NATIONAL GRID SA

Title: Work Instructions Index Number: Revision Number: Page Number:

WI-NG-6460-002-020 01 1 of 5
Prepared By: Original Issue Date:
2015-07-01
Revision Date:
Tarek Mohammad Ahmad
Technical Support & Coordination Division 2023-05-08
Reviewed by:

Surge Arresters Muhammad Al-Buhairi, Division Manager

Commissioning Technical Support & Coordination Division, CSD
Validated by:

Abdulaziz M. AlKulaib, Division Manager

Standards and Procedures Division, QCD, Technical Services BL
Approved by:

Mohammed S. AlRaznah, Department Manager (A)

Commissioning Services Department, Technical Services BL

1. INTRODUCTION
Proper testing and commissioning of the new Surge Arrester is an important issue to prove
that the Surge Arrester has been properly shipped and correctly erected and installed. This
work instruction highlights the necessary steps related to the proper commissioning of the
Surge Arrester in HV and EHV substations.
All Surge Arresters must be tested in the factory before delivery to the site and must be
tested by a pre-qualified testing and commissioning contractor at the site after installation for
processing to begin the on-site testing and commissioning phase. Commissioning tests at
the site are done to prove that:
 No Surge Arrester was subjected to any damage during transportation.
 Each Surge Arrester has been installed correctly.
 Each Surge Arrester is working in coordination with other equipment, as specified.
 All installed Surge Arresters are safe for putting into service.

2. RESPONSIBILITIES
 Anyone working in the testing location during the commissioning stage must follow the
safety instructions as per SEC rules and CSD employees are responsible for applying
safety rules in all places that they are working in.
 The PMD is responsible for committing the Main Contractor to prepare the testing and
commissioning places to be done in proper climate conditions as per Company policies,
procedures and accepted temperatures the relays, devices and test equipment can be
tested or operated within it.

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 NATIONAL GRID SA

Work Instructions Index Number:

Title:
WI-NG-6460-002-020
Surge Arresters Commissioning Revision Number: Page Number:
01 2 of 5

 CSD Employee is responsible for:

o Witnessing the activities according to approved specifications and design.
o Checking and witnessing all activities required for Surge Arresters following all of this
work instruction.
o Signing the Surge Arresters checklist and the test format once testing has been
finished after checking all test values compared with Surge Arresters data schedule,
manual, nameplate, and FAT results.
 The Testing & Commissioning Contractor Engineer is responsible for:
o Providing the following before starting the test:
 Test forms
 Factory Test Results
 Approved schematic drawings (Pre-Check & Commissioning Copies).
 Test equipment valid calibration certificates and it is available in the Prequalified
Testing Equipment/Tools Approved List DS-TS-6450-006-001
 Contractor engineer pre-qualification certificate
 Technical Data Schedule
o Performing the testing and commissioning of the Surge Arresters using approved test
equipment in the presence of the CSD witness.
o Signing the Surge Arresters checklist and the test format once testing has been
finished after checking all test values compared with Surge Arresters in the data
schedule, manual, nameplate, and FAT results.

3. WORK INSTRUCTIONS
3.1. Visual Inspection
3.1.1. Visual Inspection for Stand Alone Arresters
Item Description Reference/ Criteria Limit
1. Inspect for physical damage or defects. If any physical damage is
found, the arrester must
not be proceeded for
further testing.
2. Ensure that the surge arrester is of metal oxide, gapless type 35TMSS-01
for outdoor / indoor service, as specified in Data Schedule.
3. Nameplate: 35TMSS-01
3.1. Check the nameplate material is of anti-corrosion material
and fastened to surge arrester by stainless steel screws or
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 NATIONAL GRID SA

Work Instructions Index Number:

Title:
WI-NG-6460-002-020
Surge Arresters Commissioning Revision Number: Page Number:
01 3 of 5

rivets.
3.2. The marking shall be engraved, permanently and legibly
marked in English with the following additional information:
i. The words “ ” kV Surge Arresters
ii. National Grid SA Purchase Order Number/Contract
Number/J.O. Number.
iii. 35-TMSS-01
4. Check the ratings of surge arrester as specified in Data 35TMSS-01
Schedule
4.1. The nominal discharge current for surge arrester shall not
be less than 10kA
4.2. The ratings of the surge arrester shall be as specified in 35-
TMSS-01, Table-1
5. Ensure that the surge arrester line terminal is of 4-hole 35TMSS-01
terminal pad.
6. Check tightness of all bolted connections (torque wrench
method).
7. For multi-unit stacks, check that the physical arrangement of
the units are erected according to the manufacturer’s
specifications.
8. Surge Counter:
8.1. Check that the surge arrester for system voltages of 11kV 35-TMSS-01
and above has a surge (discharge) counter along with a
built-in milli ammeter to monitor the leakage/internal current
of the surge arrester continuously.
8.2. The surge counter and leakage/internal current indicator 35-TMSS-01
unit shall be maintenance-free, weatherproof sealed type.
8.3. Check that the impulse counter and leakage current meter 35-TMSS-01
glasses are not broken or cracked.
8.4. The surge counter is non-resettable and capable of 35-TMSS-01
registering up to 2 discharges per second.
8.5. The scale range shall be 0-50 mA Peak /√2 or 0-50 mA 35-TMSS-01
Peak.
8.6. Insulated stranded copper conductor with a minimum size 35-TMSS-01
of 70 mm2 cable connection shall be provided between
surge arrester ground terminal and surge counter monitor.
The insulation withstand of the cable shall be 5kV minimum.
By pass shunt shall be provided to establish continuity to
ground from the surge arrester ground terminal for ease in
maintenance. (Contractor shall provide this cable)
9. Grounding:
9.1. Check that each arrester is provided with one grounded 35-TMSS-01
pad. Suitable for copper
conductor 70 mm 2

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 NATIONAL GRID SA

Work Instructions Index Number:

Title:
WI-NG-6460-002-020
Surge Arresters Commissioning Revision Number: Page Number:
01 4 of 5

9.2. Check the connection between discharge counter and 35-TMSS-01

grounding grid is stranded copper conductor and check its 2X 240 mm2 between
size. discharge counter &
(Contractor shall provide this conductor) ground grid

3.1.2. Visual Inspection For GIS Surge Arresters

Item Description Reference/ Criteria Limit
1. Inspect for physical damage or defects. If any physical damage is
found, the arrester must
not be proceeded for
further testing.
2. Ensure that the surge arrester is of metal oxide, gapless type 32-TMSS-02
as specified in Data Schedule. 32-TMSS-04
3. Ensure that the SF6 surge arresters is of either plug-in 32-TMSS-02
construction or the disconnecting-link type to provide 32-TMSS-04
disconnecting means for system dielectric tests.
4. Check the non-resettable surge counter having five-digit 32-TMSS-02
cyclometer dial capable of registering up to 5 discharges per 32-TMSS-04
second, leakage current monitor having a scale range of 0-50
mA peak / √2 and bypass shunt to establish continuity to
ground from the surge arrester ground terminal.

3.2. Electrical Tests

Item Description Reference/ Criteria Limit
Test the surge arrester insulation resistance at 5 kV DC. Criteria: >1 GΩ based on
1. (Ensure that the test arrester is isolated to make the test as manufacturer’s
safe as possible) information
2. Test the leakage current Milli ammeter. 35-TMSS-01
Criteria: as per the manual

35-TMSS-01, Table 1 Surge Arrester Ratings

Nominal Effectively Grounded System Non-Effectively Grounded System
System Rated Voltage Continuous Operating Rated Continuous Operating
voltage (Ur) Voltage COV (Uc) Voltage (Ur) Voltage COV COV (Uc)
(kV rms) (kV rms) (kV rms) (kV rms)
11 10 8.4 12 10.2
13.8 12 10 15 12.7
33 30 24 36 29
34.5 30 24 39 31.5
Policies and Procedures Management System Website: http://ngridsa-apps/amas/ TP-NG-6250-001-007
 NATIONAL GRID SA

Work Instructions Index Number:

Title:
WI-NG-6460-002-020
Surge Arresters Commissioning Revision Number: Page Number:
01 5 of 5

69 60 48 72 57
110 96 76 120 98
115 108 84 - -
132 120 92 132 106
230 192 152
380 360 265

4. REFERENCES
Index/Reference
Title
Number
CL-NG-6460-002-020 Checklist for Surge Arresters Commissioning
DS-NG-6460-002-020 Test Form for Surge Arresters Commissioning
32-TMSS-02 SF6 Gas Insulated Switchgear, 69kV through 380kV
32-TMSS-04 Hybrid SF6 Gas Insulated Switchgear Rated 69kV and Above
35-TMSS-01 Surge Arrester 11kV Through 380kV Nominal

5. REVISION HISTORY

Revision Date Description of Modifications/reason for Change

00 2015-07-01 First issue.

2nd issue: all items have been reviewed and updated as per the
01 2023-05-08 latest revision of the standards & specifications and practice at
site.

This document shall comply in accordance with the existing Company’s Rules and Regulations.
Any modifications/discrepancies therein found not in conformance shall be declared invalid.
For clarification and verification on this document, contact the following:

Engr. Tarek Mohammad Ahmad

Technical Support and Coordination Division
Commissioning Services Department
Technical Services Business Unit
Extension No. 77469 Email: [email protected]

Policies and Procedures Management System Website: http://ngridsa-apps/amas/ TP-NG-6250-001-007

 NATIONAL GRID SA
Title: Test Form for Surge Arresters Commissioning Index Number: DS-NG-6460-002-020, Rev. 00
Main Contractor: T&C Contactor: Contract No.: Substation:

Panel/Bay No: Desegnation: Dwg. Ref.: Serial No: Page Number: 1 of 1

1. Equipment General Data and Information

Manufacturer’s Name Serial Number
Type Year
Maximum Continuous
Rated Voltage
Operating Voltage
Nominal Discharge
Frequency
Current (KA) rms

2. Mechanical Check And Visual Inspection

Each mechanical and visual inspection included in the checklist CL-NG-6460-002-020 shall be
ticked once it has been completed, so the checklist shall be attached with this Test Form.

3. Electrical Tests
3.1. Insulation Test:
Insulation Checked With 5kV for 1 min
R Phase - Earth Y Phase - Earth B Phase - Earth. Remarks

Criteria:
3.1.1. Leakage Current Meter Calibration:

Injected Current Expected Reading Actual Reading % Error

R Y B R Y B R Y B

Criteria:

4. Test Equipment Used

Equipment Calibration
Item Description Make Calibration Due Date
Serial Number Date

CSD T&C Contractor

Name
Sign.

Date:
 NATIONAL GRID SA

Title: Checklist Index Number:

CL-NG-6460-002-020
Checklist for Surge Arresters Commissioning Revision Number: Page Number:
01 1 of 3

1.0 Equipment General Data and Information

Substation
Bay/Panel
Equipment Serial No

2.0 Visual Inspection

2.1 Visual Inspection For Stand Alone Arresters

Item Description Done Remarks

1. Inspect for physical damage or defects.
2. Ensure that the surge arrester is of metal oxide, gapless type
for outdoor / indoor service, as specified in Data Schedule.
3. Nameplate:
3.1. Check the nameplate material is of anti-corrosion material
and fastened to surge arrester by stainless steel screws or
rivets.
3.2. Ensure that the marking is engraved, permanently and
legibly marked in English with the following additional
information:
i. The words “ ” kV Surge Arresters
ii. National Grid SA Purchase Order Number/Contract
Number/J.O. Number.
iii. 35-TMSS-01
4. Check the ratings of surge arrester as specified in Data
Schedule
4.1. The nominal discharge current for surge arrester shall not
be less than 10kA
4.2. The ratings of the surge arrester shall be as specified in 35-
TMSS-01, Table-1
5. Ensure that the surge arrester line terminal is of 4-hole
terminal pad.
6. Check tightness of all bolted connections (torque wrench
method).
7. For multi-unit stacks, check that the physical arrangement of
the units are erected according to the manufacturer’s
specifications.
8. Surge Counter:
8.1. Check that the surge arrester for system voltages of 11kV
and above has a surge (discharge) counter along with a
built-in milli ammeter to monitor the leakage/internal current
of the surge arrester continuously.
 NATIONAL GRID SA

Title: Checklist Index Number:

CL-NG-6460-002-020
Checklist for Surge Arresters Commissioning Revision Number: Page Number:
01 2 of 3

8.2. The surge counter and leakage/internal current indicator

unit shall be maintenance-free, weatherproof sealed type.
8.3. Check that the impulse counter and leakage current meter
glasses are not broken or cracked.
8.4. The surge counter is non-resettable and capable of
registering up to 2 discharges per second.
8.5. The scale range shall be 0-50 mA Peak /√2 or 0-50 mA
Peak.
8.6. Insulated stranded copper conductor with a minimum size of
70 mm2 cable connection shall be provided between surge
arrester ground terminal and surge counter monitor. The
insulation withstand of the cable shall be 5kV minimum. By
pass shunt shall be provided to establish continuity to
ground from the surge arrester ground terminal for ease in
maintenance. (Contractor shall provide this cable)
9. Grounding:
9.1. Check that each arrester is provided with one grounded pad
Suitable for copper conductor 70 mm2.
9.2. Check the connection between discharge counter and
grounding grid is stranded copper conductor and check its
size 2X 240 mm2.
(Contractor shall provide this conductor)

2.2 Visual Inspection For GIS Surge Arresters

Item Description Done Remarks

1. Inspect for physical damage or defects.
2. Ensure that the surge arrester is of metal oxide, gapless
type as specified in Data Schedule.
3. Ensure that the SF6 surge arresters is of either plug-in
construction or the disconnecting-link type to provide
disconnecting means for system dielectric tests.
4. Check the non-resettable surge counter having five-digit
cyclometer dial capable of registering up to 5 discharges per
second, leakage current monitor having a scale range of 0-
50 mA peak / √2 and bypass shunt to establish continuity to
ground from the surge arrester ground terminal.
 NATIONAL GRID SA

Title: Checklist Index Number:

CL-NG-6460-002-020
Checklist for Surge Arresters Commissioning Revision Number: Page Number:
01 3 of 3

2.3 Electrical Tests

Item Description Done Remarks

1. Test the surge arrester insulation resistance at 5 kV DC.
2. Test the leakage current Milli ammeter.

CSD T&C Contractor Item Number

Name
Sign.
Date
Name
Sign.
Date