Summary
For more than 40 years, retrofitting of medium and low voltage circuit breakers and switchgear has been a popular option within the Americas for extending the useful lifespan of power electrical equipment. Over the past decades, the IEEE has developed a dedicated normative standard, IEEE Std C37.59, which covers many forms of power switchgear conversion. This paper explores the successes and failures that comprise the retrofitting experience within the
Read more Read lessANSI domain and illustrate the best practices to ensure the safety and quality of the retrofit process. By fulfilling the testing requirements of the relevant standards, these retrofits ensure that the switchgear operates safely and reliably for an extended period.
Engineers and decision-makers are encouraged to prioritize retrofit solutions that adhere to stringent quality and testing standards. By doing so, they can achieve significant sustainability gains, extend the lifespan of their systems, and maintain the highest levels of safety for both operators and assets. The economic benefits of retrofitting must be considered. Retrofitting often involves lower initial costs compared to complete replacement, as it leverages existing infrastructure and materials. This cost-effectiveness, combined with the reduced environmental impact and extended lifespan of the switchgear, makes retrofitting an economically viable and sustainable option. By adopting retrofit solutions, organizations can achieve substantial cost savings while contributing to broader sustainability objectives.
The US market has proven the effectiveness of such high-quality retrofits, and adopting similar practices in the IEC world can lead to better performance and longevity of our electrical systems. By adopting retrofit solutions, organizations can achieve substantial cost savings while contributing to broader sustainability objectives. The IEC can gain the advantages of IEEE Std
C37.59 standard and avoid similar pitfalls.
Additional informations
| Publication type | Session Materials |
|---|---|
| Reference | A3_10221_2026 |
| Publication year | |
| Publisher | CIGRE |
| Country | United States of America |
| Study committees | |
| File size | 685 KB |
| Price for non member | 30 € |
| Price for member | 30 € |
Authors
WEBB John - ABB, United States of America; MONTORFARNO Davide - ABB, Italy
Keywords
Retrofit - Conversion - Sustainability - Life Extension - Standards