Serving the Houston Area
Why Do I Need a Short Circuit Analysis?
A short circuit is sometimes called a fault. It is a specific kind of current that introduces a large amount of energy into a power system. It can be in the form of heat or in the form of magnetic force. Basically, it is a low-resistance path of energy that skips part of a circuit and causes the bypassed part of the circuit to stop working. Bypassing a portion of the circuit can lead to large amounts of current to begin flowing which then causes heat in the wires. Fires can result and lead to production downtime, equipment damage or deterioration, and death or injuries to personnel. A short circuit analysis can detect problems before they occur which will prevent damage and injury.
What Can You Expect From Your Short Circuit Analysis?
Short circuit analysis calculations are used to determine the currents that flow throughout a power system at various locations under fault conditions. The study is based upon utility positive and zero sequence source impedance information supplied by the utility and is done to identify whether the system and equipment could withstand the available fault current.
Short Circuit analysis is needed to guarantee that new and existing equipment ratings can adequately withstand the available short circuit energy at each point in your electrical system. Our team performs the analysis and then uses the results of the short circuit study to specify the ratings of the equipment for future expansions and help improve the reliability of the system.
Your knowledge and P.E. stamp have been a big help in confirming the use of generators with permanent magnet exciters. Additionally, pointing out that an ac induction motor winding down acts as a generator and recommendations for improving the systems and what to look for when ordering a generator have been very beneficial…The oil pumps with DOL type starters connected to the oil rig power system have not experienced any more problems with excessive voltage drop; therefore, your electrical engineering recommendation in that regard was also correct as well!!
Don Reitsma, VP of Engineering
At Balance Americas, L.L.C., Houston, TX
When Are They Needed?
The first short-circuit analysis should be performed when a power system is originally designed, though this should not be the only time. These studies need to occur with any facility expansion or with the addition of any new electrical equipment such as circuit breakers or new transformers and cables. Without any new additions or changes, short circuit studies still need to occur on a regular basis of at least every 5-6 years.
What Makes BICE the Best Choice?
At BICE Engineering and Consulting, we differ from competitors in our size and structure and this allows us to be more responsive to change. It also allows us to provide personalized and superior services to you. We follow NFPA-70E and IEEE 1584 guidelines in order to guarantee that we always meet the highest industry standards.
BICE Engineering and Consulting is always committed to high quality, dedicated, and responsive professional engineering services for all industrial, commercial, and utility clients in the Houston area. BICE also stands out from others as a registered P.E. Firm in the state of Texas #F-10403.
Benny takes great pride in the work that his firm does. He goes out of his way to make sure that the work is performed timely and accurate. I would recommend BICE for any power system study or any other electrical engineering project you may have.
Fred Forni, Sr. Generation Engineer
Black Hills Corp.
Other Services Offered
Overcurrent Protective Device Coordination
Contact us to chat with one of our safety consultants about performing an electrical short circuit analysis for your Houston business.