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Reasons why you may need to change your switchgear setup?


If you don't upgrade your switchgear when it's necessary, you may experience a range of problems, such as equipment damage, system failure, and increased downtime. In more severe cases, an outdated or overloaded switchgear can cause fires, which can result in property damage, injuries, or even fatalities.


Additionally, if your equipment doesn't meet current safety standards, you may face fines or other penalties from regulatory agencies. Upgrading switchgear can help prevent these issues and ensure the continued safe and efficient operation of your electrical power distribution system.



Above are a few reasons why you may need to upgrade your switchgear, let's explore them further, below:


Age


Switchgear can become outdated and worn out over time, and as a result, it may no longer meet modern safety standards, be energy-efficient or cost-effective.


Capacity


If the electrical load in your facility has increased, the existing switchgear may no longer be able to handle the increased demand, leading to electrical faults or even equipment damage.


Reliability


Aging switchgear can become unreliable, leading to more frequent breakdowns and downtime, which can be costly and disruptive to your operations.


Safety


Outdated switchgear can be a safety hazard to personnel working on or around it. Upgrading switchgear can help ensure that your equipment meets current safety standards.


Compliance


There may be new regulatory requirements or industry standards that your switchgear needs to comply with.


Summary


Ultimately, by upgrading your switchgear it can help prevent these issues and ensure the continued safe and efficient operation of your electrical power distribution system.

The three main functions of switchgear!


Switchgear is an essential component of an electrical power system. It is a combination of electrical disconnect switches, fuses or circuit breakers used to control, protect, and isolate electrical equipment. The primary function of switchgear is to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the power system.


The function of switchgear can be broadly classified into three categories:




Control


The control function of switchgear involves the operation of electrical equipment such as motors, generators, transformers, and other electrical loads. It allows the operator to turn on and off the equipment as required. Switchgear is equipped with control devices such as push buttons, switches, and relays to provide this function.


Protection


The protection function of switchgear involves the detection and isolation of faults in the electrical system. Faults can occur due to various reasons such as overloading, short circuits, ground faults, and equipment failure. Switchgear is equipped with protective devices such as fuses and circuit breakers to detect and isolate the fault. These devices interrupt the flow of current to the affected equipment and protect the rest of the system from damage.


Isolation


The isolation function of switchgear involves isolating faulty equipment from the rest of the power system. This helps in preventing further damage to the equipment and ensures the safety of the personnel working on the system. Switchgear is equipped with disconnect switches or isolators to isolate the faulty equipment.


Summary


Switchgear can be classified into different types based on the voltage level, current rating, and application. The most common types of switchgear are low voltage switchgear, medium voltage switchgear, and high voltage switchgear.


In conclusion, switchgear plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the power system. Its functions of control, protection, and isolation are essential for maintaining the integrity of the electrical system.





How to clean your Electrical Switchgear



Keeping the electrical components of your switchgear clean and contamination free is crucial for making sure it is safe and reliable.


Cleaning is considered a vital part of every routine maintenance schedule. Choosing the right kind of cleaning methods is necessary as the wrong methods may damage the equipment or prove to not be cost effective.

There are different cleaning methods used as the routine maintenance and choice of a particular method is based on following two main factors:

  • a. Nature of contamination involved

  • b. Expected downtime allocated

Different tests are also conducted to check for operational abnormalities after the cleaning session right before powering up the equipment again.


Special care should be taken so as to prevent the human contact with live parts of the equipment during cleaning.


It is always recommended to turn off and isolate the equipment to be cleaned and safety regulations should be given proper considerations.


3 ways to clean Switchgear


Cleaning brushes and clothes


Cleaning rags can be used for cleaning the interior of switchgears but special care should be taken. Loose fiber may cause further contamination and result in more harm than good. Cloth rags specially designed for the cleaning of insulators and switch gear interior should be used.


Cleaning agents


Contamination found in MV and LV switchgear trolleys are usually adhesive and solvents are often required in order to properly remove them. Special care is required when selecting a solvent for the cleaning of electrical apparatus and the solvent should be

  • a. Easily removable

  • b. Nonflammable

  • c. Inert to the material being cleaned

  • d. Not interfering with electrical/mechanical functions of the switchgear

  • e. Easily dryable

  • f. Environmental friendly and non-toxic

Vaccum cleaning


Industrial vacuum cleaners are good choice when it comes to the cleaning of a switchgear. However certain factors make it more suitable for the purpose which are

  • a. Gentle suction

  • b. Nonmetallic parts and hosing joints

  • c. Its receiving hose should be designed so as not to damage the insulation if accidently hit or rubbed

Conclusion

Cleaning should be adequately performed and interior/exterior of heavy duty electrical equipment should remain clean for proper efficiency and reliability. Method of cleaning plays a vital role in outweighing the risks and minor damages incurred during the cleaning process.

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