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MTM switchgear

anbm

Senior Member
Location
TX
Occupation
Designer
When replacing the main, tie and feeder breakers (all draw out CBs) in MTM switchgear with new, same size & retrofitted CB, one CB at a time. Because these are draw out CBs, I assume the electrican wont need to shut down power to the switchgear for this task, correct?
 

jim dungar

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Wisconsin
Occupation
PE (Retired) - Power Systems
When replacing the main, tie and feeder breakers (all draw out CBs) in MTM switchgear with new, same size & retrofitted CB, one CB at a time. Because these are draw out CBs, I assume the electrican wont need to shut down power to the switchgear for this task, correct?
One of the most risky things to do is to rack in/out breakers onto a live bus, especially with old or poorly maintained racking mechanisms.
 
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Might not need a shutdown, but would then need one of those breaker-racking devices (e.g. https://safe-t-rack.com/) and some good PPE. Would also need a Plan B if something goes up the wall, like when a new breaker doesn't fully engage the bus.

Or, just schedule a shutdown for the replacement and get in all the other deferred maintenance at once :) . Planned shutdowns are often cheaper than a failure would be.
 
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