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Transformer Protection Abstract from NEC

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Trans fo rme r p ro te c tio n - Aab s trac t fro m NEC (Natio nal Ele c tric Co d e )

NEC, Code 450.4

Calculat e overcurrent Prot ect ion on t he 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 f ull-load input current of the auto transf ormer. Further, according to NEC Table 450.3 (B), if the primary current of the transf ormer 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 transf ormer.

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 f use/f ixed-trip circuit breaker size per NEC 240.6). T he overcurrent device on the primary side must be sized based on the transf ormer KVA rating and not sized based on the secondary load to the transf ormer. Top

NEC, Code 450.3B

Calculat e overcurrent Prot ect ion on t he Secondary
According to NEC Table 450.3 (B), where the secondary current of a transf ormer is 9 amps or more and 125% of this current does not correspond to a standard rating of a f use 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 transf ormer. We have Calculate the secondary overcurrent protection based on the size of the transf ormer, not the total connected load. 75kva x 1,000 = 75,000va 75,000va / (230V x 3) = 188.27 amps. (Note: 230V 3 is calculated) T he current (amps) is more than 9 amps so use 125% rating. 188.27 amps x 1.25 = 235.34 amps T heref ore: Use 300amp 3-pole circuit breaker (per NEC 240.6). Top

NEC, Section 450-3 (a)

Transf ormers over 600 volt s, Nominal
For primary and secondary protection with a transf ormer impedance of 6% or less, the primary f use must not be larger than 300% of primary Full Load Amps (F.L.A.) and the secondary f use must not be larger than 250% of secondary F.L.A. Top

NEC, Section 450-3 (b)

Transf ormers over 600 volt s, Nominal
For primary protection only, the primary f use must not be larger than 125% of primary F.L.A. For primary and secondary protection the primary f eeder f use must not be larger than 250% of primary F.L.A. if the secondary f use is sized at 125% of secondary F.L.A.

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NEC, Section 450-3 (b)

Pot ent ial (Volt age) Transf ormer
T hese shall be protected with primary f uses when installed indoors or enclosed. Top

NEC, Section 230-95

Ground-Fault Prot ect ion of Equipment
T his section show that 277/480 volt wye only connected services, 1000 amperes and larger, must have ground f ault protection in addition to conventional overcurrent protection. T he ground f ault relay (or sensor) must be set to pick up ground f aults which are 1200 amperes or more and actuate the main switch or circuit breaker to disconnect all ungrounded conductors of the f aulted circuit. Top

NEC, Section 110-9

Int errupt ing Capacit y
Any device used to protect a low voltage system should be capable of opening all f ault 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 Ot her Charact erist ics
T he 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 f ault 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 f ast enough to prevent damage to the electrical components on their load side. Originally published at Electrical Notes & Articles