Air Circuit Breakers (ACBs) are commonly used in low voltage (LV) switchboards and due to their typically passive operation, are often forgotten about until there is a trip or circuit breaker failure leading to a power supply disruption.
This is a real issue as many ACBs that were originally installed in the 1960s, 70s and 80s are still in use today, operating well beyond their intended service life. If poorly maintained, this can result in catastrophic failure placing personnel and assets at severe risk.
The consequence of ACB failure can be financially costly and potentially dangerous to personnel. To help address this issue, NHP provide ‘retro-fit’ solutions which allow end users to modernise their ACBs with minimal downtime. Retrofitting of ACBs offers increased cost savings compared with the replacement of an entire switchboard as the key components of the system can be quickly replaced, leaving the existing copperwork and steelwork intact.
Top 5 Reasons to Retrofit:
- Improve safety and functionality.
- Optimise existing plant.
- Guaranteed spares availability.
- Modernise the protection system.
- Reduce arc flash hazard.
As well as improved safety and functionality, modern ACBs also clear short-circuits much faster than older models. This means that the incident arc energy is correspondingly lower, which in turn, reduces arc flash hazard. On top of this, retrofitting is typically 80 percent cheaper than switchboard replacement with minimum downtime. Advantages of using retrofit kit solutions:
- Proven method of installation.
- Reduced likelihood of an unanticipated problem occurring.
- Easier to determine costs and shut-down time.
- No need to shut-down for prior measurements.
- Work is carried out only from the front of the switchboard.
- Reduced requirement of switchboard shut down during conversions.
- Alterations to busbar work (which may affect the fault rating/clearances of the busbar system) are not needed.
NHP’s ACB retrofit solutions are specifically designed to allow the existing switchboard to remain fundamentally unchanged, with only the obsolete ACB being replaced. Existing busbars and cables remain unaltered, therefore simplifying the installation process and reducing downtime.
The NHP retrofit solution has been designed according to relevant Australian standards and recognised industrial practices, ensuring the controlled removal of ACBs that are obsolete and potentially dangerous. With retrofit and upgrade options available for most brands and models of ACB, NHP can work within your existing switchboard environment to provide a cost effective solution.
Details, www.nhp.com.au for a local agent or Ph: 0800 NHP NHP.
