Why gravel at substations?

Answer 1

1. During Short circuit current Step and Touch potential increases.

Step potential : It is the potential developed between the two feet on the ground of a man or animal when short circuit occurs. This results in flow of current in the body leads to electrical shock

Touch potential: It is the potential that is developed between the ground and the body of the equipment when a person touches the body during fault condition. When operating personnel touch an electrical equipment during short circuit condition, fault current flows through the human body. This is defined as touch potential.

Gravel/Stones in the substation is provided to reduce the step potential and touch potential when operators work on switch yard.

2. Power Transformers installed in the substations will have oil as cooling and insulating medium. Oil leakage takes place during operation or when changing the oil in the transformer. This oil spillage which can catch fire is dangerous to the switchyard operation. So Stones/Gravel is provided to protect from fire when oil spillage takes place.

3. Stones eliminate the growth of small weeds and plants inside the switch yard

4. Improves yard working condition

5. Provides protection from wild life and snakes.

Answer 2

Gravel is used at substations to provide a stable and level surface for equipment and personnel to work on. It also helps with drainage and reduces the growth of vegetation, which could interfere with the equipment. Additionally, gravel can help to dissipate heat from transformers and other equipment more effectively than other surfaces.