Retrofit of switchgear and protection in HV and LV networks

Commercial pressures are growing on companies to maximise their plant utilisation and minimise their plant lifetime cost, often with elderly equipment. Manufacturers work much more closely with users by providing 'aftermarket' and equipment lifetime management as an intrinsic part of the procurement process. The options available to the owner or operator for optimising the life of his electrical plant are examined in relation to health, safety and environment considerations and their influence on the aftermarket available options in the light of changing technology. The influences of operational constraints and available resources and finance are discussed as factors which affect the plant lifetime decision processes. Practical examples are described of experiences with retrofit for both HV and LV switchgear and protection.