umichEE
Member
- Location
- San Francisco, CA
I have a lot of early 1980s 5kV gear with motor starters that still operate with the original 1981 fuses for short-circuit protection. While doing motor maintenance, starter maintenance, etc. some folks at the site are pushing to replace the old fuses at a cost of approximately $1500 per starter on the basis that the fuses are "weaker" and could nuisance trip or fail on startup, which would lead to operational delays, etc.
Is there actually value in replacing the fuses? Do fuses really "weaken" over time when they are properly sized and have seen only inrush and normal operating current? I've heard some war stories, but I'm not convinced that spending $1500 per starter across dozens-hundreds of starters is a cost-effective solution. Appreciate any input.
Is there actually value in replacing the fuses? Do fuses really "weaken" over time when they are properly sized and have seen only inrush and normal operating current? I've heard some war stories, but I'm not convinced that spending $1500 per starter across dozens-hundreds of starters is a cost-effective solution. Appreciate any input.