Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to appoint a service provider responsible for insulating and testing insulating oil for electrical equipment across the PRASA KZN network on an as-and-when-required basis over a period of 36 months. The work aims to ensure the integrity and reliability of electrical transformers and substations by conducting oil sampling, analysis, and reporting to monitor equipment health and prevent failures.

Scope

The scope includes:

• Performing oil sampling, analysis, and reporting for various transformers and substations across the entire PRASA KZN electrical network.
• Coverage of all substations and transformers listed in the BOQ, including specific serial numbers and capacities.
• Analysis of oil properties such as dielectric strength, acidity, moisture content, dissolved gases, and other relevant parameters.
• Reporting on the condition of transformer oils to facilitate maintenance decisions.
• Additional related activities such as refurbishment of transmission lines and other associated electrical infrastructure as specified.

Technical Requirements

The technical requirements include:

• Provision of qualified and experienced electricians or technicians with a minimum of 3 years experience in high-voltage transformer oil purification and testing.
• Adherence to specified testing standards, including oil analysis for dielectric strength, acidity, moisture, dissolved gases, PCBs, and other parameters.
• Use of approved testing methods and equipment as per the BBF8128 Handbook for Electrical Testing.
• Preparation of detailed reports with analysis results and recommendations.
• Implementation of safety protocols, including submission of safety files and site access arrangements.
• Compliance with PRASA’s specifications, standards, and safety regulations throughout the contract duration.
• Monitoring and reporting of oil condition at intervals aligned with equipment age and operational conditions.

Skills Requirements

The successful bidder must demonstrate:

• Proven experience in transformer oil sampling, testing, and analysis, with documented successful projects in the last five years.
• Qualified personnel, including electricians or technicians with relevant certifications and a minimum of 3 years experience in high-voltage transformer oil testing.
• Competence in using standard electrical testing equipment and adherence to industry standards.
• Ability to prepare comprehensive technical reports and interpret test results accurately.
• Knowledge of safety procedures, site management, and compliance with health and safety legislation.
• Capacity to coordinate with PRASA personnel and manage multiple sites efficiently.