Notes in preparation of an MV/LV substation civil drawings and construction layout

Civil construction drawings

MV/LV substations are not only a point of supply but also provide a means of network isolation in the event of faults or emergencies. In that manner, a detailed substation information and layout drawings are required for civil engineers to prepare the civil construction drawings, such as plans for foundations, formwork and reinforcement, and building services.

The most important information required includes:

• Physical arrangement of equipment,
• Dimensions of equipment (distribution transformers, MV and LV switchgears, auxiliary supply panel, etc.),
• Normal building services,
• Gangways for transport, operation and servicing,
• Locations of cable and duct penetration in ceiling and walls,
• Loadings,
• Type of doors and windows (e.g., fire-resistant or fireproof) indicating how they open,
• Ventilation and air conditioning,
• Steel work and cable trenches required in the floor,
• Earthing for foundations and buildings,
• Lightning protection (if any), and
• Drainage.

Since all this information is pretty extensive, I will mention just some with a focus on the specific requirements regarding installation instructions and ventilation.

Table of contents:

1. General about indoor installations
2. Substation construction details
   1. Substation walls
   2. Substation floor and ducts
   3. Copper earthwire installation
   4. Copper earth mat installation
   5. Cables entries
   6. Substation doors
   7. Substation roof
3. Installation instructions
   1. Transformer installation
   2. Ventilation of switchgear installations
      1. Example #1
      2. Example #2