The use of GPS for precise time tagging of power system disturbances and in overhead line fault location

For many years it has been recognised that the power system data captured by disturbance recorders (DRs), sequence of event recorders (SERs) and SCADA systems could be far more valuable if they all used a common time standard to `time tag´ their measurements or recordings. Common time standards, based on local `master clocks´ have been used within individual sites, e.g. generating stations, substations and large industrial installations for many years. More recently, the time code signal transmitted by MSF-Rugby has been used for time synchronisation between multiple sites. Reception of the MSF signal is very variable and subject to interference when the receiver antenna is situated near to high voltage electrical plant. Following the recent changes in the organisation of the electricity supply industry it has become more important for DRs, SERs and SCADA to use a reliable common time standard across the whole of the UK to differentiate between cause and effect of, and hence of liability for, disturbances on the power system