Course Overview
Develop a practical understanding of substation equipment control and operation. Learn to read and interpret trip and close schematics, relate control schematics to wiring diagrams, and design straightforward control system schematics. This course provides expert instruction to ensure you can handle real-world challenges in substation environments.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the control and operation of substation equipment.
- Read and interpret trip and close schematics and wiring diagrams.
- Design straightforward control system schematics.
Who Should Attend?
- Substation design engineers and technicians who develop and maintain substation systems.
- Industrial, utility, or plant engineers who oversee the operation and safety of substations.
- Substation operations specialists and power system dispatchers who manage and control substation activities.
Course Outline
Substation Types and Purposes
- Fundamentals of power system operation
- Primary substation equipment
Power Transformers and Controls
- Major components
- Construction and operation
- Connections and ratings
- Fixed taps and LTCs
Introduction to Schematics and Wiring Diagrams
- Control logic
- Converting control schematics to wiring diagrams
- Example transformer control and wiring diagrams
Voltage Regulators
- Construction and operation
- Ratings
Disconnect Switches
- Types and applications
- Manual and motor-operated switches; control schematics
Power Circuit Breakers
- Purpose and types
- Construction and operation
- Schematics and wiring diagram examples
Circuit Switchers and Other Special Application Switches
- Purpose and major components
- Construction and operation
- Schematics and wiring
Reclosers
- Purpose and applications
- Major components
- Types and ratings
- Construction and operation
Power Fuses
- Types and applications
- Operation
Instrument Transformers
- Voltage and current transformers
- Principles of operation
- Burden, saturation, and accuracy
- Ratings and connections
Protective Relay Systems
- Purpose and types
- DC trip and close schematics
- AC voltage and current schematics
- Wiring diagrams
Battery Systems
- Purpose and ratings
- Chargers and charging control systems
AC Station Power Systems
- Station power requirements
- Back-up supplies/sources
SCADA
- Purpose and functions
- SCADA overview
- RTUs and IEDs
Integrated/Automated Substation Control Reference Material
- Integration/automation defined
- Communication systems and interfaces
Capacitor Banks
- Purpose
- Construction and operation
- Switching and protection control schemes
Metalclad Switchgear
- Advantages and applications
- Construction and operation
- Protection and control
Wave Traps
- Purpose and applications
- Major components
- Tuning and operation
Substation Commissioning
- Acceptance testing equipment
- Start up procedures
- Energizing equipment
- Substation and transmission line examples
Instructors
David Herbst
David Herbst has over 38 years of experience in designing, installing, and testing electric utility relay protection and control systems. He is a licensed Professional Engineer and currently works as Director of Field Services for Dashiell in Madison, Wisconsin. Dave spent 21 years working for an investor-owned electric utility. His responsibilities included design, installation, and maintenance of relay protection systems, as well as supervision of engineers and technicians involved in system protection design and commissioning. Dave has extensive experience in protection system design and commissioning of substations and electrical systems from 480 volts through 345kV. Dave graduated from UW-Madison with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1983.
Mitch Bradt
Mitch Bradt, PE, is an engineer and educator who loves to see students “get it.” He has over 25 years of experience in the fields of aerospace and electric power. His responsibilities have varied from aircraft electrical systems, to utility system protective relaying, to utility-applied power electronics, to wind farm collectors, and teaching and curriculum development in these related areas. He is currently the Director of Quality, Standards, and Training at Quanta Infrastructure Solutions Group (QISG) serving utilities and developers across North America. Mitch graduated from Marquette University with a BSEE in 1993.
Upcoming dates (3)
Fundamentals of Substation Equipment and Control Systems
Location: Madison, WI or Live Online
Course #: RA00509-D740
Fee: $1,895
interpro.wisc.edu/RA00509
Fee
- $1,895
This course has two attendance options, face-to-face or online.
Face-to-face attendance fee includes morning and afternoon breaks, scheduled lunches, in-person instruction, and course materials.
Online attendance fee includes online instruction and course materials. Online attendees will access course sessions via the Zoom web conferencing platform.
Credits
- CEU: 2.3
- PDH: 23
Schedule
Registration Date/Time:
10/6/2026 7:30am Central Time
Event Dates/Times:
- 10/6/2026 8:00am - 5:00pm Central Time
- 10/7/2026 8:00am - 5:00pm Central Time
- 10/8/2026 8:00am - 4:00pm Central Time
Course Notes
This is a HyFlex (in-person and online) taught course. Your registration is for one teaching platform only: in-person or online. Please be prepared to attend all days either in-person or online. Contact us if you have any questions or if you need to make a change.
This course uses the Canvas course management and Zoom platforms. A UW NetID is required to access the online course site. Both in-person and online students should obtain a NetID and access the Canvas course website. Your registration confirmation email will walk you through the NetID process and how to access Canvas.
Digital materials for this course will be available on the Canvas course website. Access to the course materials and the webinar platform will be provided a few days before the course. Please watch the email address you provided for release dates and pre-course information. Check your spam file if you do not see emails from the "wisc.edu" addresses.
Instructors
David Herbst, Mitch Bradt
Location
Accommodations
Accommodations include: Enjoy complimentary business center, WiFi and Local/Airport Shuttle. Each room has a refrigerator, microwave, 42-inch HDTV, and executive desk. Parking available $15/night.
Room: rates start at $160
Accommodations include: Complimentary WiFi, Local/Airport Shuttle, Pool, and Fitness Center.
Room: rates start at $170
Reserve by: September 6, 2026
Accommodations include: Your stay includes hot breakfast buffet, fitness center, business center, convenient on-site parking. Guest rooms are complete with Keurig coffee maker, refrigerator, complimentary high-speed Internet, and 40-inch, flat screen, high-def TVs.
Cancellation Policy
If you cannot attend, please notify us no later than one week before your course begins, and we will refund your fee. Cancellations received after this date and no-shows are subject to a $150 administrative fee. You may enroll a substitute at any time before the course starts.
Fundamentals of Substation Equipment and Control Systems
Location: Lake Buena Vista, FL
Course #: RA00509-D770
Fee: $1,895
interpro.wisc.edu/RA00509
Fee
- $1,895
Fee covers morning and afternoon breaks, scheduled lunches, and course materials.
Credits
- CEU: 2.3
- PDH: 23
Schedule
Registration Date/Time:
2/10/2026 7:30am Central Time
Event Dates/Times:
- 2/10/2026 8:00am - 5:00pm Central Time
- 2/11/2026 8:00am - 5:00pm Central Time
- 2/12/2026 8:00am - 4:00pm Central Time
Course Notes
This is a face-to-face class. Please be prepared to attend all sessions in-person.
All materials will be provided on the first day of class.
Please review hotel information on this page. A link to the hotel room block will be available shortly. There is a limited number of reserved rooms, please book early if possible.
Watch the email address you provided during registration for course updates and announcements. If you do not see emails from the "wisc.edu" address, please check your spam folder or contact us.
Instructors
David Herbst, Mitch Bradt
Location
Holiday Inn Orlando Official Walt Disney World Hotel
1805 Hotel Plaza BlvdLake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Accommodations
Holiday Inn Orlando Official Walt Disney World Hotel
1805 Hotel Plaza BlvdLake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Room: rates start at $222
Group Code: US6
Reserve by: January 15, 2026
Accommodations include: Find room and resort amenities through the Online Reservations link provided below. A $39 Resort Fee is added to final booking costs. If you book using the Online Reservations room block link, the resort fee will be discounted to $18 at checkout. If you do not use the link below and book through a 3rd party website, the hotel staff cannot adjust your reservation you will be charged the full resort fee. Parking is NOT included in the Group Rate. Parking is an additional $25-30 per day.
Cancellation Policy
If you cannot attend, please notify us by no later than one week before your course begins, and we will refund your fee. Because this course has limited enrollment, cancellation received after this date and no-shows are subject to the full course fee. You may enroll a substitute at any time before the course starts.
Fundamentals of Substation Equipment and Control Systems
Location: Madison, WI or Live Online
Course #: RA00509-D896
Fee: $1,895
interpro.wisc.edu/RA00509
Fee
- $1,895
This course has two attendance options: face-to-face or online.
REGISTRATION FOR ONLINE ATTENDANCE CLOSES MAY 5, 2026
The materials for this course will be shipped out to online students. In order to ensure materials are received on time, online students should register before May 5. Please review the course notes below for additional information.
Face-to-face attendance fee includes morning and afternoon breaks, scheduled lunches, and course materials.
Online attendance fee includes online instruction and course materials. Online attendees will access course sessions via the Zoom web conferencing platform through Canvas.
Credits
- CEU: 2.3
- PDH: 23
Schedule
Registration Date/Time:
5/12/2026 7:30am Central Time
Event Dates/Times:
- 5/12/2026 8:00am - 5:00pm Central Time
- 5/13/2026 8:00am - 5:00pm Central Time
- 5/14/2026 8:00am - 4:00pm Central Time
Course Notes
DoubleTree Hotel Room Booking Option
The reservation link offers 15% off the current DoubleTree hotel room rates. Please note, the rate may change closer to the course start date and the link will remain active until all rooms are booked. If no rooms are available at this site, the hotel is fully booked.
Instructors
David Herbst, Mitch Bradt
Location
Accommodations
Accommodations include: Complimentary WiFi and Local/Airport Shuttle. Parking available $15/night.
Room: rates start at $170
Reserve by: April 14, 2026
Accommodations include: Your stay includes hot breakfast buffet, fitness center, business center, convenient on-site parking. Guest rooms are complete with Keurig coffee maker, refrigerator, complimentary high-speed Internet, and 40-inch, flat screen, high-def TVs.
Room: rates start at $160
Accommodations include: Complimentary WiFi, Local/Airport Shuttle, Pool, and Fitness Center.
Cancellation Policy
If you cannot attend, please notify us no later than one week before your course begins, and we will refund your fee. Cancellations received after this date and no-shows are subject to a $150 administrative fee. You may enroll a substitute at any time before the course starts.