Temporary use of medium voltage cable for generator testing

[poolepower]

We sell and install standby and emergency generator sets / systems that range from 20kW to 2.5mW and voltage ranges up to 12,470.

The issue is that our company has grown considerbly in the past years and I would like to write a policy regarding loadbank testing of medium voltage generator systems with my main concern being safety and meeting NEC, OSHA, and NCDOL standards. My problem is that it seems that the technician's have their own way of doing things. I want testing to be safe and meet all codes and standards, something I can point out to them.

What I need help with references regarding the type of cable to be used, distances allowed, etc. when connecting a gerneator system to a transformer then to a loadbank.

Also, I want to include in my policy cable inspection before use and serviceability. I have before me the reference books I need but I am not really able to grasp what codes and sub-paragraphs I need to put in this policy.

Anyone willing to assist? Thanks

 

[petersonra]

I don't see how this is any different than any other electrical installation.

No access to live parts.

Lock out, tag out.

etc

I don't see that the length of the cables is an issue.

 

[weressl]

We sell and install standby and emergency generator sets / systems that range from 20kW to 2.5mW and voltage ranges up to 12,470.

The issue is that our company has grown considerbly in the past years and I would like to write a policy regarding loadbank testing of medium voltage generator systems with my main concern being safety and meeting NEC, OSHA, and NCDOL standards. My problem is that it seems that the technician's have their own way of doing things. I want testing to be safe and meet all codes and standards, something I can point out to them.

What I need help with references regarding the type of cable to be used, distances allowed, etc. when connecting a gerneator system to a transformer then to a loadbank.

Also, I want to include in my policy cable inspection before use and serviceability. I have before me the reference books I need but I am not really able to grasp what codes and sub-paragraphs I need to put in this policy.

Anyone willing to assist? Thanks

In addition to the follow-up comments when operating the testgear on the MV system make sure there is a way to discharge residual energy/voltage before proceeding with LOTO and disconnecting the leads. As always; measure before touch.

But using the same cable - as the title of your article indicated it but you not elaborated on it in the text - for LV and MV testing may not be practical. I would guess that the load-bank would be different as the insualtors on that would need to be much higher rated for the MV units. You certainly would not want to use LV cable and resistors on MV systems and using MV cables on LV system would be a waste of cables. Of course several sets of different cables would probaly cover the spectrum.

One set for up to 1kV, one set for up to 8kV and one set for 15kV. You may choose to make only a set for 15kV and use it for the 4160V and 7200V applications also.

 

[petersonra]

One set for up to 1kV, one set for up to 8kV and one set for 15kV. You may choose to make only a set for 15kV and use it for the 4160V and 7200V applications also.

seems like you might need more than one set to cover 20kW upto 2.5MW. (I am sort of assuming the MW part, the OP did say mW).