Circuit Breaker Test CHECKLIST

Zensol recommends this list of important points in order to be well prepared to perform tests using a circuit

breaker analyzer. This process will also help you analyze the results more effectively.

A. Before testing (11 points)

Step Description Results

A1 Make of Circuit Breaker

A2 Model of Circuit Breaker

A3 Number of contacts

A4 Circuit Breaker build date

A5 Circuit breaker voltage rating (KV)

A6 Number of breakers similar to the one tested

A7 CB user manual YES NO

A8 Picture of the Circuit breaker YES NO

A9 Do you know where to install the displacement transducer? YES NO

A10 Do you know where to install the accelerometers? YES NO

A11 Do you know where to install the cables? YES NO

B. During the tests (8 points)

Step Description Result

B1 History of interventions on the Circuit Breaker YES NO

B2 Make sure the mounting base to screw the accelerometer is

properly glued

YES NO

B3 Ambient temperature ___ °C

B4 Picture of circuit breaker nameplate YES NO

B5 Overall picture of circuit breaker YES NO

B6 Picture showing location of accelerometer YES NO

B7 Picture showing location of cables and clamps YES NO

B8 Ensure presence and viability of data files for analysis (raw data) YES NO

C. After testing (7 points)

Systematic analysis method

Step Description Result

C1 Perform an Excel export to obtain an overview of the results YES NO

C2 Timing conformity with manufacturers recommendations YES NO

C3 Attempt to associate the impacts with the CB mechanism in order

to identify and locate events in the vibro-acoustic signature

YES NO

C4 With all the elements gathered before and during the tests, we

recommend the following visual analysis:

Timing analysis:

-Verify that the timing is conform with the manufacturer’s

recommendations (excel report)

Motion analysis:

-Verify that the Total travel, over travel, bouncing and average

speed are conform with the manufacturer’s recommendations

Vibration analysis:

- Time between impacts (examine tool)

- Shape (scale tool)

- Amplitudes (examine tool)

Superposing and comparing traces:

- contacts of a CB compared to ones of the same type

C5 Observation and identification of anomalies

C6 Recommendations for future tests

C7 Transfer and share with Zensol the data and pictures. YES NO

EXAMPLE

A. BEFORE TESTING

A1. Make of Circuit Breaker

ABB

A2. Model of Circuit Breaker

HPL

A3. Number of contacts

3

A4. Circuit breaker build date

2005

A5. Circuit breaker voltage rating (kV)

254kV

A6. Number of OLTCs similar to the one tested:

6

A7. CB user manual:

A8. Picture of the Circuit Breaker:

A9. Do you know where to install the displacement transducer?:

A10. Do you know where to install the accelerometer?

A11. Do you know where to install the cables?

DURING THE TESTS

B1. History of interventions on the Circuit Breaker:

YES.

B2. Make sure the mounting base to screw the accelerometer is properly glued:

B3. Ambient temperature:

20 degrees Celsius.

B4. Picture of the circuit breaker nameplate:

B5. Overall picture of the Circuit Breaker

B6. Picture showing location of accelerometer:

B7. Picture showing location of cables:

B8. Ensure presence and viability of data files for analysis (raw data):

Extension: « .wdt »

B. AFTER TESTING

C1. Perform an Excel export to obtain an overview of the results:

Excel export:

C2. Timing conformity with manufacturer recommendations

YES

C3. Attempt to associate the impacts with the CB mechanism:

In this example, the motion

has a bump at the same

time the contact closes.

This means the mechanical

components are affecting

each other.

C4. Suggested analysis:

With all the elements gathered before and during the tests, we recommend the following visual

analysis:

Timing analysis:

-Verify that the timing is conform with the manufacturer’s recommendations (excel report)

Motion analysis:

-Verify that the Total travel, over travel, bouncing and average speed are conform with the

manufacturer’s recommendations

Vibration analysis:

- Time between impacts (examine tool)

- Shape (scale tool)

- Amplitudes (examine tool)

Superposing and comparing traces:

- contacts of a CB compared to ones of the same type

C5. Observation and identification of anomalies:

This example shows an assembly problem after some repairs on a HPL 230KV circuit breaker.

Phase C

Phase B

Phase A

Here you can see the assembly problem.

C6. Recommendations for future tests: Ex:”The impact’s amplitude is very low. It would be preferable to change the location of the

accelerometer for the next tests in order to have higher amplitudes.”

C7. Transfer and share with Zensol the data and pictures:

YES.

Inverted position

Correct position