Short Circuit, Coordination & Arc Flash Studies
FAQ
What is a short circuit study and why is it needed?
A short circuit study calculates the maximum fault currents that can flow through your electrical system under fault conditions. This information is essential for selecting correctly rated protective devices — breakers, fuses, and switchgear — that can safely interrupt fault currents without failing. Without an accurate short circuit study, equipment may be under-rated for the actual fault levels in your system, creating serious safety and reliability risks.
What is a protection coordination study?
A protection coordination study analyzes how the protective devices in your electrical system — breakers, fuses, and relays — interact with each other during a fault. The goal is to ensure that only the device closest to the fault operates, isolating the problem while keeping the rest of the system running. Poor coordination can result in widespread outages, equipment damage, and safety hazards. KROON’s engineers design and verify coordination schemes to maximize system reliability and minimize disruption.
What is an arc flash study and what does it produce?
An arc flash study is an engineering analysis that calculates the incident energy released at each piece of electrical equipment during an arc flash event. The study produces hazard boundary distances, incident energy levels in cal/cm², and required PPE categories for each equipment location. This information is used to label equipment, establish safe work practices, and ensure workers are protected when working on or near energized electrical systems.
Is an arc flash study a legal requirement in Canada?
Yes. CSA Z462 — the Canadian standard for electrical safety in the workplace — requires employers to assess arc flash hazards and ensure workers are protected from arc flash risks. Equipment must be labeled with arc flash hazard information, and workers must use PPE appropriate for the hazard level. Failure to comply can result in regulatory penalties and significant liability in the event of an incident.
Does KROON handle both the study and the remediation work?
Yes. KROON provides end-to-end arc flash services — from the initial engineering analysis through to implementing the recommended corrective actions. This includes protective device upgrades, system modifications, coordination adjustments, and equipment labeling. Having a single provider manage both phases ensures that remediation work is directly aligned with the study findings.
How are short circuit, coordination, and arc flash studies related?
These three studies are closely interconnected and are typically performed together as part of a comprehensive power system analysis. The short circuit study provides the fault current data needed for the coordination study, and both feed into the arc flash study which uses the fault current levels and protective device clearing times to calculate incident energy. KROON performs all three as an integrated scope to ensure accurate, consistent results.
How often should arc flash studies be updated?
CSA Z462 recommends reviewing arc flash studies whenever significant changes are made to the electrical system, and at a minimum every five years. Changes that trigger a reassessment include new equipment installations, utility service changes, load growth, and modifications to protective devices. KROON can review your existing study and advise whether it remains current or requires updating.
Where does KROON provide arc flash study services?
KROON provides short circuit, coordination, and arc flash study services throughout Quebec, and through its network of subsidiary companies, across the rest of Canada.
How do I get started with an arc flash study through KROON?
Contact KROON at 1-866-909-8344 or through the request form at kroon.ca. Our engineering team will review your facility’s scope, provide a proposal, and schedule the on-site data collection required to complete the study.