You know tropical climates feature heat, humidity, and heavy tropical rains, which have the potential to damage medium voltage circuit breakers. Moisture can damage insulation and lead to rust and corrosion. Therefore, these climates require extra maintenance and support.
Don’t worry, in this guide, you will learn valuable tips and suggestions for the Maintenance of circuit breaker in harsh tropical climates to avoid expensive repairs and breakdowns. Just stay connected!
1) Key Challenges for Medium Voltage Circuit Breakers in Tropical Environments
MV breakers have the necessary features and components to ensure the safety of an electrical system by providing fault protection and fast interruption. These circuit breakers ensure the safety of electrical power and distribution systems. And, when medium voltage circuit breakers are placed in tropical conditions, they face challenges that put the reliability of the breaker system to the test.
Let us discuss some of the primary tropical challenges.
- Climate and Moisture Ingress
Tropical environments tend to be hot and humid throughout the year. Enclosures that are part of the switchgear are prone to overheating, which will reduce their reliability when it comes to protecting the components from hot, humid air.
Moreover, moisture can cause metal parts to rust, insulation breakdown, and in some cases, even internal short circuits, which will cause the breaker to fail eventually.
- Salty Air-Caused Corrosion
For those who live near the coastline, salty air can be quite the issue. Circuit breakers and their components get covered with the salt particles through the air. So, this makes the corrosion process quicker, particularly on metal surfaces and terminals.
Ultimately, the affected parts cause structural weakness and increased contact resistance, which further results in overheating.
- Sudden Changes of Temperature
In some tropical parts of the world, the temperature can fluctuate the most in the day-to-night period. These constant shifts in temperature can lead to the metal components overheating and then cooling down, leading to expansion and contraction.
Over time, this can cause the components as well as the connections to get stressed and increase the chances of circuit breaker failure or malfunction.
- Intrusion of Bugs and Pests
You might be surprised to find out that small reptiles, insects and rodents can invade breaker panels in tropical areas. The sheltered and warm environment of switchgear enclosures draws these creatures to be drawn to them.
Unfortunately, their presence can damage circuitry, ruin parts responsible for providing the proper airflow, and even give rise to short circuits by touching the live parts.
- Dust and Mold Accumulation
In conjunction with poor ventilation, high humidity is often a catalyst for mold and mildew growth in switchgear enclosures. Apart from this, organic matter and mold trap moisture and may hinder the insulation’s surface resistance. Furthermore, dust, along with moisture, can coat the insulators, increasing the chance of flashovers.
- Severe Rainfall and Flooding
Flooding and severe rain are common in tropical areas. Without drainage, many switchgears installed below ground level are at an immediate risk of equipment damage and electrical faults, creating safety hazards for operators.
- Skipped Remote Inspections
In tropical regions, maintaining an area is hampered by the region’s weather and remoteness. However, the failure to routinely inspect the region can be extremely dangerous. Cracked seals, minor rust, and dirt accumulation are small issues, all of which, if left unaddressed, can become much larger problems.
2) Maintenance Checklist for MV Circuit Breakers in Tropical Climates
Regular Circuit breaker maintenance within the tropics calls for a little more than what is considered standard. High humidity, rainfall, and extreme heat, in addition to salt-laden air, present challenges. Small problems can escalate very quickly. It is for this reason that a well-structured checklist is integral to the safe and reliable operation of the breaker.
a) Examination for Moisture and Leakage Issues
The check starts with the outer cover. Ensure all covers are secured with gaskets in place. Inspect for any signs of water ingress, the presence of rust, damp patches, and even condensation. This is especially critical during the wet season or in the aftermath of severe weather.
b) Inspect for Corrosion on Metal Components
Inspect all metal components such as terminals, latches, and bolts. If there is corrosion, it should be cleaned, and an anti-corrosion treatment should be applied as necessary. For those living near coastal regions where salt-laden air is prevalent, this step is crucial as salt corrosion is more aggressive.
c) Inspect Insulation Resistance
Check the insulation on the internal components of the breaker using a megohmmeter. If the readings are low, the likely reasons could be moisture, dirt, or physical damage. Well, after ensuring all insulation surfaces are clean and dry, retest for confirmation.
d) Remove All Components Dust Thoroughly
Using a dry cloth or vacuum to dust, insects, and mold out of the inner panel. Do not use water or wet cloths, as this increases moisture that could worsen the situation. In regions with high humidity, this needs to be done more often than normal.
e) Check Air Filters and Breaker Ventilation Systems
If there are ventilation fans or air filters as part of the breaker, ensure that they are clean and properly functioning. Moreover, filters that are blocked can lead to moisture getting trapped, which can lead to overheating. So, filters that are worn or moldy should be replaced immediately.
f) Inspect Seals and Gaskets
Rubber seals and gaskets are prone to drying, cracking, and shrinking over time, especially in hot, humid conditions. Damaged seals allow moisture to enter. Replace worn seals to maintain an airtight enclosure.
g) Tighten Loose Connections
Electrical connections in tropical regions are prone to becoming slack due to temperature fluctuations. Therefore, it is important to examine every terminal and contact point by using a torque wrench.
h) Operate the Breaker Mechanism Manually
To allow for proper shifting, do a manual operation of the breaker. In case you observe any stiffness, sounds, or delays in execution, lubricate the mechanism appropriately to avert future mechanical failures.
i) Record and Review Maintenance Logs
Identify and document what activities were carried out, what components were serviced, and any irregular or unusual signs during the evaluation. And, proper documentation assists in the diagnosis of persistent problems.
j) Schedule Preventive Maintenance Quarterly
For tropical regions, yearly inspections are of no value. Aim for at least every three months for inspection. Increased frequency of inspection translates to lower chances of sudden failures while increasing the lifespan of your equipment.
Following this checklist will ensure healthy air circuit breaker servicing even in the harshest tropical conditions. In the next section, we will demonstrate how Eberry MV Breakers are designed to operate effectively under such conditions.
3) Eberry MV Breakers: Built for Harsh Environments
Not all medium voltage circuit breakers are configured with extreme weather in mind. In tropical areas, where the equipment is subjected to extreme heat, high humidity, salty winds, and torrential rains, tough breakers are needed. This is the distinguishing characteristic of Eberry Electric.
Eberry Electric is known for the manufacture of VCB (vacuum circuit breaker), switchgear, and other important electrical components. The company is well-regarded for electric products, which are engineered to withstand even the harshest conditions.
- Designed with the Tropics in Mind
Eberry MV breakers are specifically meant to withstand the tropical challenges. From strong enclosures to moisture-resistant components, each part is designed to perform. These breakers not only operate as intended under nominal conditions, but also when subjected to high humidity, drastic temperature swings, and corrosive airborne salt.
All Eberry units undergo quality control during production. The company maintains ISO 9001 and CE regulations, which certify that the product has been tested and is compliant with international standards in performance and safety. And this is important for users in coastal regions where salt and humidity tend to ruin conventional equipment.
- Robust Sealing Technology
Moisture comes in through unsealed and unprotected switchgear. This is the reason Eberry breakers are provided with enclosures that come with IP ratings. They protect against both water and dust ingress. Well, these breakers are also protected against high humidity and rain. Weather-resistant gaskets and anti-corrosion coatings also add to the protective factors.
- Strong Mechanical Operation
Eberry MV circuit breakers undergo intensive testing for reliability with thousands of operations. Their mechanisms are designed to be resilient to hot and humid temperatures over long periods. You won’t need to think about sluggish motion, rusted components, or sluggish electrical response.
- Best for Coastal Regions or Outdoors
Eberry Electric has products that are designed for outdoor or coastal use. The external casings and internal components are coated with anti-rust coatings and designed to withstand oxidation. This means that your breakers won’t need to be frequently replaced or repaired, even if the site is near the ocean.
- Easier to Service and Built-In Safety Measures
Users in tropical climates benefit from safety features while also enjoying convenience. Thanks to Eberry breakers designed with effortless accessibility, during routine maintenance procedures like cleaning, inspection, and part replacement, technicians do not have to waste time.
Eberry Electric’s medium voltage breakers are built to last in humid inland and coastal regions. You can contact Eberry right now!
In the next section, we will explore practical strategies to improve the longevity of MV breakers in high-humidity areas.
4) Tips to Improve Longevity of MV Breakers in High-Humidity Zones
Although medium voltage circuit breakers are rugged, they are sensitive to high humidity. If you work in tropical or coastal areas, you are familiar with the moisture’s ability to seep into machinery, leading to rust and insulation failure. The best part of this worst-case scenario is that smart MV breakers can last significantly longer even during harsh conditions.
! Avoid installing in low or Prone Areas: Flood-prone areas or low-lying areas should not contain breakers. Breakers should be elevated above ground to ensure proper air circulation. Improved ventilation not only limits condensation but also helps regulate internal temperatures within the enclosure.
! Use Dehumidifiers or Anti-Moisture Packs: Gel packs or small dehumidifiers can be placed inside the switchgear cabinets. These will work to absorb moisture and maintain the dryness of the internal chamber.
This is especially useful during the rainy season and in areas with high constant humidity.
! Use Breakers with the Highest IP Ratings: Use IP-rated MV breakers, as they have high IP ratings. It is advised to use IP54-rated breakers for tropical areas. The IP rating helps determine how well the breaker is sealed from dust and water, which is common in humid environments.
! Use Anti-Corrosion Spray or Coatings: Devices that contain expression metal parts will be damaged first in wet climates. It is advised to use an anti-rust spray or protective coating on open areas. This helps alleviate unwanted corrosion that can lead to hefty replacements later on.
! Clean and Inspect More Often: In the tropics, cleaning and inspection should be more frequent than once or twice a year. Dust, insects, and mold should be removed every two to three months. Additionally, the breakers should be inspected for salt deposits, as all of these, if left unchecked, can create trouble.
! Moving Parts Must be Lubricated Properly: Heat and humidity can hurt lubricants, as they make them dry, or in the best case, make them sticky. To combat this, the right type of grease should be used, and during breaker schedule, all moving parts must be liberally greased.
Install a Canopy or Overhang: If the breaker is installed outdoors, a weather shield or a canopy should be installed. This will cover it from direct sunlight and rain, as well as any falling debris, which minimises moisture as well as temperature.
5) FAQ
1. How often should VCBs be serviced in tropical regions?
Moisture, corrosion, and dust in tropical climates necessitate VCB servicing every 3 to 4 months. Regular servicing will improve reliability and reduce unexpected system failures.
2. What are signs of moisture damage in switchgear?
Preemptive observations include rust, mold, condensation, damp smells, and discoloured insulation. These are symptoms that an enclosure is losing static and moisture ingress is imminent, which, if left unchecked, can lead to electrical or mechanical failure.
3. Are Eberry breakers suitable for coastal zones?
Eberry breakers are specifically designed to withstand coastal conditions. They incorporate anti-corrosion protections, weather-sealed enclosures, and high humidity-resistant components to endure corrosive coastal conditions and weather.
4. What is the recommended IP level for outdoor MV breakers?
For outdoor applications, particularly in tropical or coastal regions, IP54 or higher is recommended. Such a rating protects from dust, rain, and water splashes from all directions.
6) Conclusion
Okay, so, in the tropical regions, medium voltage circuit breakers are subject to extreme climates, but can be well maintained to extend their lifespan. Regular maintenance, protective coverings, and reliable products like Eberry MV breakers go a long way.
Well, protecting equipment from the challenges of extreme heat, humidity, and corrosion helps eliminate expensive failures and ensures smooth operation of the power systems, regardless of the climate challenges.
