Practical Tips for Keeping Your Electrical Systems Safe and Compliant
Switchgear is the heart of any electrical distribution system, and keeping it in top condition is crucial for safety and reliability. Compliance with standards like BS EN 61439 is essential, but we also understand that practical realities can sometimes make maintenance challenging. Let’s break down what you need to know about inspecting your switchgear—without getting bogged down by too much jargon.
How Often Should You Inspect Switchgear?
The BS EN 61439 standard lays out specific guidelines for how often you should inspect your switchgear. Here are the essentials:
- Routine Visual Inspections (Annually): Every year, give your switchgear a good look-over. Check for obvious issues like wear, damage, or environmental problems. This simple check can prevent bigger, costlier issues down the road.
- Detailed Maintenance Inspections (Every 2 to 4 Years – Guideline): Every 2 to 4 years, do a more thorough inspection. This timeframe is a guideline from BS EN 61439, meant to provide best practices for ensuring safety and reliability. However, the exact frequency should be determined based on the specific conditions, operational demands, and risk assessments of your installation. This involves testing components to ensure they’re all functioning properly. If shutting down the switchgear isn’t an option, use tools like thermal imaging to identify problems without disrupting operations.
Practical Tips for Inspections When Switchgear Stays Energised
We get it—sometimes you can’t just power down a critical system. Here’s how to keep your switchgear safe and compliant, even when it must stay energised:
- Visual Checks
- Physical Damage & Corrosion: Look for visible signs of damage, rust, or overheating. If powering down isn’t possible, tools like thermographic cameras are great for spotting potential problems without taking everything offline.
- Insulation Condition: Look for cracks or other deterioration in the insulation. Using infrared thermography or non-contact testing can help you do this safely without interrupting operations.
- Labels & Warning Signs: Make sure all safety labels are clear and readable. This isn’t just good practice—it’s part of staying compliant with BS EN 61439.
- Mechanical Operation
- Moving Parts: Check switches, circuit breakers, and other moving components. If you can’t operate them directly due to ongoing use, look for signs like loose handles or other abnormalities.
- Interlocks & Safety Mechanisms: Make sure interlocks and safety devices are working properly. If you can’t test them now, schedule checks during planned maintenance to minimise disruption.
- Electrical Testing
- Insulation Resistance: Measure insulation resistance to catch any weaknesses. If shutting down isn’t an option, consider using partial discharge monitoring to verify insulation health.
- Contact Resistance: Test connections to ensure they have minimal resistance. If possible, schedule these tests during planned downtimes.
- Protective Relays & Trip Units: Make sure protective devices will kick in when needed. Ideally, these tests should happen during planned maintenance when it’s safe to power down.
- Environmental Conditions
- Cleanliness: Keep the switchgear area clean and dry. Dust and moisture can lead to serious problems, so make sure any protective barriers or ventilation are doing their job.
- Moisture Ingress: Look for signs of moisture that could compromise insulation. Moisture detection devices can help keep an eye on things without the need for manual inspections.
- Ancillary Equipment
- Control Circuits, Meters, and Protective Devices: Regularly check auxiliary systems to make sure everything is functioning properly. If you can’t power down, consider using remote monitoring systems to catch abnormalities.
- Heating & Cooling Systems: Heating and cooling systems are crucial for regulating conditions around your switchgear. Remote monitoring is a great way to ensure these systems are working without manual checks.
Why Regular Inspections Matter
Routine inspections aren’t just about ticking a box—they help you catch issues before they lead to expensive downtime or unsafe conditions. Electrical switchgear is often under stress, and wear is inevitable. By keeping up with inspections, even when things are operational, you ensure your system runs safely, efficiently, and stays compliant with standards like BS EN 61439.
Wrapping up.
Keeping your switchgear in shape isn’t just good practice—it’s part of meeting legal obligations under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. These regulations require that electrical systems are maintained to prevent danger, ensuring workplace safety.
While BS EN 61439 provides guidelines for best practices, adhering to these standards helps fulfill the legal requirements set by the Electricity at Work Regulations.
By following these guidelines, you’re not only keeping your system reliable but also protecting your staff and your operations. Regular maintenance doesn’t have to be a hassle, and with a little planning, you can keep everything running smoothly and stay compliant.
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this site is for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current regulations or standards. Legislation, industry guidelines, and best practices can change over time, and it is the user’s responsibility to research and ensure compliance with the latest requirements for their specific situation. Always consult a qualified professional for advice tailored to your project or application.
