4. Electrical equipment
Due to small problems in the electrical equipment, the micro-hydro system can end up with fire or
electric shocks. The cost of repairing this is high. The following indicators help to identify possible
electrical faults:
• A deviation from the normal values indicated in the meters of the control panel.
• No excitation of the generator
• Power off (Trip / MCB / Contactor) automatically
• Bad smell
• Overheating
• Fading / melting components
Check meter values on the control panel with normal values
When carrying out maintenance or repair work on electrical equipment always use reliable electric
testers and insulated dry tools.
It is advisable to be familiar with the normal colours and temperatures of the equipment. If an electrical
item has a loose connection, it gets heated and faded. Then the plastic insulating layer gets melted,
emitting a bad smell. In general, as soon as the turbine is stopped after running for a long duration, a
person should be able to touch capacitors, wires and wire connectors, Residual Current Circuit Breakers
(RCCB - Trip Switch), Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB – fuse) and other items without difficulty although
they may be heated to the normal level (the operator should be familiar with the normal temperature).
However, if they are heated to a higher temperature that may be due to the small size of the wires, loose
connections, poor or bad components.
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