Preparing for the Loss of Essential Services and Restarting Equipment
The Gulf Coast hurricanes focused renewed attention on emergency planning and recovery procedures. This updated article offers information on preparing your business for unexpected events and restarting equipment without causing further damage.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

Got Protection? — Electrical Surge Protection, That Is
Most people think they have adequate surge protection because they’ve installed surge protection devices on their personal computers. But is it really working and is it adequate?
Executive Summary | Full Story 

Providing Non-Stop Power for Critical Electrical Loads
Some critical loads are intolerant of even the briefest interruptions in power flow. There are many ways to provide backup power for times when the public supply goes down. An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) device is important to maintain a smooth transition to that alternate source.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

Power Quality is Important, Here is What You Can Do To Help Protect Your Equipment
Power quality can be affected by voltage surges, power interruptions, voltage reductions and other conditions. When a momentary power loss occurs at home, it can be an irritation. When that same brief interruption occurs in an office, a process line, or production line, the result can be a costly equipment breakdown.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

Infrared Thermography Testing - Going Beyond the Electrical Connection
Infrared thermography has many applications. In addition to detecting problems with electrical connections, this heat-seeking technology can be used to inspect flat roofs, boilers and ovens, and bearings in mechanical equipment. It has even been used to spot damage in the legs of horses.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

Safety Should Be Everybody's Business - Don't Underestimate the Value of Employee Safety
The safety of employees carries greater financial implications than many people might realize. In addition to the emotional impact on the injured person, co-workers and the entire organization, workplace accidents create a ripple effect that can influence immediate and long-term costs.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

An Analysis of International Transformer Failures, Part 1
This article takes a look at international transformer failures, including five-year loss trends as reported by international equipment breakdown insurers.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

An Analysis of International Transformer Failures, Part 2
In Part 2, the author discusses the aging of the worldwide transformer fleet and shares a global perspective as seen by those in the transformer industry.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

Maximize the Service Life of Your Transformers
Every year, Hartford Steam Boiler investigates numerous transformer failures. To help you get reliable and maximum uninterrupted service life of your transformer, we offer comments and recommendations on maintenance
and operation.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

Implementing Electrical Preventive Maintenance — 
A Guide for Business and Industry
Electrical losses continue to top the list as the equipment category with the most premature breakdowns. An effective Electrical Preventive Maintenance (EPM) program will go a long way to help avoid the extra expense, disruptions and lost profits that can result.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

Protecting Digital Control Equipment from Electrical Transient Damage
Modern electronic control devices offer unprecedented functionality and power. But if your electronics are not properly installed and protected from electrical transients, the result can be physical damage, processor resets, and the loss or corruption of data.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

Transformer Oil Testing: Case Studies for Managing the Risk of Electrical Outages
Understanding the condition of equipment is the key to understanding risk. Case studies illustrate how early detection through insulating oil analysis can help avoid costly transformer breakdowns and unscheduled forced outages
Executive Summary | Full Story 

Electrical Preventive Maintenance
Too many people mistakenly think a lack of moving parts means little can go wrong with electrical systems.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

Ammonia Refrigeration in Cold Storage Facilities
For large cold storage facilities, ammonia is the refrigerant of choice. Although reliable, systems can experience leaks and spills. It is important to focus on operator training, pre-emergency planning, and ammonia detection and containment.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

Equipment Operator Activities: How Does Your Preventive Maintenance Program Measure Up?
Equipment operators play a key role in helping to avoid breakdowns. With tight budgets, it’s important to show management that you are making a positive difference. Here is a practical is a guide for a cost-effect maintenance program.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

Transformer Asset Management
Many utilities are beginning to develop their own Life Cycle Transformer Management programs.  A key component is the screening process to prioritize the company’s transformer fleet.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

Cost Benefit Analysis of Power Reliability Strategies
In a previous article, we discussed ways to manage business exposure to electric utility service outages.  But would the benefits to your organization be worth the cost?  Here is a risk analysis model that can help you decide.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

Help Your Air Conditioning System Beat the Heat
This Summer
Condensers are an important part of your air conditioning system. To prevent problems during peak loads this summer, start the cooling season with a clean condenser and high quality lubrication.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

How to Protect Your Organization from Electrical
Power Outages
How can a business help reduce the impact of exposures to electric utility outages? Here are several approaches, including electrical purchase contracts, energy asset outsourcing and various ways to maintain power quality and reliability.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

E-Business Faces Unique Equipment Exposures
E-business locations present unique equipment exposures. You must give careful attention to the operation and maintenance of power supply and equipment cooling.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

Boiler Inspectors Can Help With New Installations or Retrofits
An insurance boiler inspector is concerned with loss prevention and efficient operation of your equipment. If you are installing a new boiler, or retrofitting an existing boiler, include your inspector early in the process.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

Telecommunications Equipment — Advances in Technology Continue to Transform the Industry
Telecommunications equipment technology continues to rapidly expand. Telecom equipment has evolved from a simple device that conveyed voice over modest distances (telephony) to complex media that transfer voice and data worldwide.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

What's the Real Threat To High-Tech Telecom? Heat and Power Problems are the Greatest Risks
Today’s telephone switches are nothing more than expensive computers with sophisticated software. Like any other computer or sensitive electronic equipment, telecommunications electronics are susceptible to damage from heat, electrical disturbances, moisture, and direct physical damage. 
Executive Summary | Full Story 

The Key to Avoiding Costly Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Failures is Proper Maintenance and Effective Protection
The breakdown of hermetic air conditioning and refrigeration equipment continues to be a leading cause of loss for businesses and institutions. To make matters worse, the design and location of equipment drives up the cost of repairs.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

Recommended Accident Prevention Procedures for Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Equipment
Here are some recommended maintenance steps to help improve the operation and reliability of your equipment.
Executive Summary | Full Story

What You Think You Know About Industrial Fire Sprinkler Systems Really Can Hurt You
When properly designed, installed and maintained, fire sprinkler systems are an effective means of protecting people, equipment and property. But mistaken notions about sprinklers keep many businesses from installing necessary equipment.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

Short-Circuit and Protection Coordination Studies
How do you know if a circuit breaker will work when called upon to interrupt an electrical fault or short-circuit? The answer is, you probably don't know for sure. What is needed is a short-circuit/protection coordination study.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

Increasing Transformer Reliability Using Insulating Oil Analysis
Insulating oil analysis is a cost-effective way to increase equipment reliability at a reasonable cost.  Failure rates can be dramatically reduced.  Insulating oil samples can be taken without removing the equipment from service.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

Reducing Spoilage Risks in Perishable Goods Storage
No single step will prevent spoilage in commercial cold storage facilities and supermarkets. It takes regular inspection and the conscientious application of loss prevention measures.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

Proper Boiler Installation Can Help Avoid Expensive Breakdowns
Proper boiler installation can help prevent serious problems. Here are some steps that can help with equipment selection, installation and operation.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

Boiler Operation and Maintenance
Properly functioning control or safety devices are absolutely essential for steam and hot water heating boilers. The only way you can be confident that these devices will work is to regularly perform required maintenance and testing.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

Renewable Fuses: Protection or Self-Deception?
When it comes to renewable fuses, a combination of design factors and a lack of maintenance can lead to a higher than normal risk for equipment damage and fires. Inspection and maintenance procedures are extremely important.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

How Will Your Air Conditioning Perform This Summer?
Take the time to check air conditioning equipment prior to start-up and continue regular maintenance throughout the season. Here are nine tips to help keep your equipment trouble-free.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

When Should You Do Your Next Major Turbine Outage?
Hartford Steam Boiler's risk-based analysis tools combine technical, reliability and financial factors to help you run turbines and generators longer between major outages.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

Keeping the Lights On:
An Action Plan for America's Aging Utility Transformers
The failure rate of America's aging transformers is expected to rise. Can utilities meet the growing demand for electricity? It may take changes in the way utilities operate and maintain their transformers.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

Low Water Cutoffs
Low water conditions are a leading cause of boiler incidents and failures. You can help reduce boiler breakdowns with the proper use and maintenance of low water cutoff devices.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

Installing Fire Protection Systems
The specification, design, installation and testing of fire protection systems need to closely follow accepted industry standards. Here are some tips to help you manage costs, maximize effectiveness and avoid common mistakes.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

The Changing Face of Wind Power
Wind power is growing around the world as technology and reliability improve. It costs less to make and install today's wind turbines. And government subsidies support alternative energy sources.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

Infrared Thermography: Taking the Heat off Faulty Connections
Today's infrared technology is better than ever in spotting problems in electrical systems and equipment. Infrared thermography surveys, when conducted by qualified professionals, can help improve safety, operations and efficiency.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

Trouble In the Sky! Solar Activity May Cause Problems for Utilities
Increased solar activity can damage utility transformers, creating potentially serious problems — even blackouts. But you have easy access to today’s advanced warning tools and can take steps to prevent loss.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

Preparing Diesel Engines
Diesel engines require maintenance if they are to perform as intended. If your business depends on electric power and has a diesel generator for backup, now is the time to review its readiness.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

Loss of Refrigeration - It Could Spoil Your Day
Refrigeration equipment is critical to many businesses. Spoilage is much less likely when you have a plan to help spot problems and handle them fast.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

An Analysis of Transformer Failures, Part 1
Hartford Steam Boiler has studied transformer failures for decades. Among the findings of its most recent 10-year study - regardless of the type of business, transformers may not last as long as many expect.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

An Analysis of Transformer Failures, Part 2
A planned program of maintenance, inspection and testing can significantly reduce the number of transformer failures. Here are some common causes of failure and what you can do to help prevent damage.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

Loss Mitigation Action Plans
Now is the time to review and reinforce your business contingency plans. Thoughtful planning for loss of power, utilities and machinery can pay big dividends when these events occur.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

Preparing for an Electrical Power Outage
Blackout! Your business has lost electrical power. Are you ready with a plan to minimize the risk? Or, is it a scramble, and the lights are out?
Executive Summary | Full Story 

My Chiller Won't Start! Get Ready Now for HVAC Interruptions
Depending on the season, you may not need your chillers for air conditioning or boilers for heating. But a warm spring day or cool autumn morning is not when you want to find out you have a problem.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

STRAP: HSB Offers a New Risk-Based Analysis Tool, Part 1
The latest HSB risk-based analysis Tool -- the Steam Turbine Risk Assessment Program (STRAP) -- is now commercially available.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

STRAP: A New Analysis Tool for Steam Turbine Decision Making, Part 2
Risk is utilized to optimize and prioritize equipment overhaul, maintenance and upgrade decisions.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

Fire Protection Systems in Power Plants
Too often, fire suppression systems fail to operate properly during fires in electric generating plants. In about one-third of these cases, the cause is inadequate inspection, testing and maintenance.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

Improving Boiler Life
Don’t take your boiler for granted. Proper operation and careful maintenance can pay off with many years of reliable service.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

The Year 2000 Problem
Will the turn of the century bring big losses for your business or operations? That may depend on what you do now to assess your risk and prevent physical damage to vital systems, machinery and other equipment.
Executive Summary | Full Story

Risk-Informed Fire Protection
Fire safety specialists are struggling with tight budgets. The result: wider interest in new performance-based fire protection methods developed in highly hazardous industries such as chemical processing and nuclear power.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

Guidelines For Providing Surge Protection
Electrical surge protection is highly successful in preventing equipment damage at commercial, institutional and industrial facilities. The key is to properly ground, size and install the devices throughout your facility.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

Transformer Oil Testing
Transformer oil testing is a key part of any preventive maintenance program and should be conducted on a regular basis. Consider it an early warning system that helps you set priorities, schedule work, arrange for outside services and order parts and materials.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

Chemical Cleaning Of Boilers
Chemical cleaning can play an important role in boiler maintenance. Proper chemical cleaning removes deposits from the inside of boiler tubes which improves the boiler heat rate, reduces tube failures and improves the stability of boiler chemistry.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

Copper Deposits on Turbine Blades
Copper deposits on turbine blades can reduce the capacity of power generating units. More utilities are reporting the problem, which can lead to costly repairs and shut down a unit for weeks. There are steps that can be taken to prevent copper deposits, however, and remove them from turbines.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

Protecting Electronic Equipment from Lightning and Voltage Surges
Voltage surges usually can be avoided. Yet, they still account for millions of dollars in damage to businesses each year. Are you making sure all your sensitive electronic equipment is grounded properly - or are you actually increasing the risk of a loss?
Executive Summary | Full Story 

Proper Air Flow in Surgery
Hospital engineers and surgeons need to understand the health and business issues involving surgical HVAC systems. Proper air flow helps protect patients from infection and prevent equipment breakdowns that can shut down the entire surgical suite.
Executive Summary | Full Story 

Protecting Intellectual Property
You have presented a technical paper at a conference or published an article in a magazine. What are your rights to that material? Who owns this "intellectual property" and how can it be protected from unauthorized use?
Executive Summary | Full Story