Switchgear Power Systems: Scheduled Maintenance is Essential

Breakers, fuses, and electrical disconnects are all switchgear controls. Power systems use these controls to switch between utility supplied electricity and generator supplied energy during electric failure. Technology in the form of a computer program is utilized to detect when an electrical outage has occurred or in some cases will occur. If a problem is detected, the power source is changed to your building generator. Some systems are designed to supply energy after power has failed. These systems are implemented in buildings where an electrical interruption does not halt critical processes. Industrial settings may utilize a different setup which allows continuous power. These setups actually switch the electrical source whenever a possible outage is detected. If you are supporting a hospital, data center, laboratory, or are an industrial business, they are the better option. Both types of switchgear power systems need to be properly maintained as well as tested occasionally to ensure they are ready for use.

Ensuring Reliable Emergency Power Generation

Emergency power generation
is important to your facility. It is highly uncommon for power failures to occur in most buildings; however, maintenance is essential to ensure everything is available when needed. Neglect is the top reason why generators fail during an emergency. Minimally used equipment actually needs more maintenance than items used consistently. Parts need to be inspected, fuel can be become contaminated, and every component has a higher possibility of breaking due to sitting idle. Transfer switches are a big concern because they are subject to oxidation, additional wear from testing, and the accumulation of dirt or grime. These factors directly affect the outcome of an emergency switchover. Necessary generators may not work at all when scheduled maintenance is not performed. Contracting a professional service company is the best way to make certain all standard upkeep is handled accordingly.

Lack of operation is not the only result you will suffer by ignoring this important generator responsibility. A malfunction can also cause damage to the switchgear which may be very expensive to repair. These malfunctions are very dangerous to people working around the equipment. Implementation and testing are both vitally critical process involving your building. Each component needs to be thoroughly tested, inspected, and well maintained. Some items may be marked as being free from maintenance but should be checked periodically as well for reliable emergency power generation. NFPA suggests maintenance frequencies that professionals rely on when servicing this equipment. These standards take into account criticalness as well as equipment environment. The easiest way to determine a good maintenance plan for your switchgear power systems involves reviewing the unit and its history.

Prime Power professionals can help you evaluate the history of the equipment such as types of failures and neglected repairs. You can also refer to the included manual or drawings to determine what is needed. A technician will look at the unit visually, use thermal scanning, discharge testing, and additional tests to find anything needing correction before the event of an outage. Our professional technicians assist you with developing a maintenance schedule for inspection, cleaning, and testing. Having these operations performed can ensure the system is in top condition.