Electricity Today T&D Magazine

Developing circuit breaker lubrication procedures

BY RICK YOUNGBLOOD, Doble Engineering Company

Circuit breaker analyzers are used to determine operating speeds and velocity. This information enables the tester to determine if a breaker is safe to place back into service. The data recorded by a test set allows technicians to measure the time it takes from the moment the trip or close button is activated until the breaker closes or opens fully. This is an electrical testing method to determine the mechanical health of the operating mechanism used to open and close the current carrying contacts. Subsequently, the results can be compared to the manufacturer’s design specifications.

As with any load interruption device, contact speed is paramount. However, most companies spend the majority of their time and money to ensure the contact resistance and interrupting media quality meets specification, but fail at the most basic of maintenance tasks that contributes the...