PANEL DISTRIBUTION PRESERVATION AT SUBSTATION
Preserving distribution panel breakers at substations using Cortec VpCI® (Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitor) is essential to maintain electrical performance, prevent downtime, and extend the service life of LV/MV panels—especially in humid, coastal, or industrial areas where corrosion is a real threat to terminals, contacts, and panel hardware.
⚡🧰 Preservation of Distribution Panel Breakers Using Cortec VpCI at Substations
🔎 Key Components to Protect
- Circuit breakers and electrical contacts
- Copper/aluminum busbars
- Terminal connections and lugs
- Internal wiring & control circuits
- Panel enclosure (steel casing)
- Hinges, locks, and mounting hardware
🛠️ Step-by-Step Preservation Procedure
✅ 1. Safety First: De-energize the Panel
Before starting:
- Power off and isolate the panel
- Follow lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) procedures
✅ 2. Clean Internal and External Surfaces
- Use VpCI-414:
- Non-aggressive water-based cleaner
- Degreases panels, removes salts, dust, and light rust
⚠️ Ensure complete drying before applying inhibitors.
✅ 3. Apply Vapor-Phase Corrosion Inhibitors (VpCI Emitters)
🔹 Use: VpCI-105 or VpCI-111 Emitters
- Mount inside distribution panel near:
- Busbars
- Breaker terminals
- Control blocks
|
Volume Protected |
| VpCI-105 | up to 142 liters (0.14 m³) |
| VpCI-111 | up to 312 liters (0.31 m³) |
Installation Tips:
- Use adhesive backing or zip tie to secure
- Place so airflow reaches all metal parts
- Seal panel door (lightly) to retain vapor
VpCI molecules deposit on all metal surfaces—no residue, safe for electronics.
- Clean & Protect Electrical Contacts
🔹 Use: VpCI-238 Contact Cleaner
- Spray directly onto:
- Breaker terminals
- Relay sockets
- Plug connectors
- Removes moisture and leaves an invisible corrosion-inhibiting film
✅ 5. Coat Panel Enclosure and Hardware
🔹 Use: VpCI-386 (Water-based Coating)
- Apply on:
- Exterior cabinet panels
- Door hinges
- Mounting bolts and metallic bases
For temporary or transport storage, use VpCI-368 (wax-like removable film).
- Storage/Shipping of Spare Panels
- Wrap the entire panel in VpCI-126 Blue Film
- Place VpCI-308 pouch or VpCI-132 foam inside panel before sealing
- Mark the package with preservation date and product info