Introduction
Even with the best design and equipment, the expected safety and reliability performance of a power system is largely dependent on the quality and capability of its operation and maintenance. Optimizing maintenance and operation often can be the most cost-effective approach in improving system performance.
The phrase "industrial and commercial power systems" covers a broad spectrum. At one end of this spectrum is the large, industrial complex that can justify a staff of highly-skilled and knowledgeable maintenance and operation personnel. At the other end of this spectrum is the small, simple system in which the owner may have little or no electrical expertise.
The objective of this guide is to provide plant engineers with a reference source for the fundamentals of safe and reliable maintenance and operation of industrial and commercial electric power distribution systems. These fundamentals are independent of system size or complexity. The most effective utilization of the information contained in this guide would be its inclusion in a long-term maintenance and operation strategy that is tailored to the individual needs of each power system.
The fundamental elements include
a) Maintenance, operation, and safety considerations in system design;
b) Development of a maintenance and operations strategy to ensure long-term reliability;
c) Development of record-keeping and documentation files;
d) Development and implementation of testing and inspection methods;
e) Development of procedures for auditing maintenance and operation performance;
f) Development of procedures to ensure personnel safety.