Counter for Switchgear

If you use a protection relay which it has this option(for example Sepam), you can see.

Oh, Sepam is used in my last project but I did not know if it has this function. So it is a standard not an option, isn't it?

One thing which never occurred to me before...

When the relay senses a fault and trips the CB, fine, it stores the data and displays on demand. Some clever ones convert it to life left also. (One full short-circuit breaking = 1/3 life gone for example)

What about when the operator trips the CB at rated current ? Does the relay note that too ? And deduct one operation from the life expectancy ?

Perhaps a stupid question, but there it is

I think today's numerical relays can also measure and store the current interrupted apart from the event logging. Thus, may be, a programme is available by mesauring this current interrupted and calculating the residual life. I am equally novice at these micro things.

Join the club!

i don't trust those micro-things !

If i operate a normal MCCB 5000 times on load, i doubt if i will ever know if it can take a short circuit if one came ! Even the ones with the μP relays. Unless i have a SCADA system.

So, what can one do ? i would use a fuse !!!

So, what can one do ?

Assume the typical worst case fault current and just count the breaker operation counter. If the breaker is operating that much there is probably a system design or protection discrimination problem.

i don't trust those micro-things !

They are a useful guide, but a guide none the less.

This is a page of Sepam manual