ETAP Knowledge Base

Arc Flash – Current Decay – Generator Decrement Curve

Description: Arc Flash – Fault Current Decay Method, and PD TCC curve
Category: Arc Flash
Type: Calculation
Keywords: Arc Flash, Decay Method, Generator Decrement Curve, protection device TCC
curve

Question: If the current decay method applies for Arc Flash (AF) and the generator decrement
curve has no intersect with relay protection device TCC curve, why does AF trips the relay and
detects the sources PD?

Answer: When Fault current decay method is selected, ETAP will automatically consider
motor and generator current decay for the calculation of the arcing current and fault clearing
times. ETAP will use changing arcing current values to determine the final protective device
fault clearing time (FCT). The program determines automatically the subtransient (Ibf”) , transient

This document is confidential and proprietary to Operation Technology, Inc. and may not be reproduced, published or disclosed to
others without the written authorization of Operation Technology, Inc., 17 Goodyear, Suite 100, Irvine, CA 92618, USA. © 2011 by
Operation Technology, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

© Operation Technology, Inc. Page 1 of 2 ETAPKB

ETAP Knowledge Base

Arc Flash – Current Decay – Generator Decrement Curve

(Ibf’) and steady-state (Ibf) bolted fault currents and uses these currents to determine the
equivalent arcing current and final fault clearing time (by integrating the three equivalent arcing
currents).

ETAP Star view of generator decrement curve does not show the integral of the three equivalent
arcing currents, which that summation is high enough (larger than relay pickup setting in this
case) to trip the relay.

This document is confidential and proprietary to Operation Technology, Inc. and may not be reproduced, published or disclosed to
others without the written authorization of Operation Technology, Inc., 17 Goodyear, Suite 100, Irvine, CA 92618, USA. © 2011 by
Operation Technology, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

© Operation Technology, Inc. Page 2 of 2 ETAPKB