Electrical system overloads can pose a significant threat to the safety and efficiency of your industrial facility. By recognising the warning signs of an overloaded electrical system, you can take action to prevent potential accidents and minimise disruptions to your operations. Here are four signs that your industrial facility might be experiencing electrical overloads and how an industrial electrician can help.
1. Circuit Breakers Tripping During High-Demand Operations
One of the most noticeable signs of an electrical overload in an industrial setting is when circuit breakers trip during times of high-demand operations, such as when multiple machines are running simultaneously. If you find that your breakers are tripping more often during these periods, it could be an indication of an overloaded electrical system.
How an Industrial Electrician Can Help: An industrial electrician can assess your facility's electrical system, identify the cause of the tripped breakers and recommend solutions to prevent overloads, such as redistributing electrical loads, installing dedicated circuits for high-demand equipment or upgrading your breakers.
2. Overheating Motor Control Centers (MCCs) And Switchgear
Motor Control Centers (MCCs) and switchgear are critical components of an industrial facility's electrical system. If these components are overheating, it could be a symptom of an overloaded electrical system. Overheating can damage your equipment, reduce efficiency and pose a fire risk.
How an Industrial Electrician Can Help: An industrial electrician can perform thermal imaging inspections to identify hotspots in your MCCs and switchgear. They can then address the underlying issues, which may include replacing damaged components, upgrading wiring or improving ventilation around these critical electrical components.
3. Voltage Drops Impacting Equipment Performance
Voltage drops in an industrial facility can indicate an overloaded electrical system. This issue often occurs when the electrical demand exceeds the capacity of your facility's wiring or circuits. If you're experiencing voltage drops that are affecting the performance of your machinery or other electrical equipment, it may be a sign that your electrical system is overloaded.
How an Industrial Electrician Can Help: An industrial electrician can evaluate your facility's power quality and identify the cause of voltage drops. They can then suggest appropriate solutions, such as installing power factor correction equipment, upgrading your electrical infrastructure or redistributing electrical loads to prevent overloads.
4. Frequent Overloads Or Failures Of Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) are commonly used in industrial facilities to control the speed and torque of electric motors. If your VFDs are frequently experiencing overloads or failures, it could be a sign that your electrical system is overloaded, causing excessive current to flow through the drives.
How an Industrial Electrician Can Help: An industrial electrician can examine the VFDs and the connected motors to identify the root cause of overloads or failures. They may recommend solutions such as installing line reactors, installing dedicated circuits for VFD-controlled motors, or implementing a preventive maintenance program to ensure the reliability and efficiency of your VFDs and motors.
Contact an industrial electrician to learn more.