HV electrical installations

Overview

ABSTRACT

This article deals with the implementation of high-voltage electrical installations, in particular 20 kV installations. It addresses regulatory aspects, applicable standards and characteristics of installations according to their power supplies and the presence of a high-voltage network downstream of the delivery substation, and the different measures of protection to prevent injury and damage. The article takes into account how installations have changed in response to user needs, equipment used and the evolution of installation standards.

Read this article from a comprehensive knowledge base, updated and supplemented with articles reviewed by scientific committees.

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AUTHOR

Dominique SERRE: Engineer - Former Chairman of the UTE (Union technique de l'électricité) U15 Commission

INTRODUCTION

High-voltage electrical installations include all those with voltages in excess of 1,000 V AC and 1,500 V DC. RTE (Réseau de Transport d'Électricité) uses voltages of 225 and 400 kV for long-distance power transmission, as well as intermediate voltages of 63 and 90 kV.

In this article, we'll be taking a closer look at 20 kV installations, the voltage used in France for the public distribution network for currents of less than 630 A.

The 3 and 5.5 kV voltages are dedicated to street lighting. The 5.5 and 6.6 kV voltages are used to power motors. The 11 kV voltage is used for distribution, particularly in the maritime sector. Other HV voltages are also used for public distribution: 10 kV, 13.2 kV, 15 kV, 30 kV. These are in the process of disappearing in France, but are still common in other countries.

Large industrial consumers can be supplied directly from the transmission grid at voltages of up to 225 kV.

HV electrical installations are covered in two articles: