1. What is AIC Rating?

AIC (Ampere Interrupting Capacity) rating represents the maximum fault current that a circuit breaker or electrical panel can safely interrupt without damage. It's a critical safety specification for electrical equipment.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the AIC rating formula:

Where:

• \( I_{sc\_available} \) — Available short-circuit current (amps)
• \( \text{Safety Factor} \) — Dimensionless safety factor (typically 1.25-1.5)

Explanation: The formula calculates the required interrupting capacity by multiplying the available short-circuit current by an appropriate safety factor to ensure reliable operation under fault conditions.

3. Importance of AIC Rating Calculation

Details: Proper AIC rating calculation ensures electrical safety by preventing equipment failure during fault conditions. Undersized AIC ratings can lead to catastrophic equipment failure and safety hazards.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the available short-circuit current in amps and the appropriate safety factor. Typical safety factors range from 1.25 to 1.5 depending on application requirements and safety standards.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical safety factor value?
A: Safety factors typically range from 1.25 to 1.5, with 1.25 being common for standard applications and higher values used for critical systems.

Q2: How do I determine available short-circuit current?
A: Available short-circuit current can be calculated from utility data, transformer specifications, and circuit impedance, or measured with specialized equipment.

Q3: What happens if AIC rating is too low?
A: If the AIC rating is too low, the equipment may fail to safely interrupt a fault current, potentially causing equipment damage, fire, or personal injury.

Q4: Are there industry standards for AIC ratings?
A: Yes, AIC ratings are governed by electrical codes and standards such as NEC (NFPA 70), UL standards, and IEEE guidelines.

Q5: Can AIC rating be increased?
A: AIC rating is a fixed characteristic of electrical equipment. To handle higher fault currents, equipment with higher AIC ratings must be installed.