Power Services in Georgia: What Happens During Switchgear Maintenance?

Power services in Georgia help you determine the type of switch at the time of system design or purchasing. Closed versions are common with data processing environments, electronic loads, and in other situations where even the smallest outage can cause damage. Open transition switches can be used whenever the entire building or devices suffer a short outage before standby power is initiated. It is the driving force of your backup or emergency electrical source. This component monitors incoming electrical feeds and determines when an outage has actually occurred. Current supply is shifted from the main source to your secondary system once an outage has been verified. These sources may supply power to designated circuits or to every building circuit. Advanced models allow circuits to be prioritized to enable optional circuits and load shedding capabilities.

Specific maintenance must be applied to these components to make certain your system is capable of starting appropriately. Switches without an isolation bypass feature are de-energized prior to removing the arc chutes or pole covers. Once these items have been removed, a technician will visually inspect your switching component to verify contact condition. Trip and time delay functions in the gear are tested and then recalibrated. This process helps a professional acquire current settings to make the necessary adjustments aimed at meeting your specific electrical requirements.

Dust is also vacuumed from both the switchgear and the accessory panels. Power services in Georgia inspect the component for moisture, clean grime off with an approved solvent, and evaluate all insulated parts. Cracks and discoloration are signs of overheating that often affect individual switchgear components. An initial infrared scan may be recommended by a service provider to achieve easier problem area identification. Technicians verify contact condition, operation, and wiring connections prior to re-energizing the power transfer switch.

Prime Power offers these comprehensive services, along with many additional services geared toward guaranteeing the reliable operation of your generator. Call today to have this critical component serviced or to receive additional care for your secondary electrical unit.

Neglected maintenance, foregone testing, installation errors, or various other items can be the cause of a failed emergency generator. Bad cabling, loose connections, battery issues, breaker contact damage, and inoperable automatic transfer switches are all common reasons for failed start-up or unsafe operation. You can eliminate most of these issues by keeping your backup units maintained according to manufacturer specifications and following NFPA guidelines. This practice also allows arising problems to be repaired long before the system is needed.

Emergency Power Equipment Carolina: What Basic Requirements Can Be Expected?

Emergency power equipment in Carolina falls under basic NFPA 110 standards, local jurisdiction requirements, and recommended manufacturer maintenance practices. The manufacturer typically supplies manuals explaining how each major component is to be commissioned. Manuals provide part lists, illustrations, detailed care instructions, wiring schematics, and general data about the generator. This information is important when hiring someone to service your power unit because it provides him or her with system specific data. Your emergency system is required to pass acceptance testing upon a completed installation. Once the generator has passed these series of tests, you will need to create a routine servicing plan set up by an experienced professional.

You are required to have a written servicing schedule and system care records. Inspections, testing, and routine maintenance should be accurately recorded for a detailed system history. Permanent servicing records must show the date, technician, repairs, part replacement information, and any performed testing. All switchgear must be free of dirt buildup, have good wiring connections, and in some instances may require contact replacement. Batteries are to be checked on a weekly or monthly basis to ensure proper charge and individual cell condition. You are also required to complete an annual fuel quality test under ASTM standards.

Generators need to be run at a certain capacity every so often to agitate the fuel source so proper operation may be verified. If you do not run your system at a specific capacity, additional problems will arise, such as unburned fuel buildup. Professionals can perform load bank tests or other evaluations to prevent these types of operational risks.

Several tests should be part of the maintenance plan you receive from emergency power equipment experts, especially in the Carolina area. With so many requirements being spread over varying periods, you need someone with experience to ensure every aspect of your generator is covered. Prime Power professionals will help you create an effective servicing plan based on manufacturer care specifications and NFPA 110 power generator guidelines. Call today to have one of our professionals set up an initial visit for a complete system inspection, commissioning, and maintenance planning.

Dependable system components, a solid maintenance budget, and qualified professionals are required to provide increased startup reliability. Maintenance should be performed based on manufacturer recommendations and NFPA standards for critical emergency electrical sources. Testing of EPSS breakers allows experienced professionals to guarantee these components will properly interrupt current flow when anomalies exist. System evaluations, installation assistance, planning, product selection, acceptance testing, and numerous other services are easily obtainable from a qualified professional in the Georgia area.

Emergency Power in Georgia: Why Is Switchgear Commissioning Performed?

Emergency power professionals in Georgia will run several tests to verify the operation of breakers and switchgear. Breaker tests involve a visual inspection of the component as well as cleaning. A breaker can be opened or an outage can be simulated to verify the operation of these components. Technicians may use various devices to measure current voltage or other flow factors. Transfer switches require regular maintenance in the form of testing, connection verification, dirt removal, and contact inspections. A technician will look for signs of overheating or the presence of extensive contact erosion to determine if contact replacement is necessary. Lack of appropriate switch care is a common reason for system failure. Expert commissioning prevents device damage, increases startup reliability, and confirms current flow will be appropriately handled by these generator components.

Reliable emergency power professionals are well aware of manufacturer recommendations and NFPA 110 standards, and have the knowledge necessary to evaluate the current condition of your system. The goal is to spot problems before the system is used, thus increasing the dependability of a smooth switchover in the event of a power failure. Current testing and servicing requirements set by NFPA standards fall in the preventative maintenance category. You can take other approaches including predictive, reliability-centered, or the highly undesired “run-to-failure” method.
EPSS parallel switchgear, breakers, and automatic transfer switches require specific procedures to be completed for a solid backup source. Switchgear is a vital component for the proper operation of your backup emergency system that should be routinely inspected to ensure safe operation.

Prime Power technicians are highly qualified in all areas of generator maintenance. We can help you choose the right system, assist with installation, create a dependable commissioning schedule, and complete all testing of EPSS breakers. Call today to discuss what maintenance is recommended for your currently installed backup power unit, or to receive initial installation assistance.

Generator Testing

Facility’s that have level 1 and level 2 generators should test them according to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) code 110. Section 8.4.2 of the code states that a generator should be tested under available load for thirty minutes each month. If it fails to (a) achieve the minimum temperature for exhaust gas based on the manufacturer’s recommendations or (b) operate at a minimum of thirty percent of the nameplate kilowatt rating for at least thirty minutes, it should be exercised once a year using a load bank.

Load Bank Testing

If a generator operates at less than thirty percent of its nameplate kilowatt rating during monthly testing, it should be exercised with a load bank once a year according to NFPA 110. Section 8.2.4.3 of the code states that the generator should be operated for a period of two continuous hours, as follows:

• 30 minutes at 25 percent of the nameplate kilowatt rating
• 30 minutes at 50 percent of the nameplate kilowatt rating
• 60 minutes at 75 percent of the nameplate kilowatt rating

Your facility’s generator may also need load bank testing to resolve wet stacking, a condition where unburned diesel fuel leaks into a generator’s exhaust side, making it less efficient and predisposing its engine to premature breakdown.

Infrared Scanning

Infrared scanning detects abnormal heat patterns that are emitted by electrical components. Often, these heat patterns indicate problems that are just beginning, and can be repaired inexpensively. Infrared scanning is an affordable, fast process that is often completed in a day. The money it can save in repair costs, and the reliability it can add to an EPSS, makes it indispensable.

Scheduled Maintenance

Like other types of equipment, a generator that receives scheduled maintenance remains in good condition over the course of its lifespan. The biggest misconception about generator maintenance is that, because a generator is usually at rest, it requires low-level maintenance. On the contrary, diesel generators need maintenance checks on a daily, weekly, monthly, biannual, and annual basis. Prime Power can evaluate your generator and determine the right maintenance schedule for each component.

Call Prime Power for Your EPSS Needs

As the premier backup power specialists in the Carolina area, Prime Power has served commercial and industrial power users for over twenty-five years. In addition to the services above, we also perform:

• Breaker testing
• Healthcare utility management
• Modernization and retrofits
• Arc flash analysis and training
• Switchgear maintenance

If your facility’s EPSS is behind on testing and maintenance, the time to bring it current is now. Call Prime Power today for a free consultation.

Monthly Testing (NFPA 110 8.4.2)

A generator must undergo a thirty-minute test each month. To pass the test, the generator must meet one of the following conditions:

• Achieve the minimum exhaust gas temperature according to the manufacturer’s recommendations

• Operate at a minimum of thirty percent of the nameplate kilowatt rating for the duration of the test

If the generator cannot operate at a minimum of thirty minutes, the test can be stopped once the water temperature and oil pressure stabilize.
If the genset fails to pass the monthly test, it must be tested annually using a loadbank. Prime Power can transport a loadbank to your facility to perform annual testing.

Annual Testing (NFPA 110 8.4.3)

A genset that fails the monthly test must be operated for two continuous hours using a load bank. The two-hour test should be conducted as follows:

• 30 minutes at 25 percent of the nameplate kilowatt rating
• 30 minutes at 50 percent of the nameplate kilowatt rating
• 60 minutes at 75 percent of the nameplate kilowatt rating

Also known as a “load run,” this test can improve the generator’s efficiency and eliminate wet stacking—a condition where unburned fuel enters a generator’s exhaust side, decreasing its efficiency and causing parts to wear prematurely.

Triennial Testing (JCHO EC.7.40)

Healthcare organizations that are accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) must submit their generators to a triennial, four-hour test. Throughout the test, the genset must operate at a minimum of thirty percent of its kilowatt nameplate rating. An annual generator test can be combined with a triennial test.

Call Prime Power for Generator Testing

Prime Power has over twenty-five years of experience testing level 1 and level 2 generators in a variety of facilities, including hospitals. We also provide a consummate line of emergency power supply system (EPSS) services for commercial and industrial power users, including:

• Infrared scanning
• Scheduled maintenance
• Modernization and retrofits
• Breaker testing
• Automatic transfer switch installation and maintenance
• Healthcare utility management
• Arc flash analysis and training
• Generator rentals

Generator testing is an important aspect of maintaining an EPSS, one that can determine whether the EPSS succeeds or fails when it is needed most. If you need generator testing in Georgia, do not wait for a generator failure to catch you off guard. Call Prime Power today for a free consultation on generator testing.

Tests for MV Oil, Air, Vacuum and SF6 Breakers

Commercial and industrial buildings contain MV circuit breakers that feature various types of interrupting mechanisms, with oil, air, vacuum, and SF6 mechanisms being the most common. There are several tests that apply to all MV breakers, but certain tests are based on the interrupting mechanism. Below are tests that are performed on MV oil, air, vacuum, and SF6 circuit breakers based on the interrupting mechanism:

Oil Interruption

Oil circuit breakers extinguish arcs by blasting them with a jet of vaporized oil. Tests for this interrupting mechanism are:

• Oil dissolved gas analysis test
• Oil dielectric test
• Oil acidity test
• Oil interfacial tension test
• Oil power factor test
• Water in oil test
• Oil density test

Because oil can degrade, creating problems with the interrupting mechanism, oil circuit breakers require the most tests based on the interrupting mechanism.

Air Interruption

Air circuit breakers extinguish arcs by blasting them with a jet of compressed air, or by swinging the contacts into a sealed chamber. Tests for this interrupting mechanism are:

• Operation pressure consumption test
• Water content in gas test

Air circuit breakers – along with vacuum and SF6 circuit breakers – are preferred to oil breakers due to their simpler maintenance requirements.

Vacuum Interruption

Vacuum Circuit breakers extinguish arcs by slightly stretching them. The test for this interrupting mechanism is the hi-pot test. Vacuum circuit breakers remain the most popular choice for MV substation switchgear.

SF6 Interruption

SF6 circuit breakers extinguish arcs by stretching them, at which point the dielectric sulfur hexafluoride completes the process. Tests for the interrupting mechanism are:

• SF6 mixture percentage test
• SF6 by-products test
• Water content in gas test

SF6 circuit breakers are preferred for their arc resistance, heat transfer capability, and the ease with which the SF6 pressure can be monitored.

Call Prime Power for Your Switchgear Testing Needs

For over twenty-five years, Prime Power has performed switchgear breaker testing in the Carolina area for commercial and industrial power users, helping them protect their assets and workers by ensuring that switchgear operates correctly. We also perform:

• NFPA 110 generator testing
• Load bank testing
• Healthcare utility management
• Scheduled maintenance
• Arc flash analysis and training
• Modernization and retrofits
• Infrared scanning

If your facility needs breaker testing, do not wait for a fire or catastrophic arc flash to prove the importance of switchgear maintenance. Instead, call Prime Power today for a free consultation.

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.

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.

An outage might occur at any time due to weather, electrical supplier issues, or an internal technical problem. A neglected power supply could prevent the continued operation of necessary processes within your building, or create a dangerous environment for those occupying it. You can prevent many typical generator problems by following a set servicing plan and ensuring it is operated at a proper load capacity at set intervals. If you cannot run the unit at a sufficient load capacity a few times each year, load bank testing should be part of yearly maintenance to make certain your backup electrical source is safe for operation.

Breaker Testing by Carolina Professionals is a Necessary Maintenance Activity

Cleaning, lubrication, and general maintenance are essential since a generator consists of multiple mechanical components. Dust or dirt will attach to each part as a result of inconsistent movement. This buildup will eventually prevent the internal components of your generator from performing correctly. Connections become loose as the equipment is operated. Dirt accumulation can affect connection reliability, and in some cases, prevent a connection altogether. Part lubrication provides a smoother component operation and better overall performance. Just like a car or other fuel-reliant piece of machinery, your generator requires clean oil to operate and specific parts to have additional lubrication applied. Individual components will need to be checked as well during regular maintenance. These processes reduce the amount of wear internal components experience throughout usage.

Breaker testing by Carolina experts is essential as well because it prevents system start up failures caused by transfer switch and circuit malfunctions. Breakers are designed to interrupt electrical flow when an overload or short circuit is detected. Internal parts such as the insulation could become damaged over time since current is not consistently being supplied by these systems. A faulty component can easily be found when a visual inspection and breaker testing by Carolina technicians are performed. If the system is operated with a switchgear problem, breakers or connected devices could become damaged.

A damaged breaker may not detect fault issues, thus allowing the current to continue flowing at the set load capacity. Wires become burnt, parts get damaged, and the system becomes a safety risk. Prime Power technicians are your dependable source for maintenance and testing when you need someone to service generators used by your commercial building. We can design a maintenance plan to fulfill the exact maintenance needs of your system. Call us today to begin receiving the care necessary for a dependable secondary power source.

Emergency Power Testing Carolina: Typical Complications Seen in Backup Units

Emergency power testing by a Carolina professional allows for early problem detection. A generator can be inoperable for many reasons, with the most common being battery failure, low coolant levels, wet stacking, no fuel, and tripped breakers. The battery must be functional for startup operations to perform correctly. A battery may fail due to sulfate buildup, human error, loose connections, or cell degradation. Sulfate buildup and loose connections prevent proper current from being supplied. The battery may need to be cleaned, recharged, or replaced depending on the issue at hand.

Low coolant levels normally occur from an external or internal leak being present in the generator. Puddles within near proximity to the system or color changes in the oil are common signs of a leak. Many generators have an automatic shutdown feature which is enabled when fuel levels are too low for operation. This problem is possible even when fuel is available and is often caused by clogged filters, contamination, or faulty gauges. Breaker tripping might come from human error regarding the off switch, or could be due to faulty components. Emergency power testing by Carolina professionals can help in detecting these issues and makes certain the appropriate servicing is applied before use.

The system must be operated within a certain percentage of rated output at regular intervals. If you are running a routine test far below the recommended output level, the possibility of wet stacking greatly increases. Wet stacking is the direct result of accumulated unburned diesel fuel in the exhaust pipes of your system. Low capacity operation does not provide the right pressure or set temperature needed for a proper piston seal. The unburned fuel escapes into the exhaust portion continually until a higher capacity load is run. At this point, you have the potential for a fire or explosion because the appropriate temperature is present for fuel ignition. This scenario can be prevented by operating the system at a sufficient load for proper sealing and burn off. Generator service and load testing by Carolina professionals should be an active part of maintenance to prevent these types of issues.