A tool used to determine the appropriate gauge (thickness) of a conductor intended to provide a low-impedance path to earth for fault currents, protecting personnel and equipment from electrical hazards. This typically involves considering factors such as fault current magnitude, clearing time of overcurrent protective devices, and the material properties of the conductor.
Proper conductor dimensioning is crucial for electrical system safety. An inadequately sized conductor can overheat and fail during a fault, leading to fire or electrocution hazards. Correctly applied, these tools ensure compliance with electrical codes and standards, minimizing risks and optimizing system performance. Historically, determining appropriate conductor dimensions relied on manual calculations and reference tables. Modern online tools automate this process, improving accuracy and efficiency.