Fuse/Circuit Breaker Coordination Tool

    Analyze fuse and circuit breaker coordination, selectivity, and discrimination based on IEC 60947-2 and IEC 60269 standards for proper electrical protection.

    Fuse/Circuit Breaker Coordination Tool

    Analyze fuse and circuit breaker coordination, selectivity, and discrimination based on IEC 60947-2 and IEC 60269 standards.

    Upstream Protection Device

    Downstream Protection Device

    Circuit Parameters

    Why Coordination Analysis Tool?

    Selectivity Analysis

    Ensure proper coordination between upstream and downstream protection devices to prevent unnecessary tripping and maintain system reliability.

    Discrimination Check

    Verify time discrimination between protection devices to ensure only the faulted section is isolated while maintaining supply to healthy sections.

    Time-Current Curves

    Analyze time-current characteristics of protection devices to ensure proper coordination and optimal protection performance.

    Safety Verification

    Verify that protection devices can safely interrupt fault currents and provide adequate protection for electrical equipment.

    IEC Standards Compliance

    Based on IEC 60947-2 (circuit breakers) and IEC 60269 (fuses) standards for international compliance and best practices.

    Let-Through Energy

    Calculate let-through energy (I²t) to ensure cable protection and verify that downstream devices can handle fault energy.

    About This Tool

    The Fuse/Circuit Breaker Coordination Tool is a professional electrical engineering tool designed to analyze protection device coordination in electrical systems. Based on IEC 60947-2 and IEC 60269 standards, this tool helps electrical engineers ensure proper selectivity, discrimination, and safety in electrical protection schemes. Whether you're designing new systems or analyzing existing installations, this tool provides the analysis you need for reliable electrical protection.

    Key Features

    • IEC 60947-2 and IEC 60269 compliance
    • Selectivity analysis and verification
    • Time discrimination calculations
    • Let-through energy analysis
    • Breaking capacity verification
    • Operating time analysis at various currents
    • Safety recommendations and alerts

    Perfect For

    • Electrical engineers and designers
    • Protection system analysis
    • Electrical system commissioning
    • Safety compliance verification
    • Educational and training purposes
    • System troubleshooting and optimization

    How to Use This Tool?

    Step-by-Step Guide

    1

    Enter Upstream Device

    Input upstream protection device specifications including type, rating, breaking capacity, and characteristic curve.

    Example: MCB 32A, Type C, 6kA

    2

    Enter Downstream Device

    Input downstream protection device specifications. Ensure proper rating ratio for selectivity (typically 1.6:1 or higher).

    Example: MCB 16A, Type C, 6kA

    3

    Set Circuit Parameters

    Enter fault current, cable impedance, system voltage, and power factor for accurate coordination analysis.

    Example: 5kA fault, 0.1Ω cable

    4

    Analyze Results

    Review coordination status, selectivity analysis, operating times, and recommendations for optimal protection.

    Status: Good coordination

    💡Pro Tips for Coordination Analysis

    Selectivity Requirements:

    • • Maintain minimum 1.6:1 rating ratio (upstream/downstream)
    • • Ensure minimum 200ms discrimination time
    • • Check coordination at various fault levels
    • • Consider motor starting currents for motor circuits

    Safety Considerations:

    • • Verify breaking capacity exceeds fault current
    • • Check cable thermal withstand (I²t)
    • • Consider cascading protection schemes
    • • Plan for backup protection requirements

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    What is protection coordination?

    Protection coordination ensures that only the protection device closest to a fault operates, isolating the faulted section while maintaining supply to healthy parts of the electrical system.

    What is selectivity?

    Selectivity is the ability of protection devices to discriminate between fault locations. Good selectivity means only the downstream device trips for faults in its protected zone.

    What is time discrimination?

    Time discrimination is the time difference between upstream and downstream device operation. Minimum 200ms is typically required for reliable coordination.

    What are MCB characteristic curves?

    MCB characteristic curves (B, C, D) define the tripping characteristics: Type B (3-5× In), Type C (5-10× In), Type D (10-20× In). Choose based on load characteristics.

    What is let-through energy?

    Let-through energy (I²t) is the energy that passes through a protection device during fault clearing. It must be less than the thermal withstand of protected cables.

    How do I ensure good coordination?

    Ensure proper rating ratios (1.6:1 minimum), sufficient time discrimination (200ms minimum), and verify breaking capacity exceeds fault current. Consider using time-delayed upstream devices if needed.

    What if coordination fails?

    If coordination fails, consider increasing upstream device rating, using time-delayed upstream protection, or changing device types. The tool provides specific recommendations.

    Can I use different device types?

    Yes, you can mix fuses with circuit breakers or use different circuit breaker types. The tool analyzes coordination between any combination of protection devices.

    What about motor protection?

    Motor circuits require special consideration for starting currents. Use motor protection devices or consider starting current in coordination analysis.

    How accurate are the calculations?

    Calculations are based on IEC standards and provide good accuracy for typical applications. For critical systems, consult manufacturer data and consider additional factors.

    What about cascading protection?

    Cascading allows upstream devices to provide backup protection when downstream devices fail. The tool checks if upstream devices can safely interrupt fault current.

    How do I handle high fault currents?

    For high fault currents, ensure all devices have adequate breaking capacity. Consider using current-limiting devices or series-rated combinations for cost-effective solutions.

    💡 Coordination Best Practices

    • • Always verify breaking capacity exceeds maximum fault current
    • • Check coordination at multiple fault current levels, not just maximum
    • • Consider load diversity and peak demand patterns in coordination
    • • Use time-delayed upstream devices for difficult coordination cases
    • • Document coordination studies for future reference and maintenance
    • • Consider using manufacturer coordination software for complex systems