Developing Competence Through In House Switchgear Commissioning Training
At Northern HV, we recognise that delivering safe, reliable high voltage services starts with investing in our people. To further strengthen the skills and competence of our engineering team, we recently delivered an intensive five day in house switchgear commissioning training programme.
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Project Overview
At Northern HV, we recognise that delivering safe, reliable high voltage services starts with investing in our people. To further strengthen the skills and competence of our engineering team, we recently delivered an intensive five day in house switchgear commissioning training programme. The purpose of the programme was to focus on the practical principles of medium voltage switchgear commissioning.
The programme brought together three engineers for a combination of classroom learning, practical commissioning activities and competency assessment. This helped to ensure they developed both the technical knowledge and practical skills required to carry out commissioning work safely and confidently on site.
Training Objectives
The primary objective of the course was to develop the engineers' confidence, competence and understanding of the safety requirements associated with switchgear commissioning.
Whilst the practical exercises were based around a Schneider RN2D Ring Main Unit and Schneider MU2D metering unit. The commissioning techniques and engineering principles taught throughout the programme are applicable across many common types of medium voltage switchgear.
Equipment Used
The practical training was completed using industry recognised equipment, including:
- Schneider RN2D Ring Main Unit
- Schneider MU2D Metering Unit
- T&R DMO200 Digital Micro Ohmmeter
- Megger MIT515 Insulation Resistance Tester
- PFT302CE Hi Pot Tester
Providing engineers with hands-on experience using the equipment they regularly encounter in the field helps reinforce best practice and builds confidence when undertaking live client projects.
Commissioning Activities
Throughout the programme, the engineers completed a wide range of practical commissioning tasks, including:
- Pre commissioning inspections
- Mechanical interlock verification
- Contact resistance testing
- Insulation resistance testing
- Power frequency withstand testing
- Current transformer ratio testing
- Voltage transformer ratio testing
Each activity was designed to replicate real world commissioning procedures. Helping to ensure delegates gained practical experience alongside a clear understanding of the engineering principles behind each test.
Building Technical Competence
Beyond learning how to operate specialist test equipment, the programme focused on developing the wider competencies required of a professional commissioning engineer.
Engineers strengthened their understanding of:
- Safe working practices
- Commissioning procedures and methodology
- Correct application of specialist test equipment
- Interpretation of test results
- Practical switchgear verification techniques
- Instrument transformer ratio verification
The course concluded with a practical and knowledge based assessment on Day Five, providing an opportunity to demonstrate competence before applying these skills on client projects.
Investing in Quality
Continuous professional development is a key part of Northern HV's commitment to delivering safe, compliant and high quality engineering services. By investing in structured in-house training, we ensure our engineers continue to develop the technical expertise, practical ability and confidence required to commission medium voltage electrical systems to the highest standards.