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THE origin of safer switching
THE origin of safer switching
The Power to Learn Safely. Zero Harm.
The Power to Learn Safely. Zero Harm.
Total Competency.
Total Competency.
The engineering journey behind a new standard in high-voltage operational training.
The problem that started it all
The problem that started it all
HV Simulators was born from a simple but critical industry challenge: how do you provide realistic, practical high-voltage switching training without exposing people to the risks associated with working on the live network?
The idea was initiated by two long-serving employees of a NSW electricity supply authority who recognised a gap in conventional training. They believed there was an opportunity to create a simulated environment where employees could develop, practise and maintain their high-voltage switching competencies in a safe and controlled setting.
What began as an idea became a project they pursued in their own time, drawing on their extensive first-hand experience of high-voltage operations, substations and network environments.
The goal was clear: create a training solution that replicates the operational experience of high-voltage switching, while removing the risks of working on the live network.
From concept to proven capability
From concept to proven capability
The initial concept was developed in 2018 and evolved into a fixed simulator installed at a regional training centre.
The prototype quickly demonstrated its value as a practical training tool, providing trainers and employees with the opportunity to undertake realistic switching exercises in a controlled environment.
Rather than simply learning procedures in theory, employees could interact with equipment, follow switching sequences and develop the practical skills and confidence required to operate within a substation environment — without the risks, operational constraints and costs associated with live network training.
The success of the initial design confirmed that the concept had the potential to address a much broader industry need.
Taking the training to the field
Taking the training to the field
The next stage was to remove another barrier to effective training: the need for employees to travel to a central training facility.
In 2026, the simulator was further developed into a fully mobile training unit, integrated into a vehicle and tested throughout regional and remote NSW.
This evolution has transformed the concept from a fixed training resource into a mobile high-voltage training capability that can be taken directly to the people who need it.
The mobile unit is designed to operate from the vehicle's inverter supply, allowing the simulator to be deployed in a wide range of locations without relying on a permanent training facility.
For organisations operating across large geographic areas, this can significantly reduce the time, travel and logistical costs associated with bringing employees together for training, while providing access to a highly realistic simulated switching environment.
Engineering realism into every detail
Engineering realism into every detail
As the simulator has evolved, so too has its capability.
The objective is to reproduce the operational characteristics and switching scenarios that employees encounter in the real world.
The current model incorporates a range of engineering features designed to support increasingly sophisticated high-voltage operational training, including:
Full voltage regulation for both transformers, including the management of mismatching transformer taps when paralleling transformers.
66kV isolators around all 66kV circuit breakers, enabling more comprehensive switching scenarios.
11kV feeder parallel switching, supporting realistic operational exercises.
11kV feeder auto-reclose and sensitive earth fault controls, with the ability to enable or disable these functions as required for training.
Correct current ratios on HV and LV transformer circuit breakers, supporting accurate representation of operational conditions.
These capabilities allow training scenarios to move beyond basic switching sequences and towards a more realistic representation of the systems, equipment and decisions involved in high-voltage operations.
Built by industry, for industry
Built by industry, for industry
What sets HV Simulators apart is that the technology has been developed from real industry experience.
The simulator was not designed in isolation from the operational environment. It was conceived, developed and continually refined by people who understand the practical realities of high-voltage work and the importance of competency when operating within a live network environment.
That experience has shaped every stage of the journey, from the original fixed prototype to today's mobile simulator and the ongoing development of new training capabilities.
The journey continues
The journey continues
HV Simulators is continuing to develop the technology, with further enhancements and training capabilities currently being designed.
The vision remains unchanged: to provide the power to learn safely, while delivering the level of realism and operational complexity required to build genuine competency.
From an idea developed after hours by two experienced electricity-industry employees, HV Simulators has evolved into a mobile, immersive training solution designed to help organisations close a critical gap in high-voltage operational training.
The goal is simple.
Zero Harm. Total Competency.
The power to learn in the safety of simulation.
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