America’s fast-rising energy demands are at an all-time high and establishing a more reliable grid has never been more important. This presentation will educate power plant O&M personnel on the importance of a metal-enclosed electrical bus, a system-critical component from the generator to the main transformer,  carrying the system’s full current. When a failure occurs, the entire energy-producing system shuts down until this critical component and its appendices are repaired or replaced, which can result in a revenue loss of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Many engineers and plant maintenance personnel have limited awareness and experience of bus duct design, required maintenance procedures and frequencies, and best practices for life extension.

The presentation will review case studies from nearly 50 years of Electrical Builders, Inc. (EBI) field findings. Presentation topics will include IEEE industry standards, inspection options (both online and offline), testing requirements, life extension options, trends in predictive maintenance programs, the ramifications of poorly and inadequately maintained bus duct systems, and best practices to avoid failure and extend these system-critical electrical assets.