ABSTRACT
Fault analysis is an electromagnetic process, where the network under steady-state operation conditions suffers an abrupt topology modification. Short circuits should be studied both during the planning and the operation of an electric network. Short-circuit studies are particularly important during selection and design of the system conductors, system structures, and the relaying and protection system. The fault should be cleared as soon as possible, isolating the short circuit from the generator using system protection equipment. The main objectives of system protection are to minimize the duration of a fault, to reduce its thermal and mechanical effects, and to minimize the number of other devices affected by the fault. Once a fault has been detected, selectivity is the capacity that the protection relay must have to discern if the fault has occurred within or outside its surveillance area and, therefore, give the order to the automatic circuit breakers to trip to remove the fault.
