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What are the actives performed during periodic maintenance?
Testing
Recording
Drying
All of these
All of these
Quick Summary: Periodic maintenance includes a comprehensive suite of activities performed at scheduled intervals to ensure the reliability, safety, and operational integrity of electrical equipment. These activities typically encompass testing to verify performance metrics, recording operational data for trend analysis, and drying (or cleaning) to remove moisture and contaminants that lead to insulation degradation.
Periodic maintenance includes a comprehensive suite of activities performed at scheduled intervals to ensure the reliability, safety, and operational integrity of electrical equipment. These activities typically encompass testing to verify performance metrics, recording operational data for trend analysis, and drying (or cleaning) to remove moisture and contaminants that lead to insulation degradation.
Rins=ρAl — Insulation resistance depends on material resistivity ρ, path length l, and cross-sectional area A
DI=R15sR60s — Dielectric Absorption Index used during periodic testing to assess insulation condition
The principle involves preventative monitoring to detect deterioration before it results in a failure. Testing validates electrical health, recording provides a historical log for condition-based maintenance decisions, and drying/cleaning procedures restore the dielectric strength of insulation systems, effectively preventing tracking or flashover caused by environmental pollution.
Testing identifies degradation in insulation, contacts, and mechanical parts.
Recording data creates a baseline for trend analysis, essential for predictive maintenance.
Drying is specific to transformers and switchgear where hygroscopic moisture buildup is a critical failure mode.
Periodic maintenance reduces the Probability of Failure (PoF) over time.
Increases equipment operational lifespan
Reduces unscheduled downtime and catastrophic failures
Requires equipment outage during maintenance windows
Involves labor costs and periodic expert inspection requirements
Power Transformers and Distribution Switchgear
Rotating Machines (Motors/Generators)
High Voltage Cable Insulation Systems
Standard testing includes Insulation Resistance (Megger test), Tan-delta testing, and contact resistance measurement.
Recording is mandated by ISO 9001 and IEEE maintenance standards for traceability.
Drying of insulating oil or windings is vital for high-voltage equipment to maintain dielectric integrity.
D is correct — Periodic maintenance encompasses testing, recording, and drying as essential tasks to ensure sustained system health and reliability.
Always remember that periodic maintenance in power systems is categorized under 'Planned Maintenance'. If testing and recording reveal a specific trend, the maintenance strategy should shift from periodic to condition-based.