GE AKR-30 Series Maintenance Manual page 168

SECTION 1 - lntroduction
These instructions provide the mai ntenance procedures
and describe the operation of the 800 thru 2000 amp frame
size type AKA low voltage power circuit breakers listed i n
Table 1 .
The proper use, care , and mai ntenance of these break­
ers is a prime safety consideration for the protection of
personr.el, as well as a means of minimizing equi pment
damage when faults occur. Persons who apply, use , and
service these breakers will acquire the knowledge they
need by gai ning the information contained i n these instruc­
tions.
1 . 1 INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
Breakers should be cared for under a systematic mai n­
te nance program. Taking each breaker out of service
periodically for i nspection and maintenance is an excel lent
means of establishing high service reliability. It is good
policy to have one or more spare breakers to install in place
of breakers req ui ring maintenance. Keeping a stock of
recommended renewal parts will insure that maintenance
work can be done quickly.
How freq uently an i ndividual breaker should be i n ­
spected w i l l depend o n the circumstances of its use . I t
would b e well to inspect any breaker at least once a year. If
it is frequently operated, operated under severe load condi­
tions , or i nstalled in an area of high humidity or a dusty,
d i rty atmosphere, i nspections should be more often . I n ­
spections might be monthly under adverse conditions.
Always inspect the breaker after a short-circuit current
has been i nterrupted.
SAF ETY PR ECAUTION
BEFORE INSPECTING OR BEGINNING ANY
MAINTENANCE WORK ON THE BREAKER, IT
MUST BE DISCONNECTED FROM ALL VOLT­
A G E S O UR CES, B O TH PO WER AND CON­
TROL, AND BE IN THE "OPEN" POSITION.
4
A basic i nspection should consist of the following:
a. Visual Check - Look for dirt, grease or other foreign
material on any breaker parts. Check insulati ng su rfaces
for conditions that could degrade i nsulating properties
(cracks, overheating, etc . ) . Also check for loose hardware
and components on the bottom of the breaker compart­
ment. Loose or damaged control wiri n g and similar
problem areas should also be checked .
b. Operation - Observe a few close-open operations
using the operating or mai ntenance handle. If a breaker is
seldom operated such that it remains open or closed for a
period of six months or more, it is recommended that it be
opened and closed several times in succession.
c . I nterlocks - During the O perational check verify the
safety i nterlocks are properly worki ng.
d . Arc Chutes and Contacts - I nspect the condition of
the arc chutes and contacts. Look for excessive burning or
breakage . Check the amount of contact depression or
wipe when the breaker is closed .
e. Accessories - Verify that the various accessories are
working properly.
f. The performance of the solid-state current trip devices
may be checked with a suitable test set. Check elec­
tromechanical devices for positive trip in accordance with
the instructions in their Maintenance M an ual , G E l 86 1 57 .
1 .2 REN EWAL PARTS
The AKA breakers contain a variety of parts and as­
semblies. Many of these are available as replacement
parts when the need arises . See publication G E F 4527,
Renewal Parts, for a complete listing of these parts.