MBJK
MBJK
Fusible Systems
Cooper Bussmann makes it easy to design fusible systems that are selectively
coordinated. For the modern current-limiting fuses, selectivity ratios are
published (see Fuse Selectivity Ratio Guide section). It is not necessary to plot
time current curves or do a short-circuit current analysis; all that is necessary
is to make sure the fuse types and ampere rating ratios for the mains, feeders
and branch circuit meet or exceed the selectivity ratio. These selectivity ratios
are for all levels of overcurrent up to the interrupting ratings of the respective
fuses. The ratios are valid even for fuse opening times less than 0.01
seconds. This means with current-limiting fuses, it is not necessary to do any
analysis for less than 0.01 seconds when the fuse types and ampere rating
ratios adhere to the selectivity ratios. The industry standard for publishing fuse
time current curves is to plot the times from 0.01 seconds and longer. The
following example illustrates all that is necessary to achieve selective
coordination with a fusible system.
Load-Side Fuse
LP-CC
FNQ-R
KTK-R
Line-Side Fuse
LPJ_SP 2:1
LPN-RK_SP 2:1
LPS-RK_SP 2:1
FRN-R 2:1
FRS-R 2:1
Ratios only apply to Cooper Bussmann Fuses. When fuses are in the same case size, consult
Cooper Bussmann.
This fact is commonly overlooked when applying ground fault relays. The system above illustrates the typical problem concerning this point. The
Generally, the short-time-delay on the ground fault relay is thought to provide main ground fault relay is set at 1200A, 18 cycle delay and the feeder ground
coordination for higher magnitude feeder ground faults. However, as shown by fault relay is set at 100A, six cycle delay. These ground fault relay settings
this example the main circuit breaker operates to cause an unnecessary could mistakenly be interpreted to mean that feeder ground faults would be
blackout. cleared by only the feeder ground fault relay opening the feeder
Note: Circuit breakers with short-time-delay trip settings were not considered disconnect. But the analysis must also include the phase overcurrent device
in this section. The reason is that a short-time-delay on a circuit breaker characteristics since these devices also respond to current.
defeats the original purpose of protection. Short-circuit currents and high 1,000
magnitude ground fault currents, when intentionally permitted to flow for 800
600
several cycles, dramatically increase the burn time and damage to the system
400
as well as increasing the arc-flash hazards to personnel.
300
Electrical systems are not designed to withstand, for long periods, the torturous 200
forces that fault currents produce. Circuit breaker short-time-delay trip settings
with typical delays of 6, 18, 24, or 30 cycles can greatly exceed the short circuit 100
MAIN GFR
withstandability of system components. According to industry standards, the 80
duration for equipment short-circuit current testing is three cycles for 60 FDR GFR
switchboard bus (UL891) and three cycles for busway (BU1-1999). The short- 40
1200A CB
30
circuit current withstandability for insulated conductors decreases as the over-
current device operating time increases (reference Insulated Cable Engineers 20
200A CB
TIME IN SECONDS
Whenever insulated case and molded case circuit breakers have a short-time- 3
delay feature they also have an instantaneous override This requires the 2
000,2
000,3
000,4
000,6
000,8
000,01
000,02
000,03
000,04
000,06
000,08
000,001
008
001
002
003
004
006
008
Ground Fault
11,000A
or Greater
In many cases two step relays do provide a higher degree of ground fault
1,000
coordination. When properly selected, the main fuse can be selectively 800
coordinated with the feeder fuses. Thus on all feeder ground faults or short 600
circuits the feeder fuse will always open before the main fuse. When 400
selectively coordinated main and feeder fuses are combined with selectively 300
coordinated main and feeder ground fault relays, ground fault coordination 200
between the main and feeder is predictable. LPS-RK 200SP
100
80 MAIN GFR
60 FDR GFR
40
KRP-C1200SP
Main 30
G.F. Relay
KRP-C1200SP 20
1200A
TIME IN SECONDS
18 Cycle Delay
Does Not 10
Open 8
6
4
Feeder 3
G.F. Relay 2
LPS-RK200SP 100A
6 Cycle Delay
1
Only Feeder
.8
Disrupted
.6
Any Level Ground
Fault Current .4
.3
.2
The above figure illustrates a selectively coordinated main and feeder for all
levels of ground faults, overloads and short circuits. Any fault on the feeder will .1
.06
This system offers full selective coordination for all levels of ground faults or
.04
short circuits.
.03
1. The feeder ground fault relay is set at a lower time band than the main ground
.02
fault relay, therefore the relays are coordinated.
2. The feeder fuses are selectively coordinated with the main fuses for all ground .01
000,2
000,3
000,4
000,6
000,8
000,001
000,01
000,02
000,03
000,04
000,06
000,08
000,1
08
001
002
003
004
006
008
faults, short circuits, or overloads on the load side of the feeder. The feeder fuses
would clear the fault before the main fuses open.
CURRENT IN AMPS
Conclusion: This system is completely selective for all levels of ground faults
and short circuits. This system meets the intent of NEC® 517.17 for 100%
selectivity.
BLACKOUT
The Cooper Bussmann SPD Selecting Protective evaluation rules for coordination of instantaneous trip circuit
Devices publication (download from www.bussmann.com) breakers, and illustration of short-time delay circuit breakers.
has an in-depth discussion on selective coordination analysis Go to www.bussmann.com for Bussmann® Fuse Selectivity
with the published fuse selectivity ratios, some simple Ratios Interactive Guide under Application Info/Software.
1. If circuit breakers are not maintained, extended clearing times or nuisance operation may compromise coordination.
2. If using zone selective interlocking option, molded case and insulated case circuit breakers still have an instantaneous trip that
overrides the zone selective tripping feature. Blackouts still can occur since selective coordination can not be achieved.