How to Handle Low-Voltage Switchgear After Its Expiration Date

After the expiration date of low-voltage switchgear, a comprehensive assessment of the equipment's condition should be conducted. Through systemic fault diagnosis and key factor analysis, a decision should be made regarding whether to continue operation, perform partial upgrades, or replace the entire unit. Equipment "expiration date" does not mean immediate scrapping, but potential risks must be given high priority.

 

Handling Strategies After Expiration

Condition Assessment and Testing

Insulation Testing: Use a megohmmeter to measure the phase-to-phase and phase-to-ground insulation resistance of the main circuit. If it is below 1MΩ, the cause must be identified and addressed.

Temperature Rise Detection: Use an infrared thermal imager to check for abnormal heating at busbar connection points, circuit breaker contacts, etc.

Mechanical Performance Testing: Manually operate the circuit breaker and contactor at least three times to check for flexible opening and closing and for any jamming.

 

Partial Upgrades or Modifications

Replace aging components (such as contacts, coils, and capacitors). Install intelligent monitoring modules to achieve remote data acquisition and early warning.

Optimize the heat dissipation system, such as adding temperature-controlled fans or improving ventilation conditions, to extend the overall lifespan.

Overall Replacement Recommendation: Replacement with a new cabinet is recommended if any of the following conditions occur:

Severe aging of insulation materials, busbar corrosion, or frame deformation; Repeated failures to operate or tripping, with repair costs exceeding the investment in replacement; The original design no longer meets current load requirements or safety standards.