Manufacturer: ABB
Original publication date: 27 July 2026
Topic: Switchgear maintenance, asset risk and electrical reliability

ABB has published a new industry perspective calling for facility owners to move from reactive electrical repairs toward planned, documented and condition-informed maintenance. The central argument is simple: switchgear may operate quietly for years, but a failure can interrupt an entire production line, data center, hospital or utility process.

From repair after failure to lifecycle management

ABB recommends treating maintenance as part of the asset-management strategy rather than as an occasional service activity. Original equipment manufacturers can contribute detailed product knowledge, approved procedures, modernization options and a clearer view of component aging across the equipment lifecycle. That information becomes especially important for older assemblies where spare parts, retrofit compatibility and insulation condition may be uncertain.

The article also points to the stronger maintenance expectations introduced by the 2023 edition of NFPA 70B in the United States. It describes formal electrical maintenance programs, documented intervals and equipment-condition considerations as important parts of a defensible reliability and safety program. Requirements remain jurisdiction- and site-specific, so operators should still apply the applicable local standards and manufacturer instructions.

Practical takeaways for switchgear owners

• Maintain an asset register that records equipment type, rating, age, duty and service history.
• Define inspection and test intervals according to condition, environment, criticality and switching duty.
• Use competent personnel and manufacturer-approved procedures for breakers, mechanisms, protection systems and primary connections.
• Plan obsolescence, spares and retrofit paths before a failure creates an emergency.
• Document findings and trends so maintenance decisions are based on evidence rather than elapsed time alone.

Why it matters

Modern switchgear maintenance is moving toward risk-based planning. The useful lesson is not that every task must be outsourced to an OEM, but that equipment-specific knowledge, traceable records and a formal maintenance program can materially improve decisions. Engineers should combine manufacturer guidance with applicable standards, site experience and independent technical judgement.

Source note: This is an independent editorial summary prepared by Learn Switchgear. It is not an official ABB article and contains no sponsored content. Read the original ABB publication.