Free Expert Guides on Power Systems, Circuit Design & Electrical Troubleshooting

Causes of Transformer FiresTransformers can catch fire due to several critical issues, includingexcessive overheating,severe short circuits,faults in the insulating oil, andlightning strikes. While transformer fires are relatively uncommon, their consequences can be devastating. As depicted in the figure below, a transformer engulfed in fire is often irreparably damaged within minutes. However, it is crucial to address the potential impact of such fires on adjacent equipment and structures, as p

IntroductionAtmospheric lightning strikes on overhead lines, bare conductors, or metallic structures in outdoor substations, as well as overvoltages caused by switching operations of equipment and networks (switching overvoltages), pose significant hazards to electrical equipment. To protect equipment and facilitate insulation coordination,surge arresters(also known as "lightning arresters") must be installed at the incoming/outgoing points of overhead lines and in close proximity to transformer

What is Protective Multiple Earth (PME)?Protective Multiple Earth (PME) is a safety grounding method where the earth continuity conductor (ground wire) in a consumer’s premises is connected toboth the local earthing systemandthe neutral conductor of the power supply. Also known asTN-C-SorMultiple Earther Neutral (MEN), this system ensures that if the neutral wire breaks, fault currents can still safely return to the source through the earth connection, minimizing the risk of electric s

Substations: An Overview of Power Transfer HubsA substation serves as a crucial intermediary in the power delivery process, facilitating the transfer of electrical energy from the generation source to end - users. It is equipped with various essential components, including transformers, generators, and power cables, all of which play integral roles in ensuring efficient power transmission. The core functions of a substation encompass power generation, transmission, and distribution.Substations t

DefinitionAn electrical insulating material is defined as a substance that restricts the flow of electricity through it. In such materials, electric charges do not move freely; instead, they offer a highly resistive pathway, making it extremely difficult for electric current to pass. One of the primary applications of electrical insulating materials is in overhead transmission lines, where they are placed between the towers and conductors. Their role here is to prevent the leakage of electric cu

What is a Surge Arrester?A surge arrester is a crucial voltage - limiting device typically installed within the equipment panel of an electrical installation. Its primary function is to safeguard the insulation, equipment, and machinery from various electrical hazards. It not only shields against the damaging effects of lightning strikes but also protects against transient overvoltages generated by events such as switching operations, arcing, load shedding, and electrical faults like ground faul

Common Faults in Overhead LinesThe most prevalent causes of faults in overhead lines include: External Impacts: Aircraft collisions and vehicle - related incidents that damage the lines and supporting structures. Wildlife Interference: Birds and animals causing disruptions, such as perching in a way that interferes with electrical components or creating short - circuits. Insulator Degradation: Insulators becoming contaminated, which can lead to electrical failures. Weather - Related Issues: Exce

Introduction to Fault Current LimiterIn recent times, with the surging demand for energy, robust development in power generation and transmission has gained significant importance and has become a fundamental necessity. However, in any power generation system, short circuits pose one of the most persistent and challenging problems, and their impact is intensifying as the scale of generation expands. The issues caused by short or fault currents are multifaceted: Thermal Stress on Equipment: Unbea

Why is Mostly Solid Bare Conductor Used for Grounding Instead of Insulated Wire?A ground wire, also known as a grounding wire or ground conductor, as the name implies, is an electrical wire connected from the transformer and main panel (or distribution board) to the ground rod or earthing plate via an earthing lead buried in the ground or Earth. It is connected to all metallic parts that may come into contact with the human body to prevent electric shocks in case the hot (phase or line) wire acc

Feeder ProtectionDefinitionFeeder protection refers to safeguarding electrical feeders against faults to ensure the uninterrupted power supply of the grid. Feeders transmit electrical energy from substations to the load end. Given their crucial role in the power distribution network, protecting feeders from various types of faults is of utmost importance. The primary requirements for feeder protection are as follows: Selective Tripping: During a short - circuit event, only the circuit breaker cl