Schneider Electric has installed the first of its new-generation Schneider Premset SSIS (shielded, solid insulation system) modular switchgear at the Stubb Street substation in Makhado (Louis Trichardt), Limpopo Province. It is the first of five substations to be renovated in line with the municipality’s priority to maintain a stable electricity supply as the town continues to develop.
After assessing the constant failures on the breakers within the substation, the municipality’s engineers concluded that the existing systems were obsolete and took a decision to redesign the substations. Following the decision, the municipality requested Schneider Electric to propose a solution.
“Schneider Electric engineers invited us to Polokwane, where they were showcasing the SSIS technology,” explains engineering technician, Shumani Mundalamo. “We were impressed with the features and benefits of the Premset switchgear.
A follow-up visit was done to Schneider Electric’s manufacturing facility in Midrand where the necessary technical queries were addressed. After the in-depth clarification session, Premset was recommended to management as a potential solution. The Premset installation at Stubb Street Substation was completed in December 2017. The substation went from being a noisy, often failing and difficult-to-maintain facility, to a quiet and efficient substation.
“Since the installation of the switchgear, the frequent trips that came with the rains became a thing of the past,” adds Mundalamo. “The partial discharge sound from the substation disappeared and the smart grid features built into the switchgear makes fault diagnosis easier.”
Nthambeleni Tshikovhi, maintenance superintendent for Makhado’s substations concludes: “With the old systems, we had severe maintenance problems because getting parts to repair the switchgears was difficult. With the new Premset, availability of spare parts is assured and all the information required for maintenance is at our fingertips. With over 15 years’ experience working on switchgear, the Premset technology is very appealing to me.”
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