Safety Alert
GEC Type VMX High Voltage Switchgear (including GEC Alsthom, Alstom or Areva T&D)
GEC Type VMX High Voltage Switchgear (including GEC Alsthom, Alstom or Areva T&D)
- HSE
- Safety Alert
- CEMHD01-2026
- Electrical SafetyMachinery and Equipment
- Ageing, life extension and obsolescenceElectrical safetyRegulation and legislation
- Electrical workInspection and maintenance
- Switchgear
- Functional testingNon-destructive testingPreventive maintenanceRisk assessment
Summary
HSE safety notice addresses partial discharge and vacuum interrupter integrity in legacy GEC VMX high-voltage switchgear. Following a disruptive circuit-breaker failure involving arcing and fire, it recommends checking applicable design modifications, maintenance records and substation environmental conditions, alongside discharge surveys, integrity testing and revised access risk assessments.
Classifications: Ageing, life extension and obsolescence.
Classifications: Electrical safety; electrical hazards.
Classifications: Regulation and legislation; safety legislation; regulatory requirements.
Classifications: Electrical work; electrical maintenance.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Switchgear; switch gear.
Classifications: Functional testing; function test.
Classifications: Non-destructive testing; NDT; non-destructive examination; NDE.
Classifications: Preventive maintenance; preventative maintenance; planned maintenance.
Classifications: Risk assessment; hazard assessment.
Summary
Safety alert concerning safety issues associated with GEC Type VMX high-voltage switchgear.
CEMHD01-2026. Themes: electrical safety, machinery and equipment.