Benefits of Retrofitting and Upgrading of Control Panels

Control Panel Retrofitting And Upgradation

This involves replacement of the old circuits or elements, within the existing system, with a new element.  Typically, a retro fit is carried out on an existing control system which is of good condition and has a considerable time remaining until its end of life.

A sample of retrofitting might be upgrading a feeder MCCB circuit from Four Hundred Ampere Thermal Magnetic MCCB to six hundred thirty Ampere with Electronic Trip.  This would be done for additional load to the building and also provides better electrical co-ordination between control panels.

Another intention for a retrofit can be damaged or worn out circuit breakers or substituting outdated protection or control relays.  Replacing these will mean panels will have better performance and protection.

Basic retrofits pose very little disturbance to site and using a staged retrofit for several circuits permits the user to have higher control of shutdown periods and site allocations.

This service begins with a visit of our team on site to evaluate your needs. We then proceed with the pre-assembling and pre-cabling of your control panels at our facility, after which we install them at your plant.

Benefits of Retrofitting and Upgrading of Control Panels

• Your upgraded and retrofitted system will have more capabilities than it did before.
• Production will overtake your previous benchmarks.
• The equipment will be more reliable than it ever was.
• You can revive on labor expense as the automation can handle more duties than when the system was first built.
• Save energy
• Reduce downtime due to scheduled maintenance
• Report operating data and productivity information in real-time
• Increase reliability
• Troubleshoot problems quickly with detailed diagnostic information

Who Needs Retrofitting and Upgradation?

The average life-span of a building today is around 30 years.  Often, the electrical wiring in a building remains the same even if renovated. This means that many businesses are operating with insufficient electrical support for their modern electrical appliances.  The steady increase of consumer electronic use and energy consumption means that these electrical systems could become easily overloaded.

• Are your computers protected by a dedicated circuit?
• Do your lights flicker?
• Are your breakers constantly tripping?
• Do your fuses blow regularly?
• Whether your panel box makes a crunching noise or not?
• Are your electrical service conductors overheating?
• Are you making additions to your business or do you have new construction?
• Do you need more outlets?
• Did your Insurance require that you make an Upgrade?
• Do you use multiple extension cords?
• Do your electronic devices run on less than full power?
• Do you require a 240v circuit?
• Do you need to add a sub panel?
• Do you need a power surge arrestor?
• Are your outlets two pronged (non-grounded)?
• Is a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) required?
• Do you want an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter?

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, it may be a warning sign that it is time to upgrade or retrofit your electrical panel today.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, fires and explosions accounted for 3% of workplace fatalities in 2007.  Fortunately, many of the dangers associated with older electrical systems can be prevented simply by upgrading or retrofitting the electrical panel.

Upgrading the electrical panel helps to ensure that your electrical system is equipped to meet your energy needs and protect your employees and property.  If you operate in an aged building, CoreSystems can inspect your building’s electrical wiring distribution system to find out what exactly your electrical service panel needs. Upgrading or replacing important components can help prevent electrical emergencies before they occur. Call Mr. Electric today to upgrade or replace your electric panel today!