Section Cover Page

Section 26 29 90
Low Voltage Power
System Maintenance

2008-06-02

Use this Section to specify maintenance requirements for Low Voltage Power Systems (under 750
Volts), including inspection and report requirements.
Repair or replacement services are not included in this Section.
This Master Specification Section contains:
.1

Cover Sheet

.2

Specifications Section Text:

1.
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.8
1.9

General
Intent
Related Work Not Provided Under This Contract
Regulatory Requirements
Appended Documents
Reference Documents
Safety Procedures
Contractors Qualifications
Inspection and Testing Reports
Inquiries

2.

Products
(Not used)

3.
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8
3.9

Execution
General Cleaning Requirements
Power Transformers, Dry Type
Maintenance of Switchgear Enclosures
Maintenance of Low Voltage Air Circuit Breakers
Fused or Unfused LB and NLB Disconnect Switchgear
Maintenance of Protective Relays
Maintenance of Overhead Radial Power Lines
Surge Arrestors
Deficiency List and Cost Estimate

PMSMS

Property Management Services Master Specification

Alberta Infrastructure
Master Specification System

Page 0

Section Cover Page (continued)

Section 26 29 90
Low Voltage Power
System Maintenance

2008-06-02
.3

Appended Section 26 29 90A - Low Voltage Power System Maintenance Inspection Reports:
.1
.2
.3
.4
.5
.6
.7
.8
.9
.10
.11
.12
.13

.4

Air Type Circuit Breaker Test Form - Part A

Air Type Circuit Breaker Test Form - Part B
Disconnect Switch Test Form - Part A
Disconnect Switch Test Form - Part B
Dry Type Transformer Test Form - Part A
Dry Type Transformer Test Form - Part B
Dry Type Transformer Test Form - Part C
Overhead Radial Power Lines Test Form
Protective Relays Test Form
Surge Arrestor Test Form
Switchgear Test Form - Part A
Switchgear Test Form - Part B
Switchgear Test Form - Part C

Appended Section 26 29 90B - Low Voltage Power System Maintenance Equipment Schedule.

PMSMS

Property Management Services Master Specification

Alberta Infrastructure
Master Specification System

Page 01

Section Cover Page (continued)

2008-06-02

Section 26 29 90
Low Voltage Power
System Maintenance

Prior to issuing this document for bidding purposes:

.1

Examine all available site records, i.e.:

- equipment description
- shop drawings
- operational maintenance manuals and data

.2

Obtain electrical single line control diagram, if required, providing reference to project plan
number and drawing number, from:
Office of the Tender Administrator
Main Floor, 6950 - 113 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5V7
Telephone (780) 427-3962

.3

Complete all portions of Section 26 29 90B - Low Voltage System Maintenance Power
Equipment Schedule.
The need for repair or replacement of faulty or non-operating components and devices will
normally be identified in the Inspection Report submitted by Contractor performing work of this
Section.

.4

Complete equipment schedule. Inventory all equipment to be tested. Prepare Section

26 29 90B prior to issuing this Section for bidding purposes. See Data Sheet Page 03 For an
example.

PMSMS

Property Management Services Master Specification

Alberta Infrastructure
Master Specification System

Page 02

Data Sheet Equipment Schedule

Section 26 29 90
Low Voltage Power
System Maintenance

2008-06-02

This Equipment Schedule is provided as an example only. Refer to Section 26 29 90B and Section
Cover Sheet for details.
Equipment

Make

Model

Quantity

Power Transformer, Dry Type

Switchgear Enclosure
Low Voltage Air Circuit Breakers
Fused LB Disconnect Switchgear
Unfused LB Disconnect Switchgear
Fused NLB Disconnect Switchgear
Unfused NLB Disconnect Switchgear
Induction Disc Relays
Overcurrent Relays
Solid State Relays
Overhead Power Line Insulators
Overhead Power Line Connectors
Overhead Power Line Wooden Poles
Overhead Power Line Metal Tower Structure
Surge Arrestors

PMSMS

Property Management Services Master Specification

Alberta Infrastructure
Master Specification System

Page 03

Alberta Infrastructure
1.

GENERAL

1.1

INTENT

Section 26 29 90
Low Voltage Power System Maintenance
Equipment Schedule
Page 1

.1

This Section specifies maintenance service requirements for low voltage power systems.

.2

Provide labour and equipment for testing of existing low voltage power systems.

.3

At completion of inspection and testing, restore equipment to serviceable condition and

recommission equipment.

1.2

RELATED WORK NOT PROVIDED UNDER THIS CONTRACT

.1

1.3

Repairs or replacement of faulty, or non-operating components is not included in this

Section.
REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS

.1

Comply with Electrical Protection Act of Alberta and rules and regulations made pursuant
thereto, including the Canadian Electrical Code.

.2

Unless otherwise indicated, references in Contract Documents to "Canadian Electrical

Code" or "CEC" shall mean edition of Canadian Electrical Code, Part I, CSA C22.1 and
variations made thereto by Alberta regulations, which are in force on date of bid closing
for Contract.

.3

Electrical products shall be approved by Canadian Standards Associations (CSA) and bear
CSA label. Alternatively, where a product does not bear a CSA label, it shall be approved
in writing by authority having jurisdiction.

.4

Submit to authority having jurisdiction and utility company, necessary number of drawings
and specifications for examination and approval prior to commencement of work. Pay
associated fees.

Alberta Infrastructure
1.4

Section 26 29 90
Low Voltage Power System Maintenance
Equipment Schedule
Page 2

APPENDED DOCUMENTS
.1

Section 26 29 90A - Low Voltage System Maintenance Inspection Report is appended to

this Section and consists of the following:
.1
.2
.3
.4
.5
.6
.7
.8
.9
.10
.11
.12
.13

Air Type Circuit Breaker Test Form - Part A

Air Type Circuit Breaker Test Form - Part B
Disconnect Switch Test Form - Part A
Disconnect Switch Test Form - Part B
Dry Type Transformer Test Form - Part A
Dry Type Transformer Test Form - Part B
Dry Type Transformer Test Form - Part C
Overhead Radial Power Lines Test Form
Protective Relays Test Form
Surge Arrestor Test Form
Switchgear Test Form - Part A
Switchgear Test Form - Part B
Switchgear Test Form - Part C

.2

Section 26 29 90B - Low Voltage Power Equipment Schedule

.3

Appended Drawing: indicates general configuration of site electrical distribution and is

provided for information purposes only.

1.5

REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
.1

Comply with applicable standards of following organizations:

.1

Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers Association of Canada (EEMAC).

.2

National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA).

.3

Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE).

.4

Insulated Power Cable Engineers Association (IPCEA).

.5

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

Section 26 29 90
Low Voltage Power System Maintenance
Equipment Schedule
Page 3

Alberta Infrastructure
1.6

SAFETY PROCEDURES
.1

1.7

The following safety procedures are additional to the requirements of article

1.3 - Regulatory Requirements:
.1

De-energize equipment to be worked on.

.2

Carry out system switching and isolation of equipment.

.3

At point of isolation, rack out and tag, or lock off and tag switches or breakers.
Place tag and safety lock at points of isolation.

.4

Discharge equipment to be worked on and place safety grounds to protect

personnel.

.5

On completion of the Work and prior to return of system to normal, remove safety
grounds and signify:
.1

that equipment is in a safe condition to energize, and,

.2

personnel, including Minister's personnel, have been informed that

equipment must be considered energized.

CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS
.1

Work of this Section shall be performed by personnel with proven experience in

maintenance and testing of power system equipment.

.2

Foreman employed for this project shall be a licensed journeymen electrician holding
current journeyman's certificate in the Province of Alberta.

.3

Personnel shall be experienced in use of required test equipment.

1.8

INSPECTION AND TESTING REPORTS

.1

Record inspection and test results on appropriate forms included in Section 26 29 90A Low Voltage System Maintenance Inspection Report, appended to this Section.

.2

Provide separate typed report, appended to Inspection Report, summarizing noteworthy

problems or items, with recommended action.

.3

Record comparisons of test data with previous records, with comments on deviations and
observed trends.

.4

Upon completion of inspections and tests, assemble three copies of reports and submit to
Minister.

Section 26 29 90
Low Voltage Power System Maintenance
Equipment Schedule
Page 4

Alberta Infrastructure
2.

PRODUCTS
(Not Used)

3.

EXECUTION

3.1

GENERAL CLEANING REQUIREMENTS

.1

Clean each equipment component as specified herein.

.2

Use liquid cleaners which will not cause deterioration of equipment.

.3

Where applicable, use only clean lint free cloth and clean brushes.

3.2

POWER TRANSFORMERS, DRY TYPE

.1

Strictly adhere to required procedures for system switching operations. Switching, deenergizing and energizing shall be performed by authorized personnel only.

.2

Completely isolate transformers to be tested and inspected, from sources of power.

.3

General:
.1

The following tests and procedures shall apply to dry type distribution
transformers:
.1
.2
.3
.4
.5

.4

Visual inspection and cleaning.

Insulation power factor test.
Ratio test.
Insulation resistance test.
Core ground test.

Visual inspection and cleaning:

.1

Record nameplate data.

.2

Check bushings and insulators for chips or cracks.

.3

Check tap changer for connection and proper mechanical and electrical operation,
if applicable.

.4

Check operation of temperature, and alarm devices through simulation test, if

applicable.

.5

Verify wiring is in accordance with manufacturer's schematic diagram.

Section 26 29 90
Low Voltage Power System Maintenance
Equipment Schedule
Page 5

Alberta Infrastructure
.6

Check enclosures for signs of corona deterioration, overheating or carbonization.

.7

Cleaning:

.8
.5

.1

Remove accumulations of dirt, giving particular attention to top and

bottom of winding assemblies and ventilation ducts.

.2

Clean winding by using vacuum cleaner and/or blower, or compressed air.

.3

Clean lead or cable supports, tap changers, bushings and other insulating
surfaces using brush or wiping with lint free cloth.

Check connections (including ground and tap changer links) for tightness. Torque
to proper value in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations.

Insulation Power Factor Test:

.1

Using capacitance bridge instrument, check insulation power factor of:

.1
.2

.2

.6

.7

Record capacitance values, dissipation factor and insulation power factor.

Compare field test results to manufacturer's factory test results and to previous
maintenance test results.

Ratio Test:
.1

Carry out ratio test of windings in all tap positions to ensure accuracy to within
0.001 percent.

.2

Compare test data to factory test results.

Insulation Resistance:
.1

Use suitably sized megger to measure resistance between:

.1
.2
.3

.2
.8

Primary/Secondary and Ground.

Secondary/Primary and Ground.

Primary and Secondary.

Primary/Secondary and Ground.
Secondary/Primary and Ground.

Compare test results to factory test data and to previous maintenance test results.

Core Ground Test:

.1

Remove ground strap between laminated core and ground.

Alberta Infrastructure

3.3

Section 26 29 90
Low Voltage Power System Maintenance
Equipment Schedule
Page 6

.2

Megger test using 250 volt megger (or size recommended by manufacturer)
between core and ground to ensure no other grounds exist between core and
ground.

.3

Compare values to factory test values and to previous maintenance test results.

.4

Reconnect ground strap.

MAINTENANCE OF SWITCHGEAR ENCLOSURES

.1

Strictly adhere to required procedures for system switching operations. Switching, deenergizing and energizing shall be performed by authorized personnel only.

.2

Completely isolate switchgear enclosure to be tested and inspected from sources of power.

.3

Install temporary grounding leads for safety.

.4

Remove necessary access and coverplates.

.5

Fill out inspection test form. Record data in reference to equipment.

.6

Mechanical Inspection:
.1

Check mechanical operation of devices.

.2

Check physical appearance of doors, devices, equipment and lubricate in

accordance with manufacturer's instructions.

.3

Check condition of contacts.

.4

Check disconnects, starters, and circuit breakers in accordance with inspection and
test reports and procedures.

.5

Check condition of bussing for signs of overheating, moisture or other

contamination, for proper torque, and for clearance to ground.

.6

Inspect insulators and insulating surfaces for cleanliness, cracks, chips, tracking.

.7

Report discovered unsafe conditions.

.8

Remove drawout breakers and check drawout equipment.

.9

Check cable and wiring condition, appearance, and terminations.

electrical tests as required.

.10

Inspect for proper grounding of equipment.

Perform

Alberta Infrastructure
.11
.7

.8

Section 26 29 90
Low Voltage Power System Maintenance
Equipment Schedule
Page 7

Perform breaker and switch inspection and tests.

Cleaning:
.1

Check for accumulations of dirt especially on insulating surfaces and clean interiors
of compartments thoroughly using a vacuum or blower.

.2

Remove filings caused by burnishing of contacts.

.3

Do not file contacts. Minor pitting or discoloration is acceptable.

.4

Report evidence of severe arcing or burning of contacts.

.5

Degrease contacts with suitable cleaners.

Electrical Testing:
.1

Check electrical operation of pilot devices, switches, meters, relays, auxiliary

contacts, annunciator devices, flags, interlocks, cell switches, cubicle lighting.
Visually inspect arrestors, C/T's and P/T's for signs of damage. Record data on
test report form.

.2

Megger test insulators to ground.

.3

Megger test bussing phase to ground, and phase to phase, using a 1000 volt
megger.

.4

Test contact resistance across bolted sections of buss bars. Record results and
compare test values to previous acceptance and maintenance results and comment
on trends observed.

.9

At completion of inspection and test, remove temporary grounds, restore equipment to

serviceable condition and recommission equipment.

.10

Compare test results to previous maintenance test results.

3.4

MAINTENANCE OF LOW VOLTAGE AIR CIRCUIT BREAKERS

.1

Strictly adhere to required procedures for system switching operations. Switching, deenergizing and energizing shall be performed by authorized personnel only.

.2

Completely isolate circuit breakers to be worked on from power sources.

.3

Install temporary grounds.

.4

Remove circuit breaker from cubicle unless bolted type.

Alberta Infrastructure

Section 26 29 90
Low Voltage Power System Maintenance
Equipment Schedule
Page 8

.5

Record manufacturer, serial number, type and function of breaker, reading of operations
counter, date of inspection, and signature of person responsible for inspection on report
sheet.

.6

Mechanical Inspection: Inspect for:

.7

.1

accumulations of dirt, especially on insulating surfaces.

.2

condition of primary contact clusters.

.3

condition of control wiring plug-in contacts.

.4

condition of moving and fixed main contacts, excessive heating or arcing.

.5

condition of arcing contacts.

.6

cracks or indications of tracking on insulators.

.7

tracking or mechanical damage to interphase barriers.

.8

flaking or chipping of arc chutes.

.9

broken, damaged or missing springs on operating mechanism.

.10

damage to or excessive wear on operating linkage, ensure all clevis pins are
securely retained in position.

.11

correct alignment of operating mechanism and contacts.

.12

evidence of corrosion and rusting of metals, and deterioration of painted surfaces.

Cleaning:
.1

Remove accumulations of dirt from insides of cubicles with vacuum cleaner and/or
blower.

.2

Clean insulating surfaces using brush or wiping with lint free cloth.

.8

Check fixing bolts of hardware and breaker components for tightness.

.9

'Dress' pitting on contact surfaces, using a burnishing tool. 'Dress' major arcing on
contacts to smooth condition. Remove filings before switchgear is re-energized. Report
unsafe conditions resulting from severe arcing or burning of contacts.

Section 26 29 90
Low Voltage Power System Maintenance
Equipment Schedule
Page 9

Alberta Infrastructure
.10

On completion of foregoing tasks, lightly lubricate bearing points in operating linkage with
manufacturer's specified lubricant. Operate breaker several times to ensure smoothness of
mechanical operation.

.11

Check potential and current transformer cable connections for tightness.

.12

Replace inspection lamp where fitted.

.13

On first inspection, record data to auxiliary equipment, i.e. primary fuses, potential
transformer, potential fuses, and current transformers. Record serial numbers, catalogue
numbers, sizes, ratios.

.14

Electrical Maintenance Tests:

.1

.15
3.5

General:
.1

Test contact resistance across closed line-load contacts, and line and load
circuit breaker plug-in clusters. Record results. Clean contacts using
appropriate tools to get lowest contact resistance reading possible.

.2

Test insulation resistance for all phases to others and to ground.

.3

Test electrical function in accordance with breaker manufacturer's

instructions and drawings.

On completion of inspection and test, remove temporary grounds. Restore equipment to

serviceable condition.
FUSED OR UNFUSED LB AND NLB DISCONNECT SWITCHGEAR

.1

Strictly adhere to required procedures for system switching operations. Switching, deenergizing and energizing shall be performed by authorized personnel only.

.2

Completely isolate switchgear to be worked on from power sources.

.3

Remove access covers and plates.

.4

Test and discharge equipment to be worked on.

.5

Install temporary safety grounds.

.6

Report manufacturer, serial number, type, function of switchgear assembly, date of

inspection, and signature of person responsible for inspection.

Alberta Infrastructure
.7

.8

.9

Section 26 29 90
Low Voltage Power System Maintenance
Equipment Schedule
Page 10

Mechanical Inspection: inspect for:

.1

accumulations of dirt, especially on insulating surfaces.

.2

condition of moving and fixed contact, excessive heating or arcing.

.3

cracks, or tracking on insulators.

.4

tracking or mechanical damage to interphase barriers.

.5

chipping or flaking of arc chutes or arc shields.

.6

fixing bolts being fully tightened where bolted-on shields are fitted.

.7

overheating or arcing on fuses and fuse holders.

.8

correct fuse clip tension.

.9

broken, missing or damaged springs on operating mechanism.

.10

damage to or excessive wear on operating linkage. Check that all clevis pins are
securely retained in position.

.11

correct alignment of contact blades and operating linkage.

.12

corrosion and rusting of metals, deterioration of painted surfaces.

.13

proper operation of key interlock or other mechanical interlock (if applicable).

.14

evidence of corona deterioration.

Cleaning:
.1

Remove accumulations of dirt from insides of switchgear cubicles using vacuum

cleaner and/or blower.

.2

Clean insulating surfaces using brush or wiping with lint free cloth.

.3

Do not file contacts. Minor pitting or discoloration is acceptable.

.4

Report evidence of severe arcing or burning of contacts.

.5

Degrease contacts with suitable cleaners.

Check that connections, including current limiting fuses, are secure.

manufacturer's requirement.

Torque to

Alberta Infrastructure
.10

.11
3.6

Section 26 29 90
Low Voltage Power System Maintenance
Equipment Schedule
Page 11

Electrical Maintenance Tests:

.1

Test insulation resistance for all phases to others and to ground.

.2

Test contact resistance across switch blade contact surfaces.

.3

Test electrical charging mechanism of switch if applicable.

.4

Test electrical interlocks for proper function.

.5

Operate blown fuse trip devices if applicable.

After testing is completed, remove temporary grounds and restore equipment to

serviceable condition.
MAINTENANCE OF PROTECTIVE RELAYS

.1

Strictly adhere to required procedures for system switching operations. Switching, deenergizing and energizing shall be performed by authorized personnel only.

.2

Completely isolate protective relays to be tested and inspected from sources of power.

.3

Set and test protective relays to "as found" settings or to new settings provided by
Minister prior to maintenance commissioning.

.4

Use manufacturer's instructions for information concerning connections, adjustments,

repairs, timing, and data for specific relay.

.5

Mechanical Inspection of Induction Disc Relays:

.1

Carefully remove cover from relay case. Inspect cover gasket. Check glass for
tightness and cracks.

.2

Short-circuit current transformer secondary by careful removal of relay test plug or

operation of appropriate current blocks.

.3

Ensure disc has proper clearance and freedom of movement between magnet
poles.

.4

Check connections and taps for tightness.

.5

Manually operate disc to check for freedom of movement. Allow spring to return
disc to check proper operation.

Alberta Infrastructure

.6

.7

.8

Section 26 29 90
Low Voltage Power System Maintenance
Equipment Schedule
Page 12

.6

Check mechanical operation of targets.

.7

Check relay coils for signs of overheating and brittle insulation.

Cleaning:
.1

Clean glass inside and out.

.2

Clean relay compartment as required. Clean relay plug in contacts, if applicable,

using proper tools.

.3

Remove dust and foreign materials from interior of relay using small brush or low
pressure (7 lbs.) blower of nitrogen.

.4

Remove rust or metal particles from disc or magnet poles with magnet cleaner or
brush.

.5

Inspect for signs of carbon, moisture and corrosion.

.6

Clean pitted or burned relay contacts with burnishing tool or non-residue contact
cleaner.

Electrical Testing: Tests for typical overcurrent relays include:

.1

Zero check.

.2

Induction disc pickup.

.3

Time-current characteristics.

.4

Target and seal-in operation.

.5

Instantaneous pickup.

.6

Check C/T and P/T ratios and compare to coordination data.

.7

Proof test each relay in its control circuit by simulated trip tests to ensure total and
proper operation of breaker and relay trip circuit by injection of the relay circuit to
test the trip operation.

Solid State Relays:

.1

Inspect and test in accordance with manufacturer's most recent installation and
maintenance brochure.

Alberta Infrastructure

.9
3.7

Section 26 29 90
Low Voltage Power System Maintenance
Equipment Schedule
Page 13

.2

Perform tests using manufacturer's relay test unit as applicable, with corresponding
test instructions.

.3

If the manufacturer's tester is not available, use a relay tester unit approved by
relay manufacturer, with proper test data and test accessories.

.4

Proof test each relay in its control circuit by simulated trip tests to ensure total and
proper operation of breaker and relay trip circuit by injection of relay circuit to test
trip operation.

.5

Check C/T and P/T ratios and compare to coordination date.

At completion of inspection and test, restore equipment to serviceable condition and

recommission equipment. Compare test results to previous maintenance test results.
MAINTENANCE OF OVERHEAD RADIAL POWER LINES

.1

Strictly adhere to required procedures for system switching operations. Switching, deenergizing and energizing shall be performed by authorized personnel only.

.2

Completely isolate overhead radial power lines to be tested and inspected from sources of
power.

.3

Install temporary grounding leads for safety.

.4

Inspect insulators and insulating surfaces for cleanliness, cracks, chips, tracking, and clean
insulators thoroughly.

.5

Check cable connections to insulators and check cable sag between poles.
discovered unsafe conditions.

.6

Visually check wooden poles and sound test with 18 oz. wooden mallet.

.7

Visually inspect metal line structures for rust, deterioration, metal fatigue, and report
discovered unsafe conditions.

.8

Inspect crossarms, bolts, rack assemblies, guys, guy wires, and dead ends.
discovered unsafe conditions.

.9

Visually inspect grounding connections.

.10

On completion of inspection, remove temporary grounding, restore equipment to

serviceable condition.

Report

Report

Alberta Infrastructure
3.8

Section 26 29 90
Low Voltage Power System Maintenance
Equipment Schedule
Page 14

SURGE ARRESTORS
.1

Strictly adhere to required procedures for system switching operations. Switching, deenergizing and energizing shall be performed by authorized personnel only.

.2

Completely isolate surge arrestors to be tested and inspected from sources of power.

.3

Install temporary grounding leads for safety.

.4

Inspect surge arrestors for cleanliness, cracks, chips, tracking and clean thoroughly.

.5

Perform insulation power factor test. Record results.

.6

Perform grounding continuity test to ground grid system, record results.

.7

On completion of inspection and testing, remove temporary grounds, restore equipment to

serviceable condition.

3.9

DEFICIENCY LIST AND COST ESTIMATE

.1

Provide listing of deficiencies of components and of operation of low voltage power

system.

.2

Provide cost estimates for replacements and repairs of deficiencies for each building.
Include breakdown showing cost for each type of device.
END OF SECTION