Power System & Circuit Breaker FAQs

Can we let water-damaged electrical equipment dry out and energize it?

The answer to this is NO! 

PLEASE do not energize your flooded equipment until it has been thoroughly inspected! Your breakers may close just fine, and conduct electricity for a while, but the consequences could be expensive and dangerous.

What is the difference between a Retrofill and/or Retrofit?

The Difference between a RETROFIT and a RETROFILL has to do with how the new components are installed.

A RETROFIT is a means where the new components are introduced without old components modification. Whereas a RETROFILL is when both new and old components must be modified to work together. 

What Causes a Circuit Breaker to Trip?

Circuit breakers trip when there is too much electricity flowing through them or when they can no longer handle the excess current load. Three reasons a circuit breaker trips include ground fault surges, a short circuit, or an overloaded circuit.

Why Retrofit Circuit Breakers?

Retrofit circuit breakers are the implementation of modern components such as primary switching devices, digital protection, or control technology in the existing cubicle. By adding state-of-the-art components to the original equipment the useful life of the breaker is extended.

How often should I maintain my Circuit Breaker?

Low-voltage circuit breakers should be inspected and maintained every 1 to 3 years. depending on their service and operating conditions. A breaker should be inspected and maintained if necessary whenever it has interrupted current at or near its rated capacity. 

Does Coastal Power Systems offer Preventive Maintenance packages?

CPS offers 1 year, 2 year, and 5 year Preventive Maintenance packages specific to individual customers.

How to identify if a circuit breaker trip event has occurred?

  • The breaker has tripped for unidentifiable reasons

  • Breaker has tripped under extreme load or other fault occurrences
  • Soot or Black Marks are noticeable on the top arc chute covers of the breaker
  • Damage has occurred to the breaker or around the breaker

How to maintain a circuit breaker?

Molded case Circuit Breakers should be exercised at least once per year. Routine trip testing should be performed every 3 to 5 years.  Low-voltage Circuit Breakers should be inspected and maintained every 1 to 3 years, depending on their service and operating conditions.

Where are you located?

CPS is located Northwest of Houston, TX address:

1030 S. Persimmon St.

Tomball, Texas 77375

What are your hours of operation?

Our normal office hours are:

M-F 7AM – 5PM

On-Call 24/7

Can you provide Site Surveys?

Yes, we have an associate that we will send out to your location.

Are we capable of providing Field Service?

Yes, please refer to our Certifications and Field Service pages for more information.

Do you handle both New and Obsolete parts?

Yes, we stock both new and obsolete Circuit Breakers, MCC, Switchgear and other Switchgear components.

Do you offer a warranty on your equipment?

All new equipment comes with a factory warranty and most restored equipment comes with an 18-month warranty.

Return Policy

Our policy is a case by case basis, however, a standard re-stocking fee of 25% normally applies.