While traveling through the Southwest, the Vacuum Interrupters team asked a data center customer to talk theory and demonstrate the MAC-TS4 test set, our solution for determining the remaining life in vacuum interrupters.
The customer replied that they didn't have any in-service breakers to test, only spares. "Those breakers are my pride and joy," they said, referring to four GE PowerVac breakers kept on the shelf for a rainy day.
A few minutes later, Chad Mullen had the MAC-TS4 set up and testing underway. With data from thousands of vacuum interrupters from brand-new to end-of-life, we have a clear understanding of what a healthy vacuum interrupter really looks like.
The result? Not what anyone expected from "ready-to-go" spares: Two of the three vacuum interrupters failed on the first breaker.
Surprised, the customer immediately asked us to test all four spare breakers on-site. Only ONE breaker was fit for service.
This is exactly how MAC testing goes far beyond a simple hi-pot pass/fail. It provides real insight into the remaining life of a vacuum interrupter, preferably before equipment is put into service to avoid outages where a "rainy day" turns into a full-blown crisis.
Thankfully, we caught these issues early and helped the customer avoid a major reliability event. We were able to quickly provide vacuum interrupter replacements and support from the local Circuit Breaker Sales service shop. The breaker work was completed nearby, keeping the customer online and operational throughout the whole process.
When was the last time your mains or spares were tested or certified?
Contact us to make sure your "ready-to-go" spares live up to their name.
