L2 TCA Course – e-lesson #6 – Functional Testing & Visual Inspections

This lesson focuses on the importance of thorough visual inspections and functional testing in substation maintenance. The presenter emphasizes the need to carefully examine all visible components, using tools like binoculars to identify even small details that could indicate larger issues. He provides examples of common problems found during inspections, such as oil leaks, battery defects, and animal damage in control cabinets. The lesson also covers the significance of comparing infrared measurements to gage readings, as well as consistent oil sampling techniques. Throughout the presentation, the speaker stresses the risks of complacency and the value of proactive maintenance to prevent unexpected failures. The session concludes with a discussion of the presenter's personal experiences and the importance of maintaining a vigilant, detail-oriented approach to substation inspections.