Electrical equipment is essential for power engineering projects, but it also requires proper maintenance to ensure safety, reliability, and efficiency. In this article, you will learn how to properly maintain electrical equipment by following some basic steps and best practices.
One of the most important steps to maintain electrical equipment is to inspect it regularly for any signs of damage, wear, or malfunction. You should check the condition of wires, cables, connectors, switches, fuses, breakers, transformers, motors, generators, and other components. You should also look for any signs of overheating, corrosion, leakage, or arcing. If you find any problems, you should report them and fix them as soon as possible.
Check electrical cords regularly to make sure they are in good shape. Don’t use too many extension cords. Check for overheating of outlets and switches. Use one heater per outlet. Keep your electrical equipment clean, cool, dry, and tight. Look for wear and tear on the power cords on your electric tools. Clean out the dust from your electric tools.
Prior to the physical inspection of electrical equipment, if possible the power should be disconnected to prevent shock or injury.
Electrical equipment inspection can be key for long term life and early detection. Consider checking/changing filters for electrical cabinets, visual inspection of equipment and connections as well as physical connections with terminals and hardware. Consider use of thermal imaging devices for early detection of heat/arching inside components. Depending on the equipment it might be beneficial to attach monitoring devices for voltage, amperage, and other variables.
I would also like to add that building checklists for routine work is a great practice. And a second set of eyes offers different perspectives.
Another step to maintain electrical equipment is to clean and lubricate it periodically to remove dust, dirt, grease, and other contaminants that can affect its performance and lifespan. You should use a soft cloth, a brush, or a vacuum cleaner to remove any loose debris. You should also use a suitable solvent or cleaner to remove any stains or residues. You should also apply the appropriate lubricant to any moving parts, such as bearings, gears, or fans, to reduce friction and prevent wear.
Use of proper lubrication with PM frequency can prolong life and give early detection of wear, noises, and degradation of lube vs equipment operation. Cleaning old lubrication and reapplying regularly will maintain optimal efficiency for equipment.
A third step to maintain electrical equipment is to test and calibrate it regularly to ensure that it is working properly and accurately. You should use the appropriate instruments and methods to measure the voltage, current, resistance, power, frequency, and other parameters of your electrical equipment. You should also compare the results with the specifications and standards of your equipment. If you find any deviations or errors, you should adjust or correct them accordingly.
A fourth step to maintain electrical equipment is to replace and upgrade it when necessary to avoid failures, breakdowns, or accidents. You should monitor the performance and condition of your electrical equipment and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for replacement or upgrade. You should also consider the age, efficiency, and compatibility of your electrical equipment and compare it with the latest technologies and innovations. You should also dispose of any obsolete or damaged electrical equipment safely and responsibly.
Replacing equipment is normally not in the budget for normal operation but with newer technology and equipment there may be cost savings through efficiency, cycle time, power consumption. Always be open to newer equipment as it becomes available. Analyze data for cost savings and improvement of operations.
A fifth step to maintain electrical equipment is to train and educate yourself and your team on how to use, operate, and maintain it properly and safely. You should follow the instructions and guidelines of your equipment and follow the electrical safety rules and regulations of your workplace. You should also learn from the best practices and lessons learned of other power engineers and share your own experiences and feedback. You should also keep yourself updated on the latest trends and developments in electrical engineering.
A final step to maintain electrical equipment is to document and record all the activities and results of your maintenance process. You should keep a logbook or a database of all the inspections, tests, calibrations, replacements, upgrades, trainings, and educations that you perform on your electrical equipment. You should also record any problems, issues, or incidents that occur during your maintenance process. You should also review and analyze your records regularly to identify any patterns, trends, or areas for improvement.
Use a tag system to communicate others about the equipment. Eg, "qc pass", "qc fail". It will ensure the safety too. This can be done to every equipment that operates using electricity (drill machines, power extension codes etc..)
Maintaining electrical equipment involves a few key steps. Firstly, it's crucial to conduct regular checks on the system. If there are gauges or instruments, make sure to note down their readings during these checks. Secondly, follow the manufacturer's maintenance guidelines diligently. This might include tasks like calibration as outlined in their specifications. Above all, keep detailed records of any problems the equipment encounters. These records are invaluable, providing future users with a clear history of the equipment's issues