Design Verification - Short Circuit Testing
Affect upon Assemblies
A Short Circuit Test demonstrates that the product can operate under a fault condition for certain period of time this allowing for time for the protection devices to operate and therefore trip. The fault condition depends on a number of factors including, transformers impedance, type, and proximity of connection, etc. These factors when calculated together will give a maximum fault rating that the board could see under fault condition.
Effect upon Switchgear
The prospective symmetrical fault current at a nominal voltage is the systems maximum current withstand capability, tested to withstand the fault without sustaining damage to result in an un-functional system.
What Switchgear Manufacturers must do
The copper conductors of the switchboards and associated materials (MCCB's ACB, etc) must be great enough to withstand the energy created for a certain duration of time, this is known as the heat time constant.
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