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Topic: Random tripping problem

User: alan mcneil, Location: Massachusetts

Asked on: Tuesday, August 17, 2004 at 6:30 pm EDT
Answered on: Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 12:49 pm EDT

Question: At our facility we have Westinghouse circuit breakers that were installed about 30 years ago.These breakers have an electronic sensor for instantaneous trip settings, most of the frames are for 600 amp and have a plug in "button" for 600 through 150 amps settings.Lately we have had some of these breakers trip for no APPARENT reason, today a 200 amp breaker tripped.The load on this breaker is only around 70 amps and all the connections are tight, this particular circuit breaker has been tested and calibrated just last month.We have had this problem with other circuit breakers in this same MDP.Code:

Possible Causes



Aging electronics

The electronic sensor may have deteriorated over time, resulting in false trips.


Loose or faulty connections

Even if connections appear tight, subtle issues can arise, causing intermittent trips.

Overheating

Excessive heat can affect the performance of the electronic sensor. Check for any signs of overheating, such as discoloration or charring.


Transient voltage spikes

Sudden power surges can cause the sensor to falsely trip.

Faulty wiring

Damage to the wiring connected to the circuit breaker could cause unexpected trips.


Defective circuit breaker

The circuit breaker itself may have developed a fault.

Troubleshooting Steps

1.

Inspect connections

Visually examine all connections to ensure they are tight and free of corrosion.2.

Test connections

Use a voltmeter or continuity tester to verify the integrity of the connections.3.

Check for overheating

Inspect the circuit breaker and surrounding area for any signs of heat damage.4.

Analyze voltage spikes

Install a voltage monitor to determine if any transient voltage fluctuations are occurring.5.

Examine wiring

Check the wiring connected to the circuit breaker for any damage or loose connections.6.

Replace electronic sensor

If the sensor is suspected to be faulty, consider replacing it with a new one.7.

Replace circuit breaker

If all other troubleshooting steps fail, the circuit breaker may need to be replaced.

Additional Considerations:
Contact Westinghouse or an authorized service provider for professional assistance. Regularly test and maintain the circuit breakers to detect any potential issues early on.* Consider upgrading to newer circuit breakers with more advanced sensing and protection capabilities. Flag for review

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