Ecodial Advance Calculation

Technical help

Ecodial Advanced Calculation

Contents

Component names
Main changes following the Cenelec TR50480 report
Types of system earthing
Types of transformer losses
Diversity factor Ks
Switchgear status and operating modes
Discrimination of protective devices
Check on the thermal stress in cables
Discrimination of residual-current protective devices
Cascading
Withdrawable circuit breakers and switches
Electrical operating mechanisms for circuit breakers and switches
Remote opening of switches
Visible break
Classification of residual current devices
Type of residual-current protection
High-sensitivity residual-current protection
Medium-sensitivity residual-current protection
Maximum permissible voltage drop for loads
Circuit voltage-drop tolerances
Cable installation method
Maximum, permissible cross-sectional area
Third-order harmonic distortion
Manual and alternate solutions
Additional derating coefficients for wiring systems
Waiver of overload-protection requirements for safety circuits
Power factor for short-circuits on LV sources
Calculation of LV-source phase impedances, based on Ik3max
Calculation of LV-source neutral impedances, based on Ik1min
Calculation of LV-source PE impedances, based on Ief
Calculation of LV-source PE impedances, based on Ief2min

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Consistency of LV-source input parameters

Type of regulation of LV capacitor banks
Types of LV capacitor banks
Coordination of circuit breakers and contactors
Trip classes of motor thermal protection
Motor inrush currents
Transient over-torque of variable speed drives
Single-pole breaking capacity at phase-to-phase voltage on IT systems
Single-pole breaking capacity at phase-to-neutral voltage on TN systems

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Component names
The default prefix of component names is defined in accordance with standard IEC 81346-2.
This standard defines the following rules depending on the type of equipment.
Code
WD
WC
UC
TA
QA
QB
MA
GA

EA
CA

IEC 81346-2 definition

Transporting low voltage
electrical energy( 1 000 V a.c.
or 1 500 V d.c.)
Distributing low voltage
electrical energy( 1 000 V a.c.
or 1 500 V d.c.)
Enclosing and supporting
electrical energy equipment
Converting electrical energy
while retaining the energy type
and energy form
Switching and variation of
electrical energy circuits
Isolation of electrical energy
circuits
Driving by electromagnetic
force
Initiation of an electrical energy
flow by use of mechanical
energy
Generation of electromagnetic
radiation for lighting purposes
using electrical energy
Capacitive storage of electric
energy

Technical help

Examples
Bushing, cable, conductor

Ecodial component
LV cable and feeder
busbar-trunking
systems (BTS)

Busbar, motor control centre,

switchgear assembly

Busbars and busbartrunking systems (BTS)

Cubicle, encapsulation, housing

AC/DC converter, frequency
converter, power transformer,
transformer
Circuit-breaker, contactor, motor
starter, power transistor, thyristor
Disconnector, fuse switch, fuseswitch disconnector, isolating
switch, load-break switch

LV switchboards

Electric motor, linear motor

Dynamo, generator, motorgenerator set, power generator,
rotating generator
Fluorescent lamp, fluorescent
tube, incandescent lamp, lamp,
lamp bulb, laser, LED lamp,
maser, UV radiator

Asynchronous motors

Lighting loads

Capacitor

Capacitors

MV/LV and LV/LV

transformers
Circuit-breakers and
contactors
Switches and fuse
switches

Emergency generators

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Main changes following the Cenelec TR50480 report

Modification of voltage factor c
Table 7 in the Cenelec TR50480 technical report is derived from Table 1 in the IEC 60909 standard.
Rated voltage
100 V to 1000 V

Voltage factor
cmax
cmin
1.1
0.95

Elimination of the no-load factor m

The no-load factor m, present in the Cenelec R064-003 technical report, has been eliminated from all
equations in the Cenelec TR50480 technical report.

Calculation of short-circuit currents with parallel-connected transformers

The Cenelec TR50480 technical report defines more precisely the impedance method for calculation
of short-circuit currents in installations supplied by parallel-connected transformers.
Generator
supply

LV supply
ZQ

ZG
Z SUP

ZC

MV supply + parallel-connected MV/LV transformers

Z SUP

ZQ
Z SUP

ZC

ZC
ZT

ZSUP ZC ZG

ZSUP Z Q Z C

ZQ ( ZT ZC )
ZQ ( ZT ZC )
Incomer: ZSUP
Outgoer: ZSUP
nT 1
nT
n T is the total number of transformers operating
simultaneously.
Incomer = the conductor between the transformer and the
main switchboard.
Outgoer = the circuits supplying the entire installation
downstream of the main switchboard.

Contribution of asynchronous motors to short-circuit currents

The Cenelec TR50480 technical report defines the K M coefficient that must be applied to the
impedances (R SUP , X SUP ) to take into account the contribution of the motors.
The table below sums up the conditions where the contribution of asynchronous motors to the shortcircuit current must be taken into account.
Type of supply

Motor

Supply via MV/LV

transformer(s)

No static converter

Technical help

Total power rating of

motors operating
simultaneously (S rM )
> 25% total power rating
of transformers (S rT )

K M value

5
5

rT

SrT 1,1 SrM

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Types of system earthing

TN-S system

TN-C system
Not permitted on sites where
there is a risk of fire or
explosion.

TT system

IT system
Where possible, the neutral
is not distributed.

Technical help

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Types of transformer losses

Immersed-type transformers
Losses of MV/LV immersed-type transformers are defined by standard EN 50464-1 for:
losses under no-load conditions (P 0 ),
losses under load conditions (P k ).
This classification is valid for transformers immersed in mineral and vegetable oil.
No-load losses (P 0 )
Optimum efficiency

Load losses (P k )
Optimum efficiency

Standard efficiency

Standard efficiency

Dry-type transformers
Dry-type encapsulated transformers offer two possible loss levels:
normal losses,
reduced losses.

Technical help

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Diversity factor Ks
Standard IEC 60439-1 defines the diversity-factor (Ks) values that may be used if more precise
information on switchboards and busbar-trunking systems (BTS) is lacking.
Ecodial uses these values by default to calculate the design currents for BTSs and busbars.

Switchboard busbars
Number of outgoers
1
2-3
4-5
6 to 9
10 and more

Ks
1
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6

Distribution BTS
Number of outgoers
1
2-3
4-5
6 to 9
10 to 40
Over 40

Ks
1
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5

Diversity factor and operating mode

For distribution BTSs and busbars, it is possible to set a diversity factor for each type of operating
mode.
Simply select an operating mode and enter a value between 0 and 1 for the Ks parameter. The value
becomes the default value for the current operating mode (the lock next to the parameter closes )
and Ecodial will no longer modify the value as a function of the number of outgoers. In the other
operating modes, the Ks value will continue to be calculated by Ecodial, unless the value is set as
indicated above.

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Switchgear status and operating modes

This property determines the open/closed (off/on) position of circuit breakers and switches in the
various operating modes. Ecodial can manage different status conditions of switchgear depending on
the operating mode. This makes it possible to take into account installations supplied by multiple
sources, those offering load shedding and those with seasonal operating modes, for example.
When the status of a circuit breaker or switch is "closed",, the circuit downstream of the circuit breaker
(or switch) is supplied in the current operating mode.
When the status of a circuit breaker or switch is "open", the downstream circuit is not supplied in the
current operating mode.

When a part of the network is not supplied in a given operating mode, it is shown in blue in the singleline diagram. Given that the "closed" status condition is the most common in installations, only the
"open" status condition is shown in the single-line diagram.

Technical help

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Discrimination of protective devices

Principle
Instantaneous setting of the downstream protective device
Crossing detection zone.
Discrimination limit = current at
which the curves cross.

Table zone.
Check the manufacturer discrimination
tables to determine the limit.

Tripping curve

Non-tripping curve

Partial and total discrimination

If the tripping curve of the downstream protection crosses the non-tripping curve of the upstream
protection, discrimination is said to be partial and the current at which the curves cross is called the
discrimination or selectivity limit current.
If the selectivity limit current is lower than the short-circuit current that can occur on the circuit
protected by the downstream protective device, discrimination is said to be partial.
If the selectivity limit current is higher than the maximum short-circuit current that can occur on the
circuit protected by the downstream protective device, discrimination is said to be total for the given
installation.

Means to achieve total discrimination

If the curves cross in the crossing detection zone, i.e. below the downstream instantaneous-setting
current, the settings on the protective devices may be adjusted to achieve discrimination. Use of timedelayed trip units makes this easier.
If the discrimination limit is in the table zone, the rating of the upstream protective device must be
increased. In this case, Ecodial retains the circuit design current Ib as the reference for the thermal
setting of the protective device to avoid oversizing the cable.

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Check on the thermal stress in cables

Principle
Ecodial checks the thermal stress for all conductors in a cable:
phase,
neutral,
PE or PEN.
The thermal stress is within permissible limits if:
the Isd threshold is lower than the circuit minimum short-circuit current (NF C 15-100
533.3.2, IEC 60364 533.3.2).
Otherwise, Ecodial checks that:
the thermal stress (it) in each of the circuit conductors (phase, neutral, PE or PEN) in the
cable does not cross the t(i) curve of the protective device.

Ikmin

it phase
it neutral
it PE

Necessary measures if a cable is not protected against thermal stress

If neither of the above conditions are met, there are two ways to correct the circuit:
- install an adjustable protective device on which Isd can be set to below Ikmin,
- manually increase the cross-sectional area of the conductor(s) that are insufficiently
protected by the current protective device.

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Discrimination of residual-current protective devices

Principle
Discrimination between residual-current protective devices is achieved if the following conditions are
met:
the sensitivity of the upstream device is greater than double the sensitivity of the
downstream device,
the breaking time of the upstream device is 1.4 times longer than that of the
downstream device.
The sensitivity of the downstream device must also meet the condition below:
sensitivity (In) x 2 fault current (Ief).
2 current discrimination OK
In x2 Ief protection of persons OK

Ikmin

1.4 time discrimination OK

Partial discrimination
When the sensitivity discrimination condition is not met, discrimination is said to be partial.
However if the breaking-time discrimination condition is not met, there is no discrimination between
the two residual-current protective devices (even if the sensitivity discrimination condition is met).

Technical help

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Cascading
Default and individual parameter settings
On the Project parameters tab, in the zone for device selection, it is possible to request that the
system attempt to set up cascading for all final protection devices, i.e. those immediately upstream of
the loads. It is on the final circuits that there is the greatest number of outgoers and consequently that
cascading can provide the greatest benefits.
In addition, there is an individual parameter for each circuit breaker in the installation, among the
circuit-breaker properties, to activate or deactivate system attempts to establish cascading.

Attempts to find a cascading solution

When cascading is requested for a circuit breaker, Ecodial looks for a cascading solution with the
upstream circuit breaker.
If Ecodial cannot find a cascading solution with the upstream circuit breaker, a warning message is
displayed in the alarm window and solutions without cascading are proposed.

Limits on cascading
Certain configurations in electrical installations making cascading impossible:
the circuit breaker selected for cascading is supplied by two parallel circuits,
the circuit breaker selected for cascading and the upstream circuit breaker are on opposite
sides of a LV/LV transformer.
Circuit breaker downstream of parallel
MV/LV transformers

Circuit breakers on opposite sides of an

LV/LV transformer

No cascading

No cascading

Other configurations for which cascading is not attempted

When a circuit breaker is supplied by circuit breakers operating under different operating modes,
Ecodial does not attempt to find a cascading solution.

No search for a
cascading solution

Technical help

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Withdrawable circuit breakers and switches

If a withdrawable circuit breaker or switch is required, Ecodial selects only devices that can be
disconnected from a chassis (withdrawable or drawout versions) or a base (plug-in versions), i.e.
withdrawability not dependent on the switchboard system in which they are installed.
If withdrawability is not required, Ecodial proposes solutions without taking the feature into account.
In the results zone, Ecodial indicates whether a withdrawable version exists for each device.
Examples of withdrawable circuit breakers

Drawout Masterpact NT circuit

breaker (on a chassis).

Technical help

Withdrawable Compact NSX

circuit breaker (on a chassis).

Plug-in Compact NSX circuit

breaker (on a base).

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Electrical operating mechanisms for circuit breakers and

switches
If a circuit breaker or switch requires a motorised electrical operating mechanism, Ecodial selects only
devices offering the option.
If the option is not required, Ecodial proposes solutions without taking the option into account.
In the results zone, Ecodial indicates whether the option exists for each device.

Technical help

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Remote opening of switches

If remote opening of a switch is required, Ecodial selects only devices offering the option.
This function may be used, for example, for load shedding.
If the option is not requested, Ecodial selects only devices that cannot be remotely opened.
In the absence of an indication (parameter set to Any), Ecodial proposes solutions without taking the
option into account.
In all cases, Ecodial indicates in the results zone whether each device can be remotely opened or not.

Technical help

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Visible break
For certain applications, visible breaking of circuit may be required for safety reasons.
On a device offering visible break, the operator can see via a transparent screen that the contacts are
in fact open. For example, the Interpact INV range offers a double safety function with visible break
and positive contact indication.

If visible break is required on a switch, Ecodial selects only switches offering the function.
If it is not required, Ecodial selects only devices not offering the function.
In the absence of an indication (parameter set to Any), Ecodial proposes solutions without taking the
function into account.
In all cases, Ecodial indicates for each device in the results zone whether the function is available.

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Classification of residual current devices

Standard IEC 60755 (General requirements for residual-current operated protective devices) defines
three types of residual-current protection depending on the fault-current characteristics.
Type AC
Tripping is ensured for residual sinusoidal alternating currents, without a DC component.
Type A
Tripping is ensured for residual sinusoidal alternating currents and specified residual pulsating direct
currents.
Type B
Tripping is ensured for currents identical to those for class A and for residual direct currents produced
by three-phase rectification.
In addition, Schneider Electric offers the following types of residual-current devices in its catalogue:
SI (super immunised) with reinforced immunity to nuisance tripping in polluted networks,
SiE designed for environments with severe operating conditions.
The table below presents the recommended type and immunity level as a function of the external
conditions and the level of disturbances on the electrical network.
Recommended
type

AC
A
SI
SiE
B

Technical help

Risk of nuisance
tripping
HF leakage current

Risk of non-operation (in the presence of a fault)

Fault current
with pulsating
components

Fault current
with pure DC
component

Low
temperature
(to -25C)

Corrosive or
dusty
atmosphere

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Type of residual-current protection

Residual-current protection may be:
integrated in breaking devices,
or carried out by a separate residual-current relay in conjunction with a separate toroid and a
voltage release (MN or MX).
Ecodial offers a choice between the two possibilities.
If no choice is made (parameter set to Any), the proposed solutions include both integrated and
separate devices that are compatible with the breaking device.
Examples of residual-current protection
Integrated residual current protection

Masterpact circuit breaker equipped with

a Micrologic 7.0 control unit

Technical help

Vigicompact NSX
circuit breaker

iC60 circuit
breaker with
add-on Vigi
module

Separate
residual-current
relays

Type M and P
Vigirex relays

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High-sensitivity residual-current protection

The situations and applications presented below require highly-sensitivity residual-current devices, i.e.
devices with a sensitivity In less than or equal to 30 mA.
Applications / situation
Additional protection against direct
contact
Premises with fire risk
Power outlets

Swimming pool
Bathrooms (least exposed zone)
In the TT system, when the resistance
of the earth electrode for exposed
conductive parts is high (> 500 ).
Floor heating

Technical help

Example of reference standard

NF C 15-100 415.1
NF C 15-100 422.1.7
Case for heating films installed in ceilings.
NF C 15-100 411.3.3
Rated current 32 A
Sprayed water
Temporary installations (e.g. work sites)
NF C 15-100 702.53
NF C 15-100 701.53, all circuits except SELV and not
supplied by a separation transformer.
NF C 15-100 531.2.5.2
NF C 15-100 753.4.1
Case for systems comprising unarmoured insulated
conductors requiring 30 mA protection for each 13 kW
(400 V) or 7.5 kW (230 V) circuit.

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Medium-sensitivity residual-current protection

The situations and applications presented below require medium-sensitivity residual-current devices,
i.e. devices with a sensitivity In less than or equal to 300 or 500 mA.
Applications / situation
Protection against fire risks.
Required for premises with risk of fire
(BE2) or risk of explosion (BE3).
Floor heating

Technical help

Example of reference standard

NF C 15-100 531.2.3.3
Protection against fire caused by tracking
currents flowing to earth.
NF C 15-100 753.4.1
Case for systems comprising armoured
insulated conductors.

In
300 mA
500 mA

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Maximum permissible voltage drop for loads

Recommendations and requirements imposed by standards
The maximum, permissible voltage drop for loads varies depending on the installation standard.
Below are the data for standard IEC 60364 and for standard NF C 15-100.
Type of load

Lighting
Other loads

NF C 15-100
Supply via public LV
Supply via substation
distribution network
connected to public MV
distribution network
3%
6%
5%
8%

IEC 60364

4% recommended
4% recommended

Software parameter setting

In Ecodial, the default values for the maximum permissible voltage drops for loads may be set for each
type of load on the Project parameters tab.
The maximum permissible voltage drop may also be set individually in the properties for each load.

Procedure if the cumulative voltage drop for a load exceeds the permissible
value
If the calculated, cumulative voltage drop exceeds the maximum, permissible value, Ecodial displays a
message to signal the error.
To clear the error, reduce the voltage-drop tolerances for the upstream circuits supplying the load (
Circuit voltage-drop tolerances).

Technical help

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Circuit voltage-drop tolerances

The default value for circuit voltage-drop tolerances can be set on the Projects parameters tab for:
cables,
busbar-trunking systems (BTS).
The maximum permissible voltage drop for a circuit may also be set individually in the properties for
each cable and BTS. Modifying this parameter is a means to customise the distribution of the voltage
drop between the various circuits upstream of a load.
In the example below, the calculated voltage
drop for load AA7 is 6.06%, i.e. greater than the
maximum permissible value of 6%. The
tolerance for circuit voltage drops is set to 5%.

u
+3.86%

Below, the voltage-drop tolerance for cable WD3

has been reduced to 3%. Ecodial consequently
increases the size of the cable and the voltage
drop for load AA7 is now less than 6% (4.98%).

u tolerance
5% 3%

u
+ 1.93%

To maintain the maximum voltage drop for AA7 to less than 6%, it is necessary to reduce the voltage
drops on the upstream circuits (WD3 and WD7) by reducing the voltage-drop tolerance(s).
There are two possible methods.
Reduce the tolerances for all upstream circuits, in which case the size (cross-sectional area)
of all upstream circuits will be increased.
Reduce the tolerance for a single upstream circuit, namely the circuit selected by the designer
as the best for an increase in size.

Technical help

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Cable installation method

Click the Modify installation method command to modify the installation method.
In the window, the information is presented in two steps:
description of the situation and of the installation system,
definition of the parameters for the grouping factor that depends on the installation method.
Ecodial presents in the results zone of the window:
the installation-method number,
the reference method used,
a complete description of the installation method,
a diagram.

Technical help

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Maximum, permissible cross-sectional area

This parameter may be used to limit the size (cross-sectional area) of cables and conductors.
For values above the permissible limit, parallel cables are run in order to comply with the theoretical
size required for the design current of the wiring system.

Technical help

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Third-order harmonic distortion

Origin
When the neutral is distributed, non-linear loads may cause large overloads in the neutral conductor
due to the presence of third-order (H3) harmonics.
Balanced three-phase loads do not cause H3 harmonics in the neutral conductor. But H3 harmonics
can reach 80% of the fundamental for non-linear single-phase loads such as single-phase diodebridge rectifiers with capacitive filtering.
Single-phase diode-bridge rectifiers with capacitive filtering

Diagram

Waveform of current drawn

Harmonic spectrum of current drawn

Many devices in a wide range of fields include this type of circuit. They are the main causes of H3
harmonics.
Field
Residential
Services
Industry

Devices
TV, hi-fi, video, microwave ovens, compact fluorescent lamps (CFL), etc.
Microcomputers, printers, photocopiers, fax machines, CFLs, etc.
Switch-mode power supplies, variable-speed drives, CFLs, etc.

Impact of neutral protection on cable sizes

Table 52-D1 and 523.5.3 of standard IEC 60364 sums up the rules for neutral protection, selection of
cable sizes and the factors for permissible-current reduction in cables when H3 harmonics are
present.
THDI 15%

15% < THDI 33%

33% < THDI 45%

THDI > 45%

S neutral = S phase /2 is
permissible (1)
Neutral protected

S neutral = S phase
S phase is decisive
Factor = 0.86

S phase = S neutral
S neutral is decisive
I Bneutral = 3 X THDi x I Bphase
Factor = 0.86

S phase = S neutral
S neutral is decisive
I Bneutral = 3 X THDi x I Bphase
Factor = 1

(1) If Sphase > 16 mm Cu or 25 mm Alu

Impact on circuit-breaker selection

For single-core cables, only the neutral conductor must be oversized, on the condition that the circuit
breaker is capable of protecting an oversized neutral. When that is possible, Ecodial proposes a circuit
breaker equipped with a 4P3d+OSN trip unit that must been the following conditions:
Irneutral IBneutral
Irphase IBphase, i.e. Irneutral0.63 IBphase.
For 4P3d+OSN trip units, the Irphase/Irneutral ratio is constant at 0.63.

Technical help

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Manual and alternate solutions

The Select another product command provides access to two separate functions:
selection of alternate solutions validated by Ecodial during a calculation,
manual selection of a product from the catalogue.
This command is available for the components listed below:
LV cables,
busbar-trunking systems (BTS),
circuit breakers,
switches,
residual-current devices.

Alternate selection
Alternate solutions may be accessed only after a calculation has been validated. If that is the case and
the Select another product command is launched, the selection window automatically opens the
Calculated products window. Then simply select the desired solution using the values proposed in
the selection zone. The results zone is updated with the new solution. When OK is clicked, the
solution is confirmed (locked), i.e. it will be used for future calculations.

Manual selection
A prior, validated calculation is not required to access solutions in the catalogue. If a calculation has
not yet been validated, the selection window automatically opens the Entire catalogue window. If a
calculation has been validated, Ecodial opens the Calculated products selection window. Select
Entire catalogue to access the entire catalogue.
When a product is selected manually from the catalogue, it is "locked" for use in future calculations.

Processing of locked solutions

When a solution has been locked by a user (via a manual or alternate selection), Ecodial no longer
calculates the component, but it does check that the locked solution meets electrotechnical
requirements. If a requirement is not met, the locked solution fails the check, the calculation is stopped
and an error message is issued. To clear the problem, it is necessary to unlock the solution and restart
the calculation.

Technical help

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Additional derating coefficients for wiring systems

This coefficient is applied in addition to the other coefficients for the installation method.
The table below provides examples of typical values that should be applied when certain external
conditions exist.
External condition
Premises with risk of
explosion (BE3)
Significant exposure to
solar radiation (AN3)

Technical help

Example of recommendation (NF C 15-100)

Permissible current values for conductors must
be reduced by 15%
Permissible current values for conductors must
be reduced by 15%

Coefficient values
0.85
0.85

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Waiver of overload-protection requirements for safety

circuits
For safety reasons, an application may need to continue operation even under fault conditions, in
which case overload protection should be inhibited.
The inhibition function is required notably for motors used to remove smoke from public buildings.
Ecodial includes a function to waiver thermal protection for circuit breakers supplying loads.
In this case, two types of circuit breakers are proposed by Ecodial:
circuit breakers without thermal protection and equipped with an MA trip unit,
circuit breakers equipped with a control unit enabling inhibition of thermal protection (e.g.
Micrologic 5.0).
In compliance with the recommendation contained in NF C 15-100, Ecodial sizes the circuit breaker
and the cable to accept 1.5 times the design current of the circuit.

Technical help

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Power factor for short-circuits on LV sources

By default, Ecodial proposes the values drawn from Table 11 in standard IEC 60947-2 which specifies
the test conditions used to determine circuit-breaker breaking capacities.
Short-circuit current (kA)
3
4.5
6
10
20
50

<
<
<
<
<
<

Technical help

Ikmax
Ikmax
Ikmax
Ikmax
Ikmax
Ikmax
Ikmax

4.5

6
10
20
50

Power factor for short-circuits

PFsc
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.5
0.3
0.25
0.2

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Calculation of LV-source phase impedances, based on

Ik3max
Ik3max is used to calculate the phase impedances on the upstream network, represented by the LV
source.
c
U
ZL max r
3 Ik3max
R L Z L PFsc
XL Z L 2 R L 2

Ur
Ik3max
cmax
PFsc
ZL
RL
XL

phase-to-phase voltage (V)

maximum three-phase short-circuit current (A)
voltage factor ( Cenelec TR50480)
Power factor for short-circuits on LV sources
impedance of phases ()
resistance of phases ()
inductance of phases at 50 Hz ()

Depending on the type of system earthing, there are a number of dependencies between the different
short-circuit currents (Ik3max, Ik1min, Ief, Ief2min) that must be entered.
Ecodial checks the consistency between the parameters ( Consistency of LV-source input
parameters).

Technical help

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Calculation of LV-source neutral impedances, based on

Ik1min
Ik1min is used to calculate the neutral impedances (if the neutral is distributed) on the upstream
network, represented by the LV source.
U
c min n
3
ZN
ZL
Ik1min
RN ZN PFsc
XN Z N 2 RN 2

Ur
cmin
Ik1min
PFsc
ZL
ZN
RN
XN

phase-to-phase voltage (V)

voltage factor ( Cenelec TR50480)
minimum single-phase short-circuit current (A)
Power factor for short-circuits on LV sources
impedance of phases ()
impedance of neutral ()
resistance of neutral ()
inductance of neutral at 50 Hz ()

These equations are also valid for the impedance of the PEN conductor in the TN-C system (with a
distributed neutral).
Depending on the type of system earthing, there are a number of dependencies between the different
short-circuit currents (Ik3max, Ik1min, Ief, Ief2min) that must be entered.
Ecodial checks the consistency between the parameters ( Consistency of LV-source input
parameters).

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Calculation of LV-source PE impedances, based on Ief

Ief is used to calculate the PE impedance in the following cases:
TN-S system and no equipotential bonding near the connection point,
TN-C system, neutral not distributed and no equipotential bonding near the connection point.
If there is equipotential bonding near the connection point, upstream PE impedance is negligible for all
types of system earthing.
In the TT system, upstream PE impedance is never taken into account.

ZPE

U
U

cmin r cmax r
3
3

Ief
Ik3max

R PE

U
U

cmin r cmax r
33 PF

sc
Ief
Ik3max

XPE ZPE 2 RPE 2

Ur
cmax
cmin
PFsc
Ik3max
Ief
ZPE
RPE
XPE

phase-to-phase voltage (V)

voltage factor ( Cenelec TR50480)
voltage factor ( Cenelec TR50480)
Power factor for short-circuits on LV sources
maximum three-phase short-circuit current (A)
minimum phase/PE fault current (A)
impedance of PE ()
resistance of PE ()
inductance of PE at 50 Hz ()

Depending on the type of system earthing, there are a number of dependencies between the different
short-circuit currents (Ik3max, Ik1min, Ief, Ief2min) that must be entered.
Ecodial checks the consistency between the parameters ( Consistency of LV-source input
parameters).

Technical help

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Calculation of LV-source PE impedances, based on Ief2min

Ief2min is used to calculate the PE impedance in an IT system when there is no earthing equipotential
bonding near the connection point.
If there is equipotential bonding near the connection point, upstream PE impedance is negligible for all
types of system earthing.

ZPE

RPE

U
U

cmin r cmax r
3
3

2 Ief2min
Ik3max

U
U

cmin r cmax r
3
3

PFsc
2 Ief2min
Ik3max

XPE ZPE 2 RPE 2

= 3 in IT systems without a neutral
= 1 in IT systems with a neutral
phase-to-phase voltage (V)
Ur
voltage factor ( Cenelec TR50480)
cmax
voltage factor ( Cenelec TR50480)
cmin
Power factor for short-circuits on LV sources
PFsc
Ik3max maximum three-phase short-circuit current (A)
Ief2min minimum double-fault current (A)
impedance of PE ()
ZPE
resistance of PE ()
RPE
inductance of PE at 50 Hz ()
XPE
Depending on the type of system earthing, there are a number of dependencies between the different
short-circuit currents (Ik3max, Ik1min, Ief, Ief2min) that must be entered.
Ecodial checks the consistency between the parameters ( Consistency of LV-source input
parameters).

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Consistency of LV-source input parameters

The table below sums up the consistency checks run by Ecodial on the LV-source input parameters.
Inconsistency condition
Ik1 min In

Justification
Ik1min may not be less than the
rated current.
Ik3max / Ik1min is too low.
c min
Ik 3 max
Ik1 min
This results in a negative neutral
c max
impedance.
Ief In
TN-S system with no equipotential The fault current may not be less
bonding near the connection point. than the rated current.
TN-C.
TN-S system with no equipotential Ik3max / Ief is too low.
c min
Ik 3 max
If
bonding near the connection point. This results in a negative PE(N)
c max
TN-C system without a distributed impedance.
neutral and with no equipotential
bonding near the connection point.
IT system with no equipotential
The double-fault current may not
Ief 2 min In
bonding near the connection point. be less than the rated current.
IT system with a neutral, but no
Ik3max / Ief2min is too low.
c min
Ik 3 max
0.5 Ief 2 min equipotential bonding near the
This results in a negative PE
c max
connection point.
impedance.
IT
system,
with
no
incoming
Ik3max
/ Ief2min is too low.
c min
3
Ik 3 max

Ief 2 min equipotential bonding, when the

This results in a negative PE
c max 2
neutral is not distributed.
impedance.

Technical help

When and where?

All types of earthing systems with
a distributed neutral.
All types of earthing systems with
a distributed neutral.

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Type of regulation of LV capacitor banks

Principle
By default, Ecodial proposes the type of regulation (fixed or automatic) of capacitor banks for power
factor correction according to the following rules:
- If the power to be corrected (Q upstream + Q downstream) is greater than 15% of the
apparent power of the upstream sources (sum of the apparent powers of upstream
transformers used simultaneously), then Ecodial imposes power factor correction with
an automatic capacitor bank.
- If not, a fixed capacitor bank can be used and Ecodial therefore proposes both fixed
and automatic power factor correction solutions.
This principle is followed to avoid overvoltages in the installation when the installed power of the
capacitor bank is high with respect to the consumption of the installation. An automatic capacitor bank
adjusts the number of capacitor steps connected according to the level of the load on the installation.

Example of a fixed capacitor bank

Source power = 630 kVA.
Calculate reactive power to be corrected = 46.3 kvar.
Rating of selected solution: 54.5 kvar.
Ratio = 54.5 / 630 = 8.6% (< 15%), allowing the use of a fixed capacitor bank.

Example of an automatic capacitor bank

Source power = 250 kVA.
Calculated reactive power to be corrected = 46.3 kvar.
Rating of selected solution: 51.3 kvar.
Ratio = 51.3 / 250 = 20.5% ( 15%), imposing the choice of an automatic capacitor bank (a fixed
capacitor bank cannot be used)

Technical help

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Types of LV capacitor banks

Principle
The type of capacitor bank is determined by the level of harmonic disturbances at the point of
connection of the capacitor bank. The flow of harmonic currents in the installation leads to harmonic
voltages across the terminals of the capacitors that can cause overcurrents at harmonic frequencies.

Calculating the harmonic disturbance level Gh/Sn in the installation

The type of capacitor bank is determined by calculating the ratio Gh/Sn, representing the level of
harmonic disturbances in the installation:
- Gh: total apparent power (kVA ) of the harmonic loads connected downstream of the
main LV switchboard (MLVS)
- Sn: rated apparent power of the transformer(s) supplying the MLVS.
The ratio Gh/Sn is calculated by Ecodial for each capacitor bank, taking into account the loads
declared as harmonic loads.

The ratio Gh/Sn can also be entered directly for each capacitor bank. In this case, the values are
locked and will not be modified by Ecodial in the event of changes in the installation.

Selection criteria
LV capacitor banks are available for 3 levels of harmonic withstand:
- Gh/Sn < 15%, "Classic" capacitor banks can be used
- 15% Gh/Sn < 25 %, the capacitor banks must be at least of the "Comfort" type (the
"Classic" type is not allowed)
- Gh/Sn 25%, "Harmony" capacitor banks must be used (the "Classic" and "Comfort"
types are not allowed).
If Gh/Sn exceeds 50%, a special study must be carried out to determine the type of capacitor bank
because harmonic filtering must be installed.
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Reactive power threshold

This parameter determines the reactive power threshold above which power factor correction is
required. If the reactive power consumed by the installation is less than this value, installation of power
factor correction capacitors is unnecessary even if the PF is less than the Target PF.
The following two conditions must therefore be satisfied before Ecodial will carry out capacitor bank
calculations:
- PF < Target PF
- Reactive power consumed > Threshold (50 kvar by default).

Technical help

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Coordination of circuit breakers and contactors

Definition
Standard IEC 60947-4-1 defines two types of coordination.
Type
Type 1

Type 2

Definition
Deterioration of the contactor and the relay is acceptable under two conditions:
- no danger to operating personnel,
- no danger to any components other than the contactor and the relay
Only minor welding of the contactor or starter contacts is permissible and the contacts
must be easily separated. Following type-2 coordination tests, the switchgear and
controlgear functions must be fully operational.

When the switchgear and controlgear includes both the circuit breaker and contactor functions,
coordination is considered to be total.

Which type of coordination is needed?

Selection of a type of coordination depends on the operating conditions encountered. The goal is to
achieve the best balance between the users needs and the cost of the installation.
Type
Type 1

Type 2

Technical help

users needs / cost of the optimised installation

Qualified maintenance service,
Low cost of switchgear and controlgear,
Continuity of service is not imperative or may be ensured by simply replacing the faulty
motor drawer.
Continuity of service is imperative,
Limited maintenance service,
Specifications stipulating type 2.

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Trip classes of motor thermal protection

The four trip classes of a thermal relay are 10 A, 10, 20 and 30 (maximum tripping times at 7.2 Ir).
Classes 10 and 10 A are the most commonly used. Classes 20 and 30 are reserved for motors with
difficult starting conditions.
The following diagram and table show the thermal relay suited to the motor starting time.
Trip Class
10A
10
20
30

Technical help

1,05 Ir
t > 2h
t > 2h
t > 2h
t > 2h

1,2 Ir
t < 2h
t < 2h
t < 2h
t < 2h

1,5 Ir
t < 2 min
t < 4 min
t < 8 min
t < 12 min

7,2 IR
2 t 10 s
4 t 10 s
6 t 20 s
9 t 30 s

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Motor inrush currents

Principle
When the motor inrush or starting current is greater than 19 Ir, device ratings are increased by 20% to
satisfy optimum starting and coordination conditions.

Example Istart/Ir 19
For an 11 kW motor with direct-on-line starting, the following protection is selected:
Circuit breaker: P25 M 23 A
Contactor: LC1D25

Example Istart/Ir > 19

For an 11 kW motor with direct-on-line starting, the following protection is selected:
Circuit breaker: GV2ME 32 A
Contactor: LC1D32

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Transient over-torque of variable speed drives

Certain applications require an over-torque during transient acceleration and deceleration phases. In
this case, a "high torque" variable speed drive (VSD)should be used. For other applications (e.g.
centrifugal pumps and fans), a VSD with "standard torque" is sufficient.
Standard torque
The over-torque and the associated
overcurrent are limited by the VSD to a typical
value of 1.2 to 1.4 times the rated current of the
VSD for 60 seconds. This setting is compatible
with applications such as centrifugal pumps,
fans and conveyors.

Technical help

High torque
The over-torque and the associated overcurrent
are limited by the VSD to a typical value of 1.5 to
1.7 times the rated current of the VSD for 60
seconds. This setting is compatible with
applications such as handling and grinding
equipment and pumps with high break-off
torques.

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Single-pole breaking capacity at phase-to-phase voltage on

IT systems
When a double fault occurs on an IT system, the protective devices must be able to break the doublefault current on a single pole at the phase-to-phase voltage.
In IT installations, Ecodial therefore checks that the protective device satisfies the following two
conditions:
- breaking capacity (Icu) greater than the maximum short-circuit current (Ik3max,
Ik2max or Ik1max)
- single-pole breaking capacity at the phase-to-phase voltage greater than the doublefault current
The short-circuit currents Ik3max, Ik2max and Ik1max are calculated in compliance with Cenelec
TR50480 technical report.
For the double-fault current, Ecodial checks that the breaking capacity at the phase-to-phase voltage is
greater than:
- the current Ief calculated in compliance with Cenelec TR50480 technical report
- 0.15 times the 3-phase short-circuit current at the point considered if this current is
less than or equal to 10 000 A
- 0.25 times the 3-phase short-circuit current at the point considered if this current is greater
than 10 000 A

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Single-pole breaking capacity at phase-to-neutral voltage

on TN systems
Interpretation sheet F13 (dated February 2010) of standard NF C 15-100 indicates explicitly that, for
TN installations, the protective devices must be able to break the double-fault current on a single pole
at the phase-to-neutral voltage.
No equivalent indication exists in standard IEC 60364, however all versions of Ecodial carry out this
check for all protective devices and indicate the single-pole breaking capacity at the phase-to-neutral
voltage when it is different than the breaking capacity Icu of the device.

Technical help

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