Control House

SUBSTATION CONTROL HOUSE
Control house
Nowadays, the control house is one of the main parts in every modern HV
switchyard and substation. Why? Simply, because substations have grown in
complexity and equipment such as circuit breakers, switch disconnectors, CT,
VTs and others must be controlled, monitored and protected from some
common point in the field.
Control house at HV/EHV switchyards and substations (construction, layout and

functions) - photo credit: eq-house.com
Necessity for supplemental equipment such as protection relays, controls,
batteries, communications equipment, and LV distribution equipment also
increases. And all that equipment must be placed somewhere in the field.
That’s why substation needs a control house. In short.
For small distribution substations, this equipment can usually be contained in

weatherproof enclosures or control cabinets. For larger substations, separate
equipment housing is necessary.
A control house provides a weatherproof and, if required, environmentally

controlled enclosure for supplemental substation equipment. Additional space
can be provided for workshops, equipment testing and repair, storage areas,
and lavatory facilities.
MV and LV switchgear can also be contained within control houses, or this
equipment may be contained within weatherproof enclosures dedicated to that
purpose.
Figure 1 – Location of control house in power substation

Contents:
1. Control house construction:
1. Foundation
2. Floor
3. Control house structure
2. Control house layout:
1. Control and relay protection panels
2. DC equipment
3. AC equipment
4. Cableways
5. Cable entrance
6. Lighting
7. Control house HVAC systems
8. Control house plumbing
9. Communications
10.
1. Control house construction

This section discusses general aspects of the control house construction.
1.1 Foundation
The control house foundation typically consists of a spread footing with either
masonry blocks or cast-inplace walls. The footing is designed for an allowable
bearing capacity based on soil data. If soil data is not available, a maximum
bearing of 48 kPa can be used.
The footings are installed below frost depth and in accordance with local
building codes and practices.
Drilled piers are an alternative to spread footings. Drilled piers are especially
applicable for pre-engineered metal buildings with structural supporting bases
that can rest directly on the piers without requiring a concrete floor slab. Soil
data is necessary for determining the required depth, diameter, and reinforcing
of the piers.
Damp-proofing of foundation walls is desirable, especially if concrete block is
used. If a basement level is constructed, damp-proofing should be provided.
Footing drains are usually provided when a basement level is constructed. All
foundation walls should be insulated with a 5.1-cm (2-inch) thickness of rigid
insulation for energy conservation.
It is preferable to install the insulation on the inside of the walls, although the
outside is acceptable.
Figure 2 –
New control house piers poured and cables installed before the control house arrives
Go back to contents ↑
1.2 Floor
The control house floor is typically a floating concrete slab 12 to 16 cm thick
reinforced with welded wire fabric, deformed steel bars, or a combination of
both.
The finished floor elevation is usually 10 to 20 cm above the finished grade

outside the control house.
The base beneath the floor slab should be 10-12 cm of compacted sand or
gravel, thoroughly mixed and compacted sand or gravel, or thoroughly mixed
and compacted natural soil. A 0.15 mm thick plastic film vapor barrier should be
installed between the floor slab and the base.
The method for cable routing in the control house has to be considered before
finalization of the floor slab design. Cable trenches can be formed into the floor
slab, or false floors can be installed providing access to large areas below the
finished floor.
1.3 Control house structure

The control house structure must be constructed from fire-resistant, low-
maintenance building materials. Most control houses presently being designed
and constructed are of the pre-engineered metal or masonry block type .
Figure 3 show example of control building structure type.
The pre-engineered metal building is the easiest to procure and erect. The
manufacturer can design and fabricate the required building components when
given the building size; wind, snow, and ice loads; and any special
requirements such as additional roof loads for suspended cable trays or other
equipment.
Masonry buildings constructed of block masonry are most economical when
masonry module dimensions are used to size the building and the building
openings.
Figure 3 –
Control house on the left
Two types of roof systems are commonly used for masonry buildings: pre-cast,
pre-stressed concrete panels; and steel joists and steel decks. A sloping roof is
recommended for both systems and can be obtained by pitching the roof deck
or installing tapered roof insulation.
The roof membrane has to be compatible with the slope. For the slopes of 8.3
cm/m (1 in./ft) and less, built-up pitch and slab is commonly used. For greater
slopes, gravel is used.
The control house should be equipped with at least one double door, possibly
with a removable transom, conveniently located to facilitate equipment entry
and removal. In certain circumstances a second exit needs to be installed in the
control house.
The National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) states:
If the plan of the room or space and the character and arrangement of equipment are such that
an accident would be likely to close or make inaccessible a single exit, a second exit shall be
provided.
The National Electrical Code (NEC) also defines specific requirements for a
second exit. The doors should include locking devices, astragals to prevent
water from entering, and adequate weatherstripping and hardware to permit a
rapid exit from the control house.
Adequately ventilate the battery area, either by a natural or powered ventilation

system, to limit accumulation of hydrogen gas to less than an explosive mixture.
A powered ventilation system needs to be annunciated to indicate ventilation
failure. Provide portable or stationary water facilities or a neutralizing agent for
rinsing eyes and skin in the battery area in addition to proper eye protection and
clothing.
Locate and mark adequate fire-extinguishing equipment in the control
house. Windows can be provided, if desired, in office and lavatory areas.
Battery rooms and control and metering areas do not need windows.
Consider adequate methods for building insulation. These methods include use
of insulated wall panels, ceiling insulation, storm doors, and windows, and
weatherstripping around all openings.
Metal buildings are shop painted and require only minor field touch-up after
erection. Masonry buildings may be left unpainted or may be painted with
portland cement or latex paint. Tint all prime coats to match the finished coat.
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2. Control house layout

2.1 Control and Relay protection Panels
Most protection relaying, metering, and control equipment is mounted on
fabricated control and relay panels installed within the control house. A variety
of panel types is available to suit individual requirements.
Figures 4, 5 and 6 show examples of various panel layouts.
Figure 4 – Control and protection panels

Single vertical panels can be used, particularly for distribution circuits where
space requirements are minimal. The relaying, metering, and control equipment
can all be mounted on one panel, allocating a separate panel for each circuit. In
some instances, two circuits may share the same panel.
Double or duplex panels are commonly used for higher voltage circuits,
necessitating additional space for equipment mounting. Normally, these panels
are arranged in two parallel rows with the panel backs facing each other . In
this configuration, operating, instrumentation, and control equipment for a circuit
is installed on the front of one panel, and the corresponding relaying equipment
for the same circuit is installed on the front of the panel directly to the rear.
Figure 5 – Protection relay panel (photo credit: pestech.com.my)
In some instances, two circuits may share the same control and relaying
panels.
Some equipment such as static relaying systems and communications
equipment is available mounted in racks. Consequently, separate relay and/or
control panels are not required for this equipment.
Modern SCADA and substation automation schemes may require space for

installation of a PC with monitor and keyboard, as well as programmable logic
controllers and data highway interface modules. This equipment can often be
rack-mounted or installed in control panels, as appropriate.
The trend is toward more compact equipment arrangements that often
reduce overall control house size.
Individual three-phase microprocessor relays can replace three single-phase

electromechanical relays and associated voltage, current, and power meters, all
in one case.
Compact relay and programmable logic controller designs can be mounted on 48.26-cm (19-
inch) racks.
Figure 6 – Relay protection panels in control room (photo credit: Protection Installation Services
Ltd)
To facilitate operation, panels are located in an arrangement that conforms as

closely as possible to the actual equipment and circuit layout in the substation
yard. To assist in circuit location and operation, mimic buses are sometimes
used on the control panels, particularly for large complex substations.
The mimic buses identify the bus and circuit arrangements .
Figure 7 – Mimic diagram in protection relay panel (photo credit: Edvard Csanyi)
Mimic buses may be implemented on screens viewed from a PC monitor. When

practical, position meters at eye level and switches at a convenient operating
level. Locate recording meters for ease of viewing and chart replacement.
Locate relays beginning at the tops of the relay panels and working downward.
Relays with glass covers should not be located within 12 inches of the floor to
avoid inadvertent breaking of the glass. Locate operating switches at
convenient heights near the center of the boards. Require nameplates for all
devices.
Provide ample space for relay installation, removal, operation, and
testing. Panel construction can include removable front plates for device
mounting.
Panels may also include 19-inch rack mounting facilities. Many of the newer
relays and items of accessory equipment are designed to fit into 19-inch racks.
Cover plates may cover space reserved for future use. In this way, only a new
predrilled plate is required when changing out a device or modifying the
configuration.
Cutting, drilling, or covering openings in the panels is eliminated.

Figure 8 – 19-inch rack-mounted protection relay type MICOM and test sockets (photo credit:
Edvard Csanyi)
Panel wiring is accomplished on the backs of the panels. Devices are
interconnected and wired to terminal blocks, as required, for operation and
connection to devices on other panels.
Panels can include small sections perpendicular to the main section at each
end for installation of terminal blocks, fuse blocks, or small auxiliary
devices.
Cable connections from the equipment in the substation yard can be made
directly to terminal blocks mounted on the panels or to strategically placed
terminal cabinets. Interconnections between the terminal cabinets and the
panels can then be made with single conductor wire.
Figure 9 – Cabling of relay protection panels

Anchor panels to the floor in such a way as to facilitate relocation to coincide
with yard equipment and circuit relocations.
Panel arrangement in the control house should permit ready accessibility to the
backs of the panels. Some vendors of pre-engineered buildings can provide
completely wired and tested control and relay panels and auxiliary AC/DC
power systems as part of the building package.
In this case, custom-designed relay and control schematics are submitted

to the building vendor . The building vendor fabricates the panels, provides the
relays and controls, wires the panels, and tests the complete installation.
In this way, the entire panel line-up can be witness-tested in the factory. The
complete building system is shipped to the site, fully tested. Only the external
wiring from the building to the outdoor equipment has to be field-installed.
2.2 DC Equipment
Substation DC equipment located in the control house normally consists of the
battery, battery charger, monitoring and control devices, and distribution
panelboard.
The battery should be located in a separate room where practical . If the

battery cannot be located in a separate room, it should be located so that
electrical switching devices and receptacles are not in the immediate vicinity,
ventilation is adequate to prevent gas accumulation, and live parts are
protected from accidental contact.
The battery charger, monitoring and control devices, and distribution

panelboard are normally located in the control and relay room to facilitate cable
routing and equipment maintenance.
Detailed design requirements and procedures for the substation DC system can be found
in this technical article .

Figure 10 – Left: Battery room; right: Battery chargers
2.3 AC Equipment
A low-voltage AC system is provided in the substation for lighting, convenience
outlets, heating, ventilating, air conditioning (HVAC) equipment and
miscellaneous control functions.
Convenience outlets should be strategically located throughout the control

house to provide adequate accessibility. Also, if necessary, workshop and
testing area with a high-capacity AC source and a three-phase source should
be provided.
For greater reliability, two separate sources may be provided for the AC system
service. These sources are often fed through a manual or automatic transfer
switch so that ac system power can be restored if one source fails.
Figure 11 –
Substation AC Auxiliary Supply For Inessential Loads (on photo: AC auxiliary switchgear
400/230 V; credit: ZPAS Group – zpasgroup.co.uk)
2.4 Cableways
Cable routing can be accomplished by using any of several methods.
2.4.1 Cable Trenches

Cable trenches are formed into the concrete floor slab and are covered with
metal plates. The covers should be flush with the finished floor when in place.
The sizes and locations of the cable trenches are based on the quantities of
cables and locations of panels and equipment to be interconnected .
Usually, a cable trench is located adjacent to the backs of the control and relay
panels to facilitate panel interconnections.
With duplex panels, it may be desirable to use the entire space between the
front and rear panels as cable trench, depending on circuit quantities.
Figure 12 –
Concrete cable trenches in control house
2.4.2 False Floors

False floors are useful when large open areas are desirable for cable routing.
Lightweight removable floor panels installed on adjustable pedestals are
positioned in areas requiring extensive cable interconnections or where future
plans dictate a large amount of cable rerouting.
The top of the removable panels should be flush with the finished floor.
When cables are mounted under false floors, establish routes and paths in
which cables should be routed. This will allow the separation of circuits as
required to maintain system reliability based on duplicate circuits.
If circuits in one area are damaged, other undamaged circuits in the other parts
of the building are likely to keep the substation in service.
2.4.3 Conduits
Conduits can be used for cable routing in floors, along walls, and for cable
entrance into the control house. Conduits are available in plastic, aluminum,
and steel. Each of these types may be used in control houses for wire
containment to convenience outlets, lighting fixtures, and other control house
auxiliary power equipment.
Plastic conduit is easily installed and is available in a variety of sizes. Take
adequate physical and thermal precautions when using plastic conduit to
ensure safe operation.
Metallic conduits of aluminum and steel are widely used as control house
cableways. Intermediate- and heavy-walled steel conduit provide excellent
physical protection.
Figure 13 –
Cables in false floor of a substation control house
The installed costs, however, may be relatively high because of the extensive
labor required for installation. The installed cost of rigid aluminum conduit may
be somewhat less than that for steel.
A lower installed cost may be realized by using thin-walled steel conduit (i.e.,
electrical metallic tubing) since it is less expensive and easier to install.
2.4.4 Wireways
Wireways are sheet-metal troughs used for routing groups of power circuits
around a control house to feed various branch circuits. Conduit is used between
the wireway and the devices.
Wireway offers the advantage of laying rather than pulling the cable into
position and the ability to change or reroute circuits easily . Wireway is
available with hinged or removable covers in a variety of lengths and sizes.
Select and install wireway in accordance with the National Electrical Code.
Figure 14 –
Cables laid on metallic wireways in false floor
2.4.5 Cable Trays

Cable trays can be used for overhead routing of cables to and between control
and relay panels. Expanded metal or ladder-type trays provide the best facilities
for conductors entering and leaving the trays.
An advantage of cable trays is the ability to lay rather than pull in the
conductors. Suspended cable trays, however, prevent extensive use of this
technique because of support locations.
A large variety of types, sizes, and fittings is available to suit individual
requirements. Cable tray should be selected and installed in accordance with
the NEC and NEMA Standards.
Figure 15 – Cables in trays entering panels
2.5 Cable Entrance

Control and power cables are brought into the control house through windows,
sleeves, or cable pits . The windows are square or rectangular openings,
usually through the foundation wall but possibly above grade.
The window openings enable many cables to be pulled without interference. To

protect the cables during pulling, the windows should have smooth surfaces
and beveled or rounded edges. After cable pulling, split sleeves can be installed
around the cables and grouted into place.
Occasionally, the windows are left open to facilitate future cable

installation. Heat loss through these openings should be considered. Provide
additional windows for installation of future cables. The windows can be
constructed and bricked up to be opened when required.
Cable sleeves can be used above or below grade. The sleeves are usually cast
into place during construction of the foundation wall or installed during
construction of the superstructure.
Pitch the sleeves to drain out of the building. Provide covers over the cables.
Install spare sleeves during initial construction.
Cable pits may be cast-in-place concrete or masonry openings through the

control house foundation to permit access to the inside at floor level. Install a
cover over the pit and provide a means to drain water.
Figure 16 –
Cables entries in control house
2.6 Lighting
Fluorescent lamps are generally used for lighting in control houses. The trend is
toward energy-saving lamps and energy-saving electromagnetic or electronic
ballasts.
Install lighting to eliminate, as much as possible, reflection and glare from

meters, relays, and monitoring screens.
An emergency DC-operated incandescent system is recommended for most control
houses. This system can be operated in case of failure of the ac system. It can be operated
from battery-pack units or from the station battery system.
2.7 Control House HVAC Systems

To maintain the functions and accuracy of electrical equipment installed in the
control house, HVAC systems may be desirable.
In areas requiring heat only, unit electric space heaters are positioned
throughout the control house for balanced heating. If both heating and cooling
are required, electric heat pumps can be used. Several small units, or one large
unit with a duct system for air distribution, can be used. Supplemental electric
resistance heating coils may be required for heating in colder areas.
In some cases baseboard radiation heating units can be used in rooms not
reached by the main heating system. These rooms include offices, lavatories,
and storage rooms.
The battery room is sometimes left unheated. However, maintenance of

battery temperature close to 32°C will prolong the life and capacity of most
battery systems.
Temperature control levels may vary because of several requirements.
Operating ranges of equipment have to be considered as well as economics. It
is recommended that consideration be given to a dual control.
Figure 17 –
Louvers to achieve good air circulation
Most stations will be unattended and, therefore, a normal personal comfort level
is not required. However, for maintenance reasons, comfort levels are
necessary.
If the control house is to be heated only, it is usually desirable to install power
ventilation equipment for air circulation. Size the system for three to five air
changes per hour. Place power-operated, thermostatically controlled roof
ventilators and manually operated wall louvers to achieve good air circulation.
Position wall louvers so that equipment does not interfere with air circulation. Provide
fusible links to close the louvers in case of fire.
It is advisable to provide ventilation that will maintain a positive pressure within

the control house at all times to prevent dust from entering through doors and
other openings, and prevent accumulation of combustible gases.
If control house air conditioning is used to provide positive air pressure, then
the vent should remain open and fan should run continuously . This also
applies if the unit is a heat pump.
The isolated battery room should be equipped with a gravity roof ventilator to
remove corrosive and combustible gases. Do not use power-operated roof
ventilators.
2.8 Control House Plumbing

Control houses may require plumbing for stationary eyewash facilities.
Additionally, very large, major locations may warrant a shower, lavatory,
drinking fountain, and maintenance sink.
A water supply, when required, may be obtained from an existing system or a

private well on the substation site.
Most substations with toilet facilities will require septic tank and drain field
systems.
2.9 Communications
A commercial telephone is usually installed in the control house for external
communications. Additionally, system telephones or voice channels over carrier
systems may be used for system communications.
Larger installations may include substation automation systems or SCADA for

remote control and monitoring of substation equipment.
References:
1. Design Guide for Rural Substations by United States Department of
Agriculture
2. Drop-In Control House for a Large 230 kV Transmission Substation: A
Case Study in Implementation by Douglas M. Arcure (Shaw Group) and
Chris Clippinger (Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.)

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SUBSTATION CONTROL HOUSE

Control house at HV/EHV switchyards and substations (construction, layout and

That’s why substation needs a control house. In short.

For small distribution substations, this equipment can usually be contained in

A control house provides a weatherproof and, if required, environmentally

Figure 1 – Location of control house in power substation

1. Control house construction

The finished floor elevation is usually 10 to 20 cm above the finished grade

1.3 Control house structure

Figure 3 show example of control building structure type.

The National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) states:

Adequately ventilate the battery area, either by a natural or powered ventilation

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2. Control house layout

Figures 4, 5 and 6 show examples of various panel layouts.

Figure 4 – Control and protection panels

Figure 5 – Protection relay panel (photo credit: pestech.com.my)

Modern SCADA and substation automation schemes may require space for

Individual three-phase microprocessor relays can replace three single-phase

To facilitate operation, panels are located in an arrangement that conforms as

The mimic buses identify the bus and circuit arrangements .

Mimic buses may be implemented on screens viewed from a PC monitor. When

Cutting, drilling, or covering openings in the panels is eliminated.

Figure 9 – Cabling of relay protection panels

In this case, custom-designed relay and control schematics are submitted

The battery should be located in a separate room where practical . If the

The battery charger, monitoring and control devices, and distribution

in this technical article .

Figure 10 – Left: Battery room; right: Battery chargers

Convenience outlets should be strategically located throughout the control

2.4.1 Cable Trenches

2.4.2 False Floors

2.4.5 Cable Trays

Figure 15 – Cables in trays entering panels

2.5 Cable Entrance

The window openings enable many cables to be pulled without interference. To

Occasionally, the windows are left open to facilitate future cable

Cable pits may be cast-in-place concrete or masonry openings through the

Install lighting to eliminate, as much as possible, reflection and glare from

An emergency DC-operated incandescent system is recommended for most control

from battery-pack units or from the station battery system.

2.7 Control House HVAC Systems

The battery room is sometimes left unheated. However, maintenance of

fusible links to close the louvers in case of fire.

It is advisable to provide ventilation that will maintain a positive pressure within

2.8 Control House Plumbing

A water supply, when required, may be obtained from an existing system or a

Larger installations may include substation automation systems or SCADA for

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