Mechanical failure detection of circuit breakers

The mechanical condition of a circuit breaker, i.e., whether the unit is in normal or abnormal condition, has been evaluated using noninvasive diagnostics, together with signal processing and decision-making techniques. Test procedures involved obtaining vibration signals from transducers placed along the external surfaces of (and, under certain conditions, within the interior of) a circuit breaker. Using the method, quantitative assessment of a circuit breaker can be carried out for any operating condition. Tests of oil and sulfur hexafluoride circuit breakers, under both normal and abnormal conditions, were carried out. In all cases, the abnormalities was detected.<
>