COURSE OVERVIEW:

Transient overvoltages, whether caused by lightning or switching events, pose a significant threat to the insulation integrity of high-voltage systems. This course provides a detailed technical exploration of surge phenomena and the specialized protection equipment designed to mitigate these risks. Participants will explore the physics of traveling waves and learn how to implement effective surge protection strategies to prevent equipment damage and unplanned outages.

The scope of this training addresses the selection, application, and testing of surge arresters and transient voltage suppressors across the power network. It covers the technical nuances of insulation coordination, focusing on how to match the protective characteristics of arresters with the Basic Insulation Level (BIL) of transformers and switchgear. The curriculum provides a detailed focus on the installation and grounding of surge protection devices to ensure maximum discharge efficiency.

Coverage includes the implementation of monitoring and diagnostic techniques to verify the health of surge arresters in the field. Attendees will learn to interpret surge counter data and utilize thermal imaging to identify failing units before they cause a system fault. By combining theoretical wave analysis with practical equipment management, the course equips professionals with the expertise required to harden high-voltage infrastructure against the destructive power of electrical surges.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

• Identify the primary sources of surges: Lightning and Switching.
• Explain the physics of traveling waves in power systems.
• Differentiate between various surge arrester technologies (Gapless ZnO).
• Perform insulation coordination based on BIL and protection margins.
• Select appropriate surge arresters for transmission and distribution.
• Determine the optimal placement of arresters in a substation.
• Calculate the impact of lead length and grounding on surge protection.
• Interpret surge arrester nameplate data and characteristics.
• Utilize surge counters and leakage current monitors for diagnostics.
• Perform thermal imaging and insulation testing on surge equipment.
• Analyze surge-related equipment failures and root causes.
• Adhere to international standards (IEC 60099) for surge protection.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

This course is intended for Protection Engineers, Substation Maintenance Teams, Electrical Designers, and Asset Managers responsible for equipment reliability.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximize the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.