Electrical substation and transformer maintenance training

SUBSTATION MAINTENANCE I | (SSMI | #230)
4.5 DAYS | 3.2 CEUs

This course provides an overview for apprentices, technicians and engineers responsible for the maintenance and testing of industrial and utility substations. Hands-on labs are a major part of this course to help the technician locate weak or faulty components in the substation systems. Course focus is on medium voltage circuit breakers (air and vacuum), and switchgear. The course is designed to aid skilled qualified substation maintenance technicians in the safe performance of substation component preventative maintenance. This course is available in Spanish.

Upon completion of the course labs, participants will demonstrate that they are able to:

• Explain the configuration and function of common equipment found in a substation.
• Identify components of air, oil, vacuum circuit breaker, and metal-clad switchgear (including switchyard equipment).
• Utilize medium voltage circuit breaker and switchgear manufacturer instruction manuals and NETA specifications to:
  • Performs all required tests
  • Verify measurements
  • Make adjustments as required

SUBSTATION MAINTENANCE II | (SSMII | #OPN231)
4.5 DAYS | 3.2 CEUs

This course is the next step after Substation I to enhance the skills needed to perform all substation tasks including a focus on common transformer configurations. It offers training on the components of power and distribution type transformers, including common insulating and cooling mediums and explains common transformer configurations.

This course is available in Spanish.

To receive 3.2 CEUs, participants must attend 4.5 days of class (32 contact hours) and attain a minimum average of 80% (overall grade with consist of 50% lab practice and 50% final exam). Upon completion of the course labs, participants will demonstrate that they are able to:

• Obtain required information from a transformer nameplate
• Perform needed inspections per NETA/MTS
• Demonstrate and interpret results of required tests performed on transformers
• Calculate temperature corrections
• Summarize ASTM requirements for testing and sampling gas and oil transformers
• Outline storage battery maintenance 

TRANSFORMER MAINTENANCE AND TESTING | (TMT | #142) 
4.5 DAYS | 3.2 CEUs

Students learn instruction to install, maintain, repair or troubleshoot power transformers rated 765 kV or less. Participants will receive instruction on the filtering and drying out process to be performed on transformers. This course uses up-to-date test equipment and procedures for evaluating the condition of a transformer. Test results can provide predictive data which will guide maintenance activities and help to prevent catastrophic failure that may damage downstream equipment and endanger personnel.

To receive 3.2 CEUs, participants must attend 4.5 days of class (32 contact hours) and attain a minimum average grade of 80% (overall grade will consist of 50% lab practice and 50% final exam). Upon completion of this course and lab practice, the participant will demonstrate that he/she is able to:

• Describe the major categories and the most common designs of transformers.
• Identify power, instrument and distribution transformer components and auxiliary equipment.
• Demonstrate routine and diagnostic inspections and point out potential problems and hazards.
• Interpret nameplate data and use the data to set up correct test procedures.
• Simulate appropriate tests to evaluate the condition and perform maintenance on transformers.
• Discuss oil sampling and the correct procedures to obtain samples.
• Summarize testing, drying, filling and filtering techniques and procedures.
• Explain gas sampling and testing.
• Discuss test results to troubleshoot transformer problems.
• Determine the dryness of insulation using safety precautions, proper tools, vendor manuals and/or drawings.

ADVANCED TRANSFORMER MAINTENANCE AND TESTING | (ATMT, #149)
4.5 DAYS | 3.2 CEUs

Power and Instrument Transformers are critical and expensive components of the electric energy system, maintaining safe and reliable operation is essential. Technology has made the fundamental principles of energy transfer a complex set of mathematical algorithms used to improve the four main areas of a transformer’s design: mechanical, electro-magnetic, dielectric and thermal.

Transformer Liquid Diagnostics and Sampling | In-Person
3 DAYS | 2.1 CEUs | Hands-On Labs Included

AVO's Transformer Liquid Diagnostics and Sampling course is designed to help you master the science of transformer health.

Power transformers are the backbone of electrical infrastructure — and their reliability hinges on the condition of their insulating liquids. AVO’s Transformer Liquid Diagnostics and Sampling course equips technicians and engineers with the critical skills to assess, maintain, and extend the life of these vital assets.

Through a blend of classroom instruction and hands-on lab work, you’ll learn how to analyze transformer oil and gas samples to detect early signs of faults, overheating, and insulation degradation.

To receive 2.1 CEUs, participants must attend 3 days of class (21 contact hours) and attain a minimum average grade of 80% (overall grade will consist of 50% lab practice and 50% final exam). Upon completion of this course and lab practice, the participants will demonstrate that they are able to:

• Describe the major categories and the most common designs of transformers.
• Identify power, instrument, and distribution transformer components and auxiliary equipment.
• Demonstrate routine and diagnostic inspections and point out potential problems and hazards.
• Explain tests to evaluate the condition and perform maintenance on transformers.
• Utilize the correct procedures to obtain samples for oil and gas testing.

GROUNDING AND BONDING (GB | #417B)
3 DAYS | 2.1 CEUs

This course focuses on the grounding and bonding requirements contained in Article 250 of NEC® as well as compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.304(g).

To receive 2.1 CEUs, participants must attend 3 days of class (21 contact hours) and attain a minimum average grade of 80% (overall grade will consist of 50% lab practice and 50% final exam). Upon completion of this course and lab practice, the participants will demonstrate that they are able to: 

• Explain the fundamentals, basic principles, and requirements of grounding and bonding.
• Identify and utilize grounded conductors.
• Summarize ground-fault circuit interrupter requirements.
• Select the appropriate grounding system and discuss the implications.
• Outline grounding electrode systems and their requirements.
• Describe the requirements for the installation of equipment grounding and bonding conductors.

ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEM GROUNDING & TESTING (EPSGT | #OPN703)
3 DAYS | 2.1 CEUs

This course prepares you to evaluate fault current risks, perform accurate resistance and impedance tests, and understand surface voltage behavior. This course has been developed based on the IEEE Standard 80 entitled “IEEE Guide for Safety in AC Substation Grounding, and IEEE Standard 81 entitled "IEEE Guide to Measuring Earth Resistivity, Ground Impedance and Earth Surface Potentials of a Grounding System” which fully cover the subject.

To receive 2.1 CEUs, participants must attend 3 days of class (21 contact hours) and attain a minimum average grade of 80% (overall grade will consist of 50% lab practice and 50% final exam). Upon completion of this course, the participants will demonstrate that they are able to:

• Explain the fundamentals, basic principles, and requirements of substation grounding.
• Identify key elements in a grounding system.
• Summarize the requirements for building a grounding system grid.
• Perform the standard tests to maintain and monitor a grounding system grid.

BATTERY MAINTENANCE AND TESTING (BMT | #475A)
4 DAYS | 2.8 CEUs

This course is designed for personnel responsible for battery systems in substations, power plants and in other systems that require emergency DC power. This course provides an understanding of battery backup failures such as: excessive or micro cycling, improper charging, poor temperature control, installation errors, manufacturing deficiencies and operational errors. Battery and battery room safety requirements and inspection methods are also detailed along with personal protective equipment (PPE). Manufacturer installation and maintenance requirements are major components of this training.

To receive 2.8 CEUs, participants must attend 4 days of class (28 contact hours) and attain a minimum average grade of 80% (overall grade will consist of 50% lab practice and 50%
final exam). Upon completion of this course and lab practice, the participants will demonstrate that they are able to:

• Apply basic electrical knowledge to battery science and theories of operation.
• Classify battery types and their operating principles.
• Review standard safety procedures and recognize negligence and consequences of misuse.
• Interpret battery maintenance practices and procedures as they apply to individual battery types.
• Develop a maintenance plan designed to troubleshoot, diagnose, and remediate battery and battery-related failures.
• Identify faults and their causes, and the dangers they impose on battery systems.