Fault-current analysis confirming every device is rated for what it can see.
Available short-circuit current calculated at every point in the system, and every protective device checked against it.
A protective device that is not rated for the fault current available at its location can fail catastrophically instead of clearing the fault. The NEC requires that equipment be applied within its interrupting and short-circuit current ratings, and demonstrating that requires calculating the actual available fault current rather than assuming it.
We model the system from the utility source through every transformer, conductor, and piece of distribution equipment, and calculate the available short-circuit current at each point. Every protective device and every piece of equipment is then evaluated against the current available where it is installed.
Where a device is underrated, the study says so and identifies the options: a higher-rated device, a series-rated combination where the listing permits it, or an impedance change upstream. The same system model feeds the coordination and arc flash studies, which is why these are usually performed together.
What it covers
- Available fault-current calculations
- Protective device duty evaluation
- Equipment short-circuit rating verification
- Series-rating analysis
- Utility source data coordination
- Inputs for coordination and arc flash studies
Short circuit study report
Calculated fault current at each point in the system, sealed by a licensed professional engineer.
Device duty evaluation
Every protective device compared against the fault current available at its location, with any deficiency called out.
System model
The model that also feeds the coordination and arc flash studies, so the three stay consistent.
Remediation options
Where a device is underrated, the practical paths to compliance.
Sectors served
Short Circuit Studies sealed by a professional engineer, in 22 states.
See where we are licensedShort Circuit Studies: common questions.
What is a short circuit study?
A short circuit study calculates the maximum fault current available at each point in an electrical system, then verifies that every protective device and piece of equipment is rated to interrupt or withstand the current available where it is installed.
Why is a short circuit study required?
The NEC requires that equipment be applied within its interrupting rating and short-circuit current rating. Demonstrating compliance means calculating the fault current actually available at each location, which is what the study provides.
What is series rating?
A series rating lets a downstream device with a lower interrupting rating be applied where the available fault current exceeds it, provided the specific upstream and downstream combination has been tested and listed together. The study identifies where a listed series combination is a valid option.
Are short circuit, coordination, and arc flash studies done together?
Usually, because they share one system model. The short circuit study establishes available fault current, the coordination study uses it to evaluate device behavior, and the arc flash study uses both to calculate incident energy. Performing them together avoids building the same model three times.
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