3.
1 Common Requirements
3.1.1 Substations shall be provided with a full interlocking scheme to ensure that all disconnectors, fixed
earthing switches (or other interlocked earthing devices) and, where required, circuit-breakers are
operated in the correct sequence so that personnel do not endanger themselves and/or the integrity of the
transmission system by incorrect or inadvertent operation of equipment. Where necessary, such
interlocking shall also be extended to cover limitation of access to areas where there is a risk that normal
safety clearances may be infringed.
3.1.2 Interlocking schemes shall cover the following conditions:(i) Interlocking between circuit-breakers and disconnectors to ensure disconnectors do not make or break
load currents.
(ii) Interlocking between disconnectors and earthing switches to ensure that earthing switches cannot be
closed on to a locally energised circuit and cannot be energised, when closed, by operation of
disconnectors.
(iii) Interlocking between disconnectors and adjacent earthing switches to permit operation of the
disconnector when earthing switches are closed on both sides of the disconnector. Such interlocking is
not required for equipment rated at 145 kV and below.
(iv) Ensuring correct sequence of on load busbar transfer switching operations at multiple busbar
substations.
(v) Ensuring that a bus-coupler or bus-section circuit-breaker is only closed with its associated
disconnectors both open or both closed.
(vi) Ensuring access to areas of the substation where safety clearances may be infringed unless
appropriate safety measures, such as isolation and earthing, have been taken.
3.1.3 The interlocking of switching sequences involving only power operated switchgear shall be by
electrical means. The correct interlocking status shall be confirmed automatically on initiation of an
operation from any control position or from auto-switching or sequential-isolation equipment.
3.1.4 The interlocking of switching sequences involving manually operated switchgear may be by
electrical or mechanical means. The interlocking shall be designed such that the correct interlocking
status must be confirmed immediately before an operation.
3.1.5 Interlocking systems shall, where practicable, be fail-safe. They shall not be defeatable without the
use of tools, clip leads etc or a purpose designed override facility which shall be lockable with safety locks
to the approval of NGC.
3.1.6 Partial interlocking of earthing switches at circuit-entries to the substation is acceptable where it is
not reasonably practicable to extend the interlocking to the remote end disconnectors.
Any partially interlocked earthing switch shall be provided with a warning label, to the approval of NGC,
stating 'WARNING, THIS EARTH SWITCH IS NOT FULLY INTERLOCKED'.
3.1.7 Interlocking shall be effective for switching and operating sequences when they are being followed
in either direction (for example; if an earthing switch must be closed before an access gate can be
opened then the gate must be secured closed before the earthing switch can be opened).
3.1.8 Interlocking schemes shall, where reasonably practicable, provide the maximum operational
flexibility and shall not unnecessarily impose fixed operating sequences.
3.1.9 Where an interlocking scheme is being supplied for an extension to an existing substation at the
same operating voltage then, unless otherwise agreed by NGC, the interlocking type and philosophy shall
match that existing.
In all cases, interlocking for a substation extension shall be fully interfaced with the existing interlocking
scheme to achieve the functional requirements specified in this document.
3.1.10 Interlocking may, in certain circumstances, have to be by-passed by auto-reclose schemes. The
requirements for these are specified in NGTS 3.15.1.
3.1.11 Proposed interlocking schemes shall be submitted to NGC for project approval.
3.2 Mechanical Interlocking
3.2.1 Mechanical interlocking shall, unless otherwise agreed by NGC, be by key operated systems.
3.2.2 Interlock keys shall be of a non-masterable design (i.e no master key can be supplied or
manufactured). Differs shall not be repeated on the same substation site.
Note: Differ is the term for the difference in a key which prevents it being interchangeable with another.
3.2.3 Interlock keys shall be engraved with an identifying reference which shall be unique to that
substation site. The identifier shall, where appropriate, include the system number of the switching device
where the key is located during normal operation and shall be to the approval of NGC. Key locations shall
be marked with the identifier of the required key.
3.2.4 Where key exchange boxes are provided they shall be located in convenient positions with regard to
normal substation operating sequences
3.2.5 Where mechanical key interlocking is fitted to disconnector and earthing switch mechanisms the
requirements specified in Clause 3.4 of NGTS 3.2.2 shall apply.
3.3 Electrical Interlocking
3.3.1 A facility shall be provided to allow the interlock system of each disconnector or earthing switch to
be defeated. This may take the form of a self-resetting switch or push-button to bypass electrical circuits
or by another means agreed by NGC. The override facility shall meet the requirements of Clause 3.1.5
above.
3.3.2 Disconnector and earthing switch mechanisms which form part of electrical interlocking schemes
shall meet the requirements of Clause 3.5
3.4 Microprocessor Based Electrical Interlocking
In addition to the requirements of Clause 3.3 above the following shall apply:
3.4.1 The system shall operate in accordance with the agreed logic table for the application. Any
combination of inputs for which an output has not been specified shall give no output.
