When it comes to ensuring the dependability and lifespan of electrical power systems, cleanliness is essential in preventive maintenance.
However, ensuring the appropriate maintenance of these systems entails more than a simple wipe-down.
Understanding the proper cleaning methods is important for maintaining their effectiveness and longevity.
In this post, we will look at numerous areas of cleaning procedures for electrical power systems’ preventive maintenance, understanding of the actions that can help preserve your electrical components in good condition.
Initial Considerations
Determine the cleaning procedure to be used by examining the kind of contamination to be eliminated and the time limit for returning the equipment to service.
When cleaning electrical power equipment with liquid solvents or water, provide enough time for it to dry completely.
Before re-energizing equipment, measure the insulating resistance to ensure that it has been adequately reconditioned.
Methods for Cleaning Electrical Equipment
There are several techniques for cleaning electrical equipment, with the most appropriate choice based on criteria such as the type of equipment & the operating environment.
Regardless of the method used, it is essential to adhere to manufacturer specifications, industry standards, & safety regulations while cleaning electrical equipment.
1). Rags & Brushes
Wiping off dirt with clean, dry, lint-free cloth (or) soft brush is usually sufficient if the device is small, the surfaces to be cleaned are accessible, and only dry dirt needs to be removed.
Take care not to damage fragile sections. Rags can readily grab on edges and other sharp items, potentially damaging small plastic (or) moving parts.
When cleaning electrical equipment, avoid using waste towels since lint will attach to the insulation and function as an additional dirt-collecting agent, causing tracking.
Cloth rags must be clean & devoid of oil, grease, & metallic residue.
2). Vacuum Cleaning
A vacuum cleaner with nonmetallic attachments and hoses may remove loose dust, dirt, & particles.
Blowing out equipment using compressed air has the potential to spread contamination & harm insulation.
Equipment enclosures & substation room filters need to be cleaned on a regular basis and replaced if damaged or clogged.
Remove any loose hardware & debris from the enclosures.
Any new or unexpected wear (or) loss of parts following cleaning might be identified during later maintenance.
3). Liquid Solvents & Water
To remove accumulated dirt, oil, (or) grease, you may need a solvent.
Wiping can be done with a rag that has been lightly dampened (but not soaked) with nonflammable solvent.
Solvents for cleaning electrical equipment must be carefully chosen to guarantee compatibility with the materials getting cleaned.
Avoid using liquid cleaners, especially spray cleaners, if specified by the equipment maker.
Residues can cause damage, interfere with electrical (or) mechanical functions, and compromise insulation surfaces.
Before utilizing chemical cleaners, carefully review all material data sheets. When dealing with potentially hazardous solvents, wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as
- Goggles,
- Gloves,
- Aprons, &
- Respirators.
4). Sweeping & Mopping
If cleaning a substation room is essential, use a sweeping compound to reduce the quantity of dirt and dust that becomes airborne.
When mopping, keep the mop bucket as far away from the switchgear as possible to avoid damage from spills.
Safe Compressed Air Methods for Electrical Cleaning
When wiping or vacuuming fails to remove dirt, compressed air blowing may be required.
The use of compressed air must comply with OSHA regulations in 29 CFR 1910.242(b), “Hand and Portable Powered Tools and Other Hand Held Equipment,” which include limiting air pressure for such cleaning to less than 208.85 kPa (30 psi) and providing effective chip guarding & appropriate personal protective equipment.
When working with compressed air, take care not to let particles go airborne, as this can taint insulating surfaces, injure individuals, (or) interfere with the mechanical operation of neighboring equipment.
Compressed air must be dry & directed in such a way that it does not obstruct ventilation ducts or insulating recesses.
If the insulation gets cleaned in place with the compressed air, additional precautions may be required to prevent contamination of neighboring equipment.
To keep debris out, relocate the apparatus to a suitable cleaning place, or cover any exposed equipment before beginning cleaning.
Note: Cleaning using compressed air can be hazardous to personnel & cause equipment to fail (or) malfunction. If compressed air is utilized, workers’ faces and eyes should be protected from flying debris, as well as their lungs from dust inhalation.
1). Dry Ice Blasting
Dry Ice Blasting has been shown to be non-conductive, making it suitable for use on the majority of electrical equipment, including
- Generators,
- Turbines,
- Boilers, &
- Steam Generators.
This cleaning approach also produces fast results because the ice pellets melt on impact & leave no residue.
Sandblasting & high-pressure water cleaning are two traditional cleaning processes that have been shown to be both environmentally hazardous and potentially dangerous to equipment.
Dry Ice Blasting, on the other end, provides a significant option that is both safe and friendly to the environment.
One of the primary benefits of dry ice blasting is the fact that ice pellets sublimate on impact, converting from a solid to a gas without passing through a liquid stage.
As a result, no secondary waste is produced, & there is no requirement for disposal or drying. This makes dry ice blasting an improved beneficial environmental alternative to older procedures.
2). Sandblasting & Shot Blasting
Electrical equipment may require cleaning with nonconductive sandblasting. Shot blasting should be avoided.
Abrasive blasting operations must adhere to OSHA requirements in 29 CFR 1910.94(a), “Occupational Health & Environmental Control — Ventilation.” Protect your face & eyes from abrasives & flying debris, as well as your lungs from dust inhalation, by wearing personal protection equipment.
