Switchgear operation & Maintenance
Operation
A series of breakers and switches make up the switchgear used by your backup
power unit. This combination of parts or disconnect components isolate electrical
equipment to control the amount of electricity being transferred into a building.
These components have the ability to disconnect circuits when a fault is detected
with the supplied current. Faults can stem from an overload where the voltage is
too high or a short circuit occurs. Switchgear maintenance ensures these parts are
capable of detecting a fault scenario when it happens.
In an electric power system, switchgear is composed of electrical disconnect
switches, fuses or circuit breakers used to control, protect and isolate electrical
equipment. Switchgear is used both to de-energize equipment to allow work to
be done and to clear faults downstream. This type of equipment is directly linked
to the reliability of the electricity supply.
Maintenance
A generator will contain a combination of the following switches: Isolators, Load
Break, Circuit Breakers, and Contactors.
Disconnect switches, referred to as isolators, are used to interrupt light loads or in
situations where no load is present. They have the least amount of arc-quenching
capabilities and are designed to only stop the transmission of currents.
Load bank designs have the ability to interrupt the current by means of arc
chutes. These switches are not meant to detect faults and should remain closed
when one is present to prevent damage.
Circuit breakers are designed for fault detection of a designated current and have
a maximum interruptible limit.
Contactors have the ability to disconnect low voltages by air or vacuum.
Switchgear components require a certain degree of care that should be
performed by a professional generator.
A switchgear complication eventually leads to extensive damage that requires
costly repairs by an expert. This type of backup system catastrophe poses
significant danger to individuals.
Switchgear maintenance, testing, and regular inspections are important safety
measures. Some parts are said to require no additional care, but should be
inspected periodically to ensure proper functionality.
The development of a preventive care plan is your first step toward dependable
operation. It can be financially draining to let a system run until something fails,
and this decision could lead to an entire system replacement.
A predictive plan consisting of the appropriate testing, cleaning, and replacement
practices is a cost effective method for guaranteeing power availability. A
professional generator service in Georgia can perform a review of the system's
condition to determine what continued maintenance is necessary. Professionals
begin by completing a general review of the components to determine if a failure
is present or parts need to be serviced. A technician will go over the repair
history, manufacturer specifications, and schematics of the unit. Written records
are updated after scheduled care has been completed. A visual inspection, tests,
and thermal imaging are performed to determine if additional evaluations will be
necessary before a switchgear maintenance routine is derived. These practices
help a Prime Power technician lay out the best plan for keeping your generator in
optimal shape for receiving dependable performance.
Maintenance tasks entail cleaning, part changes, correction of inconsistencies,
inspection of each component, and upgrades. The development of a regular
maintenance plan is important to the operational safety of these units.
TESTING & MAINTENANCE SERVICES
Measurements at switchboard include: utility voltage and current.
Moisture and condensation inspection.
Mechanical inspection of devices for missing or broken parts, spring
tensions, frees movement, corrosion, dirt and wear.
Visual inspection of electrical joints and terminals in the electrical bus and
wiring sections.
Safety interlocks inspection of mechanism and controls.
Verify proper operation of synchronization relays in circuit breakers.
Verify all LED alarm indicators are functional. Simulate alarms and replace
as necessary.
Visual Inspection of circuit breakers cells for signs of arcing. Determine if
solid-state trip unit settings and properly adjusted.
Dust and dirt will be cleaned from the switchboard. If a circuit breaker is
removed, it is oiled according to manufacturer's recommendations.
Components are reviewed and conditions confirmed.
Utility and generator protective relays are inspected and adjustable settings
are verified with design specifications.
An operational test of the generator and paralleling controls is performed.
A detailed report is provided to the owner including any recommendations
for corrective maintenance.
