Posted DEC 26 2011 by JIGUPARMAR in PROTECTION, TRANSFORMERS with 5 COMMENTS
Transformer protection - Aabstract from NEC (National Electric Code)
NEC, Code 450.4
Calculate overcurrent Protection on the Primary According to NEC 450.4, each transformer 600 volts, nominal, or less shall be protected by an individual overcurrent device installed in series with each ungrounded input conductor. Such overcurrent device shall be rated or set at not more than 125% of the rated full-load input current of the auto transformer.
Further, according to NEC Table 450.3 (B), if the primary current of the transformer is less than 9 amps, an overcurrent device rated or set at not more than 167% of the primary current shall be permitted. Where the primary current is less than 2 amps, an overcurrent device rated or set at not more than 300% shall be permitted.
Example Decide Size of circuit breaker (overcurrent protection device) is required on the primary side to protect a 75kva 440v-230v 3 transformer. 75kva x 1,000 = 75,000VA 75,000VA / (440V x 3) = 98.41 amps. The current (amps) is more than 9 amps so use 125% rating. 123 amps x 1.25 = 112.76 amps
Use 125 amp 3-pole circuit breaker (the next highest fuse/fixed-trip circuit breaker size per NEC 240.6). The overcurrent device on the primary side must be sized based on the transformer KVA rating and not sized based on the secondary load to the transformer.
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NEC, Code 450.3B
Calculate overcurrent Protection on the Secondary According to NEC Table 450.3 (B), where the secondary current of a transformer is 9 amps or more and 125% of this current does not correspond to a standard rating of a fuse or circuit breaker, the next higher standard rating shall be required. Where the secondary current is less than 9 amps, an overcurrent device rated or set at not more than 167% of the secondary current shall be permitted.
Example Decide size of circuit breaker (overcurrent protection device) is required on the secondary side to protect a 75kva 440v-230v 3 transformer. We have Calculate the secondary overcurrent protection based on the size of the transformer, not the total connected load. 75kva x 1,000 = 75,000va 75,000va / (230V x 3) = 188.27 amps. (Note: 230V 3 is calculated) The current (amps) is more than 9 amps so use 125% rating. 188.27 amps x 1.25 = 235.34 amps Therefore: Use 300amp 3-pole circuit breaker (per NEC 240.6).
Transformers over 600 volts, Nominal For primary and secondary protection with a transformer impedance of 6% or less, the primary fuse must not be larger than 300% of primary Full Load Amps (F.L.A.) and the secondary fuse must not be larger than 250% of secondary F.L.A.
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NEC, Section 450-3 (b)
Transformers over 600 volts, Nominal For primary protection only, the primary fuse must not be larger than 125% of primary F.L.A. For primary and secondary protection the primary feeder fuse must not be larger than 250% of primary F.L.A. if the secondary fuse is sized at 125% of secondary F.L.A.
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NEC, Section 450-3 (b)
Potential (Voltage) Transformer These shall be protected with primary fuses when installed indoors or enclosed.
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NEC, Section 230-95
Ground-Fault Protection of Equipment This section show that 277/480 volt wye only connected services, 1000 amperes and larger, must have ground fault protection in addition to conventional overcurrent protection. The ground fault relay (or sensor) must be set to pick up ground faults which are 1200 amperes or more and actuate the main switch or circuit breaker to disconnect all ungrounded conductors of the faulted circuit.
Any device used to protect a low voltage system should be capable of opening all fault currents up to the maximum current available at the terminal of the device. Many overcurrent devices, today, are used in circuits that are above their interrupting rating. By using properly sized Current Limiting Fuses ahead of these devices, the current can usually be limited to a value lower than the interrupting capacity of the overcurrent devices.
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NEC, Section 110-10
Circuit Impedance and Other Characteristics The overcurrent protective devices, along with the total impedance, the component short-circuit withstand ratings, and other characteristics of the circuit to be protected shall be so selected and coordinated so that the circuit protective devices used to clear a fault will do so without the occurrence of extensive damage to the electrical components of the circuit. In order to do this we must select the overcurrent protective devices so that they will open fast enough to prevent damage to the electrical components on their load side. Originally published at Electrical Notes & Articles
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About Author // Jignesh Parmar jiguparmar - Jignesh Parmar has completed his B.E(Electrical) from Gujarat University. He is member of Institution of Engineers (MIE),India. Membership No:M-1473586.He has more than 12 years experience in Transmission -Distribution-Electrical Energy theft detection-Electrical Maintenance-Electrical Projects (Planning-Designing-Technical Review-coordination -Execution). He is Presently associate with one of the leading business group as a Assistant Manager at Ahmedabad,India. He has published numbers of Technical Articles in "Electrical Mirror", "Electrical India", "Lighting India", "Industrial Electrix"(Australian Power Publications) Magazines. He is Freelancer Programmer of Advance Excel and design useful Excel base Electrical Programs as per IS, NEC, IEC,IEEE codes. He is Technical Blogger and Familiar with English, Hindi, Gujarati, French languages. He wants to Share his experience & Knowledge and help technical enthusiasts to find suitable solutions and updating themselves on various Engineering Topics.
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5 Comments
thanx.for this excellent article.
why does the voltage level e.g..11kv,33kv, 132kv,220kv,400kv are maintained ? Papuchanda
(reply)
SEP 27, 2013
Thanks for your posting and sharing the knowledge, it is very helpful to me and others. My question is what will happen if we use fuse more than what you have mentioned (ex:125% or 250%), i am curious to know about the damage (if any) to the euipment Shivakumar50 (reply) JUN 16, 2013
your all articles are excellent dear. thank you for posting .
JigKhatri
Your first example in this article require attention ( error). You mention: The current (amps) is more than 9 amps so use 125% rating.
OCT 08, 2012
123 amps x 1.25 = 112.76 amps
But it should be : 98.41 amps x 1.25= 123 amps So select the next available size of 125 A breaker. Keep posting and share knowledge. doing wonderful job here. Thanks Jignesh (reply)
Overcurrent Protection Of Transformer (NEC 450.3) | EEP OCT 08, 2012
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