Day in the Life of an Electrical Engineer: From Commissioning to Energising

Summary

Alan Cody, Company Director at SAS Transition, takes viewers through the energization of a high-voltage transformer in a data center. The video highlights meticulous preparation, safety procedures, and integrity testing, including a 5 kV megger test and control cable verification. Alan shares his career journey from oil and gas to data centers, emphasizing the importance of procedural rigor, safety, and mentoring new engineers. The transformer is successfully energized, powering the MV and LV switchboards, with stable voltage readings and no issues. The video underscores the combination of technical expertise, team collaboration, and process-driven commissioning in high-voltage electrical systems.

Takeaways

• ⚡ The main purpose of the video is to energize a transformer for the first time after thorough checks.
• 📝 All commissioning, documentation, and quality assurance checks were completed before energization.
• 🔌 A 5 kV Mega test was performed to check the integrity of the cables before connecting the transformer.
• 🛠 Safety procedures included proving circuits dead and setting up exclusion zones before energization.
• 📊 Calibrated testing equipment was used to ensure accurate measurements and proper functioning of meters.
• 👷‍♂️ Alan Cody has a background in oil & gas engineering and transitioned to data centers, motivated by industry competency gaps.
• 💡 Proper connection of control cables is crucial for breaker signals, relays, and HMI operations to function correctly.
• 🌍 SAS Transition operates projects in Amsterdam, Belgium, the UK, and across renewable and oil & gas industries.
• 👥 The company emphasizes mentoring, team collaboration, and safe, proceduralized commissioning practices.
• 🔋 Energization was conducted remotely via HMI to maximize safety, with successful voltage readings (~10.3–10.4 kV) and no partial discharge detected.
• 🏆 The most rewarding aspect highlighted is improving industry standards and making processes safer and more efficient.
• 🔧 Alan prefers commissioning over maintenance, enjoying the technical challenge and variety of working with different systems.

Q & A

Who is Alan Cody and what is his role at SAS Transition?

Alan Cody is the Company Director at SAS Transition, overseeing operations, commissioning, and safety procedures.

What was the primary purpose of the video script?

The primary purpose was to demonstrate the energization of a transformer, including the necessary safety checks, technical procedures, and commissioning processes.

What initial checks are performed before energizing a transformer?

Before energization, the team completes commissioning, quality checks, documentation verification, and an energization request is approved by the QA/QC and commissioning teams.

What is a 5 kV Megger test and why is it performed?

A 5 kV Megger test is used to check the insulation integrity of cables by applying a high voltage and measuring leakage current to earth, ensuring there are no faults before energization.

How does the team ensure the Megger meter is working correctly?

The meter is calibrated and shorted out to provide a reference reading (0.01 MΩ), verifying that it shows accurate results before testing the actual cables.

What safety procedures are followed during transformer energization?

Safety procedures include proving the system is dead, establishing an exclusion zone, removing earth connections, using remote HMI control, and monitoring voltage indicators.

Why are control cables important in the energization process?

Control cables transmit essential signals such as open/close commands and breaker status to the HMI and relay systems. If disconnected, the VCB will not operate correctly.

What motivated Alan Cody to start SAS Transition?

Alan was motivated by the competency gap he observed when transitioning from oil and gas to data centers, aiming to improve safety, procedural rigor, and proper task execution.

Which industries and regions does SAS Transition operate in?

SAS Transition operates in data centers across Amsterdam, Belgium, the UK, as well as in oil & gas and renewable energy industries.

What does Alan find most rewarding about his work?

He finds it rewarding to make an impact on industry practices, improve systems and procedures, mentor new staff, and ensure tasks are done safely and efficiently.

What role does the HMI play in transformer energization?

The HMI allows operators to control the transformer remotely, reducing physical exposure to high-voltage equipment and ensuring safer operations.

What readings confirmed the successful energization of the transformer?

Voltage indicators showed readings of approximately 10.3–10.4 kV across all phases, and there were no signs of partial discharge, confirming proper energization.