Learn how to assess current-limiting LV breakers in protection and cable sizing using ETAP

Current limiting breakers, used for overcurrent protection in low voltage networks, offer the added advantage of reducing cable size through their let-through energy limiting capability. Engineers involved with LV networks must include these breakers when considering the safety, reliability and efficiency of electrical systems. In this webinar, you’ll discover the advancements to ETAP’s detailed modeling and analysis tools that assist with protection and cable sizing for systems where current-limiting breakers are applied. 

 Key Learning Objectives:

• Review the principles of current-limiting low voltage (LV) breakers
• Learn how to assess the protection of cables and energy in these systems using ETAP
• Get an introduction to the Energy and Current Characteristic View for simplified analysis of cable protection against overcurrent conditions
• Explore ETAP Star Auto-Evaluation power system monitoring to assess cable energy withstand capabilities and ensure that the breaker’s let-through energy is within safe limits
• Learn how to use ETAP for enhanced cable sizing analysis by applying let-through energy as an additional constraint

This webinar is being re-broadcast by popular demand with live Q&A with ETAP subject matter experts.

Current-limiting breakers offer the capability to limit the let-through current during high magnitude of fault currents, also referred to as the current limiting range. By using a current limiting breaker, it’s possible to extend the service life of electrical installations and reduce the negative effects of short circuits, which include thermal, mechanical, and electromagnetic effects. 

ETAP offers comprehensive tools to analyze cable overcurrent protection and energy protection. To protect cables, the Thermal Damage Curve (or Cable Thermal Withstand capability curve) is provided on a Time-Current Characteristic (TCC) Graph. The engineer uses this functionality to ensure that the breaker’s trip curve adequately protects the cable. For energy protection, the Cable Withstand Energy Curve is used with the breaker’s Let-Through Energy Curve. This method utilizes ETAP's short circuit current calculation with the let-through energy calculation of a current-limiting breaker. Additionally, a tool for analyzing the current limiting-curve for breaker and fuse is provided.  

Additionally, new Energy and Current Characteristic View provided in the latest release, ETAP 2024, enables simultaneous viewing and evaluation of the performance of current limiting breakers and their impact on cable protection in the ETAP application. For automated evaluation of the cable’s energy curve, ETAP’s STAR Auto-Evaluation power system monitoring solution can be used to simplify the process of assessing the cable’s energy withstand capabilities and to ensure that the breaker’s let-through energy is within safe limits. Also enhanced is Cable Sizing Analysis in ETAP 2024, by including let-through energy as an additional constraint. Using the constraints for sizing you select, ETAP will recommend the minimum cable size. For example, a cable size can be identified that ensures both thermal and energy protection requirements are met.

Need a different time? The webinar is offered at three times during the same week. Other times for this webinar: 

• Wednesday 9:00 AM PDT / 12:00 PM EDT 

• Wednesday 11:00 AM SGT / 1:00 PM AEDT 

 Start time for this session:   

 Thursday 10:00 AM BST / 11:00 AM CEST

(2:00 AM - 3:00 AM UTC)

• Electrical Engineers involved in the design, analysis, and maintenance of low voltage electrical distribution systems
• Power Systems Engineers specializing in power system studies, including short circuit analysis and protective device coordination
• Protection Engineers, Design Engineers and Consultant specifying electrical equipment and cable sizing and optimizing designs in new installations or upgrades
• Facility Engineers and Managers responsible for the safety and reliability of electrical infrastructure in industrial, commercial, or institutional facilities
• Any others who are interested in improving the safety, reliability, and efficiency of low voltage electrical systems, understand the principles of current limiting breakers and their application in cable protection to improve system protection.

This webinar is free. Registration is required.

Sep 17, 2026
2:00 AM - 3:00 AM
UTC

ETAP - Corporate Headquarters
17 Goodyear
Irvine, CA 92618
United States
+1 (949) 900 1000

webinar@etap.com