CIRCUIT BREAKER TESTING
Circuit breaker testing verifies the performance and safety of electrical breakers, ensuring they trip correctly during faults to protect equipment and prevent downtime. Ideal for industrial, commercial, and residential systems.
MECHANICAL OPERATION TESTS
Mechanical operation testing is a mechanical ability type test involving the repeated opening and closing of the breaker.
This test is performed by using the Cibano 500 and electrically performing the opening and closing of the circuit breaker as if it were in service. Results from the testing give a reliable indication of the breaker’s capability, and if the circuit breaker can be returned to service.
MEASUREMENTS OF RESISTANCE
Circuit breaker contact resistance measurement allows technicians to determine the amount of carbonization in the contacts.
The contacts should have a low resistance to current. However, carbon deposits and other contaminants reduce the current-carrying efficiency of the contacts
IMPORTANCE OF CIRCUIT BREAKER TESTING
Circuit breakers are important devices that break off current when a fault occurs. If they become faulty due to corrosion or mechanical problems, the electrical system can be damaged when an overload occurs. Technicians should regularly test for problems so the circuit breakers can be reconditioned for operation
BENEFITS AND VALUES OF MAINTAINING CIRCUIT BREAKER
- Reduces Accidences
- Save Lives
- Minimize costly breakdowns and unplanned shutdowns of production equipment.
- Increase dependability.
A SUCCESSFUL ELECTRICALPREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM REQUIRES:
- Responsible and Qualified
- Personnel Survey and analysis of electrical equipment and systems to determine maintenance requirements
- Program routine inspections and suitable tests
- Accurate analysis of inspection and test reports so thatproper corrective measures can be prescribed
- Performance of necessary work
- Complete and concise record
CIBANO 500 TESTS
- Resistance of the main contact.
- Timing tests at 115% of nominal supply voltage
- Timing tests at 75% of nominal supply voltage
- Measuring closing, opening or O-C, C-O time
- Closing and opening speed of a main contact.
- Motor charging current and time characteristic test.
- Voltage withstand test of insulation. (Pressure Test)
CAN YOU RELY ON YOUR CIRCUIT BREAKER TO TRIP EVERY TIME?
Numerous studies show that if circuit breakers are left in service and not operated, their chances of operating correctly get less and less with each passing year. Gary Donner with Tony Demaria Electric in Wilmington, Calif., who is a former Shell Oil Co. employee, performed a study that indicated that after 3 -5 years of service, 30% of the circuit breakers malfunction. After 7- 10 years, 50% of the circuit breakers malfunction, and after 17-20 years, the number was in the high 90th percentile.”
