How to Troubleshoot a GE AC Oil-Blast Circuit Breaker

Electrical Arcing

• 1

  Shut off electrical power. Failure to do so can result in electric shock during inspection or repair.

• 2

  Locate the grounding connections on your oil-blast circuit breaker and ensure they are properly connected to the grounding point on the ground. There should also be two grounding terminals that are rated to carry at least one-quarter of the circuit breaker’s current load. Use your wrenches or socket sets to replace any cables that do not meet this rating or are damaged.

• 3

  Check the leads between the oil-blast circuit breaker and the power supply it’s connected to. The leads should be free of any damage, bends or arcing. The carrying cables should not run through any bushings because the vibration can cause tears in the leads. The leads should also be rated to carry the circuit breaker’s maximum operating current. Use your screwdriver to tighten any loose leads.

• 4

  Inspect contacts to see if they need adjustment or are damaged. When the breaker mechanism is operated, the contacts will move through the opening, closing and reopening phases. When the clearances aren’t adjusted properly, the lack of contact won’t provide electrical power for phase operation. You can use the appropriate wrench to adjust the leads as necessary.

Seizing

• 5

  Examine the heaters inside the oil tank. Oil that isn’t properly heated does not have the viscosity to perform its cooling and lubrication functions. Replace any cracked or separated heating elements.

• 6

  Inspect the opening spring assembly and dashpot assembly for complete operation. Look for any broken hardware such as the springs, couplings and washers. Broken hardware can seize the rods. Any interruption prevents oil from entering and leaving the dashpot chamber.

• 7

  Check the screen in the separating vent. It should be free of any clogs.

• 8

  Look at the oil-glass gauge to see the oil level. When levels are low, remove the cap from the outer end of the fill pipe and fill with the circuit breaker oil as approved by the operating manual.