Topic summary
Loss-of-coolant accident
A loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA) is a mode of failure for a nuclear reactor in which the coolant inventory or coolant flow that removes heat from the reactor core is partially or completely lost. If not managed effectively, a LOCA can result in damage to the reactor core. Each nuclear plant's emergency core cooling system (ECCS) exists specifically to deal with a LOCA, and LOCAs are analysed as design-basis accidents during reactor licensing.