Management and Maintenance of Electrical Equipment in Industrial Facilities

This paper discusses the importance of management of developed electrical preventive maintenance (EPM) programs, challenges resulting from an underdeveloped EPM program, and methods for implementing and managing these programs. Electrical equipment that has not been properly maintained can impact worker safety due to undocumented or unknown conditions. With aging infrastructure and modifications to electrical systems over time, the previously calculated short circuit capacity, arc flash hazards, and device coordination may not reflect the installed electrical system. Performing preventive maintenance on electrical systems at industrial facilities, especially the low voltage systems, can be more difficult during economic downtimes. Justifying the costs associated with maintaining and/or upgrading systems can be challenging. However, development and execution of electrical preventive maintenance (EPM) programs can greatly assist in outlining the requirements of electrical equipment and prevent unnecessary damage and/or replacement due to neglect. Further, regular maintenance can address underlying or hidden nature of issues that may have happened during daily operation of the equipment. EPM programs can also help to plan future expansions, improve reliability of equipment in the field, and decrease risk posed to workers and the overall operation.