Electrical testing &
maintenance services

An electrical testing company serving greater Chicagoland area

Equipment:

What to Expect:

Circuit Breaker Testing and Inspection

Avoid expensive and time-consuming repairs with regular testing and maintenance of circuit breakers or protection devices. Regular maintenance is mandatory to meet work safety standards, to ensure proper operation.

Primary Injection Testing – With periodic testing of low and medium voltage circuit breakers, our team performs a complete system test — examining its response time when overloaded and under fault current conditions. We also verify the system matches the short circuit coordination study to ensure the electrical distribution system is properly attached.

Secondary Injection Testing – This type of testing inspects the solid-state trip unit without using primary current. Specially designed power supply units and test sets are used during this process. If the trip unit is not functioning, it should be replaced.

Air Circuit Breaker (ACB) Testing & Calibration – ACBs are designed to break circuits at high current or low voltage conditions. The effectiveness of ACB protections cannot be guaranteed or even determined until proper testing has been performed. In addition to inspecting the physical and mechanical conditions, we perform all mechanical operator and contact alignment tests on both the breaker and its operating mechanism in accordance with manufacturer’s published data.

Molded Case Circuit Breaker Testing – According to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), reliable and sustainable molded case circuit breakers are a major factor in maintaining safety at any facility. 

Oil Circuit Breakers (OCBs) Testing – Our team provides regular visual inspection for physical damage, loose anchorage, alignment, and grounding. We check mechanical operations and contact alignment on the circuit breaker and its operating mechanism. Additionally, we check for oil leaks, conditioning, contact resistance, insulation resistance, etc.

Power Circuit Breaker Testing – Before conducting electrical testing, our team visually inspects the equipment and mechanisms — including safety interlocks — for any signs of damage. We inspect physical and mechanical conditions, fit and alignment, connections, fuses, contact/pole resistance, etc.

Vacuum Circuit Breaker Testing – In addition to inspecting all of the components, electrical testing includes high potential, insulation resistance, contact resistance, time travel analysis and vacuum bottle integrity.

Circuit Breaker Maintenance Services

After our technicians perform testing and analysis, we determine issues. Once we have approval to move forward, our services could include:
Ground Fault Protection Systems

Ground Fault Protection Systems

Forefront Electrical Testing technicians protect equipment from ground faults — contact between an energized conductor and ground or equipment frame. Our technicians conduct thorough examination of insulation breakdowns that could be the result of damp, wet or dusty environments. Grounding electrical systems provide protection against electrical faults — which can reduce shock hazards and lightning. We test per NEC 230.95 code.

Electrical Infrared Scanning

Electrical Infrared Scanning

Infrared imaging cameras detect heat from defects in connections and components of electrical equipment. Our technicians check for loose connections, imbalanced and/or overloaded circuits, defective breakers, damaged switches, faulty fuses, and material defects that are sometimes not found during a physical inspection. These types of inspections and scans are often conducted once a year as part of a preventative maintenance program.
Testing of Power Transformers

Testing of Power Transformers

Ongoing testing of power transformers ensures efficient operation of equipment and safety for personnel. Electrical, thermal and mechanical sustainability of the system requires ongoing testing in accordance with national standards from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Testing protocol is dependent on the type of transformer, contractor or utility provider. Typical services include:

Current:Potential Transformer Testing

Current/Potential Transformer Testing

Current transformers (CTs) measure alternating current — scaling larger values of voltage down to small ones that can be easily measured. Each CT has specific ratings that determine what type of CT should be used. CT tests use transformer test instruments to determine whether the CT is operating normally and that power levels are within the acceptable limits.

Unlike CTs, Potential transformers (PTs) measure voltage. PTs analyze and reduce high voltage values into lower ones. Without PTs, technicians who service meters during transformer testing can be put at considerable risk.

CT and PT testing make sure instrument transformers are operating the way they should and that the current and voltage remain within the proper framework.

Low, Medium and High Voltage Cable Testing

Low, Medium and High Voltage Cable Testing

Our technicians provide field testing of low, medium and high voltage cables to detect deterioration of insulation, inspect splices and joints and special repairs. The inspection includes the cable itself and the associated components of the cable system. We test in accordance with The Insulated Cable Engineers Association (ICEA), International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standards, which includes:
Grounding System Testing

Grounding System Testing

Grounding system testing ensures the resistance between the grounding system and earth meets the compliance standards of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and other pertinent guidelines.
Lightning Protection

Lightning Protection

During lightning protection testing, Forefront Electrical Testing will analyze the physical condition of the system by verifying the rods and other equipment are free from damage; checking for loose connections; inspecting surge protector devices; and supplying a detailed report on costs and services that will bring the system up to current codes.

Industries We Serve

Airports

Hospitals

Universities

Data Centers

Big Box Retail Stores or Malls

High Rises - residential living

Frequently Asked Questions

You can click here to request a quote. After our trained professionals visit your facility to examine the work, we provide detailed estimates based upon onsite analysis and information provided. Please keep in mind that the price from the estimate might exceed the costs if specifications change.

We are based in Lemont, Illinois and our main service area include the greater Chicagoland area. However, we’re equipped to travel throughout the United States.
These types of inspections require the equipment to stay on while our team looks for loose connections, overheated equipment or failing electrical components. Electrical panels and covers need to be removed for the infrared camera to capture the images we need to determine the efficacy of your electrical components.
Regular inspections ensure your equipment is operating at full capacity by catching problems before they happen. Typically, infrared inspections should take place once a year in accordance with insurance company policies and the Illinois Department of Public Health.
At Forefront Electrical Testing, our motto is reliability, safety and efficiency. Ongoing testing of your electrical systems check for problems that could pose serious dangers. For instance, loose connections can overheat systems and lead to fires and explosions. With early detection, we can find problems like this and inefficiencies. And with the proper maintenance, we can prolong the life of your system — saving you money in repairs or damages.
Good communication is always key. Please make our technicians aware of any safety hazards that may have gone unnoticed during the initial inspection. If you have any blueprints or other documentation regarding your facility, please provide this information.