What should be planned if a circuit breaker has not been operated in its normal service?

When a circuit breaker has not been operated in its normal service, planning for a periodic open-close exercise is crucial. Circuit breakers are mechanical devices designed to be operated periodically to ensure their functionality and reliability. If a breaker is left in a closed position for extended periods, it may experience issues such as binding or corrosion, which can affect its performance when called upon to operate in an emergency.

The periodic open-close exercise helps to ensure that the breaker is not only mechanically sound but also capable of effectively interrupting electrical current when needed. This routine maintenance practice promotes operational readiness and can help detect any potential problems before they can lead to critical failures.

The other options, while potentially important elements of maintenance or safety protocols, do not directly address the specific concern related to a circuit breaker that hasn't been operated. Replacement may be warranted in certain conditions, but simply not using the breaker does not automatically necessitate replacement. Thorough cleaning might improve the overall condition of the breaker, but it does not substitute for the functional testing provided by the open-close exercise. A safety audit is important for overall electrical system safety, but it does not specifically address the operational status of the circuit breaker. Hence, the most appropriate action to maintain the functionality of an unused circuit breaker is to implement a