As a proud member of the Professional Electrical Apparatus Recyclers League or PEARL (www.pearl1.org), Oregon Breakers adheres to the strict standards set forth by PEARL for the testing and reconditioning of used electrical material.
We are constantly learning new techniques to help make previously energized material last longer in the field, saving the end user money and reducing downtime. Let us help you extend the life of your material by scheduling an appointment to assess the effectiveness and safety of your electrical gear. We are good at what we do and help make it cost-effective to do it.
Circuit Breaker Testing
Let our talented professionals bench test your breaker to see if it can safely be installed and continue to be in use protecting your equipment, saving you down time and money.
Why Test Breakers?
A common misconception is that a breaker is “working” when the lights are on. In fact, conductivity is just one aspect of a breaker. A standard thermal-magnetic breaker should trip within the manufacturer’s design criteria on an overload (thermal) as well as on a fault or excessive inrush (magnetic). We also check the contact resistance (should be low) and insulation resistance (should be high).
One standard thermal-magnetic breaker requires four (4) distinct tests to determine if it in fact “works.”
Ground Fault Acceptance Testing
Let Oregon Breakers’ PEARL/AVO certified technicians safely and affordably test your new installation, as required by the NEC, and schedule their recommended 3 year maintenance. *Sections 230-95 and 517-17
What is Acceptance Testing?
Acceptance testing helps determine if the installation was performed properly and that all components of the system are operating safely and as designed.
The Purpose of Ground Fault Protection
A low level arcing ground fault can destroy switchgear in fractions of a second, before the main service overcurrent protection can engage. A 480/277v, solidly grounded system has sufficient voltage to maintain an arc between one phase and a ground, but there may not be enough current to cause a large main breaker or fuse to clear the fault quickly. The resulting arc is similar to an electric weld, consuming large amounts of metal in the fractions of a second it takes the breaker or fuse to trip. A properly installed and operating ground fault protection system will detect and clear the fault in milliseconds, fast enough to limit damage to the system. According to NETA, a grounding system cannot be certified unless ALL sub breakers on branch circuits of the same feed, which are GFI equipped and have also been properly tested by a reputable company like Oregon Breakers, inc.