High Voltage Equipment and Systems

High Voltage (HV) Switchgear and Control gear play a critical role in the electrical power system, enabling the safe and efficient transmission of electricity from remote generating stations to power distribution centres and major load centres. These systems help protect high voltage networks and assets from internal and external faults, minimising downtime with the support of digital grid control, substation automation systems such as SCADA, and IoT-connected features.

High Voltage switchgear and Controlgear typically operate at voltages above 52 kV, using a variety of insulating and interrupting mediums including vacuum, SF₆ gas, low-GWP gases, and green gas systems. Equipment is manufactured to meet diverse customer requirements in terms of load and fault conditions. As such, safety, performance, quality, and reliability are essential in supporting continuous and efficient power transmission, directly impacting the performance of wider grid infrastructure and the energy economy.

Intertek ASTA UK has a long-standing heritage in Medium Voltage equipment testing, dating back to its founding in 1938 as ASTA. With deep expertise in the testing, inspection, and certification of Medium Voltage systems and components, Intertek continues to play an active role in shaping industry standards by contributing to technical committees at both national and international levels.

ASTA provides testing and certification services for a wide range of High Voltage equipment and standards, including but not limited to:

• Vacuum and gas-insulated circuit breakers – IEC 62271-100
• Air and gas-insulated disconnectors and earthing switches – IEC 62271-102
• Vacuum and gas-insulated switches – IEC 62271-103
• Vacuum and gas-insulated switch-fuse combinations – IEC 62271-105
• Automatic circuit reclosers – IEC 62271-111
• Air and gas-insulated metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear – IEC 62271-200
• Solid-insulation enclosed switchgear and controlgear – IEC 62271-201
• Fuses for Medium Voltage applications – IEC 60282

ASTA Type Test Certificates from Intertek are increasingly requested by electrical contractors, project specifiers, and purchasers as trusted proof that a product has been thoroughly tested, assured, and certified for safety. Certified testing provides confidence across the supply chain, helping stakeholders meet their regulatory obligations, reduce product liability risks, and deliver safe, compliant products to their clients.

Today, Intertek ASTA offers flexible testing options to suit customer needs. Testing can be carried out at the manufacturer’s facilities, customer-preferred laboratories, or within Intertek’s global network of over 40 independent ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratories operating under the Intertek Recognised Testing Laboratory (RTL) scheme.

This extensive support structure, combined with Intertek’s impartial inspection and certification approach, makes ASTA one of the industry’s most trusted and preferred ATIC (Assurance, Testing, Inspection and Certification) service providers.

TYPE TEST CERTIFICATION

What Is Type Testing?

A type test is performed on one or more representative samples of components or products from the same manufacturer and type, in order to qualify other items of the same design and production origin. These tests do not necessarily apply to the exact as-built units but are intended to reflect the performance of the models or product families listed within the test report.

When a device is manufactured according to a consistent design, type testing can demonstrate, or provide supporting data to verify that the design complies with the applicable standard. As long as the design remains unchanged, the product meets the presumption of conformity to the requirements.

Independent Type Test Certification with Intertek

Intertek provides independent Type Test Certification, often referred to as a Type Test Certificate, confirming that a product has undergone rigorous assessment in line with relevant international standards. This certification supports regulatory compliance and instils confidence across the supply chain.

ASTA Type Test Certification for specialised applications

The ASTA Type Test Certification service was developed specifically for manufacturers producing bespoke products used in electrical transmission and distribution systems.

It offers added assurance of product compliance and is increasingly required by electrical contractors, project specifiers, and procurement professionals as trusted evidence that a product has been tested and meets the necessary standards.

Verification Testing    (Also known as Factory Acceptance Testing)

A verification test is carried out on the final as-built product, during routine and special testing, to confirm that the specific item tested complies with the requested standard.

Unlike type testing, which is typically conducted on representative samples, verification testing is applied to the actual finished product to ensure its full conformity with the applicable requirements.

Verification testing is often used after a type test, particularly in cases where destructive testing is omitted. A detailed test report is provided, clearly documenting how the device meets each clause of the standard, along with supporting evidence wherever possible.

Short-Circuit Testing Liaison (STL)

The Short-Circuit Testing Liaison (STL) is an international forum that promotes voluntary collaboration among electrical testing organisations. Its core aim is to support the harmonised application of IEC and regional standards for the type testing of electrical power equipment.

ASTA, established in 1938, was a founding member of the STL, reflecting its long-standing involvement in the development and alignment of global practices for short-circuit and high-voltage testing. ASTA follows the STL guideline for testing of high voltage equipment.