Pro-tip: Preventative maintenance on control cabinets

Pro-tips exist to elevate your skillset. Some of this is fairly easy, but it's nearly impossible to know what you should start with, if you are just getting started. The more customized a job is, the harder it is to standardize.

For example, most equipment comes with a preventative maintenance schedule. Control cabinets usually do not. Hence, you may be required to come up with a "custom" schedule for your maintenance. Where do you start?

The best way is to check the most frequent issues with cabinets. I compiled the following list for you to start. Obviously, tweak this as needed.

First, check the outside.

• Is anything on top of or around the panel? If so, please clean.

• Does the door work?

• Are all devices (lights, buttons) on the front labelled?

• Are push-to-test lights functioning?

• Are al lights the correct color (given your firms standards)?

• Is anything dripping on the panel?

• Are there cracks or dents in the cabinet?

Then, open the door. The following would be typical for all...

• Are all wire covers installed?

• Are all wires labelled?

• Is anything unnecessary stored inside of the panel?

• Are the prints in the panels?

• Is anything dripping inside the panel? Beware of penetrations at the top of the cabinet.

• Check pneumatic and hydraulic lines.

• Is the bottom of the panel clean?

• Is the panel sealed (aside from drip holes or intentionally added vents)?

• Is everything secured? Obviously loose wires or devices need to be tightened.

• Are any breakers tripped?

• Is the panel light working? If not, order a new one.

• Are there any stripped wires that are hanging? If so, protect them with wire nuts.

• Is the door working?

• Are any wires on the door? If so, are they protected?

• Are there any loose conduit entries?

• Is there corrosion? Missing paint?

On a longer time scale, I would recommend...

• Scan all redlines inside the cabinet and update your electronic copies of the drawings. (Obviously, you need to re-print them and return the new ones to the cabinet.)

• Tighten all terminals. (Vibration will shake them loose over time.)

• Replace any exhaust / intake filter media

• Verify there are fuses of the correct flavor and size in the cabinet

• Check if anything is no longer manufactured? If so, make a note to schedule an upgrade.

• Check the power backup system: UPS, battery, etc.

• Take photos of the cabinet. Upload them to your shared drive.

Obviously, these are only basic guidelines. You may want to back up your devices in the cabinets, check for code compliance, note IP addresses, verify logins work, etc. A lot depends on the role of the person doing the PM.