Eaton Provides a Wide Range of Solutions for SPB Breaker Problems.

These solutions range from being a supplier of new genuine OEM parts and accessories for breaker maintenance, to factory authorized service, to being a supplier of new SPB Breakers, and all points in between. Finding the right solution is easy provided the right questions are asked.

All of the SPB solutions can be placed in two broad categories - maintenance solutions (maintenance of older, pre-existing technologies) vs. upgrade solutions (upgrades to the latest technologies).

Maintenance solutions include renewal parts and accessories for normal maintenance, Factory Authorized Service and loaner breakers. These solutions are aimed at keeping the older technology breakers in good working order over an extended period of time. And as the description implies, the breakers will be maintained, but they will never exceed the original specifications.

Upgrade solutions for SPB Breakers includes Trip Unit Upgrades. These solutions focus on replacing the older technology tripping systems with the latest technology offerings. The latest technology permits significant improvements to be realized in improved coordination and protection, remote metering and monitoring, network communications and energy management information.

Is the old technology breaker still good enough?
That depends on the answers to the following questions.

1. Can the problem be solved with Renewal Parts?
   Some problems can be solved quickly and simply the installation of replacement parts and accessories. Eaton continues to manufacture new genuine replacement parts and accessories for SPB breakers.
2. Does the breaker reliably perform as expected?
   If the breaker does not perform reliably even when properly maintained or serviced, the mechanism or the entire breaker should be considered for replacement.
3. Does the breaker trip system perform reliably?
   Older SPB breakers used trip systems which are no longer being supported by Eaton. Due to changes in the typical distribution system and the addition of numerous harmonic generating loads, some early vintage electronic trip systems could experience unreliable or inaccurate trip behavior. If this is the case, the trip system should be replaced.
4. Is There a Need for Energy Management?
   Breakers with older technology trip systems could not support the demands of Energy Management. Modern trip systems provide not only improved protection, but energy monitoring, power quality measurement and communications. If any of these are desired, the trip system should be replaced.
5. Are the recommended maintenance intervals being followed?
   There is a tendency to stretch the maintenance interval well beyond the manufacturer’s recommendations. This is dangerous. Some studies have shown that if a circuit breaker is left closed for a period of five to seven years, it may not operate as expected when called upon to do so.

If the answers to the above all indicate that the existing trip system or circuit breaker does not need to be replaced, then the old technology breaker is still good enough, and Maintenance Solutions are recommended:

1. Maintain the breaker at 1 to 2-year intervals using original OEM parts.
2. Use Factory Authorized Service for more extensive repair needs and mechanism replacement.

Eaton can provide loaner breakers to maintain system up time while the maintenance or Factory Authorized Service is being performed.

If any answer to the above questions indicate that the trip system or the circuit breaker should be replaced, then the old technology breaker is no longer good enough, and Upgrade Solutions are recommended.

1. Trip System Retrofit
2. New SPB Breaker

How do you choose the right upgrade solution?

• Does the breaker perform reliably except for the trip system? If "Yes", then a Trip System Retrofit is the preferred solution.
• Does the breaker perform reliably but Energy Management is desired? If "Yes", then a Trip System Retrofit is the still the preferred solution.
• Is breaker reliability an issue and will it require extensive service or repairs? If "Yes", then a New SPB Breaker is the appropriate solution.