Getting Testy, Part 2

April 26, 2011
Do you have the expertise to properly conduct the tests needed to make good maintenance decisions? If not, these are some common areas of error that will crop up

Do you have the expertise to properly conduct the tests needed to make good maintenance decisions? If not, these are some common areas of error that will crop up:

  • Ground testing. This often results in useless information due to erroneous testing procedures. One common mistake is conducting three-point ground testing with the utility power connected, thus bringing the neutral into the measurement. The results have no validity for the purposes of ground testing.
  • Motor testing. What's burning up windings or causing electronics to fail? Sticking a DMM on motor drive output terminals won't give you a complete picture. For that, you need a power analyzer as well as training so you know what to look for and what you're looking at when you find it.
  • Breaker condition. Few facilities have the in-house expertise to correctly, safely, and efficiently ascertain breaker condition. Study the manual for any big breaker, and you'll see why.
  • Harmonics evaluation. A harmonic analyzer or power analyzer can provide useful data. But do you know the conditions under which some data means more than other data or what actually constitutes an actionable problem?

We'll look at a solution to these problems in our next issue.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EC&M, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Electrical Conduit Comparison Chart

CHAMPION FIBERGLASS electrical conduit is a lightweight, durable option that provides lasting savings when compared to other materials. Compare electrical conduit types including...

Fiberglass Electrical Conduit Chemical Resistance Chart

This information is provided solely as a guide since it is impossible to anticipate all individual site conditions. For specific applications which are not covered in this guide...

Considerations for Direct Burial Conduit

Installation type plays a key role in the type of conduit selected for electrical systems in industrial construction projects. Above ground, below ground, direct buried, encased...

How to Calculate Labor Costs

Most important to accurately estimating labor costs is knowing the approximate hours required for project completion. Learn how to calculate electrical labor cost.