kortslutningsförmåga

Kortslutningsförmåga is a Swedish term that translates to short-circuit current rating or breaking capacity in English. It refers to the maximum fault current that an electrical device, such as a circuit breaker, fuse, or switchgear, can safely interrupt without sustaining damage. This rating is crucial for ensuring the safety and reliability of electrical systems.

When a short circuit occurs, a sudden, very large flow of current passes through the protective device. If the device's kortslutningsförmåga is insufficient, it may fail to open the circuit, leading to potential hazards like fire, equipment damage, and electrical shock. Therefore, selecting protective devices with an adequate kortslutningsförmåga is essential for preventing such incidents.

The kortslutningsförmåga is typically expressed in amperes (A) or kiloamperes (kA) and is a key specification provided by manufacturers. It is determined by the physical and electrical characteristics of the device, including its arc-quenching capabilities and the materials used in its construction. Proper coordination of protective devices in an electrical installation involves ensuring that the kortslutningsförmåga of each device is appropriate for the potential fault currents at its location. This ensures that in the event of a fault, the device closest to the fault will operate first, isolating the problem without affecting other parts of the system.