Why is a coordination study performed on an electrical distribution system?

A coordination study is performed on an electrical distribution system primarily to determine selective tripping guidelines and limit the impact on adjacent customers during faults or outages. This process is crucial because it helps ensure that when a fault occurs, only the affected section of the system is isolated, allowing the rest of the system to remain operational. This selective tripping enhances the overall reliability and stability of the electrical distribution system and minimizes disruptions to service.

By analyzing the characteristics of protective devices such as circuit breakers and fuses, a coordination study can identify the proper settings to achieve this selectivity. It addresses the timing and sequence of tripping for different devices, ensuring that the nearest protective device trips during a fault while allowing upstream devices to remain closed. This not only protects equipment and maintains service continuity but also ensures safety for personnel and customers interacting with the system.

In contrast, calculating total electrical consumption pertains to energy audits and efficiency improvements rather than coordination. Testing insulation strength relates to ensuring safety and preventing electrical failures but does not address the coordination of protective devices. While ensuring devices function together is essential, it is more about compatibility and proper operation rather than the strategic selective tripping focus of a coordination study.