Objectives

The primary objective is to procure professional maintenance and testing services for a Phoenix Hercules 2 High Tension (HT) circuit breaker at the designated substation. The project aims to restore and verify the mechanical and electrical integrity of the equipment, ensure compliance with municipal safety and operational standards, and deliver comprehensive documentation within a procurement value below R300,000 (including VAT).

Scope of Work

The successful supplier will execute the following tasks:

• Mechanically service and adjust the breaker mechanism.
• Conduct mechanical and electrical testing, including speed and duration measurements.
• Supply four (4) new trip coils.
• Locate and repair any gas leaks, if detected.
• Provide skilled technician labour to perform and record Close-Open-Unit (COU) tests.
• Submit a detailed final report outlining all procedures, test results, and recommendations.

All work must be completed within the stipulated delivery period. Attendance at a compulsory site meeting is mandatory prior to commencement.

Technical Requirements

Bidders must satisfy strict administrative and technical compliance criteria:

• Hold a valid CIBD rating of EP 1 and ME 1.
• Provide a current HV Regulation certificate.
• Demonstrate documented history of previous HT breaker repairs.
• Register with the Central Suppliers Database (CSD) and the Municipal Supplier Database.
• Submit a tax compliance certificate, a letter of good standing with the Compensation Fund, and a contractor Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE) risk management file.
• Complete all mandatory municipal bidding declarations, including conflict of interest, past supply chain practices, and independent bid determination forms.
• All amendments to the quotation must be manually signed; unsigned price modifications will result in immediate disqualification.

Skills Requirements

Personnel assigned to this contract must possess verified high-voltage expertise:

• Valid training certification specifically for 132kV HV Circuit Breakers.
• Alternatively, a certified Circuit Breaker (CB) Maintenance course completion.
• Proven hands-on experience in HT breaker servicing, electrical parameter testing, and gas system troubleshooting.
• Competence in conducting and accurately documenting COU operational sequences.

Explanation of Technical Terms

Trip Coils: Electromagnetic actuators inside the breaker that receive control signals to mechanically open or close circuit contacts during faults or routine switching.

COU Test (Close-Open-Unit): A critical operational sequence test verifying the breaker’s ability to close into a fault, immediately interrupt the current, and safely reclose within strict time limits, ensuring rapid grid protection response.

CIBD Rating: A South African infrastructure procurement grading system. EP 1 denotes competency in electrical plant/equipment works, while ME 1 covers mechanical engineering services. Both are minimum thresholds for qualification.

HV Regulation Certificate (ORHVS): Official regulatory authorization certifying an individual or company’s competence to legally operate, maintain, and test high-voltage switchgear and associated infrastructure, mandated for workplace safety and compliance.

CSD Registration: The Central Suppliers Database is the national government repository for all vendors. Active registration is a non-negotiable prerequisite for evaluation in public sector contracts.