Electrical Distribution System

Engineering Dependable Protection

Engineering Dependable Protection - Part I
"A Simple Approach to Short-Circuit Calculations"

Table of Contents Page

Basic Considerations of Short-Circuit Calculations …………………………………………………3
- Why Short-Circuit Calculations …………………………………………………………………3
- General Comments on Short-Circuit Calculations ………………………………………………3
- Asymmetrical Components ………………………………………………………………………3
- Interrupting Rating, Interrupting Capacity, Short-Circuit Currents ………………………………4
3Ø Short-Circuit Current Calculations, Procedures and Methods ……………………………………5
- Ohmic Method ……………………………………………………………………………………6
- Per-Unit Method ………………………………………………………………………………11
- TRON® Computer Software Procedure …………………………………………………………16
- Point-to-Point Method …………………………………………………………………………17
- Comparison of Results …………………………………………………………………………19
1Ø Short-Circuit Calculation on 1Ø Transformer System, Procedures and Methods ………………20
- Per-Unit Method - Line-to-Line Faults …………………………………………………………21
- Per-Unit Method - Line-to-Neutral Faults ………………………………………………………22
- Point-to-Point Method - Line-to-Line Faults ……………………………………………………23
- Point-to-Point Method - Line-to-Neutral Faults …………………………………………………24
- Comparison of Results …………………………………………………………………………24
Data Section…………………………………………………………………………………………25
- Table 1 - Transformer Impedance Data …………………………………………………………25
- Table 2 - Current Transformer Reactance Data …………………………………………………25
- Table 3 - Disconnecting Switch Reactance Data ………………………………………………25
- Table 4 - Circuit Breaker Reactance Data ………………………………………………………26
- Table 5 - Insulated Conductors Impedance Data ………………………………………………26
- Table 6 - “C” Values for PTP Method Data ………………………………………………………27
- Table 7 - Busway Impedance Data ………………………………………………………………28
- Table 8 - Asymmetrical Factors …………………………………………………………………29
Selective Coordination - EDP II ……………………………………………………………………29
Selective Protection - EDP III ………………………………………………………………………29

2
Engineering Bulletin EDP-1
Dependable (2004-1)
Protection
For An
Electrical
Distribution
System

Part 1
A Simple Approach
To
Short Circuit
Calculations

Bussmann
Electrical Distribution System

Basic Considerations of Short-Circuit Calculations

Why Short-Circuit Calculations Sources of short circuit current that are normally taken
Several sections of the National Electrical Code relate under consideration include:
to proper overcurrent protection. Safe and reliable - Utility Generation
application of overcurrent protective devices based on - Local Generation
these sections mandate that a short circuit study and a - Synchronous Motors and
selective coordination study be conducted. - Induction Motors

These sections include, among others: Capacitor discharge currents can normally be
110-9 Interrupting Rating neglected due to their short time duration. Certain IEEE
110-10 Component Protection (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) publications
230-65 Service Entrance Equipment detail how to calculate these currents if they are substantial.
240-1 Conductor Protection
250-95 Equipment Grounding Conductor Protection Asymmetrical Components
517-17 Health Care Facilities - Selective Coordination Short circuit current normally takes on an asymmetrical
characteristic during the first few cycles of duration. That is,
Compliance with these code sections can best be it is offset about the zero axis, as indicated in Figure 1.
accomplished by conducting a short circuit study and a
selective coordination study.
The protection for an electrical system should not only
be safe under all service conditions but, to insure continuity
of service, it should be selectively coordinated as well. A
C
coordinated system is one where only the faulted circuit is
U
isolated without disturbing any other part of the system. R
Overcurrent protection devices should also provide short- R TIME
circuit as well as overload protection for system E
components, such as bus, wire, motor controllers, etc. N
T
To obtain reliable, coordinated operation and assure
that system components are protected from damage, it is
necessary to first calculate the available fault current at Figure 1
various critical points in the electrical system.
Once the short-circuit levels are determined, the In Figure 2, note that the total short circuit current Ia is
engineer can specify proper interrupting rating require- the summation of two components - the symmetrical RMS
ments, selectively coordinate the system and provide current IS, and the DC component, IDC. The DC component
component protection. is a function of the stored energy within the system at the
initiation of the short circuit. It decays to zero after a few
General Comments on Short-Circuit Calculations cycles due to I2R losses in the system, at which point the
Short Circuit Calculations should be done at all critical short circuit current is symmetrical about the zero axis. The
points in the system. RMS value of the symmetrical component may be deter-
These would include: mined using Ohm`s Law. To determine the asymmetrical
- Service Entrance component, it is necessary to know the X/R ratio of the
- Panel Boards system. To obtain the X/R ratio, the total resistance and total
- Motor Control Centers reactance of the circuit to the point of fault must be
- Motor Starters determined. Maximum thermal and mechanical stress on
- Transfer Switches the equipment occurs during these first few cycles. It is
- Load Centers important to concentrate on what happens during the first
half cycle after the initiation of the fault.
Normally, short circuit studies involve calculating a
bolted 3-phase fault condition. This can be characterized
as all three phases “bolted” together to create a zero
impedance connection. This establishes a “worst case”
condition, that results in maximum thermal and mechanical
stress in the system. From this calculation, other types of
fault conditions can be obtained.

3
Electrical Distribution System

Basic Considerations of Short-Circuit Calculations

To accomplish this, study Figure 2, and refer to Table 8. Interrupting Rating, Interrupting Capacity and Short-Circuit Currents
IP =
Interrupting Rating can be defined as “the maximum
115,450A Ia short-circuit current that a protective device can safely
clear, under specified test conditions.”
Ia =
66,500A IDC Interrupting Capacity can be defined as “the actual
short circuit current that a protective device has been
Is = tested to interrupt.”
50,000A
C
The National Electrical Code requires adequate
U interrupting ratings in Sections 110-9 and 230-65.
R TIME
R Is
E Section 110-9 Interrupting Rating. Equipment intended to
N break current at fault levels shall have an interrupting rating
T sufficient for the system voltage and the current which is
Ia - Asymmetrical RMS Current available at the line terminals of the equipment.
IDC - DC Component
Is - Symmetrical RMS Component Section 230-65. Available Short-Circuit Current. Service
IP - Instantaneous Peak Current Equipment shall be suitable for the short circuit current
available at its supply terminals.
Figure 2
Low voltage fuses have their interrupting rating
Figure 2 illustrates a worst case waveform that 1 phase expressed in terms of the symmetrical component of short-
of the 3 phase system will assume during the first few circuit current, I S . They are given an RMS symmetrical
cycles after the fault initiation. interrupting rating at a specific power factor. This means
For this example, assume an RMS symmetrical short that the fuse can interrupt any asymmetrical current
circuit value of 50,000 amperes, at a 15% short circuit associated with this rating. Thus only the symmetrical
power factor. Locate the 15% P.F. in Table 8. Said another component of short-circuit current need be considered to
way, the X/R short circuit ratio of this circuit is 6.5912. determine the necessary interrupting rating of a low voltage
fuse. For U.L. listed low voltage fuses, interrupting rating
The key portions are: equals its interrupting capacity.
- Symmetrical RMS Short Circuit Current = Is Low voltage molded case circuit breakers also have
- Instantaneous Peak Current = Ip their interrupting rating expressed in terms of RMS
- Asymmetrical RMS Short Circuit Current symmetrical amperes at a specific power factor. However,
(worst case single phase) = Ia it is necessary to determine a molded case circuit breaker’s
interrupting capacity in order to safely apply it. The reader
From Table 8, note the following relationships. is directed to Buss bulletin PMCB II for an understanding of
this concept.
Is = Symmetrical RMS Current
Ip = Is x Mp (Column 3)
Ia = Is x M m (Column 4)

For this example, Figure 2,

Is = 50,000 Amperes RMS Symmetrical

Ip = 50,000 x 2.309 ( Column 3)
= 115,450 Amperes
Ia = 50,000 x 1.330 (Column 4)
= 66,500 Amperes RMS Asymmetrical

With this basic understanding, proceed in the systems

analysis.

4
3 ø Short-Circuit Current Calculations –

Procedures and Methods

3Ø Short-Circuit Current Calculations, To begin the analysis, consider the following system,
Procedures and Methods supplied by a 1500 KVA, three phase transformer having a
To determine the fault current at any point in the full load current of 1804 amperes at 480 volts. (See System
system, first draw a one-line diagram showing all of the A, below) Also, System B, for a double transformation, will
sources of short-circuit current feeding into the fault, as well be studied.
as the impedances of the circuit components. To start, obtain the available short-circuit KVA, MVA, or
To begin the study, the system components, including SCA from the local utility company.
those of the utility system, are represented as impedances The utility estimates that System A can deliver a short-
in the diagram. circuit of 100,000 MVA at the primary of the transformer.
The impedance tables given in the Data Section System B can deliver a short-circuit of 500,000 KVA at the
include three phase and single phase transformers, current primary of the first transformer. Since the X/R ratio of the
transformers, safety switches, circuit breakers, cable, and utility system is usually quite high, only the reactance need
busway. These tables can be used if information from the be considered.
manufacturers is not readily available. With this available short-circuit information, begin to
It must be understood that short circuit calculations are make the necessary calculations to determine the fault
performed without current limiting devices in the system. current at any point in the electrical system.
Calculations are done as though these devices are Four basic methods will be presented in this text to
replaced with copper bars, to determine the maximum instruct the reader on short circuit calculations.
“available” short circuit current. This is necessary to These include :
project how the system and the current limiting devices will - the ohmic method
perform. - the per unit method
Also, current limiting devices do not operate in series - the TRON ® Computer Software method
to produce a “compounding” current limiting effect. The - the point to point method
downstream, or load side, fuse will operate alone under a
short circuit condition if properly coordinated.

System A System B
3Ø Single Transformer System 3Ø Double Transformer System
Available Utility Available Utility
S.C. MVA 100,000 S.C. KVA 500,000

1500 KVA Transformer 1000 KVA Transformer,

480Y/277V, 480/277 Volts 3Ø
25’ - 500kcmil 3.5%Z, 3.45%X, .56%R 30’ - 500 kcmil 3.45%X, .60%R
6 Per Phase If.l. = 1804A 4 Per Phase If.l. = 1203A
Service Entrance Conductors
in Steel Conduit
2000A Switch Copper in PVC Conduit 1600A Switch

KRP-C-2000SP Fuse KRP-C-1500SP Fuse

Main Swb’d.

Fault X1
Fault X1
1 1
400A Switch 400A Switch

LPS-RK-400SP Fuse LPS-RK-350SP Fuse

20’ - 2/0
2 Per Phase
50’ - 500 kcmil Copper in PVC Conduit
Feeder Cable in Steel Conduit 225 KVA
Fault X2 208/120 Volts 3Ø
MCC No. 1 2 .998%X, .666%R
M Motor
Fault X2
2
Note: The above 1500KVA transformer serves 100% motor load.
In this example, assume 0% motor load.

5
 3ø Short-Circuit Current Calculations – Procedures and Methods

Ohmic Method
3Ø Short Circuit Calculations, Step 9. The symmetrical motor contribution can be
Ohmic Method approximated by using an average multiplying factor
Most circuit component impedances are given in ohms associated with the motors in the system. This factor varies
except utility and transformer impedances which are found according to motor design and in this text may be chosen
by the following formulae* (Note that the transformer and as 4 times motor full load current for approximate
utility ohms are referred to the secondary KV by squaring calculation purposes. To solve for the symmetrical motor
the secondary voltage.) contribution:

1000 (KVsecondary)2
Step 1. †X utility Ω = •I
sym motor contrib = (4) x (Ifull load motor)
S.C. KVA u tility
Step 10. The total symmetrical short-circuit RMS current is
(10)(%X**)(KVsecondary)2 calculated as:
Step 2. X trans Ω =
KVA trans ††
Itotal S.C. sym RMS = (IS.C. sym RMS ) + (Isym motor contrib)
(10)(%R**)(KVsecondary)2
Rtrans Ω = Step 11. Determine X/R ratio of the system to the point of
KVA trans
fault.
Step 3. The impedance (in ohms) given for current
transformers, large switches and large circuit breakers is Xtotal Ω
X/Rratio =
essentially all X. Rtotal Ω

Step 4. Xcable and bus Ω. Step 12. The asymmetrical factor corresponding to the X/R
Rcable and bus Ω. ratio in Step 11 is found in Table 8, Column M m . This
multiplier will provide the worst case asymmetry occurring
Step 5. Total all X and all R in system to point of fault. in the first 1/2 cycle. When the average 3-phase multiplier
is desired use column Ma.
Step 6. Determine impedance (in ohms) of the system by:
Step 13. Calculate the asymmetrical RMS short-circuit
ZT = √(RT)2 + (XT)2 current.

Step 7. Calculate short-circuit symmetrical RMS amperes IS.C. asym RMS = (IS.C. sym RMS) x (Asym Factor)
at the point of fault.
Step 14. The short-circuit current that the motor load can
Esecondary line-line
IS.C. sym RMS = contribute is an asymmetrical current usually approximated
√3 (ZT) as being equal to the locked rotor current of the motor.
•As a close approximation with a margin of safety use:
Step 8. Determine the motor load. Add up the full load
motor currents. The full load motor current in the system is •Iasym motor contrib = (5) x (Ifull load motor)
generally a percentage of the transformer full load current,
depending upon the types of loads. The generally Step 15. The total asymmetrical short-circuit RMS current is
accepted procedure assumes 50% motor load when both calculated as:
motor and lighting loads are considered, such as supplied Itotal S.C. asym RMS = (IS.C. asym RMS) + (Iasym motor contrib)
by 4 wire, 208Y/120V and 480Y/277V volt 3-phase
systems.)

*For simplicity of calculations all ohmic values are single phase distance one way, later compensated for in the three phase short-circuit formula by the factor, √3.
(See Step 7.)
**UL Listed transformers 25 KVA and larger have a ±10% impedance tolerance. Short circuit amperes can be affected by this tolerance.
†Only X is considered in this procedure since utility X/R ratios are usually quite high. For more finite details obtain R of utility source.
•A more exact determination depends upon the sub-transient reactance of the motors in question and associated circuit impedances. A less conservative
method would involve the total motor circuit impedance to a common bus (sometimes referred to as a “zero reactance bus”).
††Arithmetical addition results in conservative values of fault current. More finite values involve vectorial addition of the currents.

Note: The ohms of the circuit components must be referred to the same voltage. If there is more than one voltage transformation in the system, the ohmic
method becomes more complicated. It is recommended that the per-unit method be used for ease in calculation when more than one voltage transformation
exists in the system.

6
3ø Short-Circuit Current Calculations – Procedures and Methods

Ohmic Method – To Fault X1 – System A

One-Line Diagram Impedance Diagram
R X
Available Utility
S.C. MVA 100,000 1000(.48)2
X= = 0.0000023 — 0.0000023
100,000,000

(10) (3.45) (.48)2

1500 KVA Transformer, X= = 0.0053 — 0.0053
1500
480V, 3Ø,
3.5%Z, 3.45%X , 0.56%R (Table 1.2)
(10) (.56) (.48)2
If.l. trans = 1804A R= = 0.00086 0.00086 —
1500

25' 0.0379
X= x = 0.000158 — 0.000158
1000 6
25’ - 500 kcmil
6 Per Phase (Table 5)
Service Entrance 25' 0.0244
Conductors in Steel Conduit R= x = 0.000102 0.000102 —
1000 6

2000A Switch

KRP-C-2000SP Fuse (Table 3) X = 0.000050 — 0.000050

Fault X1
1 1
Total R and X = 0.000962 0.00551
Motor Contribution M M

Ztotal per = √ (0.000962)2 + (0.00551) 2 = 0.0056Ω

phase

IS.C. sym RMS = 480 = 49,489A

√3 (.0056)
Isym motor contrib = 4 x 1804 = 7216A
(100% motor load)
Itotal S.C. sym RMS = 49,489 + 7216 = 56,705A
(fault X1)

X/Rratio = .00551 = 5.73

.000962

Asym Factor = 1.294 (Table 8)

IS.C. asym RMS = 1.294 x 49,489 = 64,039A

Iasym motor contrib = 5 x 1804 = 9,020A
(100% motor load)

Itotal S.C. asym RMS = 64,039 + 9,020 = 73,059A

(fault X1)

Note: See Ohmic Method Procedure for Formulas.

7
3ø Short-Circuit Current Calculations – Procedures and Methods

Ohmic Method – To Fault X2 – System A

One-Line Diagram Impedance Diagram
R X
Adjusted Impedance
to Fault X1
X = 0.00551 — 0.00551

R = 0.000962 0.000962 —

Fault X1 1 1

400A Switch

LPS-RK-400SP Fuse
(Table 3) X = .00008 — 0.00008

50’ x
X= .0379 = 0.00189 — 0.00189
50’ - 500 kcmil 1000
Feeder Cable (Table 5)
in Steel Conduit
50’ x
R= .0244 = 0.00122 0.00122 —
1000

Fault X2
2 2

Motor Contribution Total R and X = 0.002182 0.00748

M M

Ztotal per = √ (0.002182)2 + (0.00748)2 = 0.00778Ω

phase

IS.C. sym RMS = 480 = 35,621A

√3 (.00778)

Isym motor contrib = 4 x 1804 = 7216A

(100% motor load)
Itotal S.C. sym RMS = 35,621 + 7,216 = 42,837A
(fault X2)

.00748 =
X/Rratio = 3.43
.002182

Asym Factor = 1.149 (Table 8)

IS.C. asym RMS = 1.149 x 35,621 = 40,929A

Iasym motor contrib = 5 x 1804 = 9,020A
(100% motor load)

Itotal S.C. asym RMS = 40,929 + 9,020 = 49,949A

(fault X2)

Note: See Ohmic Method Procedure for Formulas. Actual motor contribution
will be somewhat smaller than calculated due to the impedance of the
feeder cable.

8
3ø Short-Circuit Current Calculations – Procedures and Methods

Ohmic Method – To Fault X1 – System B

To use the OHMIC Method through a second transformer, Step 1b. Reflect X and R values of all components to
the following steps apply: secondary side of transformer

Step 1a. Summarize X and R values of all components on Vs2 V2

primary side of transformer. Xs =
(Xp) Rs = s 2 (Rp)
Vp2 Vp
and proceed with steps 2 thru 15 from page 6.

One-Line Diagram Impedance Diagram

R X

Available Utility 1000 (.48)2

500,000 S.C. KVA
X= = .000461 — .000461
500,000

(10) (3.45) (.48)2

X= = .00795 — .00795
1000
1000KVA Transformer,
480V, 3Ø, (Table 1.2)
3.45% X, .60% R (10) (.60) (.48)2
R= = .00138 .00138 —
1000

30' - 500 kcmil

4 Per Phase 30' .0303 =
X= x .000227 — .000227
Copper in PVC Conduit 1000 4
(Table 5)
30' .0220
R= x = .000165 .000165 —
1000 4

1600A Switch

KRP-C-1500SP Fuse
(Table 3) X = .000050 — .00005

1 1 Total R and X = .001545 .008688

Ztotal per = √ (.001545)2 + (.008688)2 = .008824Ω

phase

480
IS.C. sym RMS = = 31,405A
√3 (.008824)

.008688 =
X/Rratio = 5.62
.001545

Asym Factor = 1.285 (Table 8)

IS.C. asym RMS = 31,405 x 1.285 = 40,355A

9
3ø Short-Circuit Current Calculations – Procedures and Methods

Ohmic Method – To Fault X2 – System B

One-Line Diagram Impedance Diagram R X

X = .008688 — .008688
Adjusted Impedance R = .001545 .001545 —
to fault X1

1 1
400A Switch
X = .00008 — .00008
LPS-RK-350SP Fuse

20' x .0327 = —
X= .000327 .000327
1000 2
20' - 2/0 (Table 5)
20' x .0812 =
2 Per Phase R= .000812 .000812 —
Copper in PVC Conduit 1000 2
Total R and X (480V) = .002357 .009095

To Reflect X and R to secondary:

(208)2 x (.009095)
Xtotal = = .001708 — .001708
(208V) (480)2

(208)2 x (.002357)
Rtotal = = .000442 .000442 —
(208V) (480)2

(10) (.998) (.208)2

225KVA Transformer, X= = .00192 — .00192
225
208/120V,
.998%X, .666%R (Table 1.2)
(10) (.666) (.208)2
R= = .00128 .00128 —
225

Total R and X (208V) = .001722 .003628

2 2

Ztotal per = √(.001722)2 + (.003628)2 = .004015Ω

phase

208
IS.C. sym RMS = = 29,911A
√3 (.004015)

.003628 =
X/Rratio = 2.10
.001722

Asym Factor = 1.0491 (Table 8)

IS.C. asym RMS = 29,911 x 1.0491 = 31,380A

10
 3ø Short-Circuit Current Calculations – Procedures and Methods

Per-Unit Method
3ø Short Circuit Calculation Per-Unit Method* Step 9. The symmetrical motor contribution can be
The per-unit method is generally used for calculating approximated by using an average multiplying factor
short-circuit currents when the electrical system is more associated with the motors in the system. This factor varies
complex. according to motor design and in this text may be chosen
as 4 times motor full load current for approximate
After establishing a one-line diagram of the system, calculation purposes. To solve for the symmetrical motor
proceed to the following calculations: ** contribution:

***
† PUX utility KVAbase Isym motor contrib = (4) x (Ifull load motor)
Step 1. =
S.C. KVA utility
Step 10. The total symmetrical short-circuit rms current is
calculated as:
(%X•)(KVAbase )
Step 2. PUX trans = ••
(100)(KVAtrans) Itotal S.C. sym RMS = (IS.C. sym RMS) + (Isym motor contrib)

(%R•)(KVAbase) Step 11. Determine X/R ratio of the system to the point of
PUR trans = fault.
(100)(KVAtrans)

PUX total
X/Rratio =
(XΩ)(KVAbase) PURtotal
Step 3. PUXcomponent (cable, =
switches, CT, bus) (1000)(KV) 2
Step 12. From Table 8, Column Mm, obtain the asymmetrical
factor corresponding to the X/R ratio determined in Step
(RΩ)( KVAbase) 11. This multiplier will provide the worst case asymmetry
Step 4. PURcomponent (cable, = occurring in the first 1/2 cycle. When the average 3-phase
switches, CT, bus) (1000)(KV) 2
multiplier is desired use column Ma.
Step 5. Next, total all per-unit X and all per-unit R in system
to point of fault. Step 13. The asymmetrical RMS short-circuit current can
be calculated as:
Step 6. Determine the per-unit impedance of the system by:
IS.C. asym RMS = (IS.C. sym RMS) x (Asym Factor)
PUZ total = √(PURtotal)2 + (PUX total)2
Step 14. The short-circuit current that the motor load can
Step 7. Calculate the symmetrical RMS short-circuit current contribute is an asymmetrical current usually approximated
at the point of fault. as being equal to the locked rotor current of the motor.***
As a close approximation with a margin of safety use:
KVAbase
IS.C. sym RMS = ***I = (5) x (Ifull load motor)
√3 (KV)(PUZtotal) asym motor contrib

Step 8. Determine the motor load. Add up the full load Step 15. The total asymmetrical short-circuit RMS current
motor currents.(Whenever motor and lighting loads are is calculated as:
considered, such as supplied by 4 wire, 208Y/120 and
••
480Y/277 volt 3 phase systems, the generally accepted ItotalS.C. asym RMS = (IS.C. asym RMS) + (Iasym motor contrib)
procedure is to assume 50% motor load based on the full
load current rating of the transformer.)

* The base KVA used throughout this text will be 10,000 KVA.
** As in the ohmic method procedure, all ohmic values are single-phase distance one way, later compensated for in the three phase short-circuit formula by the
factor, √3. (See Step 7.)
• UL Listed transformers 25KVA and larger have a ± 10% impedance tolerance. Short circuit amperes can be affected by this tolerance.
† Only per-unit X is considered in this procedure since utility X/R ratio is usually quite high. For more finite details obtain per-unit R of utility source.
*** A more exact determination depends upon the sub-transient reactance of the motors in question and associated circuit impedances. A less conservative
method would involve the total motor circuit impedance to a common bus (sometimes referred to as a “zero reactance bus”).
•• Arithmetical addition results in conservative values of fault current. More finite values involve vectorial addition of the currents.

11
3ø Short-Circuit Current Calculations – Procedures and Methods

Per-Unit Method – To Fault X1 – System A

One-Line Diagram Impedance Diagram 10,000 KVA Base
PUR PUX

10,000
Available Utility PUX = = 0.0001 — 0.0001
S.C. MVA 100,000 100,000,000

(3.45) (10,000)
1500 KVA Transformer, PUX = = 0.2300 — 0.2300
480V, 3Ø, (100) (1500)
3.5%Z, 3.45%X, .56%R

If.l. trans = 1804A (.56) (10,000)

PUR = = 0.0373 0.0373 —
(100) (1500)

(25') (.0379)
x x (10,000)
(1000) (6)
25’ - 500kcmil PUX = = 0.00685 — 0.00685
6 Per Phase (1000) (.480)2
Service Entrance
Conductors in Steel Conduit
(25') (.0244)
x x (10,000)
(1000) (6)
PUR = = 0.0044 0.0044 —
(1000) (.480)2

2000A Switch
(.00005) (10,000)
PUX = = 0.00217 — 0.00217
KRP-C-2000SP Fuse (1000) (.480)2

Total PUR and PUX = 0.0417 0.2391

1 1

M M
PUZtotal = √(0.0417)2 + (0.2391)2 = .2430

10,000
IS.C. sym RMS = = 49,489A
√3 (.480)(.2430)

Isym motor contrib = 4 x 1804 = 7,216A

Itotal S.C. sym RMS = 49,489 + 7,216 = 56,705A

(fault X1)

.2391 =
X/Rratio = 5.73
.0417
* Asym Factor = 1.294 (Table 8)

IS.C. asym RMS = 49,489 x 1.294 = 64,039A

Iasym motor contrib = 5 x 1804 = 9,020A
(100% motor load)

Itotal S.C. asym RMS = 64,039 + 9,020 = 73,059A

(fault X1)

Note: See Per Unit Method Procedure for Formulas.

Actual motor contribution will be somewhat smaller than calculated
due to impedance of the feeder cable.

12
3ø Short-Circuit Current Calculations - Procedures and Methods

Per-Unit Method – To Fault X2 – System A

One-Line Diagram Impedance Diagram
10,000 KVA Base
PUR PUX

Adjusted Impedance
to Fault X1
PUX = .2391 — .2391
PUR = .0417 .0417 —

Fault X1 1 1

400A Switch

LPS-RK400SP Fuse
(.00008) (10,000)
PUX = = .0034 — .0034
(1000) (.480)2

50’ x
(.0379) x (10,000)
1000
PUX = = .0822 — .0822
(1000) (.480)2
50’ - 500kcmil
Feeder Cable in
Steel Conduit 50’ x (.0244) x (10,000)
1000
PUR = = .0529 .0529 —
(1000) (.480)2

2 2
Total PUR and PUX = .0946 .3247
Motor Contribution M M

PUZtotal = √(.0946)2 + (.3247)2 = 0.3380

IS.C. sym RMS = 10,000 = 35,621A

√3 (.480)(.3380)

Isym motor contrib = 4 x 1804 = 7,216A

Itotal S.C. sym RMS = 35,621 + 7,216 = 42,837A

(fault X2)

.32477
X/Rratio = = 3.43
.09465

Asym Factor = 1.149 (Table 8)

IS.C. asym RMS = 1.149 x 35,621 = 40,929A

Iasym motor contrib = 5 x 1804 = 9,020A

(100%motor load)

Itotal S.C. asym RMS = 40,929 + 9,020 = 49,949A

(fault X2)

13
3ø Short-Circuit Current Calculations – Procedures and Methods

Per-Unit Method – To Fault X1 – System B

One-Line Diagram Impedance Diagram 10,000KVA Base
PUR PUX

Available Utility
S.C. KVA 500,000 10,000 =
PUX = .02 — .02
500,000

1000 KVA Transformer, (3.45) (10,000)

480V, 3Ø PUX = = .345 — .345
3.45%X, .60%R
(100) (1000)

(.6) (10,000)
PUR = = .06 .06 —
(100) (1000)

(30') (.0303)
x x (10,000)
(1000) (4)
PUX = = .0099 — .0099
(1000) (.48)2
30' - 500kcmil
4 Per Phase
Copper in PVC Conduit (30') (.0220)
x x (10,000)
(1000) (4)
PUR = = .0072 .0072 —
(1000) (.48)2
1600A Switch

(.00005) (10,000)
KRP-C-1500SP Fuse PUX = = .0022 — .0022
(1000) (.48)2

1 1 Total PUR and PUX = .0672 .3771

PUZtotal = √(.0672)2 + (.3771)2 = .383

10,000
IS.C. sym RMS = = 31,405A
√ 3 (.48)(.383)

X/Rratio = .3771 = 5.62

.0672

Asym Factor = 1.285 (Table 8)

IS.C.asym RMS = 31,405 x 1.285 = 40,355A

14
3ø Short-Circuit Current Calculations – Procedures and Methods

Per-Unit Method – To Fault X2 – System B

One-Line Diagram Impedance Diagram
10,000 KVA
PUR PUX

X1 = .3771 — .3771
Adjusted Impedance to R1 = .0672 .0672 —
Fault X1

1 1
400A Switch
(.00008) (10,000)
PUX = = .0035 — .0035
LPS-RK-350SP Fuse (1000) (.48)2

(20') (.0327)
x x (10,000)
(1000) (2)
PUX = = .0142 — .0142
20’ - 2/0 (1000) (.48)2
2 Per Phase
Copper in PVC conduit

(20') (.0812)
x x (10,000)
(1000) (2)
PUR = = .0352 .0352 —
(1000) (.48)2

(.998) (10,000)
PUX = = .4435 — .4435
(100) (225)
225KVA Transformer,
208V, 3Ø (.666) (10,000)
.998%X, .666%R PUR = = .296 .296 —
(100) (225)

2 2 Total PUR and PUX .3984 .8383

PUZtotal = √ (.3984)2 + (.8383)2 = .928

IS.C.sym RMS = 10,000 = 29,911A

√(3)(.208)(.928)

.8383 =
X/Rratio = 2.10
.3984

Asym Factor = 1.0491 (Table 8)

IS.C. asym RMS = 29,911 x 1.0491 = 31,380A

15
3ø Short-Circuit Current Calculations – Procedures and Methods

TRON Computer Software Method

®

BUSSPOWER® is a Computer Software Program which

calculates three phase fault currents. It is a part of the
TRON ® Software Package for Power Systems Analysis.
The user inputs data which includes:

- Cable and Busway Lengths and Types

- Transformer Rating and Impedence
- Fault sources such as Utility Available and Motor
Contribution.

Following the data input phase, the program is

executed and an output report reviewed.

The following is a partial output report of System A

being studied.

TRON ® Software Fault Calculation Program –

Three Phase Fault Report
SYSTEM A
Fault Study Summary
Bus Record Voltage Available RMS Duties
Name L-L 3 Phase Momentary
(Sym) (Asym)
X1 480 58414 77308
X2 480 44847 53111

The following is a par tial output repor t of the

distribution System B.

SYSTEM B
Fault Study Summary
Bus Record Voltage Available RMS Duties
Name L-L 3 Phase Momentary
(Sym) (Asym)
X1 480 31,363 40,141
X2 208 29,980 31,425

A fur ther description of this program and its

capabilities is on the back cover of this bulletin.

16
 3ø Short-Circuit Current Calculations – Procedures and Methods

Point-to-Point Method
The application of the point-to-point method permits the At some distance from the terminals, depending upon wire size, the L-N fault
current is lower than the L-L fault current. The 1.5 multiplier is an
determination of available short-circuit currents with a approximation and will theoretically vary from 1.33 to 1.67. These figures are
reasonable degree of accuracy at various points for either based on change in turns ratio between primary and secondary, infinite
3ø or 1ø electrical distribution systems. This method can source available, zero feet from terminals of transformer, and 1.2 x %X and
1.5 x %R for L-N vs. L-L resistance and reactance values. Begin L-N
assume unlimited primary short-circuit current (infinite bus). calculations at transformer secondary terminals, then proceed point-to-point.

Basic Point-to-Point Calculation Procedure Step 5. Calculate "M" (multiplier).

Step 1. Determine the transformer full load amperes from
either the nameplate or the following formulas: M= 1
x 1+f
3Ø Transformer If.l. = KVA 1000
EL-L x 1.732 Step 6. Calculate the available short-circuit symmetrical
RMS current at the point of fault.
1Ø Transformer If.l. = KVA x 1000
EL-L
IS.C. sym RMS = IS.C. x M
Step 2. Find the transformer multiplier.
Multiplier = 100 Calculation of Short-Circuit Currents
*%Z trans at Second Transformer in System
* Note. Transformer impedance (Z) helps to determine what the short circuit Use the following procedure to calculate the level of
current will be at the transformer secondary. Transformer impedance is fault current at the secondary of a second, downstream
determined as follows: The transformer secondary is short circuited. Voltage
is applied to the primary which causes full load current to flow in the transformer in a system when the level of fault current at the
secondary. This applied voltage divided by the rated primary voltage is the transformer primary is known.
impedance of the transformer.
Example: For a 480 volt rated primary, if 9.6 volts causes secondary full load MAIN
current to flow through the shorted secondary, the transformer impedance is TRANSFORMER
9.6/480 = .02 = 2%Z.
In addition, UL listed transformer 25KVA and larger have a ± 10%
impedance tolerance. Short circuit amperes can be affected by this
tolerance.

IS.C. primary IS.C. secondary

Step 3. Determine the transformer let-thru short-circuit
H.V. UTILITY
current**. CONNECTION

IS.C. = If.l. x Multiplier

IS.C. primary IS.C. secondary
** Note. Motor short-circuit contribution, if significant, may be added to the
transformer secondary short-circuit current value as determined in Step 3.
Proceed with this adjusted figure through Steps 4, 5 and 6. A practical
estimate of motor short-circuit contribution is to multiply the total motor Procedure for Second Transformer in System
current in amperes by 4.
Step 1. Calculate the "f" factor (IS.C. primary known)
Step 4. Calculate the "f" factor.
3Ø Transformer
3Ø Faults f = 1.732 x L x I (IS.C. primary and IS.C. primary x Vprimary x 1.73 (%Z)
C x EL-L f=
IS.C. secondary are 100,000 x KVA trans
1Ø Line-to-Line (L-L) 3Ø fault values)
x x
Faults on 1Ø Center f =2 L I
C x EL-L 1Ø Transformer
Tapped Transformer
(IS.C. primary and IS.C. primary x Vprimary x (%Z)
1Ø Line-to-Neutral
x x † IS.C. secondary are f=
(L-N) Faults on 1Ø f=2 L I 100,000 x KVA trans
C x EL-N 1Ø fault values:
Center Tapped Transformer
IS.C. secondary is L-L)
Where:
L = length (feet) of circuit to the fault. Step 2. Calculate "M" (multiplier).
C = constant from Table 6, page 27. For parallel
1
runs, multiply C values by the number of M=
1+f
conductors per phase.
I = available short-circuit current in amperes at Step 3. Calculate the short-circuit current at the secondary
beginning of circuit. of the transformer. (See Note under Step 3 of "Basic Point-
to-Point Calculation Procedure".)
† Note. The L-N fault current is higher than the L-L fault current at the
secondary terminals of a single-phase center-tapped transformer. The Vprimary
short-circuit current available (I) for this case in Step 4 should be adjusted IS.C. secondary = x M x IS.C. primary
at the transformer terminals as follows: Vsecondary
At L-N center tapped transformer terminals,
I = 1.5 x L-L Short-Circuit Amperes at Transformer Terminals

17
3Ø Short-Circuit Current Calculations – Procedures and Methods

Point-to-Point Method – To Faults X1 & X2 – System A

One-Line Diagram Fault X1
Available Utility
S.C. MVA 100,000 1500 x 1000 =
Step 1. If.l. = 1804A
480 x 1.732
1500 KVA Transformer,
480V, 3Ø, 3.5%Z,
Multiplier = 100 = 28.57
3.45%X, 56%R
Step 2.
If.l. =1804A 3.5

25' - 500kcmil
Step 3. IS.C.= 1804 x 28.57 = 51,540A
6 Per Phase
Service Entrance 1.732 x 25 x 51,540 =
Conductors in Steel Conduit Step 4. f= 0.0349
6 x 22,185 x 480

2000A Switch 1
Step 5. M= = .9663
1 + .0349
KRP-C-2000SP Fuse
Step 6. IS.C.sym RMS = 51,540 x .9663 = 49,803A
Fault X1
1
IS.C.motor contrib = 4 x 1,804 = 7,216A
400A Switch

ItotalS.C. sym RMS = 49,803 + 7,216 = 57,019A

LPS-RK-400SP Fuse ( fault X1)

Fault X2
50' - 500 kcmil
Feeder Cable Step 4. Use IS.C.sym RMS @ Fault X1 to calculate "f"
in Steel Conduit
1.732 x 50 x 49,803 =
f= .4050
22,185 x 480

1
Step 5. M= = .7117
1 + .4050
Fault X2
2
Motor Contribution
M Step 6. IS.C.sym RMS = 49,803 x .7117 = 35,445A

Isym motor contrib = 4 x 1,804 = 7,216A

Itotal S.C. sym RMS = 35,445 + 7,216 = 42,661A

(fault X2)

18
3Ø Short-Circuit Current Calculations – Procedures and Methods

Point-to-Point Method – To Faults X1 & X2 - System B

One-Line Diagram Fault X1
Available Utility
500,000 S.C KVA
Step 1. If.l. = 1000 x 1000 = 1203A
1000 KVA Transformer, 480 x 1.732
480V, 3Ø,
3.5%Z
100 =
If.l.= 1203A Step 2. Multiplier = 28.57
3.5

30’ - 500 kcmil Step 3. IS.C. = 1203 x 28.57 = 34,370A

4 Per Phase
Copper in PVC Conduit
1.732 x 30 x 34,370 =
Step 4. f= .0348
4 x 26,706 x 480
1600A Switch
1
Step 5. M= = .9664
KRP-C-1500SP Fuse 1 + .0348

Fault X1 Step 6. IS.C.sym RMS = 34,370 x .9664 = 33,215A

1
400A Switch

LPS-RK-350SP Fuse
Fault X2

Step 4. f = 1.732 x 20 x 33,215 = .1049

2 x 11,423 x 480
20’ - 2/0
2 Per Phase
Copper in PVC Conduit
Step 5. M= 1 = .905
1 + .1049

225 KVA transformer, Step 6. IS.C.sym RMS = 33,215 x .905 = 30,059A

208V, 3Ø
1.2%Z
Fault X2
30,059 x 480 x 1.732 x 1.2 =
2 f= 1.333
100,000 x 225

1
M= = .4286
1 + 1.333

480 x .4286 x 30,059 =

IS.C. sym RMS = 29,731A
208

3Ø Short-Circuit Current Calculations – RMS Amperes

Comparison of Results
System A System B
Ohmic Per-Unit TRON® PTP Ohmic Per-Unit TRON® PTP
Sym. Asym. Sym. Asym. Sym. Asym. Sym. Sym. Asym. Sym. Asym. Sym. Asym. Sym.
X1 X1 31,405 40,355 31,405 40,355 31,363 40,145 33,215
W/O Motor 49,489 64,039 49,489 64,039 49,992 64,430 49,803 X2 29,911 31,380 29,911 31,380 29,980 31,425 29,731
W/Motor 56,705 73,059 56,705 73,059 58,414 77,308 57,019
X2
W/O Motor 35,621 40,929 35,621 40,929 36,126 41,349 35,445
W/Motor 42,837 49,949 42,837 49,949 44,847 53,111 42,661
Notes:
1. OHMIC and PER UNIT methods assume 100% motor contribution at X1,
then at X2.
2. TRON modeled 100% motor contribution by assuming 1500 HP load,
located at Point X2.
3. PTP method added symmetrical motor contribution at X1, then at X2.

19
1ø Short-Circuit Current Calculations – 1ø Transformer System

Procedures and Methods

Short-circuit calculations on a single-phase center
tapped transformer system require a slightly different
procedure than 3Ø faults on 3Ø systems.

1. It is necessary that the proper impedance be used to A

represent the primary system. For 3Ø fault calculations, a B
single primary conductor impedance is only considered C
from the source to the transformer connection. This is
PRIMARY
compensated for in the 3 Ø short-circuit formula by
SECONDARY
multiplying the single conductor or single-phase
impedance by 1.73.

However, for single-phase faults, a primary conductor SHORT

CIRCUIT
impedance is considered from the source to the
transformer and back to the source. This is compensated in
the calculations by multiplying the 3 Ø primary source
impedance by two.

2. The impedance of the center-tapped transformer must

be adjusted for the half-winding (generally line-to-neutral)
fault condition.

The diagram at the right illustrates that during line-to-

neutral faults, the full primary winding is involved but, only
the half-winding on the secondary is involved. Therefore, PRIMARY
the actual transformer reactance and resistance of the half- SECONDARY
winding condition is different than the actual transformer
reactance and resistance of the full winding condition. SHORT CIRCUIT
Thus, adjustment to the %X and %R must be made when
considering line-to-neutral faults. The adjustment multipliers
generally used for this condition are as follows: L2 N L1

1.5 times full winding %R on full winding basis.

1.2 times full winding %X on full winding basis.

Note: %R and %X multipliers given in Table 1.3 may be used, however,

calculatios must be adjusted to indicate transformer KVA/2.

3. The impedance of the cable and two-pole switches on

the system must be considered "both-ways" since the L1
current flows to the fault and then returns to the source. For
instance, if a line-to-line fault occurs 50 feet from a
transformer, then 100 feet of cable impedance must be N SHORT CIRCUIT
included in the calculation.

The calculations on the following pages illustrate 1 ø L2

fault calculations on a single-phase transformer system.
50 feet
Both line-to-line and line-to-neutral faults are considered.

Note in these examples:

a. The multiplier of 2 for some electrical components to
account for the single-phase fault current flow,
b. The half-winding transformer %X and %R multipliers for
the line-to-neutral fault situation,and
c. The KVA and voltage bases used in the per-unit
calculations

20
1ø Short-Circuit Current Calculations –1ø Transformer System

Per-Unit Method – Line-to-Line Fault @ 240V – Fault X1

10,000KVA Base
One-Line Diagram Impedance Diagram PUR PUX
100,000 KVA 10,000 = .1
3Ø Source PUX(3Ø) =
100,000

PUX(1Ø) = 2 x .1 = .2000 — .2000

(1.22) (10,000)
PUX = = 1.6267 — 1.6267
(100) (75)
75KVA, 1Ø Transformer,
1.22%X, .68%R
(.68) (10,000)
PUR = = .9067 .9067 —
(100) (75)
Negligible Distance

400A Switch
2(.00008) (10,000)
PUX = = .0278 — .0278
LPN-RK-400SP Fuse (1000) (.240)2

25' x
2x .0379 x 10,000
1000
PUX = = .3289 — .3289
(1000) (.240)2
25'
25' - 500kcmil 2x x .0244 x 10,000
1000
Magnetic Conduit PUR = = .2118 .2118 —
(1000) (.240)2

1 1 Total PUR and PUX = 1.1185 2.1834

PUZtotal = √(1.1185)2 + (2.1834)2 = 2.4532

10,000
IS.C. sym RMS = = 16,984A
L-L @ 240V (.240) (2.4532)

Note: See "Data Section" for impedance data for the electrical components.

21
1ø Short-Circuit Current Calculations – 1ø Transformer System

Per-Unit Method – Line-to-Neutral Fault @ 120V – Fault X1

10,000KVA Base
One-Line Diagram Impedance Diagram PUR PUX
100,000 KVA
3Ø Source 10,000 = .1
PUX(3Ø) =
100,000

PUX(1Ø) = 2 x .1 = .2000 — .2000

(1.2) (1.22) (10,000)

PUX = = 1.952 — 1.952
(100) (75)
75KVA, 1Ø Transformer,
1.22%X, .68%R
(1.5) (.68) (10,000)
PUR = = 1.3600 1.3600 —
(100) (75)
Negligible Distance

400A Switch
(.00008) (10,000)
PUX* = = .0556 — .0556
LPN-RK-400SP Fuse (1000) (.120)2

25' x
2x .0379 x 10,000
1000
PUX** = = 1.316 — 1.316
(1000) (.120)2
25' x
25' - 500kcmil 2x .0244 x 10,000
1000
Magnetic Conduit PUR** = = .8472 .8472 —
(1000) (.120)2

1 1 Total PUR and PUX = 2.2072 3.5236

PUZtotal = √(2.2072)2 + (3.5236)2 = 4.158

10,000
IS.C. sym RMS = = 20,041A
L-N @ 120V (.120) (4.158)

Note: See "Data Section" for impedance data for the electrical components.
* The multiplier of two (2) is not applicable since on a line to neutral fault, only
one switch pole is involved.
** Assumes the neutral conductor and the line conductor are the same size.

22
1ø Short-Circuit Current Calculations – 1ø Transformer System

Point-to-Point Method – Line-to-Line Fault @ 240V – Fault X1

Fault X1
One-Line Diagram
Available Utility
S.C.KVA 100,000 75 x 1000 =
3Ø Source
Step 1. If.l. = 312.5A
240

100 =
Step 2. Multiplier = 71.43
1.40

Step 3. IS.C. = 312.5 x 71.43 = 22,322A

x x
75KVA, 1Ø Transformer, Step 4. f = 2 25 22,322 = .2096
1.22%X, .68%R 22,185 x 240
1.40%Z
120/240V
1 = .8267
Negligible Distance Step 5. M=
1 + .2096

Step 6. IS.C. L-L (X1) = 22,322 x .8267 = 18,453A

400A Switch

LPN-RK-400SP Fuse

25' - 500kcmil

Magnetic Conduit

23
1ø Short-Circuit Current Calculations – 1ø Transformer System

Point-to-Point Method – Line-to-Neutral Fault @ 120V – Fault X1

Fault X1
One-Line Diagram
x
Available Utility Step 1. If.l. = 75 1000 = 312.5A
S.C.KVA 100,000 240
3Ø Source

100 =
Step 2. Multiplier = 71.43
1.40

Step 3. IS.C. (L-L) = 312.5 x 71.43 = 22,322A

75KVA, 1Ø Transformer, IS.C. (L-N) = 22,322 x 1.5 = 33,483A

1.22% X, .68%R,
1.40%Z
120/240V 2* x 25 x 22,322 x 1.5
Step 4. f= = .6288
Negligible Distance 22,185 x 120

Step 5. M= 1 = .6139
1 + .6288
400A Switch
Step 6. IS.C. L-N (X1) = 33,483 x .6139 = 20,555A
LPN-RK-400SP Fuse

* Assumes the Neutral conductor and the line conductor are the same size.

25' - 500kcmil

Magnetic Conduit

1Ø Short Circuit Calculations – RMS Amperes

Comparison of Results
Per-Unit Method vs. Point-to-Point Method
Per-Unit PTP
Method Method
X1
Line-Line 16,984A 18,453A
Line-Neutral 20,041A 20,555A

24
 Data Section

Impedance and Reactance Data–Transformers and Switches

Table 1.1. Transformer Impedance Data Table 1.4. Impedance Data for Single Phase and Three Phase
(X/R Ratio of Transformers – Based on ANSI/IEEE C37.010-1979) Transformers-Supplement†
50 KVA Suggested
1Ø 3Ø %Z X/R Ratio for Calculation
10 1.2 1.1
40 15 1.3 1.1
75 1.11 1.5
Typical X/R

150 1.07 1.5

30 225 1.12 1.5
300 1.11 1.5
333 1.9 4.7
500 2.1 5.5
20 † These represent actual transformer nameplate ratings taken from field
installations.
Note: UL Listed transformers 25KVA and greater have a ±10% tolerance on
10 their impedance nameplate.

0
Table 2. Current Transformer Reactance Data
0.5 1 2 5 10 20 50 100 200 500 1000 Approximate Reactance of Current Transformers*
Self-Cooled Transformer Rating in MVA
Reactance in Ohms for
This table has been reprinted from IEEE Std 141-1986, IEEE Recommended Primary Current Various Voltage Ratings
Practice for Electric Power Distribution for Industrial Plants, Copyright© 1986 Ratings - Amperes 600-5000V 7500V 15,000V
by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc with the 100 - 200 0.0022 0.0040 —
permission of the IEEE Standards Department. 250 - 400 0.0005 0.0008 0.0002
Table 1.2. Impedance Data for Three Phase Transformers 500 - 800 0.00019 0.00031 0.00007
KVA %R %X %Z X/R 1000 - 4000 0.00007 0.00007 0.00007
3.0 3.7600 1.0000 3.8907 0.265 Note: Values given are in ohms per phase. For actual values, refer to manu-
6.0 2.7200 1.7200 3.2182 0.632 facturers' data.
9.0 2.3100 1.1600 2.5849 0.502
15.0 2.1000 1.8200 2.7789 0.867 This table has been reprinted from IEEE Std 241-1990, IEEE Recommended
30.0 0.8876 1.3312 1.6000 1.5 Practice for Commercial Building Power Systems, Copyright© 1990 by the
45.0 0.9429 1.4145 1.7000 1.5 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. with the permission of
75.0 0.8876 1.3312 1.6000 1.5 the IEEE Standards Department.
112.5 0.5547 0.8321 1.0000 1.5
150.0 0.6657 0.9985 1.2000 1.5 Table 3. Disconnecting Switch Reactance Data
225.0 0.6657 0.9985 1.2000 1.5 (Disconnecting-Switch Approximate Reactance Data, in Ohms*)
300.0 0.6657 0.9985 1.2000 1.5 Switch Size Reactance
500.0 0.7211 1.0816 1.3000 1.5 (Amperes) (Ohms)
750.0 0.6317 3.4425 3.5000 5.45 200 0.0001
1000.0 0.6048 3.4474 3.5000 5.70 400 0.00008
1500.0 0.5617 3.4546 3.5000 6.15 600 0.00008
2000.0 0.7457 4.9441 5.0000 6.63 800 0.00007
2500.0 0.7457 4.9441 5.0000 6.63 1200 0.00007
Note: UL Listed transformers 25KVA and greater have a ±10% tolerance on 1600 0.00005
2000 0.00005 1 Pole
their nameplate impedance.
3000 0.00004
Table 1.3. Impedance Data for Single Phase Transformers
4000 0.00004
Suggested Normal Range Impedance Multipliers**
X/R Ratio of Percent For Line-to-Neutral Note: The reactance of disconnecting switches for low-voltage circuits
kVA for Impedance (%Z)* Faults (600V and below) is in the order of magnitude of 0.00008 - 0.00005
1Ø Calculation for %X for%R ohm/pole at 60 Hz for switches rated 400 - 4000 A, respectively.
25.0 1.1 1.2–6.0 0.6 0.75
37.5 1.4 1.2–6.5 0.6 0.75 *For actual values, refer to manufacturers’ data.
50.0 1.6 1.2–6.4 0.6 0.75
This table has been reprinted from IEEE Std 241-1990, IEEE Recommended
75.0 1.8 1.2–6.6 0.6 0.75
Practice for Commercial Building Power Systems, Copyright© 1990 by the
100.0 2.0 1.3–5.7 0.6 0.75
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. with the permission of
167.0 2.5 1.4–6.1 1.0 0.75
the IEEE Standards Department.
250.0 3.6 1.9–6.8 1.0 0.75
333.0 4.7 2.4–6.0 1.0 0.75
500.0 5.5 2.2–5.4 1.0 0.75
* National standards do not speciify %Z for single-phase transformers. Consult
manufacturer for values to use in calculation.
** Based on rated current of the winding (one–half nameplate kVA divided by
secondary line-to-neutral voltage).
Note: UL Listed transformers 25 KVA and greater have a ± 10% tolerance on
their impedance nameplate.

This table has been reprinted from IEEEStd 242-1986 (R1991), IEEE
Recommended Practice for Protection and Coordination of Industrial and
Commercial Power Systems, Copyright© 1986 by the Institute of Electrical
and Electronics Engineers, Inc. with the permission of the IEEE Standards
Department.

25
 Data Section

Impedance & Reactance Data-Circuit Breakers and Conductors

Table 4. Circuit Breaker Reactance Data Table 5. Impedance Data - Insulated Conductors
(a) Reactance of Low-Voltage Power Circuit Breakers (Ohms/1000 ft. each conductor - 60Hz)
Circuit-Breaker Size Resistance (25C) Reactance - 600V - THHN
Interrupting Circuit-Breaker AWG or Copper Aluminum Single Conductors 1 Multiconductor
Rating Rating Reactance kcM Metal NonMet Metal Nonmet Mag. Nonmag. Mag Nonmag.
(amperes) (amperes) (ohms)
14 2.5700 2.5700 4.2200 4.2200 .0493 .0394 .0351 .0305
15,000 15 - 35 0.04 12 1.6200 1.6200 2.6600 2.6600 .0468 .0374 .0333 .0290
and 50 - 100 0.004 10 1.0180 1.0180 1.6700 1.6700 .0463 .0371 .0337 .0293
25,000 125 - 225 0.001 8 .6404 .6404 1.0500 1.0500 .0475 .0380 .0351 .0305
250 - 600 0.0002 6 .4100 .4100 .6740 .6740 .0437 .0349 .0324 .0282
50,000 200 - 800 0.0002 4 .2590 .2590 .4240 .4240 .0441 .0353 .0328 .0235
1000 - 1600 0.00007 2 .1640 .1620 .2660 .2660 .0420 .0336 .0313 .0273
75,000 2000 - 3000 0.00008 1 .1303 .1290 .2110 .2110 .0427 .0342 .0319 .0277
100,000 4000 0.00008 1/0 .1040 .1020 .1680 .1680 .0417 .0334 .0312 .0272
(b)Typical Molded Case Circuit Breaker Impedances 2/0 .0835 .0812 .1330 .1330 .0409 .0327 .0306 .0266
Molded-Case 3/0 .0668 .0643 .1060 .1050 .0400 .0320 .0300 .0261
Circuit-Breaker 4/0 .0534 .0511 .0844 .0838 .0393 .0314 .0295 .0257
Rating Resistance Reactance 250 .0457 .0433 .0722 .0709 .0399 .0319 .0299 .0261
(amperes) (ohms) (ohms) 300 .0385 .0362 .0602 .0592 .0393 .0314 .0295 .0257
20 0.00700 Negligible 350 .0333 .0311 .0520 .0507 .0383 .0311 .0290 .0254
40 0.00240 Negligible 400 .0297 .0273 .0460 .0444 .0385 .0308 .0286 .0252
100 0.00200 0.00070 500 .0244 .0220 .0375 .0356 .0379 .0303 .0279 .0249
225 0.00035 0.00020 600 .0209 .0185 .0319 .0298 .0382 .0305 .0278 .0250
400 0.00031 0.00039 750 .0174 .0185 .0264 .0240 .0376 .0301 .0271 .0247
600 0.00007 0.00017 1000 .0140 .0115 .0211 .0182 .0370 .0296 .0260 .0243
Notes:
Note: Increased resistance of conductors in magnetic raceway is due to the effect of hysteresis
(1) Due to the method of rating low-voltage power losses. The increased resistance of conductors in metal non-magnetic raceway is due to the effect
circuit breakers, the reactance of the circuit breaker of eddy current losses. The effect is essentially equal for steel and aluminum raceway. Resistance
which is to interrupt the fault is not included in values are acceptable for 600 volt, 5KV and 15 KV insulated Conductors.
calculating fault current.
(2) Above 600 amperes the reactance of molded case Size Reactance - 5KV Reactance - 15KV
circuit breakers are similar to those given in (a) AWG or Single Conductors 1 Multiconductor Single Conductors 1 Multiconductor
* For actual values, refer to manufacturers’ data.
kcM Mag. Nonmag. Mag. Nonmag. Mag. Nonmag. Mag. Nonmag.
8 .0733 .0586 .0479 .0417 – – – –
This table has been reprinted from IEEE Std 241-1990, 6 .0681 .0545 .0447 .0389 .0842 .0674 .0584 .0508
IEEE Recommended Practice for Commercial Building 4 .0633 .0507 .0418 .0364 .0783 .0626 .0543 .0472
Power Systems, copyright © 1990 by the Institute of 2 .0591 .0472 .0393 .0364 .0727 .0582 .0505 .0439
Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. with the 1 .0571 .0457 .0382 .0332 .0701 .0561 .0487 .0424
permission of the IEEE Standards Department. 1/0 .0537 .0430 .0360 .0313 .0701 .0561 .0487 .0424
2/0 .0539 .0431 .0350 .0305 .0661 .0561 .0458 .0399
3/0 .0521 .0417 .0341 .0297 .0614 .0529 .0427 .0372
4/0 .0505 .0404 .0333 .0290 .0592 .0491 .0413 .0359
250 .0490 .0392 .0323 .0282 .0573 .0474 .0400 .0348
300 .0478 .0383 .0317 .0277 .0557 .0458 .0387 .0339
350 .0469 .0375 .0312 .0274 .0544 .0446 .0379 .0332
400 .0461 .0369 .0308 .0270 .0534 .0436 .0371 .0326
500 .0461 .0369 .0308 .0270 .0517 .0414 .0357 .0317
600 .0439 .0351 .0296 .0261 .0516 .0414 .0343 .0309
750 .0434 .0347 .0284 .0260 .0500 .0413 .0328 .0301
1000 .0421 .0337 .0272 .0255 .0487 .0385 .0311 .0291
These are only representative figures. Reactance is affected by cable insulation type, shielding,
conductor outside diameter, conductor spacing in 3 conductor cable, etc. In commercial buildings
meduim voltage impedances normally do not affect the short circuit calculations significantly.

This table has been reprinted from IEEE Std 241-1990, IEEE Recommended Practice for Commercial
Building Power Systems, copyright © 1990 by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers,
Inc. with the permission of the IEEE Standards Department.

26
Data Section

"C" Values for Conductors and Busway

Table 6. “ C” Values for Conductors and Busway
Copper
AWG Three Single Conductors Three-Conductor Cable
or Conduit Conduit
kcmil Steel Nonmagnetic Steel Nonmagnetic
600V 5KV 15KV 600V 5KV 15KV 600V 5KV 15KV 600V 5KV 15KV
14 389 389 389 389 389 389 389 389 389 389 389 389
12 617 617 617 617 617 617 617 617 617 617 617 617
10 981 981 981 981 981 981 981 981 981 981 981 981
8 1557 1551 1557 1558 1555 1558 1559 1557 1559 1559 1558 1559
6 2425 2406 2389 2430 2417 2406 2431 2424 2414 2433 2428 2420
4 3806 3750 3695 3825 3789 3752 3830 3811 3778 3837 3823 3798
3 4760 4760 4760 4802 4802 4802 4760 4790 4760 4802 4802 4802
2 5906 5736 5574 6044 5926 5809 5989 5929 5827 6087 6022 5957
1 7292 7029 6758 7493 7306 7108 7454 7364 7188 7579 7507 7364
1/0 8924 8543 7973 9317 9033 8590 9209 9086 8707 9472 9372 9052
2/0 10755 10061 9389 11423 10877 10318 11244 11045 10500 11703 11528 11052
3/0 12843 11804 11021 13923 13048 12360 13656 13333 12613 14410 14118 13461
4/0 15082 13605 12542 16673 15351 14347 16391 15890 14813 17482 17019 16012
250 16483 14924 13643 18593 17120 15865 18310 17850 16465 19779 19352 18001
300 18176 16292 14768 20867 18975 17408 20617 20051 18318 22524 21938 20163
350 19703 17385 15678 22736 20526 18672 19557 21914 19821 22736 24126 21982
400 20565 18235 16365 24296 21786 19731 24253 23371 21042 26915 26044 23517
500 22185 19172 17492 26706 23277 21329 26980 25449 23125 30028 28712 25916
600 22965 20567 47962 28033 25203 22097 28752 27974 24896 32236 31258 27766
750 24136 21386 18888 28303 25430 22690 31050 30024 26932 32404 31338 28303
1000 25278 22539 19923 31490 28083 24887 33864 32688 29320 37197 35748 31959
Aluminum
14 236 236 236 236 236 236 236 236 236 236 236 236
12 375 375 375 375 375 375 375 375 375 375 375 375
10 598 598 598 598 598 598 598 598 598 598 598 598
8 951 950 951 951 950 951 951 951 951 951 951 951
6 1480 1476 1472 1481 1478 1476 1481 1480 1478 1482 1481 1479
4 2345 2332 2319 2350 2341 2333 2351 2347 2339 2353 2349 2344
3 2948 2948 2948 2958 2958 2958 2948 2956 2948 2958 2958 2958
2 3713 3669 3626 3729 3701 3672 3733 3719 3693 3739 3724 3709
1 4645 4574 4497 4678 4631 4580 4686 4663 4617 4699 4681 4646
1/0 5777 5669 5493 5838 5766 5645 5852 5820 5717 5875 5851 5771
2/0 7186 6968 6733 7301 7152 6986 7327 7271 7109 7372 7328 7201
3/0 8826 8466 8163 9110 8851 8627 9077 8980 8750 9242 9164 8977
4/0 10740 10167 9700 11174 10749 10386 11184 11021 10642 11408 11277 10968
250 12122 11460 10848 12862 12343 11847 12796 12636 12115 13236 13105 12661
300 13909 13009 12192 14922 14182 13491 14916 14698 13973 15494 15299 14658
350 15484 14280 13288 16812 15857 14954 15413 16490 15540 16812 17351 16500
400 16670 15355 14188 18505 17321 16233 18461 18063 16921 19587 19243 18154
500 18755 16827 15657 21390 19503 18314 21394 20606 19314 22987 22381 20978
600 20093 18427 16484 23451 21718 19635 23633 23195 21348 25750 25243 23294
750 21766 19685 17686 23491 21769 19976 26431 25789 23750 25682 25141 23491
1000 23477 21235 19005 28778 26109 23482 29864 29049 26608 32938 31919 29135
Note: These values are equal to one over the impedance per foot for impedances found in Table 5, Page 26.

Ampacity Busway
Plug-In Feeder High Impedance
Copper Aluminum Copper Aluminum Copper
225 28700 23000 18700 12000 —
400 38900 34700 23900 21300 —
600 41000 38300 36500 31300 —
800 46100 57500 49300 44100 —
1000 69400 89300 62900 56200 15600
1200 94300 97100 76900 69900 16100
1350 119000 104200 90100 84000 17500
1600 129900 120500 101000 90900 19200
2000 142900 135100 134200 125000 20400
2500 143800 156300 180500 166700 21700
3000 144900 175400 204100 188700 23800
4000 — — 277800 256400 —
Note: These values are equal to one over the impedance per foot for
impedances in Table 7, Page 28.

27
Data Section

Busway Impedance Data

Table 7. Busway Impedance Data (Ohms per 1000 Feet – Line-to-Neutral, 60 Cycles)
Plug-In Busway
Copper Bus Bars Aluminum Bus Bars
Ampere Rating Resistance Reactance Impedance Resistance Reactance Impedance
225 0.0262 0.0229 0.0348 0.0398 0.0173 0.0434
400 0.0136 0.0218 0.0257 0.0189 0.0216 0.0288
600 0.0113 0.0216 0.0244 0.0179 0.0190 0.0261
800 0.0105 0.0190 0.0217 0.0120 0.0126 0.0174
1000 0.0071 0.0126 0.0144 0.0080 0.0080 0.0112
1200 0.0055 0.0091 0.0106 0.0072 0.0074 0.0103
1350 0.0040 0.0072 0.0084 0.0065 0.0070 0.0096
1600 0.0036 0.0068 0.0077 0.0055 0.0062 0.0083
2000 0.0033 0.0062 0.0070 0.0054 0.0049 0.0074
2500 0.0032 0.0062 0.0070 0.0054 0.0034 0.0064
3000 0.0031 0.0062 0.0069 0.0054 0.0018 0.0057
4000 0.0030 0.0062 0.0069 — — —
5000 0.0020 0.0039 0.0044 — — —
Low-Impedance Feeder Busway
225 0.0425 0.0323 0.0534 0.0767 0.0323 0.0832
400 0.0291 0.0301 0.0419 0.0378 0.0280 0.0470
600 0.0215 0.0170 0.0274 0.0305 0.0099 0.0320
800 0.0178 0.0099 0.0203 0.0212 0.0081 0.0227
1000 0.0136 0.0082 0.0159 0.0166 0.0065 0.0178
1200 0.0110 0.0070 0.0130 0.0133 0.0053 0.0143
1350 0.0090 0.0065 0.0111 0.0110 0.0045 0.0119
1600 0.0083 0.0053 0.0099 0.0105 0.0034 0.0110
2000 0.0067 0.0032 0.0074 0.0075 0.0031 0.0080
2500 0.0045 0.0032 0.0055 0.0055 0.0023 0.0060
3000 0.0041 0.0027 0.0049 0.0049 0.0020 0.0053
4000 0.0030 0.0020 0.0036 0.0036 0.0015 0.0039
5000 0.0023 0.0015 0.0027 — — —
The above data represents values which are a composite of those obtained by a survey of industry; values tend to be on the low side.

28
Data Section

Asymmetrical Factors
Table 8. Asymmetrical Factors Selective Coordination (Blackout Prevention)
Ratio to Symmetrical RMS Amperes Having determined the faults that must be
Short Circuit Short Maximum 1 phase Maximum 1 phase Average 3 phase interrupted, the next step is to specify Protective
Power Factor, Circuit Instantaneous RMS Amperes at RMS Amperes at
Devices that will provide a Selectively Coordinated
Percent* X/R Ratio Peak Amperes Mp 1/2 Cycle Mm 1/2 Cycle Ma*
(Asym.Factor)* System with proper Interrupting Ratings.
0 ∞ 2.828 1.732 1.394
1 100.00 2.785 1.697 1.374 Such a system assures safety and reliability
2 49.993 2.743 1.662 1.354 under all service conditions and prevents needless
3 33.322 2.702 1.630 1.336
4 24.979 2.663 1.599 1.318
interruption of service on circuits other than the one
5 19.974 2.625 1.569 1.302 on which a fault occurs.
6 16.623 2.589 1.540 1.286
7 14.251 2.554 1.512 1.271 The topic of Selectivity will be Discussed in the
8 13.460 2.520 1.486 1.256
next Handbook, EDP II.
9 11.066 2.487 1.461 1.242
10 9.9301 2.455 1.437 1.229
11 9.0354 2.424 1.413 1.216 Component Protection (Equipment Damage Prevention)
12 8.2733 2.394 1.391 1.204 Proper protection of electrical equipment
13 7.6271 2.364 1.370 1.193 requires that fault current levels be known. The
14 7.0721 2.336 1.350 1.182
15 6.5912 2.309 1.331 1.172
characteristics and let-through values of the
16 6.1695 2.282 1.312 1.162 overcurrent device must be known, and compared
17 5.7947 2.256 1.295 1.152 to the equipment withstand ratings. This topic of
18 5.4649 2.231 1.278 1.144 Component Protection is discussed in the third
19 5.16672 2.207 1.278 1.135
Handbook, EDP III.
20 4.8990 2.183 1.247 1.127
21 4.6557 2.160 1.232 1.119
22 4.4341 2.138 1.219 1.112
23 4.2313 2.110 1.205 1.105
24 4.0450 2.095 1.193 1.099
25 3.8730 2.074 1.181 1.092
26 3.7138 2.054 1.170 1.087
27 3.5661 2.034 1.159 1.081
28 3.4286 2.015 1.149 1.076
29 3.3001 1.996 1.139 1.071
30 3.1798 1.978 1.130 1.064
31 3.0669 1.960 1.122 1.062
32 2.9608 1.943 1.113 1.057
33 2.8606 1.926 1.106 1.057
34 2.7660 1.910 1.098 1.050
35 2.6764 1.894 1.091 1.046
36 2.5916 1.878 1.085 1.043
37 2.5109 1.863 1.079 1.040
38 2.4341 1.848 1.073 1.037
39 2.3611 1.833 1.068 1.034
40 2.2913 1.819 1.062 1.031
41 2.2246 1.805 1.058 1.029
42 2.1608 1.791 1.053 1.027
43 2.0996 1.778 1.049 1.024
44 2.0409 1.765 1.045 1.023
45 1.9845 1.753 1.041 1.021
46 1.9303 1.740 1.038 1.019
47 1.8780 1.728 1.035 1.017
48 1.8277 1.716 1.032 1.016
49 1.7791 1.705 1.029 1.014
50 1.7321 1.694 1.026 1.013
55 1.5185 1.641 1.016 1.008
60 1.3333 1.594 1.009 1.004
65 1.1691 1.517 1.005 1.001
70 1.0202 1.517 1.002 1.001
75 0.8819 1.486 1.0008 1.0004
80 0.7500 1.460 1.0002 1.0001
85 0.6198 1.439 1.00004 1.00002
100 0.0000 1.414 1.00000 1.00000
*Reprinted by permission of National Electrical Manufacturer's Association from
NEMA Publication AB-1, 1986, copyright 1986 by NEMA.

29