A short circuit study, often referred to as a fault study, is an analysis that engineers perform to determine the maximum available fault current at discrete points in the system (i.e. switchgear, switchboards, panelboards, MCC’s, etc.). This is done to ensure that new equipment being installed is suitably rated for the intended installation, as well as ensuring existing equipment is not overdutied (meaning the available fault current is not greater than the rating of the equipment ).