CITY OF MADISON HEIGHTS

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

BUILDING DIVISION

Available Short-Circuit Current

By Mike Holt, Published in EC&M Magazine
Available short-circuit current (SCA) is the current in amperes that is available at a given point in
the electrical system. This available short current is first determined at the secondary terminals of
the utility transformer. Thereafter the available short-circuit current is calculated at the terminals of
the service equipment, branch circuit panel and branch circuit load.
The available short-circuit current is different at each point of the electrical system; it is highest at
the utility transformer and lowest at the branch circuit load. The available short-circuit current is
dependent on the impedance of the circuit, which increases downstream from the utility
transformer. The greater the circuit impedance (utility transformer and the additive impedances of
the circuit conductors) the lower the available short-circuit current.
Factors that impact the available short-circuit current at the utility transformer include the system
voltage, the transformer kVA rating and its impedance (as expressed in a percentage). Properties
that impact the impedance of the circuit include the conductor material (copper versus aluminum),
the conductor size, and its length.
Authors Comment: The impedance of the circuit increases the further from the utility
transformer, therefor the available short-circuit current is lower downstream from the utility
transformer.
Interrupting Rating. Overcurrent protection devices such as circuit breakers and fuses are
intended to interrupt the circuit and they must have an ampere interrupting rating (AIR) sufficient
for the available short-circuit current in accordance with Sections 110-9 and 240-1. Unless
marked otherwise, the ampere interrupting rating for branch-circuit circuit breakers is 5,000
ampere [240-83(c)] and 10,000 ampere for branch-circuit fuses [240-60(c)].
Extremely high values of current flow (caused by short-circuits or line-to-ground faults) produce
tremendous destructive thermal and magnetic forces. If the circuit overcurrent protection device is
not rated to interrupt the current at the available fault values, it could explode while attempting to
clear the fault. Naturally this can cause serious injury, death as well as property damage.
Protection of Electrical Components. In addition to interrupting rating for overcurrent devices,
electrical equipment, components, and circuit conductors must have a short-circuit current
(withstand) rating that will permit the circuit overcurrent protective device to clear a fault without
extensive damage to any of the components of the electrical system [110-9, 110-10, 250-2(d),
250-90, 250-96(a) and Table 250-122 Note].
If the available short-circuit current exceeds the equipment/conductor short-circuit current rating,
then the thermal and magnetic forces can cause the equipment to explode and/or the circuit
conductors as well as grounding conductors to vaporize. The only solution to the problem of
excessive available fault current is to 1) Install equipment that has a higher short-circuit rating; or
2) Protect the components of the circuit by a current-limiting protection device such as a fastclearing fuse, which can reduce the let-thru energy.

Circuit impedance and short circuit ratings are required per NEC 110.10
Short circuit calculations are needed for plan review for most non-residential projects with new or re-designed
services. These calculations are usually done by the electrical designer on sealed plans.
AVAILABLE FAULT CURRENT INFORMATION NEEDED FOR
SHORT CIRCUIT CALCULATION
1.

The transformer electrical information is found on the transformer or by contacting the power
company. This information includes the voltage, phase configuration and KVA.

2.

The contractor provides the wire size and material (al,cu), length of conductors and raceway
material (metal or pvc).

These values are inserted into the calculator of choice. There are several web sites with free
calculators.
THE FOLLOWING ATTACHMENTS ARE PROVIDED TO ASSIST YOU WITH
CALCULATING THE AVAILABLE SHORT CIRCUIT CURRENT.

DTE Energy - Transformer Impedances

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Transformer Impedances

New Service

The tables below list the current transformer impedances tor Detroit Edison's power distribution

Modify Residential Service

transformers. This information is necessary for calculating available fault current.

Modify Business Service

Job Status
Service Information
Common Documents

yonstruction fees

Single Phase Overhead Distribution Transfonners

Overhead service
Dual Voltage 7.6kV X 4.8kV Primary Single Phase - 120/240
Underaround service
Size in kVA

o/o Impedance

15

1.6-3.0

uodemround

25

1.6-3.0

Transtonuer
impedances

50

1.6-3.0

100

1.6-3.0

167

1.8-3.0

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Converting to

Dual Voltage 7.6kV X 4.8kV Primary Single Phase 277 VOLT

Map Requests
Size in kVA

%Impedance

50

1.6-3.0

100

1.6-3.0

167

1.8-3.0

Dual Voltage 7.6kV X 4.8kV Primary Single Phase -120 VOLT

Size in kVA

%Impedance

15

1.6-3.0

25

1.6-3.0

50

1.6-3.0

100

1.6-3.0

167

1.8-3.0

7.6 kV Primary Single Phase 7620/13,200Y 120/240 VOLlS

Size in kVA

%Impedance

100

1.6-3.0

250

3.0. 3.5

Isolation transfonners 7620/13,200 4800/8320 VOLTS

Size in kVA

%Impedance

75

1.6-3.0

250

1.63.5

333

1.6"3.7

500

1.6-3.7

....

Pad Mounted, Dead Front, Single Phase, Distribution Transfonners

13,200 Grd Y/7620 240/120 VOLlS
Size in kVA

%Impedance

25

1.5-2.75

50

1.5-2.5

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Page 2 of3

DTE Energy - Transformer Impedances

100

1.5-2.5

167

1.8-3.0

250

3.0-3.4

Pad Mounted, Dead Front, Single Phase, Distribution Transformers

Dual Voltage 4800/8320Y X 13,200 GrdY/7620- 2401120 VOLTS
Size in kVA

'lo Impedance

50

1.5-2.5

100

1.5-2.5

167

1.8-3.0

Pad Mounted, Dead Front, Three Phase, Distribution Transformers

13,200 GRD Y/7620- 2081120 VOLTS
Size In kVA

'lo Impedance

150

1.6-2.5

300

1.6-2.5

500

1.8-3.5

750

5.75
13,200 GRD Y/7620 - 4801277 VOLTS

Size in kVA

'lo Impedance

150

1.6-2.5

300

1.6-2.5

500

1.8-3.5

750

5.75
4800 X 13,200 GRD Y/7620- 2081120 VOLTS*

Size In kVA

'lo Impedance

75

1.6-2.5

150

1.6-2.5

300

1.6-2.5

500

1.8-3.5
4800 X 13,200 GRD Y/7620- 2401120 VOLTS*

Size in kVA

'lo Impedance

300

1.6-2.5

500

1.8-3.5
4800 X 13,200 GRD Y17620 - 4801277 VOLTS*
%Impedance

Size in kVA
75
150

1.6-2.5

..

1.6-2.5

300

1.6-2.5

500

1.8-3.5

Pad Mounted, Live Front, Three Phase, Distribution Transformers

4800 X 13,200-208/120 VOLTS
Size in kVA

%Impedance

750

5.75

1000

5.75
1.6-3.0

50
4800 X 13,200 - 4801277 VOLTS
Size in kVA

%Impedance

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DTE Energy - Transformer Impedances

750

5.75

1000

5.75

1500

5.75

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Short Circuit Current Calculations

Introduction
Several sections of the National Electrical Code relate to proper overcurrent protection. Safe and reliable application of overcurrent protective devices based on
these sections mandate that a short circuit study and a selective coordination study
be conducted. These sections include, among others:
110.9 Interrupting Rating
110.10 Component Protection
240.1 Conductor Protection
250.122 Equipment Grounding Conductor Protection
Marked Short-Circuit Current Rating;
- 230.82 (3) Meter Disconnect
- 409.110 Industrial Control Panels
- 440.4(B) Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Equipment
- 670.3(A) Industrial Machinery
Selective Coordination
- 517.17 Health Care Facilities - Selective Coordination
- 517.26 Essential Electrical Systems In Healthcare Systems
- 620.62 Selective Coordination for Elevator Circuits
- 700.27 Emergency Systems
- 701.18 Legally Required Standby Systems
Compliance with these code sections can best be accomplished by conducting a
short circuit study as a start to the analysis. 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 coordinated system is one
where only the faulted circuit is isolated without disturbing any other part of the
system. Once the short circuit levels are determined, the engineer can specify
proper interrupting rating requirements, selectively coordinate the system and
provide component protection. See the various sections of this book for further
information on each topic.
Low voltage fuses have their interrupting rating expressed in terms of the
symmetrical component of short-circuit current. They are given an RMS
symmetrical interrupting rating at a specific power factor. This means that the fuse
can interrupt the asymmetrical current associated with this rating. Thus only the
symmetrical component of short-circuit current need be considered to determine
the necessary interrupting rating of a low voltage fuse. For listed low voltage fuses,
interrupting rating equals its interrupting capacity.
Low voltage molded case circuit breakers also have their interrupting rating
expressed in terms of RMS symmetrical amps at a specific power factor. However,
it is necessary to determine a molded case circuit breakers interrupting capacity in
order to safely apply it. See the section Interrupting Rating vs. Interrupting Capacity
in this book.
110.16 now requires arc-flash hazard warning labeling on certain equipment. A
flash hazard analysis is required before a worker approaches electrical parts that
have not been put into a safe work condition. To determine the incident energy and
flash protection boundary for a flash hazard analysis the short-circuit current is
typically the first step.

General Comments on Short Circuit Calculations

Sources of short-circuit current that are normally taken under consideration include:
- Utility Generation
- Local Generation
- Synchronous Motors
- Induction Motors
- Alternate Power Sources
Short circuit calculations should be done at all critical points in the system. These would
include:
- Service Entrance
- Transfer Switches
- Panel Boards
- Load Centers
- Motor Control Centers
- Disconnects
- Motor Starters
- Motor Starters

192

Normally, short circuit studies involve calculating a bolted 3-phase fault condition. This
can be characterized as all 3-phases bolted together to create a zero impedance
connection. This establishes a worst case (highest current) condition that results in
maximum three phase thermal and mechanical stress in the system. From this
calculation, other types of fault conditions can be approximated. This worst case condition should be used for interrupting rating, component protection and selective coordination. However, in doing an arc-flash hazard analysis it is recommended to do the arcflash hazard analysis at the highest bolted 3 phase short circuit condition and at the
minimum bolted three-phase short circuit condition. There are several variables in a
distribution system that affect calculated bolted 3-phase short-circuit currents. It is
important to select the variable values applicable for the specific application analysis. In
the Point-to-Point method presented in this section there are several adjustment factors
given in Notes and footnotes that can be applied that will affect the outcomes. The
variables are utility source short circuit capabilities, motor contribution, transformer percent impedance tolerance, and voltage variance.
In most situations, the utility source(s) or on-site energy sources, such as on-site
generation, are the major short-circuit current contributors. In the Point-to-Point method
presented in the next few pages, the steps and example assume an infinite available
short-circuit current from the utility source. Generally this is a good assumption for
highest worst case conditions and since the property owner has no control over the
utility system and future utility changes. And in many cases a large increase in the utility
available does not increase the short-circuit currents a great deal for a building system
on the secondary of the service transformer. However, there are cases where the actual
utility medium voltage available provides a more accurate short circuit assessment
(minimum bolted short-circuit current conditions) that may be desired to assess the arcflash hazard.
When there are motors in the system, motor short circuit contribution is also a very
important factor that must be included in any short-circuit current analysis. When a short
circuit occurs, motor contribution adds to the magnitude of the short-circuit current;
running motors contribute 4 to 6 times their normal full load current. In addition, series
rated combinations can not be used in specific situations due to motor short circuit
contributions (see the section on Series Ratings in this book).
For capacitor discharge currents, which are of short time duration, certain IEEE (Institute
of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) publications detail how to calculate these
currents if they are substantial.

Procedures and Methods

To determine the fault current at any point in the system, first draw a one-line
diagram showing all of the sources of short-circuit current feeding into the fault, as
well as the impedances of the circuit components.
To begin the study, the system components, including those of the utility system,
are represented as impedances in the diagram.
The impedance tables include three-phase and single-phase transformers, cable,
and busway. These tables can be used if information from the manufacturers is not
readily available.
It must be understood that short circuit calculations are performed without
current-limiting devices in the system. Calculations are done as though these
devices are replaced with copper bars, to determine the maximum available
short-circuit current. This is necessary to project how the system and the currentlimiting devices will perform.
Also, multiple current-limiting devices do not operate in series to produce a
compounding current-limiting effect. The downstream, or load side, fuse will
operate alone under a short circuit condition if properly coordinated.
The application of the point-to-point method permits the determination of available
short-circuit currents with a reasonable degree of accuracy at various points for
either 3 or 1 electrical distribution systems. This method can assume unlimited
primary short-circuit current (infinite bus) or it can be used with limited primary
available current.
2005 Cooper Bussmann

Short Circuit Current Calculations

Three-Phase Short Circuits
Basic Point-to-Point Calculation Procedure
Step 1.

Step 2.

Determine the transformer full load amps (F.L.A.) from

either the nameplate, the following formulas or Table 1:

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 approximation
and will theoretically vary from 1.33 to 1.67. These figures are based on change in
turns ratio between primary and secondary, infinite 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 calculations at transformer secondary terminals, then
proceed point-to-point.
Step 5.

Calculate "M" (multiplier) or take from Table 2.

Step 6.

1
1 +f
Calculate the available short circuit symmetrical RMS
current at the point of fault. Add motor contribution, if
applicable.

Find the transformer multiplier. See Notes 1 and 2

100
Multiplier =
*% Z transformer

* Note 1. Get %Z from nameplate or Table 1. Transformer impedance (Z) helps to

determine what the short circuit current will be at the transformer secondary.
Transformer impedance is determined as follows: The transformer secondary is short
circuited. Voltage is increased on the primary until full load current flows in the
secondary. This applied voltage divided by the rated primary voltage (times 100) is the
impedance of the transformer.
Example: For a 480 Volt rated primary, if 9.6 volts causes secondary full load current to
flow through the shorted secondary, the transformer impedance is 9.6/480 = .02 = 2%Z.
* Note 2. In addition, UL (Std. 1561) listed transformers 25kVA and larger have a 10%
impedance tolerance. Short circuit amps can be affected by this tolerance. Therefore, for
high end worst case, multiply %Z by .9. For low end of worst case, multiply %Z by 1.1.
Transformers constructed to ANSI standards have a 7.5% impedance tolerance (twowinding construction).
Step 3. Determine by formula or Table 1 the transformer letthrough short-circuit current. See Notes 3 and 4.

M=

I S.C. sym. RMS = IS.C. x M

Step 6A. Motor short circuit contribution, if significant, may be
added at all fault locations throughout the system. A
practical estimate of motor short circuit contribution is to
multiply the total motor current in amps by 4. Values of 4
to 6 are commonly accepted.

Calculation of Short-Circuit Currents at

Second Transformer in System
Use the following procedure to calculate the level of fault current at the secondary
of a second, downstream transformer in a system when the level of fault current at
the transformer primary is known.
MAIN
TRANSFORMER

Note 3. Utility voltages may vary 10% for power and 5.8% for 120 Volt lighting services. Therefore, for highest short circuit conditions, multiply values as calculated in step
3 by 1.1 or 1.058 respectively. To find the lower end worst case, multiply results in step
3 by .9 or .942 respectively.
Note 4. Motor short circuit contribution, if significant, may be added at all fault locations
throughout the system. A practical estimate of motor short circuit contribution is to multiply the total motor current in amps by 4. Values of 4 to 6 are commonly accepted.
Step 4. Calculate the "f" factor.

IS.C. primary

IS.C. primary

3 Faults

1.732 x L x I 3
f=
C x n x E L-L

1 Line-to-Line (L-L) Faults

See Note 5 & Table 3

2 x L x I L-L
f=
C x n x EL-L

1 Line-to-Neutral (L-N) Faults

See Note 5 & Table 3

Note 5. 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 short-circuit current available (I)
for this case in Step 4 should be adjusted at the transformer terminals as follows: At L-N
center tapped transformer terminals, IL-N = 1.5 x IL-L at Transformer Terminals.

IS.C. secondary

Procedure for Second Transformer in System

Step A.

2 x L x I L-N
f=
C x n x EL-N

Where:
L = length (feet) of conductor to the fault.
C = constant from Table 4 of C values for conductors and
Table 5 of C values for busway.
n = Number of conductors per phase (adjusts C value for
parallel runs)
I = Available short-circuit current in amperes at beginning
of circuit.
E = Voltage of circuit.

Step B.

Calculate the "f" factor (IS.C. primary known)

3 Transformer
(I S.C. primary and
I S.C. secondary are
3 fault values)

f=

1 Transformer
(I S.C. primary and
I S.C. secondary are
1 fault values:
I S.C. secondary is L-L)

f=

I S.C. primary x Vprimary x 1.73 (%Z)

100,000 x V

I S.C. primary x Vprimary x (%Z)

100,000 x V

M=
Step C.

transformer

transformer

Calculate "M" (multiplier).

1
1 +f

Calculate the short-circuit current at the secondary of the

transformer. (See Note under Step 3 of "Basic Point-toPoint Calculation Procedure".)
I S.C. secondary =

2005 Cooper Bussmann

IS.C. secondary

H.V. UTILITY
CONNECTION

Vprimary
Vsecondary

x M x I S.C. primary

193

Short Circuit Current Calculations

Three-Phase Short Circuits
System A

Fault X1

One-Line Diagram

Available Utility
Infinite Assumption
1500 KVA Transformer,
480V, 3, 3.5%Z,
3.45%X, .56%R

1500 x 1000 =
1804A
480 x 1.732

Step 4.

If.l. =

Step 2.

Multiplier = 100 = 28.57

3.5

Step 3.

IS.C.=1804 x 28.57 = 51,540A

Step 5.

M=

IS.C. motor contrib = 4 x 1,804* = 7,216A

Step 6.

IS.C. sym RMS = 49,803 x .7117 = 35,445A

f=

Itotal S.C. sym RMS = 51,504 + 7,216 = 58,720A

2000A Switch

KRP-C-2000SP Fuse

x x
= 1.732 25 51,540 = 0.0349
22,185 x 6 x 480

Step 4.

Step 5.

M=

Step 6.

IS.C.sym RMS = 51,540 x .9663 = 49,803A

Fault X1
1
400A Switch
LPS-RK-400SP Fuse

Use IS.C.sym RMS @ Fault X1 to calculate f

Step 1.

If.l. =1804A
25' - 500kcmil
6 Per Phase
Service Entrance
Conductors in Steel Conduit

Fault X2

1.732 x 50 x 49,803 =
.4050
22,185 x 480
1
= .7117
1 + .4050

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

Itotal S.C. sym RMS = 35,445 + 7,216 = 42,661A
(fault X2)

1
= .9663
1 + .0349

IS.C.motor contrib = 4 x 1,804* = 7,216A

50' - 500 kcmil

Feeder Cable
in Steel Conduit

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

(fault X1)

Fault X2
2
Motor Contribution

System B

*Assumes 100% motor load. If 50% of this load was from motors, IS.C. motor contrib. = 4 x 1,804 x .5 = 3608A

Fault X1

One-Line Diagram

Available Utility
Infinite Assumption

Step 1.

If.l. = 1000 x 1000 = 1203A

480 x 1.732

Step 2.

Multiplier =

Step 3.

IS.C. = 1203 x 28.57 = 34,370A

Step 4.

f=

Step 5.

M=

1000 KVA Transformer,

480V, 3,
3.5%Z
If.l.= 1203A

30 - 500 kcmil
4 Per Phase
Copper in PVC Conduit

Fault X2

100 =
28.57
3.5

Step 4.

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

2 x 11,424 x 480

Step 5.

M=

Step 6.

IS.C.sym RMS = 33,215 x .905 = 30,059A

1
= .905
1 + .1049

1.732 x 30 x 34,370 =
.0348
26,706 x 4 x 480

Fault X3
1600A Switch
KRP-C-1500SP Fuse
1

Fault X1
400A Switch
LPS-RK-350SP Fuse

Step 6.
33,215A

1
= .9664
1 + .0348

I S.C.sym

RMS

30,059 x 480 x 1.732 x 1.2 =

1.333
100,000 x 225

Step A.

f=

Step B.

M=

Step C.

IS.C. sym RMS =

= 34,370 x .9664 =
1
= .4286
1 + 1.333
480 x .4286 x 30,059 =
29,731A
208

20 - 2/0
2 Per Phase
Copper in PVC Conduit
Fault X2

225 KVA transformer,

208V, 3
1.2%Z
Fault X3

194

2005 Cooper Bussmann

Short Circuit Current Calculations

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

A
B
C

1. It is necessary that the proper impedance be used to represent the primary system.
For 3 fault calculations, a single primary conductor impedance is only considered
from the source to the transformer connection. This is compensated for in the 3
short circuit formula by multiplying the single conductor or single-phase impedance
by 1.73.

Primary
Secondary

However, for single-phase faults, a primary conductor impedance is considered from

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

Short
Circuit

2. The impedance of the center-tapped transformer must be adjusted for the halfwinding (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, the actual transformer reactance and resistance of the half-winding
condition is different than the actual transformer reactance and resistance of the full
winding condition. 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:

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 Impedance Data for Single Phase
Transformers Table may be used, however, calculations 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 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 included in the calculation.

Primary
Secondary
Short Circuit
L2

L1

The calculations on the following pages illustrate 1 fault calculations on a singlephase transformer system. Both line-to-line and line-to-neutral faults are considered.

L1

Note in these examples:

a. The multiplier of 2 for some electrical components to account for the single-phase
fault current flow,

Short Circuit

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.

50 Feet

2005 Cooper Bussmann

L2

195

Short Circuit Current Calculations

Single-Phase Short Circuits

196

2005 Cooper Bussmann

Short Circuit Current Calculations

Impedance & Reactance Data
Transformers
Table 1. Short-Circuit Currents Available from
Various Size Transformers
(Based upon actual field nameplate data or from utility transformer worst case
impedance)
Voltage
and
Phase

Full
%
Short
Circuit
Load
Impedance
Amps
(Nameplate)
Amps
kVA
25
104
1.5
12175
37.5
156
1.5
18018
120/240
50
208
1.5
23706
1 ph.*
75
313
1.5
34639
100
417
1.6
42472
167
696
1.6
66644
45
125
1.0
13879
75
208
1.0
23132
112.5
312
1.11
31259
150
416
1.07
43237
120/208
225
625
1.12
61960
3 ph.**
300
833
1.11
83357
500
1388
1.24
124364
750
2082
3.50
66091
1000
2776
3.50
88121
1500
4164
3.50
132181
2000
5552
4.00
154211
2500
6940
4.00
192764
75
90
1.00
10035
112.5
135
1.00
15053
150
181
1.20
16726
225
271
1.20
25088
300
361
1.20
33451
277/480
500
602
1.30
51463
3 ph.**
750
903
3.50
28672
1000
1204
3.50
38230
1500
1806
3.50
57345
2000
2408
4.00
66902
2500
3011
4.00
83628
* Single-phase values are L-N values at transformer terminals. These figures
are based on change in turns ratio between primary and secondary, 100,000
KVA primary, zero feet from terminals of transformer, 1.2 (%X) and 1.5 (%R)
multipliers for L-N vs. L-L reactance and resistance values and transformer
X/R ratio = 3.
** Three-phase short-circuit currents based on infinite primary.

UL listed transformers 25 KVA or greater have a 10% impedance toler ance. Short-circuit amps shown in Table 1 reflect 10% condition. Transformers constructed to ANSI standards have a 7.5% impedance tolerance
(two-winding construction).

Fluctuations in system voltage will affect the available short-circuit current.

For example, a 10% increase in system voltage will result in a 10% greater
available short-circuit currents than as shown in Table 1.

2005 Cooper Bussmann

Impedance Data for Single-Phase Transformers

Suggested
Normal Range
Impedance Multipliers**
X/R Ratio
of Percent
For Line-to-Neutral
kVA
for
Impedance (%Z)*
Faults
1
Calculation
for %X
for %R
25.0
1.1
1.26.0
0.6
0.75
37.5
1.4
1.26.5
0.6
0.75
50.0
1.6
1.26.4
0.6
0.75
75.0
1.8
1.26.6
0.6
0.75
100.0
2.0
1.35.7
0.6
0.75
167.0
2.5
1.46.1
1.0
0.75
250.0
3.6
1.96.8
1.0
0.75
333.0
4.7
2.46.0
1.0
0.75
500.0
5.5
2.25.4
1.0
0.75
* National standards do not specify %Z for single-phase transformers. Consult
manufacturer for values to use in calculation.
** Based on rated current of the winding (onehalf 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 IEEE Std 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.
.
Impedance Data for Single-Phase and Three-Phase TransformersSupplement
kVA
1
10
15

3
%Z

1.2

1.3
75
1.11
150
1.07
225
1.12
300
1.11
333

1.9
500
1.24
500

2.1
These represent actual transformer
installations.

Suggested
X/R Ratio for Calculation
1.1
1.1
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
4.7
1.5
5.5
nameplate ratings taken from field

Note: UL Listed transformers 25kVA and greater have a 10% tolerance on

their impedance nameplate.

197

Short Circuit Current Calculations

Conductors & Busways "C" Values
Table 4. C Values for Conductors
Copper
AWG Three Single Conductors
or
Conduit
kcmil Steel
600V
5kV
15kV
14
389
12
617
10
981
8
1557
1551
6
2425
2406
2389
4
3806
3751
3696
3
4774
4674
4577
2
5907
5736
5574
1
7293
7029
6759
1/0
8925
8544
7973
2/0 10755
10062
9390
3/0 12844
11804
11022
4/0 15082
13606
12543
250 16483
14925
13644
300 18177
16293
14769
350 19704
17385
15678
400 20566
18235
16366
500 22185
19172
17492
600 22965
20567
17962
750 24137
21387
18889
1,000 25278
22539
19923
Aluminum
14
237
12
376
10
599
8
951
950
6
1481
1476
1472
4
2346
2333
2319
3
2952
2928
2904
2
3713
3670
3626
1
4645
4575
4498
1/0
5777
5670
5493
2/0
7187
6968
6733
3/0
8826
8467
8163
4/0 10741
10167
9700
250 12122
11460
10849
300 13910
13009
12193
350 15484
14280
13288
400 16671
15355
14188
500 18756
16828
15657
600 20093
18428
16484
750 21766
19685
17686
1,000 23478
21235
19006

Nonmagnetic
600V
5kV
389
617
982
1559
1555
2430
2418
3826
3789
4811
4745
6044
5926
7493
7307
9317
9034
11424
10878
13923
13048
16673
15351
18594
17121
20868
18975
22737
20526
24297
21786
26706
23277
28033
25204
29735
26453
31491
28083

2407
3753
4679
5809
7109
8590
10319
12360
14347
15866
17409
18672
19731
21330
22097
23408
24887

Three-Conductor Cable
Conduit
Steel
600V
5kV
389
617
982
1559
1557
2431
2425
3830
3812
4820
4785
5989
5930
7454
7365
9210
9086
11245
11045
13656
13333
16392
15890
18311
17851
20617
20052
22646
21914
24253
23372
26980
25449
28752
27975
31051
30024
33864
32689

237
376
599
952
1482
2350
2961
3730
4678
5838
7301
9110
11174
12862
14923
16813
18506
21391
23451
25976
28779

1476
2333
2929
3673
4580
5646
6986
8627
10387
11847
13492
14955
16234
18315
19635
21437
23482

237
376
599
952
1482
2351
2963
3734
4686
5852
7327
9077
11185
12797
14917
16795
18462
21395
23633
26432
29865

951
1479
2342
2945
3702
4632
5766
7153
8851
10749
12343
14183
15858
17321
19503
21718
23702
26109

15kV

951
1480
2347
2955
3719
4664
5820
7271
8981
11022
12636
14698
16490
18064
20607
23196
25790
29049

2415
3779
4726
5828
7189
8708
10500
12613
14813
16466
18319
19821
21042
23126
24897
26933
29320

Nonmagnetic
600V
5kV
389
617
982
1560
1558
2433
2428
3838
3823
4833
4803
6087
6023
7579
7507
9473
9373
11703
11529
14410
14119
17483
17020
19779
19352
22525
21938
24904
24126
26916
26044
30096
28712
32154
31258
34605
33315
37197
35749

2421
3798
4762
5958
7364
9053
11053
13462
16013
18001
20163
21982
23518
25916
27766
29735
31959

1478
2339
2941
3693
4618
5717
7109
8751
10642
12115
13973
15541
16921
19314
21349
23750
26608

237
376
599
952
1482
2353
2966
3740
4699
5876
7373
9243
11409
13236
15495
17635
19588
23018
25708
29036
32938

1479
2344
2949
3709
4646
5771
7202
8977
10969
12661
14659
16501
18154
20978
23295
25976
29135

15kV

952
1481
2350
2959
3725
4682
5852
7329
9164
11277
13106
15300
17352
19244
22381
25244
28262
31920

15kV

Note: These values are equal to one over the impedance per foot and based upon resistance and reactance values found in IEEE Std 241-1990 (Gray Book), IEEE Recommended Practice for Electric Power
Systems in Commerical Buildings & IEEE Std 242-1986 (Buff Book), IEEE Recommended Practice for Protection and Coordination of Industrial and Commercial Power Systems. Where resistance and reac tance values differ or are not available, the Buff Book values have been used. The values for reactance in determining the C Value at 5 KV & 15 KV are from the Gray Book only (Values for 14-10 AWG at 5 kV
and 14-8 AWG at 15 kV are not available and values for 3 AWG have been approximated).

Table 5. C Values for Busway

Ampacity

Busway
Plug-In
Feeder
Copper
Aluminum
Copper
225
28700
23000
18700
400
38900
34700
23900
600
41000
38300
36500
800
46100
57500
49300
1000
69400
89300
62900
1200
94300
97100
76900
1350
119000
104200
90100
1600
129900
120500
101000
2000
142900
135100
134200
2500
143800
156300
180500
3000
144900
175400
204100
4000

277800
Note: These values are equal to one over the
impedance in a survey of industry.

198

High Impedance
Aluminum
Copper
12000

21300

31300

44100

56200
15600
69900
16100
84000
17500
90900
19200
125000
20400
166700
21700
188700
23800
256400

impedance per foot for

2005 Cooper Bussmann

Simple Methods for Calculating Short Circuit Current

Without a Computer
By Dennis McKeown, PE
GE Senior System Application Engineer
A Short Circuit analysis is used to determine the magnitude of short circuit current the
system is capable of producing and compares that magnitude with the interrupting rating
of the overcurrent protective devices (OCPD). Since the interrupting ratings are based by
the standards, the methods used in conducting a short circuit analysis must conform to the
procedures which the standard making organizations specify for this purpose. In the
United States, the America National Standards Institute (ANSI) publishes both the
standards for equipment and the application guides, which describes the calculation
methods.
Short circuit currents impose the most serious general hazard to power distribution
system components and are the prime concerns in developing and applying protection
systems. Fortunately, short circuit currents are relatively easy to calculate. The
application of three or four fundamental concepts of circuit analysis will derive the basic
nature of short circuit currents. These concepts will be stated and utilized in a step-bystep development.
The three phase bolted short circuit currents are the basic reference quantities in a system
study. In all cases, knowledge of the three phase bolted fault value is wanted and needs
to be singled out for independent treatment. This will set the pattern to be used in other
cases.
A device that interrupts short circuit current, is a device connected into an electric circuit
to provide protection against excessive damage when a short circuit occurs. It provides
this protection by automatically interrupting the large value of current flow, so the device
should be rated to interrupt and stop the flow of fault current without damage to the
overcurrent protection device. The OCPD will also provide automatic interruption of
overload currents.
Listed here are reference values that will be needed in the calculation of fault current.
Impedance Values for Three phase transformers
HV Rating 2.4KV 13.8KV
HV Rating 2.4KV 13.8KV

300 500KVA
750 2500KVA

General Purpose less then 600V

15 1000KVA

Not less than 4.5%

5.75%
3% to 5.75%

Reactance Values for Induction and Synchronous Machine

X Subtransient
Salient pole Gen 12 pole
14 pole

0.16
0.21

Synchronous motor 6 pole

8-14 pole

0.15
0.20

Induction motor above 600V

0.17

Induction motor below 600V

0.25

TRANSFORMER FAULT CURRENT

Calculating the Short Circuit Current when there is a Transformer in the circuit. Every
transformer has % impedance value stamped on the nameplate. Why is it stamped? It
is stamped because it is a tested value after the transformer has been manufactured. The
test is as follows: A voltmeter is connected to the primary of the transformer and the
secondary 3-Phase windings are bolted together with an ampere meter to read the value
of current flowing in the 3-Phase bolted fault on the secondary. The voltage is brought
up in steps until the secondary full load current is reached on the ampere meter connected
on the transformer secondary.
So what does this mean for a 1000KVA 13.8KV 480Y/277V.
First you will need to know the transformer Full Load Amps
Full Load Ampere = KVA / 1.73 x L-L KV
FLA = 1000 / 1.732 x 0.48
FLA = 1,202.85
The 1000KVA 480V secondary full load ampere is 1,202A.
When the secondary ampere meter reads 1,202A and the primary Voltage Meter reads
793.5V. The percent of impedance value is 793.5 / 13800 = 0.0575. Therefore;
% Z = 0.0575 x 100 = 5.75%
This shows that if there was a 3-Phase Bolted fault on the secondary of the transformer
then the maximum fault current that could flow through the transformer would be the
ratio of 100 / 5.75 times the FLA of the transformer, or 17.39 x the FLA = 20,903A

Based on the infinite source method at the primary of the transformer. A quick
calculation for the Maximum Fault Current at the transformer secondary terminals is
FC = FLA / %PU Z
FC = 1202 / 0.0575 = 20,904A
This quick calculation can help you determine the fault current on the secondary of a
transformer for the purpose of selecting the correct overcurrent protective devices that
can interrupt the available fault current. The main breaker that is to be installed in the
circuit on the secondary of the transformer has to have a KA Interrupting Rating greater
then 21,000A. Be aware that feeder breakers should include the estimated motor
contribution too. If the actual connected motors are not known, then assume the
contribution to be 4 x FLA of the transformer. Therefore, in this case the feeders would
be sized at 20.904 + (4 x 1202 = 25,712 Amps
GENERATOR FAULT CURRENT
Generator fault current differs from a Transformer. Below, we will walk through a
1000KVA example.
800KW

0.8% PF 1000KVA 480V 1,202FLA

KVA = KW / PF
KVA = 800 / .8
KVA = 1000
FLA = KVA / 1.732 x L-L Volts
FLA = 1000 / 1.732 x 0.48
FLA = 1,202
(As listed in the table for generator subtransient X values is 0.16)
FC = FLA / X
FC = 1202 / 0.16
FC = 7,513A
So, the fault current of a 1000KVA Generator is a lot less then a 1000KVA transformer.
The reason is the impedance value at the transformer and Generator reactance values are
very different. Transformer 5.75% vs. a Generator 16%

SYSTEM FAULT CURRENT

Below is a quick way to get a MVA calculated value. The MVA method is fast and
simple as compared to the per unit or ohmic methods. There is no need to convert to an
MVA base or worry about voltage levels. This is a useful method to obtain an estimated
value of fault current. The elements have to be converted to an MVA value and then the
circuit is converted to admittance values.
Utility MVA at the Primary of the Transformer
MVAsc = 500MVA
Transformer Data
13.8KV - 480Y/277V
1000KVA Transformer

Z = 5.75%

MVA Value
1000KVA / 1000 = 1 MVA
MVA Value = 1MVA / Zpu = 1MVA / .0575 = 17.39 MVA
Use the admittance method to calculate Fault Current
1 / Utility MVA + 1 / Trans MVA = 1 / MVAsc
1 / 500 + 1 / 17.39 = 1 / MVAsc
0.002 + 0.06 = 1/ MVAsc
MVAsc = 1 / (0.002 + 0.06)
MVAsc = 16.129
FC at 480V = MVAsc / (1.73 x 0.48)
FC = 16.129 / 0.8304
FC = 19.423KA
FC = 19, 423 A

The 480V Fault Current Value at the secondary of the 1000KVA transformer based on an
Infinite Utility Source at the Primary of the transformer as calculated in the Transformer
Fault Current section in this article is 20,904A
The 480V Fault Current Value at the secondary of the 1000KVA transformer based on a
500MVA Utility Source at the Primary of the transformer as calculated in the System
Fault Current section in this article is 19,432A
The 480V Fault Current Value at the secondary of the 1000KVA transformer based on a
250MVA Utility Source at the Primary of the transformer the calculated value is 18,790A
When the cable and its length is added to the circuit the fault current in a 480V system
will decrease to a smaller value. To add cable into your calculation use the formula.
Cable MVA Value MVAsc = KV2 / Z cable. Use the cable X & R values to calculate
the Z value then add to the Admittance calculation as shown in this article.
The conclusion is that you need to know the fault current value in a system to select and
install the correct Overcurrent Protective Devices (OCPD). The available FC will be
reduced as shown in the calculations when the fault current value at the primary of the
transformer is reduced. If the infinite method is applied when calculating fault current
and 4 x FLA is added for motor contributions, then the fault current value that is obtained
will be very conservative. This means the calculated value in reality will never be
reached, so you reduce any potential overcurrent protection device failures due to fault
current.