Extending qualified life of Class 1E equipment

The regulatory basis, essential ingredients, and program strategies are discussed for extending the qualified life of both harsh- and mild-environment Class 1E equipment used in nuclear power plants. A nuclear power plant houses many hundreds of Class 1E components with qualified parts having 5 (or less) to 40 years of qualified life. Regulatory guidance exists on extending this equipment´s qualified life and maintaining it in a qualified state as life progresses. Qualified life can be extended by monitoring environmental parameters, maintaining accurate records, and conducting meaningful surveillance tests using preaged modules. Mild-environment equipment should also be included in the life extension program.<>