Sabp P 004

Best Practice
SABP-P-004 18 November 2015

New Electrical Equipment Plant Assessment
Document Responsibility: Electrical Substations Equipment Stds. Committee
Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Table of Contents
1 Introduction.................................................... 2
2 References..................................................... 2
3 Initial Desk Review......................................... 3
4 Plant Survey Assessment.............................. 6
Appendix…………………………………………... 10
Previous Issue: 3 April 2010 Next Planned Update: TBD

Revised paragraphs are indicated in the right margin Page 1 of 17
Primary contact: Al-Tuaimi, Hamad Abdullah (tuaimiha) on +966-13-8801026
Copyright©Saudi Aramco 2015. All rights reserved.

Document Responsibility: Electrical Substations Equipment Standards Committee SABP-P-004
Issue Date: 18 November 2015
Next Planned Update: TBD New Electrical Equipment Plant Assessment
1 Introduction
1.1 Purpose
The purpose of this document is to provide guidance for Saudi Aramco engineers
on how to evaluate and approve new vendors for the following electrical
commodities: Transformers, switchgear, controlgear, motor and generators, UPS
and DC systems, cables, and adjustable frequency drives. This document is to be
used for initial desk review and plant survey assessment.
1.2 Disclaimer
This Best Practice is not mandatory. In the event of a conflict between this Best
Practice and other Mandatory Saudi Aramco Engineering Requirement, the
Mandatory Saudi Aramco Engineering Requirement shall govern.
2 References
This Best Practice is based on the below referenced standard:
2.1 Saudi Aramco References
Saudi Aramco Materials System Specifications
Transformers
14-SAMSS-531 Power Transformers (29 June 2005)
Switchgears and Controlgears

16-SAMSS-502 Metal-Enclosed, Metal-Clad Low-Voltage
Switchgear Assemblies
16-SAMSS-503 Indoor Controlgear - Low Voltage
16-SAMSS-504 Indoor Metal-Clad Switchgear: 1 to 38 kV
16-SAMSS-506 Indoor Controlgear - High Voltage
16-SAMSS-507 High Voltage Motor Controller - Outdoor
16-SAMSS-510 Manually Operated Pad Mounted
SF6 Switchgear: 1 kV to 36 kV
16-SAMSS-518 Low Voltage Panelboards
16-SAMSS-519 Indoor Switchboard - Low Voltage
Page 2 of 17
Cables
15-SAMSS-502 Medium Voltage Power Cable 5 kV through 35 kV
Adjustable Frequency Drive

16-SAMSS-517 Adjustable Frequency Drive System - 1 kV and
Above
UPC & DC Systems

17-SAMSS-511 Stationary Storage Batteries
17-SAMSS-514 Battery Rectifier/Charger
17-SAMSS-516 Uninterruptible Power Supply System
Motors & Generators

17-SAMSS-502 Form-Wound Induction Motors 500 HP and above
17-SAMSS-503 Squirrel Cage Induction Motors to 500 HP motors
17-SAMSS-510 Form-Wound Synchronous Turbine Generators
17-SAMSS-518 Diesel Generator Sets
17-SAMSS-520 Form-Wound Brushless Synchronous Motors
3 Initial Desk Review
The reviewer should complete a desk review of the electrical equipment commodity
manufacturer’s plant before a plant visit. The reviewer should fill out the below form
based on the provided documents from manufacturer. The following items should be
received from the manufacturer in order to conduct the desk review:
 Line by line compliance matrix with the applicable SAMSS
 Compliance letter with the applicable SAMSS
 Reference list including Saudi Arabia
 Vendor testing capabilities e.g. type /design test, routine test, testing and methods
 Design/special test records
 Overview of manufacturing facilities
 List of equipments/materials manufactured in facility and list of
equipments/material contracted/sub-supplied.
 Manpower capabilities, engineering, technicians, and staff certifications
 Manufacturer certifications, e.g., ISO certifications.
Page 3 of 17
Table I - Initial Desk Review Form
Manufacturer Name: Date:
Reviewed by:
Assessment Objectives:
Manufacturer Technical Contact
Manufacturer Overall Assessment:
Does Saudi Aramco have a need for the products supplied by the manufacturer?
YES NO If Yes, explain why:
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………….
Can the manufacturer demonstrate a satisfactory history of supplying products for

applications and conditions similar to those of Saudi Aramco?
YES NO Rating: Poor Fair Good Excellent
Explain:
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
Will the manufacturer add value to Saudi Aramco?

Explain:
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
Page 4 of 17
Does the manufacturer have any laboratories?

YES NO
How many laboratories?

………………………………………………………………………………………………
Rating: Poor Fair Good Excellent
What 9coms are supplied by this manufacturer?
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
What are the deviation & exceptions to Saudi Aramco Specifications, if any? (ITEMIZED)
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
Comments:
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
Committee Approval Yes No

Rating:
Poor Fair Good Excellent
Name Date
Page 5 of 17
4 Plant Survey Assessment
Conducting a plant survey is the second step to qualifying a new manufacturing plant
for an electrical equipment commodity. The technical assessor should fill out the
following form based on the plant site visit.
Table II - Plant Survey Assessment Form
Plant Name and address: Survey Date:
Visit by:
Manufacturer Technical Contact:
Did assessor meet technical representative YES NO

Survey Objectives:
Company Overall Assessment:
Is the manufacturer’s engineering staff qualified/certified to acceptably support design and

quality control activities to meet Saudi Aramco standards?
Number of staff
Comments:
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
Page 6 of 17
Is the manufacturer’s product produced under license?

YES NO
What are the terms of the license:
Expiration?
Licenser support?
(On-site licenser personnel, off-site design/engineering support, etc.)?
Portion of manufacturing done by licenser?
Is licenser a Saudi Aramco approved manufacturer?

YES NO
Does the manufacturer intend to have a long term relationship with the licenser?
YES NO Duration of license
Does the manufacturer perform or have the capability to perform tests required by Saudi
Aramco specifications and reference standards?
YES NO
Explain
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
Assessor to review results of type and production testing for the products that Saudi Aramco
proposed to purchase from the manufacture. If the manufacturer’s products are type tested;
review type test results.
Comments:
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
Review results of production tests for equipment similar to that Saudi Aramco plans to
purchase.
Comments:
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
Is the manufacturer’s production facility capable of handling Saudi Aramco requirements?
YES NO
Comments:
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
Page 7 of 17
Year of establishment of manufacturer’s production facility? (Age)

…………………………………………………………………………………………………
Is the manufacturer’s production facility(s) complete and well organized?

Comments
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
Provide organization chart of vendor including engineering, QA, production, and after sales
support
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………..………………………………………………………………………………
Availability of local support? State the local representative and response time
Comment:
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………..………………………………………………………………………………..
Does the manufacturer have control over the design changes with clear guidelines to track
changes and document them?
YES NO Rating: Poor Fair Good Strong
Comment
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
Page 8 of 17
How does the manufacturer handle specification requirements that are different from his
“standard” product?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………..………………………………………………………………………………….…
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
Does the manufacturer have an organized system of conveying these changes to the
production floor?
Comment
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
What is the production range: voltage, kVA, kW?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………
What are the manufacturer in-house testing capabilities?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
Products approved for this manufacturer/facility

…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
Are there any limitations?

YES NO
Comments:
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
Comments
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
Committee Approval Yes No

Rating
Poor Fair Good Excellent
Name Date
Revision Summary
28 October 2006 New Saudi Aramco Best Practice.
3 April 2010 Minor revision.
18 November 2015 Minor revision to add composite insulators verification form.
Page 9 of 17
Appendix
Assessment Aid: initial desk review and plant survey assessment for electrical commodities
Transformer Factory Assessment
Product: What 9 COM would be applicable to the manufacturer’s product?
Oil fill Power transformers SAMSS-531 Range :________ kV, ________ kVA
Dry-Type Power transformers SAMSS-533 Range: _______kV, ________ kVA
Pad-Mount transformers SAMSS-536 Range: ________ kV, ________ kVA
Overhead-Type Distribution transformers SAMSS-534 Range: _________ kV, ________ kVA
Specialty transformers i.e., GSU, Rectifier, etc... Range: ______________ kV, ________ kVA
Years in Operation 1-9 10-19 20-29 30+
Design Base International Standards IEC ANSI None
Design Tools & Software Used Internal 3rd Party None
Design Software Name
Total company workforce

Engineering Personnel:
Design Staff: Number _________ Experience (years) ________
Staff Certification (PE) YES NO Rating
Quality Procedures (ISO 9001) YES NO
Production Process Flow:
Tank Fabrications Within facility Contracted
Radiator Fabrications Within facility Contracted
Core Cutting Within facility Contracted
Winding Within facility Contracted
Painting Within facility Contracted
Lamination Stacking Yes No
Winding Shop: Yes No Rating
Dust protected Yes No
Controlled environment storage for insulation material Yes No
Insulation Material
Insulation Maximum Volts/Mil

Curing Process:
Ovens
Size/Volume Temp
Testing Capability:
Testing Facility Power Supply:_______________________
Maximum size that can be tested:_______________________
Type of tests:_______________________
Design routine
Testing Standards:
ANSI: Yes No
IEC: Yes No
Page 10 of 17
Switchgears, Controlgear and Panels Factory Assessment

Years of experience 1-5  6-14  15-29  30+ 
Design Base International Standards IEC  ANSI  None 
Range of Production
Design Program Developed In-house  Developed by Others 
Auto CAD 
Engineering Personnel Staff Certification (PE) 

Drafting Capability 
Technical manufacturing Procedures 
In house Production Flow Components manufacturing 
System assembly setup 
Suppliers’ authentication 
After sale System support 
2 Years producing this type 
Global and local SA user list 
Local and global product plants 
Compliance to SAMSS line by line 
Testing requirements
Type tests record 
Rating Limitation, if any 
Routine tests list 
Equipment Certification and endorsement Agencies (UL, or other acceptable testing lab…)

Specify: ………………………………………………………………………………………………..
QC Procedure (Produced Products) 
Customer Reference List (oil/gas or petrochemical industry). Min 5 references:

(Name, Date, Contact, Rating, Voltage-kW-Freq, Enclosure
Type, system ratings)
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Technical Staff Contact Name: - _______________________
E-mail:- _______________________
Tel.:- _______________________
Deviation & Exceptions to Saudi Aramco and international referenced Specifications (ITEMIZED):-
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Page 11 of 17
Motors & Turbine Generators Factory Assessment:

17-SAMSS-502  17-SAMSS-503  17-SAMSS-510  17-SAMSS-520 
Small Motors  Large Motors  Large Turbine Generators 
Time plant has been manufacturing machine 2Y 5Y 10 Y+
Years of experience as machine manufacturer 2Y 5Y 10 Y+
Installations of machine in ME/Gulf Yes No
If “Yes”, how many units: <10 10+ 100+
If “Yes”, how many TEAAC units: <10 10+ 100+
Frames built in-house: Yes No N/A
If no, source vendors: _________________________________________________________
Exciters built in-house: Yes No N/A
If no, source vendors:_________________________________________________________
Coils built in-house: Yes No
Cores punched/lasered in-house: Yes No
Rotors built in-house: Yes No
Bearing vendors: ___________________________________________________________________
On-site electromagnetic design/engineering Yes No
On-site mechanical design/engineering Yes No
Standard warranty 1Y 2Y 5Y
Local representative available Yes No
Local support available Yes No
Professional Service Technician:
Resident location(s), (country): __________________________________
Response time to KSA: 1 Day 1-3 Days 3 Days +
Standards to which motors are constructed: IEC  IEEE  API  NEMA 
Machine output range (MW/KW) (50 Hz /60 Hz): Machine test range and test type (MW/KW) (50 Hz /60 Hz):
Induction: ________________________ Induction: ________________________
Synchronous: ________________________ Synchronous: ________________________
Largest machine built (location, enclosure, MW, V, RPM, freq, date):
______________________________________________________________________________
(Name, contact email, enclosure, MW, V, RPM, freq, application, date)
1) ______________________________________________________________________________
2) ______________________________________________________________________________
3) _______________________________________________________________________________
4) _______________________________________________________________________________
5) _______________________________________________________________________________
Direct Factory Technical Staff Contacts (not marketing):
Name: - ____________________________ Responsibility: - _______________________
E-mail:- ____________________________ Tel.:- ________________________
E-mail:- ____________________________ Tel.:- ________________________
Deviations & Exceptions to Saudi Aramco Specifications “ITEMIZED”:
____________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Page 12 of 17
Diesel Generator Factory Assessment: 17-SAMSS-518

Time plant has been manufacturing generators 2Y 5Y 10 Y+
Years of experience as generator manufacturer 2Y 5Y 10 Y+
Installations of generators in ME/Gulf Yes No
If “Yes”, how many units: <100 100+ 500+
If “Yes”, what size (kW) : <1000 1000+ 4000+
Generator component built in-house: Yes No
If no, source vendors:_________________________________________________________
Diesel engine built in-house: Yes No
Enclosure built in-house: Yes No
Base built in-house: Yes No
Governor/control, type/vendors:______________________________________________________
Molded Case Circuit Breaker Vendors:________________________________________________
On-site electrical design/engineering Yes No
On-site mechanical design/engineering Yes No
Local representative available Yes No
Local support available Yes No
Standards to which generators are constructed: IEC  IEEE  NEMA  Other 
Generator output range (kW): Generator test range (kW):
60 Hz: ____________50 Hz: ______________ 60 Hz: ______________50Hz:______________
Largest generator built (location, enclosure, kW, V, RPM, freq, date):
______________________________________________________________________________
Customer Reference List (oil/gas, petrochemical industry, etc). Min 5 references:
(Name, contact email, enclosure, kW, V, RPM, freq, application, date of installation)
1) ____________________________________________________________________________
2) ____________________________________________________________________________
3) ____________________________________________________________________________
4) ____________________________________________________________________________
5) _______________________________________________________________________________
Direct Factory Technical Staff Contacts (not marketing):
E-mail:- ____________________________ Tel.:- ________________________
E-mail:- ____________________________ Tel.:- ________________________
Deviations & Exceptions to Saudi Aramco Specifications “ITEMIZED”:
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Page 13 of 17
UPS & DC Systems Factory Assessment

Current design in operation 2Y 5Y 7Y 10 Y+
Years of experience 5Y 10Y 20Y 30Y+
Installation in ME/Gulf 2Y 5Y 10Y 15Y+
Guarantee spare parts 2Y 5Y 10Y 15Y+
Design Base International Standards: IEC  ANSI  None 
UPS Output kVA Range of Production: 1Ph ------------------, 3Ph --------------------
Rectifier/Battery Charger kW Range of Production: ---------------Vdc, -----------------Adc
Battery Range of Production: Up to ----------------Ah, Type/Technology------------------------

Auto CAD 

Production Process Flow PCB 

Power Switching Components 
Power Transformers 
Final Assembly 
Testing Capability Full load at rated output Test 

Both 50 and 60 Hz Test 
Have kW Limitation 
Efficiency Tests 
Acoustical Noise Level Tests 
Input Feedback THDI Test 
Overload Capability/Current Limit 
Equipment Certification Agency (UL…) 

Specify: ………………………………………………………………………..………………………………..

(Name, Date, Contact, Rating, In/Out Voltages, kVA, Freq, Enclosure Type)
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________
E-mail:- _______________________
Tel.:- _______________________
Deviation & Exceptions to Saudi Aramco Specifications “ITEMIZED”:

_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________
Page 14 of 17
Cables Factory Assessment

Provide Cable Accessories 2Y 5Y 10Y 15Y+
Design Base International Standards: IEC  ANSI  Both  None 
Highest kV Cable ratings: 35 kV ----------------, 115 kV ---------------- 230 kV -----------
Type of insulation XLPE: ------------------EPR -----------------PILCA --------
Extrusion method: CCV --------------------VCV------------------------

Auto CAD 

Production Process Flow Copper Milling 

Import large Diameter Strands 
Source of XLPE and Type 
Lead Extrusion
Type of Armored and Stranding 
Testing Capability Highest AC Testing

Impulse Testing 
Partial Discharge Testing 
Conductor Resistance Testing 
XLPE Elongation Testing 
Water Tightness Testing 
On Line Production Jacket Testing 
Conductor Elongation Testing 
Specify: ………………………………………………………………………..………………………………..

_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________
E-mail:- _______________________
Tel.:- _______________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________
Page 15 of 17
Adjustable Frequency Drives Factory Assessment

Years of experience as AFD manufacturer 2Y 5Y 10 Y+
Time current model manufactured 2Y 5Y 10 Y+
Installations of AFD in ME/Gulf Yes No Units installed
Design Base International Standards IEC ANSI None
Design Tools & Software Used Internal 3rd Party None
Engineering Personnel:
Design Staff: Number _________ Experience (years) ________
Staff Certification (PE) YES NO
Quality Procedures (ISO 9001) YES NO
Cooling system Air  Liquid 
Regenerative YES  NO 
Production Process Flow Within Facility Contracted
PCB  
Power Switching Components  
Isolation Transformers  
Harmonic Filter  
Enclosure  
Cooling system  
Final Assembly  
Test range ____________________
Testing Capability Full load at rated output Test 

Back to back 
No load testing 
50 and 60 Hz Test 
Temperature type tests 
Efficiency tests 
Sound pressure level tests 
Performance tests 
Overload Capability/Current Limit 
Local representative available YES NO
Local support available YES NO
AFD output range (MW/KW):
Bellow 1 kV: __________, _________ Above 1 kV: __________, _________
Air cooled: __________, _________ Water cooled: __________, _________
Largest AFD built (location, enclosure, MW, V, date):

(Name, Contact info, AFD rating, application, date of installation)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

E-mail:- _______________________
Tel.:- _______________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Page 16 of 17
Composite Insulators: SAES-P-107, 15-TMSS-05 R1, 15-SDMS-02 R1

Provide Insulator Accessories 2Y 5Y 10Y 15Y+
Design Base International Standards: IEC  ANSI  Both  None 
Highest kV Insulator ratings: 35 kV ----------------, 115 kV ---------------- 230 kV -----------380 kV
Type of Insulator: Post Suspension Porcelain ------------------ Porcelain Pin --------------- Strain -----------------
Station Post ------------- Composite Type -----------------
Loading capability: -----------------------------------------

Auto CAD 

Production Process Flow Bracing Method 

Weathershield Design 
FRP material 
UV Resistant 
Testing Capability Performed on each Class of Insulators 

Type tested 5000 hrs aging test 
Certificate of type tests 

Specify: ………………………………………………………………………..………………………………..

_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________
E-mail:- _______________________
Tel.:- _______________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________
Page 17 of 17

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Best Practice

SABP-P-004 18 November 2015

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

3 Initial Desk Review......................................... 3

4 Plant Survey Assessment.............................. 6

Previous Issue: 3 April 2010 Next Planned Update: TBD

Copyright©Saudi Aramco 2015. All rights reserved.

This Best Practice is based on the below referenced standard:

2.1 Saudi Aramco References

Saudi Aramco Materials System Specifications

Switchgears and Controlgears

Adjustable Frequency Drive

UPC & DC Systems

Motors & Generators

3 Initial Desk Review

Table I - Initial Desk Review Form

Manufacturer Name: Date:

Manufacturer Technical Contact

Manufacturer Overall Assessment:

Can the manufacturer demonstrate a satisfactory history of supplying products for

Will the manufacturer add value to Saudi Aramco?

Does the manufacturer have any laboratories?

How many laboratories?

Committee Approval Yes No

4 Plant Survey Assessment

Table II - Plant Survey Assessment Form

Plant Name and address: Survey Date:

Manufacturer Technical Contact:

Did assessor meet technical representative YES NO

Company Overall Assessment:

Is the manufacturer’s engineering staff qualified/certified to acceptably support design and

Is the manufacturer’s product produced under license?

(On-site licenser personnel, off-site design/engineering support, etc.)?

Portion of manufacturing done by licenser?

Is licenser a Saudi Aramco approved manufacturer?

Year of establishment of manufacturer’s production facility? (Age)

Is the manufacturer’s production facility(s) complete and well organized?

What is the production range: voltage, kVA, kW?

Products approved for this manufacturer/facility

Are there any limitations?

Committee Approval Yes No

Design Software Name

Total company workforce

Insulation Maximum Volts/Mil

Switchgears, Controlgear and Panels Factory Assessment

Engineering Personnel Staff Certification (PE) 

QC Procedure (Produced Products) 

Customer Reference List (oil/gas or petrochemical industry). Min 5 references:

Motors & Turbine Generators Factory Assessment:

Diesel Generator Factory Assessment: 17-SAMSS-518

UPS & DC Systems Factory Assessment

UPS Output kVA Range of Production: 1Ph ------------------, 3Ph --------------------

Rectifier/Battery Charger kW Range of Production: ---------------Vdc, -----------------Adc

Battery Range of Production: Up to ----------------Ah, Type/Technology------------------------

Design Program Developed In-house  Developed by Others 

Engineering Personnel Staff Certification (PE) 

Production Process Flow PCB 

Testing Capability Full load at rated output Test 

Equipment Certification Agency (UL…) 