Does the breaker represent an environmental or health hazard?
Older technology breakers used asbestos in the arc chutes. Even older oil breakers used PCP laden oil. If your breaker poses a potential health risk or environmental impact, it should be considered for replacement. • Are the recommended maintenance intervals being followed? There is a tendency to stretch the maintenance interval well beyond the manufacturer’s recommendations. This is dangerous. Some studies have shown that if a circuit breaker is left closed for a period of five to seven years, it may not open if called to do so. • Does the breaker short circuit rating meet or exceed the system capability? The switchgear lineup was no doubt properly applied within its ratings when it was first installed. If the system has grown, and in particular if the incoming transformer has been changed, a new short circuit study must be performed. If the new system capability is now greater than the circuit breaker’s ratings, the circuit breaker must be replaced. (The switchgear lineup must also b
