5kV Power Factor Capacitor Oil Containment

[LionelHutz]

Hello;

I'm looking for any North American standards or regulations pertaining to oil containment for the indoor installation of 5kV class power factor capacitors. A typical capacitor is something like a 200kVAR 3-bushing can. I have been asked if there are any requirements to install oil catch pans for these capacitors. All I have found seems to apply to substation or transformer installations so if anyone has any guidance it would be greatly appreciated.

Maybe there are no standards or code requirements for this?

Thanks for the help

 

[dpc]

I don't think there is any requirement for containment. You are responsible for any environmental impact, however. This can't be much oil. If the caps are old, the oil should be tested for PCBs.

There may be some building code restrictions on location due to fire hazard.

 

[stevenal]

http://www.epa.gov/oilspill/spcc.htm

Containers (or capacitors) of less than 55 gallons are exempt from SPCC requirements.