The condition of a building's switchgear can impact the safety of its environment. Without regular maintenance and testing, circuit breakers can develop problems that lead to unextinguished arc faults and arc flashes that damage assets and injure workers. In Georgia, Prime Power performs switchgear testing for commercial and industrial power users to help prevent these tragedies.
Important Tests for Circuit Breakers
Tests for circuit breakers are performed according to the voltage capacity of the breakers and the extinguishing mechanism (e.g. oil, air, SF6). Here, the focus is on tests for medium voltage (MV) and high voltage (HV) switchgear, regardless of the extinguishing mechanism. Below are ten types of switchgear tests that sustain the performance of MV and HV circuit breakers:
1. Contact Timing Test
Contact timing testing measures the time between order initiation and the closing or parting of the contacts.
2. Travel and Velocity Test
Travel and velocity testing measures the electrical current's travel and velocity curves to assess interruption capability.
3. Functional Test
Functional testing assesses whether the circuit breaker is functioning properly.
4. Vibration Test
Vibration testing measures the vibration signature of the circuit breaker.
5. X-Ray Test
X-ray testing evaluates the condition of components that are located in closed assemblies.
6. Contact Resistance Test
Contact resistance testing measures the contact resistance between parts that conduct current.
7. Dynamic Contact Resistance Test
Dynamic contact resistance testing measures contact resistance continuously from start to stop.
8. AC Insulation Test
AC insulation testing measures the insulation that separates open contacts, as well as line and ground.
9. Auxiliary Circuits Insulation Test
Auxiliary circuits insulation testing measures the insulation for low voltage control circuits.
10. Tightness Test
Tightness testing is the manual testing of breaker connections for tightness.
What Circuit Breaker Tests Does Your Switchgear Need?
For maintenance purposes, most switchgear is tested on a bi-annual or tri-annual basis. The testing schedule is determined by switchgear design and the requirements of the insurance company that insures the facility. To find out how often a facility's breakers should be tested, the building manager should call Prime Power, or order a copy of the International Electrical Testing Association's Standard for Maintenance Testing Specifications.
Switchgear testing may also be required on an emergency basis. The need for emergency testing is usually discovered during routine maintenance. For example, traces of carbon around a switch setting could indicate that the breaker's extinguishing mechanism is compromised. However, when switchgear is maintained, emergency testing is seldom necessary.
Call Prime Power for Your Breaker Testing Needs
Prime Power has performed switchgear testing in Georgia for over twenty-five years. If you are a commercial or industrial power user, we can implement a testing and maintenance schedule for your switchgear that will support its operation and improve the electrical safety of your facility. In addition to switchgear testing, we also perform NFPA 110 generator testing, load bank testing, modernization and retrofits, healthcare utility management, arc flash analysis and training, and infrared testing.
If you need switchgear testing in Georgia, schedule a free consultation with Prime Power Today.
