Alard Electrical Contractors and Engineers - Branch Circuit Breaker Panel

BRANCH CIRCUIT BREAKER PANEL: FUNCTION & MAINTENANCE

A Branch Circuit Breaker Panel is an electrical device, usually wall mounted, which contains circuit breakers. The circuit breakers are mechanical safety/protective devices that, when functioning properly, assure safer distribution of power for the electrical outlets or devices (loads). Branch circuit breaker panels are < 400 amps.

PURPOSE:

The Branch Circuit Breaker Panel is usually supplied from the distribution panel and further divides the power into smaller parts. Branch Circuit Panels are the part of the electrical system that provides the last centrally located protection for the final power run (branch circuit) to the electrical outlets or devices (loads). These panels are located throughout the building to provide protection for the branch circuits.

TYPICAL PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE TASKS:

Typical Energised Maintenance Tasks:

Perform Visual Inspection of Interior
Note National (Or Other Appropriate) Electrical Safety Code Violations/Hazardous Conditions
Check for Proper Grounding
Perform Ultrasonic Testing
Perform Infrared Thermography
Check, Record and Compare Voltage
Check, Record and Compare Current
Check, Record and Compare Harmonic Current
Check, Record and Compare Power Factor
Perform Voltage Drop Test Across Breaker Contacts (When Required)
Clean Exterior of Unit

Recommended Frequency:

Should be inspected annually, all tasks should be performed no less than once every three years (More for older facilities).

NOTE: The listed tasks are representative “samples” only. Actual