Transformer Protection - Abstract From NEC - EEP

Transformer Protection - Abstract from NEC | EEP
Transformer Protection Abstract from NEC

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.
http://electrical-engineering-portal.com/transformer-protection-abstract-from-nec[12/21/2014 7:53:43 PM]
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.
Top
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)
188.27 amps x 1.25 = 235.34 amps
Therefore: Use 300amp 3-pole circuit breaker (per NEC 240.6).
Top
NEC, Section 450-3 (a)

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.
Top
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.
Top
NEC, Section 450-3 (b)

Potential (Voltage) Transformer
These shall be protected with primary fuses when installed indoors or enclosed.
Top
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.
Top
NEC, Section 110-9

Interrupting Capacity
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.
Top
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
Recommended EE articles
Transformer
Routine Test
Partial
Discharge
Measurement
Electrical life
(durability) of
LV circuit
breakers due to
the switching
operations
Quick
estimation of
the short-circuit
current at the
end of a feeder
Mineral oil-filled
distribution
transformer as
one of the main
part of
electrical
Article Tags //
Filed Under Category //
nec, overcurrent, primary, protection, secondary,

short-circuit, transformer,
Protection Transformers
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.
RSS Feed for Comments
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:
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
How To
Protect
Capacitor
Banks? |
EEP
OCT 05, 2012
[...] for less than 600V IntroductionThe overcurrent protection required for transformers is
consider for Protection of Transformer only. Such overcurrent protection will not necessarily
protect the primary or secondary conductors [...]
(reply)
[...] Types of faultsThe main faults which are liable to affectcapacitor banks are:Overload,Shortcircuit,Frame fault,Capacitor component short-circuit 1. OverloadAn overload is due to
temporary or [...]
(reply)
Leave a Comment
RSS Feed for Comments
Tell us what you're thinking... we care about your opinion!

and oh, not to forget - if you want a picture to show with your comment, go get a free Gravatar!
NAME *

EMAIL *
WEBSITE
WE BELIEVE YOU'RE AN ENGINEER, BUT NEVERTHELESS ... *
= two
SIGN ME UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER
Submit Comment
2014 EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal. All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy | 38 queries in 0.201 seconds.

Transformer Protection - Abstract From NEC - EEP

Transféré par

Informations du document

Titre original

Copyright

Formats disponibles

Partager ce document

Partager ou intégrer le document

Options de partage

Avez-vous trouvé ce document utile ?

Ce contenu est-il inapproprié ?

Droits d'auteur :

Formats disponibles

Transformer Protection - Abstract From NEC - EEP

Transféré par

Droits d'auteur :

Formats disponibles

Transformer Protection - Abstract from NEC | EEP