Standard safety practices should be followed during installation, inspection, and maintenance of capacitors. Additionally, there are procedures that are unique to capacitor banks that must be followed to protect field operators and equipment in accordance with the NESC – National Electrical Safety Code.
Safety First, adhering to Standard Practices: Installation, inspection, and maintenance processes must all be strictly followed over the whole lifespan of a capacitor bank. Protecting field workers and equipment requires adherence to pertinent standards like the NFPA 70E and the NESC (National Electrical Safety Code).
Capacitor banks generally require very little maintenance because they are static type of equipment, but don’t be fooled by this statement. Capacitors are well known for their dangerous reaction when something goes wrong. Standard safety practices should be followed during installation, inspection, and maintenance of capacitors.
Conclusion: Proper inspection and maintenance of capacitor banks are essential to ensure their safe and efficient operation. Adhering to industry standards and best practices, along with periodic inspections and measurements, helps identify potential issues early on, reducing the risk of accidents and maximizing the bank's lifespan.
0% to +5% for capacitor banks above 30 MVAr. These are usually HV capacitor units/banks: for capacitor units or banks containing one ±7.5% unit per phase ±5% for capacitor banks less than 30 MVAr ±3% for capacitor banks 30 MVAr and above.
It is essential to adhere to accepted safety procedures and put the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) in place while working with capacitor banks. Conduct a risk assessment before beginning any work on capacitor banks. De-energization and Discharge: