ROSSLYN, VA-The National Electrical Manufacturers Association's (NEMA) standard for distribution equipment recently received approval from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

ANSI/NEMA KS 3-2010 Guidelines for Inspection and Preventive Maintenance of Switches Used in Commercial and Industrial Applications includes safety procedures, general guidance, inspection procedures, preventive maintenance, nondestructive test procedures and the operation of accessory devices. KS 3 identifies switches requiring maintenance or replacement. When appropriately maintained, switches can provide reliable protection for many years. Regular inspection and preventive maintenance help ensure that a high level of protection is provided to personnel and electrical equipment.

ANSI/NEMA KS 3 Guidelines for Inspection and Preventive Maintenance of Switches Used in Commercial and Industrial Applications can be downloaded at no charge. A hard copy may be purchased for $61 by visiting global.ihs.com or by contacting IHS at 800-854-7179 (U.S. only) or 303-397-7956 (international).

NEMA is the association of electrical equipment manufacturers, founded in 1926 and headquartered in Arlington, VA. Its member companies manufacture a diverse set of products including power transmission and distribution equipment, lighting systems, factory automation and control systems, and medical diagnostic imaging systems. Worldwide annual sales of NEMA-scope products exceed $120 billion.