Search

Premium Membership ♕

Limited Time Offer: Save 15% on PRO Plan with discount code: LRN15 and study specialized LV/MV/HV technical articles and studies.

Home / Technical Articles / Maintenance and troubleshooting guidelines for a typical high voltage switchgear

The need for maintenance

Like any other major component of the high voltage electrical network, a switchgear also needs maintenance schedules for trouble-free operation during its life cycle. No one should work on the system itself or on any plant controlled by it, without obtaining authorisation and work permit from the responsible person.

Maintenance and troubleshooting guidelines for a typical high voltage switchgear
Maintenance and troubleshooting guidelines for a typical high voltage switchgear (on photo: Performing testing of earthing a 66kV circuit prior to the sheath test; credit: Andrew)

Once such work has started, then it should not be possible for someone to re-connect the supply accidentally to the associated system or plant. Reconnection of supply should be done only after the work permit has been taken back by the concerned authority.

In order to ensure that this safety precaution is implemented, inter-lock and padlocking features are provided on the switching devices.

Contents:

  1. Maintenance Requirements
  2. Inspection Schedule
  3. Preparation Before Maintenance
  4. Maintenance Procedure
  5. Switchgear Spares
  6. Lubrication of Operating Mechanisms
  7. Troubleshooting Guide For Older Switchgears
    1. Outdoor Porcelain-clad Vacuum Circuit Breaker
    2. Indoor Metal-clad Vacuum Switchgear
    3. Spring-Charged Mechanism

1. Maintenance Requirements

Maintenance covers a wide range of activities, all of which are required to keep the switchgear in ready condition at all times to enable it perform its functions satisfactorily. The parts subjected to normal wear and aging need to be serviced for ensuring full reliability of the operations.

These parts may be mechanical components or electrical components.

The major mechanical components comprise  the mechanism and pole unit where mechanical wear and aging are caused by frequent operations. The electrical components are worn out due to arc interruption and heating. If oil or SF6 is used as an arc-quenching medium, then these also need replacement after a certain number of operations.

The interval at which the maintenance should be carried out depends upon the following factors:

  1. The number of short-circuit interruptions
  2. The switching frequency
  3. The actual service time

The actual conditions of use in terms of the frequency of operations, environment and severity of switching duty vary so much that it is impossible for the manufacturer to give detailed guidelines to the user concerning the frequency of maintenance.

A distinction needs to be made between the basic switching device with its moving parts, and the rest of the equipment which performs the supporting role of connection.

The latter components are likely to need periodic inspection and servicing only, to ensure that the equipment is free from dirt, dampness and deterioration, such as corrosion of metal work and contamination of insulation.

The maintenance of the basic switching unit should be the first priority! For vacuum interrupters, however, no such maintenance is needed.

Applicable standards draw attention to the importance of the methods for determining when various maintenance procedures need to be carried out.

As an example, with vacuum circuit breakers the most likely criterion that needs to be monitored occasionally is contact wear, and the timing of the opening operation.

The O&M manual of the manufacturer normally describes how to perform these operations and the acceptable levels of performance before putting the switchgear back into service. It also gives special instructions for the design of switchgear from maintenance point of view, apart from general switchgear practices.

For example, the proper method to release any stored energy in the closing mechanism before beginning an examination is spelt out.

Go back to Content Table ↑


2. Inspection Schedule

The following guidelines must be included while formulating inspection schedules for switchgear:


Guideline #1

Once a year, a general visual inspection should be carried out and insulators wiped clean. More frequent checks are necessary if the breakers are exposed to a dust-laden atmosphere.


Guideline #2

The operating mechanism should be lubricated after two years or on completion of 2,000 make-break operation at lubrication points for a typical mechanism. After a specified number of operations, the mechanism should be overhauled.

The number of operations may vary with the type of breaker. Hence instructions given in the O&M manual of the switchgear should be followed in this regard.

Guideline #3

Constructions of the interruption unit are different for oil, SF6 or vacuum switchgear. Under normal service conditions, vacuum interrupters need no maintenance but in the case of other arc-interrupting media, special care needs to be taken as per the manufacturer’s instructions.


Guideliene #4

Vacuum interrupters must be replaced after the stipulated number of mechanical operations or when the contact erosion has reached its limit, whichever is earlier.

An inspection should be carried out after an examination or overhaul to ensure that the overall condition of the equipment has been restored after completion of the work. An operation check, or preferably a series of operation checks, must be carried out to establish that the correct performance has been achieved and that the equipment may safely be restored to service.

In the case of fully sealed vacuum circuit breakers, manufacturers do not normally recommend examination or overhaul of the pole unit during the economic life of the installation. Moreover, the latest trend is to use gas insulated switchgear (GIS), which is sealed for life. In such designs, carrying out of any maintenance by the staff of the user is not recommended.

In the unlikely event of GIS needing an overhaul, this task should be entrusted to the manufacturer.

Maintenance MUST be carried out by trained staff and guidelines provided in the O&M manual should be followed. Earthing before maintenance is very important.

Go back to Content Table ↑


3. Preparation Before Maintenance

Safety features need to be planned before switchgear units are ordered. The requirement of locking off parts of the system (for carrying out maintenance work on the associated plant) should be finalised. Proper interlocking arrangements should be provided for this purpose.

All metal-enclosed switchgears are designed so that all live conductors are placed behind either metal enclosures or locked/bolted doors.

In order to ensure safe operation of the plant, a written set of rules governing these operating safety principles MUST be available. It is the responsibility of the plant-in-charge to frame such rules. Further, the rules must be understood by all who work in the environment, which necessitates a positive training programme.

The use of switchgear to gain access to the system for earthing conductors, for testing cables and other equipment, along with maintaining the switchgear itself is covered below.

The general safety rules mentioned above must also be followed in maintenance of the switchgear. The person responsible for authorising the action must be identified so that all those concerned know the co-ordinator for each procedure.

For example, when the system needs to be earthed at a point, all possible supply routes to that point should be locked off. The earthing should not open inadvertently till work on the earthed equipment is being carried out.

Go back to Content Table ↑


4. Maintenance Procedure

There are many standards on the subject pertaining to different voltage levels of switchgear, which normally defines four separate aspects of maintenance, with each new stage based on the preceding one,

  1. Inspection,
  2. Servicing,
  3. Examination and
  4. Overhaul.

These are dealt with in detail below:


4.1 Inspection

This is a maintenance action, which calls for a careful scrutiny of a switchgear component. The inspection is carried out without dismantling the component from its assembly.

The inspection should be carried out by using all the available diagnostic methods for detecting potential malfunction/failure. It may include an operational check.

4.2 Servicing

Servicing implies work that is carried out for ensuring that the equipment is kept in an acceptable condition. It does not involve any dismantling, and is typically limited to cleaning, lubrication and adjustments as specified in the operation and maintenance (O&M) instructions of the switchgear.


4.3 Examination

This is an inspection carried out with partial dismantling, as required, supplemented by means such as measurement and non-destructive tests in order to arrive at a reliable conclusion about the condition of a particular switchgear component.


4.4 Overhaul

Work done with the objective of repairing or replacing parts, which are found to be below standard by examination, so as to restore a particular component or the entire equipment to an acceptable condition, is referred to as overhauling.

A study of above definitions indicates the possibility of an interference in the form of maintenance. Inspection may lead to the conclusion that servicing is needed. The maintenance engineer may sense a problem and call for a detailed examination.

After examination, an overhaul may be needed.

One of the major reasons for employing new switchgear technologies, such as vacuum, is to eliminate the examination and overhaul procedures from the switchgear maintenance programme as vacuum interrupters are sealed for life.

However, proper spares must be available at site for safe operation of switchgear units to their full rating.

Go back to Content Table ↑


5. Switchgear Spares

Switchgear spares are needed to change the maintainable parts after their useful life is over. Sometimes replacement is required if a fault develops in the parts. This is to ensure a reduction in the downtime and enhancement of reliability. A switchgear operating engineer always likes to keep all necessary spares in his stock but a balance needs to be maintained between inventory cost and chances of failure of the component.

The spares needed for a switchgear site are covered in the following broad categories:


5.1 Commissioning spares

These include items that are consumed during pre-commissioning tests. Typically, these spares include indicating lamps and fuses.


5.2 Recommended spares (For 2/4/5 years of normal operation)

These include items which are recommended by the manufacturer to be kept at site. The quantities of these items vary with the time period.


5.3 Mandatory spares (For 2/4/5 years of normal operation)

These include items needed by the user irrespective of any recommendation of the manufacturer for the specified time of operation.

Typically, such spares include CTs, VTs, protective relays, switches etc. which are not recommended by the manufacturer.

Table 1 gives a typical list of the recommended spares for vacuum switchgear. This list is, however, not exhaustive. In all cases, the recommendations of the switchgear manufacturer should be followed.

Table 1 – List of Recommended Spare Parts for Vacumm Switchgears

No.Item Description
1Spare breaker (VCB truck)
a) 2500 A
b) 2000 A
c) 1600 A
2Spring charging motor
3Closing coil
4Shunt trip coil
5Bus support insulator
6Set of control fuses (30 fuses)
7Indicating lamps with fittings
8Spring charging limit switch
9Breaker control switch
10Auxiliary switch
11Push button
12Anti-pumping relay
13Meter of each type:
a) Ammeter
b) Voltmeter
14Vacuum interrupter
15CT and VT of each ratio (one each)
16Set of protection relays:
a) Set of relay (one of each type)
17Limit switch (1NO+1NC)
18Panel operating switches
a)Switchgear selector switch
b) Auto/Individual/Manual selector switch
c) Trip selector switch
d) Synchronisation selector switch
e) On/Off switch for ac supply
f) On/Off switch for dc supply
19Set of fixed isolating contacts
(1 set comprising 6 numbers)
a) 2500 A
b) 2000 A
c)1600 A
20Set of gaskets
21Panel door keys

Go back to Content Table ↑


6. Lubrication of Operating Mechanisms

Timely lubrication with recommended lubricating oil ensures trouble-free operation of the components of a switchgear mechanism. The cover must be removed to lubricate the mechanism parts. All appropriate points need to be lubricated, starting at the top left and working through the mechanism systematically.

The parts that are not rigidly fixed (e.g. articulated joints) should be moved slightly to and from to let the oil penetrate. Articulated joints and bearings that cannot be dismantled should be cleaned with a cleaning agent prior to being oiled. After lubrication, the circuit breaker needs to be operated several times to test it for smooth functioning.

Table 2 gives a list of the lubricating points for a typical vacuum circuit breaker.

Table 2 – Lubricating points

No.Lubricating Part / Point
1Bearings, sliding surfaces and levers of operating mechanism
2Connecting joints and rollers of operating mechanisms and bearings of auxiliary switch
3Contact faces for connections and terminal faces of vacuum interrupter

Go back to Content Table ↑


7. Troubleshooting Guide

The following paragraphs give troubleshooting guide for a an older vacuum circuit breakers. Such guidelines should be provided by the manufacturer of the switchgear for ready reference in case of any trouble with the operation of the switchgear.

The various components mentioned in the tables can be seen in the relevant photos.


7.1 Outdoor Porcelain-clad Vacuum Circuit Breaker


Trouble #1 – Pole Bursting
Trouble: Pole bursting
FIgure 1 – Trouble: Pole bursting

No.ReasonsRemedial Action
1Failure of porcelain insulator due to hair cracks developed during transportationReplace porcelain insulator
2Failure of operating rod due to ingress of moistureReplace operating rod and gasket. Ensure positive pressure inside the pole unit assembly.
3Failure of vacuum interrupter due to vacuum loss or ingress of moistureReplace vacuum interrupter.
4Failure of outdoor CT which damages the porcelain insulator of breakerInvestigate CT failure and replace it.
Trouble #2 – Flashover in Top/Bottom Porcelain
No.ReasonsRemedial Action
1Contamination of insulatorClean porcelain insulator. Frequent cleaning may be required depending upon the local environment condition. Check IR value, if found to be less than 10,000 mega-ohm, then replace insulator.
2Dropping of metallic items such as wires by human or birds, climbing of animals and creeping of reptilesCare should be taken to:

  1. Remove left out metallic wire pieces after maintenance.
  2. Provide anti-climbing device; and
  3. Remove nests built by birds immediately.
Trouble #3 – Excessive Heating of Terminal Connectors
No.ReasonsRemedial Action
1Loose connectionTighten terminal connectors properly
2Load more than the specified ratingReduce load suitably

Go back to Content Table ↑

7.2 Indoor Metal-clad Vacuum Switchgear

Trouble #1 – Flashover in insulating parts
No.ReasonsRemedial Action
1Support insulator failureClean the insulator with clean cotton cloth, take IR value using 5 kV megger between busbar and panel. If value obtained is less than 10,000 mega-ohms, replace the insulator.

Support insulator failure
Figure 2 – Support insulator failure

Support insulator failure
Figure 3 – Support insulator failure


2Inter-panel insulating barrier failureClean the barrier with clean cloth, take IR value using 5 kV, megger between busbar and panel earth. If value obtained is less than 10,000 mega-ohms, replace the barrier.

Inter-panel insulating barrier failure
Figure 4 – Inter-panel insulating barrier failure


3Insulating rod failureTake IR value using kV, megger between inserts of operating rod. If value obtained is less than 10,000 mega-ohms, replace the operating rod.
2Insulating shutter surface trackingReplace the shutter.

Insulating shutter surface tracking
Figure 5 – Insulating shutter surface tracking


2Insulation failure due to reptilesReplace the damaged material. Care should be taken to ensure that doors and covers of the breaker panels are fully closed. The openings provided for earth bus, LT and HT cables should be sealed properly to avoid entry of reptiles.
Trouble #2 – Vacuum Interrupter Failure
No.ReasonsRemedial Action
1Vacuum lossVacuum loss can be checked by applying HV for one minute across terminals of vacuum interrupter after withdrawing breaker truck outside the panel. If it fails to withstand and flashover occurs, then vacuum interrupter should be replaced by new vacuum interrupter.

Support insulator failure
Figure 6 – Vacuum loss


Trouble #3 – CT/VT failure
No.ReasonsRemedial Action
1External flashover due to insulation fialureIf cracks or burning marks are ob-served, then replace current transformer and/or voltage transformer.
2CT saturationThis should be checked by giving secondary current through auto-transformer and measure primary current. If meter reading does not increase with the increase of current in secondary, it indicates CT saturation. Then replace CT.
Trouble #4 – Excessive Above
No.ReasonsRemedial Action
1Loose connections Heating of JointsTighten all the joints properly 40-45 Nm torque.

Go back to Content Table ↑

7.3 Spring-Charged Mechanism

Spring-charged mechanism
Figure 7 – Spring-charged mechanism
Trouble #1 – Breaker not closing
No.ReasonsRemedial Action
1Motor not charging spring due to supply voltage less than 85%Ensure supply voltage above 85% of the rated voltage.

Motor not charging spring due to supply voltage less than 85%
Figure 8 – Motor not charging spring due to supply voltage less than 85%


1Motor not charging spring due to improper wiringCheck motor circuit wiring as per schematic drawing. If loose connections are found, tighten them.
1Motor not charging spring due to jamming of gear boxReplace gear-box.

Motor not charging spring due to jamming of gear box
Figure 9 – Motor not charging spring due to jamming of gear box


1Motor not charging spring due to motor shaft being broken or motor key being brokenReplace motor.

Motor not charging spring due to motor shaft being broken or motor key being broken
Figure 10 – Motor not charging spring due to motor shaft being broken or motor key being broken


1Closing coil burnt due to plunger stuck in closing coilReplace closing coil.

Closing coil burnt due to plunger stuck in closing coil
Figure 11 – Closing coil burnt due to plunger stuck in closing coil


1Closing coil not developing sufficient forceCheck the resistance of coil at respective voltage, if not adequate, then replace the coil.
1Mechanism linkage setting disturbedSetting should be done as explained in the operation and maintenance manual of the switchgear.

Mechanism linkage setting disturbed
Figure 12 – Mechanism linkage setting disturbed


1Auxiliary switch continuity missing due to contamination of contactsOpen the auxiliary switch packets and clean the contacts.

Auxiliary switch continuity missing due to contamination of contacts
Figure 13 – Auxiliary switch continuity missing due to contamination of contacts


Problem in electrical circuitCheck the circuitry and replace the faulty components.

Problem in electrical circuit
Figure 14 – Problem in electrical circuit


Go back to Content Table ↑

Trouble #1 – Breaker not opening
No.ReasonsRemedial Action
1Tripping coil not developing sufficient forceCheck the resistance of coil at respective voltage, if not adequate, then replace the coil.

Closing coil burnt due to plunger stuck in closing coil
Figure 15 – Tripping coil not developing sufficient force


1Tripping coil burnt due to plunger stuck in tripping coil.Replace tripping coil.
1Problem in tripping circuit.Check the circuitry and replace the faulty components.
1Mechanism linkage setting disturbedSetting should be done as explained in the operation and maintenance manual of the switchgear.

Mechanism linkage setting disturbed
Figure 16 – Mechanism linkage setting disturbed


Go back to Content Table ↑


Source: Switchgears book by BHEL – Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited

Premium Membership

Get access to premium HV/MV/LV technical articles, electrical engineering guides, research studies and much more! It helps you to shape up your technical skills in your everyday life as an electrical engineer.
More Information
author-pic

Edvard Csanyi

Electrical engineer, programmer and founder of EEP. Highly specialized for design of LV/MV switchgears and LV high power busbar trunking (<6300A) in power substations, commercial buildings and industry facilities. Professional in AutoCAD programming.

15 Comments


  1. henry whitter
    Apr 13, 2023

    I am looking for a service provider to do maintenance on our switchgear. We are a bio-pharma company located in Frederick, Maryland. Please let me know if there are any company you recommend for switchgear maintenance. The must be certified in the area since we are regulated by the FDA and will need to provide the required certification documentation for work done on our equipment


  2. Mohamed Chabouni
    Jul 21, 2020

    please send me document for Diagnosis and troubleshooting of the high voltage switchboard.thanks


  3. Kalim Guthrie
    Jan 09, 2020

    That caption for the very first photo should read 11kV not 66kV. I recognize the substation.


  4. Abdulmumin Halidu
    Sep 03, 2019

    Very important lessons you have given. Thank you


  5. Abdul ahad
    Aug 08, 2019

    Maintenance & Testing of (HT & LT) motor, generator and transformers.


  6. Richard Yaw Binka
    Aug 08, 2019

    Please I’m interested in all your engineering works


  7. Noel Kari
    Aug 08, 2019

    So amazing note; I’ve not had it this good. Thank you Boss.


  8. Aminul Islam
    Aug 08, 2019

    It is an important lesson for an Electrical should know. Thank a lot for sharing.


  9. Emmanuel Chukwuemeka
    Aug 08, 2019

    Number 6 Ogidi Street Garki ll Abuja Nigeria.


    • Emmanuel Chukwuemeka
      Aug 08, 2019

      This is the best thing that happened to me today.
      A very Good and Insightful piece, please keep it up and more Grace to you and your team.


  10. Raúl Padilla
    Aug 08, 2019

    Keeping good work all time power volts thank you to you service


  11. Bora y reddy
    Aug 07, 2019

    Good video.


  12. Davis Mwakyusa
    Aug 07, 2019

    Very good and educative knowledge is given through EEP. Thanks.


  13. Fortune
    Aug 07, 2019

    I really love this, I wish to read this everyday an wish to do this practically hence I have N5 In electrical engineering heavy current an ultrasonic wall thickness hence I worked at different power stations as wall thickness technician inspecting boiler an turbine thou is not permanent job so far due to reason that I put my heart in everything I would like to be assert of this company please hence my contact information. 0797033230 am available an unemployed at the moment.


  14. diego valencia serrato
    Aug 07, 2019

    Cordial saludo desde Colombia Suramerica, excelente el aporte que día a día nos entrega por el portal, deseándole éxitos y agradecer por tan valioso aporte técnico.

Leave a Reply to Abdulmumin Halidu

Tell us what you're thinking. We care about your opinion! Please keep in mind that comments are moderated and rel="nofollow" is in use. So, please do not use a spammy keyword or a domain as your name, or it will be deleted. Let's have a professional and meaningful conversation instead. Thanks for dropping by!

  −  six  =  1

Learn How to Design Power Systems

Learn to design LV/MV/HV power systems through professional video courses. Lifetime access. Enjoy learning!

Subscribe to Weekly Newsletter

Subscribe to our Weekly Digest newsletter and receive free updates on new technical articles, video courses and guides (PDF).
EEP Academy Courses - A hand crafted cutting-edge electrical engineering knowledge