Efficient testing of substation panels

The task of testing protection devices and control panels used in major projects has been exacerbated by increasing complexity and the extra functionality that they provide. The use of modern automated test equipment can address this added complexity and, at the same time, speed up the whole process. An example of where this approach has been very beneficial to the contractor was associated with the undersea 90 kV links between England and the Isle of Man. The authors describe the project. Automatic tap change control, system frequency, synchronisation, and protection panels are discussed.