MAINTENANCE OF CIRCUIT

BREAKER
Lack of maintenance may results in
failure in operation

Maintenance

Breakdown or
Preventive
corrective
maintenance
maintenance
Breakdown or corrective maintenance
activities are undertaken after failure of an
equipment

Such a maintenance results in outage of circuit

breaker and supply

In general, it consist of locating the trouble ,

repair and recommissioning
 Preventive maintenance
is undertaken to ensure smooth and efficient
working of a system, equipment.

This type of maintenance is undertaken as per

schedule before breakdown of a system or
equipment

Repair or replacements are made to ensure that no

breakdown occurs at any time during the service
For switchgear and protective equipment,
preventive maintenance is recommended
because failure of a switchgear can not be
permitted
 Maintenance
General Maintenance
Activities

Inspection Servicing Examination Overhaul

Steps in maintenance of CB
1. General Inspection

o Observe the Circuit Breaker visually .

o Note the cleanliness, terminals, earth connections,

reading of counters, level of quenching medium
and pressure of quenching medium
2. Cleaning and
drying
o Use clean cloths which does not leave fibers or
particles on the surface

o Use air pressure jet for cleaning

o Other cleansing agents recommended by

manufacturer
3. Insulation
surface
o Inspect visually, carefully for the signs of cracks
or any other defects

o Clean the internal surfaces and external insulating

surfaces

o Insulation should be free from electrical or

mechanical defects

o Perform insulation resistance test, it gives

indication about the health of insulation
4. Drying

Circuit breaker pole can be internally dried by

circulating dry hot air.
5. Interupter

o Observation, cleaning, replacement of main/arching

contacts .

o Cleaning of other parts as well

o Removal of carbon decomposed product

o Cleaning terminals and sliding contact surface

o Cleaning of venting systems to ensure free passage of

oil/gas
6.Mechanism
Check operation open and close

Checking simultaneous opening and closing of

three poles

Check operation counter

If the mechanism has operated more than 1000

times, it needs very close operation and may need
overhaul
7. Main connections

Ensure that good contact is maintained

and connections are right and secure
Precautions to be taken during Maintenance

Isolate the Live part.

Danger notices should be displayed.
The neighbouring switches should be locked in order to
avoid accidental switching.
Power tools and safety devices should be provided.
Well trained people must be allowed for work.
First aid should be available.
:D