34 Delta-star and star-delta transformations

At the end of this chapter you should be able to:

• recognize delta (or π) and star (or T ) • apply the delta-star and star-delta transformations
connections in appropriate a.c. and d.c. networks

34.1 Introduction

By using Kirchhoff’s laws, mesh-current analysis, nodal

analysis or the superposition theorem, currents and volt-
ages in many networks can be determined as shown in
Chapters 30 to 32. Thévenin’s and Norton’s theorems,
introduced in Chapter 33, provide an alternative method
of solving networks and often with considerably reduced
numerical calculations. Also, these latter theorems are
especially useful when only the current in a particular
branch of a complicated network is required. Delta-star
and star-delta transformations may be applied in certain
types of circuit to simplify them before application of
circuit theorems.

34.2 Delta and star connections Figure 34.1 (a) π-connected network, (b) Delta-
connected network
The network shown in Figure 34.1(a) consisting of three
impedances ZA , ZB and ZC is said to be π-connected.
This network can be redrawn as shown in Figure 34.1(b), PART
where the arrangement is referred to as delta-connected 3
or mesh-connected.
The network shown in Figure 34.2(a), consisting
of three impedances, Z1 , Z2 and Z3 , is said to be
T-connected. This network can be redrawn as shown in
Figure 34.2(b), where the arrangement is referred to as
star-connected.

34.3 Delta-star transformation

It is possible to replace the delta connection shown in Fig-

ure 34.3(a) by an equivalent star connection as shown in
Figure 34.3(b) such that the impedance measured between
any pair of terminals (1–2, 2–3 or 3–1) is the same in star
as in delta. The equivalent star network will consume the
same power and operate at the same power factor as the
original delta network. A delta-star transformation may Figure 34.2 (a) T-connected network, (b) Star-
alternatively be termed ‘π to T transformation’. connected network
424 Electrical Circuit Theory and Technology

Equation (34.3) + equation (34.4) gives:

2ZA ZB
= 2Z1
ZA + ZB + Z C

ZA ZB
from which Z1 =
ZA + ZB + ZC

Similarly, equation (34.2) – equation (34.3) gives:

ZB ZC − ZA ZB
= Z2 − Z1 (34.5)
ZA + ZB + Z C

Equation (34.1) + equation (34.5) gives:

2ZB ZC
= 2Z2
ZA + ZB + Z C

ZB ZC
from which Z2 =
ZA + ZB + ZC

Finally, equation (34.3) – equation (34.1) gives:

ZA ZC − ZB ZC
Figure 34.3 = Z3 − Z2 (34.6)
ZA + ZB + Z C
Considering terminals 1 and 2 of Figure 34.3(a), the
equivalent impedance is given by the impedance ZB in Equation (34.2) + equation (34.6) gives:
parallel with the series combination of ZA and ZC ,
2ZA ZC
ZB (ZA + ZC ) = 2Z3
i.e. ZA + ZB + Z C
ZB + Z A + Z C
ZA ZC
In Figure 34.3(b), the equivalent impedance between from which Z3 =
terminals 1 and 2 is Z1 and Z2 in series, i.e. Z1 + Z2 ZA + ZB + ZC
Thus,
Summarizing, the star section shown in Figure 34.3(b)
Delta Star is equivalent to the delta section shown in
Figure 34.3(a) when
ZB (ZA + ZC )
Z12 = = Z1 + Z2 (34.1)
ZB + ZA + ZC
ZA ZB
Z1 = (34.7)
By similar reasoning, ZA + ZB + ZC
ZC (ZA + ZB )
Z23 = = Z2 + Z3 (34.2)
ZC + ZA + ZB Z B ZC
Z2 = (34.8)
and ZA + ZB + ZC

ZA (ZB + ZC )
Z31 = = Z3 + Z1 (34.3)
ZA + ZB + ZC Z A ZC
and Z3 = (34.9)
ZA + ZB + ZC
Hence we have three simultaneous equations to be solved
for Z1 , Z2 and Z3 .
Equation (34.1) – equation (34.2) gives: It is noted that impedance Z1 is given by the prod-
uct of the two impedances in delta joined to terminal
ZA ZB − ZA ZC 1 (i.e. ZA and ZB ), divided by the sum of the three
= Z1 − Z3 (34.4)
ZA + ZB + Z C impedances; impedance Z2 is given by the product of
 Delta-star and star-delta transformations 425

the two impedances in delta joined to terminal 2 (i.e. ZB Let the equivalent star network be as shown in Fig-
and ZC ), divided by the sum of the three impedances; ure 34.6. Then, from equation (34.7),
and impedance Z3 is given by the product of the two
impedances in delta joined to terminal 3 (i.e. ZA and ZC ), ZA ZB
divided by the sum of the three impedances. Z1 =
ZA + ZB + ZC
Thus, for example, the star equivalent of the resistive
delta network shown in Figure 34.4 is given by (20)(10 + j10)
=
20 + 10 + j10 − j20
(2)(3)
Z1 = = 0.6  (20)(10 + j10)
2+3+5 =
(30 − j10)
(3)(5)
Z2 = = 1.5  (20)(1.414∠45◦ )
2+3+5 =
(2)(5) 31.62∠−18.43◦
and Z3 = = 1.0 
2+3+5 = 8.944∠63.43◦  or (4 + j8)

Figure 34.6

From equation (34.8),

ZB ZC
Z2 =
ZA + ZB + ZC
(10 + j10)(−j20) PART
=
31.62∠ − 18.43◦ 3
Figure 34.4 (1.414∠45◦ )(20∠ − 90◦ )
=
31.62∠ − 18.43◦
Problem 1. Replace the delta-connected network = 8.944∠−26.57◦  or (8 − j4)
shown in Figure 34.5 by an equivalent star connection.
From equation (34.9),

ZA ZC
Z3 =
ZA + ZB + ZC
(20)(−j20)
=
31.62∠ − 18.43◦
(400∠−90◦ )
=
31.62∠ − 18.43◦
= 12.650∠−71.57◦  or (4 − j12)
Figure 34.5
426 Electrical Circuit Theory and Technology

From equation (34.8),

Problem 2. For the network shown in Figure 34.7,
determine (a) the equivalent circuit impedance across ZB ZC ( j15))( j25)
terminals AB, (b) supply current I and (c) the power Z2 = = = j7.5
ZA + ZB + ZC j50
dissipated in the 10  resistor.
From equation (34.9),

ZA ZC ( j10)( j25)
Z3 = = = j5 
ZA + Z B + Z C j50

The equivalent network is shown in Figure 34.10 and

is further simplified in Figure 34.11.

Figure 34.7

(a) The network of Figure 34.7 is redrawn, as in Figure

34.8, showing more clearly the part of the network
1, 2, 3 forming a delta connection. This may be
transformed into a star connection as shown in
Figure 34.9. Figure 34.10

Figure 34.11

(10 + j5) in parallel with −j5  gives an equivalent

Figure 34.8 impedance of

(10 + j5)(−j5)
= (2.5 − j5) 
(10 + j5 − j5)

Hence the total circuit equivalent impedance across

terminals AB is given by
ZAB = (2.5 − j5) + j7.5 = (2.5 + j2.5)
or 3.54∠45◦ 
V 40∠0◦
(b) Supply current I = =
ZAB 3.54∠45◦
= 11.3∠− 45◦A
Figure 34.9 (c) Power P dissipated in the 10  resistance of Figure
34.7 is given by (I1 )2 (10), where I1 (see Figure 34.11)
is given by:
From equation (34.7),


−j5
I1 = (11.3∠−45◦ )
ZA ZB ( j10)( j15) 10 + j5 − j5
Z1 = =
ZA + ZB + ZC j10 + j15 + j25 = 5.65∠−135◦ A
( j10)( j15) Hence power P = (5.65)2 (10) = 319 W
= = j3
( j50)
 Delta-star and star-delta transformations 427

(8)(40)
Problem 3. Determine, for the bridge network shown Z3 = = 5 (from equation (34.9))
in Figure 34.12, (a) the value of the single equivalent 8 + 16 + 40
resistance that replaces the network between terminals The network of Figure 34.12 may thus be redrawn
A and B, (b) the current supplied by the 52 V source, as shown in Figure 34.14. The 4  and 2  resis-
and (c) the current flowing in the 8  resistance. tances are in series with each other, as are the 1 
and 5  resistors. Hence the equivalent network
is as shown in Figure 34.15. The total equivalent
resistance across terminals A and B is given by

(6)(6)
RAB = + 10 = 13 
(6) + (6)

Figure 34.12

(a) In Figure 34.12, no resistances are directly in par-

allel or directly in series with each other. However,
ACD and BCD are both delta connections and either
may be converted into an equivalent star connec-
tion. The delta network BCD is redrawn in Figure
34.13(a) and is transformed into an equivalent star
connection as shown in Figure 34.13(b), where

Figure 34.14

PART
3

Figure 34.15

(b) Current supplied by the 52 V source, i.e. current I

Figure 34.13 in Figure 34.15, is given by

V 52
(8)(16) I= = = 4A
Z1 = = 2 (from equation (34.7)) ZAB 13
8 + 16 + 40
(c) From Figure 34.15,
(16)(40) current I1 = [6/(6 + 6)](I) =2 A, and
Z2 = = 10 (from equation (34.8))
8 + 16 + 40 current I2 = 2 A also.
428 Electrical Circuit Theory and Technology

From Figure 34.14, p.d. acrossAC, VAC = (I1 )(4) =

8 V and p.d. across AD, VAD = (I2 )(1) = 2 V. Hence
p.d. between C and D (i.e. p.d. across the 8 
resistance of Figure 34.12) is given by (8 − 2) = 6 V.

Thus the current in the 8 resistance is given by

VCD /8 = 6/8 = 0.75 A

Problem 4. Figure 34.16 shows an Anderson bridge

used to measure, with high accuracy, inductance LX
and series resistance RX

Figure 34.17
Figure 34.16

(a) Transform the delta ABD into its equivalent

star connection and hence determine the balance
equations for RX and LX
(b) If R2 = R3 = 1 k  , R4 = 500 , R5 = 200  and
C = 2 µF, determine the values of RX and LX at
balance.

(a) The delta ABD is redrawn separately in Figure Figure 34.18

34.17, together with its equivalent star connection
comprising impedances Z1 , Z2 and Z3 .
From equation (34.7),

(R5 )(−jXC ) −jR5 XC

Z1 = =
R5 − jXC + R3 (R3 + R5 ) − jXC

From equation (34.8),

(−jXC )(R3 ) −jR3 XC

Z2 = =
R5 − jXC + R3 (R3 + R5 ) − jXC
Figure 34.19
From equation (34.9),

R5 R3 impedance Z1 does not affect the balance of the

Z3 = bridge since it is in series with the detector.)
(R3 + R5 ) − jXC
At balance,
The network of Figure 34.16 is redrawn with the
(RX + jXLX )(Z2 ) = (R2 )(R4 + Z3 )
star replacing the delta as shown in Figure 34.18,
and further simplified in Figure 34.19. (Note that from Chapter 27,
 Delta-star and star-delta transformations 429

from which, Problem 5. For the network shown in Figure 34.20,

determine (a) the current flowing in the (0 + j10)
R2 R 2 R4 R2 Z3
(RX + jXLX ) = (R4 + Z3 ) = + impedance, and (b) the power dissipated in the
Z2 Z2 Z2 (20 + j0) impedance.
R2 R 4
=
−jR3 XC /((R3 + R5 ) − jXC )
R2 (R5 R3 /((R3 + R5 ) − jXC ))
+
−jR3 XC /((R3 + R5 ) − jXC )
R2 R4 ((R3 + R5 ) − jXC ) R2 R5 R3
= +
−jR3 XC −jR3 XC
jR2 R4 ((R3 + R5 ) − jXC ) jR2 R5
= +
R3 XC XC
Figure 34.20
jR2 R4 (R3 + R5 ) R2 R4 XC
i.e. (RX + jXLX ) = +
R 3 XC R3 XC
(a) The network may initially be simplified by trans-
jR2 R5 forming the delta PQR to its equivalent star con-
+ nection as represented by impedances Z1 , Z2 and
XC
Z3 in Figure 34.21. From equation (34.7),
Equating the real parts gives:
(15 + j10)(25 − j5)
R2 R4 Z1 =
RX = (15 + j10) + (25 − j5) + (20 − j30)
R3
(15 + j10)(25 − j5)
=
Equating the imaginary parts gives: (60 − j25)
(18.03∠33.69◦ )(25.50∠−11.31◦ )
R2 R4 (R3 + R5 ) R2 R5 =
XLX = + 65∠−22.62◦
R3 XC XC
= 7.07∠45◦  or (5 + j5)
R 2 R4 R3 R2 R4 R5 R 2 R5
i.e. ωLX = + +
R3 (1/ωC) R3 (1/ωC) (1/ωC)
ωCR2 R4 R5
= ωCR2 R4 + + ωCR2 R5
R3 PART

R4 R 5
 3
Hence LX = R2 C R4 + + R5
R3

(b) When R2 = R3 = 1 k , R4 = 500 , R5 = 200 

and C = 2 µF, then, at balance

R2 R 4 (1000)(500)
RX = = = 500 
R3 (1000)
and
 
R4 R5
LX = R2 C R4 + + R5
R3


−6 (500)(200)
= (1000)(2 × 10 ) 500 + + 200
(1000)
= 1.60 H
Figure 34.21
430 Electrical Circuit Theory and Technology

From equation (34.8), (b) The power P dissipated in the (20 + j0)
impedance of Figure 34.20 is given by
(15 + j10)(20 − j30) P = I22 (20) = (2)2 (20) = 80 W
Z2 =
(65∠ − 22.62◦ )
(18.03∠33.69◦ )(36.06∠−56.31◦ ) Now try the following exercise.
=
65∠−22.62◦
= 10.0∠0◦ or (10 + j0) Exercise 117 Further problems on delta-star
transformations
From equation (34.9),
1. Transform the delta connected networks shown
(25 − j5)(20 − j30) in Figure 34.24 to their equivalent star-connected
Z3 = networks.
(65∠ − 22.62◦ )
[(a) Z1 = 0.4 , Z2 = 2 , Z3 = 0.5 
(25.50∠ − 11.31◦ )(36.06∠−56.31◦ ) (b) Z1 =−j100 , Z2 = j100 , Z3 = 100 ]
=
65∠ − 22.62◦
= 14.15∠ − 45◦  or (10 − j10)

The network is shown redrawn in Figure 34.22 and

further simplified in Figure 34.23, from which,

Figure 34.22

Figure 34.24

2. Transform the π network shown in Figure 34.25 to

its equivalent star-connected network.
[Z1 = 5.12∠78.35◦ , Z2 = 6.82∠−26.65◦ ,
Figure 34.23 Z3 = 10.23∠−11.65◦ ]

120∠0◦
current I1 =
7.5 + ((10)(30)/(10 + 30))
120∠0◦
= = 8A
15
 
10
current I2 = (8) = 2 A
10 + 30
 
30 Figure 34.25
current I3 = (8) = 6 A
10 + 30
3. For the network shown in Figure 34.26 determine
(a) current I, and (b) the power dissipated in the
The current flowing in the (0 + j10) impedance 10  resistance.
of Figure 34.20 is the current I3 shown in Figure [(a) 7.32 ∠ 24.06◦ A (b) 668 W]
34.23, i.e. 6 A
 Delta-star and star-delta transformations 431

7. Transform the delta-connected network ABC

shown in Figure 34.29 and hence determine the
magnitude of the current flowing in the 20 
resistance. [4.47 A]

Figure 34.26

4. A delta-connected network contains three Figure 34.29

24∠60◦  impedances. Determine the impedances 8. For the network shown in Figure 34.30 determine
of the equivalent star-connected network. (a) the current supplied by the 80 ∠ 0◦V source, and
[Each impedance = 8∠60◦ ] (b) the power dissipated in the (2.00 − j0.916)
impedance. [(a) 9.73 A (b) 98.6 W]
5. For the a.c. bridge network shown in Figure 34.27,
transform the delta-connected network ABC into
an equivalent star, and hence determine the current
flowing in the capacitor. [131 mA]

Figure 34.30

34.4 Star-delta transformation

It is possible to replace the star section shown in Figure

Figure 34.27 34.31(a) by an equivalent delta section as shown in Fig- PART
ure 34.31(b). Such a transformation is also known as a ‘T 3
6. For the network shown in Figure 34.28 transform to π transformation’.
the delta-connected network ABC to an equivalent From equations (34.7), (34.8) and (34.9),
star-connected network, convert the 35 A, 2  Nor-
ton circuit to an equivalent Thévenin circuit and ZA ZB2 ZC + ZA ZB ZC2 + ZA2 ZB ZC
Z1 Z2 + Z2 Z3 + Z3 Z1 =
hence determine the p.d. across the 12.5  resistor. (ZA + ZB + ZC )2
[31.25 V]
ZA ZB ZC (ZB + ZC + ZA )
=
(ZA + ZB + ZC )2
ZA ZB ZC
= (34.10)
(ZA + ZB + ZC )

 
Z B ZC
i.e. Z1 Z2 + Z2 Z3 + Z3 Z1 = ZA
ZA + ZB + ZC
= ZA (Z2 )
Figure 34.28
from equation (34.8)
432 Electrical Circuit Theory and Technology

Z1 Z 2 + Z2 Z3 + Z3 Z1
ZA = (34.11)
Z2

Z1 Z 2 + Z2 Z3 + Z3 Z1
ZB = (34.12)
Z3

Z1 Z2 + Z2 Z3 + Z3 Z1
and ZC = (34.13)
Z1

It is noted that the numerator in each expression is the

sum of the products of the star impedances taken in pairs.
The denominator of the expression for ZA , which is con-
nected between terminals 1 and 3 of Figure 34.31(b), is
Z2 , which is connected to terminal 2 of Figure 34.31(a).
Similarly, the denominator of the expression for ZB
which is connected between terminals 1 and 2 of Fig-
ure 34.31(b), is Z3 , which is connected to terminal 3 of
Figure 34.31(a). Also the denominator of the expression
for Zc which is connected between terminals 2 and 3 of
Figure 34.31(b), is Z1 , which is connected to terminal 1 of
Figure 34.31 Figure 34.31(a).
Thus, for example, the delta equivalent of the resistive
star circuit shown in Figure 34.32 is given by:
Z1 Z2 + Z2 Z3 + Z3 Z1
Hence ZA =
Z2 (0.6)(1.5) + (1.5)(1.0) + (1.0)(0.6) 3.0
ZA = = = 2 ,
1.5 1.5
From equation (34.10),
3.0 3.0
ZB = = 3 , ZC = = 5
  1.0 0.6
ZA ZC
Z1 Z2 + Z2 Z3 + Z3 Z1 = ZB = ZB (Z3 )
ZA + ZB + Z C
from equation (34.9)

Z1 Z2 + Z2 Z3 + Z3 Z1
Hence ZB =
Z3

Also from equation (34.10),

 
ZA ZB
Z1 Z2 + Z2 Z3 + Z3 Z1 = ZC = ZC (Z1 )
ZA + Z B + Z C
from equation (34.7)

Z1 Z2 + Z2 Z3 + Z3 Z1
Hence ZC =
Z1

Summarizing, the delta section shown in Figure 34.31(b)

is equivalent to the star section shown in Figure 34.31(a) Figure 34.32
when
 Delta-star and star-delta transformations 433

Problem 6. Determine the delta-connected equiva- From equation (34.13),

lent network for the star-connected impedances shown (200 + j150) (200 + j150)
in Figure 34.33 ZC = = = (20 + j15) 
Z1 10
Problem 7. Three impedances, Z1 = 100∠0◦ ,
Z2 = 63.25∠18.43◦  and Z3 = 100∠−90◦  are con-
nected in star. Convert the star to an equivalent delta
connection.

The star-connected network and the equivalent delta net-

Figure 34.33 work comprising impedances ZA , ZB and ZC are shown in
Figure 34.35. From equation (34.11),
Figure 34.34(a) shows the network of Figure 34.33 Z1 Z2 + Z2 Z3 + Z3 Z1
ZA =
redrawn and Figure 34.34(b) shows the equivalent delta Z2
connection containing impedances ZA , ZB and Zc . (100∠0◦ )(63.25∠18.43◦ ) + (63.25∠18.43◦ )(100∠−90◦ )
From equation (34.11), +(100∠−90◦ )(100∠0◦ )
=
63.25∠18.43◦
Z1 Z2 + Z2 Z3 + Z3 Z1 6325∠18.43◦ + 6325∠−71.57◦ + 10000∠−90◦
ZA = =
Z2 63.25∠18.43◦
(10)(20) + (20)( j5) + ( j5)(10) 6000 + j2000 + 2000 − j6000 − j10000
= =
20 63.25∠18.43◦
200 + j150 8000 − j14 000 16 124.5∠−60.26◦
= = (10 + j7.5)  = ◦
=
63.25∠18.43 63.25∠18.43◦
20
= 254.93∠−78.69◦  or (50 − j250)
From equation (34.12),

(200 + j150) (200 + j150)

ZB = =
Z3 j5
−j5(200 + j150)
= = (30 − j40) 
25

PART
3

Figure 34.35
From equation (34.12),
Z1 Z2 + Z2 Z3 + Z3 Z1
ZB =
Z3
16 124.5∠−60.26◦
=
100∠−90◦
Figure 34.34 = 161.25∠29.74◦  or (140 + j80)
434 Electrical Circuit Theory and Technology

From equation (34.13), 2. Change the T -connected network shown in Figure

34.37 to its equivalent delta-connected network.
Z1 Z2 + Z2 Z3 + Z3 Z1 16 124.5∠−60.26◦ [Z12 = 35.93∠40.50◦ ,
ZC = =
Z1 100∠0◦ Z23 = 53.89∠−19.50◦ ,
Z31 = 26.95∠−49.50◦ ]
= 161.25∠−60.26◦  or (80 − j140)

Now try the following exercise.

Exercise 118 Further problems on star-delta

transformations

1. Determine the delta-connected equivalent net- Figure 34.37

works for the star-connected impedances shown in
Figure 34.36 3. Three impedances, each of (2 + j3), are con-
[(a) Z12 = 18 , Z23 = 9 , Z31 = 13.5  nected in star. Determine the impedances of the
(b) Z12 = (10 + j0) , Z23 = (5 + j5) , equivalent delta-connected network.
Z31 = (0 − j10)] [Each impedance = (6 + j9)]
4. (a) Derive the star-connected network of three
impedances equivalent to the network shown
in Figure 34.38.
(b) Obtain the delta-connected equivalent network
for Figure 34.33.
[(a) 5 , 6 , 3  (b) 21 , 12.6 , 10.5 ]

Figure 34.38

Figure 34.36