Preventive and predictive maintenance offers many benefits facilitating more than routine inspection of the equipment and grants time for thorough maintenance to be carried out. The equipment needs to be periodically inspected, cleaned, lubricated, and checked mechanically, before re-commencing operations. A good maintenance schedule results in improved system performance, better reliability, and a reduction in the number of unforeseen problems that are witnessed in a poorly maintained equipment. Scheduled maintenance ensures that electrical protective devices offer optimal efficiency when the power supply is erratic with fluctuating voltage.  Here are five useful tips on maintaining your Westinghouse switchgear.

 #1 De-energizing the equipment

Prior to maintenance, it is absolutely mandatory to de-energize the equipment. The use of a lockout device could be considered to ensure that proper de-energizing procedures are being followed. Regardless of the experience and proficiency of the technician carrying out the maintenance, it is necessary that the equipment is de-energized.

 # 2 Dead Circuits

By default, all dead circuits need to be considered as live circuits till the time the equipment is de-energized. This is an important aspect of maintenance that needs to be diligently followed.

 # 3 Use of the right specialized tools

Maintenance needs to be carried out using the right tools. Westinghouse switchgear requires specialized tools and technicians for handling the maintenance need to be fully trained in handling the specialized tools, with adequate knowledge about the switchgear.

 # 4 Connections test

The connections need to be inspected to ensure that the joints are perfect. Visual inspection includes looking for signs of discoloration or signs of arcing to prevent the overheating of joints. The removal and cleaning of joints will help to maintain joints in better condition.

 # 5 Millivolt drop test

Contacts in a breaker that are eroded or contaminated will impede the smooth functioning of breakers. Therefore it is important to carry out the millivolt test to determine abnormalities in the breaker. The millivolt drop test is performed to compare the manufacturer’s data against that of the breaker.

 At Bullock Breakers we lay emphasis on proper maintenance of the equipment we sell, in order to fetch better performance and a longer life for the equipment. For details visit the website or call at - 763-269-2832!