Starter Panel Maintenance on Ships

Dozens of motors are used on board ships for a variety of purposes in both deck and engine departments. Each of these motors has its dedicated starter panel, which is used for the switching purpose i.e. On and Off operations. Like any other machinery system, these motor starter panels also need regular maintenance to ensure smooth motor operation.

What is Starter Panel Routines?

Motor starter panel routines include inspection and maintenance of motor ’s starter panel.

1. Starter panel routines mean inspection and cleaning of contactor ’s (the switch inside the starter panel box controlling the on and off of the motors) contacts.
2. Checking of connections in the starter panel.
3. Cleaning of the complete starter panel.
4. Checks in the terminal box on the motor for loose connections.
5. Visual inspection of overall starter panel.

 

Why Starter Panel Routines and Maintenance are Important?

Every time we switch on the motor, the contacts in the panel get energized as electricity flows through the contacts (high current flows during starting). At the time of on/off of the switch, a spark is generated in the contacts for a fraction of seconds. In case of poor contacts, this spark will damage the same, leading to pitting/scoring marks in the contacts along with carbon deposits on the contact surface.

Safety Measures to be Followed While Starting Motor Starter Panel Routines:

Switch off the main power supply from the circuit breaker.

1. Take out the main fuses in the starter panel, and if required control fuses as well.
2. Put the lock out tag.
3. Inform the engineer who is in charge of that particular machinery.