Replacing and Retrofilling an Industrial Circuit Breaker
An electrical distribution system is similar to any other mechanical device: when it’s new there is much you have to do. But in time, due to increased electrical loads, expansion, or just age – an electrical system is going to need routine maintenance to ensure quality function. One of the most vital components of any electrical distribution system is the industrial circuit breaker-and as result, especially if your building/system is old, upgrading existing industrial circuit breakers will reap huge savings to an institution and the overall function of the electrical system.
Replacement Industrial circuit breaker
The replacement of a low-voltage or medium-voltage industrial circuit breaker is a new breaker that uses a modern modular draw-assembly, designed and tested to interface with components inside the existing switchgear’s breakers compartment. A medium-voltage replacement industrial circuit breaker is simply a like-for-like replacement that requires no interface to rack into the existing enclosure.
With the low-voltage industrial circuit breaker replacement, a new cradle interface is inserted into the existing breaker compartment. The cradle design typically includes a new racking mechanism, safety interlocks, primary and secondary disconnecting devices, truck-operated contact mechanisms, a new breaker compartment door and other provisions.
Ultimately, a replacement low-voltage or medium-voltage industrial circuit breaker matches the original industrial circuit breaker in form, fit, and function and is designed and tested in accordance with ANSI C37.59 and C37.09 standards. A number of industrial circuit breakers, manufactured more than half a century ago are still in operation, but no longer supported, therefore the replacement industrial circuit breaker provides institutions that have older switchgear a viable alternative for increasing performance and reliability.
Another essential benefit of low-voltage industrial circuit breaker replacements is that they enable facility managers to exchange older breakers for one common breaker that is interchangeable throughout a power-distribution system. Furthermore, they allow for equipment upgrades without scheduling a bus outage.
Retrofill Industrial Circuit Breaker
A low-voltage or medium-voltage industrial circuit breaker retrofill entails replacement of the old breaker and related components, such as the stationary primary and secondary disconnects, cell interlocks and racking mechanisms, without a drawnout industrial circuit breaker and cradle of a modern, previously qualified design.
During the retrofill design and installation, the existing switchgear cell is modified and equipped with a new drawout cradle assembly. Significant changes are made to the structural components of the existing industrial circuit breaker compartment, as well as to the line and load bus structure and bus bracing. New isolating barriers are installed to conform to the latest electrical switchgear industry standards.
In addition, because the retrofill installation always requires a complete switchgear shutdown, some institutions take this opportunity to carry out a wider scope of switchgear upgrades. Ultimately, a low-voltage or medium-voltage industrial circuit breaker retrofill is employed when and where an institution can afford modifications that require extended switchgear shutdown (minimum 8-10 hours).
