Power System Studies

splicing system safety and optimization

Modern facilities have complex electrical systems and circuits to power the machines and technology that keep them running. As processes and equipment change, malfunction, or are replaced, these electrical systems are put to the test. Are they configured properly to keep you running and to keep your employees and contractors safe? Or are they increasing your risk and liability?

Our Power System Studies give facility managers the tools to make more informed decisions to keep you and your people safe and your facility and equipment energized.

3 Phase Power System Studies

Study Description
Short Circuit & Equipment Duty Evaluation To ensure electrical equipment, especially protective devices such as circuit breakers and fuses, are capable of safely withstanding and/or interrupting fault currents, it is necessary to calculate available fault currents at every point in the system. This analysis factors in all sources of energy (utility, generators, batteries, motors) and accounts for cable size and length, transformer impedance, etc. For existing systems, overdutied equipment is identified and prioritized for replacement. For new systems, the required short-circuit current ratings can be determined.
Coordination Coordination studies evaluate the time-current trip curves of series protective devices to ensure equipment is protected from damage while at the same time identifying areas of potential miscoordination. Adjustments can be made to trip settings or alternate protective devices installed to improve selective coordination by isolating a
fault to the smallest possible portion of the electrical system and allow the rest of the electrical system to continue to operate reliably.
Arc Flash Study Using the results of the short circuit and coordination studies, this analysis calculates the expected arc flash incident energy level and boundary at each point in the electrical system where energized work might be performed. Consideration is also given to methods to reduce arc flash hazards, whether through adjustment to trip settings or application of other design techniques. When settings changes are recommended, the optimum balance between arc flash hazard reduction and protective device coordination is evaluated. At the conclusion of the study and implementation of any recommendations, custom arc flash safety labels are applied to each panel, which provide the information necessary to select appropriate PPE when energized work is required.
Power System Study Process
  • Project initiation / scoping
  • Data collection
  • Modeling
  • Analysis
  • Reporting, review & recommendations
  • Implementation of changes
  • Equipment labeling

DON’T GET GROUNDED

Facility managers are working to ensure their facilities operate reliably and safely to deliver vital services for those who depend on them. Performing arc flash studies and updating them every 5 years per NFPA 70E are important aspects of a comprehensive electrical safety program. Arc flash studies can also help find the optimum balance between arc flash hazard reduction and protective device coordination.

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