The Leading Electrical Brand in China
The Leading Electrical Brand in China
Knife switches are relied upon for controlling and isolating electrical loads in demanding industrial environments. Performing proper maintenance and overhauls maximizes knife switch lifespan, reliability, and safety. This guide provides knife switch maintenance best practices.
GRL‘s team possesses extensive experience:
Contact us today to discuss maintaining your old or new knife switches.
Effective knife switch maintenance:
Follow manufacturer maintenance recommendations and intervals.
Inspect knife switches:
Inspections take little time but avoid major problems.
Check knife switches for:
Promptly address any discovered deficiencies.
Preventative maintenance reduces wear and improves reliability.
Use these steps to lubricate knife switch contacts:
Proper lubrication prevents overheating and extends lifespan.
Major overhauls involve:
Overhauls restore outdated switches to likeness of new condition.
Exercise caution:
Working on live knife switches extremely dangerous – take no risks.
Balance safety with preserving historical equipment function.
To rebuild or overhaul a knife switch:
Proper rebuild maintenance restores optimal switch performance.
Q: How often should industrial knife switches be inspected?
A: Monthly for high-cycling applications. Annually for moderate usage. After any issues.
Q: What maintenance should be performed on knife switches?
A: Lubricating contacts, cleaning oxidation, tightening connections, alignment checks.
Q: How do you lubricate knife switch contacts?
A: De-energize, clean faces, apply conductive grease, allow to dry, test operation.
Q: What are signs that a knife switch needs repairs?
A: Overheating, pitted/ burned contacts, loose connections, cracked insulators, difficult operation.
Q: How are high voltage knife switches maintained?
A: Follow strict safety procedures – de-energize, discharge stored power, use proper PPE.
Q: Where can I find replacement knife switch parts?
A: Check the manufacturer and electrical parts suppliers. Refurbished/aftermarket parts may exist.
Q: Is it better to repair or replace old knife switches?
A: Repair if feasible. Replacement recommended if repairs become excessive or safety is compromised.
Q: What safety precautions apply to knife switch maintenance?
A: De-energize, lockout, PPE at minimum. Use insulated tools. Allow capacitors to discharge fully.
Q: What tools are needed to work on knife switches?
A: At minimum screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, gloves. Multimeter helpful.
Q: How do you overhaul a knife switch?
A: Fully disassemble, inspect, clean, lubricate, replace worn parts, reassemble, and test.
Q: Can I retap the wire connection holes on knife switch terminals?
A: Yes, using a thread tap tool. Take care not to overtap – match original thread pitch and depth.
Q: How do you rebuild a knife switch?
A: Disassemble, inspect, thoroughly clean and lubricate parts, replace any worn components, reassemble and test.
Q: How do you safely discharge a capacitor bank before knife switch maintenance?
A: Use properly rated discharge wands and resistors designed for capacitor de-energizing.
Q: How do you troubleshoot issues with knife switch operation?
A: Inspect, check alignments, contact wear, insulation integrity. Measure operating coils.
Q: How can you extend the lifespan of old knife switches?
A: Keep electrical load within ratings. Perform thorough maintenance and overhaul regularly. Upgrade worn parts.
Q: Is regular maintenance required on new knife switches?
A: Yes, even new switches need periodic inspection, lubrication, and adjustment per manufacturer.
Q: How do you properly align knife switch blades?
A: Consult factory diagrams. Adjust blades so contact surfaces mate flush when closed.
Q: What causes pitting and erosion on knife switch contacts?
A: Arcing when switching, waveform irregularities, overloading beyond rating, inadequate lubrication.
Q: How do you safely disconnect power before knife switch maintenance?
A: Open upstream breaker/switches and verify de-energization at the knife switch terminals before working.
Q: How do you properly store or mothball obsolete knife switches?
A: Clean thoroughly and lubricate contact faces. Store in a clean, dry indoor space to prevent corrosion.
60mm/100mm/185mm/terminal distribution Busbar System
Fuse type disconnect switch
Different kinds of Knife switch
Fuse & Fuse holders