Typical Power Circuit Breaker Maintenance Considerations

Electrical preventive maintenance and testing are some of the most important functions to be performed in order to maintain the reliability and integrity of electrical distribution systems, as well as for the protection of equipment and personnel. Preventive maintenance of electrical equipment, specifically with regard to power circuit breakers, is often overlooked or is performed infrequently or inadequately. This paper provides insights into the typical maintenance requirements for power circuit breakers, both low- and medium-voltage. Also addressed is the potential impact on the arc flash incident energy when maintenance is not performed. An unintentional time delay in the operation of a circuit breaker due to a sticky operating mechanism can cause the incident energy of an arc flash to rise, sometimes dramatically.