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Indoor 132kV Disconnectors Replacement in Sydney for AusGrid

Written by Admin | 15 Nov 2024
Company AusGrid
Location Sydney, Australia
Timeline 2024
Project Overview Replace indoor wall mounted 132kV Disconnectors and Earth Switches located in four different transformer bays. This required four different engineered solutions from Insulect to cater for variations between the bays.
Products
  • Wall Mounted 132kV Disconnectors and Earth Switches
Scope
  • Site inspection and assessment
  • Equipment specification and design
  • Technical drawings developed
  • Equipment manufacture
  • Factory Acceptance (FAT) and Routine Tests
  • Logistics and transportation to site.
  • Installation supervision
  • Direct on-call support

 

Overview

Ausgrid undertook a critical upgrade to replace ageing indoor wall‑mounted 132 kV Disconnectors and Earth Switches across four transformer bays in Sydney. Each bay presented different physical layouts and operational constraints, requiring carefully engineered, bay‑specific solutions rather than a one‑size‑fits‑all approach.

Insulect was engaged to manage the complete delivery of the project—from initial site assessment through to supply, testing, installation supervision, and ongoing support—ensuring the upgrade could be delivered safely, efficiently, and with minimal disruption.

 

Challenge

The key challenge lay in the variation between the four transformer bays. Differences in layout, clearances, and existing infrastructure meant standard equipment could not be applied across the site. Each bay required a tailored engineering solution while still meeting Ausgrid’s technical, safety, and operational requirements.

In addition, all work was carried out within an operational substation environment, placing a strong emphasis on planning, coordination, and risk management to avoid unplanned outages or safety issues.

 

Solution

Insulect delivered four engineered solutions, each designed specifically for the individual transformer bay conditions. The project began with a detailed site inspection and assessment, allowing Insulect’s engineers to fully understand the existing installation and identify constraints early.

From there, Insulect managed the entire scope of works, including:

  • Equipment specification and custom design
  • Development of detailed technical drawings
  • Manufacture of wall‑mounted 132 kV Disconnectors and Earth Switches
  • Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and routine testing
  • Coordinated logistics and transport to site
  • Installation supervision and commissioning support
  • Direct on‑call technical support throughout the project

This end‑to‑end approach ensured all equipment was fully compliant, correctly installed, and seamlessly integrated into Ausgrid’s existing infrastructure.

 

Benefits

The project delivered several key benefits for Ausgrid:

  • Tailored engineering solutions for each transformer bay
  • Improved safety and reliability of critical high‑voltage assets
  • Reduced installation risk through thorough upfront assessment
  • Smooth project execution, supported by experienced supervision
  • Single point of accountability, simplifying project coordination

By addressing site‑specific challenges early, Insulect helped avoid delays and rework during installation.

Results

The Indoor 132 kV Disconnectors Replacement project was successfully completed in 2024, delivering a modernised, reliable switching solution across all four transformer bays. The upgrade enhanced the long‑term performance and safety of Ausgrid’s substation infrastructure while meeting all technical and operational requirements.

The project demonstrated Insulect’s capability to deliver complex, customised high‑voltage solutions under live network conditions, reinforcing its role as a trusted partner for utility infrastructure upgrades.