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1.2-5

Ref. No. 0039

Fault Current Calculations

for Specific Equipment
The purpose of the fault current calculations is to determine the fault current
at the location of a circuit breaker, fuse
or other fault interrupting device in
order to select a device adequate for the
calculated fault current or to check the
thermal and momentary ratings of noninterrupting devices. When the devices
to be used are ANSI-rated devices, the
fault current must be calculated and the
device selected as per ANSI standards.
The calculation of available fault current and system X/R rating is utilized
to verify adequate bus bar bracing
and momentary withstand ratings of
devices such as contactors.

Medium Voltage VCP-W

Metal-Clad Switchgear
The applicable ANSI Standards C37
is the latest applicable edition. The
following is a review of the meaning
of the ratings. (See Section 6.)

The Rated Maximum Voltage

This designates the upper limit of
design and operation of a circuit
breaker. For example, a circuit breaker
with a 4.76 kV rated maximum voltage
cannot be used in a 4.8 kV system.

For example, consider the following case:

Assume a 12.47 kV system with
20,000 amperes symmetrical available.
In order to determine if an Eatons
Cutler-Hammer Type 150 VCP-W 500
vacuum breaker is suitable for this
application, check the following:
From Table 6.0-1 in Section 6 under
column Rated Maximum Voltage
V = 15 kV, under column Rated short
circuit Current I = 18 kA, Rated
Voltage Range Factor K = 1.3.
Test 1 for V/Vo x I or 15 kV/12.47 kV x
18 kA = 21.65; also check K x I (which
is shown in the column headed
Maximum Symmetrical Interrupting
Capability) or 1.3 x 18 kA = 23.4 kA.
Since both of these numbers are
greater than the available system fault
current of 20,000 amperes, the breaker
is acceptable (assumes the breakers

momentary and fault close

rating is also acceptable).
Note: If the system available fault current
were 22,000 amperes symmetrical, this
breaker could not be utilized even though
the Maximum Symmetrical Interrupting
Capability is greater than 22,000 since
Test 1 calculation is not satisfied.

For approximate calculations, Table 1.2-2

provides typical values of % reactance
(X) and X/R values for various rotating
equipment and transformers. For simplification purposes, the transformer
impedance (Z) has been assumed to be
primarily reactance (X). In addition, the
resistance (R) for these simplified calculations has been ignored. For detailed
calculations, the values from the IEEE
Red Book Standard 141, for rotating
machines, and ANSI C57 and/or C37
for transformers should be utilized.

Table 1.2-2. Reactance X for E/X Amperes

System
Component

Reactance X Used for

Typical Values and Range

on Component Base

Short Circuit Close and Latch % Reactance

Duty
(Momentary)

X/R Ratio

X
X

X
X

9 (7 14)
15 (12 17)

80 (40 120)
80 (40 120)

Hydro Generator with Damper Wedges X

and Synchronous Condensers

20 (13 32)

30 (10 60)

16 (16 50)

30 (10 60)

2-Pole Turbo Generator

4-Pole Turbo Generator

Hydro Generator without Damper

Windings

.75X

.75X

K-Rated Voltage Factor

All Synchronous Motors

1.5X

1.0X

20 (13 35)

30 (10 60)

The rated voltage divided by this factor

determines the system kV a breaker can
be applied up to the short circuit kVA
rating calculated by the formula

Ind. Motors Above 1000 hp, 1800 Rpm

and Above 250 hp, 3600 Rpm

1.5X

1.0X

17 (15 25)

30 (15 40)

All Other Induction Motors 50 hp

and Above

3.0X

1.2X

17 (15 25)

15 (2 40)

Ind. Motors Below 50 hp and

All Single-Phase Motors

Neglect

Neglect

Distribution System from Remote

Transformers

As Specified
or Calculated

15 (5 15)

Current Limiting Reactors

As Specified
or Calculated

80 (40 120)

OA to 10 MVA, 69 kV

OA to 10 MVA, above 69 kV

3 Rated SC Current Rated Max. Voltage

Rated Short Circuit Current

This is the symmetrical rms value of
current that the breaker can interrupt
at rated maximum voltage. It should
be noted that the product 3 x 4.76 x
29,000 = 239,092 kVA is less than the
nominal 250,000 kVA listed. This
rating (29,000 amperes) is also the
base quantity that all the related
capabilities are referred to.

Maximum Symmetrical Interrupting

Capability

Transformers

FOA 12 to 30 MVA

FOA 40 to 100 MVA

8.0
8.0 to 10.5
Depends on
Primary
Windings BIL
Rating

18 (7 24)
18 (7 24)
20 (7 30)
38 (32 44)

Table 1.2-3. Typical System X/R Ratio Range (for Estimating Purposes)
Type of Circuit

X/R Range

This is expressed in rms symmetrical

amperes or kiloamperes and is K x I
rated; 29,000 x 1.24 = 35,960 rounded
to 36 kA.

Remote generation through other types of circuits such as transformers rated 10 MVA
or smaller for each 3-phase bank, transmission lines, distribution feeders, etc.

15 or less

Remote generation connected through transformer rated 10 MVA to 100 MVA

for each 3-phase bank, where the transformers provide 90 percent or more
of the total equivalent impedance to the fault point.

15 40

This is the rms symmetrical current

that the breaker can interrupt down to
a voltage = maximum rated voltage
divided by K (for example, 4.76/1.24 =
3.85). If this breaker is applied in a
system rated at 2.4 kV the calculated
fault current must be less than 36 kA.

Remote generation connected through transformers rated 100 MVA or larger

for each 3-phase bank where the transformers provide 90 percent or more
of the total equivalent impedance to the fault point.

30 50

Synchronous machines connected through transformers rated 25 to 100 MVA

for each 3-phase bank.

30 50

Synchronous machines connected through transformers rated 100 MVA and larger.

40 60

Synchronous machines connected directly to the bus or through reactors.

40 120

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Ref. No. 0040

The Close and Latch Capability

This is also a related quantity expressed
in rms asymmetrical amperes by 1.6 x
maximum symmetrical interrupting
capability. For example 1.6 x 36 = 57.6
or 58 kA, or 1.6 K x rated short circuit
current.
Another way of expressing the close
and latch rating is in terms of the peak
current, which is the instantaneous
value of the current at the crest. ANSI
Standard C37.09 indicates that the
ratio of the peak to rms asymmetrical
value for any asymmetry of 100% to
20% (percent asymmetry is defined as
the ratio of DC component of the fault
in per unit to 2 ) varies not more than
2% from a ratio of 1.69. Therefore the
close and latch current expressed in
terms of the peak amperes is = 1.6 x
1.69 x K x rated short circuit current.
In the calculation of faults for the purposes of breaker selection the rotating
machine impedances specified in
ANSI Standard C37.010 Article 5.4.1
should be used. The value of the
impedances and their X/R ratios
should be obtained from the equipment manufacturer. At initial short circuit studies, data from manufacturers
is not available. Typical values of

The ANSI Standard C37.010 allows the

use of the X values only in determining the E/X value of a fault current. The
R values are used to determine the X/R
ratio, in order to apply the proper multiplying factor, to account for the total
fault clearing time, asymmetry, and
decrement of the fault current.
The steps in the calculation of fault
currents and breaker selection are
described hereinafter:
Step 1: Collect the X and R data of the
circuit elements. Convert to a common
kVA and voltage base. If the reactances
and resistances are given either in
ohms or per unit on a different voltage
or kVA base, all should be changed
to the same kVA and voltage base.
This caution does not apply where
the base voltages are the same as
the transformation ratio.
Step 2: Construct the sequence
networks and connect properly for the
type of fault under consideration. Use
the X values required by ANSI Standard C37.010 for the interrupting
duty value of the short circuit current.

Step 3: Reduce the reactance network

to an equivalent reactance. Call this
reactance XI.
Step 4: Set-up the same network for
resistance values.
Step 5: Reduce the resistance network
to an equivalent resistance. Call this
resistance RI. The above calculations
of XI and RI may be calculated by
several computer programs.
Step 6: Calculate the E/XI value, where
E is the prefault value of the voltage at
the point of fault nominally assumed
1.0 pu.
X
Step 7: Determine X/R = ------I as
RI
previously calculated.
Step 8: Go to the proper curve for
the type of fault under consideration
(3-phase, phase-to-phase, phase-toground), type of breaker at the location
(2, 3, 5 or 8 cycles), and contact parting
time to determine the multiplier to the
calculated E/XI.
See Figures 1.2-2, 1.2-3 and 1.2-4 for
5-cycle breaker multiplying factors.
Use Figure 1.2-4 if the short circuit is
fed predominantly from generators
removed from the fault by two or more

130

130

120

120

120

110

110

90

90

80

80

80

30

40

40

30

5-CYCLE
BREAKER

20

20

20

10

10

10
1.0

1.1

1.2

1.3

NT
AC

50

30

Figure 1.2-2. 3-phase Fault Multiplying

Factors Which Include Effects of AC and
DC Decrement

GT
IME

60

50

5-CYCLE
BREAKER

1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4

Multiplying Factors for E / X Amperes

PA
RT
IN

70

60

CO

40

70

CO

50

Ratio X/R

60

NT
AC
T P
ART
ING

70

Ratio X/R

TIME

90

100

12

100

10

110

130

100

Ratio X/R

impedances and their X/R ratios are

given in Tables 1.2-2 and 1.2-3.

1.4

Multiplying Factors for E / X Amperes

Figure 1.2-3. Line-to-Ground Fault Multiplying

Factors Which Include Effects of AC and
DC Decrement
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5-CYCLE
BREAKER

1.0

1.1

1.2

1.3

1.4

Multiplying Factors for E / X Amperes

Figure 1.2-4. 3-phase and Line-to-Ground

Fault Multiplying Factors Which Include
Effects of DC Decrement Only
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1.2-7

Ref. No. 0041

transformations or the per unit reactance external to the generation is 1.5

times or more than the subtransient
reactance of the generation on a common base. Also use Figure 1.2-4 where
the fault is supplied by a utility only.
Step 9: Interrupting duty short circuit
current = E/XI x MFx = E/X2.
Step 10: Construct the sequence
(positive, negative and zero) networks
properly connected for the type of
fault under consideration. Use the
X values required by ANSI Standard
C37.010 for the Close and Latch
duty value of the short circuit current.

a. Maximum voltage rating exceeds

the operating voltage of the system:
b.

V max
E
------- I -------------- KI
Vo
X2

ANSI Standard C37.010 indicates the

reduction factors to use when circuit
breakers are used as reclosers. CutlerHammer VCP-W breakers are listed at
100% rating factor for reclosing.
Table 1.2-4. Application Quick Check Table
Source
Operating Voltage
Transformer kV
MVA Rating
Motor Load
100%

Vmax = Rated maximum voltage

of the breaker
VD

= Actual system voltage

KI

= Maximum symmetrical
interrupting capacity

c. E/X x 1.6 rms closing and

latching capability of the breaker
and/or
E/X x 2.7 Crest closing and
latching capability of the breaker.

2.4

4.16

6.6

12

13.8

50 VCP-W 250
10.1 kA

150 VCP-W 500

23 kA

150 VCP-W 500

22.5 kA

150 VCP-W 500

19.6 kA

150 VCP-W 750

35 kA

150 VCP-W 750

30.4 kA

150 VCP-W 1000

46.3 kA

150 VCP-W 1000

40.2 kA

0%

1
1.5
2

1.5
2
2.5

2.5
3

3
3.75

3.75
5

5
7.5

7.5
10 1

10
10

10

12 1

12

15

15

20

20 1

20
25
30

See Table 6.0-1, Section 6.

Where:
I
= Rated short circuit current

For application of circuit breakers in a

radial system supplied from a single
source transformer. Short circuit duty
was determined using E/X amperes
and 1.0 multiplying factor for X/R ratio
of 15 or less and 1.25 multiplying
factor for X/R ratios in the range of
15 to 40.

Reclosing Duty

Step 11: Reduce the network to an

equivalent reactance. Call the reactance X. Calculate E/X x 1.6 if the
breaker close and latch capability is
given in rms amperes or E/X x 2.7 if
the breaker close and latch capability
is given in peak or crest amperes.
Step 12: Select a breaker whose:

Application Quick Check Table

Section 5 of ANSI C37 provides further

guidance for medium voltage breaker
application.

50 VCP-W 250
12 kA

50 VCP-W 250
36 kA
50 VCP-W 350
49 kA

50 VCP-W 250
33.2 kA

50 VCP-W 350
46.9 kA

75 VCP-W 500
41.3 kA

Breaker Type and

Symmetrical Interrupting Capacity
at the Operating Voltage

50 1
1

Transformer impedance 6.5% or more, all other transformer impedances are 5.5% or more.

Application Above 3,300 Feet (1,000 m)

Table 1.2-5. Application Above 3,300 Feet

The rated one-minute power frequency

withstand voltage, the impulse withstand voltage, the continuous current
rating, and the maximum voltage rating
must be multiplied by the appropriate
correction factors below to obtain
modified ratings which must equal or
exceed the application requirements.

(1,000 m)

Note: Intermediate values may be obtained

by interpolation.

The ANSI standards do not require the

inclusion of resistances in the calculation of the required interrupting and
close and latch capabilities. Thus the
calculated values are conservative.
However, when the capabilities of
existing switchgears are investigated,
the resistances should be included.
For single line-to-ground faults the
symmetrical interrupting capability
is 1.15 x the symmetrical interrupting
capability at any operating voltage
but not to exceed the maximum
symmetrical capability of the breaker.

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Altitude in
Feet (Meters)

Correction Factor
Current

3,300 (1,006) (and Below) 1.00

5,000 (1,524)
0.99
10,000 (3,048)
0.96

Voltage
1.00
0.95
0.80

1.2-8

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January 2003
Ref. No. 0042

Application on Symmetrical Current Rating Basis

For 3-Phase Fault

Example 1 Fault Calculations

E
I 3-Phase = ----X

Given a circuit breaker interrupting and momentary rating in the table below,
verify the adequacy of the ratings for a system without motor loads, as shown.
Table 1.2-6. Short Circuit Duty

Type
Breaker

V Max.

3-Phase Symmetrical Interrupting Capability

at V Max.

Max. KI

at 4.16 kV Oper. Voltage

4.76
----------- (29) = 33.2 kA I1
4.16
LG Symmetrical Interrupting Capability

50VCP W250 4.76 kV

29 kA

36 kA

36 kA

Close and Latch or

Momentary
58 kA I3

Note: Interrupting capabilities I1 and I2 at operating voltage must not exceed maximum
symmetrical interrupting capability Kl.

Check capabilities I1, I2 and I3 on the following utility system where there is no
motor contribution to short circuit.
24,200 Watts Load Losses

On 13.8 kV System, 3.75 MVA Base

3.75 MVA
Z = --------------------------------- = .01 pu or 1%
375 MVA

= 15

R
375 MVA
Available

2
2
2
2X
Z = X + R = R -------2- + 1
R

1
1

R = ----------------------- = ---------------- = ------------------ = .066%

2
15.03
266
X
-------- + 1
2
R

13.8 kV
3750 kVA

X
X = ----- ( R ) = 15 (.066) = .99%
R
Transformer Standard 5.5% Impedance
has a 7.5% Manufacturing Tolerance

4.16 kV

5.50 Standard Impedance

.41 (7.5% Tolerance)
Transformer Z =
5.09%

50VPC-W250

I
I 3-Phase = ----BX
where X is per unit reactance
IB is base current

1.15 (33.2) = 38.2 kA I2

13.8 kV

where X is ohms per phase and E is

the highest typical line-to-neutral
operating voltage or

3.75 MVA
Base current I B = = .52 kA
3 ( 4.16 kV )
I
.52
I 3-Phase = ----1- = ------------------ = 8.6 kA Sym.
X
.0604
X
System = 9 (is less than 15)
R
would use 1.0 multiplying factor for
short circuit duty, therefore, short
circuit duty is 8.6 kA sym. for 3-phase
fault I1 and momentary duty is 8.6 x
1.6 = 13.7 kA I3.

For Line-to-Ground Fault

3I B
3E
I LG = --------------------------- = -------------------------2X 1 + X 0 2X 1 + X 0
For this system, X0 is the zero sequence
reactance of the transformer which
is equal to the transformer positive
sequence reactance and X1 is the positive sequence reactance of the system.
Therefore,
3(.52)
I LG = = 9.1 kA Sym.
2(.0604) + .0505
Using 1.0 multiplying factor (see
Table 1.2-7), short-circuit duty = 9.1 kA
Sym. LG (I2)

Answer
Figure 1.2-5. Example 1 One Line Diagram

The 50VCP-W250 breaker capabilities

exceed the duty requirements and
may be applied.

From transformer losses per unit or percent

R is calculated
24.2 kW
R = -------------------------------- = .0065 pu or .65%
3750 kVA

31,000 Watts Full Load

6,800 Watts No Load
Transformer X =

Z R

(5.09) (.65) =

25.91 .42 =

25.48

X = 5.05%

13.8 kV System
Transformer
System Total
or

X
.99%
5.05%
6.04%
.0604 pu

With this application, short cuts could

have been taken for a quicker check of
the application. If we assume unlimited short circuit available at 13.8 kV
and that Trans. Z = X
I
.52
Then I 3-Phase = ----B- = -------------- = 9.5 kA Sym.
X .055

R
X/R
.066% 15
.65%
8
.716 % 9
.00716 pu

X/R ratio 15 or less multiplying factor

is 1.0 for short circuit duty.
The short circuit duty is then 9.5 kA
Sym. (I1, I2) and momentary duty is
9.5 x 1.6 kA = 15.2 kA (I3).
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1.2-9

Ref. No. 0043

Example 2 Fault Calculations

13.8 kV System

Given the system shown with motor

loads, calculate the fault currents
and determine proper circuit breaker
selection.

7500 kVA

All calculations on per unit basis.

7.5 MVA Base
7.5 MVA
Base Current I B = ------------------------------- = .628 kA
3 6.9 kV
X

X/R

.015

.001

15

X = 15
R

21 kA Sym. Available

13.8 kV

Z = 5.53%

X = 5.5%
R = 0.55%

X
= 10
R

6.9 kV
1

13.8 kV System
.628 (6.9)
X = ----------- --------------- = .015
21 (13.8)
Transformer

.055

.0055

X
= 25
R
197A FL
X''d = 20%

10

Total Source Transformer .070 pu .0065 pu 11

X
= 35
R
173A FL
X''d = 25%

3000 hp Synchronous Motor

3000 hp
1.0 PF
Syn.

(.628)
X = .20 ------------------- = .638 pu at 7.5 MVA base
.197

2500 hp
Ind.

2500 hp Ind. Motor

(.628)
X = .25 ------------------- = .908 pu at 7.5 MVA base
(.173)
E I
I 3-Ph = ----- = ----B- where X on per unit base
X X
Table 1.2-7. Multiplying Factor for E/X
Amperes (ANSI C37.010, 1979, Figures 1.1-8,
1.1-9, and 1.1-10)
System
X/R

Figure 1.2-6. Example 2 One Line Diagram

Source of
Short Circuit Current

Interrupting
E/X Amperes

Momentary
E/X Amperes

X
R

I3 Source Transformer

.628
.070

= 8.971

.628
.070

= 8.971

11

I1 3000 hp Syn. Motor

.628
(1.5) .638

= .656

.628
.638

= .984

I1 2500 hp Syn. Motor

.628
(1.5) .908

= .461

.628
.908

= .691

I3F =

10.088
10.1 kA

Type VCP-W Vacuum

Circuit Breaker
Rated Interrupting Time, 5 Cycle

or

3-Phase

LG

3-Phase & LG

Source of Short Circuit

Local

Remote

1
15 1
20
25
30

1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.04

1.00
1.00
1.02
1.06
1.10

1.00
1.00
1.05
1.10
1.13

36
40
45
50
55

1.06
1.08
1.12
1.13
1.14

1.14
1.16
1.19
1.22
1.25

1.17
1.22
1.25
1.27
1.30

60
65
70
75
80

1.16
1.17
1.19
1.20
1.21

1.26
1.28
1.29
1.30
1.31

1.32
1.33
1.35
1.36
1.37

85
90
95
100

1.22

1.23

1.32

1.33

1.38
1.39
1.40
1.41

100
120
130

1.24
1.24
1.24

1.34
1.35
1.35

1.42
1.43
1.43

25

25
.638

= 39

35

35
.908

= 39

= 157

IB
.628
- = -------------- = .062
Total X = ------I 3F
10.1
X
System ----- = .062 (235) = 14.5 is a Multiplying Factor of 1.0 from Table 1.2-7
R
Table 1.2-8. Short Circuit Duty = 10.1 kA
Breaker
Type
75VCP-W500
150VCP-W500

V
Max.

3-Phase Symmetrical Interrupting Capability

at V Max.

8.25 kV 33 kA
15 kV

18 kA

Max. KI
41 kA
23 kA

Answer
Either breaker could be properly
applied, but price will make the type
150VCP-W500 the more economical
selection.

Where system X/R ratio is 15 or less, the

Multiplying Factor is 1.0.

CA08104001E

1
R

10.647
Total 1/R = 235
x 1.6
17.0 kA Momentary Duty

Type of Fault
Ratio

X (1)
R (X)
11
.070

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at 6.9 kV Oper. Voltage

Close and Latch

or Momentary

(33) = 39.5 kA

66 kA

15 (18) (39.1) = 23 kA
6.9
(But not to exceed KI)

37 kA

8.25
6.9

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January 2003
Ref. No. 0044

Example 3 Fault Calculations

Answer

Check breaker application or generator bus for the system of generators shown.
Each generator is 7.5 MVA, 4.16 kV 1040 amperes full load, I B = 1.04 kA

The 50VCP-W250 breaker could be

applied.

Sub transient reactance Xd = 11% or, X = 0.11 pu

X
Gen ----- ratio is 30
R
1 1 1 3
1
1 1 1 3
1
= + + = and = + + =
X X X X
RS R R R R
XS
X
X
X
R
X
or X S = ----- and R S = ---- Therefore, System --------S = ----- = Gen ----- = 30
R
RS
3
3
R

G1

G2

G3

Since generator neutral grounding reactors are used to limit the I LG to I3-phase or
below, we need only check the I3 short circuit duty.
I I I 31
3(1.04)
I B Phase = ----B- + ----B- + ----B- + ----------B- = ----------------------- = 28.4 kA Symmetrical E/X Amperes
.11
X X X X

4.16 kV

X
System ----- of 30 is a Multiplying Factor of 1.04 from Table 1.2-7.
R
Short-circuit duty is 28.4 (1.04) = 29.5 kA Symmetrical
Figure 1.2-7. Example 3 One-Line Diagram

3-Phase Symmetrical Interrupting Capability

Breaker Type

V Max.

at V Max.

Max. KI

at 4.16 kV Oper. Voltage

50VCP-W250

4.76 kV

29 kA

36 kA

4.76
(29) = 33.2 kA
4.16

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CA08104001E