Nuclear Plants Containment Electrical Penetration Assemblies

Nuclear power plant containment structures are entirely sealed‐off constructions containing the nuclear reactor. The containment is designed to preclude leakage of radiation to the environment. This chapter is based on the requirements of IEEE 317 elaborating on the design, construction, qualification, test, and installation, of electric penetration assemblies (EPAs) in nuclear containment structures for stationary nuclear power generating stations. Conductors of instrumentation circuits should have a voltage rating defined by the design service conditions. EPAs having double electric conductor seals or optical fiber seals or double aperture seals, or both, should be designed for and should include provisions for gas leak rate testing and monitoring of the double seals after installation. The EPA should be designed to have a qualified life not less than the installed life. The insulation resistance test should be performed at test facility room ambient conditions of temperature, pressure, and relative humidity.