electrical-engineering-portal.

com
http://electrical-engineering-portal.com/inspection-test-and-measurement-procedures-for-lv-and-mv-switchgears

Inspection, Test and Measurement Procedures for LV and MV

(up to 36kV) Switchgears
Google+

Inspection, Test and Measurement Procedures for LV and MV (up to 36kV) Switchgears (on photo Eaton Cutler Hammer Magnum DS
Switchgear Inspection, and Transformer Testing)

Importance of checks and maintenance

Installed in clean, well ventilated or air-conditioned locations, switchgear will require little routine maintenance.
Major inspection should be scheduled for power plant shutdowns and concentrate for low voltage switchboards
on identifying contact wear, correct operation of interlocks, correct overload settings and fuse sizes, signs of
overheating, and undue dirt or corrosion. For MV switchgear similar considerations apply although more
extensive checks on protective devices, circuit breaker oil, vacuum bottle contact distances are required as
specified by the Manufacturer.
Exceptions to the above rule are devices which operate frequently, where inspection/overhaul may need to be
based on the number of operations. Also, MV isolating devices which have cleared a short circuit will require
confirmation that the insulating medium and the circuit contacts are fit for continued service.
Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) shall be maintained in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations.
Where extensive (intrusive) maintenance is required, the Manufacturer should be involved in the activity.

For older switchgear, a condition assessment should be performed to establish that

the equipment remains in a suitable condition for further service.

Partial discharge testing and infrared scanning can be used to obtain data on the performance of the insulation
system and the integrity of the switchgear busbars and cable terminations. The frequency of such tests
will depend on the duty, age and condition of the switchgear.

NOTE //
The effectiveness of infra-red scanning
depends on the ability to access the
current-carrying components under
loaded condition. Scanning through
metallic enclosures has generally proved
ineffective. Removal of enclosures of live
equipment may not be possible without
compromising electrical safety.

LV switchgear
Infrared partial discharge testing (photo credit: reliabilityweb.com)

Type

Description

Interval

Extent

1. INSPECTION

General external condition.

1y

All

Motor starters and outgoing feeders, internal.

Incomers, internal.

4y

Busbar compartments (1).

8y

Metering:
- Correctness main voltmeters.
- Correctness main ammeters.

4y

General internal condition of outdoor equipment (5).

2y

Incoming feeders, bus section, switches:

- Operating mechanism.
- Interlocks.
- Control equipment.
- Electrical protection/tripping (2).

4y

Busbar systems:
- Torque bolts (1).
- Insulation resistance.
- Continuity (ductor).

8y

Motor feeders:
- Draw-out system/interlocks.
- Cable connection tightness.

4y

Thermal and earth fault protection.

4y

10%

Certified Ex e thermal protection (4).

3y

All

2. TEST AND
MEASUREMENT (3)

All

Restart system.

4y

10%

Insulation resistance of motor + cable.

4y

selected

Plain feeders:
- Draw-out system/interlocks.
- Cable connection tightness.

4y

All

Protection/tripping. (2)

4y

10%

R.C.D. for fixed load (e.g. trace heating).

4y

All

NOTES:
1. Access to modern, high integrity, insulated/segregated busbar systems may be difficult. In this case
other test and measurements as indicated should give sufficient information on the actual condition.
2. CT connected protection relays should be tested by means of secondary injection.
3. Testing of change-over systems of emergency switchboards should coincide with the testing of
the emergency generator/system.
4. Type of protection e. Motor protection devices are selected so that the tripping time from hot when the
locked rotor current of the motor is carried, is carried with the motor in the stalled condition, is less than
the time tE on the motor nameplate.
5. Internal inspection should be limited to contactor/control equipment installed out of doors in boxes,
e.g. MOV control panels.

MV switchgear (up to 36 kV)

Type

Description

Interval

Extent

1. INSPECTION

General external condition.

1y

All

Cable boxes internal.

Circuit breakers internal.
Fused contactors internal.

4y

Busbar compartments (1) internal.

8y

Metering:
- Correctness of main voltmeters.
- Correctness of main ammeters.
- Correctness of other measuring systems.

4y

All

Circuit breakers in/outgoing and fused

contactors (3):
- Operating mechanism.
- Draw-out system/interlocks.
- Control equipment.
- Insulation resistance

4y

All

Dielectric strength across open contacts.

8y

Ductor test across closed contacts.

Electrical protection/tripping (2).

4y

2. TEST AND
MEASUREMENT (3)

3. RESTORATION

Certified Exe thermal protection (4).

3y

Contact distance.

4y

Vacuum, SF6

Dielectric test oil.

4y

Oil-immersed

Insulation resistance of cable (incl. motor if applicable). 4 y

All

Restart system.

4y

Motors

Busbar systems:
- Torque bolts (1).
- Insulation resistance.
- Dielectric strength.
- Continuity (ductor).

8y

All

Correctness of kW, kVAr, max.

demand of measuring systems (5).

4y

Greasing of operating mechanisms.

4y

Oil filtering/replacement.
Component replacement.

As
necessary

All

NOTES:
1. Access to modern, high integrity, insulated/segregated busbar systems may be difficult. In this case
other test and measurements as indicated should give sufficient information on the actual condition.
2. CT connected protection relays should be tested by means of secondary injection.
3. After operation of the circuit breaker/contactor following a short circuit, the proper operation of
switching device and its protection shall be tested.
4. Type of protection e.
Motor protection devices are selected so that the tripping time from hot when carrying the locked
rotor current of the motor is carried, with the motor in the stalled condition, is less than the stated time
tE on the motor nameplate.
5. Where used for tariff purposes.
Reference: Field commissioning and maintenance of electrical installations and equipment // DEP 63.10.08.11Gen.

About Author //
Edvard Csanyi
Edvard - Electrical engineer, programmer and founder of EEP. Highly specialized for
design of LV high power busbar trunking (<6300A) in power substations, buildings and
industry fascilities. Designing of LV/MV switchgears. Professional in AutoCAD
programming and web-design. Present on

RSS Feed for Comments

Leave a Comment

Tell us what you're thinking... we care about your opinion!

and oh, not to forget - if you want a picture to show with your comment, go get a free Gravatar!

8 + = nine