HV Panel Logbook

High Voltage (HV) panels are critical components in power distribution systems. They control, protect, and monitor the flow of electricity in substations, industrial plants, and utility networks. To ensure reliability and safety, every operation, inspection, and maintenance activity must be properly documented. This is where an HV Panel Logbook plays a vital role.

What is an HV Panel Logbook?

An HV Panel Logbook is a structured record used to track all activities related to high voltage switchgear panels. It includes daily operations, maintenance schedules, test results, faults, and safety permits. By maintaining a logbook, operators and engineers can ensure safe practices, quick fault diagnosis, and compliance with industry standards.

Importance of an HV Panel Logbook

1.         Safety Assurance: Helps monitor safe switching and isolation procedures.
2.          Compliance: Serves as official documentation during audits and inspections.
3.          Maintenance Tracking: Records preventive and corrective maintenance activities.
4.          Fault Analysis: Provides history for troubleshooting recurring issues.
5.         Inventory Management: Tracks spare parts and equipment used in panel maintenance.

Key Sections of an HV Panel Logbook

1. General Information

This section records the basic details of the HV panel:

1.          Site/Location
2.          Panel Name/ID
3.          Manufacturer & Rating
4.          Date of Installation
5.          Maintained By

2. Daily / Shift-wise Log

Operators record the panel status (ON/OFF), load, voltage, and remarks during each shift. This ensures continuity between teams and helps in monitoring panel performance.

Example Table:

Date	Time	Operator/Technician	Panel Status (ON/OFF)	Load (kW/MW)	Bus Voltage (kV)	Remarks

 

3. Routine Inspection & Maintenance

All routine checks such as insulation resistance (IR) testing, circuit breaker (CB) operations, contact resistance, and relay checks are documented here.

Example Table:

Date	Activity Type (Inspection/Testing/Maintenance)	Details of Work Done	Parameters Checked (IR, CB timing, Contact resistance, etc.)	Observations	Done By	Verified By

4. Breakdown / Fault Records

Whenever a fault occurs, details such as time, affected feeder, cause, action taken, and restoration time are logged. This helps in analyzing trends and preventing repeated failures.

Date	Time	Fault Description	Affected Feeder/Panel	Cause of Fault	Action Taken	Restored At	Responsible Person

5. Switching Operation Record

Every operation involving circuit breakers, isolators, and earth switches is carefully recorded. This section is crucial for safety compliance.

Date	Time	Operation (CB/Isolator/Earth Switch)	Feeder/Bus	Reason for Switching	Operator	Supervisor

6. Test Records

Special tests like primary injection, relay calibration, dielectric strength testing, and timing tests are logged here with actual and standard values.

Date	Test Type (IR Test, Primary Injection, Relay Calibration, etc.)	Test Equipment Used	Test Values	Standard Values	Result (Pass/Fail)	Tested By

7. Safety & Permit Log

Work permits issued for maintenance activities are recorded to ensure lock-out tag-out (LOTO) and other safety procedures are followed.

Date	Time	Work Permit Issued To	Nature of Work	Safety Measures Taken	Permit Closed By	Remarks

8. Spare Parts & Inventory Record

Tracks the availability and use of essential spare parts like circuit breakers, relays, contactors, and fuses.

Date	Item	Quantity Received	Quantity Issued	Balance	Issued To	Remarks

Benefits of Maintaining an HV Panel Logbook

·         Enhances operational safety

·         Reduces downtime by ensuring preventive maintenance

·         Facilitates faster fault diagnosis

·         Ensures regulatory compliance

·         Improves asset lifecycle management