Do I Need a Coordination Study

Requirements for electrical coordination:

Electrical coordination is required by NFPA 70 (NEC) in various sections.

Simply Put Electrical coordination is required for a buildings emergency systems, elevators, and especially for critical infrastructure like hospitals.

In general, every commercial building requires a coordination study to be performed by a licensed engineer during the electrical design portion of construction.

Also if emergency systems like back up generators and static transfer switches have been added or updated or if there has been an electrical fault in the system, it will be required to get a new coordination study.

What is a Coordinated System:

A coordinated system means that in the event of an electrical fault, each overcurrent protective device (circuit breakers and fuses) triggers in the correct order, and in a quick enough manner to prevent electrical hazards.

An Engineer will come and check your system and make sure everything works well and remains safe in the event of a short circuit. They will also check to make sure that breakers and fuses made by different manufactures are working well together

if the engineer identifies any problems with your electrical system, the engineer will recommend improvements and repairs that need to be made to your system. tA nice bonus is your system is also checked for small problems and inefficiencies which can save you money in the long run.

Most importantly a coordination study keeps your workplace safe and compliant with OSHA standards. If OSHA discovers that your system has not been properly maintained and tested for electrical coordination, you could face some hefty fines.