Moisture Contamination Avoidance and Mitigation

This bulletin provides supplemental instructions for moisture contamination avoidance and mitigation. Please read and follow the instructions in this addendum before performing the instructions in the product manual.

Product Line	Bulletin Number
QED-2 LV Switchboards	80043-055
QED-6 Switchboards	80298-001
Power-Zone™ 4 LV Switchgear	80298-002, 80298-156, 80298-601
Masterclad™ MV Drawout Switchgear	6055-15, 6055-16, 6055-30, 6055-40, 6055-48, 6055-49, 6055-62
VR Circuit Breakers	6055-31, 6055-32, 6055-33, 6055-34, 6055-36, 6055-37, 6055-38, 6055-41, 6055-42, 6055-43, 6055-55, 6055-56, 6055-60, 6055-61, 6055-63, 6055-64
HVL Switchgear	6040-2, 6045-1, 9840-3, 9840-4, 9840-5

Safety Precautions

DANGER
hazard of electric shock, explosion, or arc flash tore the equipment in a clean, dry (including no condensation), well-ventilated area with an ambient temperature of approximately 70°F (21°C). If heaters are furnished in the assembly, energize them from an external source. When energizing heaters from an external source, remove the primary and secondary overcurrent protective devices from the control power transformer. If heaters are not installed in the assembly, and the area is cold and damp, use a temporary heating source within the assembly. A range of 200–250 watts of heat per section is recommended. Avoid greasy, smoky heaters that can deposit carbon on insulation, which could lead to tracking and insulation breakdown. If moisture, condensation, or chemical ingress is observed, do not energize the equipment. If the equipment is already energized, de-energize it immediately. Failure to follow these instructions will result in death or serious injury.

DANGER

hazard of electric shock, explosion, or arc flash

tore the equipment in a clean, dry (including no condensation), well-ventilated area with an ambient temperature of approximately 70°F (21°C).
If heaters are furnished in the assembly, energize them from an external source. When energizing heaters from an external source, remove the primary and secondary overcurrent protective devices from the control power transformer.
If heaters are not installed in the assembly, and the area is cold and damp, use a temporary heating source within the assembly. A range of 200–250 watts of heat per section is recommended.
Avoid greasy, smoky heaters that can deposit carbon on insulation, which could lead to tracking and insulation breakdown.
If moisture, condensation, or chemical ingress is observed, do not energize the equipment. If the equipment is already energized, de-energize it immediately.

Failure to follow these instructions will result in death or serious injury.

WARNING
FIRE HAZARD Remove all flammable material in the vicinity of the heaters, such as packaging, accessories in boxes, and documentation, before energizing the heaters. Failure to follow these instructions can result in death, serious injury, or equipment damage.

Shipping, Receiving, and Storage Requirements

This equipment does not achieve its ratings until it is installed per record/as-built drawings, installed per the instructions contained in this document, and has operational environmental controls with appropriate settings to help mitigate environmental influences. This equipment can also be stored in a climate controlled area that uses both heating and cooling to maintain acceptable environmental conditions. Indoor and outdoor rated equipment is not suitable for outdoor storage.

The equipment should be treated as if it is in storage until it is installed and operational. The storage area should be clean, dry (75% or less relative humidity), and climate controlled with proper ventilation.
To keep the equipment dry, the use of heaters is required in some cases (for example, during seasonal or low periods of electrical loading and equipment de-energization).
- Consult the Engineer of Record for the appropriate environmental control settings or means to mitigate environmental influences.
- If so equipped, ensure that the thermostats and/or humidistats are set to mitigate condensation. A range of 200–250 watts of heat per section is suggested.
- If heaters are being used with the equipment that were not included in the equipment by Schneider Electric, they must be clean and free of debris and grease. Greasy and/or smoky heaters can contaminate electrical insulation and lead to dielectric breakdown and/or tracking.
Shipping packaging is not suitable for and cannot be used by itself for equipment storage unless otherwise indicated on the shipping packaging labeling.
When receiving equipment, the equipment may be at a lower temperature than the ambient air temperature. Allow time for the equipment temperature, including the temperature of internal components, to rise to the ambient air temperature before making openings in or otherwise disturbing the packaging. Condensation can occur on and inside the equipment if warm air contacts cold surfaces of the equipment. Moisture damage can occur, destroying the dielectric capabilities of the equipment and rendering it unusable.
The factory shipping wrap around the equipment on shipping pallets is not suitable for non-enclosed over-the-road transportation that risks exposing the equipment to the elements. The factory shipping wrap around the equipment should remain on the equipment until the equipment is ready to be inspected and stored or inspected and installed. After receiving the equipment and allowing it to acclimate to the environment, remove the packaging and inspect the equipment for damage that may have occurred in transit. If damage is found or suspected, immediately file a claim with the carrier and notify your Schneider Electric representative.
Follow these guidelines every time the equipment is moved to a new storage location or to its final destination.

Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Requirements

This equipment does not achieve its ratings until it is installed per record/as-built drawings, installed per the instructions contained in this document, and has operational environmental controls with appropriate settings to help mitigate environmental influences. This equipment can also be operated in a climate controlled area that uses both heating and cooling to maintain acceptable environmental conditions. Indoor and outdoor rated equipment is not suitable for outdoor storage.

In some cases (such as seasonal electrical loading, de-energized equipment, and standby/alternate power sources), the heat generated by equipment loading is insufficient to prevent condensation and alternate heat sources are required. If environmental controls such as a thermostat or humidistat are used, ensure their settings are sufficient to mitigate condensation and remain operational at all times. Consult the Engineer of Record for the appropriate environmental control settings.

Exposure to Moisture, Chemicals, and Condensation

If liquids such as moisture, chemicals, and condensation contact the electronics, circuit breaker, fuses, bussing, or other electrical components, do not attempt to clean or repair the equipment as this may lead to unrepairable damage. If the equipment is energized, de-energize it. If equipment is not energized, do not energize it. Contact the Schneider Electric Customer Care Center at 888-778-2733.