GE Industrial Solutions Arc Vault Protection System - Manual (Page 44)

Arc Vault™ Protection System DEH-41483 Rev. 3
Maintaining the Switchgear
36 © 2011 General Electric All Rights Reserved
SECTION 11. MAINTAINING THE
SWITCHGEAR
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
A periodic maintenance schedule must be established to
obtain the best service from the switchgear. An annual
check of the switchgear devices and all connections should
be made as a minimum requirement. Equipment subject to
highly repetitive operation may require more frequent
maintenance.
A permanent record of all maintenance work should be
kept. The record should include a list of periodic checks and
tests made, the date they were made, the condition of the
equipment, and any repairs or adjustments that were
performed. Maintenance employees must follow all
recognized safety practices, such as those contained in
NFPA 70B: Electrical Equipment Maintenance, and NFPA
70E: Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace and in
company or other safety regulations.
WARNING
Solid insulation surrounding an energized conductor
and power apparatus must never be relied upon to
provide protection to personnel.
For specific information regarding the maintenance of
devices, such as circuit breakers, relays, meters, etc., refer
to the separate instruction book furnished for each device.
DEVICE AND INSTRUMENT COMPARTMENTS
Periodic inspection of the Arc Vault is recommended at
least once a year. This is typical of a LV breaker. More
frequent inspections are recommended where severe load
conditions, dust, moisture or other unfavorable conditions
exist, or if the vital nature of the load warrants it. Always
replace the device after a short-circuit current has been
interrupted.
MAINTENANCE OF ARC VAULT DEVICE
Arc Vault Device: Test for Proper Operation
Test and inspect all Arc Vaults for proper operation as
follows.
1. Periodic testing of capacitor function is recommended.
This maintenance will verify the Arc Vaults readiness
status and alert maintenance employees if service is
required. This capacitor performance check can be
performed while in the TEST position.
2. Perform capacitor discharge test. See Test on page 25.
3. GE recommends that you replace the Electrical
Contoller module GAVCR1 7 years after initial
installation or if capacitor status light (Charged Light)
fails to illuminate.
4. GE recommends that you replace the Arc Vault Relay
GAVRR1,2,3 15 years after initial installation.
WARNING
Primary equipment must be completely de-energized
while tests on control circuits, etc. are being
conducted. Be sure that all areas of feedback from
secondary circuits, as well as outside sources, are
disconnected.
5. Remove the breakers from their compartments to a
clean maintenance area. Close compartment door and
cover the breaker cutout to prevent access to live parts.
WARNING
De-energize equipment completely before doing
maintenance work on any devices, connections, bus
work, breaker or feeder cable compartments. This
includes de-energizing any connections to outside
primary or secondary sources, such as transformers,
tie lines, etc.
Checks After Switchgear Is De-energized
At the time of inspection, the following checks should be
made after the switchgear has been de-energized. Control
power is required for these tests.
1. Move device from connect to test position.
2. Manually operate the Arc Vault TM device several times,
checking for obstructions or excessive friction. Manual
firing of the Arc Vault may be performed by the
following two steps:
a. Depress the “Push to Charge” button for the Arc
Vault. The charge indicator green LED will show
CHARGED.
b. Depress the “Push to Discharge” button on the
front of the device. The charge indicator red LED will
show DISCHARGED.
3. Visually check the switchgear for loose hardware on
the device; also, check the bottom of the compartment
for any hardware that has fallen from the device.
4. Check insulating parts for evidence of overheating and
for cracks that indicate excessive thermal aging.
Lubrication
In general, the Arc Vault requires moderate lubrication.
Bearing points and sliding surfaces should be lubricated at
the regular inspection periods with a thin film of GE
lubricant D6A15A2.