Substation Commissioning Checklist

Using eAuditor Audits & Inspections  for substation commissioning is a great way to streamline inspections, ensure thoroughness, and maintain documentation. Below is a general substation commissioning checklist that can be used with eAuditor Audits & Inspections. It includes a wide range of items typically checked during the commissioning process.

Substation Commissioning Checklist

1. General Information

• Site Name/Location:
• Commissioning Date:
• Commissioning Engineer(s):
• Weather Conditions:
• Substation Voltage Level:
• Type of Substation: (AIS/GIS)
• Main Contractor:
• Subcontractor(s):

2. Pre-Commissioning Checks

• Site Access:
  • Ensure clear access to the site for equipment and personnel.
  • Verify access control and safety measures in place.
• Documentation:
  • Verify as-built drawings are complete and available.
  • Equipment manuals and manufacturer instructions on site.
  • Safety documentation and risk assessments reviewed.
• Environmental Checks:
  • Ensure proper grounding of all substation equipment.
  • Check the drainage system and flood prevention measures.
  • Check for environmental protections (oil containment, chemical handling).

3. Health, Safety, and Security

• PPE available and in use (hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, etc.).
• Verify all personnel are trained in emergency protocols.
• First-aid kits and emergency contact numbers on site.
• Fire extinguishers are accessible and functional.
• Warning signage properly posted (high-voltage, arc flash, etc.).
• Security systems (CCTV, fencing) operational.

4. Transformer Testing

• Transformer Type: (Oil/ Dry-type / Gas-insulated)
• Pre-Energization Testing:
  • Insulation resistance (megger test).
  • Transformer turns ratio (TTR) test.
  • Sweep frequency response analysis (SFRA).
  • Oil sampling and testing (if applicable).
  • Power factor/dissipation factor test.
  • Neutral grounding resistances tested.
• Protection Systems:
  • Check Buchholz relay function.
  • Confirm OLTC (on-load tap changer) operation and control.
  • Verify protection relay settings as per the design.
  • Test the functionality of cooling systems (fans, pumps, oil circulation).

5. Circuit Breakers

• Pre-Energization Testing:
  • Insulation resistance test.
  • Circuit breaker timing test.
  • Contact resistance measurement.
  • Functional operation test (open/close command).
  • Check SF6 pressure level (for gas-insulated breakers).
  • Gas leak detection (if applicable).
  • Verify auxiliary contacts.
• Operational Checks:
  • Trip and close mechanism functional.
  • Spring charging motor and hydraulic system operational.
  • Confirm correct relay tripping action.

6. Switchgear

• Visual inspection for damage or defects.
• Insulation resistance tests.
• Circuit isolation tested.
• Operational testing (manual and remote controls).
• Earthing system verification.
• Phase verification (polarity checks).
• Confirm interlocking system works as designed.

7. Protection Systems

• Protection Relay Testing:
  • Overcurrent relay tested.
  • Differential relay tested.
  • Distance protection tested.
  • Backup protection functional.
  • Verify relay communication to SCADA/DCS systems.
• Alarm Systems:
  • Audible and visual alarms tested.
  • SCADA alarm verification.
  • Backup power supplies tested for alarms.

8. Control and Instrumentation

• Verify SCADA/DCS connectivity.
• Confirm all communication cables are properly terminated.
• Ensure correct time synchronization between substation devices.
• Voltage, current, and power metering accuracy.
• Verify CTs (current transformers) and PTs (potential transformers) are correctly installed and connected.
• Signal checks from field devices (voltage/current transducers, temperature sensors, etc.).

9. Grounding System

• Visual inspection of grounding system.
• Grounding system resistance test (earth resistance).
• Verify connection to ground grid.
• Confirm grounding connections to all equipment.
• Test continuity of grounding system.

10. Battery and Auxiliary Power Systems

• Battery bank installation inspection.
• Verify automatic changeover to backup power.
• Battery voltage and current measurement.
• Battery load test.
• Test charger function and alarms.

11. Busbar and Insulators

• Insulation resistance test of busbars.
• Visual inspection of busbars and insulators.
• Confirm correct phase identification and connections.
• Check for proper clearance from other equipment.

12. Cables and Wiring

• Cable Testing:
  • Cable megger testing.
  • High-potential (Hi-Pot) test.
  • Cable sheath testing.
• Cable Installation:
  • Verify correct routing and labeling.
  • Terminations and joints properly executed.
  • Adequate cable supports and fixings installed.

13. Lightning Arresters

• Visual inspection of lightning arresters.
• Verify the installation and grounding.
• Measure insulation resistance of the lightning arresters.

14. Final Energization Checks

• Confirm final relay settings.
• Pre-energization checks completed and signed off.
• Final review of all test results.
• Approval from all stakeholders for energization.

15. Post-Energization Tests

• Voltage and load checks under operational conditions.
• Monitor for unusual noises, overheating, or abnormal behavior.
• Test automatic voltage regulation system.
• Monitoring of equipment behavior for the first 24 hours post-energization.

16. Sign-Off

• Inspection Completed By:
  • Name/Signature:
  • Date:
• Reviewed By (Supervisor):
  • Name/Signature:
  • Date:
• Client Representative Approval:
  • Name/Signature:
  • Date:

How to Use Substation Commissioning Checklist in eAuditor Audits & Inspections:

1. Create or use existing Substation Commissioning Checklist: Create a new template in eAuditor Audits & Inspections and use existing Substation Commissioning Checklist or build the checklist.
2. Customize Fields: Adjust any fields to meet the specific requirements of the substation project, adding or removing tests based on equipment.
3. Set up Automation: Use eAuditor Audits & Inspection’s automation tools to set reminders for key inspections or follow-ups during and after the commissioning.
4. Add Photos & Comments: Use eAuditor Audits & Inspection’s feature to attach images, comments, and evidence of inspections for each section.
5. Generate Reports: After completing the checklist, generate and share reports instantly with the team.

By utilizing eAuditor Audits & Inspections for substation commissioning, you can ensure that all key tasks are performed, documented, and communicated efficiently.