1 Line Diagram with Short Circuit or Fault Current Calculation

Get ready for the first ever fully automatic, graphic 1 Line Diagram.

Within a few weeks, PowerCalc will publish its latest application: the 1 Line Diagram.

This isn’t just any 1 Line Diagram, this one is completely integrated with PowerCalc’s 7 million+ equations. It’s not just an isolated one-off calculation.

PowerCalc already provides all the values for the 1 Line Diagram, but now it will also graphically display and build your 1 Line Diagram automatically and simultaneously throughout the design process. And the 1 Line Diagram is always there for the User to see, analyze and revise.

We all know that a picture is worth a thousand words, but up until now, for electricals this has not been possible until the end of the design process and after days spent designing. The 1 Line Diagram has been a one-off, after-the-fact exercise put together at the end of a project usually with a separate application.

But now, the User can view the 1 Line Diagram throughout the design process on a separate screen or using a split screen. And, if you don’t like that generator in the west wing of St. Mary’s Hospital, just drag that box to the East Wing. All the calculations follow. That’s what 7 million+ equations can do for you.

Just to let everyone know, the 1 Line Diagram is a simplified notation for representing a 3 –phase power system. It is required to be posted in all commercial buildings and also required for building permits. Electrical elements such as circuit breakers, transformers, capacitators, bus bars and conductors are indicated with standard symbols. This block diagram indicates the flow of power between the electrical elements and usually parallels the same sequence as the switchgear or other equipment represented (left-to-right or top-to-bottom). The illustration above, indicates these graphics using Schneider equipment.

The values on the 1 Line Diagram indicate the information supporting the electrical engineering design’s intent and confirms a balanced and protected power distribution system including: short circuit current, system arrangement, voltage hierarchy and connection to the grid. It confirms theory: when the 3 phases of a 3 phase power system are balanced, then each phase can be considered separately.

Required for Design and by Law

In new construction, the entire power distribution system must be summarized in either a 1 Line Diagram or Riser Diagram. The 1 Line Diagram is preferred and shows the horizontal relations between the different components of the power distribution system. The Riser Diagram shows the vertical relations.

In renovation, the 1 Line Diagram is the starting point to determine the project’s impact on the existing power distribution system. The designer analyses the ampacity, capacity and fault current. PowerCalc quickly accomplishes this analysis providing the information necessary to make sound engineering decisions for a cost effective design.

OSHA

Additionally, OSHA requires the 1 Line Diagram be posted in all commercial buildings under the General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1) of OSHA 1970 (120.1 and 205.2) referencing NFPA 70E.

User Manual

And that’s not all. We’ve just published PowerCalc’s User Manual:  free for all to review and use.  Access it here.

Why is all of this important?

PowerCalc automates the electrical design process.

It is well established that automation is the driver in our techcentric society and business world.

Automation drives productivity across all businesses large or small. Changes, even small ones, over time snowball into massive gains in productivity.

It includes: automation of processes with databases, standards, and updated procedures resulting in fewer errors, fewer building department comments, fewer issues with finished designs and less downtime during construction. And, just less time spent on design and repetitive calculations.

To illustrate this point, we’ve put together the chart shown that focuses on design time. It shows how PowerCalc streamlines the design process to save days of engineering man hours. Save Time/Save Money.

Let me know what you think…we’ll keep you posted on our launch of the 1 Line Diagram application. In our next issue, we’ll talk more about why PowerCalc won gold for Consulting Specifying Engineer’s “2016 Product of the Year”.

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