Substation Testing and Commissioning Checklist
Site Name/Location: Commissioning Date:
Commissioning Substation Voltage
Engineer(s): Level:
Type of
Substation: (AIS/GIS Main Contractor:
)
Sr.No Pre-Commissioning Checks Remark(YES/NO)
1. Ensure clear access to the site for equipment and personnel.
2. Verify access control and safety measures in place.
3. Verify as-built drawings are complete and available.
4. Equipment manuals and manufacturer instructions on site.
5. Safety documentation and risk assessments reviewed.
6. Ensure proper grounding of all substation equipment.
7. Check the drainage system and flood prevention measures.
8. PPE available and in use (hard hats, gloves, safety glasses,
etc.).
9. Verify all personnel are trained in emergency protocols.
10. First-aid kits and emergency contact numbers on site.
11. Fire extinguishers are accessible and functional.
12. Warning signage properly posted (high-voltage, arc flash,
etc.).
Transformer Testing
13. Transformer Type: (Oil/ Dry-type / Gas-insulated)
14. Insulation resistance (megger test).
15. Transformer turns ratio (TTR) test.
16. Sweep frequency response analysis (SFRA).
17. Oil sampling and testing (if applicable).
18. Neutral grounding resistances tested.
19. Check Buchholz relay function.
20. Confirm OLTC (on-load tap changer) operation and control.
21. Verify protection relay settings as per the design.
22. Test the functionality of cooling systems (fans, pumps, oil
circulation).
Circuit Breakers
23. Insulation resistance test.
24. Circuit breaker timing test.
25. Contact resistance measurement.
26. Functional operation test (open/close command).
27. Check SF6 pressure level (for gas-insulated breakers).
Gas leak detection (if applicable).
28. Verify auxiliary contacts.
29. Trip and close mechanism functional.
30. Spring charging motor and hydraulic system operational.
31. Confirm correct relay tripping action.
Switchgear
32. Visual inspection for damage or defects.
33. Insulation resistance tests.
34. Circuit isolation tested.
35. Operational testing (manual and remote controls).
36. Earthing system verification.
37. Phase verification (polarity checks).
38. Confirm interlocking system works as designed.
Protection Systems
39. Overcurrent relay tested.
40. Differential relay tested.
41. Differential relay tested.
42. Distance protection tested.
43. Backup protection functional.
44. Verify relay communication to SCADA/DCS systems.
45. Audible and visual alarms tested.
46. SCADA alarm verification.
47. Backup power supplies tested for alarms.
Control and Instrumentation
48. Verify SCADA/DCS connectivity.
49. Confirm all communication cables are properly terminated.
50. Ensure correct time synchronization between substation
devices.
51. Voltage, current, and power metering accuracy.
52. Verify CTs and PTs are correctly installed and connected.
53. Signal checks from field devices (voltage/current
transducers, temperature sensors, etc.).
Grounding System
54. Visual inspection of grounding system.
55. Grounding system resistance test (earth resistance).
56. Verify connection to ground grid.
57. Confirm grounding connections to all equipment.
58. Test continuity of grounding system.
Battery and Auxiliary Power Systems
59. Battery bank installation inspection.
60. Verify automatic changeover to backup power
61. Battery voltage and current measurement.
62. Battery load test.
63. Test charger function and alarms.
Busbar and Insulators
64. Insulation resistance test of busbars.
65. Visual inspection of busbars and insulators.
66. Confirm correct phase identification and connections.
67. Check for proper clearance from other equipment.
Cables and Wiring
68. Verify correct routing and labeling.
69. Terminations and joints properly executed.
70. Adequate cable supports and fixings installed.
71. Cable megger testing.
72. High-potential (Hi-Pot) test.
Lightning Arresters
73. Visual inspection of lightning arresters.
74. Verify the installation and grounding.
75. Measure insulation resistance of the lightning arresters.
Final Energization Checks
76. Confirm final relay settings.
77. Pre-energization checks completed and signed off.
78. Final review of all test results.
79. Approval from all stakeholders for energization.
Post-Energization Tests
80. Voltage and load checks under operational conditions.
81. Voltage and load checks under operational conditions.
82. Test automatic voltage regulation system.
83. Monitoring of equipment behavior for the first 24 hours
post-energization.
Inspection Completed By Client Representative Approval:
Name Signature Name Signature
