Application Engineering

Please read the Warranty Statement carefully before proceeding with any design or ordering materials or labor.

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This chapter emphasizes the importance of regular maintenance. Because the transfer switch generally operates automatically with no user-intervention, maintenance is often overlooked, leading to eventual deterioration and failure.

Regional codes may require testing to be performed on a regular basis, but frequently this is left to the user’s discretion.

Regular inspection enables faults to be diagnosed before they result in failure. Regular testing ensures that the equipment, which may not be otherwise required to operate, is used under controlled conditions.

The chapter ends by emphasizing the importance of thermography in the early detection of hot-spots caused by loose connections or contacts requiring maintenance.

Requirements and Recommendations:

• Although transfer equipment requires limited maintenance, regular care and testing will improve the reliability of the equipment under power failure conditions.
• Weekly inspection will ensure that indicators are functioning correctly, control switches are in the correct position and that any early signs of malfunction, such as overheating are detected early.
• Monthly testing enables the system to perform in the same manner as it would need to in an emergency. Testing can be initiated automatically, via a time-clock, or manually. The test sequence should be allowed to complete to ensure that all timer functions are performing correctly. Any abnormality should be noted and acted upon. Testing may be subject to regional code requirements.
• Testing allows operators to remain familiar with the function of the equipment and its controls.
• Annual maintenance generally involves secure disconnection of the transfer switch from both normal and back-up supplies. The switch cabinet is cleaned then opened. Following prove-dead testing, the switch contacts are checked for wear and cleaned if necessary. Components and connections are checked for signs of excessive heating and are re-torqued and control wiring checked.
• The transfer switch must be thoroughly tested after annual maintenance.
• Thermography is a valuable aid to diagnosing potential problems with electrical equipment and is most useful if historical data is maintained.

For information regarding your application contact your nearest distributor.

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