Failure contributors of MV electrical equipment and condition assessment program development

Implementation of condition assessment, or condition-based-maintenance involves many disciplines such as failure analysis, on-line diagnostics, diagnostic data interpretation, management and communication, follow-up corrective actions and lastly the program maintenance. One of the difficult areas in the development of a comprehensive condition assessment program is the analysis of the probable contributing causes of failures, and selection of the appropriate on-line diagnostic tools to address the correct failure contributors. The specific failure contributors of the electrical power transmission and distribution equipment are documented in various sources, such as IEEE. This paper illustrates the process of development of a comprehensive condition assessment program for medium voltage switchgear using the statistical data pertaining to the equipment failure contributing causes. Particular attention is given to the selection of specific on-line diagnostic techniques that are available today and that address the specific failure contributors. Presented only briefly is the outage costs and RCM (reliability centered maintenance) concepts, related to a condition assessment program.