Causes of Aging
@TW: shared topic used in Maintenance Guides:
DOCA0305 (MTZ with Mic Act), DOCA0099 (MTZ with Mic X), LVPED508016
(NT/NW)
Introduction
Switchboards and switchgear age whether they are in operation or not. Aging is due primarily to the influence of the environment and the operating conditions.
Influence of the Environment
A device placed in a given environment is subjected to its effects. The main environmental factors that accelerate device aging are:
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Temperature
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Percent load
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Relative humidity
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Salt environment
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Current harmonics
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Dust
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Corrosive atmosphere
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Vibration
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Operating cycles
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Interrupted currents
The tables in this chapter summarize for each factor:
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Why it is harmful: influence
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How to identify it: appearance
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Impact on operation: consequences