Substations and Generation

To prevent accidents, reduce worker errors, limit forced outages and ultimately improve productivity, you need EITI’s top-quality substation worker training. EITI offers code-compliant, classroom and hands-on training programs for high voltage substation personnel. Substation personnel are taught how to safely perform such hazardous tasks as operating disconnect switches, isolating circuit breakers and grounding station lines. Programs include current regulations, policies and procedures.

If you don't see the program you are interested in, contact us about customized training.

Program courses

Switching and Operations

This is a hands-on course. Students will spend half of each day in the classroom, and half at a substation doing actual switching and grounding exercises.

Safety and Switching Workshop for T&D Stations

This workshop has been developed specifically for generation employees engaged in switching and pperations on BC Hydro’s T & D System. Students work in groups resolving hand out scenarios and completing quizzes.

Electrical Drawings and Control Systems (T&D)

Principles of reading and interpreting electrical schematics. Practice in a mock substation follows classroom learning. Topics include motors, circuit breakers, PLCs and batteries.

Introduction to PLCs

This four-day course begins where GNS 410 (Electrical Drawings and Control Systems) leaves off. Ideal for individuals who do not have extensive PLC or computer experience.

Advanced PLCs

Builds on the skills and information acquired in GNS-415 (Introduction to PLCs, and Electrical Drawings and Control Systems, or equivalent). This course adds more complex components of PLC Control Systems, as well as interface and interposing systems used in the electric utility Industry.

Electrical System Protection Relaying

This course provides skills and knowledge about protection schemes for electrical trade workers. It provides a solid understanding of generation, high voltage bus, transformer, transmission and distribution line protection. Examples provided are primarily BC Hydro, but the course content is applicable to all electrical utility systems.

Protection and Control for Generating Stations

This 3-4 day course is designed for electricians, operators, technicians, engineers and managers who are working in the power generation sector, including substations and hydro generating stations. It will give the knowledge to diagnose fault events and understand generator and power system protection. Generators are the primary source of fault currents. This course is designed to expand the understanding of fault currents and voltages, a requirement for analyzing proper relay operations.

Generation Station (Hydraulic)

This is a course for IPP Operators that reviews the components and operation of Hydraulic Generation, including dams, spillways, water control, and the effects of generators on the integrated system. Worker safety is emphasized throughout. While most examples are on BC Hydro equipment, the theory, procedures, and standards apply to any generating station.

Circuit Breaker - General

This generic circuit breaker course is intended to familiarize the participants with the basic principles involved. All types of high voltage breakers will be looked at from an operations and maintenance standpoint.

Understanding High Voltage Circuit Breaker Controls - Coil Operated Closing

This course teachs students how to read circuit breaker control schematics and understand the various functions. Focus will be on the most common types of circuit breakers.

Understanding High Voltage Circuit Breaker Controls - Clutch & Motor Closing

This course teaches students how to read circuit breaker control schematics and understand their functions. Focus is on the older Westinghouse "B" type clutch and motor closing. These CB's have unique controls, and there are still many of them in circulation.

Personal Protective Grounding and Bonding for Stations

This course reviews basic grounding theory, reasons for grounding and the hazards associated with improper grounding technique. The various types and sizes of safety grounds are reviewed, along with applicable installation methods.

Gas Technology in Power Systems

This course offers a combination of theory and hands-on practice, providing a thorough understanding of all gasses used in typical power systems operation. This course is designed for the substation crews responsible for operating, testing, troubleshooting and maintaining gas controlled or operated equipment. Safety and environmental concerns are stressed in both the theory and practice sessions. A typical air drier and SF6 gas cart computer simulation is used for instruction.

Voltage Regulation and Tapchangers

This course that covers voltage regulation and tapchanging equipment used in typical power system voltage control systems. It provides valuable basics for understanding the theory and application of these tapchanges, as well as some practical testing and control circuit exercises. Overview of common tapchanger design, operation, and maintainenance. Typical control circuits are covered in depth, as this is where most substation crews will encounter their work. Maintenance and overhaul procedures are covered; overhauls and descriptions of several tapchangers are supported by a manufacturer’s video. Worker safety and correct procedures are stressed throughout the course.

Regulators, Capacitors, Reactors and Reclosers

This course is for employees who are required to operate, maintain or troubleshoot 1-Phase & 3-Phase Regulators shunt capacitors, series capacitors, shunt reactors, series reactors, reclosers.

Oil Conditioning

This course includes both theory and hands on instruction. It is an important course for anyone responsible for sampling, testing and conditioning insulating oil with a MOTP (mini oil treatment plant) or for selecting other conditioning process. Assessment tools and business decisions are introduced. The course includes environment and safety concerns, but is not a spill response or an isolation course. The course uses a simulated computer model of a typical MOTP used in BC Hydro. Informal and formal quizzes are included and are intended to enhance recall of the knowledge. (Competency-based instruction).

Metal Clad Switchgear

This course is suitable for anyone working in substations or power-houses and who are required to maintain, switch or troubleshoot metal-clad switchgear.

Circuit Breaker / Gas Technology Refresher

This course condenses both the circuit breaker and gas technology courses together for a more basic look at the CB's and gas tech.

Print Reading Refresher Course

The morning tutorial covers the key components of motor control and station one-line print reading. The lecture section is followed by an afternoon workshop. The participants are given work-related scenarios designed to get everyone involved in all the questions. Each participant learns to use one-lines for identifying isolation requirements and hazards. The participants should read the written material prior to attending the course.

Rigging for Station Workers

This course demonstrates the rigging of station equipment and would be useful for anyone working in substations or Power houses that are required to lift heavy pieces of equipment.

Electrical Awareness for Non-Electrical Trades

This program provides a basic understanding of common electric circuits and equipment with emphasis on safety. Attendees will gain an increased appreciation for hazards associated with electricity and when to call for assistance.