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

ANSI 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

Power Switchgear Retrofitting: Lessons from ANSI Standards Built on Four Decades of American Experience