FAQs & Tutorials By Topic

Our FAQs & Tutorials page contains all the answers you need to questions about our electrical engineering software. Whether you need help with our arc flash software, short circuit software, load flow analysis, system modeling or motor starting software, ETAP has a solution. Our video tutorials section will give you step by step instructions to familiarize yourself with ETAP power engineering software. Learn about ETAP topics ranging from our arc flash calculator to our energy management system.

Installation and Licensing
New Release Capabilities
System Modeling

• One-Line Diagram
• New Project
• Elements
• 3-D Database

Arc Flash Analysis
Load Flow Analysis
Short-Circuit Analysis
Star Device Coordination Analysis
Cable System

• Ampacity
• Cable Pulling
• Underground Raceway Systems

DC Arc Flash Analysis
Motor Starting Analysis
Transient Stability Analysis / Parameter Estimation
Panel System
Data Exchange and Conversion
Real-Time
Reliability Assessment
Library

• Circuit Breaker and Trip Devices
• Fuse
• Relay
• Cable

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Installation and Licensing

1		Resolution of Problems Related to Installation of ETAP
2		Installation guide for ETAP 12.0
3		Installation guide for ETAP 11.1.1
4		Installation guide for ETAP 5.5.6 - replacing your key with the USB key - ETAP-OTI 1600 model (676 KB) Complete Installation Guide for ETAP 5.5.6 using the “USB Key – ETAP-OTI 1600” model.
5		USB driver installation guide for USB key ETAP-OTI 1410 (557 KB) Complete Installation Guide for ETAP 5.5.6 using the “USB Key – ETAP-OTI 1410” model.
6		ETAP License Manager does not start (405 KB) Instructions on how to troubleshoot when the ETAP License Manager doesn't start.
7		Failed to receive authorization from ETAP License Manager (456 KB) Instructions on how to troubleshoot with failed to receive authorization from the ETAP License Manager.
8		A separate network license key for LAN and WAN (110 KB) ETAP 5.5 distinguishes if a network license key is used on a LAN or WAN network.
9		ETAP Upgrade & Support contract agreement (112 KB) Information about what is included in the ETAP Upgrade and Support Agreement.

 

New Release Capabilities

1		ETAP 12 Webinar (58 minutes) NEW New Features & Capabilities View Webinar
2		What's New in ETAP 11.0 (4:30 minutes) ETAP 11.0 adds new key features, several new analysis modules, new elements and libraries, and significant enhancements to existing analysis modules. View Player
3		What's New in ETAP 7.0 (20 minutes) ETAP 7.0 adds new analysis modules and time-saving features, significantly improving the reliability and safety of power systems operation. View YouTube | View Flash Player
4		What's New in ETAP 6.0 (74 minutes) ETAP 6.0 adds a broad and robust set of new capabilities that make using ETAP easier than ever.
5		ETAP 5.5.5 - Base Package Capabilities (50 minutes) The ETAP 5.5.5 Base Package is a robust analysis platform used to build and modify power system models and simulate them with an array of analysis tools.

 

System Modeling

1		Use Microsoft Access Database for Crystal Reports format (115 KB) ETAP stores the output report data in Microsoft Access databases so that they may be viewed using the Crystal Reports Formats.
2		Most common webinar questions (193 KB) Answers to the most commonly asked questions regarding ETAP webinars.

	One-Line Diagram
	1		Creating a New ETAP Project in ETAP 11 (54 seconds) NEW Learn how to create your first project in ETAP. View YouTube | View Flash Player
	2		Open an Existing ETAP Project in ETAP 11 (2:13 seconds) NEW Learn how to open an existing ETAP project. View YouTube | View Flash Player
	3		Learn how to add protective devices to an existing one-line (2:20 seconds) NEW Learn how to add protective devices like circuit breakers, switches, fuses, etc. to an existing one-line without breaking any equipment connections. View YouTube | View Flash Player
	4		System Dumpster Basics in ETAP 11 (2:43 seconds) NEW Learn to work with the System Dumpster and move data between the one-line and the system dumpster. View YouTube | View Flash Player
	5		System Dumpster Application in ETAP 11 (2 minutes) NEW Take advantage of the System Dumpster in order to move data around in your existing ETAP project. View YouTube | View Flash Player
	6		Hyperlinks (3.5 minutes) Have data at your fingertips by hyperlinking important information like maintenance schedules, manufacturer data sheets, etc. View YouTube | View Flash Player
	7		Object Linking & Embedding (OLE) (3.5 minutes) NEW Have your favorite spreadsheet or word document or simply your logo embedded on the ETAP one-line using Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) technology. View YouTube | View Flash Player
	1		Building a One-Line Diagram (163 KB) Quickly view one-line construction with unique tips.
	2		Using Hyperlinks in ETAP projects (233 KB) Instructions on how to use hyperlinks in ETAP projects.
	3		Insert legends, text, and tables into one-line diagrams using OLE and ActiveX objects (198 KB) Instructions on how to use OLE and ActiveX objects.
	4		Simplify one-line diagram connections using remote connectors (119 KB) Instructions on how to use remote connectors in ETAP.
	5		One-Line Diagram Presentation (444 KB) One-Line Diagram is the method of representation of modeling the electrical system in ETAP for network analyses.
	6		Choose the correct bus level How to choose the correct bus level.
	New Project
	1		Creating an ETAP One-Line in ETAP 11 (3:13 seconds) NEW Learn how to create a one-line diagram in ETAP. View YouTube | View Flash Player
	2		Creating a New GIS Presentation (6 minutes) Visualize the process of integrating a one-line diagram with a GIS Map in ETAP. View YouTube | View Flash Player
	1		Send ETAP project files (458 KB) How to send the project files to allow OTI's technical support team to see the files associated with a technical question.
	Elements
	1		Learn how to use and manage Composite Networks (8.21 seconds) NEW Learn how to use and manage composite networks and organize your existing one-line diagrams for better presentation and printing. View YouTube | View Flash Player
	2		Filter Sizing (8.25 minutes) Learn how to size passive single-tuned filters as part of harmonic analysis. View YouTube | View Flash Player
	1		Project View (Part 5 - Components) (124 KB) Working with components in ETAP.
	2		Composite Network (382 KB) The concept of “Composite Network” was integrated in ETAP to provide flexibility in simplifying and organizing the electrical one-line diagram.
	3		Series capacitor Modeling (74 KB) Modeling a series capacitor with the help of an impedance branch in ETAP.
	4		Model a Shunt Reactor (79 KB) How to model a shunt reactor with the help of a static load in ETAP.
	5		Model a zig-zag grounding transformer (87 KB) How to model a zig-zag grounding transformer in ETAP.
	6		Element Properties (272 KB) Shows how to effectively edit your elements in ETAP.
	3-D Database
	1		Multi-Dimensional Database (5:12 seconds) NEW Improve efficiency, productivity and data organization by utilizing a Multi-dimensional database. This is a MUST see! View YouTube | View Flash Player
	2		Data Revisions (7.25 minutes) Load Growth studies? Impact of System Retrofits? Arc Flash Recommended Settings? With data revisions you can do it all in one project database. View YouTube | View Flash Player
	3		ETAP Wizards (10.75 minutes) Gone are the days of repetitive analysis runs. With the ETAP Wizard, complete system analysis is a click away! View YouTube | View Flash Player
	1		Project View (Part 1 - Presentations) (567 KB) All elements associated in an ETAP project are accounted in the Project View window.
	2		Project View (Part 2 - Configurations) (506 KB) Working with configurations in ETAP.
	3		Project View (Part 3 - Study Cases) (251 KB) Working with study cases in ETAP.

 

Arc Flash Analysis

1		ETAP Arc Flash Overview (60 minutes) ETAP Arc Flash Analysis automatically estimates the Incident Energy released in the event of an arc fault and determines the required Flash Protection Boundary. View YouTube | View Flash Player
2		Arc Flash - Custom Label (16 minutes) ETAP 7.1 now includes the ability to customize and link arc flash electrical safety labels using Microsoft Word. This webinar explains step-by-step instructions. View YouTube | View Flash Player
1		Arc Flash (163 KB) Introduction to ETAP Arc Flash Hazard Analysis module with instructions on how to setup arc flash calculations.
2		Arc Flash Analysis Done Right (1.87 MB) Arc flash analysis system modeling and studies for existing systems.
3		FCT Not determined (981 KB) The most common roadblocks to finding fault clearing time in arc flash calculations
4		Arc Flash Analysis calculates arc flash hazard distance (172 KB) The comparison of NFPA 70E-2000 an IEEE 1584-2002 standards for Arc Flash Analysis

 

Load FLow Analysis

1		How to run a Load Flow calculation in ETAP 11 (4:27 seconds) NEW Learn how to enter data into an existing one-line diagram and run a load flow calculation. View YouTube | View Flash Player
1		Load Flow Analysis (289 KB) Conduct decisive power flow analysis.
2		Generate load lists for an incomplete system (338 KB) The Load Analyzer module is designed as a generalized load-list to report load-schedules for power system components such as switchgear, MCC, transformers, cables, lines, panels, and more.

 

Short-Circuit Analysis

1

Short-Circuit Analysis (286 KB) Learn how to do your fault analysis quicker and more effective in ETAP.

 

Star Device Coordination Analysis

1		ETAP Star - Device Coordination & Selectivity (64 minutes) ETAP Star is a protective device coordination and sequence-of-operation analysis program with over 100,000 validated and verified device libraries. View YouTube | View Flash Player
2		ETAP Star - Making a User Curve (12 minutes) There are cases when a user needs to draw specific curves onto a Star TCC presentation which is not included in the ETAP Star standard library. Applying ETAP "User Curve" is the solution for that. View YouTube | View Flash Player
1		Protective Device Coordination (Star) (233 KB PDF) Viewing a TCC in Star.
2		Export protective device settings to Excel (231 KB) Preview and print the protective device settings data using Crystal Reports format or Microsoft Excel.
3		PowerPlot v2.5 tap addition must be a number (50 KB) Tap addition must be a number error message.
4		The Curve of a Phase Overcurrent Device in a TCC Plot (274 KB) This document describes tips and pointers on how to display the time-current curve of a phase overcurrent device in a Ground TCC Plot.

 

Cable System

	Ampacity
	1		ETAP 7.1 - Cable Ampacity (27 minutes) Learn about cable ampacity features in ETAP 7.1 that includes thermal calculations for underground duct banks and direct burial, ICEA P-54-440, IEEE 339, IEC 60364 and BS 7671. View YouTube | View Flash Player
	Cable Pulling
	1		Create a cable pulling project (177 KB) This document describes how to create a cable pulling project in ETAP.
	Underground Raceway Systems
	1		Underground Raceway Systems (27 KB) ETAP’s cable thermal assessment software is an excellent tool to compute Cable Ampacity based on Load Flow calculations and cable sizes based on the Cable Sizing analysis tool. View YouTube | View Flash Player

 

DC Arc Flash Analysis

1		ETAP DC Arc Flash - Session 1 (8:18 seconds) NEW The topics that will be discussed in this video are the characteristics of an Arc, DC Short Circuit calculations, and the Maximum Power Method. View YouTube | View Flash Player
2		ETAP DC Arc Flash - Session 2 (6:25 seconds) NEW The topics that will be discussed in this video are the Stokes and Oppenlander Method, Paukert Method, and how these methods are utilized in ETAP. View YouTube | View Flash Player
3		ETAP DC Arc Flash - Session 3 (6:49 seconds) NEW The topics that will be discussed in this video are the calculation of incident energy, how to configure ETAP 11.1 to determine whether or not you are dealing with an open or closed air equipment, and the result analyzer. View YouTube | View Flash Player

 

Motor Starting Analysis

1		Motor Starting (Dynamic) (9 minutes) Learn to enter data for dynamic motor starting calculation and view the results graphically and via customizable plots. View YouTube | View Flash Player
2		Motor Starting (Static) (8.5 minutes) Learn to enter data for static / impact motor starting calculation and view the results graphically and via customizable plots. View YouTube | View Flash Player
1		Motor Acceleration Analysis (214 KB) An introduction to ETAP Motor Acceleration.
2		Model a Load Torque (157 KB) Instructions on how to model load torque in ETAP.

 

Transient Stability Analysis / Parameter Estimation

1		Parameter Estimation (497 KB) ETAP can be able to estimate a corresponding equivalent circuit model of the motor using the Parameter Estimation module.
2		Transient Stability – Events & Actions (995 KB) Simulate any occurrence in an electrical system that may affect the stability limit of the power system in the Transient Stability module of ETAP.
3		Transient Stability – Relay Controlled Actions (468 KB) The actions of relays can be integrated in the transient stability to resemble the true power system real operating conditions.
4		Governor limit checking in transient stability studies (207 KB) Governor limits are exceeded during initial condition calculations.

 

Panel System

1

Panel Systems (342 KB) Model single and multiple phase panel schedules.

 

Data Exchange and Conversion

1		ETAP-SPEL Interface features in ETAP 7.0 (7 minutes) Learn how to synchronize data between ETAP and Intergraph’s SmartPlant Electrical (SPEL) without a time-consuming manual process. View YouTube | View Flash Player
2		ETAP-SPEL Cable Library Interface in ETAP 7.0 (2.5 minutes) Learn how to import or export ETAP project cable library data into SmartPlant Electrical via a Microsoft Access database. View YouTube | View Flash Player
1		Convert PowerPlot projects to ETAP Star (820 KB) How to convert Time Current Curves (TCC) in existing PowerPlot projects to ETAP Star
2		Export a one-line diagram to DXF format (200 KB) How to convert an ETAP one-line diagram into an AutoCAD DXF file.

 

Real-Time

1		ETAP Real-Time Monitoring - Bring your ETAP to life! (3 minutes) Connect ETAP to the actual system and retrieve data for visualization on an intelligent one-line diagram with this simple example. View YouTube | View Flash Player
2		What's New in ETAP Real-Time (7 minutes) This overview highlights the new features of ETAP Real-Time, a fully integrated suite of software products providing intelligent power monitoring, energy management, system optimization, automation, and real-time prediction applications. View YouTube | View Flash Player
3		ETAP Real-Time (Español) (18 minutes) Presentación detallada de las aplicaciones de ETAP Real-Time en español. Cortesía de Electro Integra, representantes de ETAP en Perú. View YouTube | View Flash Player
1		Build and validate switching sequences in ETAP (298 KB) Switching Management allows the dispatcher to build a complete switching program using a graphical user interface and execute the switching plan all in one step.
2		The scan intervals for ETAP Real-Time (96 KB) The scan intervals of ETAP Real-Time are user-definable. ETAP Real-Time scan time settings depend mainly on the communication network and the type of interface configuration.
3		Interface ETAP Real-Time with existing SCADA systems (66 KB) An explanation of how ETAP Real-Time interfaces with existing SCADA systems.
4		ETAP Real-Time and field metering device communication (64 KB) Explanation of how ETAP Real-Time communicates with field metering devices.

 

Reliability Assessment

1		Distribution System Reliability Analysis (19 minutes) Assess system for greatest improvement at minimum cost with ETAP’s Reliability Assessment. View YouTube | View Flash Player
1		Active and passive failure rates (347 KB) Analysis of customer failure statistics shows that failures in distribution systems contribute as much as 90% towards the unavailability of supply to a load as compared with the rest of the electric power system. These statistics reinforce the need for reliability evaluation of distribution systems.

 

Library

1		How to Customize ETAP Libraries (40 minutes) ETAP provides customized libraries for many devices that include typical, standard and manufacturer information. Additional devices may be added to each library using the library editor in ETAP. View YouTube | View Flash Player
1		Project View (159 KB) Working with ETAP libraries.

	Circuit Breaker and Trip Devices
	1		Low Voltage Solid State Trip Device (14 minutes) ETAP provides customized libraries for many devices that include typical, standard and manufacturer information. This tutorial demonstrates how to add new models and TCC curves to the low voltage solid state trip device library. View YouTube | View Flash Player
	1		Assign a retrofit trip device (340 KB) Instructions on how to assign a retrofit trip unit to a low voltage circuit breaker.
	2		Adding LV MCCB to the Library (1.34 MB) Adding LV MCCB to the Library (With Thermal-Magnetic Trip Unit).
	3		Adding a Solid State Trip Device to the Library (1.36 MB) Details on how to add a solid state trip device to the ETAP library.
	Fuse
	1		Fuse Addition (7.75 minutes) ETAP provides customized libraries for many devices that include typical, standard and manufacturer information. This tutorial demonstrates how to add new models and TCC curves to the Fuse library. View YouTube | View Flash Player
	Relay
	1		Overcurrent Relay (19 minutes) ETAP provides customized libraries for many devices that include typical, standard and manufacturer information. This tutorial demonstrates how to add new models and TCC curves to the overcurrent relay library. Tutorial shown without vocal narration. View YouTube | View Flash Player
	1		Overload Relay (17 minutes) ETAP provides customized libraries for many devices that include typical, standard and manufacturer information. This tutorial demonstrates how to add new models and TCC curves to the overload relay library. Tutorial shown without vocal narration. View YouTube | View Flash Player
	Cable
	1		Cable library structure (144 KB) How to navigate through the ETAP Cable Library.