The importance of knowing available fault currents when specifying interrupting ratings for low voltage equipment

Abstract

In a number of industrial plants, personnel responsible for the maintenance and design of the electrical systems have done an excellent job at sizing equipment for connected loads; however, on more than one occasion, those same personnel appeared to be unaware of the interrupting rating for low voltage equipment. This sometimes resulted in electrical systems that posed hazards to personnel and equipment due to the incorrect application of the protective equipment. Several aspects of proper equipment selection based on interrupting ratings are addressed.<>