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2022-05

Fault analysis during the use of distribution cabinets

The disadvantages caused by the impact of ambient temperature on low-voltage electrical appliances in distribution cabinets include components such as fuses, AC contactors, residual current devices, capacitors, and measuring instruments. These low-voltage electrical appliances are designed and manufactured according to GB1497 "Basic Standards for Low-Voltage Electrical Appliances," which stipulates the normal operating conditions: the upper limit of ambient air temperature should not exceed 40°C. The average ambient air temperature over 24 hours should not exceed 35°C; the lower limit of ambient air temperature should not be lower than -5°C or -25°C. The distribution cabinets in rural power grid renovation work outdoors, where they are not only exposed to direct sunlight causing high temperatures but also generate heat during operation. Therefore, during the hot summer months, the internal temperature of the cabinet can reach above 60°C, significantly exceeding the environmental temperature limits set for these appliances, leading to failures due to overheating of electrical components inside the distribution cabinet. Failures caused by product quality issues arise during rural power grid renovations due to the large number of required distribution cabinets and short construction periods. The manufacturers of distribution cabinets face urgent demands for low-voltage electrical appliances in large quantities, resulting in a lax approach to product quality. Consequently, some products experience failures shortly after being put into operation. For instance, certain types of AC contactors may fail shortly after the distribution cabinet is commissioned due to burnt-out coil circuits. Failures caused by improper selection of electrical appliances in the distribution cabinet occur because the capacity selection for AC contactors during manufacturing is not very appropriate. Identical capacity AC contactors are used for different outgoing circuits without considering the imbalance of three-phase loads. As a result, some outgoing contactors' current ratings were not upgraded by one level based on normal selection criteria, leading to instances of AC contactor burnout during high-temperature summer operations.

2022-05-29