Circuit protection is one of many reasons for having a professional service your backup electrical system regularly. Multiple mechanical components must work together for your generator to supply secondary power. When a component fails, you might experience an inoperable system, unit damage, or problems with attached devices. Georgia area technicians should be hired to perform necessary maintenance. Every system can handle a minimal short circuit when in full operation; however, high voltage short circuits over a longer period cause overheating, put additional stress on internal components, and can even lead to explosion. Conductors carrying the current supplied to devices have a set rating for continuous current. If this rating is surpassed, insulation becomes damaged and the conductor itself is eventually melted. Secondary power systems involve many devices consuming the supplied electricity and need protective measures in place to prevent issues from occurring. Maintenance of these components is essential when receiving routine service for generators in Georgia.
Breaker Testing by Georgia Experts Verifies Appropriate Circuit Protection
Specific components detect the above described faults when your backup unit is starting or in full operation. The designated components prevent damage by stopping the flow of current from the unit when a fault is present. Fuses are the simplest form of fault detection, but cannot handle the high current supplied by generators. Instead, backup power systems use a series of switches and high voltage breakers to provide this protection. A wire in the fuse melts when too much current is detected, causing the circuit to be broken. They do not work well when fault conditions occur more frequently because this component must be replaced each time it is blown. Your system will contain multiple circuit breakers for breaking the connection by means of flipping a switch to the "off" position. When this occurs, the component can be subjected to breaker testing by Georgia professionals and then turned back on to resume electrical flow.
Breakers may have a simple electromagnetic trip or more complex designs that allow for time delays. In a basic design, the component will contain a coil for creating the magnetic field needed to force the tripping mechanism. The force in turn causes the contacts to open, thus interrupting the circuit. Time delays are necessary for larger generators due to the intense amount of current provided during system startup and surge fluctuations experienced during operation. Multiple electronic mechanisms may be part of the breaker design to accomplish these processes.
These components determine the type of breaker testing Georgia professionals apply during routine maintenance or servicing. A fault will cause a properly cared for breaker to trip; however, defective parts could allow the current to continue flowing. If the flow is not stopped, you could experience wiring damage, fire, safety hazards, and even an explosion. It is important to have these components routinely tested when the system is not required. Prime Power can professionally service generators in the Georgia region by running multiple tests to ensure your system is not only safe, but ready for operation. Call today to obtain a routine inspection for lining out your generator maintenance needs.
