Circuit Breaker Test CHECKLIST
Zensol recommends this list of important points in order to be well prepared to perform tests using a circuit
breaker analyzer. This process will also help you analyze the results more effectively.
A. Before testing (11 points)
Step Description Results
A1 Make of Circuit Breaker
A2 Model of Circuit Breaker
A3 Number of contacts
A4 Circuit Breaker build date
A5 Circuit breaker voltage rating (KV)
A6 Number of breakers similar to the one tested
A7 CB user manual YES NO
A8 Picture of the Circuit breaker YES NO
A9 Do you know where to install the displacement transducer? YES NO
A10 Do you know where to install the accelerometers? YES NO
A11 Do you know where to install the cables? YES NO
B. During the tests (8 points)
Step Description Result
B1 History of interventions on the Circuit Breaker YES NO
B2 Make sure the mounting base to screw the accelerometer is
properly glued
YES NO
B3 Ambient temperature ___ °C
B4 Picture of circuit breaker nameplate YES NO
B5 Overall picture of circuit breaker YES NO
B6 Picture showing location of accelerometer YES NO
B7 Picture showing location of cables and clamps YES NO
B8 Ensure presence and viability of data files for analysis (raw data) YES NO
C. After testing (7 points)
Systematic analysis method
Step Description Result
C1 Perform an Excel export to obtain an overview of the results YES NO
C2 Timing conformity with manufacturers recommendations YES NO
C3 Attempt to associate the impacts with the CB mechanism in order
to identify and locate events in the vibro-acoustic signature
YES NO
C4 With all the elements gathered before and during the tests, we
recommend the following visual analysis:
Timing analysis:
-Verify that the timing is conform with the manufacturer’s
recommendations (excel report)
Motion analysis:
-Verify that the Total travel, over travel, bouncing and average
speed are conform with the manufacturer’s recommendations
Vibration analysis:
- Time between impacts (examine tool)
- Shape (scale tool)
- Amplitudes (examine tool)
Superposing and comparing traces:
- contacts of a CB compared to ones of the same type
C5 Observation and identification of anomalies
C6 Recommendations for future tests
C7 Transfer and share with Zensol the data and pictures. YES NO
EXAMPLE
A. BEFORE TESTING
A1. Make of Circuit Breaker
ABB
A2. Model of Circuit Breaker
HPL
A3. Number of contacts
3
A4. Circuit breaker build date
2005
A5. Circuit breaker voltage rating (kV)
254kV
A6. Number of OLTCs similar to the one tested:
6
A7. CB user manual:
A8. Picture of the Circuit Breaker:
A9. Do you know where to install the displacement transducer?:
A10. Do you know where to install the accelerometer?
A11. Do you know where to install the cables?
DURING THE TESTS
B1. History of interventions on the Circuit Breaker:
YES.
B2. Make sure the mounting base to screw the accelerometer is properly glued:
B3. Ambient temperature:
20 degrees Celsius.
B4. Picture of the circuit breaker nameplate:
B5. Overall picture of the Circuit Breaker
B6. Picture showing location of accelerometer:
B7. Picture showing location of cables:
B8. Ensure presence and viability of data files for analysis (raw data):
Extension: « .wdt »
B. AFTER TESTING
C1. Perform an Excel export to obtain an overview of the results:
Excel export:
C2. Timing conformity with manufacturer recommendations
YES
C3. Attempt to associate the impacts with the CB mechanism:
In this example, the motion
has a bump at the same
time the contact closes.
This means the mechanical
components are affecting
each other.
C4. Suggested analysis:
With all the elements gathered before and during the tests, we recommend the following visual
analysis:
Timing analysis:
-Verify that the timing is conform with the manufacturer’s recommendations (excel report)
Motion analysis:
-Verify that the Total travel, over travel, bouncing and average speed are conform with the
manufacturer’s recommendations
Vibration analysis:
- Time between impacts (examine tool)
- Shape (scale tool)
- Amplitudes (examine tool)
Superposing and comparing traces:
- contacts of a CB compared to ones of the same type
C5. Observation and identification of anomalies:
This example shows an assembly problem after some repairs on a HPL 230KV circuit breaker.
Phase C
Phase B
Phase A
Here you can see the assembly problem.
C6. Recommendations for future tests: Ex:”The impact’s amplitude is very low. It would be preferable to change the location of the
accelerometer for the next tests in order to have higher amplitudes.”
C7. Transfer and share with Zensol the data and pictures:
YES.
Inverted position
Correct position