Electric Power, Inc.
Most switchgear reaches its end of service life due to the circuit breakers and protective relays within it becoming unreliable. We can greatly extend the service life of most switchgear with circuit breaker overhauls, circuit breaker retrofits, retrofills, and protective relay system modernization.
Circuit Breaker Overhauls
The circuit breaker is disassembled, cleaned and inspected. Parts are recoated and repainted as appropriate. Worn parts are replaced, and the breaker is tested to verify proper mechanical operation and calibrated per supplied coordination study settings.
Circuit Breaker Retrofits
Also, consider replacing some of the breakers in the existing switchgear but with minor down time by allowing us to do circuit breaker retrofits. The overload tripping devices on low voltage breakers are replaced with modern state of the art trip units. In many cases a ground fault anywhere on a 480 volt system will cause the main circuit breaker to trip since ground fault is only required there. Our trip units come with LT, ST, Inst, and GF standard so ground faults are cleared at the feeder breaker level instead of at the main breaker. In addition, modern trip units have communication options so remote monitoring of load and tripping is possible.
Circuit Breaker Retrofills
Electric Power is experienced in designing and constructing custom breaker retrofills. Breaker retrofills not only are cheaper than replacing the entire switchgear but minimize downtime for the customer. Also, the retrofills done by Electric Power Inc. make the switchgear much safer and often reduce the cost of insurance. For questions regarding EPI performing these services please contact our salesman.
Protective Relay Systems
Many protective relay systems use electro-mechanical relays. With age they become less reliable. These can be replaced with modern electronic relays to provide better reliability, extended functionality, remote monitoring and control.
SCADA
Modern switchgear is available with SCADA (System Control and Data Acquisition) systems. With updates to the circuit breakers, relaying and metering in the switchgear, we can add this capability to your existing switchgear. We can bring your switchgear up to today’s standards of functionality and reliability without the downtime required for replacement while saving considerable money compared to replacement. Call EPI to discuss your requirements. Also check out our SCADA page for some examples.
System Modifications
It is often necessary to modify an existing system after it has been approved and partially or completely constructed. It is also quite difficult, at times, to get the source manufacturer to come on site and perform these modifications. EPI can perform small or large pre, during and post construction modifications and generate the revised drawings as well. We will work hand in hand with the on-site company to ensure that what is desired is what is obtained.
