Do you want your low voltage switchgear cabinet to run stably for a long time? These 7 practical maintenance tips from Gaobo Power Solution will help you reduce faults and extend equipment service life.
 

The low voltage switchgear cabinet is a "heart" device of the power distribution system, and its long-term stable operation is related to the normal production and life of the whole project. However, many users ignore daily maintenance after installation, leading to aging of components, poor contact, and even short-circuit and power outage faults. According to industry data, more than 80% of LV switchgear cabinet failures are caused by improper maintenance. This article summarizes 7 essential and practical maintenance tips combined with Gaobo Power’s on-site maintenance experience, helping you standardize the maintenance process, extend the service life of equipment (more than 20 years) and reduce unplanned power outages.
 

1. Regular Visual Inspection (Daily/Weekly)

Visual inspection is the simplest and most effective preliminary maintenance method, focusing on checking the appearance and basic status of the LV switchgear cabinet, and finding hidden dangers in time.
  • Check whether the cabinet door is closed tightly, the lock is intact, and the sealing strip is not aging (to ensure the IP protection grade is not reduced).
  • Observe the indicator lights, meters and display screens for normal operation, no abnormal flashing or fault codes.
  • Check whether the wiring terminals are loose, the copper bar has no discoloration (overheating will cause copper bar discoloration), and the insulating parts have no cracks or aging.

Low Voltage Switchgear Cabinet

2. Temperature Monitoring (Monthly)

Overheating is the main cause of insulation aging and component damage of LV switchgear cabinet, and temperature monitoring must be included in the regular maintenance process.
  • Use an infrared thermometer to measure the temperature of key parts: busbar connection, circuit breaker, contactor and wiring terminals; the temperature rise shall not exceed 70K (at 40℃ ambient temperature).
  • For intelligent LV switchgear cabinet with real-time temperature monitoring, check the historical temperature data regularly, and alert and handle abnormal temperature rise in time.
  • Clean the dust at the heat dissipation port in time to ensure unobstructed heat dissipation and avoid temperature accumulation inside the cabinet.

 

3. Electrical Performance Test (Quarterly)

Quarterly electrical performance test can verify the working state of the internal components of the LV switchgear cabinet and ensure the normal operation of the electrical system.
  • Test the insulation resistance of the cabinet body and internal components with a megohmmeter; the insulation resistance of the low-voltage system shall not be lower than 0.5MΩ.
  • Check the action reliability of the circuit breaker, contactor and ATS dual power switch: simulate the on/off and switching actions, and ensure no jamming or slow action.
  • Test the protection function (overload, short-circuit, undervoltage) to ensure the protection device can trip accurately when a fault occurs.

 

4. Dust & Moisture Proof (Seasonal/Annual)

Dust and moisture are the "invisible killers" of LV switchgear cabinet, which will cause poor contact and insulation performance reduction, especially in humid and dusty areas.
  • Dust removal: Use a dry air blower (avoid water washing) to clean the dust inside the cabinet, focusing on the gap of components, busbar and heat dissipation fan; do not touch the live parts during operation (power off first).
  • Moisture proof: Install dehumidifiers or moisture-absorbing agents in the cabinet for wet environments; check the anti-corrosion coating of the cabinet body annually, and touch up the paint in time for peeling to prevent rust.

 

5. Component Aging Inspection (Annual)

Key electrical components have a service life, and annual aging inspection can avoid faults caused by component failure.
  • Check the aging degree of fuses, surge protectors (SPD), capacitors and other consumable components; replace them in time if they are damaged or reach the service life.
  • Inspect the insulation sleeve, insulating pad and other insulating parts for cracks, hardening or aging; replace unqualified insulating parts immediately to prevent electric leakage.
  • For the mechanical parts (interlock, slide rail), add lubricating oil appropriately to ensure flexible operation.

LV Switchgear Factory

6. Intelligent System Calibration (Semi-Annual)

For intelligent low voltage switchgear cabinet, the semi-annual calibration of the intelligent system ensures the accuracy of data collection and control.
  • Calibrate the intelligent meters, sensors (current, voltage, temperature) to ensure the collected data is accurate and error-free.
  • Check the communication connection of the intelligent module, test the remote control and data upload functions, and troubleshoot the communication failure (e.g., loose wiring, protocol mismatch) in time.
  • Update the firmware of the intelligent control system regularly according to the manufacturer’s prompt to optimize the system function and fix potential bugs.

 

7. Strictly Abide by Power-Off Operation Norms

All internal maintenance and component replacement of the LV switchgear cabinet must be carried out under complete power off to ensure the personal safety of maintenance personnel.
  • Form a standardized power-off operation process: power off → hang up the "no switching on" sign → check the live state → ground connection → maintenance.
  • Do not carry out maintenance work in bad weather (thunderstorm, heavy rain); avoid live operation of any parts of the LV switchgear cabinet.

 

Daily maintenance is the key to extending the service life of the low voltage switchgear cabinet and ensuring stable operation. By following the above 7 maintenance tips and forming a standardized maintenance system, you can greatly reduce the failure rate of the equipment and avoid economic losses caused by unplanned power outages. Gaobo Power Solution not only provides high-quality Low Voltage Switchgear Cabinet products, but also provides professional on-site maintenance guidance and technical training services for customers. If you have any questions about LV switchgear cabinet maintenance, welcome to consult our technical team!