanced items of protection equipment so it’s recommended that best practices are adopted to maximise service life,” says Neil O’Sullivan, NOJA Power’s Managing Director. “The installation manual does provide all the instructions required, but, for the first time, we have supplemented that information with a step-by-step video guide that aims to meet the training needs of staff and contractors involved with ACR installation.

“According to The University of Queensland, video can be as good as an instructor in communicating facts or demonstrating techniques because it allows the technician to view the mechanical procedures as many times as they need, at their own pace and at their convenience [1]. As a consequence NOJA Power’s video will enable utilities to enhance their training while at the same time reducing costs.

“The video’s easily digestible ten-minute format instructs or reminds technicians how easy it is to install an OSM series ACR by following a simple procedure from mounting the tank and cubicle to powering up, configuring and checking the device’s operation,” explains O’Sullivan.

Units from NOJA Power's OSM series of medium-voltage ACRs have been installed by utilities in over 80 countries. The units form a critical element of smart grids – electricity distribution networks that combine computerisation, digital communications, and sensing and metering of the electricity network to create a bidirectional, interactive grid.

Key features of the OSM series ACRs include the use of a vacuum interrupt and solid dielectric insulator instead of the environmentally unfriendly oil or sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) gas used in older products and a stainless steel enclosure that forms the only solid dielectric unit with controlled arc venting on the market.

The RC-10 control and communications cubicle’s comprehensive feature set allows customised ACR set up and the unit’s power quality features provide an in-depth analysis of the changing state of the electrical network for smart grid applications.

Reference

1. http://uq.edu.au/tediteach/video-teach-learn/ped-benefits.html