High Voltage - FAQs

Refers to version 1 of the High Voltage Training Standard

Content and Structure

Why is the HV standard divided into two modules?

The HV standard contains two distinct modules:

• HV Operations (HVO) – for personnel who operate high voltage systems, including switching, earthing and isolation to manage system safety.
• HV Cable Pulling (HVCP) – for technicians involved in inspecting and installing high voltage (HV) and medium voltage (MV) power cables in WTG towers during pre-assembly phase and during site-based operations.
   

Do participants need to complete both HV modules?

No. HV Operations and HV Cable Pulling address different competencies and have separate target groups and prerequisites. Participants should complete the module relevant to their work role.

Participant prerequisites

What training must participants complete before attend HV training?

For HV Operations, participants must possess underpinning knowledge, skills, abilities in safe low voltage electrical working.

They must have the capability to perform tasks while exposed to low voltage hazards and risks and have electrical workplace experience, to be technically capable to participate and succeed in the training.

They must have completed GWO BTT Electrical and GWO CoHE Electrical - or an equivalent local training qualification.

For HV Cable Pulling, participants must possess underpinning knowledge, skills, abilities in mechanical work and have an awareness of safe lifting operations to support succeeding in this training. They must have completed GWO BTT Mechanical, or an equivalent local training qualification.

Familiarity with Slinger Signaller and lifting principles is strongly recommended.

Training Outcomes and Authorisation

Does completing the HV Operations training mean a participant is authorised to perform HV switching?

No. GWO HV Operations training provides participants with the baseline competencies and awareness required to be return to the workplace for further company specific training and to record supervised experience on the path to authorisation.

Authorisation remains the responsibility of the employer (duty holder), who must evaluate experience, workplace procedures, and local regulations before deciding if someone is ready to become HV authorised.

Equipment and Training Environment

What facilities are required to deliver HV Operations?

The facility must simulate realistic HV work environments, including:

• HV Switchgear with features and functions equivalent to an operational
  system
• Refer to the Equipment Annex for minimum requirements.
   

During HV Operations, are participants expected to perform live switching of actual high voltage systems?

No - the HV standard does not require switching of live HV equipment with real high voltages present.

Training providers must provide training conditions using HV systems that function realistically, with accurate features – however – it is not required to supply actual high voltages during training. High voltages can be simulated during training to achieve the learning objectives effectively and safely.

Training using operational high voltage systems is acceptable (eg. HV systems on site) however this must be safely controlled and managed to reduce risks to participants.

What facilities are required to deliver HV Cable Pulling?

The training facility must allow realistic hands-on practice in:

• Correct physical handling of HV cable and the use of tools and accessories
  for cable pulling operations
• Mechanical protection and stress-relief application for HV cable
• Inspection of HV cable and cable breakout integrity and identification markers
   

Alignment to local regulations

Is the HV standard aligned to NFPA 70E or EN50110?

The HV standard is based on internationally recognised safe work practices, including core principles from EN50110 and NFPA 70E. However, it does not enforce a specific national framework. Duty holders must ensure alignment with their applicable legislation.

Does the HV standard replace local or manufacturer-specific training?

No. The GWO HV standard provides a generic and globally recognised baseline. Additional site-, country-, or manufacturer-specific HV authorisations may still be required by employers or grid operators.