A Selective Coordination education module is now available on Schneider Electric’s Electrical Contractor eLearning Web site. The module presents the latest National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements regarding selective coordination—information that can enhance a contractor’s ability to provide astute counsel to customers and maximize their business’ profitability.

“Selective coordination isn’t a new concept, but the rules and regulations surrounding it frequently change,” said Melissa Golden, Schneider Electric segment manager. “For example, NEC 2008 states that local jurisdictions may require selective coordination to the furthest degree possible—right down to all overcurrent protective devices within a facility’s emergency systems. The new Selective Coordination eLearning module can help electrical contractors keep current, via a Web format that’s contoured to a contractor’s busy schedule.”

The education module details recent changes to NEC 2008, requiring selective coordination for overcurrent devices in all critical operations power systems, such as those found in hospitals and medical facilities; emergency evacuation centers; emergency 911 centers; and police, fire and civil defense facilities. Specifically, the module delivers the latest information about the process that facilitates tripping of the overcurrent protective device closest to a fault, thus limiting power outages to only affected circuits. NEC 2005 requires selective coordination for situations when orderly shutdown is required—for elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators, moving walksways and wheelchair lifts, and emergency and legally required standby systems.

It also explains how selective coordination is achieved, along with customer benefits, such as avoidance of unnecessary losses of power to life-safety-related circuits, allowing them to remain energized without interruption and continue functioning by limiting power outages to only the circuits affected by an overcurrent condition. The module concludes with a short quiz; if a contractor selects an incorrect answer, the module automatically reviews that question’s training segment.

“Selective coordination is an increasing requirement for electrical contractors as part of today’s job specifications,” Golden said. “Contractors can be more proactive and responsible by understanding NEC requirements and conveying that information to customers.”

For more information, visit www.schneider-electric.us.