When upgrading existing installations, one must retrofit the new equipment to cohesively integrate with the existing layout. This allows for the reuse of existing, working equipment, along with incorporating new equipment, and ultimately, reducing costs. It also allows facilities to update or upgrade certain functionalities in their electrical distributions.
However, it is important to realize that the initial installation may have been built years ago and may not have evolved as quickly as local and national electrical codes. In these circumstances, certain upgrades may be necessary to respect the newest code requirements, so it is highly advised to check with electrical experts before undergoing any retrofit project. In this article, we will look into two categories of retrofits: simple and complex retrofits.
The most common retrofit occurrence Bender sees is when an existing installation does not have any ground fault detection or protection, but the end-user or technician decides to add this functionality. There are many reasons for this, including personnel safety concerns or incidents, code requirements, or concerns made during an electrical inspection.
Regardless, the first step is to identify the goals of this retrofit application: which pieces of equipment need ground fault detection? What are the objectives of detecting ground faults? Certain industries and applications will also have their specific code requirements to fulfill, for example, marinas or submersible pumps.
Once the goals are set, you will know what solution for ground fault detection is needed, including its desired setpoint and/or requirements. Bender offers a comprehensive portfolio of solutions for ground fault detection, which includes the LifeGuard® series and MarinaGuard® series.
Render of a typical MarinaGuard installation at a dock.
Commissioning our LifeGuard and MarinaGuard products and the rest of our product portfolio is simple, but Bender also offers commissioning services to support you. We verify all user wiring, including power, CT connections, and tripping operations. We also test the functionality of each ground fault detection component.
Generally, complex retrofits are projects that involve additional functionality, such as Neutral Grounding Resistors and their monitoring, fault location, and system integration (Ethernet, Modbus). Especially if that equipment is to be integrated into an existing switchgear, we recommend reaching out to your local Bender representative. The first goal is to set the objectives of the retrofit. This may include:
As shown above, the scope of the project can vary greatly depending on the goals of the retrofit project. Depending on the complexity, it may be recommended to employ the services of an engineering consulting firm.