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Attachment Report

Bachelor of science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (Technical University of

Mombasa)

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Technical University of Mombasa

Faculty of Engineering and Technology

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING

YEAR FIVE, SEMESTER TWO

This attachment report is submitted in partial fulfilment of the academic requirements for the

degree of: Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronic Engineering in the Faculty of

Engineering and Technology.

INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT AT KENYA POWER MOMBASA

NAME: JOHN MAKOKHA WANJALA

REG NO: BSEE/171J/2017

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 0741924396

ATTACHMENT PERIOD: FROM 9th JANUARY TO 31ST MARCH

Date of submission: April 27th, 2023

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DECLARATION

I declare that this report is my personal work and no duplicate of the same has been reproduced

in any other institution of higher learning. This is in collaboration with other people in provision

of material and necessary research as indicated in the acknowledgements. Therefore, a copy of

this work should not be reproduced without my consent. This work is being submitted for the

course in Bachelors of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Technical University

of Mombasa. It has not been submitted in any other institution of higher learning or in any

academic work.

NAME: JOHN MAKOKHA WANJALA

SIGNATURE:

DATE:

DEDICATION

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I dedicate this industrial attachment report to all esteemed personalities who have continually

impacted to my professional development. First is to Technical University of Mombasa staff, to

the Electrical and Electronics Department and largely to the University Engineering students for

their future research. Also, to the Kenya Power staff, Engineers, Technicians and all the Field

Team members who worked with me for the success of this industrial attachment. Lastly, it’s to

my beloved family, relatives and friends who have helped me throughout this period. A special

dedication is to everyone with similar dreams along this career.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First and foremost, I would like to thank God for being with me throughout this attachment. My

special gratitude goes to a number of personalities who dedicated their time, skills and all the

care to enhance the success of this attachment period including:

The entire staff of Kenya Power Coast Region starting with the Chief Engineer Mr. Steven

Okumu for ensuring that we were always assigned to supervisors for field work. Also my

gratitude goes to all the field supervivors: Mr Kirui, Mr Mboko, Mr Mokire, Mr Mokaya, Mr

Sewe, Mr. James, and Mr. Obama for guiding me and ensuring that I get skills and knowledge in

their respective areas of Specialization.

Mr. and Mrs. Wanjala my lovely parents who kept in touch giving me social emotional and

economical support to ensure I had full concentration in my attachment. My University

Supervisor Mr Majani for coming at Kenya power to assess me and ensure that I was acquiring

skills and all related to my course. My fellow Trainees James Mwangi and Oscar Ochien’g who

we shared a lot of experience and worked with as a team for the success of the attachment.

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ABSTRACT.

The industrial attachment served as a platform to enhance practical skills and knowledge so as to

make training relevant to the job requirement in industry and for social career interactions. It

provided an opportunity to practice knowledge gained in class especially on power transmission.

Most of the work was centred on operation and maintenance and design and construction of

electricity supply lines to consumers. It was also a chance to interact with company Engineers

who openly explained on protection measures at a substation, types of transformers and their

operation and safety required at work place when dealing with both low and high voltages. The

setting of the company also provides a chance to learn all operations carried out in an industry

for its success including their revenue protection unit and how they market and sell their services

to customer. It helps understand problems faced by the company for instance temporary and

permanent breakdowns, customer reluctance to pay bills and how the specific problems are

solved. It provided exposure to technologies and machineries not available in the university. It

involved a range of machines from the old manual to the few digital automated ones giving an

idea of comparison and understanding of machines needed for the best work output and

protection. This may include the control panel which contained all the protection devices like the

breakers and switches for customer device protection and also the company machines and

equipment. Lastly, the management of the company gave a chance to have a positive interaction

the managers and company engineers in a bid to prepare for the same line of work in future.

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Table of Contents

DECLARATION.............................................................................................................................................................ii
DEDICATION...............................................................................................................................................................iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT...............................................................................................................................................iv
ABSTRACT.....................................................................................................................................................................v
LIST OF FIGURES.....................................................................................................................................................viii

1 CHAPTER ONE: COMPANY PROFILE.............................................................................1

1.1 Introduction......................................................................................................................................1
1.2 Objectives of the attachment...........................................................................................................1
1.3 Company profile..............................................................................................................................1
1.3.1 Company background information...................................................................................................................2
1.3.2 Company’s mission............................................................................................................................................3
1.3.3 Company’s vission..............................................................................................................................................3
1.3.4 Company’s core values......................................................................................................................................3
1.3.5 Company objectives...........................................................................................................................................4
1.3.6 Company quality policy.....................................................................................................................................4
1.3.7 Safety rules.........................................................................................................................................................4

2 CHAPTER TWO: ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT DURING THE ATTACHMENT.......8

2.1 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................8
2.2 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE............................................................................................8
2.2.1 Substation work.................................................................................................................................................9
2.2.2 Emergency control...........................................................................................................................................14
2.2.3 Mains team work..............................................................................................................................................17
2.3 CUSTOMER SERVICE.................................................................................................................20
2.3.1 Metering...........................................................................................................................................................20
2.3.2 Debt control.....................................................................................................................................................25
2.3.3 Meter Testing...................................................................................................................................................27

3 CHAPTER 3: CHALLENGES, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION.............30

3.1 Challenges encountered during the attachment...........................................................................30
3.2 Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................31
3.3 Recommendations for the challenges i encountered....................................................................32
3.4 REFERENCES.................................................................................................................................33

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LIST OF FIGURES

Fig 1.1 Organizational structure.........................................................................................5

Fig 2.1:A circuit breaker in a substation, the relay and its trip electrodes and the

electricity counter.............................................................................................................................7

Fig 2.2: An electrical isolator or disconnect switch showing the moveable part................8

Fig 2.3: Surge diverter usually connected between line and earth conductors...................9

Fig 2.4: A diagram showing a 144KV lighting arrestor....................................................10

Fig 2.5: Shows a physical representation of the HRC fuse...............................................13

Fig 2.6: A diagram showing a bolt, a nut, a d-iron and shuckle insulator assembled.......14

Fig 2.7: diagram showing an 800px bolt and nut annotated.............................................14

Fig 2.8: The image shows sketches of the fittings and how they are used in installation. 16

Fig 2.9: The sketch illustrates how a stay connection is done on a pole and a stay

insulator.........................................................................................................................................28

Fig 2.10: MCB wiring diagram of single, double, triple and four pole. ........................32

Fig 2.11: Shows a three phase meter wiring using a single and double pole MCB..........33

Fig 2.12: Shows an illustration of a single phase wiring connection................................34

Fig 2.13: This picture shows when I was doing the single phase meter wiring................35

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1 CHAPTER ONE: COMPANY PROFILE.

1.1 Introduction

This is an industrial report of the activities done at Kenya Power & Lighting Company. This is to

fulfil the academic requirements as per Bachelors of Science in Electrical and Electronics

Engineering at Technical University of Mombasa. It is my first attachment which was centered

on power transmission and distribution at Kenya Power. This mainly involved, maintenance,

operation and Metering. It greatly provided a platform for me to exercise all the skills I had

gained from the class in relation to this field.

1.2 Objectives of the attachment

1) To provide an avenue to practice theoretical skills learnt in class practically.

2) To have interactions with new technologies and machinery not available in the University

3) Provide exposure to industrial work culture through actual involvement in real work

environment.

4) To build confidence in technical operations by working with professionals in the field and

familiarizing with the operations.

5) Abide by the university requirements as pertains Bachelors of Science in Electrical and

Electronics’ Engineering.

1.3 Company profile

MOMBASA BRANCH OFFICE,

P.O.BOX, 90104-80100

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MOMBASA, KENYA.

ELECTRICITY HOUSE, NKRUMAH ROAD.

TEL: 054-2033012/3/4/5.

WEBSITE: www.kenyapower.co.ke

1.3.1 Company background information.

Kenya Power and Lighting Company is a limited liability company which transmits, distributes

and retails electricity to customers throughout Kenya. It was founded on 6th, July, 1922; 97 years

ago by merger. Initially, it was The East African Power and Lighting Company Limited meant to

serve power to Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Later in 1983, its name changed to Kenya Power

and Lighting Company Limited partly owned by the Government of Kenya with 50.1

shareholding and 49.9 by private of investors. Kenya Power and Lighting Company then re-

branded Kenya Power in June 2011.Its headquarters are at Stima Plaza, Kolobot Road in

Parklands, Nairobi.Kenya Power is Responsible for ensuring that there is adequate line capacity

to maintain supply and quality of electricity across the country. The interconnected networks of

transmission and distribution lines cover about 49, 818 kilometer. Through continuous efforts by

Kenya power and its stakeholders, Kenya is on the international map as one of the countries with

the best annual connectivity rate in Africa. In Kenya, electricity is mainly generated from hydro,

thermal and geothermal sources-with wind generation accounting for less than 6 Megawatts of

the installed capacity. Currently, Hydro power comprises over 40% of the installed capacity in

Kenya and is sourced from various stations managed by the Kenya Electricity Generating

Company (KenGen).The national grid is operated at an integral network linked by a 220KV and

132KV transmission network. Electricity is generated at 11KV and 15KV which is then stepped

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up to 132KV or 220KV. At different substations it’s stepped down to 66KV, 33KV or 11KV for

customer supply. For domestic consumers electricity is stepped down to 240V or 415V. Kenya’s

current grid connected electricity capacity is1429MW.

1.3.2 Company’s mission

Power people for better lives

1.3.3 Company’s vission

To provide world class power that delights our customers

1.3.4 Company’s core values

Kenya Power core values signify:

i. Customer first

ii. One team

iii. Passion

iv. Integrity

v. Excellence

1.3.5 Company objectives

1) To buy efficiently and wisely, obtaining by an ethical means the best value for every shilling

spent.

2) To maintain cordial relationships with other department for the overall benefit of the

organization.

3) To develop staff policies, procedures and organization to ensure achievement of set

objectives.

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4) To help add value to the development of services rendered.

5) To supply the organization with flow of materials and services to meet its needs.

6) To ensure continuity of supply by maintaining effective relationships with existing sources to

meet emerging or planned needs.

7) To develop specification in collaboration with user to ensure standardization is achieved.

1.3.6 Company quality policy

Kenya Power is committed to provide cost effective, reliable and quality power that delights

customers and betters people’s lives. In pursuit of this undertaking, suitable technologies and

innovations will be embraced to improve the power network and customer service.Quality

objectives have been established at relevant functions and levels within the organization and will

be renewed annually. The board management and staff of Kenya power are committed to

effective implementation and continual improvement of the Quality management system that

complies with ISO 90001:2008 standard

1.3.7 Safety rules

1.3.7.1 Safety rules for employees and trainees

A safe work environment is not always enough to control all potential electrical hazards. One

must be cautious and work safely. Being mindful of ones’ safety and those of others helps

control risks of injury of even fatal accidents at work place. The following are some of the rules:

i. Avoid contact with energized electrical circuits. All circuits are to be assumed live unless

proven otherwise.

ii. Disconnect the power source before servicing or repairing electrical equipment.

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iii. Use only tools and equipment with non-conducting handles when working on electrical

devices.

iv. Wear nonconductive gloves, protective clothes and shoes with insulated soles.

v. Never handle electrical equipment when hands, feet, or body are wet or preparing or

when standing on a wet floor.

vi. If an individual comes in contact with a live electrical conductor, do not touch the

equipment code or person. Disconnect the power source from the circuit breaker or pull

out the plug using a leather belt. Always disconnect the power FIRST.

1.3.7.2 Safety rules for all customers

i. Replace or repair damaged or loose electrical cords.

ii. Avoid running extension cords across doorways or under carpets.

iii. Arc-fault circuit breakers should be installed in your home to protect electrical outlets.

iv. Avoid overloading outlets. Plug on one high-wattage appliance into each receptacle

outlets at a time.

v. If switches feel warm, frequent problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuit , call a

qualified electrician.

vi. In homes with children, make sure your home has tamper-resistant receptacles.

1.5 COMPANY ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE.

Board of Directors

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Revenue
accountant

Chief Executive Officer

Company Secretary

Regional Manager

Deputy Regional Manager

Chief Engineer

Senior Engineer

Distribution Customer Energy IT and Finance Human

transmission Transport
engineer service Telecom officer resource
engineer
engineer officer

Assistant Assistant
Telecom Cost
distribution transmission
Assistant technician Assistant
accountant
engineer engineer
engineer s resource
officer

Distribution Transmission Computer

technicians Clerk
technician support

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Fig 1.1 Organizational structure

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2 CHAPTER TWO: ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT DURING THE ATTACHMENT.

2.1 INTRODUCTION

The industrial attachment involved majorly operation and maintenance work and customer

service. We dealt with operation and maintenance of rotten poles, worn out or stolen conductors,

transformer fault detection and correction and also connecting low voltage power to customers.

We also worked with customer service department. This involved debt control by doing meter

reading and disconnection of electricity supply defaulters and customers who had not paid their

bills. Also, in customer service department we dealt with meter wiring by connecting the

customers to the company meters for purposes of paying for the service and to help the company

know amount of power consumed by given customers over a period of time. Also, we worked on

high voltage power supply construction by enhancing connectivity and ensuring all customers

are served with power. Lastly, we dealt with the insertion and ensuring that any customers in

need of electricity had their details inserted in the Kenya Power Integrated Customer

Management System and work order released for power or service to be given to the specific

customer.

2.2 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

This section involves maintenance of electricity supply systems and ensuring that all customers

are safe from any electricity dangers caused by poorly maintained supply conductors, poles or

even faulty transformer and loose transformer wiring. Also, it’s the role of this team to deal with

emergency temporary breakdowns to ensure customers don’t stay for too long without power.

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Also, in cases of permanent breakdown where falling trees cut electric conductors or cause

falling of poles, then a replacement has to be done to ensure customer is served diligently.

2.2.1 Substation work

An electricity substation is a network of electrical equipment which is connected in a structured

way in order to supply electricity to end customers. There are numerous electrical substation

components like outgoing and incoming circuitry which has circuit breakers, isolators,

transformers and bus bar systems.

A circuit breaker is an automatically operated electrical switch designated to protect an

electrical circuit from damage caused by excess current, typically originating from an electrical

overload or short circuit. Its basic function is to interrupt current flow after a fault is detected, It

consists of fixed and moving contacts called electrodes per each phase which under normal

operating conditions remain closed and will not open automatically until a fault is detected by a

protection relay. If a fault is sensed, a trip coil of the circuit breaker gets energized and the

moving contacts are moved apart to disconnect the circuitry.

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Fig 2.2:A circuit breaker in a substation, the relay and its trip electrodes and the electricity counter.

An isolator is a mechanical switch deployed for isolation of circuits when there is an

interruption of current. They operate under no load conditions and are not fortified with a

quenching device. This device has no specific current breaking value neither a current making

value. They are mechanically operated switches. This is done in two operational methods shown

below

i) Opening Method

a) Open the major circuit breaker

b) Divide the load from a system with isolator opening.

c) Close the earth switch. Earth switch can become with an interlock system with isolator.

d) That’s, when the isolator is open only that time earth switch can be closed.

ii) Closing Method

 Detach the earth switch.

 Shut the isolator.

 Shut the circuit breaker.

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Fig 2.3: An electrical isolator or disconnect switch showing the moveable part.

Surge diverters are devices that prevent damage to apparatus due to high voltage. It provides a

low impedance path to ground for current from a lighting strike or transient voltage and then

restore to normal operating conditions. It operates as explained below:

Under normal operation, the lighting arrestor is off the line that is, it conducts no current to earth

and the gap is non-conducting. On occurrence of over voltage, the air insulation across the gap

breaks down and an arc is formed providing a low resistance path for the surge to the ground.

In this way, the excess charge on the line due to the surge is harmlessly conducted through the

arrestor to the ground instead of being sent back over the line.

Fig 2.4: Surge diverter usually connected between line and earth conductors.

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Some of the components of an electrical substation include:

i. Instrument transformers

ii. Current and Potential transformers

iii. Conductors, insulators, isolators and bus bars.

iv. Lighting arrestors, circuit breakers and relays.

v. Capacitor banks, batteries, wave trapper and switch yard.

vi. Metering and indication instruments.

2.2.1.1 Construction of a transformer at a substation

For a customer of Kenya Power to be supplied with electricity from a given transformer, they

must be 600m of radius from the nearest transformer. Some of the materials needed are,

 Channel: Provides support and is used to hold the transformer body.

 High voltage droppers: Allow high voltage to the transformer terminals for stepping

down.

 Pilot pins: Used to hold the droppers in a single position to avoid swaying that may make

them loose or even cause an electrical short.

 Surge diverters: Are devices used in case of over voltage to direct the excess into the

ground so as to allow the normal operation of the phases without tripping.

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Fig 2.5: A diagram showing a 144KV lighting arrestor

 Fuse mount: This is the equipment on which the spur fuse is connected to complete the

high voltage circuit.

 Spur fuse: Contains the fuse elements that complete the high voltage circuitry and breaks

in case of over voltage to open the circuit and protect consumer devices.

 Transformer mount fuse: Selected depending on the value of voltage of the transformer

which when exceeded due to short circuits and surges they blow to protect customer

devices.

The following steps are followed in installation of a distribution transformer:

i. Earth resistance test of the ground is done to determine the transformer positioning; this

should be between 0-20Ω

ii. If correct, 6 fit hole is dug and a 36 fit pole for high voltage inserted and 5 fit hole is dug

for a 32 fit pole for low voltage inserted.

iii. A channel is constructed using 9 bolt for wooden pole and brackets for a concrete pole.

iv. Using HIAB lift machine, the transformer is lifted and held strongly on the channel for

support.

v. Three conductors are connected to the three phase supply conductors to drop electrical

power.

vi. The droppers are then connected to the fuse mounts on a sliver plated copper alloy on

which spur fuses are normally connected to complete the high tension circuit.

vii. From the fuse mount the droppers are connected to surge arrestors then tied on pilot pins

which are insulators for support.

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viii. The three phase droppers are then connected to the primary terminals of the transformer.

ix. The secondary terminals of the transformer are connected through the low voltage fuses

them connected to the distribution conductors for customer consumption.

x. The outgoing terminals are usually four for three phases and two for single phase which

includes one neutral conductor.

xi. Earthing is done first by sinking the earth rod deep in the ground then connecting the

copper conductor which is wound on the pole to the surge arrestors for grounding.

xii. Also, earthing of the metal conductors which may cause short circuits.

xiii. Finally, commissioning of the transformer is done by testing the ground resistance and

connecting the spur fuses to allow flow of current.

2.2.2 Emergency control

This section involves solving cases of temporary and permanent breakdowns arising from

situations that cause electrical faults resulting in lack of power to consumers. This is of more

importance because it boosts their revenue collection and business management of the company.

2.2.2.1 Emergency desk

Its a team that deals with the reception customer complain and assigned to the team in charge for

maintenance purposes. Also solving customer complaints at the desk such as unreflecting token

bought by customer, this is done by the use of the Token Tracker application found in the

company’s Integrated System Management Service.

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2.2.2.2 Temporary beakdowns

These are short term emergency problems arising from electrical faults such as short circuits or

overload. It’s the role of the emergency team to receive such complains and assign the work to

be done immediately. Some of the faults include;

 Blown transformer fuses –caused by short circuit due to falling trees and overload by the

consumers. This is solved by:

i. Determining the blown transformer fuse by using a copper wire mount on a link stick.

ii. If sparks are produced, then the fuse element is blown and the fuse should be replaced.

iii. For the Fuse to be replaced, the fault that caused it to blow is determined by line

inspection for instance trees bending on low voltage conductors causing a short circuit.

iv. When the cause is resolved, a new blown fuse is then replaced by a new one.

 Loose termination at the primary or secondary terminal of the transformer causing power

fluctuation. This is solved by tightening the contact to ensure the incoming and outgoing

circuitry is perfect.

 Blown dropping cables due to overheating and short circuits. This is solved by replacing

the blown cables.

 Faulty transformers for instance leaking of oil that lowers the cooling efficiency of the

transformer. This can be solved by replacing the transformer or refilling with new

cooling oil.

 Also, when the fault is not resolved line isolation is done on the low voltage supply so as

to ensure not all customers are affected and that they can be powered. This may be done

by disconnection of jumpers to the low voltage supply. This is to give time for inspection

and solving of the fault. Also, under this department I had a study of the different types

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of fuses. Where, a fuse is an electrical safety device that operates to provide overcurrent

protection of an electrical circuit. They include; High rapturing capacity drop out fuse.

At Kenya Power, the distribution transformer has a fuse connected to each of the outgoing

phases. The main type of fuse used in this case is the High Rapturing Capacity (HRC) fuse.

It’s a totally enclosed fuse with high breaking capacity well designed by company engineers

after intensive research.

The fuse can be instantly replaced in case of an electric fault and short circuit for instance

crossing of phase conductors due to falling trees.The fuse element is made of copper or silver

due to their low specific resistance. When a fault causes an overcurrent above the specified fuse

rating, the fuse element blows so to protect the outgoing circuitry and customer electrical

devices. It’s therefore the role of the emergency team to identify and replace any blown fuse

after identifying the cause of the fault and correcting. The fuse contains the fuse link contact

which grips into the fuse holder, a cartridge, fuse element, filling powder and a brass end plate.

Fig 2.6: Shows a physical representation of the HRC fuse.

A drop out fuse is an expulsion type of fuse which mainly protects the transformers on rural

distribution network. It is particularly useful for inaccessible sub-stations where indication of

fusing is of advantage. Incase 0f faults like overcurrent, the fuse element melts to disconnect the

circuit. It’s normally rated 100-200 Amperes.

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2.2.3 Mains team work

This is section responsible for ensuring that electricity supply to customers is maintained. Also in

case of any instance like rotten poles, it’s the role of this team to ensure that it’s replaced for

safety of the customer, their gadgets and company property. One of the activities carried out was

replacement of rotten poles. Rotten poles are one of the dangers likely to face customers and the

company. Therefore, the company has put in place measures to ensure any rotten or bending pole

is replaced for safety purposes. For this to be done there are a number of tools and equipment

needed:

 Shuckle- an insulator into which the conductors are passed so as to be firmly held.

 D-iron – a metal cap like tool where a bolt is used through a shuckle so as to hold it

firmly in position.

Fig 2.7: A diagram showing a bolt, a nut, a d-iron and shuckle insulator assembled.

 9 & 4.5 bolt

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Fig 2.8: diagram showing an 800px bolt and nut annotated

 Conductor weather for low or high voltage- Some of the commonly used conductors

include, hard and soft drawn copper and aluminum, steel conductors used for stay wire

erection and aluminum conductor steel reinforced (ACSR) used mainly in high tension

wiring. The overhead cables are chosen based on:

 Power Delivery Requirements like current carrying capacity and electrical losses.

 Line design requirements for example distances to be spanned, sag and clearance

requirements

 Environment considerations like wind loading and ambient temperature

 Pull lift and come along or ratchet.

 Cross arm and cross arm braces. Can be wooden or metallic depending on the

environment.

 Stay rod, stay wire, guy insulator and stay block constructed to support a low or high

voltage line.

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2.2.3.1 Procedure for replacement of rotten poles

1. Measure out and mark site for the new pole a minimum of 300mm from the old one then

dig the hole (6ft and 5ft) for high tensions line and low voltage line respectively.

2. Seek site permission from engineer in charge or from sub-station team in order to switch

of the line.

3. Using a HIAB lift machine, erect the required new poles in their designated holes based

on whether it’s low or high voltage.

4. Using climbers, a trained-personnel climbs the pole to fix the fittings including the

shuckles, d-iron and bolts or brackets.

5. High tension lines are fitted first then low voltage line afterward

6. Removal of rotted pole is done using ladder and rope to pull it.

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Fig 2.9: The image shows sketches of the fittings and how they are used in installation.

Whenever maintenance has to be done on a high tension line, the drop-out or the circuit breaker

was tripped so as to restrict current flow so as operation to be taken out. This is majorly for the

technicians working on the line. After switching of the breaker or removal of the drop-out fuse, a

CME was used to provide protection in case of sudden electric fault for grounding purposes.

The Circuit Main Earth, (CME):- Is a protective device used to ground the high voltage

conductors so as to protect the worker at the site in case of any electrical fault. It consists of

earth end clamp, line main end clamp and flexible leads. Steps below show how it’s used;

 Dig an earth rod deep in the ground.

 Clip the earth end clamp on the earth rod to provide grounding channel.

 Use climbers to climb and clip the main end clamp each on one phase of the three.

2.3 CUSTOMER SERVICE

Customer service section is mandated to undertake customer related aspects of the Kenya Power

business. Specifically, this includes but is not limited to analysis of electricity unit sales growth

in the plan period, sales from new and existing customers, innovations and service reforms to

enhance sales growth and customer satisfaction. Under this section, there is study of metering,

revenue and company debt control.

2.3.1 Metering

This involves connection of customers to company meters that aids electricity unit sale. .

Customers are metered according to their need for instance, customers applied for meter

separation, new meter and meter renewal or changing from postpaid to prepaid meter. A

customer is given meter when his/her payment has been approved and construction has been

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done by design and construction team. Kenya Power meters may be of postpaid or prepaid type.

For postpaid case, one uses electricity first and is then billed for units used in scheduled

intervals for instance monthly. Once billed, one has a set time like fifteen days to pay the amount

due. Failure to pay often incurs late fees or penalties. Continued failure to pay may result in

disconnection and collection action. For prepaid case, one has a “credit” balance that they have

already paid for and this balance is reduced as they use electricity. There are no deadlines or

monthly bills. Under this system one can pay for what they want, when they want provided they

maintain a balance. During the meter installation practice, we dealt with both three and single

phase meter wiring. The main types of meters we installed were the HEXING, INHEMETER

and CLOU.

2.3.1.1 Three Phase Meter Wiring

This involves connection of a three-phase supply to a company meter and finally to a customer’s

three phase equipment or machine.

Requirements for the installation include;

A single, double and triple pole plus neutral miniature circuit breaker {MCB}

For a single pole case, each of the phases: red yellow and blue phase are connected in one

incoming and outgoing line.

A double pole MCB is used to break a phase and neutral where both trip. Also the triple pole

trips all the phases in case of an electrical fault. The different physical outlook of the MCBs is

shown below:

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Fig 2.10: MCB wiring diagram of single, double, triple and four pole. .

In installation in the case of a single and double pole used in the three-phase wiring;

 For meter installation to be done, the customer pays for all cost including materials and

equipment to be used.

 A drop cable from the nearest low voltage supply pole is dropped to the consumers meter

box.

 The incoming red, yellow and blue phase together with the neutral are connected to the

respective cut out fuse for instance:

Red and yellow phase to a single pole MCB which trips in case of an electrical fault to protect

the consumer’s devices. Blue phase and neutral are connected to the double pole MCB.

An earth wire is then connected from the earth bus bar and then grounded via the earth electrode.

 They are then connected to the company meters which has both the incoming and

outgoing terminals.

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 It’s then connected to the circuit breakers which are chosen depending on the device

consuming the power where different devices have different current rating hence need for

different breakers.

 For protection of the company meter against any temper or theft, a seal wire and plate are

stuck on each of the meters.

 In case of any temper, the meter sensor senses and disconnects the meter circuitry

preventing current flow. For this to be corrected, a temper code must be given which can

only be gotten from the company engineer in charge of metering.

 For the meter to operate there is need for activation, linking and commissioning.

 Activation of the meter is done by the company Engineer to ensure the meter is

functioning.

 The Consumer Interface Unit (CIU) is then linked to the meter in the field so as to allow

the customer have access to the company meter a power through purchase of electrical

units in Watts. Linking is done by use of a company code plus the meter number.

 Finally, the meter is commissioned using a company code and the consumer can now buy

units and enjoy use of electricity.

The wiring is illustrated in the figure below showing the blue phase connected to a single

pole, neutral and yellow coupled on a double pole and also the red phase connected to the double

pole.

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Fig 2.11: Shows a three-phase meter wiring using a single and double pole MCB

2.3.1.2 Single Phase Meter Wiring

For this case, a double pole or single pole MCB is used. It involves connection of a single phase

for instance red, yellow or blue phase to a customer requiring 240V power supply. Just like three

phase it is installed as follows:

 The phase and neutral of the low voltage supply are connected to the cut out double pole

or single pole which trips in case of an electrical fault.

 It’s then connected to the incoming of the company meter then to the outgoing which

carries the load to the consumer’s low voltage devices through another circuit breaker.

 The meter is then sealed using a seal plate and wire for company meter security in case

of any temper.

 The meter is activated, linked to the CIU and finally commissioned to allow customer to

buy electricity units.

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Fig 2.12: Shows an illustration of a single-phase wiring connection.

Fig 2.13: This picture shows when I was doing the single-phase meter wiring.

2.3.2 Debt control.

Customers’ debt refers to the money customer owes to Kenya Power. The measures Kenya

Power has taken to curve this situation is known as Debt Control. Kenya power identifies

customers with debt by identifying substation which is using postpaid meters. It then identifies

the specific customer payment record and the number of units used within the scheduled period

for instance monthly. The following are details generated from the system and given to the team

that make a follow up to ensure that customers pay their debt failure to which disconnection is

done.

 Substation number

 Account number

 Meter number

 Name of customer

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 Debt amount which can also be confirmed by dialing *415#

The team send in the field to facilliate this majorly talks to the customer to convince them pay

their debt.

 First the team checks the customers balance and records the units used in KiloWatts.

 They talk to the customer who pays the debt. If the debt is not paid, the customer is

disconnected from power.

i. When the debt is lower, only the cut out is removed or the live cable removed on the

cutout.

ii. When the debt is too high and customer does not pay the debt, they are fully

disconnected from power supply by removal of the drop cable from the low voltage

supply.

Also some of the customers found connecting power directly that is; not through the company

meter are punished by permanent disconnection on the low voltage drop cable and had to pay a

fine for the same.

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Fig 2.14: An image showing when I was doing customer disconnection from power

Reconnection is done when a customer cleared their electricity bill and reported to the office in

order for the team to reconnect them. For customers who have their drop cable removed, they

have to pay extra fine of KSH 3000 so as to be reconnected that is after fulfilling company

requirement and paying their debts.

2.3.3 Meter Testing

Accurate measurement of electricity consumption is crucial for both consumers and utility

companies. To ensure the accuracy of the measurements, electricity meters need to be regularly

tested and calibrated.

In single-phase energy meters, accuracy testing is important because it ensures that the meter is

measuring the actual amount of electricity consumed by the customer. If the meter is inaccurate,

the customer may be charged more or less than they should be, which can lead to financial losses

or disputes. Moreover, inaccurate meter readings can also result in incorrect billing for the utility

company, causing loss of revenue and potential regulatory compliance issues.

In three-phase energy meters, accuracy testing is equally important because three-phase power is

typically used by commercial and industrial customers. These customers consume a large

amount of electricity, and even a small inaccuracy in the meter readings can lead to significant

financial losses. Additionally, inaccurate meter readings can lead to incorrect billing for the

utility company, which can have a major impact on their revenue.

In both single-phase and three-phase energy meters, accuracy testing is also important to ensure

compliance with regulatory standards. Governments and regulatory bodies often have strict

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requirements for the accuracy of energy meters, and utility companies must comply with these

standards to avoid penalties or legal issues.

2.3.3.1 Three Phase Meter Testing

Testing a three-phase electricity meter typically involves the use of a standard meter, clamp

meters, a display unit, connecting probes, and a pulse counter. Here are the steps involved in the

testing procedure:

Disconnect the meter from the power source: Before testing the meter, it's important to

disconnect it from the power source to avoid any electrical hazards.

Connect the display unit: Connect the display unit to the meter using the appropriate cables. The

display unit is used to read the meter's output and to compare it with the readings from the

standard meter.

Connect the standard meter: Connect the standard meter to the meter under test using the

appropriate cables. The standard meter is used to verify the accuracy of the meter under test.

Connect the clamp meters: Connect the clamp meters to the meter under test using the

appropriate probes. The clamp meters are used to measure the current flowing through each of

the three phases.

Perform the test: Turn on the power supply and allow the meter to run for a specific amount of

time (usually 30 minutes). During this time, take readings from both the meter under test and the

standard meter at regular intervals.

Compare the readings: Once the test is complete, compare the readings from the meter under test

and the standard meter. If the readings are within an acceptable range, the meter is considered to

be accurate. If the readings are outside the acceptable range, the meter may need to be repaired

or recalibrated.

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Check the pulse counter: Many electricity meters have a pulse counter that records the number of

pulses generated by the meter. Check the pulse counter to ensure that it is working correctly.

Document the results: Document the test results, including the readings from both the meter

under test and the standard meter, as well as any notes or observations.

The same procedure used for three phase meter testing is used for single phase meter testing.

However, when testing more than one energy meter at a time. The energy meters are connected

in parallel to each other.

Figure 2.15: A photo of me testing single phase meters in parallel

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3 CHAPTER 3: CHALLENGES, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

3.1 Challenges encountered during the attachment

i. Exposure to hazardous rays and sparks due to short circuits when testing faults on the

low voltage fuses. At some instances one gets burnt by the sparks which is dangerous to

eyes and skin.

ii. Use of worn out climbers to climb pole which was much risky for training case. At a

point you on a pole doing the wiring and the climbers open which is very risky.

iii. Difficulty in moving from one department to another since I had to go back to the

company secretary so as to proceed to the next department.

iv. Working on live distribution line during customer disconnection from power. This was a

challenge since I had to work on live supply conductor.

3.2 Conclusion

Through this chance, I learnt a lot of practical skills in relation to my course objective and the

theories learnt in class.

i. Learned new skills majorly in installation and wiring. Some of the skills included single

phase wiring where we used double pole miniature circuit breakers to connect the

incoming live conductor and neutral wire.

ii. Also gained skills on line fault identification and correction. For instance, when there is

instance of dim and fluctuating power supply on a given line for instance yellow phase,

the number of consumers in that phase reduced and connected to another phase like red

phase if it has fewer consumers. This is called phase balancing.

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iii. Understood about the work place expectation in the company, this included safety gears

like wearing of safety boots and dust coats to avoid accidents. Also found out that in a

company there is flow of work where work is assigned from the top management to

departmental heads Engineers in charge and finally to technicians in the field.

iv. Gained skills on how to do construction of power distribution lines. First an application

for electricity supply is made by customer, the business development inserts all the

details and links the work to the area code, the way leave then goes in the field to study

and get permission from land owners on where the line construction is to be done. The

engineer in charge designs the line and how it should be constructed including

transformer location. The team in charge of construction then goes to the field to carry

out the construction.

v. Also learnt about how to shut down a line in case where construction had to go on. Here

a link stick is used to disconnect the three spur fuses from the main supply line.

3.3 Recommendations for the challenges i encountered

i. Protective gears such as gloves and goggles should be given to trainees when dealing

with the emergency team so as to protect them from the rays from the sparks caused by

electrical short circuits when testing the transformer fuses.

ii. All trainees assigned in any of the teams like construction or operation and maintenance

should be given new or climbers safe for training and learning.

iii. The company should have a person in charge of all trainees in each department who

should always ensure they are able to cover each section of their attachment as per the

company schedule and course objective.

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iv. All safety engineers in charge should ensure that the trainee is working on a line

disconnected from the mains. This is because such risks are fatal and therefore keenness

should be observed at all instances. Also, the safety engineer should be ready to teach all

trainees on how to ascertain safety of a line before working on it

3.4 REFERENCES

1. V.K Mehta, Principles of Power Systems: Construction of a transformer in a sub station

page 9.

2. B.L. Theraja, A.K. Theraja, A Textbook of Electrical Technology. S. Chand & Company

Limited, New Delhi, Volume 1, 2005:Three and single phase meter wiring on page

33&34

3. KPLC Corporate Profile-May 2017: For design and construction procedures for customer

connection on page 17

4. Electricaltechnology1.blogspot.com: For diagrams like MCB wiring on page 32, circuit

breakers and isolators on page 7&9

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