Recloser TCC Slow Curve Pickup For Overcurrent (Overload) Protection

Why not ask someone in that industry for help?

A quick search on "setting recloser pickup" turned up the following document, which appears to have some good recommendations. I'm sure there could be different approaches, but it makes sense.

http://www.royalcommission.vic.gov.au/Documents/Document-files/Exhibits/WIT-7001-002-0021

Some more searching on Google could turn up other references.

The feeder ampacity is 357A but the peak continuous load of the feeder is 80A. Will the low set pickup of the first recloser nearest the station be just above the feeder line rating

No. Above the feeder ampacity = possible damage to the feeder. So, it would never be appropriate to set the level above the line's capacity. Unless you want fire. Then...

or just above the peak continuous load (and what percent above) for overload protection?

Above peak load - yes, or you will drop your customers. Well above. Consult the standards previously listed, as well as your company's policies. Every protection scheme has a different philosophy. It is typically not formulaic - it is based on the needs of the customer and the desires of the company.

How will the low set of the second mid feeder auto be set? Keep in mind that the feeder may be used to off-load another feeder.

Then the trip scheme may need a Settings 1 and Settings 2 so that you can have 2 seperate protection schemes. Many/most devices allow this, and can be switched either manually or by electronic control.

The question is if there is a significant difference between peak load and conductor ampacity should the pickup be set exactly at conductor ampacity 357A (allowing the feeder to take its maximum load) or above peak load but under ampacity, say 150A for 80A peak load (won't this limit what the feeder can handle?)

I want to believe it should be set at ampacity because I am being told the purpose of overload protection for the recloser is to protect the feeder from overload, but the largest lateral fuse is picking up at 180A. If the pickup is set at 357A and 200A is allowed to pass through the lateral fuse, the feeder is capable of handling the current but the fuse will melt.

The aim is to implement a fuse saving scheme for faults. The fast curve pickup is 1.5 times the low-set TCC curve pickup.