110 kV high-voltage power lines passing through utility tunnels
Thread Content
Dear experts: Our company’s 110 kV high-voltage lines pass through the utility tunnels in the production area; these tunnels contain flammable and explosive substances such as liquid hydrocarbons, gas, and gasoline. The lowest point of the high-voltage lines is 4.2 meters away from the tunnels, which meets the requirements set by electrical safety regulations. Additionally, the distance between the high-voltage poles and related installations is 1.5 times the height of the poles. However, the safety inspection authorities consider this setup to not meet the requirements for hazardous chemical production. I would appreciate it if experts could provide guidance on this issue.
Based on what you’ve described, I think you should first comply with the requirements of the \"Code for Fire Protection Design of Petrochemical Enterprises.\" Your 110 kV high-voltage line is likely intended for use by the main transformer in your facility. According to Article 4.1.6 of the Code for Fire Protection Design of Petrochemical Enterprises, highway and regional overhead power lines are strictly prohibited from passing through production areas. Because if one enters the production area, accidents such as pole collapse, wire breakage, or arcing can occur, which may disrupt production and lead to fires that result in casualties and property damage. Conversely, in the event of a fire or explosion within the production area, it also poses a threat to the overhead power lines. ”Furthermore, considering the actual conditions of your facility – which involves flammable and explosive materials – I believe that this setup also does not meet the requirements of the \"Code for Fire Protection Design of Petrochemical Enterprises\". It is recommended to move the high-voltage lines away. Just my personal opinion!
Thank you. The wires are for use by our company, and they likely don’t fall under the category of regional overhead lines. Some experts have suggested using wires with insulating covers where they pass through utility tunnels, or installing insulating panels in those tunnels. I was wondering if this would be feasible
I know it’s for use by your company, and I think it might be due to an inappropriate layout of the overall site design; I’ve never seen high-voltage lines installed inside a factory complex before. Article 4.2.9 of the Code for Fire Protection Design of Petrochemical Enterprises requires that the main substation where overhead lines enter and leave the plant area should be located at the edge of the plant; from this, it can be seen that high-voltage lines cannot either be installed within the plant area. According to the interpretation of the standards, fire protection is the main consideration, so I think the hazards are the same. As for installing insulating panels as you mentioned, I think it should be subject to expert evaluation, and it’s best to ensure safety first!
May I ask, the minimum distance between the high-voltage lines and the pipe gallery is 4.2 meters – which standard specifies this? Thank you! We are also facing the issue of arranging plant utility tunnels beneath overhead high-voltage lines; I would appreciate your advice. Thank you!
The distance between high-voltage utility poles and related installations must meet the requirement of 1.5 times the pole height. The 2008 standards included another term in this regard: \"or facilities\"; utility tunnels should be considered facilities. According to my understanding, facilities of type A and B do not comply with these regulations. However, it is strictly prohibited for highways and regional overhead power lines to pass through production areas. The meaning of \"regional overhead power lines\" is not clear, and it is necessary to discuss in more detail what the difference is between such lines and those within the factory.