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Home / Technical Articles / Ecodial 3 – FAQ’s

Remark : You may renumber the functional names with the Automatic numbering of the View menu.


Is it possible to use a different core material between the phase conductor and the protection (or neutral) conductor ?

Version 3.2 of Ecodial works from a cable database. If such a cable exists in the database, then you can use it.


How does Ecodial 3 calculate the maximum three phase short circuit current downstrem of the transformer (Isc3) when there are different source in parallel ?

The short circuit current downstream of the transformer is equal to the short circuit current of one incomer multiplied by the number of incomers minus one :

The short circuit current on the main busbar, though, is equal to the short circuit current of one incomer multiplied by the number of incomers.

This means that if there are three incomers of 20kA each, then:

  • the circuit breakers are sized on 20x(3-1) = 40 kA
  • the breakers on the main busbar are sized on 20×3 = 60kA

Ecodial 3 - Faq's

How do we change functional names of symbols ?

Double click on the circuit. In the circuit description window, change the functional name of the circuit components.


Which power ratings are available for HV/LV transformers ?

Ecodial 3 uses the oil transformers standard values ( according to NF C 52-112-1): 50, 100 , 160, 200, 250,315,  400, 500, 630, 800, 1000, 1250, 1600, 2000, 2500, 3500 kVA

Is it possible to calculate a single phase circuit downstream a three phase circuit ?

Yes, provided the upstream circuit is 3P+N.

What is a frequency converter ?

A frequency converter is a device used in variable speed drives to contol the speed of standard asynchronous motors, by varrying the frequency of the voltage and currents applied to the motor. This can be very important in applications requiring a smooth regulation of the speed of a object or fluid.

How does a frequency converter work ?

A frequency converter converts the AC current into a DC current through a rectifier. The DC current is then converted into individual AC signals with adjustable frequency and amplitude. Variations of the speed and the load on the motor can be easily controlled using a speed controller and a torque controller.

On standard asynchronous motors, this control (Vectorial flux control) can be done without using sensors.

What is the power factor of a motor controlled by a frequency converter

Upstream of the converter, the power factor is 1 : voltage and current are in phase.
The total power absorbed by the motor is function of the RPM of the motor, as P = C x w, where C is the torque, and w the RPM.
The rectifier being a non-linear electronid device, the current drawn by the converter includes harmonics (5th, 7th, 11Th, etc…).

This harmonic current is taken into account using a form factor.

Variable speed drive : high torque and standard torque

Certain application may require overtorque during transitional stages (acceleration and deceleration). In such case, high torque devices should be used.
For other cases (fans, centrifugal pumps, …) standard torque VSD are acceptable.

How is a VSD circuit calculated ?

The algorithms used are based of the power consumed. The electrical power needed by the motor is calculated from the mechanical power and the efficiency. The required output is calculated based on the voltage and the power factorof the motor. This output current is used to select a VSD.

The electrical power absorbed by the VSD is the the sum of the power needed by the motor and the heat losses in the VSD’s electronics. The current drawn by the VSD can then calculated (including the harmonics), and the upstream protection device selected.

How is the VSD controlled motor protected against overload ?

Thermal protection is provided by the variable speed drive. The VSD calculates the thermal condition of the motor based on the absorbed current, the efficiency and the ventilation of the motor (function of the speed of the motor).

The thermal protection setting (Ith) must be set to the permanent output current of the VSD (calculated by Ecodial).

How is the VSD controlled motor protected against short circuits ?

The VSD includes a phase-phase and phase-earth protection device. This protection device is designed to protect the VSD against damage due to short circuits, but thanks to its high speed, it also protects the downstream circuit. This improves continuity of service, as the system can be reset immediatley after ‘fixing’ the fault.

How is short circuit protection provided upstream of the VSD ?

The circuit breaker upstream of the VSD is calculated to offer thermal and short circuit protection to the cable feeding the VSD.

Is it possible to calculate a diagram with electrical loops ?

Ecodial 3 can not calculate networks including loops. To calculate such networks, we suggest you calculate several networks simulating the possible combinations of supply, and then determine the worst case scenario, and calculate it completely.

What is the maximum number of circuits in a project ?

Up to 75 circuits in the same project. To have more, you need to create another project and link it with the previous one by using upstream project cross reference.

How do we use “upstream project cross reference” ?

Upstream project cross reference allows you to create an electrical link between two projects. All the upstream project characteristics are retrieved. The Upstream project cross reference is placed in the downstream project (through the other symbols library). Then you double click the symbol to give the name and the upstream circuit where the electrical link is supposed to be.

Use the button on the right of the box to input name and circuits.

How to we print quickly the schematic ?

Please use the icon  in the tool bar.

How do we resize a busbar or a prefabricated busbar trunking system ?

First you need to select the symbol on the diagram and then you press  icon in the tool bar. The handles are then available to modify the size with the mouse.

How do we organise our work space ?

You can choose the size and the number of pages available through Parameters \ Diagram \ Frame.

How can we arrange the schematic general layout ?

You can use cross reference within the same project (Others library) or the electrical link to move one part of the diagram from one place to another.

How do we create branches under a circuit ?

You may use the non calculated busbar. You just need to place the usual busbar symbol and modify its description with a double click on itself. Then choose Branch in the list, it will not be calculated.

How do we view the tripping curve of a circuit breaker ?

When the network is calculated choose a circuit breaker on the network and use the Curve comparison command in the Tools menu (or press F6  icon in the tool bar). It is then possible to modify the settings of the circuit breaker. These settings will be taken into account in the network. If the settings are modified, the network must be recalculated.

The curve comparison module may also be used without any link with a network, it is then a stand alone function.

Is it possible to add drawings to the network ?

Yes it is possible with the View menu and Drawing tools command. You may choose any drawing tool proposed.

Is it possible to add text to the network ?

Yes it is possible with the View menu and Drawing tools command. You may choose any drawing tool proposed.

How do we place outgoing circuits under a busbar trunking system ?

First you need to place the outgoing symbols on the diagram. Then it is necessary to indicate the distance between each outgoing and the start of the busway. Please use the Step by step calculation command in the Calculation menu(or F5 key or tool bar).

Is it possible to use an Ecodial 3 project in Ecobat software ?

If a compatible Ecobat version is available in your country, please use the Print / Export command in the File menu. Choose the ECD format for the interface file.

How can we call up a standard diagram ?

You may use the standard diagram library (last icon in library list). To add a standard diagram to this library you need the Standard diagram command in the Edit menu. You may insert 12 standard diagram in this library, they are then available just like any built in symbol.

How do we choose a device manually ?

In the case of a building renewal where existing breakers are in the network you need to use the Manual box in the calculation mode. Then you press  button beside the choice of the concerned device. It gives access to a manual selection mode : you may set some characteristics and let the software browse the Schneider catalog for a solution.

Choose one of the proposed solution with the mouse and click OK. Ecodial 3 checks that this device is acceptable and performs the calculation with this device.

How do we place a circuit breaker between two busbars ?

To place a circuit breaker between two busbars please use the Transfer symbol in the Sources library.

How do we place a switch between two busbars ?

To place a switch between two busbars please use the Transfer symbol in the Sources library.

SOURCE: Schneider  Electric


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Edvard Csanyi

Electrical engineer, programmer and founder of EEP. Highly specialized for design of LV/MV switchgears and LV high power busbar trunking (<6300A) in power substations, commercial buildings and industry facilities. Professional in AutoCAD programming.

One Comment


  1. Muralikrishnan
    Jun 22, 2014

    Engineerier make the world EEP MAKE. And run Eee in the world

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