One thing that we have developed within our company are maintenance settings to lower hazards on equipment. Using PDC analysis we adjust settings, usually just instantaneous settings to the proper level to have an acceptable working level. Of course this throws coordination out of whack but we are using it solely when energized work is going to be done. Than the settings are set back after work is accomplished. My question is has any one else seen this or are practicing this? Is there any flaw in our reasoning that we are overlooking?

Very common concept, but typically done using a maintenence switch, like the Quick Trip system. That way it is comtrollable, we prefer the quick trip becasue it has a padlockable switch cover. We retrofit breakers with these systems all the time.

Ditto to what Zog says. Without a specifically dedicated maintenance switch that will implement the maintenance trip settings, you have to have a strong policy/procedure/controls to insure that the settings are returned to the proper settings for coordination.

I fthey dont get returned to the right settings, and it will eventually happen, and the plant trips off line because of it, well you know, let the blame game begin!

Any links to manufacturers of the quick trip system your are referring to??

Thanks for the comments too.

http://www.utilityrelay.com

Depending on your breaker type, needs and your budget, in addition to many retrofit kit companies, many of the manufacturers offer some type 'Maintenance Trip" or "Arc Safe" kind of system.