Breaker maintenance practices at most production facilities range from nonexistent to ineffective. Sometimes, they are completely off the mark.
A plant engineer at a multi-building manufacturing plant said its breaker maintenance program was “excellent.” The program consisted of opening 120V distribution panels and using an infrared spot thermometer to check the front of each breaker. It did not include any testing or maintenance of breakers operating at higher energy levels — not even those critical feeder breakers.
Given limited resources, it usually makes sense to let small breakers at the user end of the power distribution system run to failure. However, if you are going to check them, then conduct a proper thermographic survey.
At the other end of the power distribution system, it’s a different story. These breakers handle far more energy than 120V breakers used for office convenience receptacles do. Main breakers and feeder breakers should be subjected to the recommended testing at the recommended intervals. This is to prevent catastrophic failure due to failure to operate or revenue loss due to nuisance tripping.
About the Author
Mark Lamendola
Mark is an expert in maintenance management, having racked up an impressive track record during his time working in the field. He also has extensive knowledge of, and practical expertise with, the National Electrical Code (NEC). Through his consulting business, he provides articles and training materials on electrical topics, specializing in making difficult subjects easy to understand and focusing on the practical aspects of electrical work.
Prior to starting his own business, Mark served as the Technical Editor on EC&M for six years, worked three years in nuclear maintenance, six years as a contract project engineer/project manager, three years as a systems engineer, and three years in plant maintenance management.
Mark earned an AAS degree from Rock Valley College, a BSEET from Columbia Pacific University, and an MBA from Lake Erie College. He’s also completed several related certifications over the years and even was formerly licensed as a Master Electrician. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and past Chairman of the Kansas City Chapters of both the IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. Mark also served as the program director for, a board member of, and webmaster of, the Midwest Chapter of the 7x24 Exchange. He has also held memberships with the following organizations: NETA, NFPA, International Association of Webmasters, and Institute of Certified Professional Managers.