Switchboard Audit Conditioning

As switchboards age, it is prudent that a review be undertaken as to their condition and recommendations sought as to possible and practical alternative means to remedy any defects. Given K E Brown's experience in manufacturing and servicing a wide variety of low voltage electrical switchboards the audit and inspection team is well qualified to carry out work of this nature.

The work carried out by the K E Brown team is comprehensive and detailed including consideration of the following:

• The general environment where the switchboard is located including likely exposure to a variety of contaminants such as dust and water that can lead to a general deterioration and failure of the apparatus.
• The general condition of the enclosure housing the switchboard which if able to be penetrated by any number of contaminants may lead to a failure of the internal workings of the switchboard.

• Inspection of the busway and chassis to ensure that continued successful operation can occur noting any contamination that may exist.

• Inspection of the cabling to ensure that the proper support continues to exist noting any missing elements of support and areas of contamination.

• Inspection of the switchgear including the general condition of any motor starters and the general serviceability of the components.

At the conclusion of the report is a general comments section summarizing the audit and inspection work carried out and containing a series of recommendations, if deemed appropriate.

Just as organisations have audit and inspections of a variety of procedures and systems, be they financial or physical, it is important that audit and inspections be carried out on electrical switchboards as well. Switchboard malfunction or failure can be costly to an organization particularly in the area of continuous processing facilities or can result in health and safety exposure to employees and others.