03-05-2012, 12:31 PM
User’s Guide to IEC Type 1 and Type 2 Coordination
1andtype2coordination.pdf (Size: 374.41 KB / Downloads: 69)
What is it?
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) developed
short circuit performance criteria for contactors and
starters called Type 1 coordination and Type 2 coordination.
This defines motor controller protection levels following a
short circuit fault. In order to achieve this performance, the
combination of a motor controller (contactor or starter) and
short circuit protective device (manual motor protector, circuit
breaker or fuse) must meet the following criteria as
specified by IEC 60947-4-1 — Low voltage switchgear and
controlgear — Part 4-1: Contactors and motor-starters —
Electromechanical contactors and motor-starters:
Who benefits and why?
Achieving an acceptable level of short circuit coordination
requires knowledge about the application, product
standards, installation codes and the attributes of the many
short circuit protective devices (SCPDs) that are available.
Extensive testing must be completed and certified in order
to achieve a Type 1 or 2 rating. IEC 60947-4-1 offers precise
definitions of allowable damage in order to guide users to
the right product with the right protection.
How does Eaton comply?
It is important to understand the short circuit testing pass/
fail criteria of the applicable product standards (UL 508,
CSA C22.2 No. 14 and IEC 60947) when specifying products
for each application. Each standard requires that devices are
capable of withstanding minimum short circuit currents
(based on the starter’s rating). UL and CSA refer to the
minimum rating as the Standard Fault Short Circuit Current
Rating. IEC 60947-4-1 and 60947-6-2 refer to these ratings as