tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57241251816607808522024-03-14T04:44:33.165-04:00Carolina Precision SwitchgearWe work on electrical switchgear and circuit breaker repair. We offer onsite or you can ship your switchgear to us for switchgear repair and refurbishment. We work with some of the largest companies in the world. We are Carolina Precision Switchgear. Call 704-596-4242 or visit http://cpswitchgear.com.Carolina Precision Switchgearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12491456904641262767noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724125181660780852.post-49208209020389706702015-05-29T11:21:00.004-04:002015-05-29T11:22:32.709-04:00CP Switchgear Blog Has Moved<div style="text-align: center;">
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Carolina Precision Switchgearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12491456904641262767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724125181660780852.post-24084116756612260952011-03-24T15:36:00.003-04:002011-03-31T13:45:51.909-04:00What is a Short Circuit and or Relay Coordination Study?Article by: <a href="http://cpswitchgear.com">cpswitchgear.com<br />
</a><br />
Why specify a short circuit and relay study?<br />
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Does your facility use trip units (relays) on circuit breakers? Have the settings been adjusted by one of the plant electricians so nuisance trips on the breaker was stopped? Do you know what the existing device settings are, and are they correct? Too many facilities are being protected by trip units that are not set for the correct operation of the circuit breaker. The main breaker to the switchgear may be tripping before the load breaker that supply’s a motor trips. The most common reason for the incorrect circuit breaker coordination tripping sequence is because the relays are not set as designed for the switchgear.<br />
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What is the definition of a short circuit and or relay coordination study?<br />
To define a short circuit and or relay coordination study in simple terms, coordination means that downstream devices (breakers) should trip before upstream breakers. This keeps the fault at or near the equipment that causes the inrush of current to occur. Short Circuit and Coordination Study’s are designed not only to protect the equipment, but to save lives. The correct interrupting rating is critical for safe, economical, and efficient operation of any electrical distribution system. If you have seen an electrical fault where current is greater than the interrupting rating of the protective apparatus, the cost, and consequences can be serious. Personnel injury, damaged equipment and downtime are all too common when the relay coordination is not set to correctly open circuits when called upon. Coordination Studies isolate the first protective device inline to the fault.<br />
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Below is the beginning of a relay coordination study Carolina Precision Switchgear provided for one of our customers.<br />
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Information used was provided via a power riser diagram E0.2 and copy of hand written notes of existing settings and breaker trip unit sizes. Where information was lacking it is note below. <br />
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Cable information was provided or derived from the power riser diagram. <br />
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The TE1L1 and TE1L2 transformers are protected at 175% for Long Time and Instantaneous set 10 times the full load amps. The Short Time is set to allow inrush without nuisance tripping. Both breakers also coordinate with DB-1. <br />
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This also applies to the transformers feed from breakers E1L3 and E1L4. <br />
E1HE1, E1HL, UPS, E1HM1, E1HM2, UPS2, and UPS BYPASS breakers are set to protect the cable and coordinate with DB-1.<br />
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The DB-1 breaker is set to coordinate with all the above breakers and is set slightly below the Main breaker MSB-2<br />
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The MSB-2 breaker is set to coordinate with all sub-feed breakers and protect the cable feeding the DB-1 Switchboard.<br />
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You have a full investment in your equipment, so why use it to its full and capable potential? <br />
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Don't wait for an outage to find out there's a problem. <br />
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Contact Carolina Precision Switchgear today at www.cpswitchgear or phone 704-596-4242 to let us help you with your nuisance trips, and help fully protect your valuable personnel and equipment.Carolina Precision Switchgearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12491456904641262767noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724125181660780852.post-84591085153349075962011-02-03T14:36:00.010-05:002011-03-31T14:03:39.561-04:00Digitrip 1150 Rating PlugArticle by: <a href="http://cpswitchgear.com">cpswitchgear.com<br />
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</a>The following is the process to change out the overcurrent rating plug in an Eaton/Cutler Hammer Digitrip 1150 and 520 family of Power Circuit Breaker Trip Units. I will explain below the process, but first I want to make sure you remember a few basic steps before inserting a new rating plug. I will also talk a little about the operation of the current transformers.<br />
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Let's say for instance the tap is rated at 600 amps. If the circuit breaker is set up properly, the current transformers ( CT's )on each phase will also be 600 amps. Always check the current transformers before changing and inserting a new tap into the relay. A 1200 amp tap will fit into the same relay, but the breaker will not trip on the overcurrent settings as designed. ***** Never energize any circuit breaker without the overcurrent device attached. Damage to the internal CT's may occur because the circuit is now open, making for no protection for the load circuit.<br />
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Now to insert the rating plug, push it into the cavity on the right-hand side of the trip unit. There are three pins that need to be aligned on the plug with the sockets in the opening. Insert the plug with minimal force and the rating plug is now inserted and ready for testing. The overcurrent relay can be tested either by primary, or secondary injection. The power relay module is a standard accessory that will power up trip unit module for testing purposes.<br />
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For more information, please visit www.cpswitchgear.com or call Carolina Precision Switchgear at 704-596-4242.Carolina Precision Switchgearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12491456904641262767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724125181660780852.post-26126511106662329982010-07-29T21:17:00.006-04:002011-03-31T13:56:42.537-04:00Digitrip 1150 Overcurrent RelayArticle By:<a href="http:// cpswitchgear.com"> cpswitchgear.com<br />
</a><br />
The process to change out the overcurrent rating plug in an Eaton/Cutler Hammer Digitrip 1150 relay is fairly simple, if you remember a few basic steps.<br />
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Let's say for instance the tap is rated at 600 amps. If the circuit breaker is set up properly, the current transformers ( CT's )on each phase will also be 600 amp. Always check the current transformers before changing and inserting a new rating plug into the relay. A 1200 amp tap will fit into the same relay, but the breaker will not trip on the overcurrent settings as designed. ***** Never energize any circuit breaker without the overcurrent device attached. Damage to the internal CT's may occur because the circuit is now open, making for no protection for the load circuit.<br />
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Now to insert the rating plug, push it into the cavity on the right-hand side of the trip unit. There are three pins that need to be aligned on the plug with the sockets in the opening. Insert the plug with minimal force and the rating plug is now inserted and ready for testing. The overcurrent relay can be tested either by primary, or secondary injection.<br />
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For more information, please visit www.cpswitchgear.com or call Carolina Precision Switchgear at 704-596-4242.Carolina Precision Switchgearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12491456904641262767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724125181660780852.post-76874645953085858482010-05-25T18:39:00.008-04:002011-03-31T13:48:49.824-04:00Infrared (Thermography) SurveysArticle By: <a href="http:// cpswitchgear.com">cpswitchgear.com<br />
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</a><br />
A service provided by Carolina Precision Switchgear is thermal imaging. CPS can identify problem areas in your electrical distribution system by performing an infrared survey. The thermography cost is minimal compared to expensive damage that your equipment may incur, not to mention equipment down time. The equipment we use is a Fluke IR imaging camera which conducts detailed temperature readings. Thermography allows one to see variations in temperature. The Fluke infrared camera can pinpoint the exact area where corrective maintenance on your equipment is needed. <br />
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Infrared scanning can be performed with no disruption to your normal production schedule. The preferred method and most effective is with your facility under full load. In the building construction industry, technicians can see thermal differences that indicate heat leaks in defective thermal insulation and can use the results to increase the efficiency of heating and air-conditioning units.<br />
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The following is a small list of where thermographic imaging is beneficial.<br />
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Electrical Switchgear<br />
Circuit Breakers<br />
HVAC<br />
Building Envelopes<br />
Building Insulation<br />
Control Panels<br />
Electrical Panels<br />
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For more information, please visit www.cpswitchgear.com or call Carolina Precision Switchgear at 704-596-4242.Carolina Precision Switchgearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12491456904641262767noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724125181660780852.post-49147254336153308552010-05-22T14:22:00.006-04:002011-03-31T13:54:54.406-04:00Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Atlanta, GaArticle By: <a href="http:// cpswitchgear.com">cpswitchgear.com<br />
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Carolina Precision Switchgear, traveled to Atlanta, GA. to perform phase one of the annual breaker maintenance and relay testing at the Centers for Disease Control. <br />
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The annual testing for the CDC consisted of electrical switchgear maintenance of twenty seven Eaton Cutler Hammer Magnum DS 600v circuit breakers, with Digitrip 1150 type over current relays. Testing of the circuit breakers encompassed the following but was not limited too:<br />
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Electrically and Manually operating breakers<br />
Inspection of the operating mechanism<br />
Removing and inspecting arc chutes<br />
Inspecting stationary and moving arcing and main contacts<br />
Inspecting primary clusters <br />
Cleaning all accessible areas<br />
Performing over current relay testing <br />
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The relay testing on switchgear (circuit breakers) was performed with our high current test set. The CB-7745R relay test set allows for primary injection on the breakers, thus testing not only the relay function, but also the current transformers (ct's) on the breaker. Primary injection testing provides a more comprehensive test of the breaker over secondary injection testing.<br />
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Overall, the Magnum DS low voltage power circuit breakers were in good condition. No refurbishments were needed <br />
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Carolina Precision Switchgear will be returning to the Centers for Disease Control on June 13th to initiate phase two of three. The maintenane of phase two will be for sixty nine Magnum DS, 600v circuit breakers with Digitrip 1150 relays installed.<br />
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For more information, please visit www.cpswitchgear.com or call Carolina Precision Switchgear at 704-596-4242.Carolina Precision Switchgearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12491456904641262767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724125181660780852.post-10152455192602671482010-03-23T12:29:00.007-04:002011-03-31T13:39:48.852-04:00GE Low Voltage Circuit Breaker Designation CodesArticle By: <a href="http:// cpswitchgear.com">cpswitchgear.com<br />
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Circuit Breaker Description<br />
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The GE low voltage circuit breaker classification codes (also known as model number) can be divided into different codes. We’ll use General Electric type AK/AKR/AKF circuit breakers for this example.<br />
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General Electric type AK/AKR/AKF breakers can be divided into six codes as follows:<br />
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### # - # # - ### #<br />
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AKRU-6A-50-S is and example of a circuit breaker designation.<br />
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1. The first three characters of the breaker designation indicate the general breaker type; AK, AKR, AKS.<br />
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2. Additional characters may be added to the type descriptor when any of the following options are provided:<br />
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F = Field discharge breaker (AK only)<br />
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T = 2000A frame size (50 frame size model only)<br />
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U = Primary current-limiting fuses<br />
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3. The first digit of the center character of the breaker designation indicates the type of overcurrent trip device installed:<br />
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1 = EC-1 trip device<br />
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2 = EC 2/2A trip device<br />
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3 = Power Sensor trip device<br />
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4 = ECS trip device<br />
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5 = SST trip device<br />
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6 = MicroVersa Trip trip device<br />
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7 = RMS-9 MicroVersa Trip trip device<br />
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N = Non-automatic<br />
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4. The second digit of the center character of the breaker designation describes the mounting arrangement of the breaker:<br />
Blank = stationary or drawout AKD switchgear<br />
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A = drawout AKD-5/AKD-6 switchgear<br />
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B = drawout AKR OEM substructure<br />
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C = drawout AKD-6 switchgear (AKR-75/100 only)<br />
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D = drawout AKD-8 and OEM switchgear<br />
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S = stationary breaker<br />
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W = wide stationary breaker (AKR-100 only)<br />
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5. The fifth set of characters of the breaker designation indicates the breaker frame size in amperes:<br />
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15 = 225 ac, 225 dc<br />
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25 = 600 ac, 600 dc<br />
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30 = 800 ac, 800 dc<br />
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50 = 1600/2000 ac, 2000 dc<br />
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75 = 3000/3200 ac, 4000 dc<br />
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100 = 4000 ac, 6000 dc<br />
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6. The last character of the breaker designation indicates the special features described below:<br />
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D = dc breaker (AKR only)<br />
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F = dc field breaker (AKR only)<br />
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H = 75,000 interrupting current (AK-50 only)<br />
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C = 100,000 interrupting current (AK-50/75 only)<br />
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S = 5-cycle “quick-close” mechanism (AK-50/75/100 only)<br />
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X = special factory design<br />
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If you have any questions about circuit breaker identifiers, please use our convenient Carolina Precision Switchgear contact form.<br />
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For more information on GE low voltage circuit breaker designation help, please visit www.cpswitchgear.com or call Carolina Precision Switchgear at 704-596-4242.Carolina Precision Switchgearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12491456904641262767noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724125181660780852.post-55102031607958187272010-03-08T11:44:00.005-05:002011-03-30T10:24:17.637-04:00The Functions Of Low Voltage Electrical SwitchgearArticle By: <a href="http:// cpswitchgear.com">cpswitchgear.com<br />
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Originally Posted: Jan 24, 2009<br />
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The role of Low Voltage Switchgear<br />
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National and international standards define the manner in which electric circuits of low voltage installations must be realized. Standards determine the capabilities and limitations of the various switching devices which are collectively referred to as switchgear. The main functions of switchgear are: </p><p>Electrical protection<br />
Electrical isolation of sections of an installation<br />
Local or remote switching<br />
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Electrical protection at low voltage is normally incorporated in circuit breakers, such as thermal magnetic devices and/or residual current operated tripping devices. In addition, circuit breakers provide:<br />
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Over-voltage protection<br />
Under-voltage protection<br />
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The aim of protection is to avoid or to limit the destructive or dangerous consequences of excessive (short-circuit) currents, or those due to overloading and insulation failure. The circuit breaker will separate the defective circuit from the rest of the installation.<br />
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The operation of switchgear is an important part of power-system control. Functional control Switchgear-control functions allow system operating personnel to modify a loaded system at any moment, according to requirements, and include:<br />
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Functional control (routine switching, etc.)<br />
Emergency switching<br />
Maintenance operations on the power system<br />
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The operation and maintenance of your electrical switchgear equipment can be complicated and dangerous for the inexperienced. Rely on Carolina Precision Switchgear’s reputation and over 100 years of experience to handle your company’s service requirements.<br />
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For more information, please visit www.cpswitchgear.com or call Carolina Precision Switchgear at 704-596-4242.Carolina Precision Switchgearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12491456904641262767noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724125181660780852.post-42709361681632905852010-03-08T11:43:00.004-05:002011-03-30T10:25:59.448-04:00Electrical Switchgear Consulting Services Provided By CPSArticle By: <a href="http:// cpswitchgear.com">cpswitchgear.com<br />
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Originally Posted: Jan 19, 2009 <br />
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Electrical Switchgear Services Provided by Carolina Precision Switchgear<br />
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As a manager of technical services, or a maintenance supervisor, you may find yourself dealing with your company’s power plant. In this day of budget cutbacks, loss of revenue and the state of our economy, you have to make decisions that affect your bottom line. Should you buy new equipment or should you continue to repair and refurbish existing plant? It’s a Buy vs. Repair question.<br />
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At Carolina Precision Switchgear, we offer help to managers faced with these types of decisions. You must know when to squeeze out extra production or invest in new. We can help. In some cases, we actually service electrical switchgear equipment more frequently than recommended to keep it operating in peak condition.<br />
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One of the best times to determine these factors is before an annual or semiannual plant shutdown. Proper planning gives maintenance staff time to determine if switchgear equipment and other plant facilities are upgraded or equipment is overhauled during these planned shutdowns. The key word is “planned,” especially when it comes to the electrical distribution system. A maintenance shutdown is an excellent time to consider what other work needs to be done on the distribution system, avoiding the necessity of performing energized work during the rest of the year, and avoiding the risk of an arc flash accident. Obviously, working on de-energized equipment is preferable to working on energized equipment.<br />
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At CP Switchgear, we offer consulting services for low & medium voltage switchgear, primary injection relay testing and transformer testing. Do not face the issues alone when faced with challenges of replacement or repair. We can help you make decisions concerning the age of your electrical system and its components, safety, cost, reliability and the feasibility of modernization. With over 100 years of combined service in the power industry we are the ones to call to make your job easier.<br />
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For more information, please visit www.cpswitchgear.com or call Carolina Precision Switchgear at 704-596-4242.Carolina Precision Switchgearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12491456904641262767noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724125181660780852.post-47702307523995321122010-03-08T11:41:00.004-05:002011-03-30T10:26:47.724-04:00Testing Electrical Switchgear With The CB-7745Article By: <a href="http://cpswitchgear.com">cpswitchgear.com<br />
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</a><br />
Originally Posted: Jan 15, 2009 <br />
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CB-7745 with a new Mac 20 digital upgrade. Electrical Switchgear Test Set<br />
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Carolina Precision Switchgear now operates with one of the premier pieces of electrical switchgear test equipment available today. This primary injection test set is a model CB-7745 with a new MAC-20 digital upgrade. The MAC-20 has a serial port to connect to a PC so a computer read out of the tests can be captured. The CB-7745 is widely used by Carolina Precision Switchgear in our work at Duke Energy. This is one of the most durable and accurate circuit breaker test sets on the market. We firmly believe the only way to accurately test a relay on a low voltage circuit breaker is to use primary injection. Secondary injection will only test the relay and does not use the entire circuit for opening the breaker. Primary current injection goes through the entire circuit of the breaker, including the current transformer’s, ( CT’s). This is extremely important to verify the current transformer will recognize the current overload which will then trip the breaker on a relay timeout.<br />
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Photo shows Loading up the CB-7745 and taking it home<br />
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The CB-7745 current breaker test set is capable of pumping out 40,000 continuous amps. Amps of this magnitude are essential for proper testing of low voltage 480/600 volt circuit breaker relays on the instantaneous test.<br />
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For more information, please visit www.cpswitchgear.com or call Carolina Precision Switchgear at 704-596-4242.Carolina Precision Switchgearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12491456904641262767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724125181660780852.post-66058879619253757312010-03-08T11:17:00.004-05:002011-03-30T10:27:29.330-04:00CP Switchgear Adds CB-7745 High Current Relay Test SetArticle By: <a href="http://cpswitchgear.com">cpswitchgear.com<br />
</a><br />
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Originally Posted: Jan 12, 2009 <br />
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Carolina Precision Switchgear adds CB-7745, High Current Relay Test Set<br />
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It was time to hit the road for Doug Weaver and Barry Welch and head for Maryland to pick up the latest in Carolina Precision Switchgear’s arsenal of test equipment. In an effort to better serve our clients from a mobile service perspective, it is necessary to have the proper electrical switchgear test equipment. After a full day of driving from Charlotte, NC to New Windsor, Maryland, the two arrived at the ETI test facility.<br />
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Doug & Barry were there to oversee and watch the calibration of the CB-7745 low voltage circuit breaker test set. The first task was to change the tap setting from 208v to the 480v setting. The test set is also capable of being energized from a 600v source. The high current relay test set performed flawlessly during the calibration process. Once all of the tests were performed, the CB-7745 was readied for transport in the new Carolina Precision Switchgear mobile enclosed trailer.<br />
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The primary injection test set is a model CB-7745 with a new MAC-20 digital upgrade. The MAC-20 has a serial port to connect to a PC so a computer read out of the tests can be captured. The CPS owners used the type of relay test set and MAC-20 upgrade during their service with Duke Energy. Carolina Precision Switchgear has served the needs of Duke Energy for years. You can be assured that if Duke Energy uses CPS services that your company can also trust the electrical switchgear services that we provide. This is one of the most durable and accurate circuit breaker test sets on the market. We firmly believe the only way to accurately test a relay on a low voltage circuit breaker is to use primary injection. Secondary injection will only test the relay and does not use the entire circuit for opening the breaker. Primary current injection goes through the entire circuit of the breaker, including the current transformer’s, ( CT’s). This is extremely important to verify the CT’s will recognize the current overload which will then trip the breaker on a relay timeout.<br />
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For more information, please visit www.cpswitchgear.com or call Carolina Precision Switchgear at 704-596-4242.Carolina Precision Switchgearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12491456904641262767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5724125181660780852.post-50007255718633064602010-03-08T11:13:00.005-05:002011-04-26T10:02:29.320-04:00Electrical Switchgear and DistributionArticle By: <a href="http://cpswitchgear.com">cpswitchgear.com<br />
</a><br />
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Originally Posted: Dec 15, 2009<br />
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Electrical Switchgear and Distribution<br />
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Electrical distribution equipment is certainly the heart of any industrial facility. Without a reliable electrical distribution system, the operation of any facility would be impossible. From lighting, security, manufacturing and environmental controls, nothing happens without electricity.<br />
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<a href="http://cpswitchgear.com">Electrical switchgear</a> is usually specified in heavy industrial applications where the demands on the equipment require more robust construction. Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, the condition of this equipment (including regularly scheduled maintenance) has not been a primary concern in most facilities. Facility managers have a lot on their mind and sometimes do not consider that electrical switchgear equipment requires regular maintenance. Facility managers must consider this to avoid a failure in the electrical distribution system. A failure could lead to process interruption, and it creates an elevated safety and property risk as well. Maintenance of electrical equipment like switchgear is critical for proper protective functioning and reliability of the distribution system.<br />
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Electrical switchgear and switchboard components such as overcurrent protective devices, which include fuses, circuit breakers and protective relays, are fundamental to the task of protecting the system as well as reducing hazards for electrical workers. When these devices are maintained well, they operate optimally to clear any fault condition – from a simple overcurrent event to a bolted or potentially hazardous arcing fault.<br />
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While fuse technology has not changed substantially over the past two decades, power circuit breaker and protective relay technology have undergone significant design improvements since the early to mid-1980s. Older power circuit beakers were designed around an open iron frame structure with electromechanical trip units. These devices needed iron frame construction in order to have the ability to withstand the fault current conditions present in many facilities, and were designed with an open-style construction to allow the extensive maintenance that was required to keep the devices functioning properly. Often, older power circuit breaker designs required the use of limiter fuses added to the circuit breaker to protect the breaker at fault current levels higher than those for which the breaker was rated. These limiter fuses added significantly to the size of the device, and consequently to the overall size of the switchgear.<br />
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Modern power circuit breakers are designed using space-age materials in very compact formats with digital trip units. They are also designed for significantly reduced maintenance requirements. These products now offer very high fault-current withstand capabilities without the use of limiter fuses. Since power circuit breakers provide such a vital function in protecting the electrical system, as well as reducing the risk to electrical workers from arcing faults, these design improvements are a quantum leap forward in equipment and personnel protection. They have very low maintenance requirements and allow new switchgear to be much more compact than older open iron frame circuit breaker designs.<br />
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Retrofit options are now available to extend the life of existing switchgear, which could be a more cost-effective choice for some facilities.<br />
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<h2>Electrical Switchgear Options Available:</h2><br />
Facility managers faced with the choice of replacing or retrofitting their existing obsolete switchgear to take advantage of the capabilities of the newer generation of circuit protection technology should make an informed choice; there are many factors to consider in this decision. One of these factors, of course, is the initial capital cost, along with potential disruption to the facility’s processes and workflow during the course of changing out the equipment.<br />
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Carolina Precision Switchgear can help Facility Managers facing these types of decisions through our consulting services. Call us today and we will help you to make an informed cost effective decision for your company.<br />
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For more information, please visit www.cpswitchgear.com or call Carolina Precision Switchgear at 704-596-4242. We offer onsite switchgear repair at your site or you can send switchgear to our location for repair and refurbishment.Carolina Precision Switchgearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12491456904641262767noreply@blogger.com0