Routine inspection of circuit breakers is the most simple, basic, and important diagnostic tool. Many problems can be detected at an early stage through regular inspections of the equipment. Observation and recording of the observations are crucial aspects of such inspections. Symptoms of many problems can be detected by careful seeing, hearing, smelling, touching, and feeling at the site. Any abnormality should be immediately followed up with necessary testing to confirm the real existence of the problem.
Below checks are to be done in routine inspections of the circuit breakers along with the ambient temperature conditions.
- Symptoms of abnormal heat generation – discoloration, burning, smoke generation, deformation
- Indications displayed on meters, relays, annunciation panels, level gauges, etc
- Smell
- Traces of moisture on insulators
- Noise
- Pressure
- Vibration
- Leakages
- Gas pressure, current level on meters, voltage level, etc
The routine inspection of circuit breakers helps in maintaining the reliability and safety of upstream as well as downstream equipment.
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