Replacing of aging LV switchgear
Replacing of aging LV switchgear
(OP)
Hi all,
I would like to have some advices about the replacement of breaker in an aging switchgear.
Some of you have probably been in this situation; we have two options : replacing the whole switchgear or replacing the breaker and cradle.
As usual, downtime has to be minimal.
Here is the situation: it is an office building, switchgear has 29 breakers (1600A, 600V, Federal Pioneer 50HL-1).
Incoming line and all feeders enter the switchgear by the top, and it is all busduct(makes the option of replacing switchgear less appealing).
Do some of you have been this situation, and if yes (or no), what solution would you choose (I know there's a lot of factors involved, but I just want to know your general opinion about the problem, I know this situation is becoming more frequent)
Also, do you know a manufacturer that could supply direct replacement for Federal Pioneer 50HL-1 breakers and cradle, (no buss work to do in the cell, just have to install new cradle and breaker with a new door)?
Would it be wise to start replacing each breaker individually with modern breakers (say Masterpact NW), including buss work to fit the new cradle in the cell. Doing that 29 times seems long to me! But at the same time complete cell replacement seems impossible (to much downtime, no space to put it elsewhere, all feeders are bussducts).
Thanks in advance for your opinions/experiences/suggestions!
JL
I would like to have some advices about the replacement of breaker in an aging switchgear.
Some of you have probably been in this situation; we have two options : replacing the whole switchgear or replacing the breaker and cradle.
As usual, downtime has to be minimal.
Here is the situation: it is an office building, switchgear has 29 breakers (1600A, 600V, Federal Pioneer 50HL-1).
Incoming line and all feeders enter the switchgear by the top, and it is all busduct(makes the option of replacing switchgear less appealing).
Do some of you have been this situation, and if yes (or no), what solution would you choose (I know there's a lot of factors involved, but I just want to know your general opinion about the problem, I know this situation is becoming more frequent)
Also, do you know a manufacturer that could supply direct replacement for Federal Pioneer 50HL-1 breakers and cradle, (no buss work to do in the cell, just have to install new cradle and breaker with a new door)?
Would it be wise to start replacing each breaker individually with modern breakers (say Masterpact NW), including buss work to fit the new cradle in the cell. Doing that 29 times seems long to me! But at the same time complete cell replacement seems impossible (to much downtime, no space to put it elsewhere, all feeders are bussducts).
Thanks in advance for your opinions/experiences/suggestions!
JL






RE: Replacing of aging LV switchgear
RE: Replacing of aging LV switchgear
I have a big 50H reconditioning project in my shop right now (80 breakers) and we have several in stock so we can do batches at a time.
The ones we are reconditioning and upgrading with modern trip devices and communications on this job are actually replacing a more modern breaker (OEM name withheld).
Scott
www.cbsnuclear.com
RE: Replacing of aging LV switchgear
Can I ask the exact model of trip device you are installing on yours.
Thanks for the feedback!
JL
RE: Replacing of aging LV switchgear
We are putting AC PRO kits on this batch, but we can use anything ever made, 5 millions parts in stock has its advantages.
Scott
www.cbsnuclear.com
RE: Replacing of aging LV switchgear
RE: Replacing of aging LV switchgear
RE: Replacing of aging LV switchgear
Mike