H&MV Engineering is a leader in HV electrical contracting and consulting services with their headquarters situated in the National Technology Park, Castletroy, Limerick. High & Medium Voltage Engineering Ltd was established in 1997 and is now among the leading specialist companies in High and Medium Voltage Transmission and Distribution Systems in Ireland. We provide comprehensive specialist services to industry and construction for design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of transmission and distribution networks. As of September 2016, H&MV offers a City & Guilds-accredited course that results in a Certificate in High-Voltage Switching and Operations. High-voltage systems comprise a significant and critical element of the overall electrical system worldwide. These high-voltage systems are usually the interface between the HV grid supply and the step-down or step-up voltage systems between the demand or generator power systems and the grid owner. [caption id="attachment_34812" align="alignright" width="300"]Only course of its kind accredited by City & Guilds in Ireland Only course of its kind accredited by City & Guilds in Ireland[/caption] As a result, this is an area of electrical engineering which requires specific knowledge, expertise and competence in which to operate in a safe and competent manner. In many instances, those responsible for these installations are unaware of the risk and implications particularly in the areas of safety, maintenance and continuity of supply of having such equipment located on their sites. H&MV Engineering has recognised that a significant gap exists in this specialist area of high-voltage switching and operations and the risk associated with it. We have put significant resources, experience and development into this course to address that shortfall. The course is designed to provide an awareness of the risks associated with these systems and the methods used to control and minimise them. This course is City & Guilds accredited and is the first of its kind in Ireland.The course is delivered over five days. It is broadly divided into classroom and practical sessions on an equal basis. The intention is to introduce the various concepts in the classroom environment and then implement them through practical activities. The classroom sessions will cover, in detail, the following subject areas:

  • Principles of Electrical Safety;
  • Lock-Out & Tag-Out (LOTO) & Testing of Isolations;
  • Electrical Drawings and Switching Plans;
  • Electrical Safety Legislation and Standards;
  • Principles of Arc-Flash and Arc-Blast;
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and High Voltage Test Equipment;
  • High Voltage Switchgear and Transformers;
  • General Electrical Theory and Concepts;
  • Electrical Circuits and Protection;
  • Principles of Risk Assessment.
[caption id="attachment_34814" align="alignright" width="300"]It is recommended that candidates have 4 years of electrical experience It is recommended that candidates have four years of electrical experience[/caption] The practical activities will take place in a specifically designed high-voltage training centre and student will be involved in carrying out particular operations on actual equipment. Continuous assessment will be applied throughout the duration of the course and a theory and practical exam will be required to be passed on the final day. Successful candidates will receive a City & Guilds-accredited Certificate in High Voltage Switching & Operations. The course is designed to be suitable for varied groups including:
  • Facilities and maintenance managers;
  • Facility engineers and technicians;
  • High-voltage system operators;
  • Plant electricians;
  • Maintenance technicians.
It is recommended that candidates have four years of electrical experience. The course is applicable to both those carrying out high-voltage operations, be that switching, installation or maintenance works, and persons who deal with these systems from a managerial or supervisory perspective. The course will provide participants with a solid foundation in both the theoretical and practical aspects of the operation of high-voltage systems and equipment, enabling them to carry out such functions in a safe and competent manner. Contact Niamh at hvtraining@hmveng.ie or +353 61 357496 if you would like a schedule of course dates or a quotation.