Circuit breakers require careful inspection and cleaning at least once a year. Before working on circuit breakers, check the applicable technical manual carefully.
Before working on shipboard circuit breakers, obtain the approval of the electrical officer. Be certain to remove all power to the circuit breaker before working on it.
Tag the switch that removes the power to the circuit breaker to ensure that power is not accidentally applied while working on it.
Once approval has been obtained, the incoming power removed, the switch tagged, and the technical manual checked, you may begin to check the circuit breaker.
Manually operate the circuit breaker several times to be sure the operating mechanism works smoothly. Inspect the contacts for pitting caused by arcing or corrosion.
Under normal circumstances, replace the damaged or worn out circuit breaker as an assembly.
Before installing any item that has been reconditioned, ensure the chief engineer or the electrical officer has made a final inspection of the component.
Check the connections at the terminals to be certain the terminals and wiring are tight and free from corrosion.
Check all mounting hardware for tightness and wear.
Check all components for wear.
Clean the circuit breaker completely.
When you have finished working on the circuit breaker, restore power and remove the tag from the switch that applies power to the circuit.
