Aspects of normal industrial maintenance painting such as surface preparation, coating selection, application methods, and safety considerations are subject to entirely different rules when placed within the confines of an energized, high-voltage substation. With utilities and industries attempting to obtain maximum use of their systems, transmission and distribution apparatus are being pushed to the limits of their designed service life. Properly engineered and implemented maintenance painting programs protect equipment from the detrimental effects of corrosion and help it perform to the fullest extent of its operating life.

Maintenance personnel for utilities and large industrial concerns who are responsible for maintenance painting of electrical equipment are primarily electrical engineers or have their background in electrical work. These individuals often have little, if any, practical knowledge of corrosion and its control. Consequently, many specifications that are poorly written, incomplete, and technically inaccurate are being used. This standard has been prepared as a guide for maintenance personnel responsible for painting electrical equipment.

Asample specification is included in Appendix A. This specification provides an example of one of the many types of specifications currently used by the industry. NACE International neither endorses nor recommends the use of this sample specification. It is provided for information only.

This standard was prepared by NACE International Task Group T-6H-50, a component of Unit Committee T-6H on Coating Materials for Atmospheric Service, and is published by NACE International under the auspices of Group Committee T-6 on Protective Coatings and Linings. 

1.1 This standard recommended practice is intended as a guide to preparing specifications and procedures for coating electrical substation apparatus.

1.2 This standard is designed to introduce owners, engineers, maintenance personnel, and contractors to the four unique aspects of substation coating:

•Safety Considerations

•Surface Preparation for Radiators

•Coating Selection

•Application (Flow Coating)

1.3 This standard:

1.3.1 Informs the reader of the factors that make electrical substation coating unique among all other forms of industrial maintenance painting and highlights special factors such as worker safety and coating of radiators.

1.3.2 Provides owners, engineers, and maintenance personnel with sample specifications they may modify to meet their specific requirements.

1.4 This standard deals only with substation apparatus, which include:

•Transformers

-Circuit breakers (all types)

•Switchgear

-Regulators

•Potential transformers

•Current transformers

•Coupling capacitor potential devices (CCPDs)

1.5 This standard does not include the painting of structural steel, fencing, buildings, or other miscellaneous items within the substations.

 Historical Document 1997