How To Prevent Medium Voltage Switchgear Downtime

Posted by Alex John on April 7th, 2021

Power systems require optimal care and protection since the integrated system runs several operations and affect the efficiency of devices and mechanisms. The existing pandemic has already reinforced the idea of being diligent and considering the safety aspect, of the Health-Care industry or industrial systems, and to ensure it’s sustainability.

BayPower, being one of the leading Switchgear Company will assist you in preventing medium voltage downtime. These preventing tips will help avoid costly issues and streamline the countless processes without inconveniencing the working staff onsite. However, before getting into all the details of the prevention tips, let’s understand what is mv switchgear.

What Is A Medium Voltage Switchgear

Electrical switchgear is a central point where circuit breakers, fuses, and switches are connected to protect, isolate, and control electrical equipment. Switchgears are made of circuit protection devices that form are a switchgear line-up or assembly when found in a collection of one or more devices. They are commonly used in electrical utility transmission and distribution systems and large or medium commercial and industrial facilities.

How To Prevent The Switchgear Downtime

The circuit protection devices that together form a switchgear assembly are a major source of unplanned Power interruption. As they are sensitive and susceptible to faults, it is essential to ensure they are in perfect running condition, since with overload, they can cause explosions, fire, and arc-flashes that may risk lives and a threat of downtime. We can prevent this switchgear downtime by:

  1. Properly adjusting the trip settings of an adjustable circuit breaker or getting them adjusted to trip-happy setpoints.
  2. All the facilities should have upgraded over-current protective device coordination study, associated trip adjustments, and arc-flash hazard labeling. Industrial facilities primarily focus on sensitivity than selective coordination. However, any critical breaker with a setting near to the minimum serves as an unplanned shutdown omen.
  3. Circuit breakers are vulnerable to overloads. They are capable of shutting down the motors and turning off the lights completely in case of overloads instead of slowing down the equipment.
  4. Run tests on the medium-voltage switchgears before installing them. Bench test them as a minimum against short circuits or open circuits.
  5. Never put the older breakers to use unless you have tested them. Exercise them during the maintenance so that you are saved from the risk of shutdowns and losses.
  6. Since circuit breaker can trip despite the rigorous measures, make sure that you have a good critical power design that prevents the breaker from becoming a potential single-point failure risk.

Since medium voltage switchgear usually encounters mechanical or partial breakdowns that mainly result from maintenance negligence, the best way to prevent any failure is to keep your power systems maintained. Well-maintained systems not only minimize the risk of downsizing, but also result in the longevity of all systems.

BayPower provides high-end switchgears that have optimal functioning and robust protective systems that prevents against faults and malfunctioning.

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Alex John

About the Author

Alex John
Joined: September 14th, 2020
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