Bengaluru has a large, expanding number of self-contained, gated communities (GC) comprising either a series of apartment blocks or individual houses. Utilities such as power and water in these communities are exclusive to their residents. The transformer is the most critical part of the electrical installation in a residential community. This article explains the various steps in their installation and maintenance.
The electricity we get in our homes is generated at very high voltage and then transmitted to us through electric lines over long distances. Since the appliances in our homes operate at low voltage, this high-voltage electricity needs to be converted to low-voltage electricity. Distribution transformers carry out this last-mile voltage conversion.
Note: For the purposes of this article, it is presumed that a gated community has a minimum area of 7.5 acres and/or sanctioned load above 150kW; it would include 100 or more units, having a High Tension (HT, say 11kV)) power supply. Individual dwellings that get Low Tension (LT) supply are metered under LT2A category and common area utilities like Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at LT3.
The steps followed by the builder during the installation of a transformer are:
All the above steps have an effect on the capital expenditure (capex), quality of power, operation and maintenance (O&M), efficiency and life of the transformer.
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Sizing is done as per the rules of the Electricity Board (EB). There are two ways in which the Electricity Board sanctions power to such communities:
Selection of the transformer, in terms of copper/aluminium winding, brand, efficiency, etc. should be done on the recommendation of the Electrical Consultant.
In reality, builders/developers generally decide on the choice of transformer based on capex.
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The following are the engineering considerations for O and M of transformers:
The Management Committee (MC) should ensure the following drawings and documents are handed over:
All these documents should be available in hard copy (prints) and soft copy in the substation or estate office. They shall be reviewed by an external agency annually. There are agencies certified by CEIG for such testing. The electrical O&M staff should be trained to read, refer, record and maintain (update) electrical records.
All operations in the HT Substation should be carried out by a licensed HT technician or Class A Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC). For voltages higher than 11kV, LEC should be Super Grade. Safety items for normal O and M -HT Gloves, HT Mat, etc must be provided and checked on a monthly basis. LEC shall carry and use safety items like 5kV Meggar, HT Earthing Rod, etc.
Under no circumstance should work on the transformer be done unless :
An audit every 5 years by an Electrical Consultant or a certified testing agency is recommended.
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Dear Mr. Rao I am Mr. Vaman working as Facility Manager in Bangalore. I come from non technical background and willing to learn more in MEP. This article is very informative & look forward to more articles in other MEP topics. Thank You. Vaman Joshi
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