What is the process that localizes an overcurrent condition to restrict outages to only the affected circuit or equipment?

The process that localizes an overcurrent condition to restrict outages to only the affected circuit or equipment is known as coordination, or selective coordination. This method ensures that when an overcurrent occurs, only the protective device closest to the fault will operate, leaving other circuits unaffected and maintaining power in the remaining parts of the system.

Selective coordination involves the careful arrangement of overcurrent protective devices so that their operating characteristics are such that the upstream devices do not trip unless the downstream device fails to clear the fault. This minimizes disruptions and increases the reliability of the electrical system, allowing for maintenance or repair without affecting the entire system. Therefore, this targeted approach to managing overcurrents is crucial in ensuring resilience and operational continuity in electrical installations.

In contrast, isolation would refer to disconnecting a section of the electrical system, but it does not specifically aim to minimize outages only to the affected circuit. Segmentation also pertains to dividing electrical systems but is more about design rather than the principle of protecting against overcurrent. The concept of override implies manually defeating protective devices, which could lead to unsafe situations and is not a desirable practice in electrical systems.