Switchgear Maintenance Companies and Their Approach to Maintenance

Switchgear protects electrical equipment from high currents that could damage or destroy it. By extension, it also protects buildings and electrical technicians from arc flashes that result from un-extinguished arcs. There are three types of Switchgear: low voltage (less than one thousand volts), medium voltage (1,000-35,000 volts), and high voltage (>35,000 volts). In each case, regular maintenance is required to ensure its proper operation. At most businesses, this maintenance is outsourced to switchgear maintenance companies that specialize in emergency power supply system (EPSS) testing and maintenance. Below are five approaches these companies take toward switchgear maintenance:

Onsite Maintenance
In onsite maintenance, technicians arrive onsite and check switchgear for common problems that develop over time, such as loose connections, dirt accumulation, and evidence of corrosion or overheating near electrical disconnects, fuses, and/or circuit breakers. Along with checking for signs of wear and malfunction, technicians may also replace defective parts with new ones.

In-Shop Maintenance
When breakers cannot be fixed onsite, they are removed to a shop where in-depth analysis and repairs are performed. In-shop maintenance frequently involves the disassembling, cleaning, repairing, and lubricating of nonfunctional switchgear. Before the equipment is returned and reinstalled, it is tested for compliance with American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards for switchgear.

Modernization
In modernization, old components are replaced with new ones to make the gear safer and more efficient. An example of a modernization measure that achieves these goals is the replacement of oil circuit breakers with vacuum breakers. Vacuum circuit breakers involve minimal arcing, allowing these breakers to extinguish arcs more efficiently.

Replacement
Replacement also involves modernization, but it results in a complete replacement of the switchgear. New gear is placed in the old gear's housing, using the same cell interlocks and racking mechanism. Replacement is recommended when repairing an old gear would become more expensive than replacing it.

Retrofitting
Retrofitting takes replacement a step further, removing the existing gear housing, cell interlocks, and racking mechanism. As the new gear is mounted, the structure that housed the previous gear is modified, as necessary. Retrofitting gives the gear a complete overhaul; it is often recommended when the desired replacement gear does not conform to the old gear in any way.

Prime Power Performs Switchgear Maintenance

There are plenty of switchgear maintenance companies to choose from, but not many of them have Prime Power's mixture of experience, services, and demonstrated expertise. For over twenty-five years, Prime Power has performed breaker testing in Georgia for commercial and industrial switchgear users. We also perform switchgear maintenance, repair, modernization, and retrofitting.

Switchgear is a critical element in any facility's electrical system. Whether your building is for office space, retail, manufacturing, etc., improperly serviced gear could lead to building fires and injuries to service technicians resulting in lawsuits. If your building's gear has been serviced infrequently, now is the time to have it serviced on schedule. Prime Power can service your switchgear and perform any of the maintenance services listed above. Call us today for a free consultation.