Short Circuit Study
Short Circuit Studies calculate the available fault current at key points in your electrical system, helping you protect critical equipment, ensure safe operation, and meet code requirements.
Benefits of Short Circuit Studies
Prevent Equipment Damage
Excessive fault current can destroy panels, transformers, and breakers. A short circuit study identifies points of risk so you can ensure your equipment is properly rated to withstand and interrupt fault conditions.
Protect Your Investment in New Equipment
Installing new gear without verifying fault current levels can lead to premature failure or costly upgrades later. A short circuit study ensures your equipment is properly sized and protected before it’s energized, helping you avoid expensive mistakes.
Support Arc Flash and Coordination Studies
Accurate arc flash and coordination studies rely on short circuit data. Performing one first ensures the integrity of your broader electrical safety program.
Use Cases
Before Installing New Equipment
Ensure new gear can safely handle available fault current without damage or failure.
When Expanding or Modifying Your Electrical System
Changes to transformers, feeders, or loads may increase fault levels—this study verifies you're still within safe margins.
After a System Trip or Equipment Damage
Pinpoint whether excessive fault current caused a failure and prevent recurrence.
When Preparing for Coordination or Arc Flash Studies
Short circuit analysis provides the foundation for accurate protective device settings and incident energy calculations.
Updating Outdated Engineering Data
Replace old, estimated values with precise calculations based on current system conditions.
What’s Included in a Short Circuit Study
System Data Collection and Field Review
Gathering transformer, conductor, and breaker data to model the electrical system accurately.
One-Line Diagram Creation or Validation
Ensuring a clean and current system layout for study accuracy.
Fault Current Calculations
Determine symmetrical and asymmetrical fault levels at key system nodes.
Protective Device Duty Evaluation
Verify that breakers, fuses, and relays can withstand and interrupt potential faults.
Recommendations for Mitigation
Identify overloaded equipment and suggest gear upgrades or configuration changes.
Professional Reporting and Engineering Support
Clear results, settings, and diagrams with optional review or presentation support.
Industries Served
Universities & Research Campuses
Examples: Engineering buildings, science labs, central utility plants, etc.
Manufacturing & Industrial Facilities
Examples: Food processing, packaging, automotive, heavy machinery, aerospace, etc.
Commercial Real Estate & Property Management
Examples: Office towers, mixed-use developments, malls, warehouses, etc.
Oil, Gas & Chemical Plants
Examples: Refineries, chemical processing plants, compressor stations, etc.
Hospitals & Healthcare Facilities
Examples: Hospitals, surgical centers, medical research labs, etc.
Utilities & Energy Providers
Examples: Substations, solar farms, wind energy systems, water/power districts, etc.
Data Centers & Telecom
Examples: Server farms, telecom hubs, internet service providers, etc.
Water & Wastewater Treatment
Examples: Flow control, pump sequencing, remote monitoring of tank levels, etc.
Case Studies
We don’t just talk safety, we deliver it. These case studies show how our Arc Flash expertise has made a measurable difference for facilities like yours.
FAQs
Not sure if you need a Short Circuit Study? Check out the answers to common questions below to learn how the process works and why it’s so important.
What does a Short Circuit Study do?
It calculates the maximum fault current that could occur in your electrical system. This helps determine whether your equipment can handle the stress of a fault and if your protective devices are properly rated.
How often should I get one done?
Every 5 years or after major system changes like adding new equipment, reconfiguring distribution, or expanding your facility.
What do I receive after the study?
A full report including fault current values, one-line diagrams, and recommendations if equipment is underrated or non-compliant.
Will it disrupt my operations?
No. Most of the analysis is done using system data and can be performed without shutting down your equipment.