UK Power Networks
COP 01 030
v2.0
LV Cable Approved Signal Injection Service
Owner
Name
Chris Glover
Title
Head of Commercial Services
Signature
28th November 2014
Date
Authoriser
Name
Marilise Francis
Title
Senior Contract Manager
Signature
2nd December 2014
Date
This document forms part of the UK Power Networks Integrated Management System and
compliance with its requirements is mandatory. Departure from these requirements may only be
taken with the written approval of the above authoriser.
Revision Record
Version number
2.0
Date published
04/12/2014
Next review date
06/10/2016
Prepared by
Richard Bishop
Version number
1.1
Date published
24/04/2014
Next review date
06/10/2014
Prepared by
Richard Bishop
Version number
1.0
Date published
05/12/2013
Next review date
06/10/2014
Prepared by
Richard Bishop
What has changed?
Appendix 1 reinstated. Change to charge in Section 8.2
Why has it changed?
Annual review
What has changed?
Removed appendix 1 from the last page of this document and now as
separate form COP 01 030a.
Why has it changed?
Form removed from document
What has changed?
First Issue
Why has it changed?
First Issue
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Page 1 of 10
UK Power Networks
COP 01 030
v2.0
Who needs to know?
☐ All UK Power Networks Staff
☐ Asset Management
☐ Capital Programme
☒ Connections
☐ Contractors
☐ Customer Services
☒ Finance
☐ G81 External website
☐ HR & Communications
☐ HSS&TT
☐ In Business HSS
☐ Safety Reps
☒ ICP’s (Independent Connection Providers)
☒ IDNO’s (Independent Distribution
Network Operators)
☐ Information Systems
☐ Meter Operators
☒ Network Operations
☒ EPN
☒ LPN
☒ SPN
☐ Commercial Services
☐ Logistics
☒ Network Control
☐ Transport Services
☐ Strategy and Regulation
☐ UK Power Networks Services
☐ Airports
☐ HS1, DLR & Commercial buildings
☐ MUJV / Allenby
☐ Projects & Business Development
☐ Others (specify)
Contents
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
Introduction and Purpose ............................................................................................ 3
Scope ............................................................................................................................. 3
Objective ....................................................................................................................... 3
References .................................................................................................................... 3
Definitions ..................................................................................................................... 4
Responsibilities ............................................................................................................ 4
Records ......................................................................................................................... 5
Process Detail ............................................................................................................... 5
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UK Power Networks
COP 01 030
v2.0
1.0 Introduction and Purpose
The purpose of this procedure is to support the live jointing to the Low Voltage (LV) mains
by Independent Connections Providers (ICP’s). The service that UK Power Networks has
implemented is an Approved Signal Injection Service that will assist Independent
Connection Providers (ICP’s) and Independent Distribution Network Operators (IDNO’s).
In October 2012, UK Power Networks confirmed that live jointing to LV underground mains
by ICPs became ‘Business As Usual’ contestable connections activity. Each Distribution
Network Operator (DNO) includes lists of the work it treats as contestable and noncontestable work in section 6 of its Common Connection Charging Methodology &
Statement (CCCMS).
Each Distribution Network Operator (DNO) publishes a connection charging document,
which includes its Methodology, its Statement and other information relevant for customers
connecting to its distribution network.
2.0 Scope
The scope of this procedure is to outline the provision of an Approved Signal Injection
Service that will assist ICP’s and IDNO’s to identify LV Cables on request.
Each DNO sets out the scope of connection services that competitive providers are
permitted to undertake on its network in its Company Specific Methodology. Activities that
competitors can undertake are described as contestable and those that can only be carried
out by the DNO are non-contestable.
3.0 Objective
In October 2012, UK Power Networks confirmed that ‘live jointing to LV underground mains’
by Independent Connections Providers (ICPs) became ‘Business As Usual’ contestable
connections activity. The objective is to allow the ICP or IDNO to safely identify LV cables
and for the DNO to provide an Approved Signal Injection Service upon request to assist in
their cable identification.
4.0 References
Doc. Ref No.
Document Title
Not applicable
Connections Commercial briefing
Not applicable
Ofgem Amendment to UKPN Connection charging Methodology
Further details about UK Power Networks arrangements for ICP live working on the existing
distribution system may be found on PowerNet at Policies and Procedures within the
following documents:
Doc. Ref No.
Document Title
CON 00 010
Extension of Contestability Policy
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UK Power Networks
COP 01 030
v2.0
CON 03 026
Connections Services Independent Connections Provider (ICP)
Unmetered Connections (UMC) Live Jointing to Mains (ULJ2M)
Procedure
CON 00 027
ICP Jointing to Existing Mains Standard
CON 03 027
Connections Services Independent Connections Providers (ICP)
Live Jointing for Street Furniture Audit and Inspection Procedure
CON 03 028
Connections Services Independent Connections Provider (ICP)
Unmetered Connections (UMC) Live Jointing to Services (ULJ2S)
Procedure
CON 03 029
Working Guidance for Live Jointing for Street Furniture:
Introductory Period Success Criteria
CON 03 030
Connections Services Independent Connections Provider (ICP)
Street Furniture Metered Connections Live Jointing to Mains
(SFMLJ2M) Procedure
CON 08 106
Procedure for ICP LV Metered Live Jointing
NOP 73 001
Operational Control of the London Low Voltage Distribution System
CON 08 108
Measures of Success for the Introductory Period of Contestable
Final Connections
5.0 Definitions
5.1
Radial Networks:
A radial network leaves the sub-station and passes through the network area with no
normal connection to any other supply. This is typical in suburban areas or long rural
circuits with isolated load areas. It is usually possible to reconfigure the running
arrangements or back feed these radial circuits via the “Open Points” in link boxes or feeder
pillars connected to adjacent Radial feeders. Typically these radial circuits are fed via 400A
or 315A fuses in the substation.
5.2
Interconnected Networks:
The interconnected LV network is found in the Central London area where. LV cables are
fed from both ends and will have multiple in-feeds from a number of local Substations. The
benefit of an interconnected network is that is can supply high load density areas with each
LV cable being “meshed” together with other LV cables fed via a number of 500A fuses in
the local substations. The fault level on an interconnected network is higher than on a radial
network.
6.0 Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of the third party to request the Signal Injection Service and to expose
the cable(s). It is the responsibility of UK Power Networks to apply the signal and physically
mark the cable (as identified in the process flowchart).
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UK Power Networks
COP 01 030
v2.0
The change in responsibilities
The list of contestable work will include:

Connection of extension assets to the Distribution System and their energisation where
the connection is made at LV by live jointing to a radial underground cable section of the
Distribution System;

Connection of diverted assets to the Distribution System and their energisation where
the connection is made at LV by live jointing to a radial underground cable section of the
Distribution System.
Note: Jointing to the normally and temporarily interconnected LPN LV network remains
non-contestable, as does jointing to LV overhead lines.
Whilst LV ‘connection activity (physical jointing work) is contestable, any associated LV
‘operational activity’ (fusing, linking, signal injection) remains non-contestable. ICPs do not
have access permission for substations, link boxes or feeder pillars etc. It is expected that
in most cases ICPs will identify cables by methods other than the use of a signal injection
device. However, UK Power Networks will provide a chargeable LV Cable Signal Injection
Service on request, to assist with the ICPs cable identification procedures.
The list of non-contestable work will include:
 Operational activity associated with the connection of Extension Assets or diverted
assets to the Distribution System;
UK Power Networks will require any ICP wishing to carry out LV live jointing to undergo an
initial period of assessment.
The ICP must ensure their own Cable Identification Procedures recognise the Request form
for the Approved Signal injection Service for LV Cables Requested by ICP’s for L.V. Cable
Identification [see Appendix 1] as positive Identification of LV Cables.
7.0 Records
UK Power Networks will be required to keep records for 6 years. Requests should be
logged and recorded within the Connections Directorate.
8.0 Process Detail
The following responsibilities for the LV Cable Approved Signal Injection Service for each UK
Power Network Region are outlined in the Process Flow chart at the end of this section,
8.1
Independent Connection Provider (ICP)

To determine the LV Cable requiring positive identification

Submit Request form to Connections Highway Services Team, including the minimum
information as follows:
•
•
•
Confirmed SORN information.
Precise location of the point at which the Approved Signal injection service is
required, including DNO area and postcode.
ICP details.
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COP 01 030
UK Power Networks
•
•
v2.0
ICP on-site contact details.
Requested time and date of DNO onsite attendance, which is to be a minimum of
two working days’ notice.

To expose ALL the cables at the point of work prior to the DNO’s site attendance

To have available street works barriers on site to safeguard the point at which the
approved signal device is connected to the network. The ICP is to remove any steel tape
armour from the cable in order to facilitate operation of the signal detector, where
required.

To be responsible for putting the ICP’s own staff to work.

To provide a person who will remain at the point at which the approved signal device is
connected to the network to ensure public safety and no interference with the equipment
by unauthorised persons.

ICP Jointer to sign confirmation document and return.
8.2
Connections Highway Services Team (HST)

To carry out the other requirements of the ICP’s own cable identification procedure
which will be to no lesser standard than UK Power Networks DSR 01 018 Connections
Directorate.

Locate site Connections & to review ICP Request Form and confirm all required
information is provided.

Complete additional internal information on Request Form and email completed form to
appropriate Area Team.

Confirm to ICP Cable I/D completed.

Analyse performance targets of Network Operations.

Submit invoice to ICP’s for cable I/D works as per the schedule:
Cable ID Service price schedule
Item description
Price
Basis of charge
Charge to visit site & inclusive of 1st hour period spent on site
£175
Per visit to site
Charge for each additional hour spent on site undertaking cable
I/D duties
£80
Per hour on site
8.3
Network Operations Scheduler

Raise Service Order for Cable Identification

Schedule Area Engineer / crew to Identify LV Main

Confirm site visit date and time with ICP

Forward site details, date etc. to relevant Engineer / crew
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UK Power Networks
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
Update schedule system and inform Connections HWS team of Service order details
and close job on completion

Update HWS team to confirm completion status
8.4
Network Operations Engineer / Crew

Check Network Diagrams & obtain consent from Control if required

Prepare work instructions

On planned date / time meet ICP Jointing team on site

Confirm excavation fenced off

Confirm excavation and all cables exposed

Confirm cable steel tape armour to be removed if appropriate

Identify LV Cable with approved signal device

Apply Identification label to cable and take photo evidence

Complete Identification certificate and get ICP Jointer to sign

Contact scheduler and confirm Identification complete. Book hours to timesheet

Confirm with Control Identification work completed.
The following process flow charts outline the specific steps in the process for:
1. EPN and SPN
2. LPN
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UK Power Networks
COP 01 030
v2.0
This printed document is valid at 31/07/17, check after this date for validity.
Page 8 of 10
UK Power Networks
COP 01 030
v2.0
This printed document is valid at 31/07/17, check after this date for validity.
Page 9 of 10
UK Power Networks
COP 01 030
v2.0
Appendix 1
Application form for an Approved Signal injection Service for LV
Cables Requested by ICP’s for L.V. Cable Identification
STAGE 1:
(To be completed by the ICP requesting the Signal Injection Service)
UKPN region: (delete as appropriate)
LPN
SPN
EPN
SORN Reference No:
ICP Details:
Requested Date/Time for identification
ICP on-site Contact number(s)
Site Address (where work is to be carried out)
Post Code:
STAGE 2:
(To be completed by Connections Highway Services)
Program Date for work
Date sent to Network Ops:
Time of visit:
Indicate Area Office notified
Time sent:
STAGE 3: (To be completed by UKPN Network Ops. On-site I/D team)
Has the joint hole been excavated at the location indicated above?
Is the excavation securely fenced & safe to work in according to the NRSWA?
Are the plans (at least 1/500) and relevant sections on site?
Are you familiar with the cable types shown?
Have all LV & HV Cables been exposed?
Are all of the exposed cables PILC, SWA or STA type cables (not PVC covered
& marked as LV cables)?
Are all of the exposed cables without service joints or other LV apparatus?
Are there I.C.P. personnel on-site to assist?
YES
NO
Note: If YES is ticked for all of the above, proceed with the work.
Cable Identification by UKPN Network Ops. Team
YES
Have all cables in the vicinity been fully exposed and checked with the signal
receiver or otherwise eliminated?
Has the cable been positively identified using an approved signal device?
Has a Cable Identification label been attached to the cable to be worked on?
Note: If YES is ticked for all of the above, complete & issue I/D Certificate
NO
LV Cable Identification Certificate
(To be completed by the UK Power Networks person carrying out the identification)
I am satisfied that the correct LV cable has been identified by an approved signal device and is
marked in accordance with UK Power Networks DSR 01 018
Name
Signature
Date
Time
.. Note: ICP Jointer to retain a copy and UK Power Networks ID Crew to retain a copy
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