Aging Electrical Infrastructure: Challenges and Solutions
Outdated electrical infrastructure can lead to serious problems at your facility. It is important to timely identify and address these issues, as older equipment is more likely to fail and require repairs.
Aging equipment can also reduce the efficiency of your process, causing increased heat losses and decreased accuracy. Let’s explore how this will impact your establishment and your team, and discuss some possible solutions.
Why is aging infrastructure a problem?
Aging electrical equipment has a multifaceted impact on the safety, reliability, efficiency, and viability of your enterprise.
Safety Risks
Unpredictable electrical components can pose a serious threat. As equipment ages, the risk of dangerous failures increases. For example, old capacitors can explode due to hardened electrolyte, and worn wires can cause short circuits.
Without regular inspections and preventive maintenance, the risk of accidents may rise. It is important to remember that even the highest quality equipment has a lifespan.
Downtime
Downtime can mean financial losses for any company. If your equipment is not operational, it will impact your reputation and ability to meet obligations to clients.
Increased Costs
The more frequently your equipment fails, the more money you spend on repairs or replacements. Unexpected costs can ultimately affect your operational and capital budgets.
Reduced Efficiency
The electrical infrastructure is designed to ensure energy efficiency. When equipment fails, you may lose this advantage without even realizing it. This can lead to increased energy costs.
Policy Compliance Issues
Malfunctioning equipment can lead to non-compliance situations. Many industries are required to adhere to various standards. Non-compliance can result in serious fines.
How to Solve the Problem of Aging Infrastructure?
Every company faces issues with aging equipment at some point in time. Here are some tips that may help:
Preventive Maintenance
Regular preventive maintenance helps identify aging equipment and prevent serious issues. This includes inspection, diagnostics, and timely repairs.
Critical Spare Parts Plan
Develop a plan for wires, components, and how to obtain them. Having spare parts on hand will allow you to respond more quickly to any failures.
Conclusion
Aging electrical infrastructure is a serious challenge for many enterprises. Paying attention to prevention and planning can reduce risks and costs, ensuring the safety and efficiency of your operations.