Primary Injection Within this test relatively high current is applied to the primary conductors.

This is done to prove the current transformers, current-circuits and protective devices are all properly connected. Depending on the equipment, Primary Injection has different implications and can have vastly different setup requirements and measurement expectations. Three common tests are described below: Power Transformers - Sometimes called a Through-Fault or Thru-Fault test. Essentially, a three-phase source (of sufficient Voltage. Current, and VA rating) is connected to a short-circuited transformer, to supply current through the windings.The CT circuits are then checked (for magnitude and angle) to verify that all test-switches and protective relays receive the proper current at the proper angle as expected. Usually the test is set up to include the high-side and low-side breakers, often the test is expanded to simultaneously test the CT circuits from other breakers connected to the same or adjacent bus. Bus-work, Switchgear, and HV Breakers - Sufficiently high current is applied to the primary conductors. The CT circuits are then checked (for magnitude and angle) to verify that all test-switches and protective relays receive the proper current at the proper angle as expected. Low Voltage Breakers - Very high (fault level) current is applied to the breaker for short duration, to measure how the Trip-Unit reacts. The trip-units time delay is measured at various current magnitudes to verify compliance with manufacturers published time-current curves. In all cases, PGS determines expected values prior to testing, measured values are documented alongside predicted values, so any anomalies are easily identified. Primary and secondary current injection tests are normally conducted to check the operation of breaker and their protective relays/devices. The protective devices installed vary from circuit to circuit depending on the protection needs and philosophy but typical relays/devices include overload, over current, reverse power, earth fault, differential protection, etc., etc. Primary injection testing normally involves injecting the actual current required to operate a protective device power through the circuit breaker. Primary injection testing normally requires specialist injection sets/test rigs and measurement equipment (particularly for high power and MV and above) and can be extremely arduous where the circuit breaker interrupts large currents, shortening its life or requiring repair after. In many cases, primary injection testing is only conducted by specialists and in some cases primary injection testing may not be required through life. Testing and research of this form is certainly carried out by circuit breaker manufacturers. Primary injection testing may be the only means of testing some LV circuits. Secondary injection testing is normally different to primary injection testing because it is normally conducted when the circuit breaker is closed but is not carrying any current through its main poles. Secondary injection testing normally involves disconnection of the protective device from its normal VT/ CT and connection to a specialist test set that can inject and measure/record the required operating signal directly into the protective device relay to cause it to operate the circuit breaker.

The advantage of secondary injection testing is that the circuit breaker does not have to interrupt large current and only low voltage signals are injected to operate the device. A perceived disadvantage of secondary injection testing is that the actual operation of the <whole> system is not tested but this may be compensated by the fact that the circuit breaker has operated without having to interrupt a large current and the circuit breaker type has tested and rated by its manufacturer. However, specialist equipment and knowledge is still required, including significant knowledge of the actual protection scheme and philosophy. Furthermore, disconnecting of VT/CT can also lead to potential danger. For this reason, secondary injection testing is also often conducted by specialists. Load Flow and Volt Drop. Load flow analysis calculates the power and current flows in an electrical network together with the associated bus voltages. Load flow studies are used for: Sensitivity studies, future load growth studies and load diversity studies by scaling load factors globally. What if analysis of loading conditions, i.e. light loading versus normal loading or winter versus summer loading. Meet utility company requirements for providing a load summary by load type for connected, demand, and design loads at each utility bus. Generate sufficient information for sizing feeders, transformers, and other elements of the power system. Short Circuit Studies A short circuit analysis models the currents that flow in a power system under fault conditions and determines the prospective fault currents in the electrical power system. These fault currents must be calculated in order to adequately specify electrical apparatus withstand and interrupting ratings. The study results are also used to selectively coordinate time current characteristics of electrical protective devices and these results in turn are then used to calculate incident energy levels at user interaction locations in compliance with NFPA70E.( Ark Flash) The systematic short circuit study methodology begins by creating a system one-line diagram, thus defining all electrical characteristics of the power system. PGS utilizes SKM Power Tools for Windows. The software calculates the currents for a fault at every bus or node bus within the system model. Arc Flash An Arc Flash is a dangerous condition associated with the explosive release of energy caused by an electrical arc due to either a phase to ground or phase to phase fault This fault can result from many factors including dropped tools, accidental contact with electrical systems, build up of conductive dust, corrosion, and improper work procedures. The explosive energy release resulting from an arcing fault can consist of: Heat Pressure Wave Vaporized Metal (Plasma) Molten Metal Projectiles By performing a proper arc flash analysis under NFPA70E guide lines, you can ensure that your workers have the proper protective safety equipment while avoiding the expenses and lost productivity that will result from over or under specification of PPE that can happen when using default tables of NFPA 70E when an analysis is not performed.

NFPA 70E-Flash Hazard Analysis. Flash hazard analysis shall be done before a person approaches any exposed electrical conductor or circuit part that has not been placed in an electrically safe work condition This Flash Hazard Analysis must be performed to determine the appropriate PPE required for personnel working near any exposed electrical conductor or circuit part. In order to determine the appropriate level of PPE required, the available fault current at the energized electrical equipment being serviced must be known. A short circuit analysis must be performed to determine available fault currents and arc flash hazards (calculated per IEEE 1584). By doing this analysis, previous studies have shown that minor revisions in breaker settings or fuse changes can lead to major reductions of arc flash hazards.