This is for the engineers.
I have not done a lot of fault and coordination work. I typically work on "small" projects and can selectively coordinate devices with minimal effort by looking at published curves and data. I also use AIC ratings I know for sure are more than adequate by erring on the safe side and using much higher rated equipment than is usually necessary. This is easy to do when I'm typically only working on 480V, 1200A max. service sizes with maybe a dozen panels or so with relatively small motor loads and a maybe a standby generator once in awhile.
I have been turning down work dedicated soley to analyzing networks, and most recently arc flash study work due to A) lack of experience and B) lack of software. These projects don't come along every day, or even close to every day, but am thinking I might want to add it to my offering.
One step in that direction other than refresher courses and continuing ed is to purchase some of the SKM software products.
My question to you-all is, who among you uses the SKM software and what are your thoughts on it? It is pretty expensive for a one man shop like mine with no guarantee I would get enough work for it to earn its' keep. What specific application(s) are most worth the $. Are there any alternatives?
Any and all suggestions or opinions are welcome.
bbaumer
I have not done a lot of fault and coordination work. I typically work on "small" projects and can selectively coordinate devices with minimal effort by looking at published curves and data. I also use AIC ratings I know for sure are more than adequate by erring on the safe side and using much higher rated equipment than is usually necessary. This is easy to do when I'm typically only working on 480V, 1200A max. service sizes with maybe a dozen panels or so with relatively small motor loads and a maybe a standby generator once in awhile.
I have been turning down work dedicated soley to analyzing networks, and most recently arc flash study work due to A) lack of experience and B) lack of software. These projects don't come along every day, or even close to every day, but am thinking I might want to add it to my offering.
One step in that direction other than refresher courses and continuing ed is to purchase some of the SKM software products.
My question to you-all is, who among you uses the SKM software and what are your thoughts on it? It is pretty expensive for a one man shop like mine with no guarantee I would get enough work for it to earn its' keep. What specific application(s) are most worth the $. Are there any alternatives?
Any and all suggestions or opinions are welcome.
bbaumer