Safety precautions for HV oil-insulated combined-fuse switches

EnergySafety has issued additional safety precautions for the type of high-voltage (HV) switches involved in the explosion at the Morley Galleria Shopping Centre in Perth.

EnergySafety’s first order pertained to only Long & Crawford Manchester switchgear. The organisation has now extended the order to all HV oil-insulated combined-fuse switches.

The director of EnergySafety, Ken Bowron, said, “While the investigation is not complete, it appears that there has been a short-circuit fault in the switch tank following the rupture and disintegration of a HV fuse within the unit.

“In light of the recent findings, I have formed the opinion that further precautions must be undertaken with this type of equipment.

“I have decided to extend the order to all equipment with similar design - not just the Long & Crawford switch-fuse units.

“In addition to banning the opening of the lid, I have now also banned the commencement of any electrical work on this type of equipment, including operation of the switching or earthing mechanisms if a HV fuse has operated,” Bowron said.

Bowron once again reiterated that it was unsafe to perform work on any item of electrical equipment, especially where there are live, exposed HV electrical parts.

“EnergySafety’s investigation is progressing but is not yet complete. If we identify anything which we believe industry and owners of similar installations need to be made aware of, we will update them without delay,” Bowron said.

Like with the first order, this new order will be sent to all licensed electrical contractors in WA and property owners likely to have these switches on their property.

Image credit: ©iStockphoto.com/Charles Schug