Differentiate between preventive maintenance and Breakdown maintenance. Explain general maintenance practices for substation and distribution lines.

Preventive Maintenance vs. Breakdown Maintenance:

1. Preventive Maintenance:

   • Preventive maintenance involves scheduled inspections, tests, and repairs performed on equipment to prevent potential failures or breakdowns.
   • It aims to identify and address issues proactively before they lead to unplanned downtime or equipment failures.
   • Tasks include regular lubrication, cleaning, calibration, and replacement of worn-out components according to manufacturer recommendations or industry standards.
   • Preventive maintenance helps extend the lifespan of equipment, optimize performance, and reduce the risk of costly repairs or replacements.

2. Breakdown Maintenance:

   • Breakdown maintenance, also known as reactive maintenance, involves repairing equipment after it has failed or malfunctioned.
   • It is performed in response to unexpected failures or breakdowns, leading to unplanned downtime and potential production losses.
   • Breakdown maintenance focuses on restoring equipment to operational condition as quickly as possible, often with minimal planning or preparation.
   • While breakdown maintenance may be necessary in emergencies, it is generally less cost-effective and can result in higher repair costs and productivity losses compared to preventive maintenance.

General Maintenance Practices for Substations and Distribution Lines:

1. Visual Inspections: Regular visual inspections of substation equipment and distribution lines are essential to identify signs of damage, wear, or corrosion. Inspections should include checking for loose connections, overheating, leaks, and vegetation encroachment.

2. Cleaning and Lubrication: Keep substation equipment, such as circuit breakers, switches, and busbars, clean and properly lubricated to prevent corrosion and ensure smooth operation. Remove dirt, dust, and debris regularly to maintain equipment integrity.

3. Testing and Calibration: Perform routine testing and calibration of protective relays, meters, and control devices to verify accuracy and reliability. Testing should include insulation resistance, contact resistance, and circuit breaker timing tests to ensure proper functioning.

4. Oil Sampling and Analysis: Regular oil sampling and analysis of transformers and other oil-filled equipment are essential to assess the condition of insulation, detect contaminants, and identify potential issues such as moisture ingress or overheating.

5. Vegetation Management: Maintain vegetation clearance around distribution lines to prevent tree branches or foliage from contacting conductors and causing outages or equipment damage. Regular trimming and vegetation management help minimize the risk of faults and improve system reliability.

6. Grounding and Lightning Protection: Ensure proper grounding and lightning protection measures are in place to dissipate fault currents and protect equipment from lightning strikes. Inspect grounding electrodes, conductors, and surge arresters regularly to maintain effectiveness.

By implementing these general maintenance practices for substations and distribution lines, utilities can ensure the reliable operation of their electrical infrastructure, minimize downtime, and enhance safety and efficiency in power distribution systems.