Why you should conduct electrical preventive maintenance

Life safety hazardsWhy we do it

Your facility is more likely to burn down because of an

electrical hazard than from any other cause.”― Facility Manager’s Alert, Progressive Business Publications

Nearly two-thirds of all electrical distribution fire losses could have been

prevented.―National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA)

Preventablelosses

A well-administered electrical preventative maintenance program will reduce accidents, save lives, minimize costly breakdowns and unplanned shutdowns of equipment.”―NFPA 70B

Power qualityWhy we do it

Overheating caused by harmonic current is a

threat to public safety because of its potential to cause fires.”―NFPA Journal, National Fire Protection Association

• Harmonic Distortion

• Voltage Transients

• Voltage Sags and/or Surges

• Grounding

• Disruption of Power

• Radio Frequency Interference (RFI)

• Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI)―Edison Electric Institute

Power quality problems

Causes of power quality problems• Natural Phenomena

• Utility Operations

• Customer Operations

• Neighboring Customers

20%

80%

―Edison Electric Institute

Utility costsWhy we do it

Improper torquingThere are an average of 16 hot spots in an average size commercial property.―Edison Electric Institute

Improper torquingA high percentage of these are loose connections.

Improper torquing• However, a high

percentage of these are over-tightened connections!

• Over-tightening leads to more hot spots!―Maintenance Technology Magazine, February, 1998

ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS CAN BE DEFORMED BY OVERTIGHTENING

CORRECTLY TIGHTENED

OVER-TIGHTENED

Power factor correction system capacitor

• Older capacitors rarely still work as designed.

• Many electric utility companies penalize customers for inefficient use of power by charging a “power factor penalty.”

5% Voltage Imbalance =

>125% power consumptionin motors―Electrical Power Research Institute (ERPI)

A 5% phase imbalance can cut the life of a motor by one-half and increase operating costs by $1,200 per year for a 100 hp motor.” ―Electrical Power Research Institute (ERPI)

Business interruptions

Why we do it

Without preventative maintenance, the failure rate of electrical system components is

three times higher.”―Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE)

• What you see on the outside of electrical equipment is also on the inside of the equipment.

• When was the last time your electrical equipment was opened and cleaned?

Dust can be a conductor!

Regular preventive maintenance is the

best protection you have against sudden and costly power outages.”―Plant Services Magazine

Without an EPM (electrical preventive maintenance) program, management assumes a much greater risk of serious electrical failure and its consequences.―NFPA 70B

Asset managementWhy we do it

Asset managementYour electrical distribution system averages

10 – 15%

of facility construction cost

Asset management

Proactive care extends the lift of the equipment and delays costly capital expenditures!

Insurance certification

Why we do it

Insurance certificationEquipment ranked by frequency of loss claims: 1. Electrical equipment (all types)2. Air conditioning and refrigeration3. Boilers, pressure vessels and piping4. Machinery (all types)5. Computer equipment6. Motors (including air conditioning)7. Pumps 8. Telecommunications

Accounts for the most common equipment breakdowns and includes exposures found in every business and organization.Whistle Stop Newsletter, Published by the

Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Co., Hartford, CT, June 2003; HSB Is a leading global equipment breakdown insurer and reinsurer.

Insurance certification• Many insurance

companies and certifying entities require proactive electrical preventive maintenance.

• We will provide you with the necessary compliance certificates.

Manufacturers’ recommendations

Why we do it

“Periodic maintenance on the switchboard includes cleaning, lubrication and exercising component parts. The interval between maintenance checks can vary depending upon the amount of usage and environmental conditions of each

installation. The maximum recommended inspection interval is one year. This definition for periodic maintenance applies throughout this manual unless otherwise noted.”