Power can be tested for control and maintenance

18th January 2017

Caroline Hayes

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Engineers can save time and target maintenane, by testing and configure circuit breakers from a PC via a USB port using the Power Xpert Release (PXR) from Eaton.

It is integrated into the company’s IZMX air circuit breakers and allows users to interact with the trip unit and store test data, to improve control and maintenance regimes.
High current circuit breakers, typically used in high power distribution systems in industry, are configured and periodically tested by end users to ensure reliable operation in the case of over-currents, and prevent expensive downtime. Power Expert Release allows engineers to simulate short circuits and overloads using the company’s Power Xpert Protection Manager (PXPM) software tool, which can be downloaded free-of-charge.

Previously, test data had to be written down, but the upgraded software can generate a three-page test report with date/time stamp, customised information, individual settings/ tripping curves and secondary injection test result, which can be generated and stored electronically in a pdf. According to the company, this significantly reduces test time and makes it easier to carry out maintenance.
The PXR technology presently supports testing and configuration of the company’s IZMX air circuit breakers, and will be integrated into all of its moulded case circuit breaker ranges and medium voltage circuit breakers the company has announced. Testers no longer require specialised test tools thanks to the integrated secondary injection test hardware.
New features of PXR technology-equipped IZMX devices include the ability to capture current and optional voltage waveforms along with minimum and maximum values for the phase and neutral conductors. The waveform can indicate the overall quality caused by harmonics, while metering accuracy is now 1%.
The higher resolution dot matrix display is always active, constantly displaying the status of zone selectivity (ZSI), battery condition and rated current. All data can be transferred via Modbus, Profibus or Ethernet. A password can be added to avoid unauthorised changes. A QR code has been added for easier identification and to access additional information.