Summary Highlights
- Maximum-minimum short-circuit current calculations and equipment withstand/breaking capacity verification in HV/MV systems
- Relay selectivity (protection coordination) studies: time-current curves, tripping sequence and setting optimization
- Technical suitability assessment of circuit breakers, fuses, MCCB/ACB devices, protection relays and contactors according to fault level
- Analysis and reporting for new facilities, capacity increases, transformer replacement, generator/SPP integration and revision projects
- Modelling with ETAP/similar software, field data verification, relay setting list preparation and commissioning support
Service Details
What are short-circuit analysis and relay selectivity
Short-circuit analysis and relay selectivity studies are among the fundamental engineering studies for safe operation, equipment protection and energy continuity in electrical installations. Especially in industrial facilities, production lines, hospitals, data centers, shopping centers, hotels and large commercial buildings, it is difficult to ensure healthy operational safety without technically verifying which protection device will trip in which order during a fault. For related context, see Transformer Substation Design.
How is short-circuit analysis performed
What is short-circuit analysis Short-circuit analysis is the process of calculating expected fault currents in fault scenarios such as three-phase short circuit, phase-to-ground, phase-to-phase and two-phase-to-ground faults that may occur in an electrical system. These calculations are made by taking transformer rating and impedance, grid short-circuit power, cable lengths and cross-sections, motor contributions, generator/SPP contributions and system topology into account. For related context, see Electrical Installation Periodic Inspection and Conformity Report.
Relay selectivity and protection coordination
What is relay selectivity study Relay selectivity (protection coordination) study is the setting and coordination work that ensures the protection device closest to the fault trips first in the event of a fault, while upstream protection devices operate only when necessary. The aim is to isolate only the faulty zone without de-energizing the entire facility. For related context, see Medium Voltage Project Design and Approval.
Why are these studies critical
Why are these studies important If the short-circuit level is calculated incorrectly, the selected circuit breaker or protection device may be insufficient during a fault. If selectivity is not performed correctly, the main circuit breaker may trip because of a small fault and the entire facility may be de-energized. This can lead to production loss, equipment damage, occupational safety risks and unplanned downtime costs. For related context, see Electrical Engineering Services and Technical Consultancy.
Data collection and field verification
Within the scope of the service, first the single-line diagram, transformer data, MV/LV panel data, cable lists, protection device types, existing relay brand-model information and existing setting values, if available, are collected. Field data are compared with project documents; if there is missing or outdated information, it is revised for model accuracy.
Software modelling and operating scenarios
During the modelling stage, grid supply, transformers, generators, motor loads, cables, busbars and protection devices are represented in the software environment. Operating scenarios such as normal operation, generator supply, ring opening/closing condition and parallel transformer operation are evaluated separately, and fault currents are calculated for each scenario.
Breaker rating and equipment withstand verification
The outputs of short-circuit analysis are not limited to giving a fault-current value. The breaking capacity, thermal-dynamic withstand adequacy, busbar/cable stresses and suitability of the measuring ranges of protection devices are also checked. In this way, it becomes clear whether the equipment selection is sufficient from an engineering perspective.
TCC curves and relay setting optimization
In relay selectivity studies, protection relays, fuses, MCCB/ACB electronic trip units and, when necessary, motor protection devices are evaluated together. Tripping thresholds and delays are coordinated on time-current curves (TCC); overcurrent, short-circuit, earth fault and directional protection functions are optimized according to the application.
Special protection approach for critical loads
When carrying out a selectivity study, not only theoretical coordination but also operational priorities are taken into account. For example, continuity is prioritized on feeders supplying critical loads, while special protection approaches may be required for fire pumps, process safety loads, UPS supply paths or critical production lines. Therefore, the study is not a standard setting-copying task; it is an engineering optimization according to the facility's operating scenarios.
New facilities, capacity increases and revision projects
In new facility installations, short-circuit and selectivity studies are critical for correct equipment selection. In revision projects, after transformer capacity increase, panel replacement, new machine addition, generator integration or SPP connection, it must be checked whether the existing protection levels have been disrupted. Existing settings may become insufficient or overly sensitive after a system change.
Reporting and investment priorities
At the reporting stage, the assumptions and acceptances used, system model, short-circuit calculation results, equipment suitability assessment, coordination curves, relay setting recommendations and revision items to be implemented are presented clearly. If requested, the 'existing condition' and 'recommended condition' can be provided comparatively so that investment priorities can be determined.
Field implementation, testing and commissioning
Field implementation and commissioning support are also important parts of this service. To ensure that relay settings do not remain only in the report, coordination is provided with field teams, relay parameter entries are checked, a primary/secondary test plan is created if necessary, and the expected tripping behavior of protection functions is verified. In this way, the analysis study turns into a protection system that works in practice.
Selectivity in LV main distribution and MCC panels
Short-circuit analysis and relay selectivity studies make a major difference not only in MV systems but also in LV main distribution panels, MCC panels and critical sub-distribution systems. Especially in transformer-fed facilities with high short-circuit power, LV-side protection coordination can be vital to prevent fault propagation and preserve business continuity.
Pow-Sys service approach
As Pow-Sys Güç Sistemleri, we provide this service through a systematic process consisting of field data collection, single-line verification, software modelling, short-circuit calculations, protection coordination, relay setting optimization, reporting and field implementation support. According to the need, we can carry out the service in an integrated manner with relay tests, power quality measurements, harmonic analyses, thermal inspections and periodic maintenance works.
Proposal and study scope
If you would like to receive detailed information about short-circuit analysis and relay selectivity studies, request a technical assessment for your existing facility or ask for a proposal for your new project, you can contact us. When your single-line diagram and basic equipment list are shared, we can quickly clarify the scope and create an applicable work plan.
Related Services
Related Blog Posts
Frequently Asked Questions
What is short-circuit analysis and what is it used for?
Short-circuit analysis is an engineering study that calculates expected fault currents during faults that may occur in an electrical system. With this study, the adequacy of circuit breakers, fuses, busbars, cables and other equipment against the fault level is checked; the risk of incorrect equipment selection and damage during a fault is reduced.
Why is relay selectivity (protection coordination) study necessary?
A selectivity study aims to de-energize only the faulty zone during a fault. If correct coordination is not made, upstream protection devices far from the fault may trip and the entire facility may be shut down. This creates unnecessary energy interruption, production loss and operational risk.
In which facilities should short-circuit and selectivity studies be carried out?
This study is recommended for transformer substations, industrial facilities, factories, hospitals, shopping centers, hotels, data centers, large commercial buildings and all MV/LV electrical systems containing critical loads. In addition, after transformer capacity increase, panel revision, generator/SPP integration or new machine addition, the study should be updated.
What information is required for this study?
Generally, single-line diagram, transformer rating and impedance data, grid short-circuit data if available, panel and circuit breaker brand-model information, cable lengths/cross-sections, relay types, existing relay settings and operating scenarios are required. Missing data or inconsistencies can be completed by field verification.
Is it mandatory to use ETAP?
ETAP is a common and powerful analysis platform; however, short-circuit and selectivity studies can also be carried out with different engineering software. What matters is that the methods used are correct, the model represents the field, and the output is converted into an applicable technical report and setting list.
What outputs are delivered at the end of the study?
Depending on the scope, short-circuit calculation results (maximum/minimum fault currents), equipment suitability assessment, time-current curves (TCC), selectivity/coordination comments, relay setting recommendation lists, revision recommendations and an engineering report are delivered. Field implementation and testing support can also be provided if requested.
Can selectivity be achieved without changing existing relay settings?
In some facilities, existing settings may be sufficient; however, in many cases optimization is required due to system changes, different equipment characteristics or incorrect historical settings. As a result of the study, whether existing settings should be retained, revised or equipment replacement should be recommended is determined according to technical data.
Are short-circuit analysis and arc flash analysis the same thing?
No. Short-circuit analysis and selectivity study evaluate fault-current levels and protection coordination. Arc flash analysis focuses on determining possible arc energy levels, approach distances and PPE requirements. However, short-circuit and protection data are important inputs for arc flash studies.
When should the study be updated?
Short-circuit and selectivity studies should be reviewed again when a transformer is replaced or its rating is increased, a new panel or feeder is added, generator/SPP integration is performed, a large motor is added, protection equipment is changed or significant changes are made in the operating topology. Otherwise, existing settings may not be suitable for the new system.
Can relay selectivity study be carried out together with field tests?
Yes. The healthiest approach is to carry out analysis, setting recommendation, field parameter implementation and relay test/verification steps together. In this way, it is checked that the protection behavior recommended in the report actually occurs in the field, and commissioning is completed safely.
Can short-circuit analysis be performed if the single-line diagram is not up to date?
Yes, but field verification is required first. Transformer, panel, circuit breaker, fuse, relay, cable and load data are checked on site; building a reliable model without updating the single-line diagram according to the actual installation is not the correct approach.
Is selectivity study also required for LV main distribution panels?
Yes. Especially in transformer-fed facilities, LV main distribution panels, MCC panels and critical sub-distribution feeders may have high short-circuit levels. If MCCBs, ACBs, fuses and protection relays are not coordinated correctly, a small fault may de-energize a wider area.