Maintaining the Switchboard

1. Vacuum the switchboard interior to remove any dirt or dust deposits. Wipe all bus bars, insulators, cables, and other items with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth.

2. Please refer to Moisture Contamination Avoidance and Mitigation if moisture, condensation build-up, or signs of any previous wetness are discovered.

   NOTICE
   Contamination Hazard Do not use an air hose to blow out the switchboard. Dust can settle inside relays and overcurrent devices, causing overheating and improper operation. Do not allow paint, chemicals, or petroleum-based solvents to contact plastics or insulating materials. Failure to follow these instructions can result in equipment damage.

3. Inspect the switchboard for any signs of overheating. Discoloration and flaking of insulation or metal parts are indications of overheating.

   NOTE: If overheating occurs, be sure that all conditions that caused the overheating have been corrected. Loose or contaminated connections can cause overheating.

4. Check for signs of rodent nesting in the switchboard. If required, use a good exterminating technique in the general area of the switchboard.

   NOTE: Do not place or use exterminating substances and chemicals inside the switchboard. Some products attract rodents.

5. Carefully inspect all devices for any visibly worn-out, cracked, or missing parts.

6. Manually open and close switches and circuit breakers several times to verify they are working properly.

7. Verify that all key interlocks and door interlocking provisions are working properly.

1. Check all bus bar joints and terminal lugs for any pitting, corrosion, or discoloration resulting from high temperatures or subjection to high trip conditions. If any damage has occurred, replace the bus bars or lugs. If cleaning is required, use Lectra-Clean®, or similar type of cleaner.

   NOTE: Do not to apply chemicals while the bus bar joints or terminal lugs are inside the switchboard.

2. Inspect all insulating materials. Before re-energizing the switchboard, replace insulators with any visible damage (such as cracks).

For field maintenance re-lubrication of blade/jaw components in switches 600 V and below, use BG20 High Performance Synthetic Grease from Dow Corning (Schneider Electric catalog number SWLUB). This grease is applicable for the following switches:

• Bolt-Loc

• QMB Main and Branch

• QMJ Branch

• QMQB QMQB switches are available in Canada only.* Main and Branch

For bus/plug-on connections, use electric joint compound, Schneider Electric catalog number PJC7201.

For MasterPacT drawout connections, use only Schneider Electric catalog number S48899 Electric Joint Compound.

Consult the documentation provided by the manufacturer for all installation, operation, and maintenance instructions for these devices.

Refer to the Bolt-Loc switch installation and maintenance manual for complete information (manual is shipped with the switchboard). If the manual is not available, refer to Reference Publications, and contact your local Schneider Electric representative to obtain the appropriate manuals.

1. Exercise the operating mechanism at least once a year to validate proper operation.

2. The Bolt-Loc switch is shipped from the factory properly lubricated. Periodic cleaning and lubrication of the switch is required. The maintenance interval between lubrications depends on factors such as usage and ambient conditions. The maximum recommended maintenance interval is one year for current-carrying parts and five years for operating mechanisms.

   DANGER
   HAZARD OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, EXPLOSION, OR ARC FLASH Always check line and load ends of the fuses for voltage before starting the replacement procedure. The Bolt-Loc switch can be part of a multiple source system in which the fuses can be energized when the Bolt-Loc switch is in the “open” position. Failure to follow these instructions will result in death or serious injury.

3. To replace the fuse:

   1. Open the switch before opening the fuse door (see Type BP Bolt-Loc Fusible Switch).

      Type BP Bolt-Loc Fusible Switch

      
   2. Open the fuse door, releasing the interlock as described in the instructions on the door.
   3. Observe the switch blades to confirm the switch is “open.”
   4. Check the line and load ends of fuses for voltage using a properly rated voltage sensing device. No voltage should be present.

   5. Remove all fuses. Retain the hardware for reuse.

   6. Using a non-abrasive cleaner such as Lectra-Clean, made by CRC, wipe clean the fuse mounting pads on the switch and the terminals of each new fuse. Check the alignment of fuse terminals before installing new fuses.
      NOTE: Take care when using the Lectra-Clean so that it does not inadvertently contact other part.
   7. Install new fuses using the same hardware removed in Step e. Tighten to 21–30 lb-ft. (28–41 N•m).
4. Close the fuse door, and check the fuse door interlock with the switch in the ON position. The fuse doors should not open using normal force.

Refer to the QMB/QMJ/QMQB instruction manual for complete maintenance information. If the instruction manual is not available, refer to Reference Publications of this manual for the appropriate number. Contact your local Schneider Electric representative to obtain the manual.

Check the terminal connections on the ground fault protection system at least once a year for tightness and corrosion. If the system can be tested without tripping the main or branch device, directions for testing the system are in the device manual. Otherwise, testing the ground fault protection system trips the main or branch device to which it is connected. If the ground fault sensor or relay is physically or electrically damaged, replace it.

If the ground fault protection system does not operate properly and additional equipment has been connected to the installation since the last maintenance test/check, de-energize the entire system, and check for grounds on the neutral downstream from the main bonding jumper. If no downstream grounds are detected and the ground fault system is not operating properly, contact Schneider Electric Services at 1-888-778-2733 (US) or 1-800-565-6699 (Canada).

If no additions have been made to the installation and the ground fault protection system does not operate properly, contact Schneider Electric Services at 1-888-778-2733 (US) or 1-800-565-6699 (Canada).

Refer to the ground fault field test instruction manual for additional testing information. If the manual is not available, refer to Reference Publications to obtain the appropriate number. Contact your local Schneider Electric representative to obtain this manual.

Refer to the Schneider Electric thermal monitoring sensors instruction manuals shipped with the switchboard for complete installation and maintenance information. If the instruction manuals are not available, refer to Reference Publications for the appropriate number, or contact your local Schneider Electric representative.