HV Authorised Person course

sparrow eye · Jul 14, 2011

Hi guys.

I'm brand new to the site so hello to all of you. I've probably posted this in the wrong sub-section but forgive me and I'll do better next time! A little about my background; I've been contracting for the last decade mainly in the commercial sector, a little light industrial, and as little domestic as possible. Recently I was offered the chance to go on the books at the local University as their full time spark. So now I find myself working in the public sector for the first time in my life, which means being qualifying manager, earning the same money for a lot less hours! Sweet deal!

The Uni are big on training (as am I), and they have booked me on a 5 day HV authorised person course (commercial). Now, I'm not altogether sure what this entails. I've searched for info but just find courses for sale. Have any of you done it? What was the content? How did you find it? And is it something I should be getting my head in the books for? I have to admit that most of the courses I've undertaken in the last few years have been so dumbed down (multiple choice) that it's not always been necessary. And I'm not sure that's a good thing. Your input on this would be gratefully received.

Knobhead · Jul 15, 2011

I’ve done the HV system management course several times. You’re “Ticket” lasts for 3 years then you have to do a 3 day refresher.
Have a look at http://www.faradaycentre.co.uk/courses/high-voltage-courses for the course content you may be going to a different place but it’ll give an idea. The HSE have stuck their noses in and it’s had to be toned down quite a bit from the first time I went. Unfortunately I’m in the middle of moving otherwise I would get my course notes out and look for the content.

Things I can remember, in no particular order:

Substation procedures
Switchgear types and operation
Cable location (watch out for this one they have a crafty trick up their sleeve, I’m not going to tell you what it is. But I’ve come across it in the real world)
Lock off and PTW systems
Sanction to test
Protection relays and systems
Writing switching procedures
Live testing on 11KV (practical)
Following a switching procedures (practical)

It’s a fun course, but it only gives you the basics.

Phasing out a live 11KV feeder is a bit daunting, only one person usually gets the chance to do it while the rest stand back and watch (don’t worry the test probes are 2’ long and it’s only 6350V to earth)

To give an idea of the HSE interference, the first time I went I was quite happily fitting links in to live LV underground link-boxes, now the course tutor has to show you how its done.

Just keep in mind it’s not just your safety when working on any distribution system. Others may rely on you following the correct procedures.

Engineer54 · Jul 15, 2011

Hi and welcome Sparrow Eye,

5 days!!! It's certainly changed since i did my ''Authorised Person'' training with the then Electricity Board!! Mine was in weeks, in i think 3 stages... Are you sure this is a authorised person course and not a Certified Person course, ....there is a big difference??

sparrow eye · Jul 16, 2011

Hi Engineer 54,

According to the course header it's an Authorised Person course. I'll see when I get there I guess. A little nervous as it's a bit out of my field.

sparrow eye · Jul 16, 2011

Thanks Tony. And is this course a pass/fail? Or is it a pay your money, turn up, collect your certificate?

Engineer54 · Jul 16, 2011

sparrow eye said:
Hi Engineer 54,

According to the course header it's an Authorised Person course. I'll see when I get there I guess. A little nervous as it's a bit out of my field.

Maybe this course your due to take, is the first part of a full Authorised Person?? I'm almost sure there was a part 1, 11, 111 when i did my training. I think there are others here that have done some HV/MV training like Durham Sparky, and Madmac. (not sure if i spelt them correctly ...haha!!) Madmac i think did the ''Certified Person'' training, as i remember....

By the way Sparrow Eye, what sort of HV/MV facilities do you have at the University, could you give us a little insight. ie, ...does your HV come in to your site/campus, supplying a Main Switchboard, that then supplies Ring Main Units/package substations around the campus in an open ring configuration??