The Retrofit Process
As oil-filled switchgear, such as the GEC OLX / OLX3 , ages and reaches the end of its product lifecycle, these circuit breakers can become a potential hazard to both switchgear operators and surrounding equipment.
Retrofit Process for GEC OLX3
Client's Existing Unit
Photographs are taken and scanning conducted at client’s premises
These scans are used to develop a 3D model of the existing circuit breaker
P&B use the millimetre accurate scan of the existing unit to create a 3D model of their retrofit design to match all key connection points
P&B use this model as the basis to manufacture their retrofit circuit breaker to fit the client’s existing panel precisely
GFF Power’s Retrofit Switchgear supply partner, P&B, have over 25 years of experience in this field and are considered an international authority when it comes to high quality retrofit circuit breaker design and manufacturing.
P&B’s retrofit designs for the GEC OLX range are all manufactured entirely in house at their facility in Manchester, UK. This gives them total quality control over every build so that they have the highest possible confidence that any model they manufacture will fit the client’s existing panel seamlessly. The result is a unit which can be installed and operational in a matter of hours rather than days, with no need for reconfiguration of panels or changes to high voltage wiring.
P&B’s Retrofit Methodology
This is further aided by P&B’s retrofit methodology, which has been repeatedly analysed and enhanced over the course of the many challenging projects they have taken on. The result is a highly optimised process which utilises the latest technological advances in laser scanning and 3D modelling, allowing P&B to create their millimetre-accurate retrofit circuit breaker designs.
Given the British origins of GEC and the OLX range, it is no surprise that P&B have a sound knowledge of English Electric/GEC circuit breakers and are consistently asked to design and manufacture retrofits for the English Electric OLX range (OLX, OLX2 and OLX3). Their experience with this OEM includes original units designed, manufactured and installed in the UK, Australia and various other parts of the world.
P&B have existing retrofit designs for the following specific models and ratings of English Electric/GEC Switchgear:
Voltage:
3.3kV, 6.6kV, 11kV and 12kV
Current:
400A, 630A, 800A, 1250A and 2000A
Fault rating:
20kA, 25kA, 31.5kA
BIL:
75kV or 95kV
Available English Electric/GEC Models:
OLX, OLX3
P&B’s range is regularly being updated as they rise to new challenges – if you are interested in retrofit options for an English Electric OLX / GEC OLX circuit breaker, please contact us with your requirements to discuss retrofit possibilities.
For more information on the above GEC OLX retrofit solutions, see our main Switchgear Retrofits page.
