Cleaning an Industrial Circuit Breaker
Cleaning an industrial circuit breaker can be tricky. Always take the proper precautions for safety when dealing with any type of electrical equipment. Part of the maintenance process for industrial circuit breaker involves actually cleaning them. There can be major issues if they are not cleaned properly. Be prepared with the right tools and taking the proper safety precautions.
What Happens if industrial circuit breakers are Not Cleaned?
There can be a few serious consequences if industrial circuit breaker are not cleaned periodically. Dirt, dust, and other foreign material can accumulate on the idle industrial circuit breakers if they have not switched on or off in a while. Dirt and dust in the breakers can cause fluctuations in the power supply which can result in a few major problems. There can be an increase in electrical bills, blown fuses, drops in electrical currents, or even electrical fires. Industrial Circuit Breakers should be cleaned every year, or more often depending on the type of conditions it is operating in.
Tools Needed to Clean Industrial Circuit Breakers
The right tools are needed on hand in order to properly clean industrial circuit breakers. The first few tools that are needed are tools to ensure that will add safety and protection during the process of cleaning industrial circuit breakers. A grounding mat should be placed directly in front of the industrial circuit breakers and the person who is cleaning them should stand on the mat the entire time. An anti-static wristband, also known as a ground bracelet, should be worn and attached to the panelboard to eliminate static electricity in the body. A screwdriver, cotton swabs, and isopropyl alcohol are necessary tools needed to clean industrial circuit breakers.
Cleaning Industrial Circuit Breakers
Cleaning industrial circuit breakers has to be done very carefully. Before beginning any work turn off the power. The next step is to unscrew all of the screws on the outside to remove the cover. Once inside, look for any visible signs of dirt and debris. Any areas that look dirty can be cleaned by dipping the cotton swab into the isopropyl alcohol and rubbing firmly around the wires and connectors. Unscrew the contact in order to better clean the wires. Always allow the isopropyl alcohol to dry fully before putting the cover back on and turning the power back on.
What to Look for When Cleaning Industrial Circuit Breakers?
There are a few things to look out for during the process of cleaning industrial circuit breakers. Tarnish and discoloration can be seen, however the tarnishing is probably just a result of its conditions and oxidation. Also, even though there will be wires everywhere, it is not really important for the cleaning process to know what switches they all connect to. The goal is to just clean the industrial circuit breakers.
Cleaning industrial circuit breakers is an essential part of maintenance for them. Having the right tools, making the right preparations, and actually going through the cleaning process are important parts for making sure that the industrial circuit breakers can be relied upon when they are needed.
