ausgrid network technical standard template · nw000-s0095 ns199 safe electrical work on low...

NW000-S0095 UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED of 36

Network Standard

NETWORK

Document No Amendment No Approved By Approval Date Review Date

: : : : :

NW000-S0095 0 MNR&P 27/02/2017 27/02/2020

NW000-S0095 NS199 SAFE ELECTRICAL WORK ON LOW VOLTAGE UNDERGROUND ASSETS.

NS199 Safe Electrical Work On Low Voltage Underground Assets Amendment No 0


ISSUE

For issue to all Ausgrid and Accredited Service Providers’ staff working on various low voltage assets including underground pillars, pillar standards, cables and customer’s service termination boxes, and is for reference by field, technical and engineering staff.

Ausgrid maintains a copy of this and other Network Standards together with updates and amendments on www.ausgrid.com.au.

Where this standard is issued as a controlled document replacing an earlier edition, remove and destroy the superseded document.

DISCLAIMER

As Ausgrid’s standards are subject to ongoing review, the information contained in this document may be amended by Ausgrid at any time. It is possible that conflict may exist between standard documents. In this event, the most recent standard shall prevail.

This document has been developed using information available from field and other sources and is suitable for most situations encountered in Ausgrid. Particular conditions, projects or localities may require special or different practices. It is the responsibility of the local manager, supervisor, assured quality contractor and the individuals involved to make sure that a safe system of work is employed and that statutory requirements are met.

Ausgrid disclaims any and all liability to any person or persons for any procedure, process or any other thing done or not done, as a result of this Standard.

All design work, and the associated supply of materials and equipment, must be undertaken in accordance with and consideration of relevant legislative and regulatory requirements, latest revision of Ausgrid’s Network Standards and specifications and Australian Standards. Designs submitted shall be declared as fit for purpose. Where the designer wishes to include a variation to a network standard or an alternative material or equipment to that currently approved the designer must obtain authorisation from the Network Standard owner before incorporating a variation to a Network Standard in a design.

External designers including those authorised as Accredited Service Providers will seek approval through the approved process as outlined in NS181 Approval of Materials and Equipment and Network Standard Variations. Seeking approval will ensure Network Standards are appropriately updated and that a consistent interpretation of the legislative framework is employed.

Notes: 1. Compliance with this Network Standard does not automatically satisfy the requirements of a Designer Safety Report. The

designer must comply with the provisions of the Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (NSW - Part 6.2 Duties of designer of structure and person who commissions construction work) which requires the designer to provide a written safety report to the person who commissioned the design. This report must be provided to Ausgrid in all instances, including where the design was commissioned by or on behalf of a person who proposes to connect premises to Ausgrid’s network, and will form part of the Designer Safety Report which must also be presented to Ausgrid. Further information is provided in Network Standard (NS) 212 Integrated Support Requirements for Ausgrid Network Assets.

2. Where the procedural requirements of this document conflict with contestable project procedures, the contestable project procedures shall take precedent for the whole project or part thereof which is classified as contestable. Any external contact with Ausgrid for contestable works projects is to be made via the Ausgrid officer responsible for facilitating the contestable project. The Contestable Ausgrid officer will liaise with Ausgrid internal departments and specialists as necessary to fulfil the requirements of this standard. All other technical aspects of this document which are not procedural in nature shall apply to contestable works projects.

INTERPRETATION

In the event that any user of this Standard considers that any of its provisions is uncertain, ambiguous or otherwise in need of interpretation, the user should request Ausgrid to clarify the provision. Ausgrid’s interpretation shall then apply as though it was included in the Standard, and is final and binding. No correspondence will be entered into with any person disputing the meaning of the provision published in the Standard or the accuracy of Ausgrid’s interpretation.

KEYPOINTS

This standard has a summary of content labelled “KEYPOINTS FOR THIS STANDARD”. The inclusion or omission of items in this summary does not signify any specific importance or criticality to the items described. It is meant to simply provide the reader with a quick assessment of some of the major issues addressed by the standard. To fully appreciate the content and the requirements of the standard it must be read in its entirety.

AMENDMENTS TO THIS STANDARD

Where there are changes to this standard from the previously approved version, any previous shading is removed and the newly affected paragraphs are shaded with a grey background. Where the document changes exceed 25% of the document content, any grey background in the document is to be removed and the following words should be shown below the title block on the right hand side of the page in bold and italic, for example, Supersedes – document details (for example, “Supersedes Document Type (Category) Document No. Amendment No.”).

http://www.ausgrid.com.au/

KEY POINTS OF THIS STANDARD


Mandatory Safe Working

Requirements

Hazards for Underground

Cables and Connections Scope and Risks Addressed

Tools and Forms Hot Work Permit

This Network Standard applies to specific work on Ausgrid Low Voltage Assets: Service Work In Specific Low Voltage

Underground Distribution Pillars. Service Work In Old Termination

Boxes. Hazards Of Underground Jointing And

Hot Work In Special Situations. Removal Of Aluminium Sheath On

Underground Low Voltage Cables. Low Voltage Aluminium Single Core

Cables. Important Codes of practice.

Where to for more information? Section 1 - 5

Outlines the mandatory safe working requirements applicable to: Working on various styles of

underground pillars and standards. o Ex St George area ‘SDP’ and

‘Tom Thumb’ pillars o Link pillars that have exposed

links and terminations o “Menai” pillars o Old ‘Fargo’ termination systems

in the Hunter region o ‘CSB’ pillars in the ex Mackellar

County Council area o Low voltage pit and duct system o Town Pillar o Round pillars found in the upper

Hunter region o Tyco three-way commercial link

pillars o Steel framed pillars in the lower

Hunter region o Non-compliant pillar-standards o Other pillars, containing similarly

hazardous arrangements Service termination boxes.

This standard also includes requirements in relation to:

Underground Service Termination Boxes.

Underground jointing and hot work in special situations.

Removal of Aluminium Sheaths. Low Voltage Aluminium Single Core

Cables.

Tools and Forms Annexure A Sample Compliance Checklist

Where to for more information? Section 6

Where to for more information? Section 7 - 10


NW000-S0095 UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED PAGE 4 OF 36

Network Standard S0095

NS199 Safe Electrical Working on Low Voltage Assets

Contents

1.0 PURPOSE ............................................................................................................................................. 6

2.0 SCOPE .................................................................................................................................................. 6

3.0 REFERENCES ...................................................................................................................................... 6

3.1 General....................................................................................................................................... 6

3.2 Ausgrid documents .................................................................................................................... 6

3.3 Other standards and documents ................................................................................................ 6

3.4 Acts and regulations ................................................................................................................... 6

4.0 DEFINITIONS ........................................................................................................................................ 7

5.0 ASBESTOS ............................................................................................................................................ 8

6.0 REMOVAL OF ALUMINIUM SHEATH ON UNDERGROUND LOW VOLTAGE CABLES ................... 8

7.0 LOW VOLTAGE ALUMINIUM SINGLE CORE CABLES ...................................................................... 8

7.1 Cable defects ............................................................................................................................. 8

Precautionary measures ................................................................................................ 9 7.1.1

7.2 White powder on the cable lug and cable sheath ...................................................................... 9

Safety and health issues with calcium adipate ............................................................ 10 7.2.1

7.3 Swollen cable sheath and deterioration of the PVC sheath..................................................... 10

Safety and health issues with aluminium oxide ........................................................... 11 7.3.1

8.0 HAZARDS OF UNDERGROUND JOINTING NEAR GAS PIPES AND HOT WORK NEAR SERVICE STATIONS ........................................................................................................................................... 11

8.1 Underground jointing near gas pipes ....................................................................................... 11

Description of hazards.................................................................................................. 11 8.1.1

Hazard assessment and mitigation .............................................................................. 11 8.1.2

Further information and training course ....................................................................... 12 8.1.3

8.2 Hot work near service stations ................................................................................................. 12

Hot work outside the service station boundaries ......................................................... 12 8.2.1

Hot work within the service station boundaries ............................................................ 12 8.2.2

Emergency work ........................................................................................................... 12 8.2.3

Service station hazardous zones and contact officers ................................................. 13 8.2.4

9.0 SERVICE WORK IN CERTAIN LOW VOLTAGE UNDERGROUND DISTRIBUTION PILLARS ........ 13

9.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 13

9.2 Mandatory safe working requirements ..................................................................................... 13

9.3 Applicable pillars ...................................................................................................................... 14

Link pillars that have exposed links and terminations .................................................. 14 9.3.1

Ex St George area ‘SDP’ and ‘tom thumb’ pillars ........................................................ 15 9.3.2

“Menai” pillars ............................................................................................................... 15 9.3.3

Round pillars found in the upper Hunter region ........................................................... 17 9.3.4

Old ‘Fargo’ termination systems in the Hunter region .................................................. 18 9.3.5

Tyco three-way commercial link pillars ........................................................................ 18 9.3.6

Steel framed pillars in the lower Hunter region ............................................................ 20 9.3.7

‘CSB’ pillars in the ex-Mackellar County Council area ................................................. 21 9.3.8



Town pillar .................................................................................................................... 21 9.3.9

Low voltage pit and duct system. ................................................................................. 23 9.3.10

Non-compliant pillar-standards .................................................................................... 23 9.3.11

Other pillars, containing similarly hazardous arrangements ........................................ 24 9.3.12

10.0 OLD SERVICE TERMINATION BOXES INSTALLED IN CUSTOMERS’ INSTALLATIONS .............. 25

10.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 25

10.2 Underground service termination boxes .................................................................................. 25

10.3 Replacement of underground service termination boxes ........................................................ 26

Preparing to install a new service termination box ....................................................... 26 10.3.1

Material list ................................................................................................................... 26 10.3.2

Service termination box - installation flow chart ........................................................... 28 10.3.3

Preparing the enclosure for tamper-proof sealing before installation .......................... 29 10.3.4

100 Amp polymeric or PILC insulated service mains with fuse/link disconnector ....... 31 10.3.5

100 or 200 Amp polymeric or PILC insulated service mains with terminal blocks ....... 32 10.3.6

Cutting the gland hole for the service mains ................................................................ 33 10.3.7

Modifying the enclosure to make room for the gland’s lock ring .................................. 33 10.3.8

11.0 RECORDKEEPING ............................................................................................................................. 34

12.0 AUTHORITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES .......................................................................................... 34

13.0 DOCUMENT CONTROL...................................................................................................................... 34

ANNEXURE A –SAMPLE COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST ................................................................................. 35



1.0 PURPOSE

This Network Standard applies to specific work on Ausgrid Low Voltage Underground Assets.

This NS supersedes the following Customer Installations Advice (CIA) documents: 1147A, 1166, 1168, 1248 and 1299.

2.0 SCOPE

This Network Standard (NS) outlines mandatory safe electrical working requirements applicable to all Ausgrid staff, contractors and Accredited Service Providers (ASPs) working on certain low voltage underground pillars, pillar-standards and cables and customer’s service termination boxes (housing the ‘point of supply’) connected to Ausgrid’s network.

3.0 REFERENCES

3.1 General

All work covered in this document shall conform to all relevant Legislation, Standards, Codes of Practice and Network Standards. Current Network Standards are available on the Ausgrid Internet site at www.ausgrid.com.au.

3.2 Ausgrid documents

Bushfire Risk Management Plan

Connection Policy – Connection Charges

Customer Connection Contract (NECF) and related documents

Customer Installation Safety Plan

Electrical Safety Rules

Electricity Network Safety Management System Manual

ES 4 Service Provider Authorisation

NS125 Construction of Low Voltage Overhead Mains

NS127 Specification for Low Voltage Cable Joints and Terminations

NS 156 Working Near or Around Underground Cables

NS158 Labelling of Mains and Apparatus

NS181 Approval of Materials and Equipment and Network Standard Variations

NS211 Working with Asbestos Products

NS212 Integrated Support Requirements for Ausgrid Network Assets

NS261 Requirement for Design Compliance Framework for Network Standards

Public Electrical Safety Awareness Plan

Standard Form Customer Connection Contract

3.3 Other standards and documents

AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules

ENA Doc 001-2008 National Electricity Network Safety Code

Natural gas pipe damage is preventable, AGL

WorkCover Code of Practice Excavation Work (2014)

3.4 Acts and regulations

Electricity Supply (General) Regulation 2014 (NSW)

Electricity Supply (Safety and Network Management) Regulation 2014

NSW Service and Installation Rules

Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and Regulation 2011

http://www.ausgrid.com.au/



4.0 DEFINITIONS

Accredited Service Provider (ASP)

An individual or entity accredited by the NSW Department of Industry, Division of Resources and Energy, in accordance with the Electricity Supply (Safety and Network Management) Regulation 2014 (NSW).

Level 1 accreditation covers the construction of transmission and distribution works such as the installation of high voltage and low voltage distribution cables and substations (distribution work)

Level 2 accreditation covers the installation of overhead and underground service lines and metering equipment, the disconnection and reconnection of supply to carry out work on an installation and energising installations

Level 3 accreditation covers the design of electrical reticulation systems and does not require specific Ausgrid authorisation.

Business Management System (BMS)

An Ausgrid internal integrated policy and procedure framework that contains the approved version of documents.

Clearance to Work

The clearance to work form is a specially printed form used by Class 1 Operators or employees who are suitably authorised Restricted Operators, for the relevant work as specified in Ausgrid’s Electrical Safety Rules.

Customer A customer is an individual or an entity who is an end-user of electricity.

De-energise De-energised mains and apparatus are not connected to an electrical supply source. De-energised mains and apparatus are not isolated until action is taken to perform an isolation.

Document control

Ausgrid employees who work with printed copies of document must check the BMS regularly to monitor version control. Documents are considered “UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED”, as indicated in the footer.

Earthed The terms earth/earthed/earthing refer to mains and apparatus electrically connected to the general mass of the earth.

Licences A licence in relation to land or premises may grant limited use but cannot be recorded on a certificate of title and does not bind a new land owner.

Low Voltage Distributor

An electricity line rated at 1000V ac which originates at the low voltage end of a distribution substation and serves to convey electrical energy to end users via their service mains. Low voltage distributors are constructed in public roadways or through easements on private land.

LV Link A 3 phase set of individual overhead or underground links which serve as a switching point using removable links.

Network Standard

A document, including Network Planning Standards, that describes the Company's minimum requirements for planning, design, construction, maintenance, technical specification, environmental, property and metering activities on the distribution and transmission network. These documents are stored in the Network Category of the BMS repository.

Operator An operator is a person who is authorised by the Executive General Manager - System Planning & Regulation to carry out operating work

Overhead Service mains

The dedicated overhead mains extending from the overhead low voltage

distribution network to customers point of attachment.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Any clothing, device or appliance designed to be worn or held by an individual for protection against electrical or any other hazards

Pole Overhead mains conductor support, substantially composed of either wood,



concrete or metal.

Pole Substation Means a substation supported above the ground on a pole and normally supplied by overhead mains.

Review date The review date displayed in the header of the document is the future date for review of a document. The default period is three years from the date of approval. However a review may be mandated at any time where a need is identified due to changes in legislation, organisational changes, restructures, occurrence of an incident or changes in technology or work practice.

5.0 ASBESTOS

All materials and equipment used for construction of Ausgrid assets are to be free from Asbestos and or Asbestos related products.

Suppliers are expected to comply with Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS) together with the WHS Regulation 2011 and confirm in writing that all products supplied to Ausgrid contain no Asbestos related materials.

Refer to NS211 Working with Asbestos Products and other relevant documents for further information in relation to working with Asbestos.

6.0 REMOVAL OF ALUMINIUM SHEATH ON UNDERGROUND LOW VOLTAGE CABLES

The stripping of extruded aluminium sheaths (i.e. CONSAC cable) must not be done while the cable is energised.

For ASP’s a minimum of 10 working days notice must be provided to Ausgrid's Compliance Officer for the provision of this isolation.

The requirements specified in the Ausgrid Electrical Safety Rules for Working on or near LV mains and apparatus must be followed at all times where it is necessary to remove the extruded aluminium sheath from any low voltage cable.

To avoid hazardous induced voltages on LV mains and apparatus approved short circuiting methods must be applied.

The use of low voltage short circuits must be in compliance with the requirements specified in the Ausgrid Electrical Safety Rules, NS 223 and NEG-SE05-03.

7.0 LOW VOLTAGE ALUMINIUM SINGLE CORE CABLES

7.1 Cable defects

Ausgrid has identified that certain existing low voltage aluminium single core cables are susceptible to the following defects:

White powder extruding from the terminations.

Swelling of the cable sheath at locations along the cable length.

Deterioration of the PVC sheath and subsequent cracking of the HDPE insulation, leading to possible leakage current.



All such cables identified by an ASP with these defects should be reported as below:

ASP/1’s are to report the defect to the Ausgrid Compliance officer

ASP/2’s should report the defect to the relevant Installation Inspectors office.

Ausgrid staff need to report cable defects to their respective supervisor.

This clause applies to low voltage single core, stranded aluminium conductor, high density polyethylene insulated, PVC sheathed cables that were installed prior to 1985 (typically 185mm

2

and 300mm2). These identified cables are represented by the cable nomenclatures QZ and were

supplied from 1 January 1978 to 31 December 1981 (cable contracts 5300 and 5500):

Due to the electric shock risk when working on or near (i.e. In the same trench) cables of the above mentioned types should whenever reasonable, be de-energised for the duration of the work.

The following precautionary measures must be followed when:

(a) It is not reasonable to de-energise the cables

(b) Until such times de-energised cables have been proven de-energised

Precautionary measures 7.1.1

Wear an LV electrical insulating glove with an approved leather outer on each hand

If the trench is damp, wear an approved gum boot in good condition on each foot as an additional precaution. Refer to NS 165 for additional information.

Note: The above precautionary measures also apply when excavating and/or removing the cable protection covers from energised or de-energised cables.

Electrically unprotected parts of the body must not come in contact with the above energised cables or surrounding damp soil (ie, do not kneel in damp trenches containing such energised cables).

The work environment must be continuously assessed for the duration of the work. If additional precautions and/or PPE are required, work shall cease until they are implemented.

7.2 White powder on the cable lug and cable sheath

The white powder on the cable lug and cable sheath has been identified as calcium adipate. It is formed when the PVC plasticiser (an ester of adipic acid) decomposes and reacts with the calcium carbonate filler used in the cable sheath.

Calcium adipate is water soluble, and migrates to the cable ends where the water evaporates and deposits the calcium adipate. Prior to the water evaporation the wet calcium adipate may be conductive.

It is conceivable that cables other than those identified in this clause, may also experience white powder forming on the terminations because adipic acid ester was used as a plasticiser by some cable manufacturers until 1995.

If any such instances are identified by either an ASP or Ausgrid worker, they should be reported as outlined in Clause 7.1



Figure 1 White powder on the cable sheath at the termination

Safety and health issues with calcium adipate 7.2.1

Calcium adipate is not dangerous or toxic.

Adipic acid is a mild organic acid used in food preparation (ie, one of the components of baking powder); it may cause unprotected skin to dry out with repeated contact. It is recommended to wear non-absorbent gloves when handling cables which may show signs of adipic acid.

If the calcium adipate becomes airborne during the removal process, the following PPE must be worn:

Disposable respirator (with a minimum rating of P1) or a reusable respirator with a cartridge.

Eye protection.

7.3 Swollen cable sheath and deterioration of the PVC sheath This occurs where ground water has entered the conductors and caused the aluminium to corrode and produce Aluminium Oxide. This oxide occupies considerably more space than the aluminium conductor, thus placing high stress on the insulation, resulting in localised cracking as well as causing the cable sheath to swell and in some instances, crack.

Figure 2 Swollen cable sheath



Safety and health issues with aluminium oxide 7.3.1

Aluminium oxide is not dangerous or toxic.

Normal industrial hygiene (ie, washing hands with soap and water prior to eating, drinking etc) is all that is necessary after handling aluminium oxide.

If the aluminium oxide becomes airborne during the removal process, the following PPE must be worn:

Disposable respirator (with a minimum rating of P1) or a reusable respirator with a cartridge.

Eye protection.

8.0 HAZARDS OF UNDERGROUND JOINTING NEAR GAS PIPES AND HOT WORK NEAR SERVICE STATIONS

8.1 Underground jointing near gas pipes

Workers that carry out underground jointing work must be aware of the safety risks associated with using potential gas ignition sources or heat generating equipment in the vicinity of gas pipes. They must implement appropriate risk assessment and mitigation measures and adhere to a safe system of work at the work site to avoid accidents occurring. This includes the process of completing a hot work permit or similar prior to starting any hot work.

Description of hazards 8.1.1

The rupture and ignition of a gas pipe has the potential to cause a catastrophic explosion and fire resulting in death, injury and damage to property. This can be caused by either:

Ignition of gas leaking from gas pipes.

Application of excessive heat to gas pipes causing damage and rupture.

Hazard assessment and mitigation 8.1.2

The following minimum measures should be carried out as part of the worksite Hazard Assessment Check (HAC) before and during any jointing work as appropriate.

Check the location of gas pipes (as well as other services), before proceeding with any excavation work by calling Dial Before You Dig on 1100 and ensure that all excavations are manual until all gas pipes in or near the worksite are physically located.

Avoid placing any pressure or load on exposed pipework.

Do not apply heat directly to gas pipes whilst carrying out jointing work, this may involve installing plywood barriers and thermally insulating exposed pipes from excessive heat generated during jointing work. For Ausgrid workers, refer to DG 11 for detail.

Do not proceed with any work if leaking gas can be detected or a gas pipe is damaged at the work site. Contact Jemena on 131909 immediately for assistance.

Contact Jemena on 131909 to isolate gas pipes or to provide a pipeline patrol officer to stand-by during work (if appropriate).

Note: Workers are responsible for any additional necessary risk mitigation measures, as required by the particular job/site conditions)



Further information and training course 8.1.3

WorkCover Excavation Work Code of Practice (2015).

Gas Appreciation training can be arranged by contacting Jemena who will provide details of an approved training provider. This course is run on demand and covers detailed procedures for providing a safe system of work when working near or where heating processes and equipment (including the use of LPG torches, molten metal and bitumen) are used in the vicinity of plastic gas pipes

It is strongly recommended that workers avail themselves of this course, where it is relevant to their work.

8.2 Hot work near service stations

Workers that carry out hot work (ie, any work that will create a heat source that could cause any flammable liquid, gas or vapour to ignite eg. cutting (including concrete cutting), grinding, welding, drilling, machining, burning, brazing, soldering, heat shrinking etc), within the hazardous zones as specified in Table 1 below, must adhere to the following requirements. The distances specified in Table 1 are taken horizontally from the vertical plane of the edges of the tank/bowser etc. A hot work permit or similar must be completed prior to starting any hot work.

Hot work outside the service station boundaries 8.2.1

If hot work is to be performed outside the service station boundaries, the worker responsible must give the service station operator 48-hours notice that hot work is to be performed within service station hazardous zones (refer to Table 1 below). This will allow the service station operator to suspend any fuel deliveries, whilst the hot work is being carried out.

If fuel (petrol or gas) can be smelt before or during the hot work process, work must stop immediately and the worker responsible must contact the service station operator to arrange for the closing off of the bowsers, before work proceeds.

Hot work within the service station boundaries 8.2.2

If hot work is to be performed within the service station boundaries, then the worker responsible must provide the appropriate service station operator 48-hours notice that hot work is to be performed within service station hazardous zones (refer to Table 1 below). The service station operator will then arrange for the issue of a hot work permit and any site specific instructions that must be followed.

Emergency work 8.2.3

For emergency work, contact the service station operator at least one hour prior to the commencement of work, to close off the bowsers and suspend any fuel deliveries.



Service station hazardous zones and contact officers 8.2.4

Table 1 – Service station hazardous zones (immediately surrounding service station apparatus)

Service Station Apparatus Service Station Hazardous Zones

Bowsers (Petrol or LPG) 8 metres

LPG Bullet Tanks 8 metres

LPG Decanting Cylinders 8 metres

Underground Petrol Tanks (see Note 1) 4 metres

Tank Vents (see Note 2) 4 metres

Notes:

1. The distance specified for underground petrol tanks is the distance from any of the dip and fill points. Dip and fill points can be identified by steel covers located on the ground within the service station boundary.

2. Tank vents are steel pipes that allow the underground tanks to breathe.

3. The above ‘hazardous zones’ are independent of the ‘hazardous areas’ referred to in AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules (for the selection and installation of electrical equipment).

9.0 SERVICE WORK IN CERTAIN LOW VOLTAGE UNDERGROUND DISTRIBUTION PILLARS

9.1 Introduction

This clause outlines the mandatory safe working requirements applicable to all Ausgrid staff and Level 2 ASPs (ASP/2s) for the connection and disconnection of underground services within certain Ausgrid low voltage underground distribution pillars. These pillars are listed in Clause 9.3 below and are characterised by containing very hazardous arrangements of exposed live parts.

9.2 Mandatory safe working requirements Service connection or disconnection work at any of the pillars listed in Clause 9.3 below is only permitted where Ausgrid isolates the electricity supply to these pillars for the duration of this work. ASP/2s must provide a minimum of 10 working days notice to Ausgrid's respective local Installation Inspectors office, in the first instance, so that arrangements can be made for the provision of these isolation services by Ausgrid, at the customer’s cost. Refer to Ausgrid’s Connection Policy – Connection Charges for the applicable monopoly charges. Customers who will have their electricity supply interrupted, due to this isolation of supply to a pillar, will be given at least four working days notice by Ausgrid, in accordance with Ausgrid's Standard Form Customer Connection Contract.

De-energisation will in most cases require the issuing of a low voltage Clearance to Work in accordance with Ausgrid’s Electrical Safety Rules by an Ausgrid authorised operator or limited operator. ASP/2s are not authorised to accept Access Permits but can work under a low voltage Clearance to Work.

Note: Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn as per the requirements of Ausgrid's Electrical Safety Rules, prior to opening any pillar.



9.3 Applicable pillars

The above mandatory safe working requirements apply to all of the following pillars:

Link pillars that have exposed links and terminations 9.3.1

Single link or double link pillars, as shown in Figures 3a and 3b below, must be retrofitted by Ausgrid (with insulation/covering of exposed live parts), as shown in Figure 3c, prior to any service connection or disconnection work being carried out by Ausgrid or an ASP/2.

Even after the retrofit has been completed, the exposed neutral bar must be temporarily covered with insulating material prior to the connection or disconnection of services by ASP/2s, to meet the requirements of Ausgrid's Electrical Safety Rules.

Figure 3a – Typical Single Link Pillar Figure 3b – Typical Double Link Pillar

(Both to be retrofitted by Ausgrid)

Figure 3c – Typical Single link pillar (Has been retrofitted by Ausgrid)



Ex St George area ‘SDP’ and ‘tom thumb’ pillars 9.3.2

(Normally locked with Ausgrid SKN or PLN locks)

Figure 4a – Typical old ‘SDP’ pillar (ex St George area) Figure 4b – Typical old ‘Tom

Thumb’ pillar

“Menai” pillars 9.3.3

Figure 5a: Typical ‘Menai’ type pillar with steel cover

Figure 5b: Typical ‘Menai’ type pillar with polyethylene cover



Figure 5c: ‘Menai’ pillar with split metal covers

Figure 5d: ‘Menai’ pillar exposed links

Figure 5e: Polycarbonate clear cover installed over Menai pillar internals

Figure 5f: Green URD turret and wide base with Menai internals



Figure 5g: Label for pillars with Menai internals

This label is to be fitted to all Menai style pillars that have been retrofitted with the polycarbonate cover over the Menai internals.

The turrets on the original Men pillars are deemed too tight with the potential of condensation forming and falling onto the exposed link which could cause an electric arc resulting in a fire. Eventually this design pillar will be replaced with the Ausgrid standard turret and base with the polycarbonate internal cover.

WARNING: Accredited Service Providers are not allowed to work on Menai style round pillars with metal cover or with polyethylene cover. Any work on Menai pillar with split metal covers (figure 5c) must be carried out only by making the pillar de-energised and isolated.

Round pillars found in the upper Hunter region 9.3.4

WARNING: These pillars must not be opened whilst energised, due to the risk of flashover on

opening.

Figure 6 – Typical round pillar (upper Hunter region)



Old ‘Fargo’ termination systems in the Hunter region 9.3.5

In domestic applications these are buried direct in ground with a steel plate cover and in commercial applications they are located within gatic pits.

Ausgrid will replace these terminations with an above ground pillar, on a monopoly basis, at no cost to ASP/2s.

Figure 7 – Typical ‘Fargo’ termination system (Hunter region)

Tyco three-way commercial link pillars 9.3.6

Figure 8 – Typical Tyco three-way commercial link pillar, front and back

These pillars are only currently approved for use in the Central Coast region, at the existing locations detailed in Table 2.



Table 2 – Tyco three-way commercial link pillar locations (Central Coast region)

Pillar Number Location

BV-6487 O/S No. 13 Pioneer Ave, Tuggerah

BV-6494 Boundary of 14 and 16 Pioneer Ave Tuggerah (Tuggerah Business Park)

GO-839 O/S No. 27 Dane Drive, Gosford

GO-9997 O/S Woolworths Service Station, Pacific Hwy near Renwick St, Wyoming

CA-1134 West side of Pile Rd near Warringah Close, Somersby

CA-1137 Cnr Pile Rd and Trennium Rd, Somersby

CA-1139 South side of T Trennium Rd near Pinnacle Place, Somersby

CA-1141 Southern end of cul-de-sac, Pinnacle Place, Somersby

CA-1145 Western Side of Pinnacle Place near Trennium Rd, Somersby

CA-1149 Northern end of cul-de-sac, Pinnacle Place, Somersby

CA-1153 North side of S18379 in Pinnacle Place, Somersby

CA-1154 South side of S18379 in Pinnacle Place, Somersby

CA-1155 North side of Trennium Rd near Pinnacle Place, Somersby

CA-1116 Pile Rd, north of Trennium Rd, Somersby

CA-1120 East side of S18380 in Somersby Falls Rd, Somersby

CA-1121 West side of S18380 in Somersby Falls Rd, Somersby

CA-1122 West side of Pillar CA-1121 in Somersby Falls Rd, Somersby

CA-1124 West side of Pillar CA-1123 in Somersby Falls Rd, Somersby

CA-1128 East side of S18404 in Somersby Falls Rd, Somersby

CA-1129 West side of S18404 in Somersby Falls Rd, Somersby

CA-1130 Cnr Somersby Falls Rd and Myoora Rd, Somersby

CA-09139 South Eastern side of cul-de-sac Sailfind Place, Somersby

CA-09143 North Western side of cul-de-sac Sailfind Place , Somersby

CA-09144 South Eastern cnr of Somersby Falls Rd & Pile Rd, Somersby

CA-09148 South Side of Somersby Falls Rd, East of Pile Rd, Somersby

CA-1076 North Side of Somersby Falls Rd, East of Pile Rd, Somersby & S18149

For other locations where a pillar of this type could be used, approval must first be obtained from Ausgrid, by following the requirements of NS181 Approval of Materials and Equipment and Network Standard Variations.

Workers connecting and disconnecting services at these existing pillars need to exercise care to ensure correct service connections:



Steel framed pillars in the lower Hunter region 9.3.7

Figure 9 – Typical steel framed pillar (lower Hunter region) (including 50mm opening, for steel frame detection)

WARNING: These pillars must not be opened whilst energised, due to the risk of flashover on

opening.

These pillars are usually identified by a concrete base, fibreglass turret and the longest side of the (rectangular) pillar aligned parallel to the front property boundary. (This restriction does not apply after these pillars have been retrofitted by Ausgrid).

Other similar pillars with concrete bases, but without the above alignment, must be opened with caution, about 50mm initially, whilst wearing appropriate PPE, to check for the presence of a steel frame. If a steel frame is detected, the pillar must be closed immediately and contact made with Ausgrid's local Compliance Officer for ASP 1or for ASP 2 the relevant Installation Inspectors office.)in the first instance, as outlined in Clause 7.1 above.



‘CSB’ pillars in the ex-Mackellar County Council area 9.3.8

Figure 10 – Typical ‘CSB’ pillars (ex-Mackellar area)

Town pillar 9.3.9

Figure 11 – Tyco / Dulmison Town pillar



Figure 12b – Front view of low voltage switchboard

Figure 12c – Rear view of low voltage switchboard

Figure 13 – Covers fitted to town pillar

These pillars are currently found in shopping centres within the Central Coast and Sydney regions.



When work is conducted on the front of the energised low voltage switchboard, consideration shall be given to ensure only one insulated cover is removed, exposing one conductor at any one time.

Appropriate PPE, tooling and control measures shall be used.

Note: The entire pillar must be de-energised and proven de-energised before commencing any work on the rear of the LV switchboard (the side Distributor cables terminate).

Low voltage pit and duct system. 9.3.10

Figure 14 – Typical low voltage pit and duct system

This is found in South Dowling St, Moore Park; Bowman St, Pyrmont; Marine Pde (near Mons Ave), Maroubra; Great North Rd, Five Dock; Marco Ave, Revesby and Victoria Ave (Mall), Chatswood. Where work other than the operation of links must be carried out in this type of low voltage pit and duct system (ref to Fig 14), the mains and apparatus must be isolated and proven de-energised before the work is commenced.

Non-compliant pillar-standards 9.3.11

Non-compliant pillar-standards (see Figures 15a,15b) without link panels, with 6 hole and/or 3 hole service termination blocks, in lieu of link panels. Refer to figure 13 for modified pillar-standards.

Figure 15a – Non-compliant

pillar-standard Figure 15b – Non-compliant

pillar-standard



Figure 16 – Example of modified pillar-standard showing clear insulation covers.

Non compliant pillar-standards must either be:

de-energised by Ausgrid, for the duration of the work, or

modified by Ausgrid prior to the work commencing, refer to Figure 16.

Service work on the modified pillar-standards may then be carried out live, using live low voltage work principles in accordance with Ausgrid's Electrical Safety Rules.

The use of insulating screening must be used for the duration of the works (Fig 17)

Figure 17 – Example of an insulating screening kit

Other pillars, containing similarly hazardous arrangements 9.3.12

Other pillars, containing similarly hazardous arrangements of exposed live parts, not listed above. may exist as a part of Ausgrid’s Low Voltage Network. ASP’s need to consult with Ausgrid's local Installation Inspectors office in the first instance where doubt exists, prior to commencing any work, so that arrangements can be made for Ausgrid to assess and advise of the applicable mandatory safe electrical working requirements.



10.0 OLD SERVICE TERMINATION BOXES INSTALLED IN CUSTOMERS’ INSTALLATIONS

10.1 Introduction This section outlines and warns of the serious safety risks associated with live work on the following old equipment installed in certain customers’ installations:

Underground Service Termination Boxes (boxes).

Overhead Mains Connection Boxes (MCBs).

Safe electrical working requirements are outlined, including the isolation of electricity supply, to ensure safe working on this equipment.

10.2 Underground service termination boxes Old underground service termination boxes (referred to as ‘boxes’ in this document) see Figure 18, pose serious safety risks if worked on whilst the underground service mains are energised. The boxes are referred to in ES 4 Service Provider Authorisation, as ‘black bakelite wall mounted service boxes.’

Figure 18 – Typical underground service termination boxes (and below)

These boxes were principally installed in a number of customers’ installations several decades ago, when Ausgrid was converting certain areas from overhead mains supply to underground mains supply. The boxes contain the ‘point of supply’ (formerly consumers terminals) (the junction/’electrical connection’ between the underground service mains and the consumers mains of the installation) and form part of the customer’s installation. They are usually installed on the external front or side walls of buildings, but may also be installed within buildings.

Note: These boxes might also be installed in Ausgrid's low voltage or street lighting distribution systems.

WARNING: Due to the advanced age and possible deterioration of the electrical connections within many of these boxes, they pose a serious safety hazard to personnel who remove the cover from the boxes whilst the underground service mains are energised. There is a high risk of a short circuit and electrical arcing occurring.

Note: ASPs, electrical contractors and Ausgrid staff must NOT remove the cover or perform any work on these boxes, unless arrangements have been made with Ausgrid to isolate the electricity supply to the box.



ASP’s must contact the relevant local Installation Inspectors office a minimum of 10 working days in advance to arrange for this isolation work (including notification of interruption of electricity supply to affected customers) to be carried out by Ausgrid on a monopoly basis, at the customer’s cost. Refer to Ausgrid’s Connection Policy – Connection Charges for the applicable monopoly charges.

Note: De-energisation will in most cases require the issuing of a low voltage Clearance to Work in accordance with Ausgrid’s Electrical Safety Rules by an Ausgrid authorised operator or limited operator. ASP/2s are not authorised to accept Access Permits but can work under a low voltage Clearance to Work. As with other Level 2 isolation requests, this is to be arranged by the relevant local Installation Inspectors office.

The customer must replace their old box with a new box, when the customer carries out any work on the box (necessitating the isolation of electricity supply to the box).

Box replacement work (material and labour), including the associated Disconnection and Reconnection (D&R) of the underground service mains and consumers mains, is contestable work, funded and arranged by the customer. Ausgrid can provide quotations for this work on request. Refer to Clause 10.3 for specifications for suitable new boxes and associated requirements for the box replacement work.

Where emergency access is required to one of these boxes, outside normal business hours, contact Ausgrid Emergency Service on telephone number 131388.

Note: ASP/2s (category 1 or 2) must be currently authorised before being permitted to perform disconnections and reconnections of the underground service mains and consumer mains at these boxes (in accordance with this document), refer to ES 4 Service Provider Authorisation.

10.3 Replacement of underground service termination boxes

This clause specifies the requirements for replacing underground service termination boxes within customer’s installations; refer to Clause 10.2 Figure 18 for two typical examples of these boxes.

Preparing to install a new service termination box 10.3.1

Before commencing work, determine whether the existing underground service is (nominally) rated at 100 or 200 Amps. The 200 Amp replacement box does not use a fuse/link disconnector as a load break switch, it uses four service terminal blocks into which the 50mm

2 copper service cables

are terminated (see Clause 10.3.6 Figure 25). The replacement 100 Amp box may use either a load break switch or terminal blocks.

If the existing service mains are paper insulated rather than polymeric insulated, then a transition joint to polymeric cable must be installed as shown in Clause 10.3.4 Figure 23.

Material list 10.3.2

Certain types of service termination boxes are available as a kit with an Ausgrid stockcode number, as indicated below. Note: the two types of enclosures appear as items 13 and 14 in Table 3 below.

Where a kit is not available, the table below lists individual parts. The numbers in the Item column (1 to 5 only) refer to the circled numbers in Clause 10.3.4 Figure 23.



Table 3 – Material list

Item Qty Description Material Stockcode

1 -

-

Service Cable (colour-coded cores) 16mm2 or

Service Cable (colour-coded cores) 50mm2

copper

copper

148668

149112

2 3 Mechanical Connector Brass 177742

3 4 Mastic–lined Heatshrink Sleeve See Note 1

4 1 4-way Mastic Lined Glove See Note 1

5 - Mastic–lined Heatshrink Sleeve MWTM 50/16 Cut 150mm length

143776

6 - Jointing Compound H19293

7 1 50mm conduit coupler (Clipsal part no. 242/50) Grey plastic

Buy in

8 - 50mm conduit Grey plastic

78097

9 2 50mm conduit saddle Gal steel 66019

10 - 40mm conduit Grey plastic

78089

11 2 40mm conduit saddle Gal steel H9290

12 - PVC solvent cement 38463

13 1 Enclosure (Legrand part no. 350 28) - 100/200A Grey plastic

178964

14 1 Enclosure with Base Plate, Load Break Switch & “Danger Electricity” Sticker (Legrand part no. 350 33) - 100A only

Grey plastic

178801

15 1 3 hole terminal block 176271

16 1 50mm gland for service mains conduit (Clipsal P/N 263/50)

Grey plastic

Buy in

17 1 Gland to suit consumer mains conduit Grey plastic

Buy in

18 2 Anti-tamper seals Plastic 176781

19 - Plastic silicone adhesive Dow Corning 739 available from Blackwoods P/N 0095 1830

Silicone Buy in

20 1 “DANGER ELECTRICITY” sticker Sticker 69708

Note 1: The heatshrink components (except for Item 5) required for the multi-core cable terminations are packaged as a single kit and are available on stockcode 74104.



Service termination box - installation flow chart 10.3.3

(Any reference to Fig 19 needs to be changed to Fig 23 Fig 23 changed to Fig 27)



Preparing the enclosure for tamper-proof sealing before installation 10.3.4

Before installation, the service termination box must be drilled at diagonally opposite corners to allow for sealing with tamper-proof sealing line after installation. (The enclosure which contains the disconnector has already been pre-drilled).

Figure 19– Lid Removed Figure 20 - Drilling

Figure 21 – Lock Down Lid Figure 22– Both Corners Drilled

STEPS:

1. Remove lid from enclosure as in Figure 18 and locate the small hole shown to the upper right of the lid’s locking mechanism.

2. Drill a 3mm hole as in Figure 20, taking care to angle the drill’s point away from the enclosure by about 20° from vertical (this is important for step 3).

3. As in Figure 21 lock down the lid onto the enclosure and drill up through the hole made in step 2, again at about 20° from vertical, so that the drill bit pierces the lid.

4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 on the diagonally opposite corner. The enclosure is now ready to receive the sealing lines, as shown in Figure 22.

5. Fix the “DANGER ELECTRICITY” sticker to the enclosure’s lid as shown in Figure 22



Figure 23 – Transition joint, extension of AL3 PALNZ cables for service termination box (LV1-4)

Notes:

1. Item 5 is applied over the wipe and shrunk into position prior to installing the four-way glove.

2. Using a wire brush, abrade the surface of the aluminium conductors. Apply jointing compound (stockcode H19293) to all aluminium conductors. Using a different wire brush, again abrade the surface of the aluminium conductors prior to terminating into the connectors.

3. Stagger the location of the connectors as shown.



100 Amp polymeric or PILC insulated service mains with fuse/link 10.3.5disconnector

If the service mains are paper insulated and/or require extending, the extension shall be constructed in accordance with LV1-4 (see Figure 23) and housed inside the conduit.

(Change ref to Fig 19 to Fig 23)

Figure 24– 100 Amp polymeric or PILC insulated service mains with fuse/link disconnector

Notes:

1. The enclosure fitted with a base plate, load break switch and warning sticker is available under stockcode 178801 (see Clause 7.3.2 Table 3).

2. If the conduit is 50mm, then use Clipsal gland (Part No. 263/50) with lock ring 260/50 and if the conduit is 40mm, then use Clipsal gland (Part No. 263/40) with lock ring 260/40.



100 or 200 Amp polymeric or PILC insulated service mains with 10.3.6terminal blocks

Use the smaller Legrand enclosure (P/N 350 28) available on stockcode 178964 (see Clause 7.3.2 Table 3), (as a load break switch is not being installed).

(Change ref. to Fig 19 to Fig 23)

Figure 25– 100 or 200 Amp polymeric or PILC insulated service mains with terminal blocks

Note: If the conduit is 50mm, then use Clipsal gland (Part No. 263/50) with lock ring 260/50 and if the conduit is 40mm, then use Clipsal gland (Part No. 263/40) with lock ring 260/40.



Cutting the gland hole for the service mains 10.3.7

Use Figure 26 below, to accurately locate the 50mm gland, for a 50mm service conduit. Note the 6mm minimum distance for the gland hole, (this is essential for fitting the gland’s lock ring).

Figure 26 – Locating the 50mm gland hole on the enclosure

Modifying the enclosure to make room for the gland’s lock ring 10.3.8

In order to fit the 50mm gland lock ring, remove a mounting tab and its supporting flanges from inside the enclosure, as shown in Figure 27.

Use pliers to break off the flanges and use side cutters to cut off the mounting tab.

Figure 27– Gland’s Lock Ring Modification



11.0 RECORDKEEPING

The table below identifies the types of records relating to the process, their storage location and retention period.

Table 4 – Recordkeeping

Type of Record Storage Location Retention Period*

Approved copy of the network standard

BMS Network sub process Standard – Company

Unlimited

Reference documents used during amendment/creation process

TRIM Work Folder for Network Standards (Trim ref. 2014/21250/143)

10 years (ref GA 40)

Working documents such as, impact assessment key changes and approval form.

TRIM Work Folder for Network Standards (Trim ref. 2014/21250/143)

10 years (ref GA 40)

* The following retention periods are subject to change eg if the records are required for legal matters or legislative changes. Before disposal, retention periods should be checked and authorised by the Records Manager.

12.0 AUTHORITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

For this network standard the authorities and responsibilities of Ausgrid employees and managers in relation to content, management and document control of this network standard can be obtained from the Company Procedure (Network) – Production/Review of Network Standards. The responsibilities of persons for the design or construction work detailed in this network standard are identified throughout this standard in the context of the requirements to which they apply.

13.0 DOCUMENT CONTROL

Content Coordinator : Electrical Safety Manager

Distribution Coordinator : Engineering Information and Services Manager



Annexure A –Sample Compliance Checklist