Abp 1 PDF

A NEMA Low-Voltage Distribution Equipment Section Document
ABP 1-2010
Selective Coordination
Published by
National Electrical Manufacturers Association
1300 North 17th Street, Suite 1752
Rosslyn, Virginia 22209
www.nema.org
Copyright 2010 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association. All rights including translation into other
languages, reserved under the Universal Copyright Convention, the Berne Convention for the Protection of
Literary and Artistic Works, and the International and Pan American Copyright Conventions.
NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER

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mean that there is unanimous agreement among every person participating in the development of this
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ABP 1-2010
CONTENTS
Foreword ......................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................................... 5
1.1
Purpose ................................................................................................................................................................. 5
1.2
Scope .................................................................................................................................................................... 5
1.3
Definition of Selective Coordination ....................................................................................................................... 5
National Electrical Code (NEC) [1] Selective Coordination Requirements ...................................................................... 8
2.1
Requirements ........................................................................................................................................................ 8
2.2
Challenges Meeting the Requirements ................................................................................................................ 10
2.2.1
Local Jurisdiction Interpretation and Enforcement ..................................................................................... 10
2.2.2
Overriding Requirements ........................................................................................................................... 10
Circuit Breaker Trip Response Functions...................................................................................................................... 11
3.1
Fixed Thermal-Magnetic Type Circuit Breaker..................................................................................................... 12
3.2
Adjustable Thermal-Magnetic Type Circuit Breaker............................................................................................. 14
3.3
Adjustable Electronic Type Circuit Breaker.......................................................................................................... 15
3.4
Short Time Withstand Current Rating .................................................................................................................. 15
3.5
Instantaneous Override Function......................................................................................................................... 18
Application Information from Manufacturers .................................................................................................................. 19
4.1
Application of Time-Current Curves ..................................................................................................................... 19
4.1.1
Overload Region ........................................................................................................................................ 19
4.2
Limitation of Time-Current Curves ....................................................................................................................... 20
4.2.1
Overload Region ........................................................................................................................................ 20
4.2.2
Instantaneous or Short Circuit Region........................................................................................................ 20
4.3
Short Circuit Selective Coordination Tables......................................................................................................... 23
4.4
Coordinating Ground-Fault Protection of Equipment ........................................................................................... 24
Design Guidelines ......................................................................................................................................................... 29
5.1
Simplify the One-line Diagram ............................................................................................................................. 33
5.1.1
Divide Larger Loads into Smaller Loads..................................................................................................... 33
5.1.2
Reduce the Number of Levels of Protective Devices ................................................................................. 33
5.2
Reduce the Available Fault Current ..................................................................................................................... 34
5.2.1
Increase the Impedance of the System ...................................................................................................... 34
5.2.2
Utilize Step-Down or Isolation Transformers .............................................................................................. 34
5.2.3
Take Advantage of the Added Arc Impedance of Load Side and Line Circuit Breaker Combinations........ 38
5.3
Review Device Selection ..................................................................................................................................... 39
5.3.1
Increase the Withstand Capabilities of the Upstream Line Side Overcurrent Protective Devices .............. 39
5.3.2
Change the Type of Circuit Breaker ........................................................................................................... 39
5.3.3
Select Current Limiting Type Molded Case Circuit Breaker ....................................................................... 39
5.4
Special Equipment Application Requirements ..................................................................................................... 39
5.4.1
Generator Protection .................................................................................................................................. 39
5.4.2
Automatic Transfer Switches...................................................................................................................... 39
5.4.3
Busway....................................................................................................................................................... 40
5.4.4
Arc Flash Energy........................................................................................................................................ 41
5.4.5
Zone Selective Interlocking ........................................................................................................................ 41
5.5
Field Adjustment .................................................................................................................................................. 45
5.6
Lifetime Selective Coordination ........................................................................................................................... 45
Summary....................................................................................................................................................................... 46
Copyright 2010 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.
ABP 1-2010
Foreword
This is a new NEMA White Paper. It was developed in response to the requirements in the National Electrical
Code for selective coordination in order to assist engineers in designing selectively coordinated power systems
using low-voltage circuit breakers.
To ensure that a meaningful publication was being developed, draft copies were sent to a number of groups
within NEMA having an interest in this topic. Their resulting comments and suggestions provided vital input prior
to final NEMA approval and resulted in a number of substantive changes in this publication. This publication will
be periodically reviewed by the Molded Case Circuit Breaker Product Group of the Low-Voltage Distribution
Equipment Section of NEMA for any revisions necessary to keep it up to date with advancing technology.
Proposed or recommended revisions should be submitted to:
Vice President, Technical Services
National Electrical Manufacturers Association
1300 North 17th Street, Suite 1752
Rosslyn, Virginia 22209
This White Paper was developed by the Molded Case Circuit Breaker Product Group of the Low-Voltage
Distribution Equipment Section of NEMA. Approval of this White Paper does not necessarily imply that all
members of the Product Group voted for its approval or participated in its development. At the time it was
approved, the Molded Case Circuit Breaker Product Group had the following members:
ABB Control, Inc.Wichita Falls, TX
Eaton CorporationPittsburgh, PA
General ElectricPlainville, CT
Siemens Industry, Inc.Norcross, GA
Schneider Electric USAPalatine, IL
ABP 1-2010
Introduction
1.1
Purpose
To provide guidance to engineers regarding the 2008 National Electrical Code (NEC) [1] requirements for
Selective Coordination in articles 620, 700, 701, and 708. This paper specifically addresses how to comply with
these requirements for low-voltage Overcurrent Protective Devices (OCPD).
1.2
Scope
This paper provides information on the following topics:

1) Description of the key functions of the OCPDs used in low-voltage applications for meeting Selective
Coordination requirements per the latest version of the NEC [1].
2) Discussion of selectivity coordination application information provided by manufacturers and
implications for system design.
3) The importance of including both phase currents as well as ground-fault currents for Selective
Coordination.
4) The role of the system design engineer and the necessary interaction with applicable Authorities Having
Jurisdiction (AHJ).
5) An overview of considerations for designing selectively coordinated systems.
1.3
Definition of Selective Coordination
The goal of Selective Coordination is to isolate the faulted circuit while maintaining power to the balance of the
electrical distribution system.
NEC Article 100 [1] definitions related to selective coordination are as follows:
Selective Coordination. Localization of an overcurrent condition to restrict outages to the circuit or

equipment affected, accomplished by the choice of overcurrent protective devices and their ratings or
settings.
Overcurrent. Any current in excess of the rated current of equipment or the ampacity of a conductor. It
may result from overload, short-circuit, or ground fault.
Overload. Operation of equipment in excess of normal, full-load rating, or of a conductor in excess of

rated ampacity that, when it persists for a sufficient length of time, would cause damage or dangerous
overheating. A fault, such as a short circuit or ground fault, is not an overload.
Other relevant definitions from The Authoritative Dictionary of IEEE Standard Terms, IEEE 100 include:
Short Circuit Current. An overcurrent resulting from a fault of negligible impedance between live
conductors having a difference in potential under normal operating conditions.
Ground Fault. An insulation fault between a conductor and ground or frame.
With Selective Coordination, only the Overcurrent Protective Device (OCPD) nearest to the fault should open to
clear the fault. This overcurrent fault condition may be caused by an overload, a short circuit, or a ground fault,
and ideally each OCPD shall be selectively coordinated with other upstream protective devices in the system.
The concept of selective coordination is probably best understood via graphical presentations.
Example 1
A system that Is Selectively Coordinated
Figure 1.1 shows a typical electrical system with multiple levels of branch and feeder Overcurrent Protective
Devices (OCPD).
ABP 1-2010
In Figure 1.1, for a fault below the 20 A OCPD in panel P-1, only the 20 A OCPD should open. Electrical power
continues to be available in all other circuitsthey are not affected, since only the 20 A OCPD closest to the
fault operates to clear the fault.
Power Distribution Equipment
OCPD Not affected
800A
OCPD Opens
400A
Unnecessary power
loss
Fault
P-2
200A
P-1
20A
Selectively Coordinated
For the full range of overcurrents possible at P-1, only the 20A OCPD opens.
Figure 1.1
System Is Selectively CoordinatedFault at Branch Level OCPD
In Figure 1.2, the same system is shown, except with the fault now located between panels P-1 and P-2. Since
this system is selectively coordinated, only the 200 A OCPD in panel P-2 operates to clear the fault.
Power Distribution Equipment
OCPD Not affected
800A
OCPD Opens
400A
Unnecessary power
loss
Fault
P-2
200A
P-1
20A
Selectively Coordinated
For the full range of overcurrents possible at P-2,
only the 200A OCPD opens.
Figure 1.2
System Is Selectively CoordinatedFault at Feeder Level OCPD
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Example 2
A system that Is Not Selectively Coordinated
Figure 1.3 shows the same scenario as in Figure 1.1, except in this case, the system is NOT selectively
coordinated.
Figure 1.3
System Is Not Selectively CoordinatedFault at Branch Level OCPD
In the scenario of Figure 1.3, where the system is NOT selectively coordinated, an overload or fault downstream
of the 20 A OCPD in panel P-1 causes both the 200 A and the 20 A OCPD to open. If this system was
selectively coordinated, only the 20 A OCPD should open.
If the fault current were a short circuit condition such that the currents were great enough to cause the 800 A
circuit breaker to open, the scenario would be as shown in Figure 1.4. The 800 A, the 400 A, the 200 A, and the
20 A OCPDs may ALL open instead of just the 20 A OCPD, since the system is NOT selectively coordinated.
(Note that the opening of all of these OCPDs in this scenario is theoretical. In practice, impedances in the circuit
may typically limit the current to levels that may not necessarily cause all of the OCPDs to open.)
ABP 1-2010
Figure 1.4
System Is Not Selectively CoordinatedFault at Branch Level OCPD
The purpose of selective coordination is to isolate the faulted circuit, regardless of the type of fault, while
maintaining power to the balance of the electrical distribution system. For short circuit selectivity, each pair of
Overcurrent Protective Devices (OCPD) should ideally be selective up to the maximum fault current available at
the load terminals of the downstream device. This level of current defines the maximum fault current of concern
for selective coordination. The devices must also be selective for all lower fault currents.
National Electrical Code (NEC) [1] Selective Coordination Requirements
2.1
Requirements
The National Electrical Code Section 240.12 [1] defines Electrical System Coordination as follows:
Where an orderly shutdown is required to minimize the hazard(s) to personnel and equipment, a
system of coordination based on the following two conditions shall be permitted.
(1) Coordinated short-circuit protection
(2) Overload indication based on monitoring systems or devices.
Selective Coordination first became a requirement in the 1993 edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC) [2].
In the 1993 NEC edition [2], Article 620 for Elevators, Dumbwaiters, Escalators, Moving Walks, Wheelchair Lifts,
and Stairway Chair Lifts was the first to add requirements for Selective Coordination.
In the 2005 NEC [3], these requirements were expanded to include the following additional types of systems:
Emergency Systems in Section 700.27

Legally Required Standby Systems in Section 701.18
Health Care Facilities in Section 517.17
In the 2008 NEC [1], these requirements for selective coordination were further expanded into the new Article
708 for Critical Operations Power Systems (COPS) in Section 708.54.
In the 2008 edition of the NEC [1], the following articles require selective coordination:
1) Article 517Health Care Facilities
517.26 Application of Other ArticlesThe essential electrical system shall meet the requirements of Article
700, except as amended by Article 517.
ABP 1-2010
2) Article 620Elevators, Dumbwaiters, Escalators, Moving Walks, Wheelchair Lifts, and Stairway
Chair Lifts
620.27 Selective Coordination. Where more than one driving machine disconnecting means is supplied by a
single feeder, the overcurrent protective devices in each disconnecting means shall be selectively coordinated
with any other supply side overcurrent protective devices.
3) Article 700Emergency Systems
700.27 Coordination. Emergency system(s) overcurrent devices shall be selectively coordinated with all
supply side overcurrent protective devices.
Exception: Selective coordination shall not be required in (1) or (2):
(1) Between transformer primary and secondary overcurrent protective devices, where only one overcurrent
protective device or set of overcurrent protective devices exist(s) on the transformer secondary,
(2) Between overcurrent protective devices of the same size (ampere rating) in series.
4) Article 701Legally Required Standby Systems
701.18 Coordination. Legally required standby system(s) overcurrent devices shall be selectively coordinated
with all supply side overcurrent protective devices.
Exception: Selective coordination shall not be required in (1) or (2):
(1) Between transformer primary and secondary overcurrent protective devices, where only one overcurrent
protective device or set of overcurrent protective devices exist(s) on the transformer secondary,
(2) Between overcurrent protective devices of the same size (ampere rating) in series.
5) Article 708Critical Operations Power Systems
708.54 Coordination. Critical operations power system(s) overcurrent devices shall be selectively coordinated
with all supply side overcurrent protective devices.
In addition, Section 517.17 states:
(C) Selectivity. Ground-fault protection for operation of the service and feeder disconnecting means shall be
fully selective such that the feeder device, but not the service device, shall open on ground faults on the load
side of the feeder device. A six-cycle minimum separation between the service and feeder ground-fault tripping
bands shall be provided. Operating time of the disconnecting devices shall be considered in selecting the time
spread between these two bands to achieve 100 percent selectivity.
Additionally, Section 708.52 (B) states:
Feeders. Where ground-fault protection is provided for operation of the service disconnecting means of feeder
disconnecting means as specified by 230.95 or 215.10, an additional step of ground-fault protection shall be
provided in all next level feeder disconnecting means downstream toward the load.
Additionally, Section 708.52 (D) states:
Selectivity. Ground fault protection for the operation of the service and feeder disconnecting means shall be
fully selective such that the feeder device, but not the service device, shall open on ground faults on the load
side of the feeder device. A six-cycle minimum separation between service and feeder ground-fault tripping
bands shall be provided. Operating time of the disconnecting devices shall be considered in selecting the time
spread between these bands to achieve 100 percent selectivity.
In each of the National Electrical Code (NEC) [1] sections above, the spirit of the NEC [1] requirement is that the
Overcurrent Protective Devices (OCPD) in these types of electrical distribution systems are coordinated such
that their operation does not cause unnecessary power loss whenever a fault occurs. Whenever a fault does
ABP 1-2010
occur, only the OCPD closest to the fault should respond, and allow power to remain in all other unaffected
parts of the electrical system. The OCPDs should be selectively coordinated to respond to all types of
overcurrentsoverloads, short circuits, and ground faults.
2.2
Challenges Meeting the Requirements
2.2.1
Local Jurisdiction Interpretation and Enforcement
Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) do not often have the expertise to analyze or interpret short circuit and
selective coordination studies. Furthermore, there is significant controversy on the exact intent and interpretation
of some of the NEC [1] passages referencing selectivity. At the time of this writing, there is considerable
variation regarding interpretation of the requirements, enforcement practices, and enforcement rigor.
While the local AHJ does not have to be expert at how electrical systems are designed to meet these selective
coordination requirements, they do have to understand what the NEC [1] requirements mandate. More
importantly, the AHJ must understand how to interpret documentation that has been provided by engineers or
contractors and must determine how to enforce the requirements.
Below are some examples where the AHJs interpretation of NEC [1] requirements illustrate this challenge.
The NEC [1] requires selective coordination for all supply-side overcurrent protective devices in circuits such
as legally mandated emergency, life safety, and critical operation power system types of loads. Examples of
these types of loads are lights, pumps, and fans that would play critical life safety roles during fires, natural
disasters, building collapses, loss of utility power, and other similar catastrophic situations.
Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) must determine which portions of the electrical systems are covered by the
various NEC [1] clauses and then must determine what to enforce and how to enforce it. In recent years,
electrical system designers are being reminded to seek input from their local AHJ early in the design process,
relative to interpretations of NEC [1] requirements for their local city or municipalities. It is important that the
designer understand how the applicable AHJ will interpret and enforce the NEC [1] with respect to the subject
system.
For example, when considering selective coordination for all supply-side overcurrent protective devices, some
jurisdictions may interpret the meaning of this phrase differently. For some AHJ, where the focus is specifically
on the wording all supply-side selective coordination may be interpreted to be required for both the
normal and alternate power sources. Some other AHJ may choose to focus on the placement of the requirement
being in the Emergency, Legally Required Standby and Critical Operations Power Systems articles of the
National Electrical Code (NEC) [1], and interpret the requirement to be applicable only for the alternate,
emergency power source circuits, as implied by the scopes of the articles where the selectivity requirements
have been added. At the time of this writing, there are different interpretations of these NEC [1] Sections within
the construction industry.
In another example of the interpretation challenge, when a new installation is being added to an existing facility,
shall all the OCPDs in the existing facility be made to selectively coordinate with those OCPDs in the new
installation? Again, depending on any number of different factors, different Authorities Having Jurisdiction
(AHJs) may make different decisions as to how to interpret and enforce the NEC [1] requirements in a case
such as this.
While the NEC [1] requirements may be drafted in reasonably clear text, the practical interpretation and
enforcement are sometimes a subjective matter, and may be controversial. This may be best handled by early
communications between the local AHJ and electrical system design engineers, such that all the parties
involved can air positions and come to agreements that satisfy NEC [1] requirements and user needs.
2.2.2
Overriding Requirements
Some jurisdictions may have overriding requirements like the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) in
Florida and the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) in California, or may have
amended the NEC [1] requirements previously mentioned.
Statewide agencies may regulate specific types of occupancies such as hospitals and may enforce specific
requirements that are different from the NEC for those occupancies. Within those states, the state agency will
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ABP 1-2010
override NEC [1] requirements that may pertain to other occupancies not covered by the state agency.
Sometimes cities, counties, and other governmental organizations may also have specific requirements that
amend the NEC or use sections of the NEC from older editions of the NEC. Again, electrical system designers
are urged to understand the NEC [1] requirements as applicable to the occupancy they are designing for and
the governmental agencies that have jurisdiction over those specific occupancies.
Circuit Breaker Trip Response Functions
There are various methods to obtain Selective Coordination between OCPDs. Generally, selectivity is achieved
by adjusting the line side or source device to be less sensitive and slower than the load side device. This is
particularly true in the overload region of the various trip curves. In NEC [1] articles 700 and 701 there are
exceptions where two or more devices in series need not be selective. The intent is that when two or more
devices are feeding the exact same circuit with no loads connected in between, then they need not be selective
with each other. However, they do need to be selective with other devices above and below. The exceptions are
as follows:
1. Two protective devices of the same continuous ampere rating directly connected in series.
2. The feeder breaker on the primary side of a transformer and the main breaker on the secondary side of
a transformer.
For both of these exceptions, it would not matter which OCPD would open, or if they both opened, since the
protected circuit would be disconnected in either case.
The response of OCPDs to fault currents is typically shown via Time-Current Curves (TCCs).
An example is shown in Figure 3.0. The TCCs of OCPDs can generally be broken into two separate regions to
better understand the two separate time response characteristics of these devices. These regions are called the
Overload region and the Instantaneous or Short Circuit region, as shown in Figure 3.0.
NoteFor countries that use International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards, there are somewhat
different terminologies that are used in discussing TCCs. The IEC/TR 61912-2 [4] document uses the
terminology Fault-current zones to describe the high current areas of TCCs. The different terminologies,
either Fault-Current zones or the Instantaneous or Short Circuit regions are both intended to describe that
area of the TCCs where currents are above an Overload condition.
The TCC in Figure 3.0 also shows the tolerance bands for the time it takes the device to operate. The TCC
shows the maximum tolerance of this time, called the Total Clearing time.
The Total Clearing time for an OCPD has two main componentsthe operating time and an arcing time.
The operating time includes all of the sequence of events that occur within the device from the point in time
when the device senses that an overcurrent condition has occurred, until current arcing begins. In fuses, this
operating time includes the time for events such as sensing and melting elements to respond. In circuit
breakers, it includes the time for sensing components and trip unlatching mechanisms to operate.
The arcing time is the time taken for the arc to be extinguished and the current is reduced to zero.
A simple thermal magnetic circuit breaker consists of two key tripping mechanisms. The curved inverse time
portion known as the Overload region is generally controlled by a bimetallic strip that flexes with heat caused
by current flowing through the strip or by heat caused by a nearby resistive element that has current flowing
through it.
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ABP 1-2010
In the Overload regionthe overcurrent device has an

inverse-time operating response, meaning that the
response time for the device to open decreases as the fault
current level increases. Total Clearing times are typically
fairly longseconds to hours.
In the Instantaneous or Short Circuit regionthe overcurrent

device responds instantaneously. Total Clearing times are
typically very fastless than 30 milliseconds (ms) for molded
case CB and 60 ms for Low-Voltage Power CB.
This flat portion of the trip curves referred is generally controlled
by a magnetic unlatching mechanism that operates directly from
the load current or indirectly from current flowing through a
current transformer.
Figure 3.0
Typical Time-Current Curves for an Overcurrent Protective Device
The overall Time-Current Curve (TCC) is the combination of these two protective elements. The transition may
be vertical as shown in Figure 3.0, which indicates a relatively simple transition from the slow bimetallic
mechanism operation to the faster magnetic operation, or it may be more sloped showing a more complex
interaction between the two mechanisms.
In the example shown in Figure 3.0, for a fault current of say 3,000 A, the time-current curves show that this
circuit breaker rated at 70 A will trip instantaneously, in a time that is less than 30 ms. For another circuit
breaker, rated at say 1,000 A, this same 3,000 A fault will likely cause that larger circuit breaker to trip in the
overload region, in tens of seconds or longer, depending on the design and user settings.
Selecting Overcurrent Protective Devices (OCPD) that provide selectivity for faults in their respective overload
ranges may be accomplished by providing overload functions that are increasingly less sensitive and slower as
the circuit goes from branch to main. For any specific fault current, if the load side device operates in its
instantaneous region and the line side device operates in its overload region, selectivity is easily achieved.
However, when a fault is in the range where the instantaneous responses of multiple series devices overlap
then selectivity may be harder to achieve.
Therefore, a key to optimized selective coordination is the instantaneous response of the circuit breakers that
are being considered in the design of the electrical system. There are a number of different types of
instantaneous functions associated with circuit breakers, and their similarities and differences.
For circuit breakers, the tripping function is accomplished by designs that operate on thermal-magnetic
principles, or on designs that operate using electronic circuits. In either of these trip designs, whether thermalmagnetic or electronic, various adjustable or fixed setting options are often possible. Their differences and how
it relates to selective coordination is key to understanding how selectivity may be achieved.
3.1
Fixed Thermal-Magnetic Type Circuit Breaker
The response time in the instantaneous region of a particular family of circuit breaker is typically drawn at a
constant value in the range of 16 to 30 milliseconds (ms). Once the fault current exceeds the trip threshold,
called the pickup level of the device, the magnetic fields from this current are sufficient to unlatch the device
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ABP 1-2010
from its closed state. The only factor in the operation after this point is the time it takes for the contacts to
physically open and for the electrical arc to be extinguished. This complete action typically takes place within
one cycle of the electrical current for smaller devices and possibly two cycles for larger devices, without any
intentional mechanical or electronic delay on the part of the device.
Pickup Level
Figure 3.1
Typical Time-Current Curve for a Fixed Magnetic Pickup Action
In Figure 3.1, the Magnetic Pickup level of the device is fixed by design to operate once the current exceeds
approximately 1,000 A. The device will trip with no intentional delay, in approximately 1-cycle (17 ms).
There are various tolerances associated with the dimensional and material properties of the components used in
the design of the device. The result of these variations in the design materials causes a tolerance in the
response levels of both the pickup current and also the exact trip time. The total tolerance is represented by the
band shown around the nominal current and time on the Time-Current Curves (TCC).
Standards such as UL 489 [5] specify the maximum tolerance (such as -20% to +30%) allowed for an adjustable
instantaneous setting marked on the circuit breaker. Manufacturers TCCs may demonstrate less tolerance for a
particular device based on the devices actual performance. In the case of Low-Voltage Circuit Breakers, the
TCCs provided by a manufacturer reflect applicable clearing time tolerances that are demonstrated by the
corresponding circuit breaker.
For selective coordination applications, the designer of the electrical system must therefore select Overcurrent
Protective Devices (OCPD) in such a manner that the OCPDs coordinate at the calculated fault currents,
whether the fault current is in the overload or instantaneous range of the various devices. Typically, line side
devices are selected such that the instantaneous trip level of the device can be set higher than the available
fault current at the load side devices terminals. Conversely, a load side branch device is usually selected such
that it will respond instantaneously to faults above the normal expected currents required to sustain the load.
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ABP 1-2010
3.2
Adjustable Thermal-Magnetic Type Circuit Breaker
Circuit breakers with adjustable instantaneous trips are available from most manufacturers over a wide range of
circuit breaker sizes and types. An adjustable instantaneous trip offers system designers greater flexibility by
allowing selection of an optimized instantaneous protection function that allows normal load fluctuations while
tripping for higher abnormal currents. A simple example of this option with three settings is shown in Figure 3.2.
In this example, the electrical system designer has the flexibility to select the instantaneous pickup setting to be
at current level Low amperes as in Figure 3.1, or adjust it higher to levels Medium or High amperes based
on the needs of the electrical system.
Low
Medium
High
Figure 3.2
Typical Time-Current Curve for an Adjustable Magnetic Pickup Action
Traditionally, when performing a selective coordination study, the goal is to achieve selective trip coordination by
adjusting trip bands on the various devices to achieve a separation of the tolerance bands to the point where
there is white space or a visible space between them. There have been various opinions and
recommendations for how much white space is adequate to ensure selective trip coordination, especially in the
area of medium- and high-voltage circuit breakers where an external sensing and tripping device is employed.
When the trip curves for the external relays were drawn, an allowance for the reaction and clearing time of the
circuit breaker was necessary. The achievement of white space was considered good design practice and
carried over into all trip curve coordination.
Low-Voltage Circuit Breaker Time-Current Curves (TCC) represent the operation of the circuit breaker as a
complete system. Per applicable UL standards [5], Low-Voltage Circuit Breakers and their respective trip
systems are tested and listed as a system. A Low-Voltage Circuit Breaker TCC includes sensing time, signal
processing time, mechanical operation time, and arc extinguishing time, plus all the associated tolerances.
Hence modern circuit breaker manufacturers do not generally require that additional tolerance or clearing time
be allocated between Low-Voltage Circuit Breaker curves in a composite TCC. If two circuit breakers are
operating at similar temperatures, it can be expected that they will be selective for a given fault current even if
the respective TCC are close enough together that white space is not evident in the composite TCC.
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Today, modern Low-Voltage Circuit Breakers with integral trip units operate at higher speeds than in the past,
even to the point where some molded case circuit breakers are current limiting. Modern trip units also employ
many techniques to improve their performance and accuracy; even the standard thermal-magnetic trip units are
better today than in the past. Electronic trip units employ high-speed microprocessors to achieve the highest
levels of accuracy, repeatability, and reliability. The time-current curves for modern circuit breakers now
accurately reflect not only the trip unit reaction times but also the total clearing time, including all tolerance
allowances. What this means is that it is no longer necessary to allow white space between Low-Voltage Circuit
Breaker trip curve bands to ensure selective coordination. Even if the outer edges of the bands touch, the
included clearing times and tolerances ensure that the two devices will selectively coordinate.
3.3
Adjustable Electronic Type Circuit Breaker
Electronic trip units are characterized by their adjustability (Figure 3.3), their accuracy, and their repeatability.
This repeatability that is inherent with electronic design allows less variability in the point at which the device will
pickup during a fault condition. As a result, circuit breakers with electronic trip units typically have much
narrower tolerance bands as compared to other designs of Overcurrent Protective Devices (OCPD).
There are presently no unique industry standards for the pickup tolerances for circuit breakers with electronic
trip units. While these devices comply with tolerance requirements of the present UL 489 [5] for molded-case
circuit breakers, for example, most circuit breaker manufacturers publish time-current curves with tolerances
that are considerably narrower than the UL 489 requirementssome typically shown in the range of 10% to
15% tolerances.
Most electronic circuit breaker designs have simple switches on the devices that provide for several adjustable
selections of the pickup setting for instantaneous response, as shown in Figure 3.3. These adjustable electronic
circuit breakers therefore provide the electrical system designer with two key advantages. First, they provide
maximum flexibility in adjusting the desired level of pickup current, and second, they inherently have the
narrowest tolerances for coordinating the response of multiple OCPDs.
Long-time Pickup
Long-time Delay
T
i
m
e
Short-time Pickup
Short-time Delay (I2T IN)
I2T OUT
Adjustable Instantaneous
Fixed Instantaneous
Multiples of Rated Current

Figure 3.3
Typical Adjustable Settings for Circuit Breakers
3.4
Short Time Withstand Current Rating
Low-Voltage Circuit Breakers fall into two basic classifications of designLow-Voltage Power Circuit Breakers
(LVPCBs) and Molded Case Circuit Breakers (MCCBs). One of the most important application features that
15
ABP 1-2010
distinguish a LVPCB from a MCCB is the ability of the LVPCB to withstand very high overcurrent levels without
tripping.
There is a special type of Molded Case Circuit Breaker called an Insulated Case Circuit Breaker (ICCB). These
circuit breakers have many of the Low-Voltage Power Circuit Breaker (LVPCB) characteristics, including short
time current duty cycles and stored energy mechanisms.
The main difference is that Insulated Case Circuit Breakers, like Molded Case Circuit Breakers, are tested in
accordance with UL 489 [5]. Table 3.4 shows just some of the key differences in the ratings between Power
Circuit Breakers (UL 1066) [6] and Molded Case / Insulated Circuit Breakers (UL 489) [5].
Required
Ratings
UL 1066 [6]
(LVPCBs)
UL 489 [5]
(MCCBs & ICCBs)
Rated
(Maximum)
Voltage
254 V, 508 V, or 635 V

(unfused), or 600 V
(if integrally fused)
120, 120/240, 240,

277, 347 V,
480Y/277, 480,
600Y/347, or 600 V
Rated
Frequency
DC, 50 Hz, or 60 Hz
DC, 50 Hz, or 60 Hz
Rated
Continuous
Current
Rated ShortTime Withstand Current
Duty Cycle
Rated ShortCircuit Current
(at Rated Maximum
Voltage)
Rated ShortCircuit Current
Duty Cycle
Short Circuit Test
Power Factor
Frame Sizes:
600 A to 5000 A,
ratings by
combination of
sensors and trip units
Carry fault current
For two 0.5 sec.
periods
Frame Sizes:
15 to 6000 A
Not specified
200 kA max.
7.5 kA to 200 kA
O (15 sec.) CO
O (2 to 60 min.)
CO
15% (X/R ratio 6.6) unfused LVPCBs

20% (X/R ratio 4.9) fused LVPCBs
[4.9 is the X/R as stated in ANSI/IEEE
C37.50 which is referenced in UL 1066 [6]
for LVPCBs]
20% (X/R ratio 4.9)
Table 3.4
Typical Ratings of Low-Voltage Power Circuit Breakers vs. Molded Case / Insulated Case Circuit
Breakers
16
ABP 1-2010
Figure 3.4 shows some typical Time-Current Curve characteristics for these various circuit breaker types.
1000
100
Molded Case CB with

adjustable instantaneous trip
Adjustable Low Voltage

Power CB without
instantaneous trip
seconds
10
Adjustable Low Voltage

Power CB or large MCCB
with instantaneous trip
0.10
0.01
Fast instantaneous
clearing time typical of
MCCB
Curve without instantaneous typical

of LVPCB without instantaneous or
instantaneous override
Three cycle instantaneous

clearing time typical of large
MCCB or LVPCB
Figure 3.4
Typical Time-Current Curve Characteristics for Low-Voltage Power Circuit Breakers vs. Molded Case /
Insulated Case Circuit Breakers
The Short Time Withstand Current Rating of a LVPCB is the level of rms symmetrical current that a circuit
breaker can carry in the closed position for a specified period of time. This term is typically used in association
with LVPCBs, and not with MCCBs. Some MCCB manufacturers may publish a Short Time Withstand Current
Rating where they exist.
The Short Time Withstand Current rating represents the mechanical and thermal ability of the circuit breaker to
withstand an overcurrent for the given amount of time. This specific rating is published by the manufacturer.
Rated short-time withstand current:
The maximum root-mean-square (rms) total current that a circuit breaker can carry momentarily without
electrical, thermal, or mechanical damage or permanent deformation. The current shall be the rms value,
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ABP 1-2010
including the dc component, at the major peak of the maximum cycle as determined from the envelope of the
current wave during a given test time interval. (adapted from IEEE Std. C37.100-1992) [7]
LVPCBs are typically used in electrical distribution systems to feed a switchboard, a motor control center, or
other electrical panelboards. A number of circuit breakers in these power distribution centers may then be used
to feed a variety of separate loads. To coordinate the tripping characteristics of the LVPCB with other
downstream circuit breakers, it is very desirable to have the mechanical characteristics of the circuit breaker so
that its "withstand current" rating is as high as possible. Short Time Withstand ratings allow the circuit breaker to
intentionally delay up to 30 cycles (0.5 seconds) before tripping, depending on the manufacturer and design.
The result is to enable the LVPCB to remain closed, allowing selective coordination with downstream circuit
breakers to open and clear a fault.
3.5
Instantaneous Override Function
The typical range of instantaneous pickup adjustment for circuit breakers is from around 1.5 up to 12 (or higher)
times the continuous ampere rating of the circuit breaker, depending on the manufacturer and design. In the
example of the 70 A circuit breaker in Figure 3.0, this circuit breaker could be adjusted to trip instantaneously at
the 1.5x setting (105 A), or as high as the 12x setting (840 A).
In addition to being able to adjust the range of instantaneous pickup settings from a low value to a high value,
some circuit breaker manufacturers also have electronic designs that allow the instantaneous function to be
turned OFF. When a circuit breaker with an electronic trip unit is specified without an instantaneous pickup
function, it typically contains whats called an instantaneous override function, as shown in Figure 3.5.
The instantaneous override function is also set to pickup and trip the circuit breaker instantaneously, but its
pickup level is permanently set at a much higher level than the typical maximum instantaneous settings of 12
times the continuous ampere rating of the circuit breaker (Figure 3.5). The pickup level of the instantaneous
override is typically set relatively close to the Short Time Withstand rating of the circuit breaker, depending on
the manufacturer and design. As a result, the instantaneous override pickup setting of the 70 amp circuit
breaker of Figure 3.0 may be as high the Short Time Withstand capability of the circuit breaker, of say 10,000 A.
This ability of a circuit breaker to remain closed at relatively high fault currents is a key benefit in being able to
selectively coordinate Overcurrent Protective Devices (OCPD). In this example, a 70 A circuit breaker with an
instantaneous override set at 10,000 A will coordinate (stay closed) with a downstream overcurrent protective
device that is set to trip instantaneously at fault currents levels that are lower than 10,000 A.
Therefore, one of the key ways for maximizing selective coordination is to apply an upstream circuit breaker
using an electronic trip unit without the adjustable instantaneous trip function. These circuit breakers do not
have an adjustable instantaneous characteristic; the built-in instantaneous override feature will instantaneously
trip the circuit breaker when the current level exceeds the published Short Time Withstand values, but will allow
this circuit breaker to remain closed at lower fault current levels.
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ABP 1-2010
Circuit Breaker
Instantaneous Region
Instantaneous Pick-Up
The nominal value of current at which an
adjustable circuit breaker is set to trip
instantaneously.
(IEEE 1015-2006 Blue Book) [8]
Instantaneous Trip
A qualifying term indicating that no delay is
purposely introduced in the tripping action of the
circuit breaker.
Instantaneous Override
The override trip is an independent instantaneous trip set near
the circuit-breaker withstand level that overrides the electronic
logic trip unit to cause the circuit breaker to open without delay
at very large fault levels.
Figure 3.5
Typical Adjustable Settings for Circuit Breakers
Application Information from Manufacturers
4.1
Application of Time-Current Curves
4.1.1
Overload Region
The correct method for determining selective coordination and the protection of equipment is via a coordination
study. This method provides a thorough analysis of the requirements, and results in documented evidence that
the coordination and protection requirements have been adequately achieved.
The selective coordination study involves a time-current coordination study by comparing the timing
characteristics of the various protective devices being considered with each other. In addition, the study also
looks at the potential damage characteristics of equipment being protected. For electronic or thermal-magnetic
circuit breakers, the appropriate settings for the circuit breaker trip units are developed in the coordination study.
The short circuit currents available at different points in the system must also be understood. To ensure an
optimal analysis, a coordination study is typically performed in conjunction with a Short Circuit Study. This study
evaluates the short circuit currents that may available in the system and allow the designer to see, at the same
time, the impact of these short circuit currents on the selection of devices to meet both selective coordination
and protection requirements.
When discussing selective coordination, Time-Current Curves (TCCs) for Overcurrent Protective Devices
(OCPD) (circuit breakers and fuses) are properly displayed as a bandnot a single line. Note that because of
the time difference between minimum response time and total clearing time, a band must always be shown
around that curve. Without this band, a user may accidentally create a selective coordination error resulting from
hidden curve overlap.
19
ABP 1-2010
Figure 4.1
Typical Time-Current Curves of Two Overcurrent Protective Devices
The time-current trip curves provide a quick and easy way to identify if selective coordination exists between
Overcurrent Protective Devices (OCPD). By overlaying the trip curves of two circuit breakers onto one graphical
plot, the designer can determine whether selective coordination exists. If the trip curves of two circuit breakers
intersect, the area of intersection indicates conditions under which both circuit breakers may trip. If these two
circuit breakers were used in an electrical system, the overlap of trip curves could result in both circuit breakers
tripping, causing unnecessary power loss to some portions of the electrical distribution system. On the other
hand, if the trip curves of two circuit breakers do not touch, the circuit breakers are said to be coordinated.
4.2
Limitation of Time-Current Curves
4.2.1
Overload Region
The Time-Current Curves are broken into two separate regions called the Overload region and the Fault
Current or Short Circuit region, as shown in Figure 3.0.
In the overload region as shown in Figure 4.1, the curves of two devices in series are typically separated by
time, and the trip response time involved is relatively long (seconds or minutes or even hours).
Therefore, in the overload region where fault currents are relatively low, and the response time of OCPDs is
typically not much faster than around one second or so, selective coordination is relatively easy to accomplish
between most devices. In this region, the Time-Current Curves of the various OCPDs are typically an adequate
tool for determining selective coordination of devices.
4.2.2
Instantaneous or Short Circuit Region
Traditional interpretation of time-current curves in the instantaneous region is the same as the interpretation in
the overload region. An overlap of the curves indicates potential lack of selectivity and, a lack of overlap
indicates probable selectivity. However, Time-Current Curve (TCC) analysis alone ignores the current limiting
effect of the load side circuit breaker. Hence, in the instantaneous region, circuit breakers may be more or less
20
ABP 1-2010
selective than traditional TCCs indicate. This is based on how the line side circuit breakers instantaneous trip
function reacts to a fault current flowing through both devices as altered by the typically smaller load side circuit
breaker or fuse. The line side circuit breaker will react to the peak let-through current allowed to flow by the
smaller, or faster, OCPD for a given prospective fault current.
Amperes
The effect of current limitation on the line side circuit breakers trip performance may be illustrated by Figure 4.21.
90,000
80,000
70,000
60,000
50,000
40,000
30,000
20,000
10,000
0
-10,000
-20,000
-30,000
-40,000
-50,000
-60,000
-70,000
-80,000
Trip
Fault between line &

load side devices
Line side trip set at
36kA peak (25kA RMS)
Electronic
Trip CB
Peak let-through
~32kA
Fault above CL CB
Current
Limiting CB
Seconds
0.0083
0.0167
Fault below CL CB
Figure 4.2-1
Effect of Current Limiting on Circuit Breaker Performance
In this Figure 4.2-1, the larger sine wave represents a prospective fault current or the fault magnitude possible at
the load side circuit breakers line side terminals. The smaller half cycle sine wave represents the current limiting
effect of the load side circuit breakers current limitation on the larger prospective fault current. The dashed line
is the instantaneous trip setting, in instantaneous or peak amperes, of the line side circuit breaker. As may be
seen from this diagram, even though the prospective fault current could have had a peak ampere value over 80
kA, the current limiting effect of the load side device limited the peak current to approximately 32 kA ensuring
selectivity with the line side device set at 36 kA.
Peak let-through currents may be provided by manufacturers in the form of peak let-through plots for various
circuit breakers or fuses. Values for peak let-through current at a specific prospective fault current may be
selected from these graphs. If a line side circuit breaker trip is set above the peak allowed to flow through by the
downstream device then the pair should be selective for the defined prospective fault current and below. In the
example shown in Figure 4.2-2, the current limiting circuit breaker allows a peak let-through current of 33 kA for
a prospective fault of 50 kA rms. As long as the line side circuit breaker is set above 23 kA rms, selectivity up to
50 kA is possible.
21
ABP 1-2010
100
I Peak Let-through (kA)
2 RMS
33kA Peak
50kA RMS = 33kA

Peak let-through
33kA = 23kA
Peak at PF = 1
10
10
Prospective RMS Fault I (kA)
100
Figure 4.2-2
Peak Let-Through Currents of Circuit Breaker
Understanding how the current limiting behavior of a current limiting fuse or circuit breaker is sensed by a line
side device that operates based on instantaneous peak currents can also prevent setting circuit breakers too
low when the downstream devices curve is drawn only down to the 0.01 axis on the Log-Log Time-Current
Curve (TCC).
Figure 4.2-3 shows a circuit breaker set high enough to not overlap with the fuses time-current curve as drawn
on a typical TCC showing a 0.01 second minimum response time.
1000
800A CB
100
0.10
SECONDS
10 200A J TD
0.01100
1K
10K
Amperes RMS
100K
Figure 4.2-3
Circuit Breaker Settings (Set so Circuit Breaker TCC does not Overlap Fuse TCC)
However, when the fuses peak let-through current is taken into consideration, the circuit breaker must be set as
shown in Figure 4.2-4 to ensure selectivity up to the full available bolted fault current.
22
ABP 1-2010
1000
800A CB
100
0.10
SECONDS
10200A J TD
0.01100
1K
10K
Amperes RMS
100K
Figure 4.2-4
Circuit Breaker Settings (Set to Ensure Selectivity to Full Available Bolted Fault Current)
Circuit breaker manufacturers have developed additional analytical methods and advanced proprietary
electronic trip algorithms that allow selectivity of multiple current limiting circuit breakers in series and also allow
electronic trips to be set at lower, more sensitive settings than the above described peak let-through based
method. Testing performed by the manufacturers under a variety of fault conditions should confirm the validity of
the methods used. Description of these methods is beyond the scope of this document.
Manufacturers will provide short circuit selectivity tables or other tools that document the instantaneous
selectivity that may be achieved with their devices based on the peak let-through current or energy of the load
side devices and how the line side devices respond to that let-through current or energy.
4.3
Short Circuit Selective Coordination Tables
The time-current curves of Overcurrent Protective Devices (OCPD) are typically developed by conducting
current interruption tests at various levels of overload and short circuit current. The time taken for the device to
completely interrupt the current flow is then measured and plotted to generate the time-current curves. These
tests are done on individual devices, and the corresponding time-current curves plotted.
In the case of selective coordination, the idea is to see how two of these devices perform, not as individual
devices, but instead, how they perform when connected in series with the same fault current flowing. At current
levels in the overload region, time-current curves for the individual devices may be overlaid on each other to
visually see if selective coordination is achievable. At higher short circuit current levels, the time-current curves
alone may not show as complete a picture as possible. The time-current curves alone do not include the impact
of the added impedance of the downstream circuit breaker if it begins to open faster than the upstream circuit
breaker, and the resulting higher coordination levels.
At these high fault current levels, if the time-current curves do not indicate that the two circuit breakers in
question are coordinated, then selective coordination performance should be determined by looking at the
additional information provided by the manufacturer of the OCPDs. Most manufacturers provide additional
selective coordination information that is summarized in the form of tables such as Table 4.3, [9] and show the
interrupting capabilities of the two devices when connected in series.
23
ABP 1-2010
Table 4.3
Typical Selective Coordination Table
These Selective Coordination Tables typically show the downstream circuit breaker data on one axis and the
upstream circuit breaker on the second axis. The numbers that fill in the matrix between these two axes
represent the levels of coordination between the upstream and downstream devices. The tables are also
intended to be a quick and visually easy-to-use way to determine selective coordination, without design
engineers needing to perform complex, error prone calculations. To further the easy-to-use approach, there
are software companies that have set-up programs that automate the navigation through the tables, to speed up
and simplify the interpretation of the information in these tables.
In some application cases, this increased level of coordination between whats determined by time-current
curves alone, versus the use of Selective Coordination Tables, may make an appreciable difference in criteria
such as the physical size, costs, and availability in the selection of these devices. Most manufacturers of
Overcurrent Protective Devices (OCPD) publish both time-current curves and Selective Coordination Tables.
The electrical system designer should consult the manufacturers tables to determine if improvements in the
levels of selective coordination may be gained over the level of selectivity indicated by using traditional timecurrent curves analysis.
4.4
Coordinating Ground-Fault Protection of Equipment
Dedicated equipment ground-fault protection such as ground-fault relays or the integral ground-fault function in
circuit breaker trips, or switches, is often applied in low-voltage systems. Equipment ground-fault protection is
not intended to provide protection against shock or electrocution. Devices that provide Equipment Ground-Fault
protection must meet the applicable Sections of the National Electrical Code (NEC) [1], UL 489 Molded-Case
Circuit Breakers, Molded-Case Switches and Circuit-Breaker Enclosures [5], and UL 1053 Ground-Fault
Sensing and Relaying Equipment [10]. This discussion applies to equipment ground-fault protection, not
Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) personnel protective devices.
The National Electrical Code (NEC) [1] article 230.95 requires equipment ground-fault protection to be provided
on solidly grounded wye electric services of more than 150 volts to ground but not exceeding 600 volts phase Copyright 2010 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.
24
ABP 1-2010
to-phase for each service disconnect rated 1000A or more. Exceptions are made for legally mandated
emergency and standby systems as well as systems where a disorderly shutdown may present more risk to
human life than a fire caused by an arcing ground fault. Because of the National Electrical Code (NEC) [1]
requirement and the desire to protect against low magnitude arcing faults in 480Y/277V systems, ground-fault
protection is common in systems rated 1000 A or larger.
The mandate and need for ground-fault protection arises out of the potential for an arcing ground-fault current to
be low relative to the settings of the phase protection devices. Prior to ground-fault protection mandates being
added to the NEC [2] in 1972, a large number of building and electrical system fires were attributed to arcing
ground faults that persisted long enough to seriously damage equipment or start building fires. The industry
recognizes ground faults as the most common type of electrical fault1; hence in systems that require higher
reliability, it is common to include more than one level of ground-fault protection. Many systems, and hospitals
meeting the additional ground-fault selectivity requirements of Section 517.17, will have two or more levels of
ground-fault protection in series. The intent of the second level of ground-fault protection is to increase system
reliability by preventing the service entrance main Overcurrent Protective Device (OCPD) from opening from a
ground-fault below a second-level feeder OCPD. However, as the following text will describe, incorrect selection
of downstream OCPDs, complicated by multiple levels of ground-fault protection, may decrease system
reliability.
Multiple standards define performance for ground-fault protective devices. The NEC [1] defines maximum
pickup to be 1200 A and the maximum clearing time at 3000 A to be 1 second. UL 1053 [10] defines maximum
clearing time at 150% of nominal pickup setting as 2 seconds. Figure 4.1-1 shows the various mandated limits
along with a typical ground-fault protective device curve at maximum pickup allowed for any size of low-voltage
OCPD.
J.R. Dunki-Jacobs, F.J. Shields with Conrad St. Pierre Industrial Power System Grounding Design Handbook, self published, 2007:
Pg. 175: "Non-bolted faults generally are intermittent rather than continuous faults, and occur mostly as ground faults for the reason
that, among electrical faults, ground faults statistically prevail."
Pg. 189: "Statistically, ground faults make up around 95% of all faults. Of these, in industrial systems, a large portion may be initiated
as arcing-ground faults in low-voltage systems.
Pg. 336: "As more than 90 percent of all faults in electrical systems in industry involve ground, an effective ground-fault detection and
protective system merits prime consideration."
Pg. 444: "Statistics tacit (sic) indicate that about 95% of all short circuits in industrial plants are line-to-ground faults, of which most are
of the arcing fault variety."
25
ABP 1-2010
1000.00
1200A NEC
maximum
nominal pickup
100.00
UL 1053, maximum 2
second clear at 150%
nominal setting
Seconds
10.00
1.00
NEC 3000A, maximum

1 second clear
0.10
0.01
100
1,000
10,000
Amperes
100,000
Figure 4.1-1
The Mandated Limits for Low-Voltage OCPD
Because of standard requirements, the shape of the ground-fault functions protective curve is more limited than
the shape of phase protection devices. Phase protection devices response must be shaped to allow normal
transient currents associated with motor starting and transformer inrush to flow; hence, the downstream phase
protection devices response may not be slower or less sensitive than the ground-fault protection in an upstream
Overcurrent Protective Device (OCPD).
Ground-fault protective devices are able to use various sensing mechanisms or calculations to discern a
ground-fault current separate from balanced phase current even if the phase current includes a phase-to-phase
fault component. However, phase protection devices cannot separate a ground fault from a phase fault. A
ground fault with enough fault current can operate phase protection. However, a phase fault should not operate
properly functioning ground-fault protection
This requires that for complete system selectivity, that phase protection devices and ground-fault protection
devices be coordinated with each other, as shown in Figure 4.1-2.
26
ABP 1-2010
1000
250A Electronic CB
1200A GF
Seconds
10
TIME IN SECONDS
100A TM CB
100
0.10
0.01 10
100
1K
10K
100K
Amperes
Figure 4.1-2
Circuit Breaker Selectively Coordinated with 1200A Ground Fault
The sloped portion of the ground-fault curve is called an I2t slope and is a user selectable response typically
provided by circuit breaker and Ground-Fault (GF) relay manufacturers. In this figure, a 100 A thermal magnetic
lighting type branch circuit breaker and a 250 A molded case circuit breaker are shown to be barely selective
with the maximum National Electrical Code [1] allowed 1200 A ground-fault setting. The difference in sensitivity
to fault types between ground-fault relays and normal overcurrent protection provides additional selectivity
complexity within systems that include both phase and ground-fault protection.
Figure 4.1-3 demonstrates a 100 A thermal magnetic circuit breaker that is not selectively coordinated with the
1200 A Ground-Fault (GF) function and two 200 A class-J fuses. One of the fuses shown in Figure 4.1-3 is
selectively coordinated, and the other is not.
27
ABP 1-2010
1000
100A TM CB
200A J fuse
1200A GF
Seconds
10
TIME IN SECONDS
200A TD J fuse
100
0.10
0.01 10
100
1K
10K
100K
Amperes
Figure 4.1-3
Circuit Breaker and Fuses with 1200 A Ground Fault NOT Selectively Coordinated
These two figures demonstrate that phase protection devices connected downstream of equipment ground-fault
protection must be carefully selected with respect to size, type and individual response characteristics to obtain
selectivity. However in all cases the downstream device may need to be significantly smaller than the device
that incorporates the ground-fault protection.
Due to the limits on ground-fault response and the shape of typical fuses and circuit breaker phase protection
downstream of an Overcurrent Protective Device (OCPD) equipped with equipment ground-fault protection,
downstream phase protectors may need to be relatively small. In the case of circuit breakers the downstream
circuit breakers adjustment flexibility may allow for devices as large as 250 A, potentially more depending on the
degree of curve shaping flexibility in the downstream device. Fuses may need to be under 100 A to be selective
with ground-fault functions as high as 1200 A if they are of the time delayed type, normal non-time delay type
fuses may be larger.
In systems with multiple levels of ground-fault protection, feeders with Ground-Fault Protection may be
impossible to make selective with branch circuit breakers as small as 20 A 1 pole. Any fault in a single-phase
circuit protected by a one-pole OCPD will be sensed as a ground fault by an upstream three-phase ground-fault
protective device. It is commonly believed that most faults are ground faults2, and that most faults occur at end2
Per the references:
In actual practice, unbalanced faults are much more common, especially line-to-ground in grounded systems. Per the IEEE Color
Book Series - Orange Book pg. 175
Ground faults comprise the majority of all faults that occur in industrial and commercial power systems. Per the IEEE Color Book
Series - Buff Book pg. 4
Operating records show that the majority of the electrical circuit faults originate as phase-to-ground failures. Per the IEEE Color Book
Series - Red Book pg. 187
Most electric-circuit faults occur as phase-to-ground breakdowns. Protection Fundamentals for Low-Voltage Electrical Distribution
Systems in Commercial Buildings, IEEE JH 2112-1, 1974, pg. 113.
28
ABP 1-2010
use equipment and circuits. Hence, ground and phase protection selectivity with branch circuit OCPDs is very
important in systems where selectivity is deemed important for system reliability. Figure 4.1-4 shows a system,
as may be found in a hospital application with two levels of ground fault, as required by National Electrical Code
(NEC) [1] article 517.17, set at the highest pickup settings.
1000
240A GF
1200A GF
Seconds
10
TIME IN SECONDS
20A 1P Branch CB
100
0.10
0.01 10
100
1K
10K
100K
Amperes
Figure 4.1-4
20A 1-Pole Lighting Circuit Breaker under 240A Ground Fault
The feeder with Ground-Fault (GF) protection in this figure is a 400 A circuit breaker with ground-fault set at 240
A nominal pickup. This GF function is barely selective with a 20A 1-pole lighting type circuit breaker. A lower
setting of the ground-fault circuit breaker would be impossible to coordinate with a small branch circuit single
pole circuit breaker.
In power delivery systems where continuity of power is important, GF protection, circuit size, Overcurrent
Protective Device (OCPD) type, as well as device settings must be selected carefully to optimize selectivity.
Ground-fault protection in small feeder circuit breakers may reduce system reliability by causing a lack of
selectivity between feeder trips and branch circuit breakers.
Design Guidelines
In order to properly design a selectively coordinated system, the design Professional Engineer must recognize
and understand how the various technical, business, and personnel issues of such a system are interrelated.
The Overcurrent Protective Devices (OCPD) and associated control and monitoring equipment must all have
technical (electrical, mechanical, thermal, etc.) capacities that are equal to or greater than the system that they
are being applied to. The choice of these components drives short- and long-term costs, overall system
reliability, and maintenance considerations, and impacts the lives of the personnel that must install and maintain
these devices.
As a result, the design of selectively coordinated systems must consider more than just the alignment of
equipment selection with National Electrical Code (NEC) [1] requirements and/or technical customer
specifications. As design Professional Engineers have worked over recent years to implement these systems,
comments from feedback exchanges indicate that there are general approaches that typically yield successful
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ABP 1-2010
results when designing selectively coordinated systems. Feedback has also indicated that the earlier in the
design process that the various selective coordination requirements are considered, the smoother the entire
process will be. For example, getting preliminary data about things such as the available fault currents from the
utility and/or generators, estimates of cable lengths, and OCPDs typically results in designs that minimize rework and time-consuming revisions.
Successfully designed systems typically follow some fairly straightforward guidelines:
1) Understand the overall requirements and objectives of the electrical system
2) Understand how the local Authority Having Jurisdiction interprets the NEC [1] with respect to the
proposed system
3) Determine the available fault currents at each device, from all sources of powerconduct a Short
Circuit Study of the system
4) Select OCPDs that provide selective coordinationuse Time-Current Curves and Selective
Coordination Tables from manufacturers
5) Optimize the designconsider special application requirements, and make iterative changes to simplify
the impact of the design on initial installation, ongoing maintenance, and the safety of operating
personnel
1) Understand the overall electrical system
Prior to designing a system, the design engineer must understand the overall requirements and objectives of the
electrical system, particularly in the area of selective coordination. The understanding of these requirements
should be documented. The requirements for selective coordination often go hand-in-hand with systems that
involve standby generators and automatic transfer switches (ATS).
a) System drawings and documentation should indicate the nature of the application that the ATS scheme
is to be used for. These applications may be for situations that involve emergency, life safety, critical
care, elevators or similar people movers, legally required standby, critical operations power systems,
some other local NEC [1] requirement.
b) System documentation should clearly identify where requirements need to meet selective coordination
per NEC [1] Sections 620.62, 700.27, 701.18, or 708.54, as required.
In some cases, preliminary drawings may not clearly identify what areas of the electrical system require
selective coordination. If selective coordination requirements are not clearly and fully addressed early in the
design phase of a project, equipment manufacturers that may bid on the project for example, can make
erroneous assumptions that may later impact the physical size, performance capabilities, costs, availability, etc.,
of equipment being provided.
2) Understand the local Authority Having Jurisdictions interpretations
The design engineer should develop a sound understanding of how the local jurisdiction interprets the selective
coordination NEC [1] requirements with respect to the various areas of the proposed electrical system. Early
discussions should be conducted with the appropriate Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to clarify how any
areas of potential ambiguity will be interpreted.
In an example such as the addition of a new building wing to an existing hospital, a number of opportunities for
confusion may arise. Exactly what portions of the existing buildings equipment shall coordinate with the
equipment of the new wing, and whether the devices connected to both the emergency generator and the
normal utility shall be selectively coordinated, may have different answers depending on the exact nature of the
application. Its best to proactively surface these issues in order to discuss and determine the answers as early
as possible in the design phase, so that the upcoming selection of the appropriate equipment can be made
without unnecessary redesign.
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ABP 1-2010
3) Determine the available fault currents
In order to determine if devices are selectively coordinated, the system designer must know which devices will
stay closed and which devices will open when fault currents flow through those devices. In order to know which
devices will open or stay closed, a study must be conducted to determine the prospective fault currents that are
available at each device in the electrical system. To make this determination, some basic information is needed
as follows:
a) A One-Line diagram of the electrical system
b) Voltage at various points in the system
c) Short Circuit Fault Currents at various points in the system
A simple electrical system may have a single power source, and their analysis will usually be simple and
straightforward. Other, more complicated systems may have multiple power sources, requiring more involved
analysis. In either case, whether simple or complicated, the analysis for determining the available fault currents
will follow the same general approach.
The approach for determining available fault currents in a complex scheme is similar to that of the single source
scheme, except that a number of factors must be considered. The system design engineer must make sure that
other factors such as fault current contribution from motors will require adjustments for changes in X/R ratios,
and the effect of power loss due to various cable-length impedances are all accounted for and included in the
analysis. In the more complicated schemes, there are a number of different components in the electrical system
that may impact the available fault current at each Overcurrent Protective Device (OCPD). The analysis of how
these various components impact the system design must be done by qualified system design personnel.
In schemes involving both a normal utility power source and an alternate emergency generator power source,
the design engineer must work with the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to establish if both the utility
and the generator power source, or just the generator power source, are to be considered in the analysis of the
available fault currents. In general, generators will typically have much lower available fault currents than the
normal utility source, making selective coordination somewhat simpler. There are, however, applications such
as large data centers and hospitals where the available fault currents from the generator power source may be
quite high.
Early discussions between the design engineer and the local AHJ will typically surface the appropriate approach
to take in addressing these options, during the actual system design phase.
4) Select overcurrent protect devices for selective coordination
At this point in the design of the system, the design engineer may preliminarily select OCPDs that satisfy the
requirements for being able to appropriately interrupt fault currents and provide protection to limit damage. The
next step in the design process is to examine whether these preliminarily selected devices will also selectively
coordinate. For this discussion, we determined that selective coordination of all devices connected on both the
normal utility and the emergency generator power sources are required by the local AHJ.
a) Start at the smallest device and work from the bottom up
To begin the analysis, start with the smallest device that is the farthest downstream point of the utility
system. Using the fault current available to this device from the Short Circuit study, examine if this
downstream device will coordinate with the device that is immediately upstream from it. This examination
may be done looking at both Time-Current Curves and/or via Short Circuit Selective Coordination Tables,
provided by the manufacturers of the devices.
b) Use Time-Current Curves and Short Circuit Selective Coordination Tables
Time-Current Curves may be solely used when the fault currents are relatively low and the trip response
time of the devices are relatively long (hundreds of milliseconds or longer). In this case, on a single plot,
overlay the time-current curves for both the downstream and the upstream devices. On the fault current
axis, locate the value of the available fault current at the downstream device. At this fault current value,
determine if the upstream device can be set to remain closed, either via adjustable pickup or time-delay
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ABP 1-2010
settings, while allowing the downstream device to open. If these two devices are selectively coordinated,
there will typically not be any overlap in their time-current curve plots.
The available fault current at the downstream device may be sufficiently high that when plotted with the
time-current curves of the upstream device, it may not be clear from looking at the time-current curve plots if
these two devices will selectively coordinate. There may be partial overlap of the curves in some regions.
When there is overlap in the time-current curve plots of two devices, Selective Coordination Tables should
be used to determine if coordination is still possible at the available short circuit fault current levels. Most
manufacturers of Overcurrent Protective Devices (OCPD) provide these tables along with detailed
instructions for using them. In general with these tables, the first step is to find the downstream device, and
then locate the first upstream device that will coordinate at a fault current value that is equal to or greater
than the available fault current at the downstream device. Most tables will typically show a maximum value
up to which the combination of these two devices will coordinate.
c) Use available Software Tools to speed up the analyses
Depending on the types of OCPDs selected, and the level of complexity of the system being designed, it
should be evident that this iterative design effort may become time consuming, error prone, and produce
somewhat subjective results. In recent years as the National Electrical Code (NEC) [1] requirements for
selective coordination have become more widespread, design engineers have recognized the need to take
advantage of various new tools to simplify and improve the efficiency of the design efforts.
As a result, third-party software companies now make available the time-current curves and the selective
coordination tables in various electronic media, such that the time current data plots and lookup table results
can be manipulated via software. To guide the calculation of the available fault currents in a Short Circuit
Study, third-party calculator type software is now available. These calculators allow the designer to enter
just some key, basic information that describes the configuration of the system, and then the software, with
built-in formulas, does the required numerical operations and provides the desired calculated results.
Electronic tools such as these serve to simplify and speed up the potentially time-consuming portions of the
design process, freeing up the design engineer to focus their skills on much more important non-arithmetic
considerations that typically need much more attention and deliberation. It can be anticipated that third-party
software companies will continue to refine and enhance these tools as the NEC [1] requirements become
even more widespread.
d) Mixing of Overcurrent Protective Devices
The design engineer may select overcurrent protective devices that may seem well suited for satisfying the
requirements of the short circuit study, but may not be the best choice for selective coordination. As a result,
the system may have a mixture of OCPDs of different typescircuit breakers or fuses. In addition, the
design may have devices of the same type, but from different manufacturers. This scenario is particularly
likely when an existing facility is being remodeled or expanded.
Systems with a mix of fuses and circuit breakers present additional selectivity challenges. The mixing of
multiple brands of circuit breakers may cause limitations in calculating the selectivity levels needed for the
system.
Fuse manufacturers provide time-current curves for their fuses. When used according to manufacturer
recommendations, selectivity assessment for faults whose magnitudes are below where the upstream fuse
crosses the 0.01 second axis on the Time-Current Curves (TCC) may be assessed via time-current curves
alone. However, when fault currents are below the 0.01 second crossing for both fuses, then the fuses may
be operating in their current and energy limiting range and hence the selectivity tables or recommended
ratios provided by the manufacturer should be used. However, at the time of this writing, fuse selectivity
tables and ratios apply only to one manufacturer at a time. Guidelines on how to assess selectivity across
fuses made by different manufacturers do not exist at this time. Hence, any system implemented in this
manner should use replacement fuses of the same type, brand, and size as the fuse being replaced.
Similarly, when fuses are used downstream of circuit breakers, selectivity may be ascertained via the timecurrent curves alone as long as the available fault current does not exceed the instantaneous pickup of the
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ABP 1-2010
upstream circuit breaker shown on the time-current curves. When fault currents exceed the upstream circuit
breakers pickup, selectivity may still be possible. However, more thorough analysis may be required. In
some cases, analysis may be performed via the peak let-through current method described earlier in this
document. At the time of this writing, manufacturers do not provide selectivity tables for circuit breakers
used upstream of fuses, so there currently is not an easily verifiable way to analyze selectivity of
instantaneous trip circuit breakers used on the line side of fuses. When that situation is encountered, the
circuit breaker manufacturer should be contacted for additional information.
When fuses are on the line side of circuit breakers, similar complexities arise. The let-through energy of a
circuit breaker may or may not be enough to melt an upstream fuse. However, neither manufacturers of
circuit breakers nor fuses commonly provide sufficient information to allow the required analysis to be
performed by system design professionals. When selectivity of fuses on the line side above circuit breaker
combinations must be analyzed beyond where the fuse crosses the 0.01second axis of the time-current
curve, the circuit breaker manufacturer should be consulted.
Another situation that limits the availability of selectivity tools is the mix of multiple brands of circuit breakers.
Selectivity in the short and long time range may be verified by the time-current curves. However, in the
instantaneous range, selectivity tables are recommended, and at this time, like fuses, no cross brand
selectivity tables are provided by any of the manufacturers.
5) Optimize the design
Depending on how complex the electrical system is, the design engineer will likely find that there are points
in the analysis that the selection of devices may present possible contradictions for decisions in system
protection, selective coordination, or even personnel safety. The designer may be faced with iterative design
changes by making tradeoffs in the types of devices to satisfy National Electrical Code (NEC) [1]
requirements and customer specifications, in addition and maintenance considerations.
Therefore, the next key step in this process is to gather all the resulting data from the various analysis of the
short circuit studies, the selective coordination analysis, and any other relevant systems data, and then
attempt to optimize the design of the overall system. While there are obviously no foolproof steps to ensure
that every possible system configuration can be optimized, there are some basic guidelines that, when
followed, will typically result in a system design that takes into consideration many of the key design,
implementation, and maintenance concerns.
The optimization process will involve an iterative look at some possible ways to streamline the final results
with approaches such as simplifying the original design, reducing the fault currents, reviewing the selection
of Overcurrent Protective Devices (OCPD), and a focus on any special equipment application requirements.
5.1
Simplify the One-line Diagram
5.1.1
Divide Larger Loads into Smaller Loads
Where possible, split up larger loads into smaller loads such that the resulting fault currents will be lower. The
lower fault currents may result in smaller protective devices and conducting cables, etc., thereby making
selective coordination simpler. The tradeoff may be things such as more space, possibly higher (or lower) total
costs for the smaller load devices, and more involved wiring for control schemes.
5.1.2
Reduce the Number of Levels of Protective Devices
The fewer the number of levels of OCPDs, the simpler selective coordination becomes. Figures 5.1-1 and 5.1-2
demonstrate this approach.
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ABP 1-2010
Panel-1
Panel-1
Panel-2
Panel-2
Panel-3
Panel-3
Figure 5.1-1
3 Levels of Selective Coordination Required
Figure 5.1-2
Simplified Scheme with 2 Levels of Selective Coordination
In Figure 5.1-1, Panel-2 and Panel-3 are supplied, in series, with power from Panel-1, resulting in 3 levels of
devices. The same number of panels may be re-configured as shown in Figure 5.1-2 into a 2-level scheme,
thereby simplifying the selective coordination levels.
5.2
Reduce the Available Fault Current
5.2.1
Increase the Impedance of the System
Conductors used in distributing power from sources to loads add resistive and inductive impedance to the
system. Increased impedance will lower available fault current at the end of the conductors. In some cases,
using longer conductors or dividing circuits into multiple smaller circuits will reduce fault current at different
points in the circuit. Lower fault current may allow for easier selectivity.
Longer conductors may have a slight effect on voltage drop and may increase the cost and complexity of the
installation. However, the increased cost may be offset by the ability to use lower cost protective devices or a
simpler distribution topology.
The conductors that connect the various electrical equipment and devices in the system inherently add
impedance. The more impedance, the lower the available fault currents will be, the simpler selective
coordination will be. Equipment may be relocated, for example, such that longer cable runs are required. The
tradeoff for longer cables will be their added costs, but these costs may be offset by the smaller and less costly
Overcurrent Protective Devices (OCPD) that may now be used to handle the reduced fault currents.
Note that whenever sizing cable conductors, in addition to selective coordination requirements, voltage drop and
National Electrical Code (NEC) [1] and/or local code derating factors must also be considered.
5.2.2
Utilize Step-Down or Isolation Transformers
Transformers are used within commercial and industrial low-voltage power systems to reduce utilization voltage
from the 480 or 600 volts, typically used for large machinery, to 120/208 or 240/120 volts used for smaller
machinery, lighting, and general-purpose branch circuits. Transformers have a significant effect on selectivity in
multiple ways:
1) They create a separately derived system where the transformers impedance becomes the main
determinant of maximum fault current.
2) They have a winding-turns-ratio and a voltage ratio that determines the secondary voltage from primary
voltage, and the primary current for a given value of secondary current.
3) They have winding configurations (typically Delta-Wye) that cause secondary single-phase faults to be
smaller multiple phase faults on the transformers primary conductors.
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ABP 1-2010
In addition, the primary main feeding the transformer and secondary main fed from the transformer do not
need to be selective with each other. The NEC [1] specifically provides an exception for this device
combination and consideration of the effect on system reliability shows that the effect on delivery of power to
loads is the same regardless of which OCPD opens, or if both open. Both, however, need to be selective
with the OCPD above and below them. See Figure 5.2.2-1 for illustration of selectivity needs around a
transformer circuit.
The transformer ratio may be calculated by dividing the rated primary voltage by the secondary primary
voltage. For a 480 V to 208 V transformer, the turns-ratio is 2.31. This means that any balanced three-phase
current on the secondary side conductors is reflected on the primary side conductors 2.31 times smaller. For
example, as 10,000 A three-phase balanced fault on the secondary side would be fed by a 10,000/2.3 TO 1
(4,329 A) fault current on the primary side. Transformers also have a winding-turns-ratio defined as the
ratio of wire turns in the primary winding to the number of turns in the secondary winding (N1/N2). This ratio
determines the voltage and current ratio for a single-phase transformer and the winding current and winding
voltage ratio in a three-phase transformer.
The typical distribution transformer has a Delta primary winding. In a Delta winding, the current flowing
through each winding is not the same as the current flowing into the winding from the phase conductors.
The current from the phase conductors will divide into the winding by relationships determined by the three
windings working together.
Should be selective
with each other
Should be selective
with each other
Need not be selective
with each other
Should be selective
with each other
Should be selective
with each other
Figure 5.2.2-1
Selectivity Requirements for Transformer Primary and Secondary Devices
The division of currents is seen in Figure 5.2.2-2. The 3/3 factor affects how fault currents on the secondary
circuit of the transformer are seen by Overcurrent Protective Devices (OCPDs) on the primary side of the
transformer.
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ABP 1-2010
A balanced three-phase fault is only affected by the transformer ratio as seen in Figure 5.2.2-3. However, single
phase-to-phase and phase-to-ground faults are also affected by the Delta-Wye transformer winding
configuration. Figure 5.2.2-4 shows the effect of the winding configuration on a single-phase fault and Figure
5.2.2-5 shows the effect on a ground fault on the secondary transformer circuit.
I phase
1.0A
3/3 =0.58A
I winding
3/3 =0.58A
I winding
Delta Current Phasors
Delta Winding
Figure 5.2.2-2
Distribution of Incoming Phase Currents into a Delta Primary Winding
1.0 A
1.0/2.31 A
N1
1.0/4 A
1.0/2.31 A
1.0/4 A
N2
3-phase Fault
1.0/4 A
1.0/2.31 A
1.0 A
For 480-208 V transformer
V ratio = 480/208V = 2.31
Turns Ratio = N1/N2 = 4
1.0 A
Figure 5.2.2-3
Delta Wye Transformer Windings with Balanced 3-Phase Fault
3 = 0.87 A
2
0.5/2.31 A
0.5/2.31 A
0.5/2.31 A
0.5/2.31 A
1-phase Fault
1.0/2.31 A
3 3 =
3
2
0.87 0.58 = 0.5
3 A
2
Figure 5.2.2-4
Delta Wye Transformer Windings with Single Phase-to-Phase Fault
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ABP 1-2010
1.0 A
1.0 A/4
0A
1.0 A/4
1-phase to ground Fault
1.0 A/4
Primary current on two
phases equal to
secondary current
divided by turns ratio
Figure 5.2.2-5
Single Phase to Ground
In addition to the effects of the winding configuration, transformers affect available fault current on their
secondary side with their inherent impedance. Each transformer has characteristic impedance that may be
provided by the manufacturers product information or may be read on the transformers nameplate. This
impedance acts as a choke, limiting the maximum possible secondary fault current. To a lesser degree, the
current available at the transformers primary terminals affects the fault current available at the secondary side
of the transformer. Short circuit calculations can determine the precise fault current available based on both of
these factors as well as the effect of conductor impedance in the circuit. However, dividing the secondary fullload-current by the transformer impedance and multiplying the result by 100 can conservatively estimate
secondary fault current.
The following formulas can be used to estimate fault current at the transformers secondary side if conductor
impedance and source fault current is ignored.
Maximum secondary fault current =
100 FLA / Z%
where Z% = percentage transformer impedance
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ABP 1-2010
As an example, lets look at the estimated requirements for a 75 kVA transformer with 4% Z.
FLA = 75000 VA / 208 V / 3 = 208 A
Maximum secondary fault current =
100 FLA / Z% = 20,800 A / 4 = 5,200 A
Ignoring conductor impedances and fault current available from the source system, Figure 5.2.2-6 shows the
selectivity requirements at the various circuit breakers around a 75kVA transformer.
2,253A 3
2,253A 1
1,300A 1
-
-G
480V
Delta
75kVA
4%z
208V
Wye
2,253A 3
2,253A 1
1,300A 1
-
-G
5,200A 3
4,528A 1
5,200A 1
-
-G
Figure 5.2.2-6
Selectivity Requirements for Transformer Primary and Secondary Devices Based on Unknown High
Available Primary Fault Current, Known kVA, and Known Transformer Impedance. The Effect of
Conductor Impedance is Ignored
Understanding how transformer ratios, windings, and impedance affect selectivity needs is required to optimally
assess selectivity needs in a transformer circuit. Careful selection of transformer size and impedance can help
to provide selectivity solutions or avert selectivity problems. In some cases using 1:1 transformers to choke
down fault current can facilitate selectivity where high source fault current would have otherwise made
selectivity difficult. For example, in the system illustrated in Figure 5.2.2-6, if the 75 kVA transformer was a 1:1,
480 V isolation transformer used in a system with 65 kA available, selectivity requirements could be simplified.
Branch circuit breakers in the panel fed by the transformer would have fault currents in the 2,253-1,300 A range
rather than a 65,000 A range to deal with.
5.2.3
Take Advantage of the Added Arc Impedance of Load Side and Line Circuit Breaker
Combinations
The current limiting and peak let-through current effects between line side and load side Overcurrent Protective
Devices (OCPDs) is described in some detail in section 4.2.2, Instantaneous or Short Circuit Region. In
summary, most circuit breaker manufacturers provide selective coordination tables or other tools that show the
levels of coordination between specific combinations of line side and load side circuit breakers. Design
engineers should review this information to see if selectivity at higher current levels may be achieved.
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ABP 1-2010
5.3
Review Device Selection
5.3.1
Increase the Withstand Capabilities of the Upstream Line Side Overcurrent Protective Devices
The withstand capabilities of the upstream line side circuit breaker should be selected to be as high as practical,
such that it can remain closed while a downstream circuit breaker opens. This can be accomplished by selecting
a larger frame Molded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB) that has a higher Instantaneous Override trip level. By
increasing the frame size of the upstream circuit breaker, from say a 1,200 A to a 2,000 A MCCB, most selective
coordination tables will show an increase in the level of fault current that a downstream circuit breaker will
coordinate.
5.3.2
Change the Type of Circuit Breaker
Selective Coordination Tables will show that by changing from a Molded Case Circuit Breaker to either an
Insulated Case Circuit Breaker (ICCB) or a Low-Voltage Power Circuit Breaker (LVPCB) that the level of
selective coordination with a downstream device will typically increase. This increase in the level of selective
coordination is achieved by the inherent higher withstand capability ratings required in the design requirements
of ICCBs and LVPCBs.
The tradeoff may be higher costs and larger space for the ICCB or LVPCB, but these costs may be offset, for
example, by the option to use the ICCB or LVPCB to remain closed while supplying power to reduced number of
levels of OCPDs, as shown in Figure 5.1-2.
5.3.3
Select Current Limiting Type Molded Case Circuit Breaker
Where possible, Current Limiting type Molded Case Circuit Breakers may be used for branch devices. Current
Limiting devices respond very rapidly and significantly limit the let-through current, and in doing so coordinate
better with upstream devices.
5.4
Special Equipment Application Requirements
5.4.1
Generator Protection
Generator manufacturers often supply their generators with circuit breakers on the output. These are typically
thermal-magnetic or simple electronic types with only adjustable long time and instantaneous (LI) trip functions.
Consideration must be given to whether the generator circuit breaker will coordinate with downstream circuit
breakers. If the prospective fault current the generator can produce is below the maximum instantaneous trip
point of the circuit breaker, then coordination can be achieved, regardless of the type or brand of downstream
Overcurrent Protective Devices (OCPDs).
If the prospective fault current that the generator can produce is above the maximum instantaneous trip point of
the circuit breaker, then the let-through current of the downstream circuit breaker must be considered using the
Selective Coordination Tables provided by the manufacturer. This means that the downstream OCPDs will need
to be circuit breakers from the same manufacturer as the generator.
Consideration must also be given to the protection of the generator, and to the careful selection of the protection
settings of any generator protective devices supplied by the generator manufacturer. For example, in
applications where the ratings required of the circuit breaker to protect the generator are such that it will not
allow total selective coordination to be achieved with downstream OCPDs, it may not be necessary to change to
a different generator breaker. In this case, an allowance from the Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) will be
necessary to favor protection of the generator over total selective coordination of the system.
There are applications where multiple generators are in place, and connecting and running multiple generators
in parallel, while ensuring that short circuit protection and selective coordination, may become a significant
challenge. In such an instance involving a complex system, an external scheme involving differential relaying
may be necessary to provide adequate generator protection and selective coordination.
5.4.2
Automatic Transfer Switches
Electrical equipment and components not designed to interrupt high values of fault current are usually rated in
terms of withstand current. Withstand is typically defined as a high value of current that can be carried by the
equipment or components for a specific amount of time, or long enough for a specific Overcurrent Protective
Device (OCPD) upstream to clear the fault. Short circuit withstand ratings are commonly applied to distribution
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ABP 1-2010
equipment (such as switchboards and panels), busway, transfer switches, molded case switches, non-fused
safety switches, and others.
The application of transfer switches is a major consideration in the design of emergency, legally required
standby, and optional standby systems. Transfer Switch short circuit ratings must be appropriate for the
available fault current, the upstream overcurrent protective device, and the overcurrent device settings.
Emergency and legally required standby systems require selective coordination. If coordination is accomplished
using short time delays with circuit breakers, the transfer switches require a suitable short time rating as well.
Not all transfer switches are rated for use with short time delays.
Transfer switches are required to have withstand ratings of either a specific device rating or an any-circuit
breaker rating. A transfer switch may have both types of ratings. In addition, a transfer switch may have a short
time rating. These ratings must be evaluated based on the pairing of the transfer switch with the immediate
upstream OCPDs in order to achieve proper coordination. The withstand ratings are marked for maximum
available fault currents at maximum system voltages. The markings will specify the type of protection associated
with each withstand rating. If the rating is accomplished using a specific circuit breaker, the manufacturer, type,
and maximum ampere rating is included. For withstand ratings requiring the use of specific fuses, the rating
includes the fuse class and its maximum ampere rating. The transfer switch may be marked as being suitable
for use with any UL 489 [5] listed circuit breaker with an instantaneous trip response. The marking may also
include short time current rating(s) that include maximum time duration(s).
If the transfer switch does not have integral overcurrent protection, then it must be rated for the available fault
current and the overcurrent protection being provided for both the normal and alternate source feeders. The
following checks are involved in assessing the switch ratings and switch protection:
1) Determine the available fault current and system voltage at the normal and alternate line terminals of
the switch.
2) Select a switch that is rated for a fault current greater than, or equal to, that available fault current.
3) Check that the switch is rated for use with the type and maximum current rating for a circuit breaker of a
particular manufacturer as selected or the class and maximum current rating of a selected fuse.
4) If a transfer switch has integral overcurrent protection, its time-current characteristic needs to be
reviewed since it becomes an integral part of the selective coordination design.
5) If a circuit breaker is to utilize a short time delay, the transfer switch must include a short time rating that
is suitable for use with the required short time current setting.
The circuit breaker short time delay must be set to less than the transfer switch rated delay, and the circuit
breaker instantaneous trip current setting must be less than the transfer switch short time current rating. If the
transfer switch short time current rating is higher than the available fault current, the instantaneous setting is not
required to protect the switch.
Selective coordination can be achieved in a number of ways. Some approaches will require the transfer switch
to be rated for use with short time delay functions. Other approaches such as locating the transfer switches
close to the served loads may result in lower available fault currents and simpler coordination between the
OCPDs. Applying more switches with lower continuous current ratings rather than a few large switches can
simplify the coordination, and improve overall reliability.
5.4.3
Busway
Manufacturers may state busway withstand in terms of current and time or in terms of a specific type of
protective device such as size and class of fuse. When protecting busway with circuit breakers with long delays
or oversized frames due to selectivity considerations, it is important to verify that the bus is adequately protected
and will operate within its claimed withstand ratings. In some cases, it may be required to select a larger bus
size, different construction material, or different type of busway to ensure that its ratings are suitable for the
protective device ahead of the busway. Alternatively, OCPD selection may need to be changed to provide
suitable protection to the busway.
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ABP 1-2010
5.4.4
Arc Flash Energy
Selective Coordination requires upstream Overcurrent Protective Devices (OCPD) to wait longer to enable
downstream protective devices to clear the fault. As protective devices permit fault currents to flow with
intentional delay before the fault current is cleared, the amount of potential arc flash energy increases the longer
the fault current is allowed to arc. As a result, a conflicting situation is put in placeSelective Coordination
involves having OCPDs to remain closed during fault conditions, while Arc Flash Energy reduction requires
these same devices to open as quickly as possible.
The OCPDs are required to operate quickly enough for all levels of available fault current to adequately protect
conductors and electrical equipment. However, while the level of arc energy that results in a selectively
coordinated system may be fully within acceptable levels for equipment protection from damage, this level of arc
energy is often very dangerous to personnel that may be working near that electrical equipment.
NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace [11] recognizes that there are circumstances that
allow working on live, energized electrical equipment. As a result, recommendations and requirements are
defined for the levels of protective systems and apparatus that must be in place when personnel are working
near live energized electrical equipment. Strict guidelines are outlined in NFPA 70E for the various levels of
Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) that must be worn by personnel in certain hazardous situations.
IEEE 1584 Guide for Performing Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations [12] provides guidelines for conducting a formal
arc flash study of the devices in an electrical system. A comparative study of an electrical system that requires
selective coordination versus one that does not require it will typically show that the selectively coordinated
systems require higher levels of PPE for personnel working on or near that energized equipment. This comes
from the longer times that upstream devices are required to remain closed, while downstream devices open, in
order to meet selective coordination requirements.
As a result, the design engineer should attempt to find a balance with satisfying selective coordination
requirements without implementing devices that will cause excessive arc flash energy hazards to personnel
working near energized electrical equipment. There are some types of overcurrent protective devices that can
respond extremely quickly to a fault current. Their fast response of typically less than 1 half-cycle occurs at very
high short current levels and limits the current and the corresponding potential arc flash energies to relatively
low levels. On the other hand, for fault currents that are below the fast response, current limiting levels of these
devices, their operating time is appreciably slower, and may actually result in longer arcing time and arcing
energies. So while fast-acting, current limiting devices may seem an obvious design preference, the design
engineer must examine the actual available fault currents, and select the appropriate type of OCPDs that
optimizes the tradeoff between reduced arcing energies versus the fast response needed for downstream
devices in a selectively coordinated system.
Therefore, in addition to the short circuit fault current study for conductor and equipment protection and the
selective coordination study to minimize unnecessary power outages, the design engineer should also conduct
an Arc Flash study to identify the recommended PPE and other personnel safety considerations, and then select
devices that most optimally meet these various requirements.
5.4.5
Zone Selective Interlocking
Selectivity between circuit breakers in the short time range and for ground faults is achieved with a combination
of nested pickup settings and time delays bands. Figure 5.4.5-1 demonstrates three circuit breakers achieving
selectivity using nested short time bands.
Nested time bands achieve selectivity at a cost to arc flash hazard and equipment protection. The closer that
circuit breakers are to the power source, their selected response time will be slower, and their pick-up levels will
be less sensitive. These slower response times and/or less sensitive pick-up settings will have a negative effect
on arc flash and equipment protection. Two circuit breaker control schemes are possible to improve protection
Zone Selective Interlocking (ZSI) and Bus Differential Protection, typically called by its ANSI designation of 87B
protection.
ZSI is the more commonly applied scheme for improving protection in low-voltage systems as most advanced
electronic trips for Low-Voltage Power Circuit Breakers, Insulated Case Circuit Breakers, and many molded
case Circuit breakers will provide a ZSI option.
41
ABP 1-2010
1000
Fdr
100
Tie
Main
Seconds
10
0.10
0.01100
1K
10K
100K
Amperes
Figure 5.4.5-1
Three Circuit Breakers Achieving Selectivity Using Nested Short Time Bands
The basic premise of ZSI is that a pair of circuit breakers establishes sufficient communication between the
downstream device and the upstream device such that the upstream device is aware when the downstream
device has sensed a fault that exceeds its short time threshold and is timing towards a trip. This information
allows the upstream device to change its time delay setting to a slower time delay to allow the faster
downstream circuit breaker to fulfill its protection role. The upstream device operating at its slower setting
provides suitable back-up protection in case the faster circuit breaker does not operate properly or does not
clear the fault. ZSI allows each circuit breaker receiving the ZSI signal to operate faster for faults within its
respective zone of protection than it does when it is acting in a back-up role to downstream devices. Figure
5.4.5-2 is a simplified ZSI communication scheme for three circuit breakers.
42
ABP 1-2010
Main Trip
Tie Trip
TCC shift caused

by ZSI signal
from CB below
ZSI signal to
upstream CB
Fdr Trip
Figure 5.4.5-2
A Simplified ZSI Communication Scheme for Three Circuit Breakers
Different manufacturers may provide different ways to achieve this function. In most cases, however, the net
result is very similar regardless of manufacturer. Figure 5.4.5-3 shows the same three circuit breakers of Figure
5.4.5-1 at their back-up protection settings and at the faster in zone protection settings.
43
ABP 1-2010
1000
TIME IN SECONDS
100
Seconds
10
Main
Main In zone
Tie
In Zone Tie
Fdr
In Zone Fdr
0.10
0.01100
1K
10K
Amperes
100K
1M
Figure 5.4.5-3
The Three Circuit Breakers of Figure 5.4.5-1 at their Back-up Protection Settings and at the Faster in
zone Protection Settings
This Figure 5.4.5-3 illustrates how the tie and main are able to provide faster protection for faults in their zone of
protection without any sacrifice in selectivity. Selectivity is not enhanced by short time and ground fault ZSI,
protection is. Protection is improved by allowing the same selectivity achievable via nested time delays to be
maintained while protection in the upper layers of the system is accelerated.
There are some limitations to ZSI applications in complex systems with multiple sources and tie circuit breakers.
Manufacturers have different ZSI interconnection schemes and methods that may approach the complexities of
multiple source systems differently.
ZSI allows improvement in the speed of protection. However, it does not improve the sensitivity of protective
settings in upstream devices. In applications where it is deemed important to provide sensitive fault detection in
an upstream bus, differential protection may provide an alternative way to control one or more circuit breakers.
Bus Differential protection consists of a system that measures all the current into a zone and out of a zone. The
sum of entering currents minus the sum of exiting currents should always equal zero. A non-zero quantity is
indicative of current flowing outside of the expected circuit. Bus differential protection measures sources for a
bus and compares against loads, if the total of one does not equal the total of the other there is a fault within the
zone, i.e., there is a bus fault.
Bus differential protection is not often applied in low-voltage systems because of the complexity of the scheme
and the cost of implementation. The most common implementation requires a dedicated protective relay and
dedicated current transformers used only for the bus differential relay. Figure 5.4.5-4 shows the effect of bus
differential on a bus protected by zone-interlocked circuit breakers.
44
ABP 1-2010
1000
TIME IN SECONDS
Seconds
100
10
Main In zone
In Zone Tie
1
Fdr
87B (Differential)
0.10
0.01100
1K
10K
100K
1M
Amperes
Figure 5.4.5-4
The Effect of Bus Differential on a Bus Protected by Zone-Interlocked Circuit Breakers
Bus differential protection should be able to provide sensitive and fast protection for a specific bus with no
negative effect on the selectivity of other circuit breakers. In some cases, 87B protection may be the only way to
provide selectivity in complex multiple sources systems without significant sacrifice in protection speed. A
detailed discussion of differential protection is beyond the scope of this publication.
5.5
Field Adjustment
All the efforts that may go into designing a Selectively Coordinated electrical system will quickly be wasted if the
Overcurrent Protective Devices (OCPD) are not properly set per the recommended settings from the
coordination study. For example, in the interest of erring on the side of highest fault current protection, most
manufacturers will, as standard practice, set their protective devices at the lowest, minimum pickup and trip time
settings when they are shipped from their manufacturing factories. These minimum pickup and trip time settings
are usually not in line with those recommended by the design engineers study.
There is usually an appreciable time lag between when the design engineer developed the settings for the
protective devices and when those devices arrive at the facility for installation and startup commissioning. It is
therefore critical that the settings that were developed by the design engineer be documented and properly
communicated to the personnel that perform the installation and startup of the electrical system. Setting of the
devices as specified should be verified.
5.6
Lifetime Selective Coordination
If circuit breaker selective coordination tables or fuse ratio tables were used, to maintain the selective
coordination throughout the life of the system, Overcurrent Protective Devices (OCPD) of that type and from that
same manufacturer will always need to be used in that system.
Selective coordination may be affected by changes in the system. Protective device audits and tests should be
performed to ensure that changes to the system havent affected either selective coordination or arc flash
safety. Verify that the proper rating, brand, and type of each fuse are installed for each phase. Confirm that all
circuit breaker and protective relay settings match the analysis studies.
45
ABP 1-2010
Selective coordination requires very thorough upfront analysis and design, the selection of protective devices
that considers the concerns of the local Authority Having Jurisdiction, the various requirements of equipment
protection, and the impact of device selection on the arc flash energies that personnel may be exposed to.
These analyses must be done by qualified personnel. Once completed, the results of the system design must be
communicated to the various personnel that will install and maintain the electrical system per the specifications
of the design engineer.
For an electrical distribution system to be selectively coordinated, both an initial design phase and ongoing
monitoring of the systems changes must be conducted by the appropriate qualified personnel.
It is recommended that the settings of circuit breaker electronic trip units and ground-fault relays be sealed, and
that fusible switches be marked with the specific manufacturer and type of fuse to be installed in them.
Summary
In recent years, the 2005 and 2008 National Electrical Code (NEC) [1] requirements for total selective
coordination have changed the way engineers go about designing electrical distribution systems. Design
engineers must now look at the electrical system from a more comprehensive perspective. They must now
communicate even more with interested parties such as the local Authorities Having Jurisdiction, equipment
manufacturers, and with the system installation and maintenance personnel.
The design engineer must be prepared to optimize an initial design by taking into consideration various results
from different analysesshort circuit analysis, selective coordination study, arc flash energy analysisand
review any other equipment or facility data that may have a bearing on the final installation of the electrical
system. This design process is usually iterative in order to yield optimal results for addressing conflicts that
typically arise.
Manufacturers of OCPDs are actively seeking ways to expand the capabilities of their devices to meet the
continually increasing demands for safety, flexibility, and ease-of-use in the design, installation, and application
of their devices in electrical power distribution systems. They will continue to investigate and research innovative
ways and technologies to meet these demands, and users can expect that while significant improvements have
been made over recent years, continuous improvement in devices and analytical techniques will be ongoing.
46
ABP 1-2010
REFERENCES
[1] National Fire Protection Association, NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, 2008 Edition
[4] International Electrotechnical Commission, IEC/TR 61912-2, IEC:2009(E) Edition 1.0, 2009, Low-voltage
switchgear and controlgear Over-current protective devices Part 2: Selectivity under over-current conditions
[5] Underwriters Laboratories, UL 489, UL Standard for Safety for Molded-Case Circuit Breakers, Molded-Case
Switches and Circuit-Breaker Enclosures, Tenth Edition, 2002
[6] Underwriters Laboratories, UL 1066, UL Standard for Safety Low-Voltage AC and DC Power Circuit Breakers
Used in Enclosures, Third Edition, 1997
[7] Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, IEEE C37.100, Standard Definitions for Power Switchgear,
October 1992
[8] Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, IEEE Std 1015-2006, IEEE Recommended Practice for
Applying Low-Voltage Circuit Breakers Used in Industrial and Commercial Power Systems (Color Book Series
Blue Book), January 2006
[9] Ray Clark, Senior Application Engineer, Selective Trip Coordination with Modern Molded Case Circuit
Breakers, Siemens Technical Journal, August 2006
[10] Underwriters Laboratories, UL 1053, UL Standard for Safety for Ground-Fault Sensing and Relaying
Equipment, Sixth Edition, Dated October, 1999
[11] National Fire Protection Association, NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, 2009
Edition
[12] Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, IEEE Std 1584, IEEE Guide for Performing Arc-Flash
Hazard Calculations. 2002 Edition
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A NEMA Low-Voltage Distribution Equipment Section Document

NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER

Copyright 2010 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

Copyright 2010 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

This paper provides information on the following topics:

Definition of Selective Coordination

Selective Coordination. Localization of an overcurrent condition to restrict outages to the circuit or

Overload. Operation of equipment in excess of normal, full-load rating, or of a conductor in excess of

Ground Fault. An insulation fault between a conductor and ground or frame.

A system that Is Selectively Coordinated

Copyright 2010 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

A system that Is Not Selectively Coordinated

Copyright 2010 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

National Electrical Code (NEC) [1] Selective Coordination Requirements

Emergency Systems in Section 700.27

Copyright 2010 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

Challenges Meeting the Requirements

Local Jurisdiction Interpretation and Enforcement

Circuit Breaker Trip Response Functions

Copyright 2010 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

In the Overload regionthe overcurrent device has an

In the Instantaneous or Short Circuit regionthe overcurrent

Fixed Thermal-Magnetic Type Circuit Breaker

Adjustable Thermal-Magnetic Type Circuit Breaker

Copyright 2010 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

Adjustable Electronic Type Circuit Breaker

Multiples of Rated Current

Short Time Withstand Current Rating

Copyright 2010 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

254 V, 508 V, or 635 V

120, 120/240, 240,

15% (X/R ratio 6.6) unfused LVPCBs

20% (X/R ratio 4.9)

Copyright 2010 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

Molded Case CB with

Adjustable Low Voltage

Adjustable Low Voltage

Curve without instantaneous typical

Three cycle instantaneous

Copyright 2010 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

Instantaneous Override Function

Copyright 2010 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

Application Information from Manufacturers

Application of Time-Current Curves

Copyright 2010 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

Limitation of Time-Current Curves

Instantaneous or Short Circuit Region

Fault between line &

Copyright 2010 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

I Peak Let-through (kA)

50kA RMS = 33kA

Prospective RMS Fault I (kA)

Copyright 2010 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

Short Circuit Selective Coordination Tables

Copyright 2010 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

Coordinating Ground-Fault Protection of Equipment

Copyright 2010 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

NEC 3000A, maximum

Copyright 2010 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

Copyright 2010 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

Per the references:

Copyright 2010 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.