Electrical Coordination Studies
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Ensure Reliable System Performance and Minimize Downtime
An electrical coordination study (also known as a protective device coordination study) ensures that your power system’s breakers, fuses, and relays operate in the correct order during a fault or overload. Coordination issues can cause incorrect or unsafe equipment disconnects and possible cascading power outages or safety risks. At TRM Engineering, our licensed engineers perform comprehensive coordination analyses that protect equipment, minimize unnecessary outages, and keep your facility operating safely and efficiently. |
We use advanced modeling to correctly coordinate electrical systems
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Our electrical coordination studies analyze the timing and interaction of overcurrent protection devices such as circuit breakers, fuses, and relays throughout your power distribution system.
We model fault conditions and time-current characteristics, and verify that protective devices will isolate only the affected portion of the system without disrupting the rest of your operations.
We model fault conditions and time-current characteristics, and verify that protective devices will isolate only the affected portion of the system without disrupting the rest of your operations.
“Proper coordination ensures that a minor fault doesn’t shut down your entire facility.”
Why Facilities Need Coordination Studies
- Prevent Unnecessary Outages
Ensure upstream devices remain closed when downstream devices trip first. - Improve Safety and Compliance
Support NFPA 70 (NEC), NFPA 70E, and OSHA electrical safety requirements. - Protect Critical Equipment
Limit exposure to fault currents, reducing the risk of equipment damage and arc flash events. - Optimize System Reliability
Identify mis-coordinated breakers or relays before they cause downtime. - Meet Inspection and Insurance Requirements
Many facilities require updated coordination studies alongside arc flash analyses to meet NFPA 70E and insurer documentation standards.
Our Approach
TRM Engineering combines field data collection, system modeling, and protective device analysis to deliver precise, inspector-ready results.
- Data Collection & Verification
We document transformer ratings, protective device settings, cable data, and system topology. - System Modeling
Using industry-leading tools such as ETAP, SKM PowerTools, and EasyPower, we simulate system response under various fault and overload conditions. - Time-Current Curve (TCC) Analysis
We plot device curves to verify coordination between upstream and downstream protective devices. - Recommendations & Documentation
Final reports include coordination diagrams, protective device setting sheets, and recommendations for adjustments or upgrades.
Integration With Other TRM Services
Electrical coordination studies are most effective when combined with our other safety and reliability services:
- Arc Flash Analysis »
Determine incident energy levels and PPE requirements while confirming proper device clearing times. - Power & Load Flow Studies »
Identify voltage drops, losses, and load imbalances that may impact coordination. - Design Engineering »
Implement recommended changes or upgrades safely and efficiently. - Forensic Engineering »
Analyze electrical failures and identify coordination-related causes.