Circuit breaker’s life cycles are dependent on inspections, operations, and maintenance. As technology is evolving, it has become imperative to upgrade the old circuit breakers for efficient functioning. The usage and maintenance of the circuit breakers can be challenging as you would get circuit breakers of various quality. If you are upgrading the circuit breaker at the right time, you can save money plus upgrade its functionality.
There are various myths regarding the obsolete circuit breakers which we still believe, but not anymore! Here, in this article, we have summoned some of the misconceptions attached to circuit breakers. Let’s have a look!
Misconception - Buying a Reconditioned Obsolete Breaker is a Safe option
Even if you are buying reconditioned breakers from the reputed sellers, there will be a risk. As the equipment is not coming from the manufacturer, there are low chances of its authenticity. Moreover, these breakers are not tested as per the endurance and the standards especially when it comes to moulded case breakers. Furthermore, when the electrical surplus equipment does not comply with the original requirement, it would lack the safety measures and other specifications.
Misconception - Replacing the Obsolete Breaker means you have to Replace other Equipment
There are many options when you want to replace the obsolete breaker. If the base is possibly good, the breakers can be replaced directly into it. The retrofit and the direct replacement are great options when you want to attach it with fewer modifications and downtime. When the equipment is for a long time, then its replacement is necessary for the current time. Also, there are instances when the circuit breakers are not placed in a handy location and placing new equipment would be challenging and costly at the same time, thus modernising would be a viable option.
Misconception - Maintenance is Better than Replacing the Obsolete Circuit Breaker
It is not at all true. Maintaining the obsolete breaker when it is not in good condition or has an outdated model, can be an unnecessary investment for you. The money you are saving right now will cause you double cost in the future.
Also, there are times when there is no availability of the spare parts or they can be expensive for you. The more you rely on replacing the spare parts, the more problems you will face in the circuit breaker. For example, if there is a scarcity of square d circuit breakers in your locality, you have to pay eight times more expensive than its actual price. The best option is to replace the breakers with the newer ones.
Things to keep in Mind While Replacing the Obsolete Circuit Breakers
Efficiency of the Breakers
By upgrading to the latest technology, you have to check its reliability. Newer breakers are not just effective, but they have monitoring and connectivity facilities that help in the maintenance process. Moreover, it becomes easy to verify the faults in the system before it turns to be a serious one.
Functionality of the Breakers
The traditional breakers had typically 6 cycles of breakers compared to the modern ones which are 3-cycle. When the cycle is long, it increases the duration of correcting the fault, which ends up exposing the equipment. The equipment rating also helps in testing its functionality. Furthermore, it gives protection from exposure and failures due to arc flashes.
As you have seen above, there are lots of misconceptions about circuit breakers which are not at all true. You must upgrade to the latest devices to reduce the maintenance cost, increase higher performance, and enhance the safety at the same time.
