e le ct rical-e ngine e ring-po rt al.co m http://electrical-engineering-po rtal.co m/electrical-preventive-maintenance-o f-air-circuit-breakers?

utm_so urce=Technical+Articles&utm_campaign=f66015380fRSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_ae069f0d91-f66015380f-315493569

Electrical Preventive Maintenance of Air Circuit Breakers

Edvard

Ele c tric al Pre ve ntive Mainte nanc e o f Air Circ uit Bre ake rs

Recommended minimum practice f or preventive maintenance

Insulat ion
Remove and clean interphase barriers. Clean all insulating materials with vacuum and/or clean lint f ree rags. If it is necessary to use cleaning solvents, use only solvents recommended by the manuf acturer. Inspect f or (early) signs of corona, tracking , arcing , or thermal or physical damage.

Ensure that insulation is left clean and dry.

Cont act s
Ensure that all contacts are clean , smooth , and in proper alignment. Ensure that spring pressures are maintained according to manuf acturers specif ications. On silver contacts, discoloration is not usually harmf ul unless caused by insulating deposits. Clean silver contacts with alcohol or silver cleaner using non-abrasive cloths. Manually close breaker to check f or proper wipe, contact pressure, contact alignment, and to ensure that all contacts make at approximately the same time.

Ins ulatio n b arrie rs (le ft: Inte rfac e b arrie r; rig ht: Earth b arrie r)

If possible, a contact resistance test should be perf ormed to determine the quality of the contacts. Microohmmeters, which are used to perf orm contact resistance tests, apply a DC current through the entire Co ntac t re s is tanc e te s ts us ing mic ro -o hmme te r (p ho to c re d it: e c mwe b .c o m) closed circuit breaker current path, including the contacts, pivot point, and stab connections of the circuit breaker. T he test set read-out displays the contact resistance directly in micro-ohms. Older breakers equipped with carbon contactors generally require very little maintenance. Examine f or proper pressure, deterioration, or excessive dressing which may interf ere with their proper operation. Draw-out contacts on the circuit breaker and the stationary contacts in the cubicle should be cleaned and inspected f or overheating, alignment, and broken or weak springs. Coat contact surf aces with contact lubricant to ease mating (see manufacturers recommendations).

Arc Int errupt ers

Clean all ceramic materials of loose dirt and examine f or signs of moisture, make sure the assemblies are clean and dry. Examine f or cracked or broken pieces. Dirt and arcing deposits may be removed by light sanding do not use emery cloth or wire brushes which may leave conductive residue behind. Repair or replace as necessary. Examine arc chutes f or dirt and/or dust accumulations and clean as necessary. Dielectric testing of arc shields may be recommended by the manuf acturer. Check air puf f er f or proper operation.

Operat ing Mechanism

Inspect f or loose, broken , worn , or missing parts (consult manufacturers schematics for required parts). Examine f or excessive wear of moving parts. Observe that operating mechanisms f unction properly without binding, hanging, or without delayed action. Ensure any lubrication is done according to the manufacturers specifications. Ensure mechanisms are clean, properly lubricated, and all bolts and screws are properly secured. Repair or replace as necessary.

Auxiliary Devices
Inspect operating devices f or proper operation and general condition. Ensure all indicating devices are f ully f unctional and properly set.

Fig ure 1 Cutaway vie w o f the mo ld e d c as e c irc uit b re ake r

manuf acturers

Auxiliary d e vic e s (aux. s witc h, alarm s witc h, s hunt trip and unre vo ltag e trip d e vic e )

specif ications and applicable industry standards such as those issued by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) .

References:

Standard f or and electrical preventive maintenance (EPM) program T he Hartf ord Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company Fuji Electric FA Components & Systems Catalogue