Using live working technology in the installation of AMI elements

Basic guidelines for the preparation of a technical work for the IEEE Installation of AMI equipment, which in this paper are Advanced Metering Infrastructure devices in MV/LV pole substations, using live working, is a new technology developed and used in Poland, performed only by ENERGAOPERA TOR SA due to AMI project realization. In order to achieve the task already existing live working technology related to overhead MV distribution lines using the lift with isolation arm and the technology of live working on LV devices has been used. Work related with installation of devices mentioned above is a process, which has a few steps. In the first step, which had to be done before live working is selection of overhead current transformers (CT), installation of LV measuring balancing cabinet and wires in protection tubes on supporting structures of the MV/LV pole substation. The next step is to insulate the work zone for both the MV and LV level, which starts part of live working task. What needs to be done next is mounting CTs on cable. The installation of CT could be done in two ways: after turning off the LV receiver circuits or with using the insulated shunt. The next step is connection of voltage wires in LV balancing measuring cabinet. The final step is to remove insulation of work zone after checking proper execution of the task. The paper also describes problems that were faced in process of development of live working technology. During execution of the tasks it occurred that there was a problem with loosening transformer terminal screws of one of the manufacturers, commonly used in Poland, while using conventional insulated spanner. The maneuvers using available tools were not possible due to very small distance between transformer's LV bushings. The solution was found in developing new insulated spanner which would meet the requirements of live working technology and enable executing the task. There was also a need to develop a new insulation sheet for LV bushings of transformer.