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Maintenance Of Low Voltage Circuit Breakers

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The deterioration of low voltage circuit breaker is normal and

this process begins as soon as the circuit breaker is installed. If
deterioration is not checked, it can cause failures and
malfunctions. The purpose of an electrical preventive
maintenance and testing program should be to recognize these
factors and provide means for correcting them.

A good organized maintenance program can minimize

accidents, reduce unplanned shutdowns and lenghten the mean
time between failures of electrical equipment.

Benefits of good electrical equipment maintenance can be

reduced cost of process shutdown (caused by circuit breaker
failure), reduced cost of repairs, reduced downtime of equipment, Maintenance Of Low Voltage Circuit Breakers
improved safety of personnel and property.

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Frequency Of Maintenance
Low-voltage circuit breakers operating at 600 volts alternating current and below should be inspected and
maintained very 1 to 3 years, depending on their service and operating conditions.

Conditions that make frequency maintenance and inspection necessary are:

1. High humidity and high ambient temperature.

2. Dusty or dirty atmosphere.
3. Corrosive atmosphere.
4. Frequent switching operations.
5. Frequent fault operations.
6. Older equipment.

A breaker should be inspected and maintained if necessary whenever it has interrupted current at or near its rated
capacity.

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Maintenance Procedures

Manufacturer’s instructions for each circuit breaker should be carefully read and followed. The following are general
procedures that should be followed in the maintenance of low-voltage air circuit breakers:

1. An initial check of the breaker should be made in the TEST position prior to withdrawing it from to enclosure.
2. Insulating parts, including bushings, should be wiped clean of dust and smoke.
 3. The alignment and condition of the movable and stationary contacts should be checked and adjusted ac‐
cording to the manufacturer’s instruction book.
4. Check arc chutes and replaces any damaged parts.
5. Inspect breaker operating mechanism for loose hardware and missing or broken cotter pins, etc. Examine
cam, latch, and roller surfaces for damage or wear.
6. Clean and relubricate operating mechanism with a light machine oil (SAE-20 or 30) for pins and bearings and
with a nonhardening grease for the wearing surfaces of cams, rollers, etc.
7. Set breaker operating mechanism adjustments as described in the manufacturer’s instruction book. If these
adjustments cannot be made within the specified tolerances, it may indicate excessive wear and the need for
a complete overhaul.
8. Replace contacts if badly worn or burned and check control device for freedom of operation.
9. Inspect wiring connections for tightness.
10. Check after servicing circuit breaker to verify the contacts move to the fully opened and fully closed positions,
that there is an absence of friction or binding, and that electrical operation is functional.

Much of the essence of effective electrical equipment preventive maintenance can be sumarrized by four
rules:

Keep it DRY
Keep it CLEAN
Keep it COOL
Keep it TIGHT

SOURCE: Maintenance of power circuit breakers by Hydroelectric Research And Technical Services Group