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Since 2001, we have provided expert training, fast calibration, and a vast range of test equipment – serving everyone from individuals to multinational firms with unmatched support.

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High Voltage

HV Authorisation & Safe Operation Courses

Our HV authorisation and safe operation courses provide a solid foundation in high-voltage safety and switching skills.

Level: Basics | AP | SAP | AE

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Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between AP, SAP and AE training?

AP, SAP, and AE training differ in responsibility, skills, and scope within high-voltage operations:

  • Authorised Person (AP) courses, such as HVSO1 Limited Operation of HV Power Systems for AP, focus on safe operation and limited switching of HV systems. Delegates learn to follow procedures, issue basic safety documentation, and work safely in substations and switchrooms. This level is ideal for engineers or technicians starting in HV operational roles.
  • Senior Authorised Person (SAP) courses, like HVSO4 Safe Switching Operation of HV Power Systems for SAP, build on AP skills by training delegates to plan, supervise, and manage HV switching operations. SAPs are responsible for overseeing Authorised Persons, coordinating switching activities, and managing operational risk, making this course essential for those in supervisory roles.
  • Authorising Engineer (AE) course (HVAE1 HV Systems for Authorising Engineer) is an advanced program designed for senior engineers. Delegates learn to authorise switching, sanction tests, and ensure compliance with high-voltage safety regulations, providing leadership in critical HV operations and ensuring system safety at all levels.

In short: AP = operate safely, SAP = supervise safely, AE = lead and authorise safely.

What is safe switching and operation?

Safe switching and operation is the systematic, controlled approach to working on high-voltage (HV) systems to prevent accidents, protect personnel, and maintain system integrity. It combines two key aspects:

Safe Switching

  • Performing planned and authorised switching on HV circuits and switchgear.
  • Following verified procedures to isolate equipment and reconfigure systems safely.
  • Ensuring all actions comply with safety documentation, PPE requirements, and risk assessments.

Safe Operation

  • Carrying out all HV system tasks safely, including monitoring, maintenance, and emergency procedures.
  • Maintaining compliance with legislation and industry best practices.
  • Developing practical skills and confidence to work efficiently without endangering personnel or equipment.

By combining safe switching and safe operation, delegates learn to manage HV systems effectively, ensuring high-voltage safety, compliance, and operational reliability in real-world environments.

Do I need a technical or electrical background before attending HVAP courses?

You don’t always need a technical or electrical background to start HV training, but it depends on the course level.

  • Entry-level courses like HVSO2 Safe Access to HV Substations & Switchrooms introduce the fundamentals of high-voltage safety, safe access, and basic switching principles, making them suitable for beginners or delegates with limited electrical experience.
  • Higher-level AP/SAP courses assume a basic understanding of electrical systems and focus on safe operation, safe switching, supervision, and authorisation responsibilities.

Our training centres provide hands-on guidance and practical exercises, so all delegates can build confidence and practical HV skills regardless of prior experience.

How often should I refresh my HVAP training?

Industry guidance recommends refresher training for authorised persons every three years to maintain competence and meet safety documentation requirements. Refresher courses update delegates on legislation, procedural changes and modern safe working practices.

Refresher course options include:

What offshore or marine safe switching courses are available?

We offer specialised marine and offshore HV safe authorised person courses for professionals working on high-voltage systems at sea or offshore installations:

What renewables safe switching courses are available?

We offer specialised wind turbine HVAP training for professionals managing high-voltage power distribution networks in renewable energy settings. Delegates can take HVWP1 – Wind Turbine Safe Switching of Power Distribution Networks for SAP, focusing on planning, authorising, and supervising safe switching operations within wind turbine and distributed power systems.

Can HVAP training be delivered on‑site at my company?

Yes. We offer bespoke HV training programmes delivered at your own facilities, tailored to your equipment, systems, and operational procedures.

We also provide international training, giving organisations with overseas operations the same practical, site-specific instruction in safe operation and safe switching.

For details, please contact us or visit our Business Training Solutions page.

Why Choose PASS?

Specialists in HV Authorised Person Training

Dedicated experts delivering industry-leading HV Authorisation and Safety courses.

Learn From Experienced Industry Practitioners

Tutors with hands-on knowledge of HV systems and switching procedures.

Training for Critical Safety Roles

Safe operation and switching, trusted by authorising engineers, technicians, and safety managers across the UK.

Industry Leading HVAP Training Facilities
Our High Voltage Training Centre in Stockton-on-Tees offers purpose-built facilities where trainees gain hands-on HV experience with switchgear, substations, and marine circuit breakers. Operating at a safe 110V, the centre simulates real high-voltage systems, teaching safe operation, safe switching, and high-voltage safety. Delegates build practical HV skills and confidence while preparing for AP, SAP, and AE authorised person training.
Safe Operation & Switching Training for Engineers & Technicians

HV Authorisation Courses Explained

At PASS, our HV safe switching and operation courses provide essential high-voltage training for engineers, technicians, and safety managers. Designed to develop both practical skills and theoretical knowledge, our courses cover safe operation and safe switching of HV systems, giving delegates the confidence to manage high-risk electrical environments effectively.

Whether you are starting your HV journey or taking on senior responsibilities, PASS courses ensure delegates gain the practical skills, knowledge, and confidence required to perform critical high-voltage tasks safely and efficiently.

  • Introduction & Safety: Understanding the fundamentals of high-voltage safety is critical before performing any switching or operational tasks. Learning how to access substations safely, identify hazards, and follow correct switching sequences lays the groundwork for confidence and competence in the field. For those beginning their HV journey, HVSO2 Safe Access to HV Substations & Switchrooms is an ideal starting point, providing hands-on practice in safe access and basic operational principles.
  • Authorised Person (AP): Once foundational skills are in place, delegates can then move into operating HV systems as an Authorised Person. This includes performing limited switching, following operational protocols, and maintaining compliance with safety regulations. Training in these areas ensures that engineers and technicians can perform high-voltage tasks without risk to themselves or the system. HVSO1 Limited Operation of HV Power Systems for AP guides delegates through these responsibilities in a structured, practical course.
  • Senior Authorised Person (SAP): Higher responsibility requires understanding how to plan, execute, and supervise switching operations safely. Senior Authorised Persons must manage risk, coordinate teams, and oversee the safe operation of HV systems. Learning these skills ensures operational reliability and workplace safety. For professionals ready to step up, HVSO4 Safe Switching Operation of HV Power Systems for SAP provides focused instruction on safe switching management and leadership in high-voltage environments.
  • Authorising Engineer (AE): At the highest level, engineers must be able to authorise switching, sanction tests, and ensure system compliance while managing overall high-voltage safety. This requires both technical expertise and operational leadership. HVAE1 HV Systems for Authorising Engineer prepares senior engineers to take on these responsibilities with confidence, combining practical knowledge with regulatory understanding to lead critical HV operations.

Choosing PASS ensures training from experienced practitioners with real-world HV exposure. Our courses give engineers, technicians, and safety managers the practical skills, knowledge, and confidence to perform critical high-voltage tasks safely and efficiently, making PASS the trusted choice for HV safe operation and switching training across the UK.

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