Troubleshooting: What is the difference between the "at least" and "only" tracing options for Electric Trace Tasks?

When selecting Phases to be returned in the ArcFM Electric Trace Options, you have to option to select a specific phase (e.g., A, AB, BC) or an "At least" option (e.g., At least A, At least AC). Using the option selected, ArcFM filters the trace results based on energized phases (rather than phase designation values).

Choose an "At least" option to search for conductors that contain the phase, regardless of any additional phases that may or may not be present. For example, if you choose At least A, the trace will identify all conductors that have the presence of an A phase and will ignore the presence of any other phases. The trace will stop at any point where A is opened or a connecting line doesn't contain an A phase (i.e., the connecting line has a phase of B, C, or BC).

Using the same "At least A" example, take an A phase line that connects to an ABC phase line via a switch. The normal positions of the B and C phases would not affect the trace. Only the status of the normal position for the A phase will impact the trace. If the A phase is open the trace will stop, regardless of the status of B and C. If the A phase is closed, the trace will continue. The status of B and C have no impact on a trace looking for the phase "At least A."

If you choose A from the "Phase of conductors and devices", features that have an A phase and ONLY an A phase will be returned. So, for example, if you place the trace flag on an ABC conductor with A selected in this phases field, the trace will return nothing. This is because the ABC line has B and C phases.