The automobile is the perfect example of a system that will last longer with routine maintenance. Like the automobile, the electrical distribution system may let them down, just when they need it the most unless they take care of it. With a car, they know the need to take it in for periodic oil changes and tune-ups at designated intervals.
Based on NETA testing and NFPA 70B guidelines, knowing when to perform periodic maintenance of the electrical system is now a no-brainer. But how often should they consider performing the equivalent of that 50K or 100K-mile “tune-up” for the electrical equipment? A good target to consider is every five years.
Have they examined for “silent changes”?
Are they sure that the outdoor switchgear lineup is still truly leakproof? Are they positive that no water has intruded? Are failed cubicle heaters, excessive corrosion, and subtle corona damage a disaster waiting to happen? Are the liquid-filled transformers still sealed and not breathing moisture-laden polluted air? Are the indoor dry-type transformers being suffocated by insufficient ventilation?
The list goes on, and in fact, they should develop such a list. They offer a complete list free of charge if they wish to inspect their own electrical system. The multi-point list will make sure they don’t overlook any of those silent changes. It’s theirs just for asking; the only obligation is their have is to ask for it.
Have they kept up to date with the electrical utility?
NFPA 70E mandates that electrical studies and arc flash incident energy analyses be updated every five years
They’ll also need to find out if the utility company has upgraded or expanded its distribution system. Has the available utility fault current changed, or has the utility company changed its protection settings?
NFPA 70E mandates that electrical studies and arc flash incident energy analyses be updated every five years. Have they done that? An updated power system analysis, coupled with a comprehensive maintenance program, is in their best interests, the best interests of their employees, and the reliability of the distribution system.
Keeping up to date while keeping Employees safe
Just like the major automobile tune-up, an electrical specialty firm can provide a similar turnkey solution. By first performing an updated power system study (i.e., short circuit, coordination, and flash), they can determine how to keep the electrical system and personnel safe.
Based on these studies, they can engineer the modifications and retrofits for the electrical system (i.e., breaker replacement, setting adjustments, and perhaps the addition of ‘ARMS’ arc flash mitigation).
NETA maintenance testing
With this combined approach, they can also implement the solution as part of the NETA maintenance testing. This is a significant cost saving since one firm can undertake the complete solution instead of the more expensive approach of deciding which firms to hire, taking bids from them, and having three times as many people underfoot.
They make specific recommendations regarding maintenance programs and practices to improve the system’s reliability.
