48
Instruction Booklet
IB131006EN
Effective March 2019
Instructions for installation,
operation, and maintenance of type
VCP-W vacuum circuit breakers
EATON
www.eaton.com
6. Inspection, maintenance, and trouble-
shooting
6.1 Introduction
m
WARNING
·
DO NOT WORK ON A BREAKER ELEMENT WITH PRIMARY POWER
APPLIED.
·
DO NOT WORK ON A BREAKER ELEMENT WITH SECONDARY CONTACTS
CONNECTED.
·
DO NOT WORK ON A BREAKER ELEMENT WITH SPRINGS CHARGED OR
CONTACTS CLOSED.
·
DO NOT DEFEAT ANY SAFETY INTERLOCKS.
·
DO NOT LEAVE MAINTENANCE TOOL IN THE SOCKET AFTER CHARGING
THE CLOSING SPRINGS.
·
DO NOT STAND LESS THAN ONE METER AWAY FROM THE BREAKER
ELEMENT WHEN TESTING FOR VACUUM INTEGRITY.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW ANY OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY CAUSE DEATH,
SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. SEE SECTION 2 - SAFE
PRACTICES - FOR MORE INFORMATION.
6.2 Frequency of inspection and maintenance
Periodic inspections and associated maintenance are essential to
the safe and reliable operation of VCP-W vacuum circuit breaker
elements. The inspection frequency and associated maintenance
recommended are intended to insure the best possible ongoing
service. It is imperative that an established schedule be followed.
To establish an exact schedule for a specific installation, use the
following guidelines.
1. Customers such as utilities having extensive experience with
power distribution components should schedule their inspection
and maintenance intervals using well established best practices
in their industry.
2. All other customers should use the following guidelines as good
conservative practice:
a. For installations defined as normal service conditions per
IEEE C37.20.2 and considered clean, non-corrosive environ-
ments, inspect, and maintain each circuit breaker every 500
operations or 10 years, whichever comes first. If it is deter-
mined after completing the “Inspection and maintenance
procedures” in section 6.3 of this manual that the breaker
is still like new based on visual inspection and performance,
then the next maintenance interval shouldn’t exceed 500
operations or 10 years from the date of the inspection.
b. For special conditions such as frequent circuit breaker
element operation, contaminated environments, and high
temperature/humidity conditions, the inspection frequency
should be a minimum of twice per year.
3. Fault interruptions have the greatest impact on contact erosion
inside of the vacuum interrupters. Circuit breakers that have
been subjected to 15 full rated fault interruptions should be
immediately inspected and the schedule for inspection and
maintenance should be re-evaluated based upon the inspec-
tion results. Additionally, because of the variability of system
fault characteristics, if there are any customer uncertainties in
the records of the magnitude, duration, or other fault details,
increased inspection frequency should be considered.
4. Follow the steps presented in paragraph 6.3 entitled “Inspection
and Maintenance Procedures” for scheduled programs.
5. Create and maintain a dated permanent record of all inspections,
maintenance performed, actions taken, observations made,
and measurements taken. Not only will this provide valuable
historical information, it can help to establish whether or not the
present schedule needs to be adjusted.
6. Perform ongoing visual inspections, when possible, of all equip-
ment on a regular basis. Be alert for an accumulation of dirt
in and around the circuit breaker elements, loose hardware or
discolored insulation.
For assistance in establishing or updating a detailed inspection and
maintenance schedule for a specific application, please contact your
local Eaton representative.
Eaton’s vacuum interrupters are tested to exceed the minimum fault
interruptions as required by IEEE/ANSI and IEC Standards without
inspection. Please contact your local Eaton representative if you
would like a copy of the life curve of the vacuum interrupters in your
specific circuit breakers.
In addition to the instructions in this instruction book, Eaton has
created a visual tool to assist maintenance personnel. Contact
Eaton for the
Visual Instruction Booklet Essentials (VIBE)
which is
an interactive PDF with embedded videos to show how to perform
many common types of field testing and part replacements.
6.2.1 Qualified personnel
For the purpose of operating this type of equipment, only individuals
thoroughly trained in the operation of power circuit breakers and
associated equipment, and having knowledge of connected loads
may be considered to be qualified.
Refer to further definitions in the National Electrical Safety Code.
For the purpose of inspecting and maintaining such equipment,
a qualified person must also be trained in regard to the hazards
inherent to working with electricity and the proper way to perform
such work. Such an individual should be able to de-energize, clear,
and tag circuits in accordance with established safety practices. In
addition, these individuals should have access to and be trained in
the use of protective equipment, such as rubber gloves and flash
clothes.
All personnel should be familiar with and understand the material
presented in this instruction manual and other related manuals.
