Saudi Electricity Company

SPECIFICATIONS FOR Issue Date: 01/2024 Page: 1 of 17

UNIT SUBSTATIONS UP TO 36KV.
56-SDMS-09-Rev.02

56-SDMS-09

Rev.02

SPECIFICATION FOR UNIT SUBSTATIONS UP TO 36 KV.

This document contains proprietary information developed by and for exclusive use of Saudi Electricity
Company (SEC) Distribution Network. Your acceptance of the document is an acknowledgment that it
must be used for the identified purpose/application and during the period indicated. It cannot be used or
copied for any other purposes nor released to others without prior written authorization of SEC
Distribution Sector. SEC shall assume no responsibility for any type of misuse and/or misapplication,
and any arm resulting there from. SEC also reserves the right take any necessary actions to protect its
interest against unauthorized use.
Saudi Electricity Company

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UNIT SUBSTATIONS UP TO 36KV.
56-SDMS-09-Rev.02

Revision History

# Date Revision No. Revised By Major Revision Description

• Update LVDP compartment to singe /
dual low voltage as per SEC specification
1 Jan. 2024 02 Eng. Mohamed M. Saad
31-SDMS-09
• Update dimensions as per LV ratings.
Saudi Electricity Company

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UNIT SUBSTATIONS UP TO 36KV.
56-SDMS-09-Rev.02

Table of Contents
1. SCOPE ............................................................................................................ 4
2. CROSS REFERENCES .................................................................................. 4
3. APPLICABLE CODES AND STANDARDS ................................................ 4
4. DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS ................................. 5
5. TESTING ...................................................................................................... 11
6. SUBMITTALS .............................................................................................. 11
7. DATA SCHEDULE ...................................................................................... 13

List of Figures (Illustrations):

Figure 1: Unit Substation component lay out …...………………………………………….16
Figure 2: Wooden cable clamp for MV termination box…………………………………...17
Saudi Electricity Company

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UNIT SUBSTATIONS UP TO 36KV.
56-SDMS-09-Rev.02

1. SCOPE
This SEC Distribution Material Specification (SDMS) specifies the minimum technical
requirements of design, engineering, manufacturing, inspection; testing and performance
of outdoor unit substation intended to be used in MV system of the Saudi Electricity
Company (SEC), Saudi Arabia. A unit substation combines power transformer and LV
distribution panel in a single transportable unit ready for operation on being fixed in
position on prepared plinth and connected to the power system. The MV switchgear is not
an integral part of the unit substation.

2. CROSS REFERENCES
This SEC material standard specification shall always be read in conjunction with SEC
specification No. 01-SDMS-01, titled “General Requirements for All
Equipment/Materials”, which shall be considered as an integral part of this SDMS, These
standard specifications shall be also read in conjunction with SEC Purchase Order (PO)
requirements.

3. APPLICABLE CODES AND STANDARDS

The latest revisions of the codes and standards listed in the SEC specifications as given
below shall be applicable for the equipment / material covered in this SDMS. In case of
conflict, the vendor / manufacturer may propose equipment / material conforming to one
group of industry codes and standards quoted hereunder without jeopardizing the
requirements of this SDMS.

3.1 51-SDMS-03 Distribution Transformer Up to 36 kV 400/230V with Aluminum

Windings.
3.2 51-SDMS-04 Distribution Transformer Up to 36 kV with Aluminum Windings for
dual secondary.
3.3 31-SDMS-09 Specifications for singe / dual low voltage distribution panel

3.4 37-SDMS-02 LV Molded Case Circuit Breakers For LV distribution panels 400 A.
3.5 37-SDMS-04 Interface Low Voltage Main Circuit Breakers
3.6 11-SDMS-03 XLPE Insulated Power Cables from 15 kV up to 36 kV
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UNIT SUBSTATIONS UP TO 36KV.
56-SDMS-09-Rev.02

3.7 IEC 62271-202 High-voltage / low-voltage prefabricated substation

3.8 IEC- 60529 Classification of degree of protection provided by enclosures
3.9 12-SDMS-01 Cable, Joints, Terminations and Accessories up to 36 KV
3.10 12-SDMS-02 Lugs and Connectors for MV/LV Distribution Systems
3.11 50-SDMS-01 Current Transformers up to 36 KV
3.12 DES-P03 protection system requirements for SEC distribution s/s
3.13 38- SDMS-03 Low Voltage Digital Panel Meters.
3.14 40-SDMS-02A SPECIFICATIONS FOR ELECTRONIC REVENUE CT AND CT-VT
METER

4. DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS

4.1 System Characteristics
The unit substation shall be suitable for installation in system characteristics as given in
SEC specification 01-SDMS-01 and including the following:

MV Neutral arrangement LV Neutral arrangement

Solidly grounded or low resistance Solidly grounded

Table 1: MV/LV neutral arrangement.

4.2 Unit substation Components /Compartment

4.2.1 General Requirements
4.2.1.1 Each unit substation shall contain transformer with medium voltage
termination box and detachable low voltage compartment in a single
transportable on common skid and ready for operation on being placed
in position and joined into the system. The Skid shall fit to the
dimensions of Foundation drawings as per SDC-02. The unit substation
shall not be supplied with a medium voltage ring main unit. SEC shall
provide and install the ring main unit at site, if needed. See Figure -1 for
layout of unit substation.
4.2.1.2 The medium voltage termination box and low voltage compartment
shall be weatherproof and robust construction and shall be provided
with watershed top. It shall be manufactured from galvanized sheet steel
or Alum-zinc of thickness at least 3 or 2 mm respectively.
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UNIT SUBSTATIONS UP TO 36KV.
56-SDMS-09-Rev.02

4.2.1.3 Adequate ventilation for the medium voltage termination box to the
back side of low voltage compartment shall be provided to permit
natural air circulation. The ventilation apertures shall be screened with
galvanized double steel mesh to prevent entry of vermin and other
foreign bodies.
4.2.1.4 All parts of equal size and shape shall be interchangeable. The general
design shall be made with minimum number of joints.
4.2.1.5 All Insulating materials shall be non-hygroscopic and resistant to
tracking.
4.2.1.6 All bolted electrical joints shall be secured by means of corrosion proof
steel nuts and bolts. All bolts, nuts, and washers shall be plated to type
II of ASTM B 633.
4.2.1.7 Except for the transformer, all nuts and bolts shall not be accessible
from outside of the unit substation.
4.2.2 TRANSFORMER
Transformer shall be suitable for unit substation, outdoor ground-mounted type
and generally shall comply with all applicable clauses of SEC specifications 51-
SDMS-03 / 51-SDMS-04 (latest revision) according to requested in the tender.
Including the following requirements.

4.2.2.1 MV Bushings shall be Type –C interface located horizontally on the

right hand side of the transformer (facing unit substation from the front)
in a cable termination box. Bushing shall be suitable for termination
according to SEC specification 12-SDMS-01 (latest revision) and
adequate for M16 bolt to fit inside bushing. The respective bolt outer
size shall be M12 for single hole flat pad lug for 50mm2 copper and 70
mm2 Aluminum MV cable connection as per SEC specifications.
4.2.2.2 MV and LV bushings shall be identified, labeled and printed with black
indelible paint as follows:
• MV bushings: UVW
• LV bushings : u v w n
4.2.2.3 Oil level & temperature indicators and off-load tap changer operating
knob shall easily be accessible / readable and operate-able from LV
compartment with adequate safety. Oil temperature indicator shall be
equipped with tripping contact if requested and specified in the tender /
data schedule.
4.2.2.4 Oil drainage / sample and pressure relief valves shall be on the
transformer and easily accessible, the oil drain valve shall be provided
with removable rigid bumper should/cover for mechanical protection.
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UNIT SUBSTATIONS UP TO 36KV.
56-SDMS-09-Rev.02

4.2.2.5 Transformer provided in unit substation shall comply with SEC

specification 51-SDMS-03 / 51-SDMS-04 (latest revision). Internal Arc
escape provision shall be made on bottom side of MV cable box.
4.2.2.6 Off-Load tap changer, pressure relief device, Oil level/temperature
gauge and fill plug/drain valve shall be labelled and engraved with black
paint painted on stainless steel plates material with welding bracket in
the transformer tank.
4.2.2.7 Medium Voltage Termination Box.
i. Medium voltage termination box shall be part of transformer and shall
be located as shown in Figure-1.
ii. Medium voltage termination box shall include cable clamps,
grounding connectors and MV termination bushings. Its size shall be
adequate for terminating one three core or three single core MV cables
as per SEC specification 12-SDMS-03 (latest revision), sizes 50mm2
Copper or 70 mm2 Aluminum with heat, cold as well as pre-mold
termination. It shall be with single gasket removable bolted cover.
Bottom plate shall be in two halves with cable entries steel knockouts
suitable for above cables. Loose rubber bushings shall be provided
inside of this box for these knockouts. The degree of protection MV
termination box shall be IP-54.
iii. The MV cable clamps shall conform to Figure-2.

4.2.3 LOW VOLTAGE COMPARTMENT

4.2.3.1 Low voltage compartment shall comply with SEC specification 31-
SDMS-09 (latest revision). In case of any conflict between this
specification and 31-SDMS-09 (latest revision), this specification shall
apply.
4.2.3.2 All LV Panel shall be equipped with main LV circuit breaker as per
SEC specification 37-SDMS-04 (latest revision).
4.2.3.3 If requested in the tender, LV Panel for bulk power supply shall be
equipped with main LV circuit breaker without outgoing MCCBs and
provision for direct connection of customer cables on the bus-bar.
4.2.3.4 For the details of the following items, refer to SEC specification 31-
SDMS-09 (latest revision):
i. Ratings of transformer LV phase links
ii. Main / Incomer CT rating
iii. Transformer connection with LV panel
iv. Number of outgoing circuits
v. Clearances between outgoing circuits
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UNIT SUBSTATIONS UP TO 36KV.
56-SDMS-09-Rev.02

vi. Bus-bar sizes / ratings

vii. Indicating instruments
viii. Fault level
ix. Provision for installing CT for metering of partial panel
x. Degree of protection
xi. Outgoing MCCB clearance
xii. Details of access doors and its following associated items:
1. Door locks
2. Door stopper and its locking
3. Installation of hinges and its material
4. Door bonding with framework (enclosure)
5. Door gaskets

4.3 Dimensions
Maximum overall dimensions of unit substation shall be as given in the Table 2 and Table
3 below:

4.3.1 Unit Substation 13.8 KV Single secondary voltage.

UNISUBSTATION RATING MAXIMUN OVERALL DIMENSIONS WITH ENCLOSURE

SECONDARY LENGTH WIDTH HEIGHT

KVA RATING
VOLTAGE (V) (MM) (MM) (MM)
500 1800 1500 2200

1000 400/230 2200 1500 2200

1500 2400 1800 2200

Table 2: 13.8 kV Unit Substation Dimensions
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UNIT SUBSTATIONS UP TO 36KV.
56-SDMS-09-Rev.02

4.3.2 Unit Substation 13.8 KV Dual secondary voltage.

UNISUBSTATION RATING MAXIMUN OVERALL DIMENSIONS WITH ENCLOSURE

SECONDARY LENGTH WIDTH HEIGHT

KVA RATING
VOLTAGE (V) (MM) (MM) (MM)
500 1800 1500 2200
230/133
1000 2200 1700 2200
400/230
1500 2400 1800 2200
Table 3: Dual secondary voltage 13.8 kV Unit Substation Dimensions

4.3.3 Unit Substation 36 KV Single secondary voltage.

UNISUBSTATION RATING MAXIMUN OVERALL DIMENSIONS WITH ENCLOSURE

SECONDARY LENGTH WIDTH HEIGHT

KVA RATING
VOLTAGE (V) (MM) (MM) (MM)
500 2000 1500 2200

1000 400/230 2300 1700 2200

1500 2400 1900 2200

Table 4: 36 kV Unit Substation Dimensions

4.3.4 Unit Substation 36 KV Dual secondary voltage.

UNISUBSTATION RATING MAXIMUN OVERALL DIMENSIONS WITH ENCLOSURE

SECONDARY LENGTH WIDTH HEIGHT

KVA RATING
VOLTAGE (V) (MM) (MM) (MM)
500 2000 1500 2200
230/133
1000 2300 1700 2200
400/230
1500 2400 1900 2200
Table 5: Dual secondary voltage 36 kV Unit Substation Dimensions
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UNIT SUBSTATIONS UP TO 36KV.
56-SDMS-09-Rev.02

4.4 Unit Substation Foundation

Concrete foundation conforming to standards SDCS-02 (latest revision) shall be used
for installation of unit substation. This foundation shall be a unified one to
accommodate 500, 1000 and 1500 KVA unit substation.

4.5 Provision for Mobile Generator Cables

4.5.1 One opening with single gasket and size 250 mm x 250 mm for the generator cables
on the front of LV compartment door shall be provided. This opening shall be
provided with M8 size, round, non-slotted bolted cover with nuts and washers.
Unbolting of this cover shall be accessible from inside of the unit substation only.
The gasket of this opening shall be pressure fit type.
4.5.2 Two (2) holes for 500 KVA and four holes (4) for 1000 & 1500 KVA unit
substations, each 13 mm diameter for installation of mobile generators cables shall
be provided on vertically extended LV bus bars.

4.6 Unit Substation Finish

4.6.1 Unit substation shall be adequately protected against corrosion and painted as given
in SEC specification 01-SDMS-01 (latest revision) SEC may consider alternative
proposals for the corrosion protection. Details shall be submitted with the
quotation for SEC review and approval.
4.6.2 Finish color shall be RAL 7035 conforming to ASTM D1535.
4.6.3 13.8 kV or 36 kV rating for respective transformer voltage indication shall be
clearly marked at an appropriate location of Unit Substation.

4.7 Name Plates

Aluminum name plates for the transformer and the low voltage compartment with the
information required in SEC specifications 51-SDMS-03, 51-SDMS-04 and 31-
SDMS-09 (latest revision) respectively and item identification number and PO number
for the unit substation shall be fixed inside the left door of the low voltage
compartment. The Aluminum winding and Aluminum bus bar shall be clearly
indicated on respective name plates of Transformer and LVDP

4.8 Circuit Identification

For circuit identification, refer to Labels section of SEC material specification 31-
SDMS-09 (latest revision).
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UNIT SUBSTATIONS UP TO 36KV.
56-SDMS-09-Rev.02

4.9 Danger Plate and SEC Monogram

Danger plate and SEC monogram as per SEC drawings No. SEC - 01- 01 and FIG. 49A
of 20-SDMS-02 respectively shall be provided and installed on the front / SEC approved
location of the unit substation using M5 hot dipped galvanized /stainless steel / brass
fasteners (oval head rounded neck bolts with nuts and external tooth lock washers) not
removable / accessible from the front i.e. without opening the door / front cover.

SEC shall approve location and samples of danger & monogram plates prior to
installation.

5. TESTING
Unit substation shall be tested in accordance with the latest standards and as specified
herein. All test results shall be provided for review and acceptance by SEC.

5.1 Type Test:

The unit substation shall be tested (complete type test) in accordance with the
specifications listed under Clauses 3 and 4 above and IEC 62271-202 for heat run test
for dissipation of heat at the required temperature and mechanical tests, etc. as well as
internal arc test of respective transformer cable box. Tests shall also cover and verify
the degree of protection IP-54 per IEC-60529 for LV compartment.

5.2 Routine Test:

Complete routine testing of Transformer as well as LVDP shall be performed during
factory acceptance testing.

6. SUBMITTALS
6.1 The vendor shall complete and submit filled-in the Data Schedule and clause by
clause compliance of (latest revision) of the following specifications with the
quotations:
01-SDMS-01.
12-SDMS-01.
31-SDMS-09.
37-SDMS-02.
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UNIT SUBSTATIONS UP TO 36KV.
56-SDMS-09-Rev.02

37-SDMS-04.
38-SDMS-03
50-SDMS-01
51-SDMS-03/51-SDMS-04.

6.2 The following dimensional drawings shall be provided with the quotation for each
unit substation rating:

6.2.1 Outline of Unit Substation showing position of fittings, attachments and

mountings.
6.2.2 Single line diagram of unit substation with all electrical components.
6.2.3 Details of transformer medium voltage termination box, and low voltage
compartments.
6.2.4 Details of all fittings and attachments including catalogs.
6.2.5 Details of hardwood cable clamps.
6.2.6 Name plates information.
6.2.7 Mounting and installation details of unit substation installed on pre-
fabricated concrete foundation
6.2.8 Comprehensive list of manufacturer’s recommended spare parts with
complete details including drawing, catalog number / part number,
manufacturing / supplier name of each items shall be submitted.
6.2.9 Copy of type test report
6.2.10 List of customers in case of new manufacture / vendor
6.2.11 Vendor shall provide the details of manufacturing and testing schedules
and routine test reports after signing the purchase order.
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UNIT SUBSTATIONS UP TO 36KV.
56-SDMS-09-Rev.02

7. DATA SCHEDULE
UNIT SUBSTATION UP TO 36 kV
(Sheet 1 of 3)
SEC Inquiry No. ___________________ Item No. _____________

VENDOR
SEC SPECIFIED
Clause DESCRIPTION PROPOSED
VALUES
VALUES
4.0 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS
1. Nominal Unit S/S rating 500 KVA
1000 KVA
1500 KVA
2. MV Rating 13.8 kV
36 kV
3. LV Rating: Single Secondary. 400/230 V
Dual Secondary. 230/133- 400/230 V
4.. Number of Distribution units
5. Main Circuit Breaker
Type, Model & Make
Rated current
4.2 UNIT SUBSTATION COMPONENTS /COMPARTMENTS
1. Length, mm
2. Width, mm
3. Height, mm
4. Length of MV termination box, mm
5. Center to center distance between MV
bushings, mm
6. Horizontal clearance between the outer
MV bushing(s) and the wall of the
MV termination box, mm
7. Center to center distance between 150
MCCBs, mm
8. Space between MCCBs, mm 10
9. Phase bus-bar current rating, A
10. Phase bus-bar size, mm
11. Neutral bus-bar current rating, A
12. Neutral bus-bar size, mm
Table 6: Technical Data Schedule 1.
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UNIT SUBSTATIONS UP TO 36KV.
56-SDMS-09-Rev.02

DATA SCHEDULE

UNIT SUBSTATION UP TO 36 kV
(Sheet 2 of 3)
SEC Inquiry No. ___________________ Item No. _____________

VENDOR
SEC SPECIFIED
Clause DESCRIPTION PROPOSED
VALUES
VALUES
4.5 PROVISION FOR GENERATOR CABLES
Diameter of hole on the bus-bar, mm 13
4 each for
Number of holes on each phase bus-bar 1500kVA & 1000kVA
2 each for
500kVA

2 each for
Number of holes on neutral bus-bar 1500kVA & 1000kVA
1 each for
500kVA
4.6 ACCESSORIES

1. Oil temp. indicator with trip contact

Yes/ No

4.7 SPECIAL TYPE TESTS

Internal Arc fault withstand Type test

16 kA for 0.3 sec
of cable box of transformer

4.8 FINISH OF ENCLOSURE

Finish method As per 01-SDMS-01
Finish color RAL 7035
Table 7: Technical Data Schedule 2.
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UNIT SUBSTATIONS UP TO 36KV.
56-SDMS-09-Rev.02

DATA SCHEDULE

Low Voltage Distribution Panel

(Sheet 3 of 3)

SEC Inquiry No. ___________________ Item No. _____________

A. Additional technical information or features specified by SEC:

B. Additional supplementary data or features proposed by vendor/supplier:

C. Other particulars to be filled up by vendor/supplier:

(use separate sheet if needed)

Address Manufacturer Vendor/Supplier

Name of Company

Location and Office Address

Authorized Name and

Signature

Date

Official seal / stamp

Table 8: Technical Data Schedule 3.

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UNIT SUBSTATIONS UP TO 36KV.
56-SDMS-09-Rev.02
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UNIT SUBSTATIONS UP TO 36KV.
56-SDMS-09-Rev.02