PREVENTATIVE BUS DUCT MAINTENANCE SAVES THOUSANDS IN UNPLANNED DOWNTIME COSTS


Posted July 25, 2018 by mohitbat

Bus duct systems are incredibly important in effectively distributing power to switchgear and various loads. Improper maintenance of bus duct systems can lead to problems resulting in catastrophic failures and costly downtime events.

 
Standard Requirements for BusDuct Selection
• Has the correct voltage rating
• Has sufficient current rating
• Has right quantity of conductors (phase, neutral, and ground)
• Has adequate short circuit bracing
• Is totally enclosed
• Has the right duty of protection

Some of the common reasons for bus failure:
• Condensation and outside water intrusion
• Conductor connection integrity
• Dirt/foreign debris
• Damaged gasket/bellows
• Grounding/interference issues
• Improper termination design/installation
• Cracked weld joints

Recommended Maintenance Procedures
The following maintenance procedures and periodical inspection are recommended to ensure a safe operation of busduct system for long terms.

1. Period of Inspection
1.1 An inspection on busduct every once a year or two is recommended. If a busduct is installed in an unfavourable environment such as, High temperature ; High humidity, Dusty or Corrosive atmosphere or such similar environment, a periodical inspection shall be a must.

1.2 In the event of the following unusual conditions, inspection must be carried out immediately in each case:
• After severe earthquake
• After being involved in a fire
• After being exposed to water
• After an electrical fault

2. Maintenance and Routine Inspection
2.1 Inspection on External Appearance
Check whether:-
• If any rust spots visible
• There is any deformation, damage, dirt, etc throughout the length of Busduct.
• There is any dislocation, bending and other abnormality of the connecting covers, hangers and plug-in appliances

2.2 Environmental Inspection
The environment, where the ducts are installed, sometimes changes after its installation. Check if the environment has become hazardous due to water, moisture, high temperature, corrosive gas, high vibration, dust, etc.

2.3 Inspection for Abnormal Heat
An Infra Red Thermography instrument is recommended to detect any abnormal heat and measure the operating temperature of busduct system.

As an option, a thermal indicator can be placed onto the busduct housing. If the temperature rise of the busduct housing exceeds the limit, the colour of the indicator will change. e.g. from white to red colour.

2.4 Inspection on Connection Sections
Check whether:-
• Busduct joint section is securely fastened with joint bolts and both sides of the busduct joint section are held with a pair of leaf springs.
• Leaf springs are almost flat and the pin holes are inserted with snap pins.
• Busduct is supported by vertical spring hangers, vertical hangers, edgewise / flat wise horizontal hangers according to manufacturer’s requirement and recommendation.
• All the connecting parts, such as leaf springs, hangers, busduct joints, joint covers, etc are tight.

2.5 Inspection on Load Condition
After the busduct installation, increase of load is expected. An inspection has to be carried out to ensure that the total connected load does not exceed the rated current of the busduct before the load is increased.

2.6 Measurement of Insulation Resistance
Measure the insulation resistance between each conductor and between conductor and housing. When the measurement is carried out, the electrical loads and connected equipment shall be disconnected.

2.7 Inspection on Rust or Peeling of Paint on Busduct Housing
If there are sign of peeling paint or rust on the busduct housing, cleaning work and touch-up painting are recommended.

The metal housing /enclosure of busduct must not be dismantled by any parties without the official authorization from the manufacturer for any purposes. Any violation or abuse will result the respective party to be responsible for all the consequences and compensation. Furthermore, the manufacturer reserves the right to void the warranty if any proof of violation or any sign of abuse is found.
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Issued By Mohit
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Categories Manufacturing
Tags bus duct manufacturer in telangana , bus duct manufacturers in hyderabad , ht panel manufacturers in andhra pradesh , pcc panel manufacturer in andhra pradesh , synchronizing panels supplier in andhra pradesh
Last Updated July 25, 2018