The average age of the extra-high voltage equipment on the grid is quickly approaching 45 years of age, most with little or no maintenance performed during its lifetime. As it fails or malfunctions, the equipment must either be replaced or “refurbished.”

Frank Alvarez from Commonwealth Edison and Paul “PJ” Catron from Pascor Atlantic will share their experiences in the restoration of 30- to 40-year-old air disconnect switch equipment at the Finepoint Circuit Breaker Test & Maintenance Training Conference in October. The presenters will delve into the advantages of bringing older equipment on systems around the world back to “like-new” condition.

“Refurbishment is a very practical and inexpensive way to insure that this old equipment is able to perform when called upon,” Catron said.

Alvarez, technical standards and support engineer of major substation equipment at ComEd, will provide first-hand testimony of the effectiveness of the process and the dollars that can be saved when choosing refurbishment in lieu of total equipment replacement.

Catron, marketing and customer service manager at Pascor Atlantic, will cover the process, procedure and materials required as well as insights on how to avoid missteps along the way to ensure a smooth run.

ComEd’s Alvarez has more than 35 years experience in the electric utility industry and has held numerous positions such as project manager in charge of engineering initial start-up testing at fossil stations, director of training and safety, manager of protection services, and manager of T&S services.

Catron has been involved with air disconnect switches for over 23 years and worked for Ghould, Brown Boveri, and ABB prior to joining Pascor Atlantic.