| HSE has published a safety notice following the failure of a GEC VMX high voltage vacuum circuit breaker, which resulted in electrical arcing and fire within a substation. HSE’s investigation identified partial discharge activity as the most likely cause, with previous warning signs having been detected but not acted upon. The notice applies to GEC VMX switchgear manufactured between 1985 and January 2003 (including GEC Alsthom, Alstom and Areva T&D models). HSE has highlighted concerns that ageing equipment, inadequate environmental conditions, and unresolved legacy design issues may increase the risk of catastrophic failure, potentially causing serious injury or death. Key actions for duty holders: identify whether affected VMX switchgear is installed on your site review maintenance records and confirm all required modifications and improvement programmes have been completed verify substation environmental conditions meet manufacturer requirements implement routine partial discharge monitoring and vacuum integrity checks review risk assessments and any access or operational restrictions You can find more detailed information by viewing the safety notice in full: GEC Type VMX High Voltage Switchgear (including GEC Alsthom, Alstom or Areva T&D). |
