AIC or Amperage Interrupt Capability is the maximum fault current that the protective device is able to clear safely without causing damage to equipment or personnel or welding closed. Amps RMS Symmetrical is used to measure AIC rating.
What are Protective Interrupting Devices in AIC?
Direct current fuses need to be rated with an AIC high enough to interrupt the maximum current. Circuit breakers and fuses are examples of protective interrupting devices that fall under the definition of AIC. An AIC rating indicates that a product has circuit protection. For instance, a meter main may have an AIC rating because of the breaker it contains. AIC (amperage interrupt capability) ratings for products typically range from 5K to 200K AIC. The highest fault current that the protective device can safely clear without weld closure or endangering workers or equipment. Utilizing amps RMS symmetrical, AIC ratings are calculated. A device with a 10K AIC rating, for instance, can interrupt a current of up to 10,000 Amps without shorting to ground or exposing live components.
Also Read: Hydrogen Energy Advantages and Disadvantages.
How Does AIC Restricts SCCR?
On meter mains and meter sockets, short-circuit current ratings (SCCR) show if a disconnect entirely cuts off the electricity. The SCCR is restricted by the AIC ratings of breakers in meter mains. The maximum fault current that the meter can tolerate or the maximum fault current that can be supplied by the feed supply is effectively measured by the SCCR. A meter socket with an SCCR of 10K may withstand a three-cycle surge of up to 10,000 amps passing through it without experiencing any immediate risk or failure.
