...electrical tutorials, calculations, and references



The program calculates circuit-breaker settings for cables and transformers. The minimum available short-circuit current is reduced by the circuit breaker tolerance to arrive at a circuit breaker setting. The program also calculates maximum available short-circuit currents. The circuit-breaker should be able to interrupt the maximum available short-circuit current and the cable or transformer should be able to withstand the maximum available short-circuit current for the time it takes the circuit-breaker to trip. Motor loads are checked against cable ampacities.
The program, as an option, will try to increase the size of a cable if the maximum available short-circuit current would cause damage to the cable. Motor contributions are included in the maximum available short-circuit current by default. As an option, motor contributions can be disregarded. When the program is applied to coal mines, typical mine power systems at various voltages can be selected.