Substation fire from transformer explosion cuts power across Vaal region

What happened

A fire broke out at the Risiville substation, which is shared between the Emfuleni and Midvaal local municipalities, after a current transformer (CT) exploded on Thursday night. The blaze forced Midvaal to switch off supply as a safety precaution to several areas including Risiville, Risi Small Farms, Glendonald and McKay Estates. Residents in Three Rivers received an alert stating the main substation had exploded and was on fire, with municipal teams and the fire brigade attending the scene.

Emfuleni's Executive Director confirmed the CT explosion and said further investigations would proceed during daylight, with no estimated restoration time given at the time of reporting. Residents were warned they could be without power for the weekend. The substation reportedly has a troubled history, with a previous transformer explosion at the site taking nearly two weeks to repair.

Contributing factors

The source attributes the incident to the explosion of a current transformer (CT) at the substation. No further contributing factors, such as maintenance history or equipment age, are detailed beyond a reference to a prior similar explosion at the same site.

Lessons learned

1. A current transformer explosion at a substation can force immediate isolation of supply to multiple municipalities, so operators should keep joint emergency switching plans ready.
2. Sites with prior current transformer or transformer explosions need extra condition checks because repeat failures extend repair time.

More lessons on electrical protection and isolation, maintenance, inspection and ageing assets, from every incident on the register.

Not yet known

• Equipment model and age
• Exact downtime and restoration date
• Cost of repairs

This entry is updated when these are reported. Get an alert for the next one like it.

Source

citizen.co.za