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An example of calculating transformer size

and voltage drop due to starting of large


motor
Example
Lets calculate voltage drop in transformer 1000KVA, 11/0.480 kV, impedance 5.75% due to
starting of 300 kW, 460V, 0.8 power factor, motor code D (kva/hp). Motor starts 2 times per
hour and the allowable voltage drop at transformer secondary terminal is 10%.
Calculation can be checked by using this MS Excel Spreadsheet dedicated especially to this kind
of problem.
Ok, lets get into the calculations

Motor current / Torque


Motor full load current = (Kw x 1000) / (1.732 x Volt (L-L) x P.F

Motor full load current = 300 1000 / 1.732 x 460 x 0.8 = 471 Amp.

Motor locked rotor current = Multiplier x Motor full load current

Locked rotor current (Kva/Hp)


Motor Code
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
J
K

Min
3.15
3.16
3.56
4.1
4.6
5.1
5.7
6.4
7.2
8.1

Max
3.55
4
4.5
5
5.6
6.3
7.1
8
9

L
M
N
P
R
S
T
U
V

9.1
10.1
11.3
12.6
14.1
16.1
18.1
20.1
22.5

10
11.2
12.5
14
16
18
20
22.4

Min. motor locked rotor current (L1) = 4.10 471 = 1930 Amp

Max. motor locked rotor current (L2) = 4.50 471 = 2118 Amp

Motor inrush Kva at Starting (Irsm) = Volt x locked rotor current x Full load
current x 1.732 / 1000

Motor inrush Kva at Starting (Irsm) = 460 x 2118 x 471 x 1.732 / 1000 = 1688 kVA

Transformer

Transformer full load current = kVA / (1.732 x Volt)

Transformer full load current = 1000 / (1.73 2 480) = 1203 Amp.

Short circuit current at TC secondary (Isc) = Transformer full load current /


Impedance

Short circuit current at TC secondary = 1203 / 5.75 = 20919 Amp

Maximum kVA of TC at rated Short circuit current (Q1) = (Volt x Isc x 1.732) / 1000

Maximum kVA of TC at rated Short circuit current (Q1) = 480 x 20919 x 1.732 / 1000 =
17391 kVA

Voltage drop at transformer secondary due to Motor Inrush (Vd) = (Irsm) / Q1

Voltage drop at transformer secondary due to Motor inrush (Vd) = 1688 / 17391 = 10%

Voltage drop at Transformer secondary is 10% which is within permissible limit.

Motor full load current 65% of Transformer full load current

471 Amp 65% x 1203 Amp = 471 Amp 781 Amp

Here voltage drop is within limit and Motor full load current TC full load current.
Size of Transformer is Adequate.

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Share with engineers //


Article Tags //
large motor, motor, motor current, motor full load current, motor torque, transformer size,
voltage drop,

Filed Under Category //


Maintenance Transmission and Distribution

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

15 Comments

1.
bhavin mistry
Jan 28, 2015
Dear sir, i want know about maximum secondry connectable load as per transfor mer
rating
(reply)

2.
Djarot Prasetyo
Nov 15, 2014
Hi! Id like to know, what standard did you use for the locked rotor current?
Thanks!
(reply)

3.
Benn Richey
Sep 02, 2014
Theres an error in the calculations above: Motor inrush Kva at Starting (Irsm) = 460 x
2118 x 471 x 1.732 / 1000 = 1688 kVA
It should be: Motor inrush Kva at Starting (Irsm) = 460 x 4.5 x 471 x 1.732 / 1000 = 1688
kVA
(reply)

4.
Mujeeb Raza
Aug 28, 2014
Hi All,
I want to get this into detail, if the output of this transformer is connected to load of small
industries (assume same data), What factors are to look into while selecting cable for the
secondary of transformer up to the LV panel.
(reply)
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Environment:
Applies to Low Voltage Transformers by SquareD/Schneider Electric
Cause:
Transformers are often required to power motor loads
Resolution:
This is provided on page 39 of the Low Voltage Transformers Selection Guide, document #
7400CT9601. Please see attachment below. When selecting a Transformer to feed a motor, it is
important to note that the starting current of a motor can 6 to 7 times the full-load running
current, or even higher if it is a high efficiency motor. This initial high current can cause
excessive voltage drop because of regulation through the Transformer. Reduced voltage could
cause the motor to fail to start and remain in a stalled condition, or it could cause the starter coil
to release or ``chatter``. A typical desirable voltage drop is to allow 10-12% voltage drop at
motor start. The voltage decrease during motor starting can be estimated as follows:
Voltage Drop (%) = (Motor Locked Rotor Current / Transformer Secondary Full Load Rating) *
Transformer Impedance (%)

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Cables for MV Power Distribution - Earthed versus Unearthed Systems
By Jeson Pitt on August 12th, 2013

Power cables can basically be classified into earthed and unearthed cables, where
earthed and unearthed refer to the application for which the cable is used. Earthed
system refers to a three phase system whose star point is grounded directly and the
voltage between the healthy phases and the ground will be - 11kV/1.732 or
6.6/1.732. In the case of unearthed cable, ground voltage is equal to phase to phase
voltage.
Earthed Cables

Unearthed Cables

Medium Voltage (MV) voltage power distribution system cables can be both earthed
and unearthed. If the system is earthed, then we use earthed rated cable for
manufacturing; and if the system is unearthed, we use an unearthed rated cable for
manufacturing.
Compared with the earthed cable as per the manufacturer's specifications, the
unearthed cable needs higher insulation levels.
The greatest difference arises in the voltage grade (Uo/U), which is:
Earthed System

Unearthed System

1.9/3.3 kV, 3.8/6.6 kV, 6.35/11 kV, 3.3/3.3 kV and 11/11 kV


12.7/22 kV and 19/33 kV
In an exception to the abover, the cables of 6.35/11kV for an earthed system can
also be used in the place of 6.6/6.6 kV for an unearthed system. This is because
each core of the cable has the insulation level to withstand 6.6kV due to which
between core to core insulation level will be 6.6kV+6.6kV = 11kV.
Contents [hide]
The Difference in Origin
Insulation Strength
Cable Requirements
Preferable Cable for MV Transmission
The Difference in Origin
The first generators and transformers had small capacities in which the fault current
was less and the star point was solidly grounded due to which they were called
earthed system. Generators that are now available have 500MVA capacity and
higher fault levels. So, if there is an earth fault, a heavy current flows into the fault,

which leads to the damage of the generators and transformers. In such a scenario,
to reduce the fault current, the star point is connected to the earth through a
resistance. In case of an earth fault in one phase, the voltage of the faulty phase
with respect to the earth appears across the resistance. Due to this, the voltage of
the remaining two healthy phases with respect to the earth rises by 1.7 times. If the
insulation system is not designed to sustain these increased voltages, they are
likely to develop earth faults.
In case of earthed cable, three phase cables are earthed to a ground and each of
the phase system is grounded to the earth. While the unearthed system (if system
neutral is not grounded) phase to ground voltage can be equal to phase to phase
voltage; in such situations the insulation level of the conductor to the armor should
be equal to the insulation level of conductor to conductor. In the three phase
earthed systems, phase to earth voltage is 1.732 times less than phase to phase
voltage. Thus, the voltage stress on the cable to armor is 1.732 times less than the
voltage stress between conductor to conductor.
Insulation Strength
Unearthed cable requires more insulation strength than earthed cable. If a fault
occurs in the phase to ground voltage is 3 time the normal phase to ground
voltage. So, if an earthed rated cable is used in an unearthed system, it may result
in an insulation puncture. Hence, it is essential to use unearthed rated cable in such
situations, especially in the case of 6.6kV systems where resistance type earthing is
used.
Cable Requirements
Carrying forward the above point, 11kV earthed cable can be used in place of 6.6kV
unearthed system since the cable manufacturing process is the same. The size of
the cable will depend on the current rating and voltage level. So,
Voltage grade (Uo/U) where Uo is phase to earth voltage and U is phase to phase
voltage
Earthed system has an insulation grade of kV/1.75x kV
For earthed system (Uo/U): 1.9/3.3 kV, 3.8/6.6 kV, 6.35/11 kV, 12.7/22 kV and 19/33
kV
Unearthed system has insulation grade kV/kV
3 phase 3 wires system generally comes with unearthed grade cable and 3 phase 4
wire systems can be used as earthed grade cables
Preferable Cable for MV Transmission
For MV transmission, earthed cable will be more economical, but unearthed cable
offers more insulation. This is because, if an earth fault occurs in the underground
system, the voltage between the healthy phases and the ground will be equal to
phase to phase voltage - 11kV or 6.6kV and higher insulation level is required. The
voltage of the healthy phases rises by nearly 1.7 times resulting in an earth fault

since the insulation of these phases is not designed for increases voltage. It is
advisable to opt for an unearthed cable so that the core insulation has enough
strength.
Earthing, Cables, High Voltage, Distribution, Medium Voltage

More interesting Notes:


Possibly related posts:
Laplace Transform
Power Transformers - An Introduction
Photovoltaic (PV) Panel - Performance Modelling
Power Factor
Introduction to Current Transformers

Jeson Pitt
Jeson works as a Sales Representative for D&F Liquidators, a leading supplier of
electrical products. He is passionate about everything electrical.About the author

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Home / Technical Articles / Differences Between Earthed and Unearthed Cables

Differences Between Earthed and Unearthed


Cables
Posted Jan 21 2013 by jiguparmar in Cables, High Voltage, Low Voltage, Medium Voltage,
Transmission and Distribution with 14 Comments

Differences Between Earthed and Unearthed Cables

Introduction

In HT electrical distribution, the system can be earthed or unearthed.


The selection of unearthed or earthed cable depends on distribution system. If such system is
earthed, then we have to use cable which is manufactured for earthed system. (which the
specifies the manufacturer). If the system is unearthed then we need to use cable which is
manufactured for unearthed system.
The unearthed system requires high insulation level compared to earthed system.
For earthed and unearthed XLPE cables, the IS 7098 part2 1985 does not give any difference in
specification. The insulation level for cable for unearthed system has to be more.

Earthed System
Earlier the generators and transformers were of small capacities and hence the fault current was
less. The star point was solidly grounded. This is called earthed system.
In three phases earthed system, phase to earth voltage is 1.732 times less than phase to phase
voltage. Therefore voltage stress on cable to armor is 1.732 times less than voltage stress
between conductors to conductor.
Where in unearthed system, (if system neutral is not grounded) phase to ground voltage can be
equal to phase to phase voltage. In such case the insulation level of conductor to armor should be
equal to insulation level of conductor to conductor.
In an earthed cable, the three phase of cable are earthed to a ground. Each of the phases of
system is grounded to earth.
Example: 1.9/3.3 KV, 3.8/6.6 KV system

Unearthed System
Today generators of 500MVA capacities are used and therefore the fault level has increased. In
case of an earth fault, heavy current flows into the fault and this lead to damage of generators
and transformers. To reduce the fault current, the star point is connected to earth through a
resistance. If an earth fault occurs on one phase, the voltage of the faulty phase with respect to
earth appears across the resistance.
Therefore, the voltage of the other two healthy phases with respect to earth rises by 1.7 times.

If the insulation of these phases is not designed for these increased voltages, they may develop
earth fault. This is called unearthed system.
In an unearth system, the phases are not grounded to earth .As a result of which there are chances
of getting shock by personnel who are operating it.
Example: 6.6/6.6 KV, 3.3/3.3 KV system.
Unearthed cable has more insulation strength as compared to earthed cable. When fault occur
phase to ground voltage is 3 time the normal phase to ground voltage. So if we used earthed
cable in unearthed System, It may be chances of insulation puncture.
So unearthed cable are used. Such type of cable is used in 6.6 KV systems where resistance type
earthing is used.

Nomenclature
In simple logic the 11 KV earthed cable is suitable for use in 6.6 KV unearthed system. The
process of manufacture of cable is same.
The size of cable will depend on current rating and voltage level.

Voltage Grade (Uo/U) where Uo is Phase to Earth Voltage & U is Phase to Phase Voltage.

Earthed system has insulation grade of KV / 1.75 x KV.

For Earthed System (Uo/U): 1.9/3.3 kV, 3.8/6.6 kV, 6.35/11 kV, 12.7/22 kV and 19/33
kV.

Unearthed system has insulation grade of KV / KV.

For Unearthed System (Uo/U): 3.3/3.3 kV and 11/11 kV.

3 phase 3 wire system has normally Unearthed grade cables and 3 phase 4 wire systems
can be used earthed grade cables, insulation used is less, and cost is less.

Thumb Rule
As a thumb rule we can say that 6.6KV unearthed cable is equal to 11k earthed cable i.e
6.6/6.6kv Unearthed cable can be used for 6.6/11kv earthed system.
Because each core of cable have the insulation level to withstand 6.6kv so between core to core
insulation level will be 6.6kV+6.6kV = 11kV

For transmission of HT, earthed cable will be more economical due to low cost where as
unearthed cables are not economical but insulation will be good.
Generally 6.6 kV and 11kV systems are earthed through a neutral grounding resistor and the
shield and armor are also earthed, especially in industrial power distribution applications. Such a
case is similar to an unearthed application but with earthed shield (sometimes called solid
bonding).
In such cases, unearthed cables may be used so that the core insulation will have enough strength
but current rating is de-rated to the value of earthed cables.
But it is always better to mention the type of system earthing in the cable specification when
ordering the cables so that the cable manufacturer will take care of insulation strength and de
rating.

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Article Tags //
cable, distribution, earth, earth fault, earthed cables, insulation, unearthed cables,

Filed Under Category //


Cables High Voltage Low Voltage Medium Voltage Transmission and Distribution

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

14 Comments
1.
General Guidelines for Online Partial Discharge Testing of Power Cables | EEP
Mar 30, 2015
[] Cable earth shield coming out of the cable (whether single core or three core) must
not be touching any earthed metal except at terminating point to Substation Earth. Earth
shield at cable termination should be insulated using shrink tubes in order to get access to
individual cable earths. []
(reply)

2.
DK Sharma
Mar 24, 2015
We use 11 KV cable to connect our Distribution transformer which has its primary or HV
winding in Delta connection and Secondary or LV winding in Star connection. Since
Delta connection has no earth, we always need 11 KV Unearthed (UE) cable.
So we should always ask for 11 KV UE cable.
(reply)

3.
Manuel Bolotinha
Mar 15, 2015
This article about earthed and unearthed cables is very basic and with poor technical
content.

(reply)

4.
AMEER AHMAD
Mar 15, 2015
I am not agree with As a thumb rule we can say that 6.6KV unearthed cable is equal to
11k earthed cable i.e 6.6/6.6kv Unearthed cable can be used for 6.6/11kv earthed
system.
Reason: For 6.6/11kV Earthed cable, the system nominal voltage is 11kV. If we use
6.6/6.6kV Unearthed cable for 6.6/11kV Earthed system with 11kV nominal voltage, the
phase to earth voltage remain 6.6kV for Earthed system(Agreed), but phase to phase
voltage remain 11kV for Earthed system and this 6.6/6.6kV Unearthed cable can not meet
the 11kV nominal system phase to phase voltage insulation.
(reply)

5.
vikas j trivedi
Nov 02, 2014
How to calculate feeder htvr through metlab or etap
(reply)

6.
JAYESH R MANKAD
Jul 25, 2014
It is good and interesting web. Informative topics are covered
(reply)

7.
noureddine
Jan 26, 2014
Mr. Peter
you must check set time for overload in your breaker
may be the setting is wrong.
thanks.
(reply)

8.
guest
Jan 03, 2014
Hows 6.6kV+6.6kV = 11kV? As far as I know 6.6+6.6=13.2
(reply)

o
Parag
May 08, 2014
It means it is suitable for 11KV insulation requirement (since 13.2KV>11KV).
Standard cable insulation ratings are as 1.1KV, 3.3KV, 11KV, 33KV)
(reply)

9.
Balachandar
Dec 10, 2013

I can not agree this statement ie., 6.6/6.6kv Unearthed cable can be used for 6.6/11kv
earthed system.
but we can use 6.6/11kv cable for 6.6/6.6kv system.
(reply)

10.
Peter Abbey
Jan 21, 2013
I have a question and it goes thus:
A motor Filter Fans RPM on motor data plate is 3545 RPM, Relay overload set is 2.9A.
During solo run, motor runs at 1.6A (starting current) at 3615 RPM. The LV motor
tripped at 4.9A with enclosure door closed during load run. What are the possible causes
of the motor trip? What can be done to avoid such trippings? (What are your
recommendations?)
(the motor specification are: Voltage = 460 V, Power = 1.5kW (2HP), No. of Phase =
3,Frequency = 60Hz,No. of poles = 2)
Your prompt response will highly be apprexciated.
Kind Regards,
Peter.
(reply)

o
Ragnarok
Mar 04, 2013
Hi Peter, the starting current of 3 ph induction motor has nothing to do with the
load. (Load affect the run up time and thermal withstand)
The starting current for induction motors can as high as 7-8x the rated full load
current. By your description of 1.5kW 460 3ph motors, I would think 4.9A sounds
like a reasonable starting current. (not taking PF/eff into account, the rated full
load current is at least 1.89A)
(reply)

o
Teguh
Mar 08, 2013
Dear Mr Peter,
if the motor trip at load run, means we have to check the load first. is it suitable
for your motor or not, you can ask the mechanical engineer for that. well, for the
motor itself, you can do normal check such as its impedance, megger, bearing etc.
(reply)

o
AKReddy
May 13, 2013
I too experienced similar problem, in my case motor fan belt coupled, we loosen
the belt and it worked for us
(reply)
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