Selective system coordination in healthcare facilities

Electrical distribution systems require engineers to be diligent when designing them


Selective coordination localizes an overcurrent condition to restrict electrical outages to the affected equipment, circuit, or feeder, according to an article on the Consulting-Specifying Engineer website. James Ferris, TLC Engineering for Architecture, and Tom Divine , Smith Seckman Reid, answer questions about selective coordination in healthcare facilities.

Question: From my experience, usually time-current curves (TCCs) alone are not sufficient to evaluate selective coordination. For circuit breakers with instantaneous trips or instantaneous overrides, manufacturers publish circuit breaker selective coordination tables. Fuse manufacturers publish fuse selectivity ampere ratios. Your presentation did not cover this aspect.

Ferris: True, manufacturers offer literature that shows coordination tables between their own breakers. However, this is not reflected as an acceptable approach in NFPA documents, so you will have to get the understanding of the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). In my opinion, good design practice is to do the TCC, study the system, and not rely solely on manufacturer tables.

Read the entire Q&A.

 

 



October 15, 2015



Recent Posts

Redefining What Mental Health Facilities Look Like

A new Mental Health and Addictions Center uses design and architecture to challenge the stigma and create a more open model of care.


Managing High-Volume Laundry Operations 

Tips and tricks one director has learned in three decades of managing a large, high-volume laundry operation.


University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Falls Victim to Vendor Data Breach

A health information network named “Health Gorilla” improperly accessed medical records available through the national network used to exchange medical information.


Optimizing the Engineering Design of Ambulatory Care Facilities

Designing cost-effective engineering systems is not about minimizing investment but about investing strategically.


Construction Completed on Washington Health Urgent Care Facility in California

The design team maximized the existing footprint to accommodate five exam rooms, a dedicated procedure room and an X-ray room.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.