Problem definition: To comply with Z462 standards requirements, a complete power system study for the generation plant was required to ensure the safety and reliability

EAMEC scope: Perform short-circuit, protection coordination, and arc-flash studies for the entire system at 25 kV, 600 V, 480 V, and 208 V. Complete Fault Current Limiting (FCL) study.

Proposed solution: identified miscoordination between protective devices, identified equipment with inadequate short-circuit rating, identified equipment with inadequate continuous rating, calculated the arc-flash incident energy and arc-flash boundary for all equipment, to save cost for the client and avoid replacing the entire switchgear, we proposed the application of current-limiting fuses, performed the studies, and selected a properly rated device for the application.

Steps taken from the beginning to the end: field data collection, developing a new ETAP model for the power system, running all required simulations and analyzing the results in ETAP, communicating with the client all the findings of the study, providing several recommendations for resolving the shortcomings (current-limiting fuses, fault current limiters, series reactors).

Deliverables: revised ETAP model, relay settings, arc-flash labels, signed and sealed engineering report, a summary sheet of recommended corrective actions, and current-limiting fuse selection.

Outcomes and benefits for the client: improved system safety and reliability, compliance with industry standards, cost savings by avoiding the replacement of existing equipment and application of CL fuses, and improved record keeping.