Low Voltage Motor Control Center Life Extention/ Safety Enhancement Projects - Analysis and Justification

Defining the scope for a Low Voltage Motor Control Center (LVMCC) life extension/safety enhancement project requires the evaluation of several aspects. Included in these are: cost benefits, equipment condition, improved length of life, impact of the project on plant operation, and a reduction in hazards. An essential part of the value added is the reduction of the electrical hazards encountered performing the typical tasks called on by the facility while preserving operation.Over the past three years the solutions to extend systems life while improving safety has been fine tuned via several life extension projects in the field. The solution builds on the testing of LVMCC mitigation strategies reducing the hazard to an acceptable level for door open troubleshooting of individual motor starter cubicles published in 2013 through 2017.This paper focuses on the project justification of a tested and engineered solution for an asset management project that cost effectively extends the life of existing LVMCC.