Western Power Distribution

132kV Outdoor Metered Connections -

Guidance
For Substation Designers
Version 8

January 2018
Contents

Section 1. Introduction
Section 2. Design Submission/ Approval Process
Section 3. Switchgear Technical & Protection Requirements
Section 4. Metering VT and CT Requirements
Section 5. Operational Configuration of WPD Switchgear
Section 6. Customers Switchgear Earth Facility
Section 7. Customer G59 Protection
Section 8. Substation LVAC Supplies & Building Services
Section 9. Substation DC Supplies
Section 10. SCADA and RTU Interface Cabling
Section 11. Provision of Multicore Cable Interface Box
Section 12. Provision of Generator Constraint Panel
Section 13. WPD Compound and Control Room Specification
Section 14. Earthing Requirements
Section 15. Metering Equipment Accommodation
Section 16. Substation Communications Infrastructure

Appendix A. Earthing Checklist

132kV Outdoor Metered Connection – 2

Guidance for Designers
Major Changes in this Version

 Document reformatted to match appearance of 33kV Connection Guide

 Design submission process clarified

 New Section ‘16’ created to clarify the infrastructure requirements for microwave or
fibre communications for generators with an export capacity in excess of 1MW (as
detailed in WPD Policy Document ST:SD1G)

 In Section 2, new category ‘H’ added to design submission proforma to reflect the
need for submission of ICP design data where substation communications
infrastructure elements (comms tower and foundation or fibre cable route ducting
and joint chamber works) are proposed to be delivered contestably. Appendix B
submission checklist revised accordingly.

 Reference to overvoltage protection removed from Section 3 as this function is

generally afforded (where required) by the Generator Constraint Panel, supplied and
installed by WPD

 Further clarification provided in Section 3 on maximum distance of 100 metres

between WPD metering circuit breaker and Customer breaker/ automatic
disconnection device/s

 Clarification added in section 4 on the limitations on the use of the WPD VT

 Clarification of LVAC supply requirements to GCP and ANM panels added to section 7

 Clarification provided on fixed security alarm requirements within Section 7

 DC battery system requirements further clarified in Section 8

 Clarification added to Section 9 on the requirement for maintaining segregation

between Customer data systems and WPD data systems

 Indicative drawings of multicore cable interface box referenced in Section 10

 Generator Constraint Panel Size updated in Section 11

132kV Outdoor Metered Connection – 3

Guidance for Designers
1 Introduction

This document has been prepared primarily to assist Independent Connection Providers
(ICP’s) with the design and specification of 132kV substation assets for adoption by Western
Power Distribution (WPD). It may also be of broader interest to our Customers, their
consultants and contractors. We hope that the information in this document will enable
ICP’s to streamline the design submission process but the document also has applicability to
132kV connection projects for which such a process is not required in full.

The document applies to embedded generator and demand connection projects where the
Point of Connection is the 132kV system and a single circuit outdoor switchgear solution is
envisaged. It relates to the detailed requisites of substation design rather than those of
underground cable, or overhead line design.

It is not intended that this document be used as a detailed reference for power systems
analysis, network modelling or power quality aspects of a particular connection. Our
particular requirements in this respect will generally be defined within the connection offer
prepared and issued by our Primary System Design Team.

Although this document makes some reference to the degree of contestability that may be
expected for certain connection works, project-specific connection offer documentation
should always be consulted for more detailed understanding.

WPD have a duty of care to ensure that substation environments provide suitable
conditions to safely accommodate our electrical apparatus such that it does not present an
unacceptable hazard to Customers, WPD employees, contractors and the public. Relevant
legislation in this arena includes:

The Electricity Supply Quality and Continuity Regulations

The Electricity at Work Regulations
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations
The Construction Design and Management Regulations

Before energising a connection to the WPD network, we must satisfy ourselves that it is so
constructed, installed and protected (both electrically and mechanically), to prevent danger,
interference with, or interruption of supply, so far as is reasonably practicable. We must
also ensure that the substation environment is constructed so as to prevent, as far as is
reasonably practicable, danger and unauthorised access.

In recognition of the above, we acknowledge the importance to all project stakeholders of

us clearly identifying WPD criteria for acceptance/ adoption at the earliest opportunity. We
believe that this should best enable substation designers to incorporate the requisites of
WPD approval into their submissions.

132kV Outdoor Metered Connection – 4

Guidance for Designers
Although this document has been produced to be compliant with appropriate WPD policy
documents relating to 132kV connections, it supplements, rather than supersedes these
documents. Particular WPD policy documents should always be consulted for detailed
guidance and these are referenced within this document (and often within project-specific
connection offer paperwork) where relevant

WPD policy documents are available online to subscribers to our technical website
www.westernpowertechinfo.co.uk. This service is provided free of charge to users once
they have completed an online registration.

132kV Outdoor Metered Connection – 5

Guidance for Designers
2 Design Submission and Approval Process

Where formal assessment and approval of an ICP design is required for a connection
project, the ICP’s design submission should comprise sufficient project-specific information
for us to assess the suitability of these proposals for adoption (and connection to our
network).

The ICP should provide full and comprehensive designs for all of the plant and equipment
proposed for adoption by us. Additionally, the ICP shall submit sufficient design data to
enable us to confirm that the substation compound and civil features are designed to
provide a suitable environment for our equipment.

It is essential that we are afforded sufficient information to enable us to assess the validity
of the design of the adoptable assets and of any infrastructure directly related to these
assets. To afford the most comprehensive and efficient design submission response to the
Customer, via their ICP, we would ideally seek a comprehensive design submission including
all aspects of the adoptable assets.

Notwithstanding the above, we recognise that there are occasions where connection
timeframes may require the Customer’s ICP to submit designs for long-lead plant items and
civil features in advance of having completed detailed protection designs and/ or earthing
study and design work. In such circumstances we will assess whether partial submissions
contain sufficient data to enable a relevant partial approval to be granted.

Incomplete designs may be rejected if they do not provide sufficient detail to enable the
validity of the relevant design aspect, as a whole, to be assessed.

The design submission shall be in electronic format, via email to the designated WPD
Primary System Design contact. Due to mailbox constraints, we would ask that email
submissions are restricted to a maximum size of 10MB per transmittal. Drawings should be
submitted in .dwg (AutoCAD 2010) format.

Although the WPD Primary System Design Engineer will remain the focal Customer contact
during the design approval process, a number of specialist engineers within the organisation
will assess particular elements of the design submission. In order that we may minimise
response times we would ask that the design data is subdivided such that we may internally
distribute the right information to the right respondents swiftly. We would recommend
that data is subdivided under functional headings detailed below and to assist assessment.

132kV Outdoor Metered Connection – 6

Guidance for Designers
 132kV Metered Connection – Indicative Design Submission Components
Information Type Probable Component Parts
Section A -  Overall single-line diagram/ network design of Customers installation
Electrical Design  Ditto Main Connections and Protection Diagram
Section B –  Switchgear and other primary equipment manufacturers submission
EHV Switchgear indicating type, variant, ratings etc
Design  Supporting manufacturers literature/ technical datasheets
 General Arrangement drawings including cabling and holding down details.
 Main Connections & Protection Diagram, showing tripping to and from the
Customer’s equipment.
 Single Line Diagram, showing physical arrangements
 Mechanical/ Electrical Interlocking Diagram
 Schematic Diagrams (AC and DC) showing protection, instrumentation and
metering arrangements and terminal block presentation.
 List of protection relays with full model numbers.
Section C –  Substation location plan, showing access roads from the public highway
Substation Civil  Substation compound layout
Design  Control Room civil drawings, showing structure and substructure materials
and construction, access doors, cable and multicore cable trench details
 Substation compound civil drawings showing foundation designs, ground-
works, roads, drainage, fencing, multicore cable troughs/ ducts etc
 Control Room electrical equipment layout drawing/s (also showing LVAC fit-
out)
 Site flood risk assessment
Section D -  Site earthing study and interpretive report
Earthing Design  Confirmation of hot/ cold status of the site and proposed mitigation
measures for the former
 Description of proposed earthing materials/ jointing techniques etc
 Earthing layout drawing
Section E –  110V Battery/ charger manufacturer, type, ratings and supporting
DC Battery specification/information.
System Design  110V Battery/ charger/ DC distribution board general arrangement drawings/
schematic drawings
 Ditto 48V/ 24V telecontrol battery/ charger/ distribution board where
applicable
Section F -  OHL constuction details
132kV Overhead  OHL Disconnector manufacturer, type, ratings and supporting
Line (OHL) specification/information.
Design  OHL route plans
Section G –  Cable, joint and terminations manufacturer, type, ratings and supporting
132kV specification/information
Underground  Cable route plans
Cable Design
Section H –  Substation microwave comms tower design (where applicable)
Substation  Substation microwave comms tower foundation designs (ditto)
Communications  Substation fibre comms route plans
Infrastructure  Substation fibre comms route chamber designs
Design

132kV Outdoor Metered Connection – 7

Guidance for Designers
.
3 Switchgear Technical and Protection
Requirements
WPD competitively tender the supply of switchgear and associated equipment on a term
basis. In this way, stakeholders may benefit from economies of scale, both commercially and
in terms of being able to minimise design input by establishing generic arrangements. We
currently have 132kV outdoor switchgear framework arrangements in place for the
purchase of:

 Siemens type 3AP1-DT1S

 Alstom Grid DT1 2FK-F1

It may be advantageous for a Customer to benefit from the use of the designs/
specifications based upon the above switchgear, although alternatives may be offered to
WPD by the Customer for consideration, assuming that they meet our acceptance criteria.

WPD’s technical requirements for 132kV outdoor circuit breakers, disconnectors, VT’s and
CT’s are described in Engineering Specification: EE Spec 7.

Engineering Specification: EE Spec 87 describes WPD requirements for protection and

control cubicles for outdoor 72kV and 36kV equipment. With the exception of the table
overleaf, the data therein is applicable to 132kV protection and control cubicles.

WPD’s technical requirements for ancillary equipment for use in conjunction with
switchgear and protection/control panels are described in Engineering Specification: EE Spec
136.

Section 5 of this document shows typical arrangements for single circuit teed and single
circuit looped connections. The table overleaf provide a broad overview of the technical and
protection requirements for such arrangements:

132kV Outdoor Metered Connection – 8

Guidance for Designers
 Description 145M1
Metering CB (single circuit
tee-off arrangement)

Standard Drawings *
Single Line Diagram SL145M1
Schematic Diagram SPC145M1
Pollution Level Level iv (31mm/kV)
Rated Voltage kV 145kV
Rated Insulation Level 650kV
(lightning impulse withstand voltage) kV

Rated Normal Current A 2500A

Rated Short Time Withstand Current kA 31.5kA
Rated DC time constant mS 120mS
Tripping & Closing Supplies 110V DC

CT’s and VT’s

CT’s for customer use One set of 3
The customer is to provide instantaneous protection across the
WPD metering CB and the customers transformer.
WPD will accommodate a set of the customers CT’s in the metering
CB for this purpose.

Class PX
The customer shall provide the full CT specification
CT’s for Overcurrent and Earth Fault protection Two sets of 3
1000/500/1 30VA 5P20
(2500A continuous rating)
CT’s for Transducer and GCP One set of 3
1000/500/1 15VA Class 0.5S
(2500A continuous rating)
CT’s for Metering For circuit capacities up to
Ratio to agreed, 15VA Class 0.2S 100MVA, one set of 3
(120% continuous thermal rating)
For circuit capacities over
100MVA, two sets of 3
Voltage Transformer 3 off single phase
132000/√3 : 110/√3 : 110/√3
Star/Star/Star
For circuit capacities up to 100MVA Class 0.5/3P
For circuit capacities over 100MVA Class 0.2/3P

Control/Relay Cubicle
Circuit breaker control switch and handle 1
Local/Supervisory switch and handle 1
Telecontrol CB open interposing relay 1
Telecontrol CB Close interposing relay 1
Current/Voltage/MW/MVAR Transducer 1

132kV Outdoor Metered Connection – 9

Guidance for Designers
Main Protection Relay/s 3HSOC
3DOCIT
DEIT
3OCIT
EIT
VTS
Backup Protection Relay/s 3OCIT
EIT
Trip/Intertrip Relay TDS

Customer Trip Flag Relay TI

SF6 Gas Low A (SF6 Low)

All stages
Spring Charge Fail A (SCF)
Trip Circuit Supervision TCS
Test Block TTB
(3off)
CB Indication/Spring Charged Lamps 3 off
Terminal Blocks As Required
Fuses & Links As Required

* It should be noted that there are small differences in the configuration of switchgear
deployed in S Wales with that deployed within our other licence areas. These differences
are predominately related to telecontrol voltage/ polarity requirements and we are
currently unable to harmonise specifications. Switchgear specified for use in the S West, W
Mids and E Mids is not suitable for installation in S Wales and vice-versa.

WPD standard drawing SPC215 shows telecontrol interposing relay polarity for South Wales
24V battery systems.

All protection and ancillary relays must be of a type/ designation approved by WPD. The
standard schematic diagrams show the protection relay types applicable to the scheme. Full
details of all WPD approved relays, including their respective CORTEC identifier can be found
in Engineering Specification: EE Spec 98.

The standard schematic diagrams show a generic switchgear arrangement and are not
specific to a particular connection. Detailed protection scheme design (such that may
include WPD/Customer intertripping, alarms and more complex protection requirements)
will be advised on a project-specific basis and it will be the responsibility of the Customer to
deliver certain outputs in this respect. In the main, the Customer should assume that the
following facilities will be required (in addition to WPD circuit protection):

 Close-inhibit of the WPD metering breaker (to prevent it being closed unless the
Customer’s G59 breaker is open )
 Intertrip send (and receive) facilities between the WPD metering breaker and the
Customer’s G59 protection

132kV Outdoor Metered Connection – 10

Guidance for Designers
An emergency trip button (break glass type) shall be provided that will enable the Customer
to trip the WPD circuit breaker. The emergency trip will be located in the Customer’s
accommodation in a location that the Customer feels is optimal for the connection. In
assessing prospective locations, the Customer would logically wish to identify areas to which
potential site occupants have prompt access in an emergency.

We specify that the Customer’s points of automatic disconnection will be located no more
than 100 metres from the WPD metering breaker in order that multicore cable intertripping,
emergency break glass tripping facilities and overvoltage constraint functions remain
functional under all conditions. We reserve the right to request multi-core cable volt-drop
calculations from the Customer to confirm effective operation of these facilities at the
upper limit of separation distance.

132kV Outdoor Metered Connection – 11

Guidance for Designers
4 Metering CT and VT Requirements

Elexon’s Code of Practice Two (COP2) applies to the metering of circuits with a rated
capacity between 10MVA and 100MVA. Code of Practice One (COP1) applies to the
metering of circuits with a rated capacity in excess of 100MVA. Instrument transformer
selection and configuration shall be as defined within the relevant COP guidance for the
circuit capacity of the proposed connection.

Metering facilities shall be provided in accordance with the requirements of ST: TP14C –
Distribution Business Provided Metering Facilities.

Instrument transformers shall be error tested in accordance with the requirements of ST:
TP14C – Distribution Business Provided Metering Facilities and EE Spec:7.

Test certificates are to be provided in accordance with the requirements of ST: TP14J –
Management of Metering CT & VT Test Certificates.

Voltage Transformer

The Voltage Transformer shall be three of single phase electromagnetic type and should
meet the following criteria:

Rated voltage 145kV

Ratio 76200/63.5/63.5
Star/Star/Star
Minimum rating of 100VA for all windings
Voltage factor 1.5 for 30 seconds

For circuit capacities up to 100MVA, all windings shall satisfy the requirements for both
Class 0.5 and Class 3P.

For circuit capacities over 100MVA, all windings shalll satisfy the requirements for both
Class 0.2 and Class 3P.

The total burden on metering VT secondary winding shall be between 25% and 100% of the
rated burden.

The VT’s shall be solely for WPD use and shall not be used directly to provide a voltage
reference for Customer synchronisation or G59 protection

132kV Outdoor Metered Connection – 12

Guidance for Designers
Metering Current Transformers

Dual ratio metering CT’s are to be provided for 132kV connections and are to be selected in
accordance with ST: TP14C – Distribution Business Provided Metering Facilities. Preferred
ratios are given below for information:

100/50/1*
200/100/1
300/150/1
400/200/1
800/400/1
2000/1200/1

* As switchgear manufacturers often have difficulty accommodating this ratio within their
switchgear the next highest ratio may be substituted where necessary.

Metering CT’s shall have a 15VA rating and satisfy the requirements of Class 0.2S. For circuit
capacities up to 100MVA, one dedicated set of CT’s is required. For circuit capacities above
100MVA, two dedicated sets of CT’s are required.

The total burden on metering CT’s shall be between 25% and 100% of the rated burden.

132kV Outdoor Metered Connection – 13

Guidance for Designers
5 Operational Requirements for WPD
Switchgear

The connection arrangement will be determined by WPD’s Primary System Design team,
dependent on network considerations. The following options describe WPD’s preferred
switchgear arrangements for simple teed and looped connections.

Actual arrangements may differ depending on the design and manufacturer of the
switchgear being considered and WPD’s protection requirements. The operational
requirements listed below must be satisfied in all circumstances:

Single Circuit Teed Connection

 The CB interlock key 110 shall only be released with the CB in the open position.

 Disconnectors 103 and 113 shall only operate with interlock key 110 inserted. Key
110 shall be trapped during operation, but released with the Disconnector in the
open or closed position.

 Disconnector 103 shall release a key 103 when in the open position.
Line Earth Switch 101 shall only operate with key 103 inserted. Key 103 shall be
trapped during operation and when the switch is closed to earth. It shall only be
released with the earth switch opened from earth.

See overleaf for single line diagram

132kV Outdoor Metered Connection – 14

Guidance for Designers
132kV Outdoor Metered Connection – 15
Guidance for Designers
Single Circuit Teed/Looped Connection

 The CB interlock key 110 shall only be released with the CB in the open
position.

 Disconnector’s 113, 114, 303 & 503 shall only operate with interlock key 110
inserted. Key 110 shall be trapped during operation, but released with the
Disconnector in the open or closed position.

 Disconnector’s 303 & 503 will not be fully interlocked with this network
arrangement. A warning label shall be attached at the operating position of
these disconnector’s.

 Disconnector 303 shall release a key 303 when in the open position.
 Line Earth Switch 301 shall only operate with key 303 inserted. Key 303 shall
be trapped during operation and when the switch is closed to earth. It shall
only be released with the earth switch opened from earth.

 Disconnector 503 shall release a key 503 when in the open position.

 Line Earth Switch 501 shall only operate with key 503 inserted. Key 503 shall
be trapped during operation and when the switch is closed to earth. It shall only be
released with the earth switch opened from earth.

See overleaf for single line diagram

132kV Outdoor Metered Connection – 16

Guidance for Designers
132kV Outdoor Metered Connection – 17
Guidance for Designers
6 Customer Switchgear Earth Facility

This will generally be the responsibility of the Customer to determine. The Customer should
have a facility to apply a fully-rated earth towards the WPD equipment. If the connection
from WPD equipment terminates directly onto a Customer’s transformer, then it is
acceptable for the earth facility to be provided on the LV side of the transformer.

132kV Outdoor Metered Connection – 18

Guidance for Designers
7 Customer G59 Protection

G59 Protection Generally

It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure that the operation of any generators in parallel
with WPD’s Distribution System conforms to National Engineering Recommendations G59:
‘Recommendations for the Connection of Generating Plant to the Distribution Systems of
Licensed Distribution Network Operators’ (ENA ER G59) as amended from time to time. This
will include a requirement for interface protection, including loss of mains protection. The
detail of this protection is to be agreed with WPD.

Prohibition of Vector Shift Protection within WPD South West Region

Please note that in WPD South West region the use of Vector Shift protection is prohibited.
Therefore Rate of Change of Frequency and/or intertripping shall be used for the
implementation of loss of mains protection instead. For more data in this area, please refer
to WPD Policy Document ST:TP50H

132kV Outdoor Metered Connection – 19

Guidance for Designers
8 Substation LVAC Supplies and Building
Services

Derivation of LVAC Supply

The degree of resilience of the LVAC supply to the substation will be determined based upon
the criticality, to our broader network of any protection systems at the site. Before
proposing an LVAC solution, it is recommended that the ICP has project-specific dialogue
with WPD over the criticality of protection or communications systems at the site

Where it is confirmed that no WPD protection/ communications systems will be present at

the metering substation that are considered to be critical to the security of our broader
132kV network LVAC supplies may be derived from the Customer’s LV network as long as:

 The LVAC voltage is maintained between 400/230V RMS +10%, -6% and has a
frequency of 50Hz +/-1%.
 The LVAC supply is firm. The Customer must restore the LVAC supply within 6 hours,
should the main LVAC supply fail, for any reason.
 At sites with embedded generation, the LVAC supply is not disconnected when the
Customer’s generator protection or G59 interface protection operates.

Customers may back up the LVAC supplies using a fixed standby generator or a mobile
generator. Where the Customer uses a generator to back up the main LVAC supply they
must ensure it is adequately maintained, periodically tested and has a sufficient supply of
fuel to maintain the LVAC supplies for as long as is required.

For connections where WPD protection systems are present at the metering substation that
are considered to be critical to the security of our 132kV network, the supplementary LVAC
supply is to be derived by the Customer from the WPD network

LVAC and Building Services Generally

The fixed electrical installation is an integral part of the substation building and it is
anticipated that delivery thereof will be the responsibility of the Customer for adoption by
WPD. WPD LV electrical installation work will generally be limited to the final connection of
LVAC supplies to the WPD supplied Generator Constraint Panel (GCP) and where applicable,
the Active Network Management (ANM) Panel. These works will involve WPD installing
suitably sized cable between the relevant rotary isolator and each panel.

L.V. Electrical Installation Generally

An indicative layout of the heating, lighting and small power requirements at metering
substations is provided on our standard GCS series drawings that accompany this guide.

132kV Outdoor Metered Connection – 20

Guidance for Designers
Design/ sizing of the components that comprise the installation is to be carried out by the
ICP.

The consumer unit (CCU) for WPD’s control room heating/ lighting/ small power
requirements is to be:

 located in the WPD control room.

 of a metal-clad type, suitable for terminating SWA muticore cables with appropriate
glanding
 provided with a 100 amp 2 pole main switch.
 provided with sufficient MCB ways to service the building heating, lighting and small
power requirements
 provided with further sufficient dedicated 20A single phase MCB outgoing ways for
o 110 Volt Battery Charger Supply
o 48V (or where required 24V) Battery Charger Supply
o Protection & Intertripping Panel Compartment Lighting Supplies
All of the above are to be provided with a rotary isolator in a logical position adjacent
to the apparatus being served. Both battery charger circuits are to be fed by MCB’s
with a type D characteristic to withstand battery charger inrush currents.
o Switchgear Compartment Heater Supplies

 provided with separate dedicated 5 amp MCB type D ways to feed unswitched spurs
for
o Generator Constraint Panel (GCP)
o Active Network Management (ANM) Panel (where required as part of the
connection offer)
 Provided with a facility for future expansion as necessary

Traywork/ trunking is to be supplied and installed by the Customer/developer vertically

from the consumer unit to a suitable cable trench or overhead trunking solution. Cable tray
must only be used where suitable additional impact protection is offered by the cable
system itself, such as SWA or SY Flex. All trunking/tray shall be formed of galvanised steel

A PIR activated external light shall be provided above the entrance doors to afford safe
approach to the building during the hours of darkness.

Emergency lighting must be provided in accordance with BS 5266 (Emergency lighting. Code
of practice for the emergency escape lighting of premises) at the most recent edition,
including any subsequent amendments.

The WPD control room will ideally be provided by the Customer with a dedicated external
telephone line and master socket.

Where the substation location is considered to be at particular risk of unauthorised access,

WPD would conventionally seek to install a CCTV system enabled for remote monitoring via

132kV Outdoor Metered Connection – 21

Guidance for Designers
our Control Centre. In order for remote monitoring to operate, a broadband data service is
required

All wiring not enclosed in overhead trunking, cable trenches or attached to tray, shall be run
in galvanised conduit.

All LVAC accessories such as switches and general purpose sockets shall be of metal clad
construction

All general purpose 13A socket outlets are to be provided with RCD earth fault protection of
30mA. This may be afforded by the use of an RCBO module within the CCU protecting the
circuit or by the use of RCD incorporated 13A sockets.

The electrical installation shall conform, where applicable, fully with the requirements set
out in BS7671 ‘Requirements for Electrical Installations’ (The IET wiring regulations) at the
most recent edition, including any subsequent amendments. The installer should be
registered as approved by a regulatory organisation such as the NICEIC ECA or Elecsa. Copies
of all relevant installation certificates (including test schedules and emergency lighting
certification) should be provided to WPD upon completion of the LVAC installation.

No gas/water/telecomms or any other utilities fixtures (other than those for sole WPD use)
are to be located within the substation enclosure.

Fixed Alarm System

The substation building shall be provided with a fixed security alarm system of Grade 3 as
defined within EN50131.

The alarm system will be discrete to the WPD substation and will not extend into the
metering room or customer switchroom

The Control Panel will be located inside and near to, the main entrance to the building.

All WPD accommodation will be covered by a sufficient number dual-tech sensors that allow
for complete coverage of the monitored area, giving due consideration to the position of
any internal objects, structures and/or equipment that could potentially mask the Field of
View (FoV) of the sensor(s). Consideration will be given the location of access and egress
points and the potential for entry by breach of the fabric of the building and where
necessary sensors will cross FoVs to reduce any opportunity for tamper. All access and
egress points will be fitted with appropriate alarm system contacts.

The alarm system shall have a facility to present suitable volt-free contacts through which
alarm activation may be relayed to our Control centre via the RTU.

The alarm should be fed via a dedicated 6 amp MCB radial circuit with an unswitched fused
spur presented locally in proximity to the alarm control panel.

132kV Outdoor Metered Connection – 22

Guidance for Designers
The alarm control panel shall be configured to be disarmed via a 4 digit key code (rather
than the 6 digits normally attributed to a Grade 3 system). This is to ensure compatibility
with the regional PIN codes customarily adopted across our network.
Heating/ Ventilation

The control room constructed with a heating system set to provide optimum environmental
conditions for the batteries and electronic equipment. The design shall:

 Show appropriate insulation levels.

 Avoid rapid variations in temperature within the switchroom.
 Minimise air exchange to the outside.

Building designs with a low thermal mass may be susceptible to large temperature swings
and therefore to the generation of condensation. To minimise the risk of condensation it is
generally important to ensure that ventilation is kept to the minimum required to control
temperature/dissipate excessive heat. Careful selection of the building external finishes
may also be required to minimise solar gain.

132kV Outdoor Metered Connection – 23

Guidance for Designers
9 Substation DC Supplies

The provision of 110 Volt batteries, chargers and distribution facilities for our switchgear
and likewise 48 Volt (or 24 Volt) systems to support our SCADA facilities is a contestable
element of connection works.

We conventionally purchase battery systems on a term contract basis and for economies of
scale, specify our systems from a relatively small number of standard configurations. For
connections where the battery system is being delivered contestably, the sizing of this
system will be the responsibility of the Customer; however for information we reference the
most regularly used standard WPD systems for each voltage below.

This guidance document, as a whole, assumes that the connection will be provided by a
single Customer for a single metering circuit breaker. Where this is not the case (for instance
more complex connection arrangements where WPD protection assets are present on site
that affect our broader network) supplementary provisions may be required to meet WPD
criteria. This may include the provision of a 110 volt battery system with an auto-disconnect
(and reconnect) facility for the loss (and return) of substation LV supplies*.

EE SPEC 25 details our requirements for the supply of 110 Volt battery, charger and
distribution systems for metering substations. A battery sizing calculator is available within
this document.

EE SPEC 104 details our requirements for 48V and 24V Volt battery, charger and distribution
systems. A battery sizing calculator is available, upon request, to assist the ICP in selection
of SCADA battery system.

Increasingly, due to broader network considerations, we are finding ourselves needing to

introduce intertripping facilities for EHV DG connections. In such cases, dedicated digital
communications multiplexer standing DC loads may approach levels that exceed the
capacity of certain SCADA battery systems. Multiplexer systems may result in an additional
standing load of 5 amps and this should be added to other burdens in the ICP’s SCADA
battery system design. In circumstances where the ICP doesn’t wish to carry out site-specific
SCADA battery design in advance of system specification, we would be confident that a 40A
340Ah system would suffice for foreseeable connection arrangements.

Please note that dedicated DC distribution board facilities are to be provided with both the
110V and 48V (or 24V) battery systems. These are to be wall-mounted in a location in close
proximity to the respective battery/ charger.

*Such systems are often referred to as ‘Black Start’ enabled and are specified within EE SPEC 23. They would
customarily be required at substations where otherwise a loss of battery autonomy (consequent of a sustained
system incident) would prevent prompt re-energisation of supplies when desired.

132kV Outdoor Metered Connection – 24

Guidance for Designers
10 SCADA RTU and Interface Cabling

The remote terminal unit (RTU) installed within a metering substation needs to be
configured such that requisite status, analogue and control facilities are available at all
times via our SCADA system. Due to a number of factors, including understandable security
restrictions on the purchase of equipment compatible with our communications systems,
the RTU must be supplied, installed and commissioned by us. For this reason, such activities
are deemed to be non-contestable.

To maximise the robustness of both WPD SCADA systems and Customer data systems, no
direct data link between Customer installation and the WPD RTU will be permitted,
irrespective of the proposed communications protocol thereof.

The supply and installation of multipair cables between WPD equipment and the RTU could
conceivably be treated as contestable, however experience suggests that it is the interests
of both WPD and ICP’s to have a clear demarcation in this respect. Due to the need to
ensure that multipair cabling is presented and terminated in a fashion that meets the
required configuration of the RTU, potential delays can be created by the required
communication between DNO and ICP to achieve this. To streamline the connection process
we recommend that as a default , WPD supply, install and terminate all multipair cabling
between substation plant and the RTU. In order for us to do so, we would ask that ICP’s
present multipair terminal blocks at the plant interface in line with our standard DC
schematics.

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Connection – Guidance for
Designers
11 Multicore Cable Interface Facility

To simplify the installation, commissioning and maintenance of multicore cabling between

WPD and Customer equipment we require an interface box to be provided by the ICP and
fitted within the WPD switchroom/enclosure. This box should be metal-clad and be wall-
mounted. It should be afforded with sufficient terminal blocks (screw clamp with spring
type) to terminate all cable cores associated with Customer to WPD interface wiring.

We are receptive to Customer proposals for the configuration of the multicore interface
box, although have produced indicative general arrangements, schematics and wiring
diagrams to assist understanding of our requirements. Drawings are available upon request

132kV Outdoor Metered 26

Connection – Guidance for
Designers
12 Generator Constraint Panel

Due to the significant quantities of distributed generation connected to our network there
is a requirement for us to be able to rapidly constrain export when requested to do by
National Grid. National Grid may need to make such a request periodically to safeguard the
broader stability of the transmission system. The specifics of any constraint (as will have
been defined for us by National Grid as part of a Statement of Works process) will be
contained within our formal offer relating to the connection.

In order to ensure that a robust means of constraint is provided, we require thee

deployment of a scheme in accordance with ST: TP18A – Application of Generator
Constraint Panels.

The provision and installation of the Generator Constraint Panel (GCP) is considered to be
non-contestable.

The WPD switchroom should be sized such that it can accommodate the GCP in addition to
all other apparatus required for the connection. In order that the ICP may make sufficient
provision within the switchroom at design stage, the Generator Constraint Panel (GCP)
should be assumed to be a wall-mounted panel weighing 25kg with external dimensions of
977mm high X 800mm wide x 305mm deep. The GCP has bottom-entry cable glands and a
full-size front door hinged on the left (when viewed from the front).

132kV Outdoor Metered 27

Connection – Guidance for
Designers
13 WPD Compound and Control Room
Specification

Generally

The arrangements for accommodating WPD’s switchgear and the Customer’s switchgear
shall be determined on a project-specific basis.

It is anticipated that for an outdoor metered 132kV connection, the Customer’s 132kV
substation would generally be immediately adjacent to our substation compound. This
would permit primary electrical connection of the substations via busbars oversailing the
boundary fence between respective operational areas

Our preferred arrangement is for separate buildings to be provided for the WPD 132kV
control room and the customer switchroom. For a combined building to be suitable for
partial adoption by WPD, this building should be designed and constructed such that either
‘half’ may be safely demolished without impairment of the function of the remaining ‘half’.
It should also ensure that there is clear demarcation between accommodation under WPD
Safety Rules and that under Customer safety rules

Indicative WPD Control Room Designs

In an effort to assist ICP’s with substation design tasks, we have produced indicative
designs. These designs relate to commonly used configurations of plant and equipment and
construction methods. The designs are made available by us, in electronic form, free-of-
charge and Customers and ICP’s are welcome to use these as a basis for their site-specific
designs.

The designs include underground and overhead connected variants where appropriate

The designs currently available are detailed below:

WPD Indicative 132kV Substation Designs

Drawing No Title Status
GCS0019 132kV Connection – Single Circuit Tee
Off
GCS0020 132kV Connection – Looped
Connection

Land and Property Rights

At locations where WPD will have a separate substation area (typically a fenced off
compound for 33kV, 66kV and 132kV substations) we will require the Freehold or long term
Leasehold of the site (including control room/switchroom buildings), along with suitable
access rights for vehicles and equipment to the site from the adjoining land.

132kV Outdoor Metered 28

Connection – Guidance for
Designers
WPD will require suitable land and access rights for any adoptable on-site cables or
overhead lines. This will be in line with WPD policy and normally will be via a deed of
easement.

All planning consents for substation buildings are to be obtained by the Customer.

Further information on landowner Legal Permissions and Consents, along with guidance on
this for Independent Connection Providers (ICP’s) and sample lease and easement
documents, can be found under the Competition in Connections section of our website
(www.westernpower.co.uk/connections)

Vehicular Access

Please note: the information below details general vehicular access requirement for a
WPD 132kV substation. It doesn’t explicitly cover the plant access requirements for any
advanced works that may be required (crane access for 132kV tower
modification/erection/ dismantlement or specialist excavation/directional drilling
equipment etc for 132kV cable works). Such requirements will have to be agreed on a
project-specific basis.

WPD will require unrestricted 24 hour access to and egress from the substation. Wherever
possible, it shall be located in such a way that it avoids the need for WPD personnel to pass
through any external perimeter fence/ security controls. Where present however, site
access gates and the like are to be provided with a dual locking facility, incorporating aWPD
substation security lock.

The substation shall be provided with an external access road / safe unloading area as
follows:

 A surfaced access road between the public highway and substation compound of
minimum width of 4.5m wide and designed to accept a minimum axle weight of 11
tonnes**
 A minimum headroom of 4.5m along the access road*
 A minimum internal radius on corners of 6.0m
 A minimum external radius on corners of 13.5m
 A maximum gradient of 1:15
 A maximum negotiable concave ‘valley’ of 48m
 A maximum negotiable convex ‘crown’ to avoid ‘grounding out’ of 76m
 A turning bay/ splay where vehicular access is only possible from one direction**
 A surfaced unloading area of minimum dimensions 3.0m x 3.0m on plan directly
outside the entrance doors of WPD’s Control/Switch Room

The above criteria are those normally used by WPD to afford tractor/ low-loader trailer
combinations access for 132kV transformer delivery. For delivery and erection of 132kV
outdoor switchgear only by WPD, the above criteria may be relaxed, by agreement on a
site-specific basis.

132kV Outdoor Metered 29

Connection – Guidance for
Designers
*It should be noted that transport height restrictions will need to be identified on a project-
by-project basis taking into consideration the need to maintain sufficient clearance to all
structures over-sailing the haulage route (including the need to maintain sufficient
clearance to all LV/HV/EHV overhead line crossings)

**Both of the above are to be delivered through the provision (as a minimum) of a
roadbase of engineered granular material with a suitable separation medium/ membrane
from underlying sub-grade. This road-base should be suitably configured for safe access and
egress, throughout all seasonal conditions, by two-wheel drive vehicles having a ground
clearance of 140mm and track width of 1500mm. Failure to provide and maintain a
functional vehicular access route to our substation may impair our ability to witness,
commission and maintain the adoptable assets. This may have a potential attendant effect
on the network connection.

Flood Resilience

Unless appropriate protective measures are proposed by the Customer and agreed by WPD,
all outdoor substation plant and the control room floor level shall be positioned to minimise
flood risk. In practical terms, these features should be at least 500mm above the most
significant foreseeable flood event. In the case of 132kV substations, the 1 in 1000 year
fluvial flood level or 1 in 1000 year pluvial flood level and 1 in 200 year tidal flood level. Care
shall be taken to ensure that the presence of cable ducts/ cut-out’s/ entries within the
substation buildings/ features do not breach any flood defences/ protective measures.

Where site topography suggests that there is a potential risk of excessive surface-water run-
off under extreme weather conditions (irrespective of the findings of a formal flood risk
assessment) the control room floor shall be raised 500mm above surrounding ground (and
landing platform/ step details addressed accordingly). WPD apply this requirement to
substation buildings due to previous experience of extreme weather events where ‘flash
flooding’ has put network assets at risk of irreparable damage, with attendant return-to-
service delays.

Typical Substation Compound and Fencing Specification

 Clear site excavate and dispose of all topsoil / vegetable matter.

 Excavate / fill as necessary to reduced level subject to geotechnical data but min.
150mm below finished site level and compact sub-grade to receive compound sub-
base and surfacing
 Install compound storm / ground / surface water drainage system as necessary to
effectively drain the site and prevent the unacceptable build up of ground water or
the ponding of surface water. Collect / convey discharge from drainage network to a
suitable point of disposal.
 Install Terram T1000 (or similar approved) geotextile as sub-base / sub-grade
separation membrane in full compliance with the manufacturer's technical
recommendations.
 Lay and compact (min. 75mm thick) bed of approved, well graded hardcore /
granular sub-base material.

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Connection – Guidance for
Designers
  Lay (min. 75mm thick) bed of 20mm single size graded clean granite/ limestone
chippings / aggregate, spread and levelled around concrete bases and the like.
 Install (min. 2.4m high) galvanised steel security palisade fence and gates to BS 1722
Part 12, enhanced to Western Power Distribution specification document EE SPEC 20
(copy available upon request)*
 Form insitu concrete plant bases as required for the scheme. These shall be designed
in accordance with the codes of practice relevant to the proposed structural
materials and shall adequately carry and transmit to the to the natural foundation all
dead, imposed and wind loads

*Please note that for sites where WPD assess that there is an increased risk of unauthorised
access there may be a requirement for additional security measures that may include the
provision of fence electrification. In these circumstances, relevant details of the
supplementary fence works will be afforded to the Customer/ ICP by WPD.

Substation Compound Cable Access Requirements

To assist initial installation and later modification/ extension/ development, we would, as a

default, desire multicore cable runs across the site to be formed using preformed, or insitu
cable troughing. This troughing should be provided with suitably rated covers for the
anticipated loading conditions.

As a minimum, we would normally seek multicore trough runs to intersect any circuit
breaker and VT positions.

WPD Control Room Sizing and Layout.

Designers should allow sufficient space to accommodate protection and control and other
secondary equipment and to afford sufficient operator access and emergency egress. The
control room footprints indicated on the indicative WPD drawings should provide an
optimal configuration for the control room

Door swings should be taken into account when considering minimum internal control room
dimensions

All dedicated fire escape routes within the enclosure shall be a minimum of 750mm wide.

Discrete smooth-walled cable ducting (with drawpits at logical locations) would generally be
suitable for LVAC supply cabling, or comms cabling, to say compound lighting, CCTV or fence
electrification systems, where these exist.

WPD Control Building Construction Materials

We believe that in general a masonry-constructed building with pitched slate/ tiled roof is
the best means of providing a robust, low-maintenance, vandal-resistant, stable and cost-
effective environment for the switchgear. This view is based on experience of our extensive
operational property portfolio.

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Connection – Guidance for
Designers
Notwithstanding the above, we recognise that the particular characteristics of a connection
may be such that the Customer, or their ICP, wishes to use a construction technique that
minimises the site construction phase. This may lead to a desire to use modular or
containerised steel or GRP solutions.

We are receptive to any construction technique/ material selection proposed by the

Customer, providing that these satisfy the criteria set out in this document

WPD Control Room Fire Resistance/ Fire Exit Provision

The control room enclosure shall be designed to provide a minimum fire resistance of 1
hour.

All dedicated fire escape routes within the enclosure shall be a minimum of 750mm wide.

All escape doors are to be provided with internal panic crash bar/ pad release devices.

WPD Control Room Durability / Moisture Resistance

The design life of the enclosure shall, unless otherwise agreed, be a minimum of 50 years
and every effort shall be made to specify materials with minimised structure / fabric
maintenance requirements (although it is accepted that maintenance responsibility will rest
with the Customer). It shall provide a secure, internal, dry, stable, level, clean, dust-free,
non-aggressive and non-hazardous environment for WPD plant/ equipment.

The control room enclosure shall be designed in accordance with the codes of practice
relevant to the proposed structural materials and shall adequately carry and transmit to the
to the natural foundation all dead, imposed and wind loads

The enclosure shall be designed to protect the structure and its contents from damage or
risks to health and safety due to the effects of weather, water / moisture penetration and
ground contaminants.

External ground / access road levels shall be designed such that there is no detrimental
build-up of surface water in the proximity of the enclosure.

The substructure of the enclosure shall be tanked/ sealed/ treated to prevent water ingress.
All substructure duct entries shall be sealed around cables using WPD approved products. A
suitable sump shall be formed within the substructure trench area to assist with the
removal of surface/ ground water during construction. A maintenance-free submersible
pump with float-switch actuation shall be permanently installed within the sump, with
discharge to a suitable point of disposal.

The enclosure shall be designed to adequately collect and convey surface / storm water to a
suitable point of disposal.

132kV Outdoor Metered 32

Connection – Guidance for
Designers
Internal surfaces that may otherwise cause dust to propagate (masonry/ concrete etc) shall
be effectively sealed by the application of appropriate paints/ sealants etc.

WPD Control Room Thermal Performance / Insulation

The enclosure shall be designed to deliver a maximum target u value of 0.45W/m2K . Any
risk of condensation build-up at cold-bridging points shall be mitigated. This is of particular
importance on the underside of switchgear and control gear

WPD Control Room Security/ Access Doors

The enclosure shall be constructed with no areas of glazing and designed to prevent any
unauthorised entry or access to the electrical plant / equipment. Appropriate safety /
warning / danger signs and notices shall be permanently displayed.

All double / single leaf entrance doors shall be outward opening, of robust / vandal resistant
/ durable / maintenance free hardwood, steel or g.r.p. construction meeting an LPCB
security rating. They shall be fitted with a secure locking arrangement (with panic exit
provision) capable of receiving a Euro profile locking cylinder which will be supplied and
fitted by WPD. All door hinges shall be vandal resistant / heavy duty with concealed fixings.

Double leaf entrance doors, where required, shall be designed such that the right hand leaf
(viewed from outside) will open first. The meeting stiles shall be rebated / overlap or
otherwise be resistant to prising. The left hand leaf shall be fixed internally by short top and
bottom sliding bolts into receptors within the frame head and cill.

Heavy duty door restraints shall be fitted at the head of each door leaf and shall be capable
of holding the doors open at 90 degrees.

Provision of Sanitary Facilities

Over the lifetime of an outdoor metering substation it would be anticipated that frequent
visits would need to be made to site by WPD staff. Similarly it is anticipated that the
Customer’s personnel will frequent the site during the lifetime of their connected assets.
We believe that the collective frequency (and likely duration) of site access by WPD and
Customer staff would be such as to justify the provision of permanent site WC and
handwashing facilities. For this reason, a WC is indicated on our indicative drawings. We
appreciate that the remoteness of some metering substations may present logistical
difficulties for water supply. We welcome Customer/ ICP proposals in this respect.

132kV Outdoor Metered 33

Connection – Guidance for
Designers
14 Earthing Requirements

The earthing design shall be in accordance with Engineering Specification EE SPEC 89, as
amended. An integrated earthing design - where the Customer earthing system is
connected to the WPD substation earthing system – is normally the optimum as this gives
the lowest earth impedance and hence the lowest earth potential rise, lowest touch and
step voltage and lowest equipment stress voltage and allows electrode surface area
requirements to be met more readily.

The WPD substation tends to be relatively small and so will normally require:

 An earth electrode loop around the substation building, 1m out, connected in

duplicate to the substation earth bar.
 Multiple connections of the concrete base reinforcing bar to the earthing system.
 An earth electrode laid for all/part of the 33kV cable route to help reduce the earth
impedance of the WPD substation.
 Interconnection in duplicate to the Customer earthing system.
 Customer main earthing system to be relied upon for safety1.

A consequence of the optimal integrated design is that:

 The specification of the Customer main earthing system needs to meet minimum
requirements so that it can be relied upon by WPD.
 A duty of care arises from WPD to the Customer to verify that design of the
Customer earthing ensures safe touch, step and transfer voltages. Note this occurs
if the earth potential rise exceeds 120V for a 3s protection clearance. Consequently
we ask to see safety verified for the Customer earthing system and associated metal
fence.

13.1 Clarifications

13.1.1 Ratings

The following clarification on the application of EE SPEC 89 is provided with regard to

earthing conductor and earth electrode ratings:

Definition:

Iswgr = 3s Rating of switchgear asked for (e.g. 25kA/31.5kA/40kA). NB Most are 25kA but some may be 31.5kA
or 40kA if near to BSPs.

1
NB The touch voltage at the WPD substation will vary with the soil model but may be as high as 25% of the
earth potential rise; consequently the earth potential rise may have to be designed to be no more than the
touch voltage limit divided by 0.25. For example with a 3s clearance time this gives 120V/0.25 = 480V; hence
the need for an integrated design with a low earth impedance.

132kV Outdoor Metered 34

Connection – Guidance for
Designers
Ief sys = 7200A NB This allows temporary paralleling of 132/33kV BSP networks giving maximum of 2 x 3000A
plus 20% margin for variation in earthing device ratings and covers the possible temporary solid earthing in
33kV arc suppression coil systems as solid earthing is possible but not normally used. It also allows for
changes that may occur in the life of the installation.

Requirements:

DNO earth bar to DNO Substation Perimeter Ring: 2x earthing conductor rated for 100%
Iswgr. Duplicate fully rated connections as per ENA TS 41-24.
DNO substation perimeter ring: 60% Iswgr as current divides two ways.
DNO earth wire laid with cable: 70sqmm HDC 7/3.55 to BS 7884. Higher resistance
assumed to ensure its 8.6kA x 3s rating is not exceeded with current division of I swgr.

Interconnections from DNO earth bar to Customer earth bar/perimeter ring: 2x earthing
conductor rated for 100% Iswgr or 1 x earthing conductor rated for 100% Iswgr and 33kV cable
sheath earth with joints to DNO earth bar and Customer earth bar/perimeter ring verified
by micro-ohmmeter to pass acceptance criteria.
Customer earthing system: Ief sys. With perimeter ring each direction can be 60% Ief sys.
Note that the Customer earthing system would also need to consider the earth fault current
within the Customer’s installation (e.g. LV earth fault case).

Electrode surface area calculation in accordance with clause 7.15.5: Ief sys.

14.1.2 Earth Potential Rise

The EE SPEC 89 does not specify a maximum earth potential rise but gives functional
requirements in section 6.1.1. For clarity, consideration of stress voltage in relation to
fence insulators, as may be required for specific fence panels to prevent transfer voltages,
and any future electric fence security system leads to the requirement to limit earth
potential rise to no more than 3kV, in general.

14.1.3 Joints

Note that bolted joints are not permitted underground by EE SPEC 89.

Note that lightning protection joints to BS EN 50164-1 are not suitable for the earthing
system as they are not rated for power frequency earth fault current, only lightning impulse
current.

14.1.4 Joints to Reinforcing Bar

Exothermically welded joints are approved for joining from copper earthing conductor to
steel reinforcing bar.

14.1.5 Stranded Earth Electrode

Care is required in ordering/specifying electrode. Cases have arisen where electrode having
small strand diameter which was considered insufficient for mechanical and corrosion

132kV Outdoor Metered 35

Connection – Guidance for
Designers
reasons was used and had to be overlaid. The minimum accepted for WPD stranded copper
earth electrode is 3mm. For Customer electrode BS 7430 now defines a minimum size of
1.7mm. See Appendix A.

Note that stranded copper earth electrode shall be hard-drawn copper to BS 7884. Soft-
drawn is not suitable due to mechanical considerations and its ability to ‘bird-cage’ on
installation.

14.1.6 Materials

Copper is approved for tape and stranded earth electrode as per EE SPEC 89. Galvanised
steel is not approved for earth electrode in EE SPEC 89. Should the Customer wish to
consider galvanised steel for the Customer main earth electrode then detailed corrosion
assessment may be required, particularly if the safety of the WPD substation relies on it. In
general, the corrosion performance of copper is much better making it suitable for most
situations.

14.1.7 Checklist

In checking proposed earthing designs, WPD will use the checklist in Appendix A, as
amended, as a guide to identify if the design is correct or needs revision. The list is not
exhaustive. If those preparing earthing designs check against the design against the
checklist before submission this may help reduce iterations/speed up approval.

132kV Outdoor Metered 36

Connection – Guidance for
Designers
15 Metering Equipment Accommodation

Please note that guidance on the accommodation of tariff metering equipment should
generally originate from the appointed Meter Operator.

Metering equipment (meter operator equipment) shall be accommodated in a separate

room or cubicle that is initially accessible to WPD, the meter operator/data collection
organisations and the Customer. This room or cubicle shall be located within 10m of the
WPD switchroom to keep the connections to the metering CT’s and VT’s as short as
practicable. Access to the metering equipment shall not be via WPD’s operational area.

132kV Outdoor Metered 37

Connection – Guidance for
Designers
16 Substation Communications Infrastructure

Requirement for Digital Communications

WPD standard technique ST:SD1G details the requirement for digital communications with
third party generator sites for the purpose of monitoring and control. It further recognises
the limitations of scanning radio systems for such purposes.

This document assumes that 33kV connections will have an export capacity in excess of
1MW and as such will be likely to require a digital communication medium to our Control
Centre via our broader comms network.

Selection of Communications Medium

The selection of optimal communications medium will generally require a viability study.
Upon receipt of instruction from the Customer to instigate this study, we will commission
requisite desk-study work and fieldwork.

Presumption of Microwave Communications at Connection Offer Stage

A site-specific formal connection offer will identify the cost provision that has been made
for substation digital communications infrastructure and in the absence of any data to the
contrary, we will initially assume that a microwave radio communications solution will be
required. We will further assume that this solution would require microwave radio
equipment installation at the DG site and at a WPD comms hub site. There will be
exceptions to the above however and examples may include:

 Sites where additional microwave ‘relaying’ via third party comms tower/s is
required due to the challenges of topography. In these instances cost estimates
would need to be revised and communicated accordingly.
 Sites where resilient ‘line-of-sight’ microwave communications permit a tower (or
supporting structure) significantly shorter than 15m
 Ditto above, but sites where tower height of 15m is inadequate.
 Sites where a scheme already requires a new 33kV cable route from a DG site to a
WPD substation that happens to already be fibre comms enabled. In these
situations a fibre comms solution may be more cost effective than a microwave
solution

In the above instances, or other deviations from the anticipated strategy, cost estimates
would need to be revised and communicated to the Customer accordingly.

Impact of Communications Infrastructure on Customer Substation Design

At offer stage it should be assumed (unless otherwise advised) that there will be a
requirement for microwave communications to be established at the DG site.

132kV Outdoor Metered 38

Connection – Guidance for
Designers
The particular microwave comms hardware requirements for any connection can only be
ascertained following completion of a site-specific communications viability study.
Accepting however that the Customer may wish to carry out preliminary design work in
advance of indemnifying WPD for the cost of the comms viability study, they may, at their
own risk, assume that microwave communications will require the following:
 Installation of at least a 15 metre high communications mast in the vicinity of the
WPD switchroom
 Installation of a multiplexer within the WPD switchroom

It is important that Customer makes allowance for the former in any planning submission
sought for the site and the latter in any switchroom designs.

Contestability of Communications Infrastructure

Being apparatus integral to our communications network, we believe that the supply,
installation and commissioning of the multiplexer/s, microwave radio dish/es and
associated cabling is non-contestable and will hence be carried out by WPD SURF Telecoms.
Similarly we believe that fibre optic cable supply, installation, jointing and commissioning
are non-contestable.

Unless otherwise confirmed in a specific offer, we would anticipate that the following
activities, associated with substation communications infrastructure, are contestable:

 Communications tower supply and installation*

 Communications tower foundation construction*
 Communications tower cable duct installation*
 Communications tower earthing*
 Fibre cable duct supply, installation and backfilling*
 Fibre cable joint bay/ chamber civil works*
 48 Volt (or where applicable 24 Volt) battery charger system supply, installation and
commissioning (as defined in section 8 of this document)

*Notwithstanding the above, WPD recognise that the provision of broader site digital
communications infrastructure may be a project requisite with which the Customer (or their
ICP) have limited familiarity. SURF Telecoms have extensive experience in the establishment
of comms towers, microwave and fibre communications links and have established
relationships with delivery contractors in this respect.

To assist broad understanding of WPD requirements for digital communications

infrastructure, the following information identifies the principles that would be applied by
WPD Surf Telecoms in delivering such infrastructure for a Customer. Hopefully it is
appreciated that detailed communications infrastructure design requirements for a
particular project can only be identified once the communications viability process has been
concluded

132kV Outdoor Metered 39

Connection – Guidance for
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Design/ Specification for Communications Towers

WPD Surf Telecoms conventionally purchase and install triangular tubular lattice tower type
structures, rather than monopole solutions.

Tower structures are designed to support the relevant telecommunications equipment at

the required height. The design process includes a site-specific derivation of applied static
and dynamic loads (including for example, those relating to snow/ ice and wind loading
effects) and an assessment of the tower’s capability to safely withstand these loads. This
process would conventionally require the input of a suitably qualified/ experienced
structural designer, conversant with relevant design codes/ methodologies.

Design/ Specification for Communications Tower Foundations

Tower structure foundations are designed to safely transmit to ground all static and
dynamic loads imparted from the communications tower itself. For a site-specific design to
be concluded, particular founding conditions are evaluated. This evaluation would generally
require geotechnical fieldwork, analysis and reporting.

Tower foundations are configured to accommodate sufficient multilayer D90 Ducts in

accordance with WPD ST:TC3A. These ducts exit the top of the base vertically in close
proximity to the tower leg position/s and enter the foundations horizontally at a minimum
depth of 600mm. A 90 degree slow-radiused bend is provided for the duct transition
between horizontal and vertical. As a minimum this bend shall be formed using two 45
degree duct connectors. The duct run terminates at the WPD switchroom multicore cable
trench in close proximity to the multiplexer.

Design/ Specification for Fibre Cable Duct Installation

Such activities are carried out in accordance with WPD ST: TC3A - Relating to the Installation
of Underground Telecoms Ducts

Design/ Specification for Fibre Cable Chambers

Such activities are carried out in accordance with WPD ST: TC3B - Relating to the Installation
of Telecoms Chambers

132kV Outdoor Metered 40

Connection – Guidance for
Designers
APPENDIX A

EARTHING DESIGN CHECKLIST FOR 33kV CIC SITES

SUBSTATION REF

OK? ITEM CONSIDERATIONS

Report
Soil Wenner test data? Provided?
Soil data valid? Parallel with PILC/electrode? Representative?
Large enough traverse?
Soil model valid? Not a uniform or two-layer soil where clearly multi-
layer?
Earth resistance: DNO substation? Provided?
Earth resistance: DNO s/s + cable e/w? Provided?
Integrated earthing design? Segregated unlikely to work.
Earth impedance: Combined? Provided?
Earth Potential Rise? Provided? Transferred voltage considered if cable
connected direct to BSP? Impact of other sources of
EPR considered (e.g. 400kV towers through site)?
Earth Potential Rise minimised? Minimised to avoid Hot classification? Minimised hot
zone so far as is reasonably practicable?
Below 3kV?

Hot/Cold Classification? Provided?

430V/1150V 650V/1700V plot? Provided?
Hot Zone Plot on appropriate map? Google image not satisfactory.
Separable from main report?
Hot Zone Plot considered combined Has the Customer electrode been included?
electrode system?
If Hot, voltage not transferred to external LV Existing LV PV connected to non-dedicated PMT?
Customers?
Safety voltage: limits based on WPD
protection times?
Modelled using CDEGS? Contours + safety voltages.
MALT/MALZ used appropriately? MALZ required for large systems.
Safety voltages: DNO S/S Plot? Plot overlaid on electrode?
Safety voltages: DNO S/S safe? Clearance times provided by WPD and not assumed?
Compliant? If compliant with chippings check drawing
shows this.
Safety voltages: Customer safe? Confirmation that touch & step safe? Customer
installation considered?
Fence considered?
Electrode surface area calc? Pass with 7200A for 3s?

Drawings
WPD earthing conductor: rating compliant WPD earth bar to WPD S/S perimeter electrode rated
and duplicated? for Iswgr = 25/31.5/40kA x 3s as appropriate? Duplicate
fully rated?
WPD earthing conductor: material & For rating see above.
dimensions for corrosion/mechanical Copper tape to BS 1432?
reasons compliant? Stranded HDC to BS 7884?
Minimum size met (≥3mm thick tape, ≥3mm strand
diameter)?
Interconnection earthing conductor: rating WPD earth bar to Customer earth bar/perimeter ring
compliant and duplicated? electrode rated for Iswgr = 25/31.5/40kA x 3s as
appropriate? Duplicate fully rated or single fully rated
and parallel fully rated path via cable sheath?
Interconnection earthing conductor: For rating see above.
material & dimensions for Copper tape to BS 1432?

132kV Outdoor Metered 41

Connection – Guidance for
Designers
corrosion/mechanical reasons compliant? Stranded HDC to BS 7884?
Minimum size met (≥3mm thick tape, ≥1.7mm strand
diameter)?
Customer earthing conductor: rating Rated for 7200A x 3s (e.g. 70sqmm Copper)?
compliant?
Customer earthing conductor: BS 7430 Minimum size met (copper: ≥2mm thick tape, ≥1.7mm
compliant dimensions for strand diameter & ≥50sqmm)?
corrosion/mechanical reasons?
WPD earth electrode ring around WPD 1m out? Continuous? WPD S/S perimeter ring rated for
building? 60% Iswgr? Copper tape to BS 1432? Minimum size met
(≥3mm thick tape)?
WPD earth electrode laid with cable? 70sqmm HDC 7/3.55 to BS 7884?
Full length shown on drawing?
Earth rods at corners of WPD earth Present? Copper-clad steel ≥12.5mm diameter to ENA
electrode ring around WPD building? TS 43-94?
Customer earth electrode: size and material ≥50sqmm HDC?
suitable? ≥1.7mm strand diameter?
Customer earth electrode: material suitable Copper, not galvanised steel?
without detailed corrosion assessment?
Customer earth electrode: duplicate Where the site is physically separated (e.g. PV in
connections between split parts? multiple fields that are not adjoining), duplicate fully
rated or single fully rated and parallel fully rated path
via cable sheath?
Electrode depth defined? 600mm?
Joints approved? Bolted are not approved underground nor for rebar.
With respect to Customer electrode joints note that
joints to BS EN 50164-1 (Lightning Protection
Components) are not rated for power frequency
current x 3s but only lightning impulse current; thus
they are not suitable to be relied upon by the DNO.
Rebar bonded? Design report may require rebar to be bonded for
touch control. Two or more bonds?
Test pits removed? We do not require test pits.
Chippings? If design report requires chippings for safety are they
provided? Is type of chippings specified and compliant
with our spec?
Fence safe? Abutting substation without insulated panel?
Independently earthed but inadequate separation from
electrode? Fence earthing defined?
Insulated fence panel design? Insulators at both ends? Suitable insulators?
CDEGS
Files?

Post-installation
Test report? Measured resistance/impedance interpreted via
appropriate CDEGS software?
Design report revised? Hot zone updated? Still safe?

132kV Outdoor Metered 42

Connection – Guidance for
Designers
 Western Power Distribution (East Midlands) plc, No2366923
Western Power Distribution (West Midlands) plc, No3600574
Western Power Distribution (South West) plc, No2366894
Western Power Distribution (SouthWales) plc No2366985
Registered in England and Wales
Registered Office: Avonbank, Feeder Road, Bristol BS2 0TB

www.westernpower.co.uk @wpduk Version 14