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