Apr 17, 2020, 13:50 PM by Paul Wasacz

In response to frequent customer inquiries, below is the long standing guidance from the GE Philadelphia Circuit Breaker Plant regarding operation and maintenance of condensation heaters in switchgear.

Space heaters are provided in all GE Magneblast switchgear equipment in order to keep the inside temperature several degrees higher than that outside. By maintaining a slight temperature differential, the heaters help facilitate drying and prevent condensation and the resulting corrosion and insulation deterioration. Heaters are normally located at the sides of the breaker units, a few inches above the floor. In auxiliary compartments with a single rollout, the heaters will be in a space above the rollout. In auxiliary compartments with two rollouts, the heater will be in a space between the rollouts. Heaters may also be located in superstructure compartments, transition compartments, and in bus ducts.

Heaters should be visually inspected once a year to make sure they are operating properly.

It is recommended that the heaters be energized at all times. Thermostatic control should not be used since it cannot detect humidity and thus the heaters will not operate to prevent condensation in the switchgear.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Paul Wasacz
Program Manager - GE Philadelphia Circuit Breaker & Switchgear
Office 856.241.4737
Cell 203.362.9825
Email Paul.Wasacz@PSCparts.com