Using a Switchgear Breaker Service to Increase Switchgear Safety

Switchgear is an important safety element in a building's electrical system. It is also one of the most dangerous elements to work with. That is why building managers use a commercial power company to perform breaker testing, maintenance, and repair. The type of service switchgear needs depends on its design, environment, and voltage class, although certain services apply to all switchgear. With these things in mind, below are four types of switchgear services that help increase switchgear safety:

Breaker Testing

There are several testing procedures for medium voltage (MV) and high voltage (HV) breakers. Some of them are performed based on a breaker's extinguishing mechanism (e.g. oil, air, SF6), while others are performed on all breakers. The following six tests are routinely performed on all MV and HV breakers:

• Contact resistance test
• Functional test
• Ultrasound test
• Travel and velocity test
• AC insulation test
• Contact timing test

At least twenty tests are routinely performed on MV and HV breakers. Normally, a commercial power company that provides switchgear breaker service performs these tests as a part of scheduled maintenance, but they may also be performed on an emergency basis. If your facility's breakers do not receive routine testing, call Prime Power today to set up a testing schedule.

Routine Maintenance

Routine maintenance goes a long way toward preventing switchgear malfunctions and arc flashes. Poorly maintained switchgear can accumulate dust and dirt, experience loose components, and suffer insulation breakdown, all of which can precipitate premature equipment breakdown and arc flashes. Prime Power can combine testing and routine maintenance in the same service package to provide the ultimate care for switchgear.

Arc Flash Analysis

An arc flash occurs when electricity fills the air between one phase bus bar and another, or between a phase bus bar and a neutral or ground. The result is a burst of energy that can have catastrophic consequences. There are three main causes of arc flashes: human error, poor maintenance, and errors in electrical system design. Arc flash analysis can correct the third problem. Personnel training and routine maintenance can correct the first two problems. Prime Power offers arc flash analysis and training.

Infrared Testing

In infrared testing, infrared scanners scan electrical equipment to locate mechanical problems, which register as abnormal heating patterns (a.k.a. hot spots) on the scanner screen. Infrared scanning is fast and affordable, and is the best way to catch serious problems in their infancy, before they lead to equipment breakdown and expensive repairs. Prime Power performs infrared scanning in commercial and industrial facilities.

Call Prime Power for Switchgear Breaker Service

For over twenty-five years, Prime Power has provided switchgear breaker service to commercial and industrial power users in the Carolina and Georgia areas. We also provide:

• Generator testing
• Load bank testing
• Healthcare utility management
• Transfer switch maintenance
• Modernization and retrofits
• Generator rentals

For breaker testing in Carolina or Georgia, or for other services, call us today to schedule a free consultation. The safety of your facility could depend on it.