Operation and Maintenance

Engr. Hazel F. Nisay

Prepared by:
Cheurnevee F. Ramirez
BSEE-5A
• It houses such equipment
which locates the fault on the
system and isolate the faulty
part from the healthy section.
• It contains circuit breakers,
relays, switches and other
control devices.
• is the combination of electrical disconnect switches, fuses or
circuit breakers used to control, protect and isolate
electrical equipment.

Basic Function:
• ELECTRICAL PROTECTION
• SAFE ISOLATION FROM LIVE PARTS
• LOCAL OR REMOTE SWITCHING
The most common use of LV switchgear is in LV distribution board.
This system has the following parts:

Incomer
• The incomer feeds incoming electrical power to the incomer bus.
• The switchgear used in the incomer should have a main switching
device.
• The switchgear devices attached with incomer should be capable
of withstanding abnormal current for a short specific duration in
order to allow downstream devices to operate.
• Generally Air Circuit Breakers are preferably used as
interrupting device.
Sub – Incomer
• These sub – incomers draw power from main incomer bus and
feed this power to feeder bus
Feeders
• Different feeders are connected to the feeder bus to feeds
different loads like, motor loads, lighting loads, industrial
machinery loads, air conditioner loads, transformer cooling system
loads etc.
• Preventive
Maintenance
• a) 2 yearly
Maintenance
• b) 4 yearly
Maintenance
• Troubles can be detected in
the Early stages and
corrective actions can be
taken before extensive
damage occurs.
• Used to interconnect
the loads and sources
of electrical power.
• The cross-sectional
size of the busbar
determines the
maximum amount of
current
• Full Bus Bar Inspection check for overheating signs,
visual inspection of Cu plate and nut bolts.
cleaning of incoming/outgoing spouts.
• Remove dust with vacuum cleaner.
• Cleaning and lubricating mechanical links with
contact grease.
• Check operating mechanism of shutter.
• Contact Resistance of Electrical joints.
• A circuit breaker is an automatically
operated electrical switch designed to
protect an electrical circuit from
damage caused by overload or short
circuit.
• Its basic function is to detect a fault
condition and interrupt current flow
• The first objective is usually achieved
by forcing the arc into contact with as
large an area as possible of
insulating material.
• Every air circuit breaker is fitted with
a chamber surrounding the contact.
This chamber is called ‘arc chute’.
• The arc is driven into it. If inside of the
arc chute is suitably shaped, and if
the arc can be made conform to the
shape, the arc chute wall will help to
achieve cooling.
• LV Circuit Breakers operating at 600 volt
and below, should be inspected
• Maintained every 1 to 4 years depending
on their services and operating Conditions.

Conditions that make frequency maintenance

and inspection are necessary:
• High humidity and High temp
• Dusty or Dirty Atmosphere
• Corrosive Atmosphere
• Relays is automatic device
which senses an abnormal
condition of electrical circuit
and closes its contacts. these
contacts in turns close and
complete the circuit breaker
trip coil circuit hence make
the circuit breaker tripped.
• Isolate a faulty section within few cycles

Periodic Maintenance Testing

• After a relay is commissioned it’s important to carry out regular maintenance
tests.
• Some of the advantages of such testing can be stated as, it will pin point a
defective relay before it fails to act during a fault
Methods of Testing
• Steady State: steady state testing is for checking the relay pick up. Injected
current, voltage. when the current is raised and then fluctuated around pick up.
• Dynamic state Time for relay operation is measured.
• The FREJA 300 relay testing system is a computer-aided relay
testing system by injecting current and voltage.
• Switchgear environment (switch room access and surrounds,
including fence and external walls if outdoors.
• Signs of water
• Signs of unauthorized access
• Condition of firefighting equipment and warning notices
• General Housekeeping
• Preventative maintenance is the key in keeping the system
working properly.
• It is recommended that every year all of the circuit breakers,
disconnect points, and switches be manually worked and tested
to make sure they are functioning smoothly.
• A visual inspection should also be done to check for any buildup
of dust or debris and at the same time look for tightness or
discoloration in any of the parts.
• Installation of dehumidifiers and dust-free ventilation systems can also
reduce a number of factors that can reduce the performance of the power
system or potentially cause system failure due to damage.
• As an annual procedure, inspect all Circuit Breakers, disconnects and
switches.
• To reduce vibration (even small, continual vibrations can cause damage) re-
tighten all mounting bolts.
• Also inspect all terminations for tightness.
• Another, often overlooked factor is the temperature of the switch room or
facility.
• Inspect the temperature control panels, thermostats and actual temperature
of the room to determine if it is within the proper operating parameters
required by the equipment.