School’s Out

PROBLEM:
Failed 3000-amp main breaker caused school to close
Delcastle Vocational Technical High School, the largest school in the New Castle County Vocational Technical School District, was forced to close because a failed 3000-amp main circuit breaker caused a building-wide power outage. An examination showed that the breaker had physically melted on the line side. Although it was just October, the district was forced to use snow days while waiting for power to be restored, and the administration was anxious to reopen as quickly as possible.

SOLUTION:
Quick manufacture of temporary fix, plus permanent retrofit
The electrical contractor called in Penn Panel & Box Company first thing Monday morning because of its ability to manufacture custom components in record time. Penn Panel’s experienced field engineer measured the job and put in the order for temporary bus jumpers that would get the power back on quickly. Thanks to Penn Panel’s fast response time, the school was open again on Thursday.

A permanent solution was designed, engineered, assembled, and shipped less than two weeks later. The breaker manufacturer air freighted the breaker to Penn Panel, and Penn Panel built a retrofitted 3200-amp insulated case circuit breaker that fit perfectly into the existing switchgear, including both line and load side buswork.

The new breaker was installed just days later by the contractor. The entire job was an example of great teamwork between Penn Panel & Box Company, the breaker manufacturer, and the contractor. The final result was a minimum amount of downtime, as well as a long-term solution to the school’s problem.

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© 1999 Penn Panel & Box Company
Willows Ave.
Collingdale, PA 19023-8458
sales@pennpanel.com