The Benefits of an Electrical Preventive Maintenance Program

Does your organization have a consistent Electrical Preventive Maintenance (EPM) program in place to keep the facility’s electrical system running efficiently and effectively?

If you answered “yes,” that’s great – keep it up! If you answered “no,” or you’re not quite sure what an EPM program is, here’s what it boils down to: a regular check-up for your electrical system. During each scheduled “appointment,” a professional inspects and tests your facility’s electrical equipment to keep it clean, cool and dry, and ensure that connections are tight.

Electrical equipment failures account for millions of dollars in damage and lost business every year. Ironically, more than two-thirds of electrical system failures can be avoided by a routine EPM program. The failure rate of electrical equipment is three times higher for components that are not part of a scheduled EPM program as compared with those that are. Additionally, a planned EPM program allows you to schedule system outages at times that are convenient to your organization rather than having to correct major problems resulting from an always-untimely failure. An effective program will reduce equipment failure and unplanned down time. The time and effort to establish, implement and maintain an effective program has proven to be well worth the effort.

Frequency: In general, GuideOne recommends that preventive maintenance check-ups be conducted once every three years by a qualified electrician or licensed electrical contractor. Ultimately, though, these activities should be scheduled based on the condition of the equipment, historical information concerning the equipment and the manufacturer’s recommendation.

Some locations may require more frequent maintenance due to the physical environment or the operational nature of the electrical equipment. For example, harsh environments with excessive moisture or dust would warrant a more frequent EPM program. Similarly, consider more frequent programming for equipment that is essential for continued operation.

Recordkeeping: Document all routine maintenance activities and testing reports for trending purposes. Also, track all repair and/or replacement of electrical components. When changes are made to the electrical distribution system, update all applicable drawings and maintenance scheduled to reflect the changes.

Best Practices: Here’s a breakdown of basic checks and inspections to help minimize the most common and frequent problems pertaining to electrical systems. Remember: qualified electricians should perform any required testing, and additional testing and maintenance activities based on a facility’s components and age are required for a complete EPM program.

Electrical equipment rooms should:

Be free of excessive dust and dirt, airborne contaminates, and water or potential sources of water
Not be used for storage
Have limited access for required personnel only
Have adequate lighting

Electrical equipment should be:

Free from signs of moisture contamination
Free of debris on or around the equipment

Minimize heat buildup in electrical apparatus and in equipment rooms by:

Keeping outside surfaces clean
Keeping equipment spaces well-ventilated
Keeping ventilation openings clean and free from obstruction
Changing or cleaning any filters according to the manufacturer’s recommendations
Inspecting seals and gaskets and repairing/replacing as needed

Electrical connections should be:

Inspected for signs of arcing, corrosion and signs of excessive heating
Checked for proper tightness

The Benefits of an Electrical Preventive Maintenance Program

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