Falcon Power Consultants conducts short circuit studies to provide input information for a protective device coordination study. NEC Article 110.9 states that “Equipment intended to interrupt current at fault levels shall have an interrupting rating at nominal circuit voltage sufficient for the current that is available at the line terminals of the equipment.”
Far too frequently, the electrical system undergoes changes (both minor and major) without serious consideration of short circuit levels and equipment ratings. Even newly designed buildings and installations are NOT immune to these issues. Short circuit studies are vital to assessing a power system.
Their purpose is to:
- Calculate maximum available symmetrical fault duties to compare to Low Voltage equipment short circuit ratings and Medium or High Voltage equipment to interrupting ratings
- Calculate maximum available peak fault duties to compare to Low Voltage equipment unpublished peak ratings and Medium or High Voltage closing and latching ratings
- Identify deficiencies in system protection
- Provide recommended solutions to help correct problem areas
NEC Article 110.9 states that “Equipment intended to interrupt current at fault levels shall have an interrupting rating at nominal circuit voltage sufficient for the current that is available at the line terminals of the equipment.”