Substation Operations and Protection Systems Training in Johannesburg, South Africa by EduCore Global Skills

Module 1: Foundations of Substations and Power System Operation

Core competencies for Foundations of Substations and Power System Operation.

• Role of substations in generation, transmission, and distribution networks
• Types of substations: step-up, step-down, switching, and distribution; indoor vs. outdoor; AIS vs. GIS
• Substation layouts and busbar arrangements (single bus, double bus, ring, breaker-and-a-half)
• Overview of major substation equipment and single-line diagrams
• Standards and regulatory context (e.g., IEC, IEEE, EPRA grid code, KPLC/KETRACO practices)

Module 2: Primary Substation Equipment

Core competencies for Primary Substation Equipment.

• Power transformers: construction, cooling, tap changers, and accessories
• Circuit breakers: SF6, vacuum, and air-blast types, and operating mechanisms
• Isolators, earthing switches, and load break switches
• Instrument transformers: current transformers (CTs) and voltage transformers (VTs/CVTs)
• Surge arresters, insulators, capacitor banks, and reactors

Module 3: Substation Auxiliary and Secondary Systems

Core competencies for Substation Auxiliary and Secondary Systems.

• DC systems: batteries, chargers, and supervision
• AC auxiliary supply and backup generation
• Control and relay panels, marshalling kiosks, and cabling
• Earthing and lightning protection systems
• Fire protection, oil containment, and environmental controls

Module 4: Substation Operations and Switching Procedures

Core competencies for Substation Operations and Switching Procedures.

• Control room roles, shift handover, and operating logs
• Switching programs, sequences, and operating instructions
• Permit-to-work, lock-out/tag-out (LOTO), and safety clearances
• Load management, voltage control, and transformer loading
• Managing faults, outages, and emergency restoration

Module 5: Fundamentals of Power System Faults and Protection Principles

Core competencies for Fundamentals of Power System Faults and Protection Principles.

• Types of faults: symmetrical and unsymmetrical, phase and earth faults
• Short-circuit calculations and per-unit basics
• Protection objectives: selectivity, speed, sensitivity, reliability, and stability
• Zones of protection, primary and backup protection
• Symmetrical components and system earthing methods

Module 6: Protection Relays and Schemes

Core competencies for Protection Relays and Schemes.

• Evolution of relays: electromechanical, static, numerical, and IEDs
• Overcurrent and earth fault protection, including directional elements
• Distance protection: zones, reach, and communication-aided schemes
• Differential protection for transformers, busbars, and lines
• Auto-reclosing, breaker failure, and under/over-voltage and frequency protection

Module 7: Protection Coordination, Settings, and Testing

Core competencies for Protection Coordination, Settings, and Testing.

• Relay coordination principles and grading margins
• Calculating and applying relay settings
• CT/VT selection, saturation, and burden considerations
• Commissioning and routine testing with relay test sets
• Fault record analysis, event logs, and post-fault investigation

Module 8: SCADA, Automation, and Communications (IEC 61850)

Core competencies for SCADA, Automation, and Communications (IEC 61850).

• SCADA architecture: RTUs, gateways, HMIs, and master stations
• IEC 61850, GOOSE messaging, and digital substations
• Communication media: fiber optic, PLC, microwave, and protocols (DNP3, IEC 60870-5-104)
• Remote monitoring, control, and alarm management
• Cybersecurity for substations and operational technology (OT)

Module 9: Maintenance, Condition Monitoring, and Asset Management

Core competencies for Maintenance, Condition Monitoring, and Asset Management.

• Maintenance strategies: preventive, predictive, and condition-based
• Transformer diagnostics: DGA, oil testing, thermography, and partial discharge
• Circuit breaker and switchgear testing and maintenance
• Asset health indices, spares management, and lifecycle planning
• Maintenance records, CMMS, and reliability metrics (SAIDI, SAIFI, availability)

Module 10: Safety, Reliability, and Emerging Trends

Core competencies for Safety, Reliability, and Emerging Trends.

• Electrical safety, arc flash hazards, and PPE
• Incident investigation, root cause analysis, and lessons learned
• Grid integration of renewables and impacts on protection design
• Adaptive protection, wide-area monitoring, and PMUs
• Emerging trends: digital twins, AI-assisted fault diagnosis, and unmanned or remotely operated substations

How is Substation Operations and Protection Systems Training delivered?

Substation Operations and Protection Systems Training is delivered through instructor-led classroom, live online, private in-house corporate training depending on the selected cohort or organizational arrangement.

What are the fees for Substation Operations and Protection Systems Training?

The published course investment is KES 80,000 and USD 3,400. Location-specific fees are shown where configured.

How long is Substation Operations and Protection Systems Training?

Substation Operations and Protection Systems Training runs for 5 Days unless a customized corporate schedule is agreed.

Do participants receive a certificate for Substation Operations and Protection Systems Training?

Participants who complete the course receive a Certificate of Completion from EduCore Global Skills.

Where can I take Substation Operations and Protection Systems Training?

Substation Operations and Protection Systems Training is available in Johannesburg, South Africa. Current dates are shown only where real sessions have been configured.

Who should attend Substation Operations and Protection Systems Training?

Substation Operations and Protection Systems Training is designed for Energy Professionals, Engineers, Operations Managers, Safety Officers, Project Teams, Professionals and organizations that need practical capability in Energy, Utilities, and Infrastructure Operations.

What are the prerequisites for Substation Operations and Protection Systems Training?

No mandatory prerequisite is required unless stated in the course outline. Practical workplace experience in the subject area is helpful.