S&C Power FusesTypes SMD-1A, SMD-2B, SMD-2C, SMD-3, and SMD-50

Selection Guide
For Transformer-Primary Fuses in Medium- and High-Voltage
Utility and Industrial Substations Factory Authorized
monsterfuses.com
Supplier

S&C Power Fuses — Types SMD-1A, SMD-2B,

SMD-2C, SMD-3, and SMD-50
Outdoor Transmission (34.5 kV through 138 kV)

S&C ELECTRIC COMPANY

S&C Power Fuses Selection Guide for Transformer-Primary Fuses
Types SMD-1A, SMD-2B, SMD-2C, SMD-3, and SMD-50 in Medium- and High-Voltage Utility and
Outdoor Transmission (34.5 kV through 138 kV) Industrial Substations
Table of Contents

Section Page Number

General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Application Principles

Select the Primary Fuse Rating. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Accommodate Expected Loading Levels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Withstand Inrush Currents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Protect Transformer Against Damaging Overcurrents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Coordinate with Other Protective Devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Protect Downstream Conductors Against Damaging Overcurrents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

The Fuse Selection Tables

Introduction to Fuse Selection Tables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Basis for Listings in the Fuse Selection Tables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Examples. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

How to Use the Fuse Selection Tables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Monster Fuses Suggested Fuse Current Ratings for Power Transformer Applications
S&C Type SMD 1A, 2B & 2C Fuse Selection: monsterfuses.com
For complete selection of S&C Electric Fuses & Hardware, contact Monster Fuses Sales.
Western U.S. Sales 888.444.4335
Eastern U.S. Sales 877.444.1798

Transformer Fuses in Medium- and High-Voltage

Utility and Industrial Substations

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S&C Power Fuses — Types SMD-1A, SMD-2B, SMD-2C, SMD-3,
and SMD-50 Outdoor Transmission (34.5 kV through 138 kV)

General

This data bulletin is a guide for the selection, application, typically be so large that only a small degree of secondary
and coordination of S&C Type SMD Power Fuses when fault protection — and almost no backup protection —
applied on the primary side of small-to-medium-sized would be provided for each individual transformer. In ad-
transformers installed in utility and industrial substa- dition, with group protection of transformers, the degree
tions. For the purpose of this guide, transformers having of service continuity is significantly reduced since a fault
primary voltage ratings between 34.5 kV and 138 kV, with associated with any one transformer will result in the loss
medium-voltage (4.16 kV through 34.5 kV) secondaries of service to all transformers protected by the fuse.
will be covered. S&C Type SMD Power Fuses provide full-fault-spectrum
High-voltage power fuses provide a reliable and protection for transformers: that is, these fuses will de-
economical means of protecting small-to-medium-sized tect and interrupt all faults — large, medium, and small
transformers installed in utility and industrial substa- (even down to their minimum melting currents); whether
tions. The considerable economies inherent in power-fuse the fault is on the primary or secondary side of the trans-
protection are possible, first, because the fuse itself is former; with line-to-line or line-to-ground voltage across
much less costly than other types of protective equipment the fuse; whether the transformer is adjacent to the fuse,
and, second, because there is no need for auxiliary equip- or cable-connected to it from a remote location; and re-
ment such as station batteries, motor-driven switch opera- gardless of transformer winding connection. SMD Power
tors, and protective relays. Further benefits of a compact Fuses are capable of handling the full range of transient
fuse-protection package are low installation cost and recovery voltages associated with these conditions. They
a space-saving design that will accommodate almost develop a positive internal gap of high dielectric strength
any structure. In addition, unlike relay-actuated protec- after circuit interruption, thereby preventing destructive
tive devices such as circuit breakers and reclosers, power re-ignitions when exposed to full system voltage. The
fuses have maintenance-free time-current characteristics. “dropout” action of these power fuses provides the addi-
They require only minimal physical maintenance — such tional benefit of visible air-gap isolation for the transform-
as the periodic checking of the condition of the fuse-unit er after fuse operation.
bore and occasional refinishing of fuse tubes exposed to The close fusing necessary to provide superior protec-
severe weathering. tion for secondary-side faults is possible with S&C Type
The transformer-primary fuse should be selected to pro- SMD Power Fuses because: (1) they utilize silver or pre-
vide system protection as well as transformer protection. tensioned nickel-chrome fusible elements that are not
With respect to system protection, the primary fuse should damaged by surges that may heat the element nearly to
detect a potentially damaging overcurrent condition and the severing point; (2) they are available in a wide vari-
operate promptly to isolate only the faulted segment, ety of ampere ratings and speed characteristics especially
thereby minimizing short-circuit stresses on the remain- suited to protecting transformers against very-low-magni-
der of the system and limiting the extent of the service tude fault currents; and (3) because they possess substan-
interruption to the smallest possible portion of the system. tial peak-load capabilities and surge capacities more than
For transformer protection, the primary fuse should oper- adequate to withstand transformer magnetizing inrush
ate promptly in response to a bus or cable fault located currents as well as severe hot-load and cold-load pickup
between the transformer and the nearest secondary-side currents.
overcurrent protective device. It should further provide Close fusing with SMD Power Fuses, coupled with their
backup protection for the transformer in the event the exceptional low-current fault interrupting performance,
secondary-side overcurrent protective device either fails assures maximum protection for the transformer against
to operate due to a malfunction, or operates too slowly a broad range of secondary-side fault currents, thus mini-
due to incorrect (higher) ratings or settings. mizing the life-shortening thermal and mechanical stresses
To best achieve these objectives, group protection of associated with prolonged transformer through-faults. In
transformers is not generally recommended — each trans- addition, the ability to fuse close to the full-load current
former should be individually protected. The ampere rat- of the transformer facilitates coordination with source-
ing of a primary fuse selected to accommodate the total side protective devices by permitting the use of lower
loading requirements of two or more transformers would ratings or settings for faster response.

S&C Power FusesTypes SMD-1A, SMD-2B, SMD-2C,

SMD-3, and SMD-50
Data Bulletin 210-110
3
S&C Power Fuses Selection Guide for Transformer-Primary Fuses
Types SMD-1A, SMD-2B, SMD-2C, SMD-3, and SMD-50 in Medium- and High-Voltage Utility and
Outdoor Transmission (34.5 kV through 138 kV) Industrial Substations
Application Principles

The selection of transformer primary-side protective Select the Primary Fuse Rating . . .
devices and their ratings and settings has been a matter A transformer-primary fuse must be selected for the volt-
of considerable complexity. This publication provides age rating, the available fault current, and the continuous
complete, simplified procedures for selecting the optimal current-carrying requirement of the transformer on which
transformer-primary fuse, taking into consideration all of it is to be applied. Since there are a multitude of voltage,
the following factors associated with the application: short-circuit interrupting, and maximum ampere ratings
1. System voltage; available, you should choose the most economical prima-
2. Available fault current; ry fuse that will meet both your present and your future
requirements. In addition, from the wide variety of ampere
3. Anticipated normal transformer loading schedule,
ratings and speeds available, you should select the primary
including daily or repetitive peak loads, and emer-
fuse providing the optimum protection for the transformer
gency peak loads;
against secondary-side faults.
4. Inrush currents, including the combined effects
Voltage rating. The maximum voltage rating of the
of transformer magnetizing-inrush current and the
transformer-primary fuse should equal or exceed the maxi-
energizing-inrush currents associated with connect-
mum phase-to-phase operating voltage level of the system.
ed loads — particularly following a loss-of-source
S&C Type SMD Power Fuses are not “voltage critical” and,
voltage (momentary or extended);
therefore, may be applied at any system operating voltage
5. The degree of protection provided to the transform- equal to or less than the maximum voltage rating of the
er against damaging overcurrents; fuse. Moreover, these fuses operate without producing
6. Coordination with secondary-side as well as other overvoltages that can cause spurious operation of surge
primary-side overcurrent protective devices; and arresters or damage transformer insulation.
7. Protection of the downstream conductors against Short-circuit interrupting rating. The symmetrical
damaging overcurrents. short-circuit interrupting rating of the transformer-primary
These factors are discussed in detail in the next section, fuse should equal or exceed the maximum available fault
entitled “Application Principles.” This discussion refers current at the fuse location. When determining the inter-
to selection tables located on the S&C Electric Company rupting rating of the primary fuse, you should consider the
website X/R ratio of the system at the fuse location, since power
www.sandc.com/edocs_pdfs/EDOC_025854.pdf fuses may have higher-than-nominal symmetrical inter-
rupting ratings for those applications where the X/R ratio
designed specifically to simplify the selection of the opti-
is less than the value of 15 specified by IEEE Standard.▲
mal transformer-primary fuse for your particular applica-
You may, as a result, be able to use a less expensive pri-
tion.
mary fuse having a lower nominal symmetrical interrupt-
The fuse selection tables list, for each transformer, a ing rating. Refer to your local S&C Sales Office for these
variety of fuse-unit ampere ratings and speed character- higher symmetrical short-circuit interrupting ratings.
istics, along with the information necessary to confirm
The interrupting rating of the transformer-primary fuse
coordination of a given fuse with a variety of secondary-
should be chosen with sufficient margin to accommodate
side protective devices. The tables also feature a specially
anticipated increases in the interrupting duty due to sys-
designed “Transformer Protection Index” which indicates
tem growth. Again, since fuses are available with a wide
the degree of transformer protection provided by the pri-
variety of interrupting ratings, you should choose a pri-
mary fuse, as well as listings of the loading capabilities of
mary fuse having an interrupting rating only as large as
the fuses when used with each of the transformers shown.
necessary to meet your present and future requirements.
You need only refer to these tables to obtain the informa-
tion required to make your selection.
▲ IEEE Standard C37.46, “Specifications for Power Fuses and Fuse
Disconnecting Switches.”

S&C Power FusesTypes SMD-1A, SMD-2B, SMD-2C,

SMD-3, and SMD-50

4
Transformer-Primary Fuses Medium- and High-Voltage
Industrial and Utility Substations
Application Principles

Ampere rating and speed characteristic. The am- Accommodate Expected Loading Levels . . .
pere rating and speed characteristic of the transformer- In general, the transformer-primary fuse should be se-
primary fuse should be selected to (1) accommodate the lected based on the anticipated normal transformer load-
anticipated normal transformer loading schedule, includ- ing schedule, including daily or repetitive peak loads. The
ing daily or repetitive peak loads, and emergency peak primary fuse ultimately selected should have a continuous
loads; (2) withstand the magnetizing-inrush current as- loading capability, as differentiated from its ampere rating,
sociated with the energizing of an unloaded transformer, equal to or greater than this highest anticipated loading
as well as the combined magnetizing- and load-inrush cur- level. Typical transformer loading levels for a number of
rents associated with the re-energization of a loaded trans- conditions (i.e., self-cooled, forced-air-cooled) are shown
former following either a momentary or extended loss of in Table I. Loadability recommendations for various S&C
source voltage; (3) protect the transformer against dam- Type SMD Power Fuses protecting specific transformers
aging overcurrents; (4) coordinate with secondary-side as are included in the selection tables referenced by this
well as other primary-side overcurrent protective devices; guide, located on the S&C Electric Company website
and (5) protect downstream conductors against damag-
ing overcurrents. These principles, which are examined in www.sandc.com/edocs_pdfs/EDOC_025854.pdf
greater detail in the following sections, provide the basic
foundation of transformer-primary fuse selection.

Table I – Transformer Loading Levels

kVA Three-Phase â Loading Level, Percent of OA Rating

Transformer Type à OA① OA/FA② OA/FA/FA③
Temperature Capability à 55°C 65°C 55°C 65°C 55°C 65°C
< 2,500 100 100 115 115 NA NA
2,500 – 10,000 100 100 125 125 NA NA
> 10,000 100 100 133 133 167 167
NA Not available.
① Base rating (self-cooled).
② Fan cooled (first stage). Also applicable to OA/FOA rating.
③ Fan cooled (second stage). Also applicable to OA/FA/FOA or OA/FOA/FOA ratings.

S&C Power FusesTypes SMD-1A, SMD-2B, SMD-2C,

SMD-3, and SMD-50
Data Bulletin 210-110
5
S&C Power Fuses Selection Guide for Transformer-Primary Fuses
Types SMD-1A, SMD-2B, SMD-2C, SMD-3, and SMD-50 in Medium- and High-Voltage Utility and
Outdoor Transmission (34.5 kV through 138 kV) Industrial Substations
Application Principles

Conditions may occur during which the transformer will inrush current is roughly equivalent to a current having a
be loaded far in excess of the normal loading schedule. magnitude of 12 times the primary full-load current of the
Such emergency peak loading typically occurs when one transformer for a duration of 0.1 second. A current hav-
of two transformers (in a duplex substation, for example) ing a magnitude of 25 times the primary full-load current
is compelled under emergency conditions to carry the of the transformer for 0.01 second is also frequently used.
load of both transformers for a short period of time. Where The magnetizing inrush current for a 25-kVA, 7.62-kV,
emergency peak loads are contemplated, the transform- single-phase, pole-top-style distribution transformer is
er-primary fuse ultimately selected should have an emer- shown in Figure 1 (dotted line). This example is from a
gency peak-load capability at least equal to the magnitude laboratory test, and is the highest inrush obtained for this
and duration of the emergency peak load. Refer to S&C transformer. For purposes of comparison, the magnetiz-
Data Bulletin 210-190 for emergency peak-load capability ing inrush current for a 10-MVA, 115-kV, three-phase,
values. substation-class power transformer is also shown (solid
It is important to remember that a transformer-primary line). Note that the first peak of the inrush current for the
fuse should be selected to accommodate — not to interrupt 10-MVA substation transformer is significantly less, on a
— emergency peak loads. This requirement may result in per-unit basis, than that of the 25-kVA distribution trans-
the selection of a primary fuse ampere rating larger than former. Note also that the inrush current for the 10-MVA
would be required for a similarly rated single transformer transformer decays more slowly.
installed alone, and therefore the degree of transformer The inrush that occurs on any particular energization
protection provided by the primary fuse may be reduced. will depend on, among other things, the residual magne-
Withstand Inrush Currents . . . tism in the transformer core as well as the instantaneous
value of the voltage when the transformer is energized.
Magnetizing-inrush current. When an unloaded distri- Since these two parameters are unknown and uncontrol-
bution or power transformer is energized, there occurs a lable, the fuse must be sized to withstand the maximum
short-duration inrush of magnetizing current which the inrush that can occur under the worst-case energization.
transformer-primary fuse must be capable of withstand- The minimum melting time-current characteristic of the
ing without operating. A conservative estimate of the inte- primary fuse should be such that the fuse will not operate
grated heating effect on the primary fuse as a result of this as a result of this magnetizing-inrush current.

35

30
25-kVA, 7.62-kV single-phase
Magnetizing Inrush Current, Per Unit

distribution transformer
25

20
10-MVA, 115-kV three-phase
substation transformer
15

10

0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160
Time, Milliseconds
Figure 1. Magnetizing inrush currents for a 25-kVA single-phase distribution transformer (dotted line) and for a 10-MVA three-phase
substation transformer (solid line). Note: 1 per-unit current is equal to transformer rated full-load current.

6
 Application Principles

The integrated RMS equivalent of the inrush current “rule-of-thumb” inrush points will avoid unnecessary fuse
for the 10-MVA substation transformer (from Figure 1) operation, but can occasionally cause coordination prob-
is shown in Figure 2, along with the “rule-of-thumb” in- lems with source-side protective devices, or it may result in
rush points previously mentioned. Observe that the in- compromising the degree of protection for the transformer
rush points are higher than the actual RMS equivalent of because of the large rating selected. On these occasions,
the inrush current and are thus a conservative estimate the use of a smaller fuse rating is desirable, and can be
of the inrush current. Sizing the transformer-primary justified by using a better estimate of the heating equiva-
fuse such that its minimum melting curve is above these lent of the magnetizing inrush current.

1000

100

Primary fuse
(80E-ampere
Standard Speed)

10
Time, Seconds

12 × at 0.1 second

0.1
True RMS
equivalent of
magnetizing inrush

25 × at 0.01 second

0.01
10 100 1000 10000
Current, Amperes

Figure 2. True RMS equivalent of the magnetizing inrush current for the 10-MVA
transformer, from Figure 1, shown with “rule-of-thumb” inrush points and an
80E-ampere Standard Speed S&C Power Fuse minimum melting curve.

Data Bulletin 210-110

7
S&C Power Fuses Selection Guide for Transformer-Primary Fuses
Types SMD-1A, SMD-2B, SMD-2C, SMD-3, and SMD-50 in Medium- and High-Voltage Utility and
Outdoor Transmission (34.5 kV through 138 kV) Industrial Substations
Application Principles

Magnetizing inrush currents also depend on the trans- of the transformer full-load current to the system available
former rating and the available fault current. Because of fault current; a strong source will be able to supply a high
the voltage drop across the source impedance during the fault current and will result in a lower ratio of full-load
inrush period, the inrush current will be less when the current to fault current.
transformer is supplied from a weak source as compared “Hot-load” pickup. The transformer-primary fuse
to a strong source. Also, for small overhead-distribution must also be capable of withstanding the inrush current
transformers, the peak inrush current can be as high as that occurs when a transformer that is carrying load ex-
30 times the rated RMS current; for larger substation-class periences a momentary loss of source voltage, followed
power transformers, the inrush peak will be lower, but by re-energization (such as occurs when a source-side cir-
the inrush duration will be longer. Figure 3 illustrates the cuit breaker operates to clear a temporary upstream fault
maximum RMS equivalent magnetizing inrush currents as and then automatically recloses). In this case, the inrush
a function of transformer size. Note that the per-unit in- current is made up of two components: the magnetizing-
rush current is lower for larger transformer sizes (actual inrush current of the transformer, and the inrush current
amperes of inrush current are, of course, higher for the associated with the connected loads. The ability of the pri-
larger transformers). The strength of the source relative to mary fuse to withstand combined magnetizing- and load-
the transformer full-load current is indicated by the ratio inrush current is referred to as hot-load pickup capability.

100 100
ILOAD ILOAD
Ratio = Ratio =
IFLT IFLT
Per-Unit RMS Equivalent Magnetizing

Per-Unit RMS Equivalent Magnetizing 0.000

0.005
Inrush Current at 0.01 sec.
Inrush Current at 0.1 sec.

0.000 0.01
0.005 0.01 0.02
0.02
10 10

0.04 0.08 0.12 0.04 0.08 0.12

1 1
100 1000 10000 100 1000 10000
Transformer Rating, kVA Transformer Rating, kVA

Figure 3. RMS equivalent magnetizing inrush currents at 0.1 second (left) and at 0.01 second (right), in per unit of
transformer rated full-load current, shown as a function of transformer size (kVA rating) with source strength indicated
as a parameter. A strong source will have a lower ratio of rated load current to available fault current.

S&C Power FusesTypes SMD-1A, SMD-2B,

SMD-2C, SMD-3, and SMD-50

8
 Application Principles

The integrated heating effect on the transformer-pri- Preload and ambient-temperature adjustments.
mary fuse as a result of the combined magnetizing- and Minimum melting time-current characteristic curves for
load-inrush current is equivalent to a current having a medium- and high-voltage power fuses are determined
magnitude of between 12 and 15 times the primary full- in accordance with an IEEE Standard,▼ which speci-
load current of the transformer for a duration of 0.1 sec- fies testing of fuses at an ambient temperature of 25ºC,
ond. The specific multiple of primary full-load current is and with no initial load. In practice, every fuse is carry-
a function of several factors, including the transformer ing a load, which raises the temperature of the fusible
load immediately preceding the momentary loss of source element and thus reduces its melting time for a given
voltage, the number of reclose operations attempted, and value of current. To ensure that the transformer-primary
the available fault current. The hot-load pickup inrush fuse can withstand hot-load pickup current, (and to pro-
current for a single reclose operation of the line-terminal vide precise coordination between the primary fuse and
circuit breakers serving the transformer is illustrated in load-side circuit breakers and reclosers), it is necessary
Figure 4. The minimum melting time-current characteris- to adjust the published minimum melting time-current
tic curve of the primary fuse, adjusted to reflect the pre- characteristic curve of the primary fuse to reflect the re-
outage load current and elevated (or reduced) ambient duced melting time for each specific level of fuse loading.
temperatures, if applicable, should exceed the magnitude ▼ IEEE Standard C37.46, “Specifications for Power Fuses and Fuse
and duration of the combined inrush current. Disconnecting Switches.”

18
Combined Magnetizing- and Load-Inrush Current

17
as a Multiple of Transformer Full-Load Current

16

15

14

13

12
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200
Load Current , Percent of Transformer Full-Load Current
Figure 4. Curve for determining magnitude of combined magnetizing- and load-inrush current for a single reclose operation.

Data Bulletin 210-110

9
S&C Power Fuses Selection Guide for Transformer-Primary Fuses
Types SMD-1A, SMD-2B, SMD-2C, SMD-3, and SMD-50 in Medium- and High-Voltage Utility and
Outdoor Transmission (34.5 kV through 138 kV) Industrial Substations
Application Principles

Figure 5 illustrates a typical curve used for making such of information, the fact that the primary fuse will operate
an adjustment. Figure 6 illustrates a similar curve used to more quickly when preloaded as decribed in Figure 7 does
adjust the minimum melting time-current characteristic not mean that the fuse will clear the fault more quickly. No
curve of the primary fuse for ambient temperatures above adjustments need be made to the published total clearing
or below 25°C. Figure 7 illustrates the minimum melting time-current characteristic curve of the primary fuse.
time-current curve of a primary fuse so adjusted. As a point

100
on Time-Current Characteristic Curves
Melting Time, Percent of Time Shown

80

60

40

20

0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200
Load Current, Percent of Fuse Ampere Rating

Figure 5. Curve for determining TCC adjustment factor due to preloading.

150
on Time-Current Characteristic Curves
Melting Time, Percent of Time Shown

130

110

90

70

50
-40 -30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Ambient Temperature, Degrees Centigrade

Figure 6. Curve for determining TCC adjustment factor for ambient temperatures above or below 25°C.

10
 Application Principles

1000

100

Published total-
clearing curve

10
Time, Seconds

Published
minimum-
melting curve
Minimum-melting
curve adjusted for
pre-outage load

0.1

0.01
10 100 1000 10000
Current, Amperes

Figure 7. Minimum melting and total clearing curves for a 100E-ampere Very-Slow Speed fuse, with the
minimum melting curve adjusted to reflect the reduced melting time resulting from an assumed pre-fault load
current of approximately 80 amperes.

Data Bulletin 210-110

11
S&C Power Fuses Selection Guide for Transformer-Primary Fuses
Types SMD-1A, SMD-2B, SMD-2C, SMD-3, and SMD-50 in Medium- and High-Voltage Utility and
Outdoor Transmission (34.5 kV through 138 kV) Industrial Substations
Application Principles

“Cold-load” pickup. The final type of “inrush” current at any given time. After an extended loss of power, how-
to which the transformer-primary fuse will be exposed is ever, many of these thermostatically controlled devices
the long-duration overcurrent that occurs due to the loss will be outside of their respective set-point limits so that,
of load diversity following an extended outage (30 minutes when power is restored, all of the thermostats will simul-
or more). These long-duration overcurrents are referred taneously demand power for their controlled equipment.
to as cold-load pickup. The cold-load pickup phenomenon Typical cold-load inrush current profiles from a number
is typically associated with utility distribution loading of utilities are shown in Figure 8. These curves are typical
practices where the transformers are sized for the average of distribution transformers serving residential-type loads.
peak load rather than the maximum expected peak load, Most peak loads seen by these transformers are associ-
thereby exposing the transformers to overcurrents of up ated with central- or large-room-type air conditioners or
to 30 minutes duration following re-energization. This electric heating equipment having cyclical characteristics.
phenomenon occurs since many electrical loads such as As can be seen in this figure, the feeder current can remain
air conditioners, refrigerators, and electric space heat- significantly higher than the nominal current, calculated
ers are thermostatically controlled; they cycle on and off based on the total kVA rating of connected transformers,
at random times relative to each other such that only a frac- for quite a long time.
tion of the total possible load is connected to the system

■ Utility A
■ Utility B
■ Utility C
5 ■ Utility D
■ Utility E
■ Utility F
Multiples of Nominal Load Current

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Time, Seconds
Figure 8. Cold-load pickup current profiles.

12
 Application Principles

The integrated heating effect of the cold-load current ated with the energizing of these transformers following
profiles shown in Figure 8, for thermally responsive de- an extended outage is no more severe than the inrush
vices such as fuses, is illustrated in Figure 9 on page 14. currents encountered under hot-load pickup conditions.
For simplicity, cold-load inrush currents are usually repre- Accordingly, cold-load pickup need not be considered
sented by the following equivalent multiples of transform- when selecting the ratings of primary fuses for transform-
er nominal full-load current: ers applied on industrial, commercial, and institutional
power systems.
6 × nominal load current for one second;
Protect Transformer Against Damaging
3 × nominal load current for up to 10 seconds; and Overcurrents . . .
2 × nominal load current for up to 15 minutes. The most important application principle to be considered
when selecting a transformer-primary fuse is that it must
The ability of the transformer-primary fuse to with- protect the transformer against damage from mechani-
stand the combined magnetizing- and load-inrush current cal and thermal stresses resulting from a secondary-side
associated with an extended outage is referred to as its fault that is not promptly interrupted. A properly selected
cold-load pickup capability. Here again, the cold-load primary fuse will operate to clear such a fault before the
inrush will be affected by the source impedance and, if magnitude and duration of the overcurrent exceed the
the source is weak, the use of a smaller fuse rating may through-fault current duration limits recommended by the
often be justified. transformer manufacturer, or published in the standards.
In contrast to transformers serving primarily residential- In the absence of specific information applicable to an in-
type loads, transformers serving industrial, commercial, dividual transformer, the primary fuse should be selected
or institutional type loads are frequently sized to accom- in accordance with recognized guidelines for maximum
modate the maximum peak demand load without being permissible through-fault duration limits. Curves repre-
overloaded. As a result, these transformers are actually senting these limits can be found in IEEE Standard C37.91,
loaded to only a small fraction of their rated power — “IEEE Guide for Protective Relay Applications to Power
perhaps only one-half or less. For this reason, and for the Transformers,” and IEEE C57.109, “IEEE Guide for Liquid-
requirement for an orderly re-starting of equipment, the Immersed Transformer Through-Fault Current Duration.”
combined magnetizing- and load-inrush currents associ-

Data Bulletin 210-110

13
S&C Power Fuses Selection Guide for Transformer-Primary Fuses
Types SMD-1A, SMD-2B, SMD-2C, SMD-3, and SMD-50 in Medium- and High-Voltage Utility and
Outdoor Transmission (34.5 kV through 138 kV) Industrial Substations
Application Principles

1000

2 pu @ 15 min.

Integrated “equivalent
current” curve

100
Pennsylvania Power & Light

10
Time, Seconds

3 pu @ 10 sec.

Duquesne Light—
one-hour outage

6 pu @ 1 sec.

0.1

Duquesne Light—
one-hour outage,
off-peak

0.01
0.1 1 10 100
Current, Per Unit
Figure 9. Integrated equivalent-current curves for some of the cold-load pickup current profiles shown in
Figure 8. Industry “rule-of-thumb” points are also shown.

14
 Application Principles

It is widely recognized that damage to transformers faults occur frequently, the through-fault protection curve
from through faults is the result of thermal as well as me- should reflect the fact that the transformer will be subject-
chanical effects. The latter has gained increased recogni- ed to both thermal and cumulative-mechanical damage ef-
tion as a major cause of transformer failure. Though the fects of through faults.
temperature rise associated with high-magnitude through In using the through-fault protection curves to select
faults is typically quite acceptable, the mechanical effects the time-current characteristics of primary-side protective
are intolerable if such faults are permitted to occur with devices, you should take into account not only the inher-
any regularity. Of special concern is the cumulative nature ent level of through-fault incidence, as described above,
of certain mechanical effects such as insulation compres- but also the location of each protective device and its role
sion, insulation wear, and friction-induced displacement. in providing transformer protection. As just noted, sub-
The damage that occurs as a result of these cumulative station transformers with secondary-side overhead feed-
effects is thus a function of not only the magnitude and ers have a relatively high incidence of through faults. The
duration of through faults, but also the total number of secondary-side feeder protective devices are the first line
such faults. of defense against such faults, and thus their time-current
The through-fault protection curves found in the afore- characteristics should be selected by reference to the
mentioned standards take into consideration the fact that frequent-fault-incidence protection curve. More specifi-
transformer damage is cumulative, and the fact that the cally, the time-current characteristics of feeder protective
number of through faults to which a transformer can be devices should be completely below and to the left of the
exposed is inherently different for different transformer appropriate frequent-fault-incidence protection curve.
applications. For example, transformers with secondary- Main secondary-side protective devices (if applicable)
side conductors enclosed in conduit or isolated in some and transformer-primary fuses typically operate to protect
other fashion, such as those typically found in industrial, against through faults only in the rare event of a fault be-
commercial, and institutional power systems, experience tween the transformer and the feeder protective devices,
an extremely low incidence of through faults. In contrast, or in the equally rare event that a feeder protective device
transformers with secondary-side overhead lines, such fails to operate or operates too slowly due to an incorrect
as those found in utility distribution substations, have a (higher) rating or setting. The time-current characteristics
relatively high incidence of through faults, and the use of of these devices, therefore, should be selected by refer-
reclosers may subject the transformer to repeated current ence to the infrequent-fault-incidence protection curve.
surges from each fault-clearing operation. Thus, for a given In addition, these time-current characteristics should be
transformer in these two different applications, a different selected to achieve the desired levels of coordination with
through-fault protection curve applies, depending on the other source-side and load-side protective devices.
type of application. For applications in which faults oc-
Transformers with protected secondary conductors (for
cur infrequently, the through-fault protection curve should
example, cable, bus duct, or switchgear) will likely experi-
reflect primarily thermal damage considerations, since the
ence an extremely low incidence of through faults. In this
cumulative mechanical-damage effects of through faults
instance, the feeder protective devices may be selected
will not likely be a problem. For applications in which

Data Bulletin 210-110

15
S&C Power Fuses Selection Guide for Transformer-Primary Fuses
Types SMD-1A, SMD-2B, SMD-2C, SMD-3, and SMD-50 in Medium- and High-Voltage Utility and
Outdoor Transmission (34.5 kV through 138 kV) Industrial Substations
Application Principles

by reference to the infrequent-fault-incidence protection and Category III transformers (1668-10,000 kVA single-
curve. The main secondary-side protective device (if ap- phase, 5001-30,000 kVA three-phase). The applicable
plicable) and the transformer-primary fuse should also through-fault protection curves for these two transformer
be selected by reference to the infrequent-fault-incidence categories are shown in Figures 10 and 11.
protection curve. Again, these time-current characteristics In each case, the left-hand curve reflects both thermal
should be selected to achieve the desired levels of coordi- and mechanical damage considerations and should be
nation with other protective devices. used for selecting feeder protective device time-current
Most utility substation transformers protected by power characteristics for frequent-fault-incidence applications.
fuses fall within two of the four size categories defined It is dependent upon the impedance of the transformer for
in IEEE Standard C57.12.00, “IEEE Standard General fault currents above a fixed percentage of the maximum
Requirements for Liquid-Immersed Distribution, Power, possible (70% for Category II transformers, 50% for Cat-
and Regulating Transformers”: Category II transformers egory III transformers) and is keyed to the I2t of the worst-
(501-1667 kVA single-phase, 501-5000 kVA three-phase); case mechanical duty (maximum fault current for two

1000 1000

100 100

10 10
Time, Seconds
Time, Seconds

12 10 8 7 6 5 4

1 1
Transformer impedance

0.1 0.1

Frequent fault protection curves Infrequent fault protection curve

(>10 faults in transformer lifetime) (<10 faults in transformer lifetime)

0.01 0.01
10 100 1000 10000 10 100 1000 10000
Current, Percent of Transformer Self-Cooled Current, Percent of Transformer Self-Cooled
Full-Load Current Full-Load Current

Figure 10. Through-fault protection curves for liquid-immersed Category II transformers (501 kVA to 1667 kVA single-
phase, 501 kVA to 5000 kVA three-phase.) Note: For fault currents from 70% to 100% of maximum possible, I2t = K where I
is the symmetrical fault current in per-unit of normal base current, and K is a constant determined at maximum I with
t = 2 seconds. Sample I2t = K curves have been plotted for the transformer impedances noted.

16
 Application Principles

seconds). The right-hand curve reflects primarily thermal i.e., those for which the ratio of the primary-side line current
damage considerations, and should be used for selecting to transformer winding current is the lowest. For these
feeder protective device time-current characteristics for situations, one or more primary fuses will be exposed to
infrequent-fault-incidence applications. This curve should a proportionately lower level of current than the windings
also be used for selecting a main secondary-side protec- and, as a consequence, the primary fuse must be care-
tive device (if applicable) and primary-fuse time-current fully selected to operate fast enough to avoid damage to
characteristics for all applications — regardless of the an- the transformer windings. Table II on page 19 lists the
ticipated level of fault incidence. ratio of per-unit primary-side line currents to the per-
The degree of transformer protection provided by the unit transformer winding currents for three common
primary fuse should be checked for the level of fault transformer connections under a variety of secondary-
current and type of fault (i.e., three-phase, phase-to- fault conditions.
phase, or phase-to-ground) producing the most demand-
ing conditions possible for each particular application;

1000 1000

100 100

10 10
Time, Seconds

Time, Seconds

12 10 8 7 6 5 4

1 1
Transformer impedance

0.1 0.1

Frequent fault protection curves Infrequent fault protection curve

(>5 faults in transformer lifetime) (<5 faults in transformer lifetime)

0.01 0.01
10 100 1000 10000 10 100 1000 10000
Current, Percent of Transformer Self-Cooled Current, Percent of Transformer Self-Cooled
Full-Load Current Full-Load Current

Figure 11. Through-fault protection curves for liquid-immersed Category III transformers (1668 kVA to 10000 kVA single-
phase, 5001 kVA to 30000 kVA three-phase.) Note: For fault currents from 50% to 100% of maximum possible, I2t = K where
I is the symmetrical fault current in per-unit of normal base current, and K is a constant determined at maximum I with
t = 2 seconds. Sample I2t = K curves have been plotted for the transformer impedances noted.

Data Bulletin 210-110

17
S&C Power Fuses Selection Guide for Transformer-Primary Fuses
Types SMD-1A, SMD-2B, SMD-2C, SMD-3, and SMD-50 in Medium- and High-Voltage Utility and
Outdoor Transmission (34.5 kV through 138 kV) Industrial Substations
Application Principles

1.0 1.0 0.87 0.87 0 1.0

1.0 1.0 0.87 0.87 1.0 0

1.0 1.0 0 0 0 0

Three-phase Phase-to-phase Phase-to-ground

secondary fault secondary fault secondary fault

(a) Grounded-wye grounded-wye connected transformer

1.0 1.0 0.87 0.87

1.0 0.87
0

0
1.0

1.0

1.0

1.0
1.0

1.0

0.5

0.5
1.0 1.0 0 0.87
1.0 1.0 0.50 0.50
1.0 0

Three-phase Phase-to-phase
secondary fault secondary fault

(b) Delta delta connected transformer

1.0 1.0 1.0 0.87 0.58 1.0

1.0 0.50 0
0.8
1.0
1.0

1.0
0.8

0
7

1.0 1.0 0.50 0.87 0.58 0

1.0 0 0
1.0 0 0

Three-phase Phase-to-phase Phase-to-ground

secondary fault secondary fault secondary fault

(c) Delta grounded-wye connected transformer

Figure 12. Relationship between the per-unit primary-side and secondary-side line currents and the associated per-unit transformer
winding currents for (a) grounded-wye grounded-wye, (b) delta delta, and (c) delta grounded-wye connected transformers for various
types of secondary faults. (Line current and winding current values are expressed in per unit of their respective values for a “bolted” three-
phase secondary fault.)

18
 Application Principles

From Table II, it is clear that a phase-to-phase second- current to the per-unit transformer winding current listed
ary fault on a delta delta connected transformer and a in Table II. The shifted transformer through-fault protec-
phase-to-ground secondary fault on a delta grounded-wye tion curve will then be in terms of the primary-side line
connected transformer produce the most demanding con- current and, as such, will be directly comparable with
ditions possible for those particular transformer connec- the total clearing time-current characteristic curve of the
tions, since the per-unit primary-side line currents are less transformer-primary fuse. For the grounded-wye ground-
than the per-unit transformer winding currents. Accord- ed-wye connected transformer, the per-unit primary-side
ingly, to ensure proper transformer protection for these line currents and the per-unit transformer winding cur-
two situations, it is necessary to “shift” the base trans- rents are the same, hence the base through-fault protec-
former through-fault protection curve to the left (in terms tion curve applies.
of current) by the ratio of the per-unit primary-side line

Table II—Relationship Between Per-Unit Primary-Side Line Current and Per-Unit Transformer Winding Current for
Various Types of Secondary Faults

Ratio of Per-Unit Primary-Side Line Current to Per-Unit

Transformer Connectionâ
Transformer Winding Current①
Type of Faultà Three-Phase Phase-to-Phase Phase-to-Ground

– 1.0 1.0 1.0

– 1.0 0.87 NOT APPLICABLE

– 1.0 1.15 0.58

① Line current and winding current values are expressed in per unit of their respective values for a “bolted” three-phase secondary fault.

Data Bulletin 210-110

19
S&C Power Fuses Selection Guide for Transformer-Primary Fuses
Types SMD-1A, SMD-2B, SMD-2C, SMD-3, and SMD-50 in Medium- and High-Voltage Utility and
Outdoor Transmission (34.5 kV through 138 kV) Industrial Substations
Application Principles

1000

A Grounded-wye grounded-wye
connected transformer

B Delta delta connected transformer

100
C Delta grounded-wye
connected transformer

ANSI Point ■ for 6.5%

impedance grounded-wye
grounded-wye connected
transformer

10

ANSI Point ■ for 6.5% impedance

delta grounded-wye connected
Time, Seconds

transformer

ANSI Point ■ for 6.5% impedance

delta delta connected transformer

0.1

■ The current value for the ANSI Point

is determined using the following formula:
1
%Z ( transformer connection
adjustment factor )
For example, for a 6.5% impedance delta grounded-wye connected
transformer, the current value for ANSI Point is:

( )( )1
.065
.58 , or 888% of the transformer full-load current.

0.01
10 100 1000 10000
Current, Percent of Transformer Self-Cooled Full-Load Current

Figure 13. Infrequent-fault incidence through-fault protection curves for various transformers.

20
 Application Principles

Figure 13 illustrates the base transformer through-fault curves intersect as low as possible to maximize protection
protection curve, applicable to a grounded-wye grounded- for the transformer against secondary-side faults.
wye connected transformer (Curve A), as well as through- The through-fault protection curve for a delta grounded-
fault protection curves adjusted to reflect the two situa- wye connected transformer can be used to illustrate these
tions discussed previously. Curve B represents Curve A principles for primary-side fuses. See Figure 14 on page 22.
adjusted to reflect the reduced level of current (0.87 per The total clearing curves for primary fuses with a fusing
unit) seen by two primary fuses during a phase-to-phase ratio▲ of 1.0, 1.5, or 2.0 all pass below the “ANSI” Point of
secondary fault on a delta delta connected transformer. the delta grounded-wye connected transformer’s through-
Similarly, Curve C represents Curve A adjusted to reflect fault protection curve. The total clearing curve for prima-
the reduced level of current (0.58 per unit) seen by two ry fuses with a fusing ratio of 2.5 or 3.0 pass completely
primary fuses during a phase-to-ground secondary fault on above and to the right of the transformer through-fault
a delta grounded-wye connected transformer. protection curve and thus would not provide any protec-
Although the transformer through-fault protection tion for the transformer for a phase-to-ground secondary
curves are only a guide, they are recommended as a crite- fault. Since the object of transformer-primary fusing is to
rion against which to measure the degree of transformer provide protection for the transformer for all types of sec-
protection provided by the transformer-primary fuse. To ondary faults, primary fuses having total clearing curves
meet this criterion for high-magnitude secondary-side that pass above the “ANSI” Point (such as a primary fuse
faults, the total clearing time-current characteristic curve with a fusing ratio of 2.5 or 3.0 in Figure 14) would be con-
of the primary fuse should pass below the point (histori- sidered unacceptable.
cally called the “ANSI” Point) on the appropriate through- The transformer-primary fuse having the lowest fus-
fault protection curve at the current level corresponding ing ratio of the three fuses that pass beneath the “ANSI”
to the maximum three-phase secondary-fault current Point would provide the maximum protection for the
as determined solely by the transformer impedance (i.e., transformer against secondary faults located between the
an infinite source is assumed). Based on the design and transformer and the secondary-side circuit breakers or re-
application of the primary fuse, as described below, the closers — as well as maximum backup protection for the
total clearing time-current characteristic curve of the transformer in the event the secondary-side breakers or
primary fuse will typically cross the transformer through- reclosers fail to operate, or operate too slowly due to in-
fault protection curve at some low level of current. correct (higher) ratings or settings. From Figure 14, it may
Another aspect of transformer protection involves low- be seen that a primary fuse with a fusing ratio of 1.0 will
current overloads. Medium- and high-voltage transformer- provide protection for a delta grounded-wye connected
primary fuses are not intended to provide overload protec- transformer against phase-to-ground secondary faults pro-
tion. For this reason, the minimum operating current of ducing currents as low as 235% of the full-load current of
medium- and high-voltage power fuses is required by IEEE the transformer as reflected to the primary side. When the
Standard★ to be significantly greater than the ampere rat- fusing ratio is 2.0, however, protection for the transformer
ing. For example, the “E”-rated power fuses discussed in is provided only when secondary faults produce primary-
this selection guide are required to operate at not less than side currents exceeding 700% of the transformer full-load
200 or 220% of the ampere rating. Accordingly, the total- current.
clearing time-current characteristic curve of the primary
★ IEEE Standard C37.46, “Specifications for Power Fuses and Fuse Dis-
fuse will cross the transformer through-fault protection
connecting Switches.”
curve at some low level of current. Because the primary
fuse does not provide overload protection for the trans- ▲ Fusing ratio is defined as the ratio of the transformer-primary fuse
former, this should not be a concern; however, efforts ampere rating to the transformer self-cooled full-load region.
should be made to keep the current value at which the two

Data Bulletin 210-110

21
S&C Power Fuses Selection Guide for Transformer-Primary Fuses
Types SMD-1A, SMD-2B, SMD-2C, SMD-3, and SMD-50 in Medium- and High-Voltage Utility and
Outdoor Transmission (34.5 kV through 138 kV) Industrial Substations
Application Principles

1000

Fusing Ratio
■ 1.0
■ 1.5
■ 2.0
■ 2.5
■ 3.0

100

Through-fault
protection curve for
delta grounded-wye
connected transformer

ANSI Point for 8% impedance

delta grounded-wye connected
transformer
10
Time, Seconds

1
Minimum primary-side
line current down to
which fuse will protect
transformer. (Fusing
ratio is 1.0)

0.1

Minimum primary-side
line current down to
which fuse will protect
transformer. (Fusing
ratio is 2.0)
0.01
100 1000 10000 100000
Current, Percent of Transformer Self-Cooled Full-Load Current

Figure 14. The effect of fusing ratios on the degree of protection provided a delta grounded-wye connected
transformer against a phase-to-ground secondary fault.

22
 Application Principles

As mentioned before, an effort should be made to select full-load current, are listed in Table III, below. The desired
a transformer-primary fuse that will protect the transform- protection is obtained if the current value at which the
er against all types of secondary-side faults. The primary- total clearing time-current curve of the primary fuse and
side line-current values for various types of secondary- the transformer through-fault protection curve intersect is
side faults and for various transformer connections and less than the applicable values as shown in Table III.
impedances, expressed in percent of the transformer

Table III—Secondary Fault Currents Reflected to Primary Lines

Maximum Primary-Side Line Current for Various Types of Secondary Faults,

Transformer Percent of Transformer Full-Load Current
Impedance
Connection
Phase-to-Ground Phase-to-Phase Three-Phase
4% 2500 2165 2500

5% 2000 1730 2000

6% 1670 1445 1670

– 7% 1430 1240 1430

8% 1250 1085 1250

10% 1000 865 1000

12% 830 720 830

4% 2165 2500

5% 1730 2000

6% 1445 1670

– 7% NOT APPLICABLE 1240 1430

8% 1085 1250

10% 865 1000

12% 720 830

4% 1445 2500 2500

5% 1155 2000 2000

6% 965 1670 1670

– 7% 825 1430 1430

8% 720 1250 1250

10% 575 1000 1000

12% 480 830 830

Data Bulletin 210-110

23
S&C Power Fuses Selection Guide for Transformer-Primary Fuses
Types SMD-1A, SMD-2B, SMD-2C, SMD-3, and SMD-50 in Medium- and High-Voltage Utility and
Outdoor Transmission (34.5 kV through 138 kV) Industrial Substations
Application Principles

Coordinate with Other Protective There are applications, however, where a main secondary
Devices . . . protective device is commonly used for reasons other than
secondary-side fault protection, such as: (1) in circuits
General. The most important aspect of transformer-
with a large number of feeders, where the main second-
primary fusing is the provision of maximum protection
ary device serves as a “master” disconnect to permit rapid
for the transformer. It is also important, however, for the
shutdown of all feeders in an emergency; (2) in circuits
time-current characteristics of the primary fuse to be co-
where overload protection is desired because the com-
ordinated with the time-current characteristics of certain
bined load capability of the feeders exceeds the overload
other overcurrent protective devices on both the second-
capability of the transformer; and (3) in situations where
ary side and the primary side of the transformer.
the secondaries of two supply transformers are connected
Coordination is defined as the selective operation of var- through a bus-tie circuit breaker in order to isolate a fault-
ious overcurrent protective devices, and, if properly ex- ed transformer from the secondary-side bus.
ecuted, will result in removal of the least-possible amount
The use of a main secondary-side circuit breaker or
of load by the device clearing the fault, while normal ser-
recloser does not alter the desirability of providing the
vice is maintained on the remainder of the circuit. The
maximum degree of protection for the transformer, while
following sections describe how proper coordination is
obtaining coordination with secondary-side devices such
achieved both between the transformer-primary fuse and
that the least-possible amount of load is removed in the
secondary-side protective devices, and between the trans-
event of a fault. This is best achieved by coordinating the
former-primary fuse and source-side protective devices.
transformer-primary fuse with the feeder circuit breaker
Figure 15 represents a portion of a simple radial circuit or recloser having the highest ampere rating or setting (or,
that serves to illustrate the principles of coordination in the case of a duplex substation, with the bus-tie circuit
just described. A secondary fault at Point C on the feeder breaker). A primary fuse so selected will have a smaller
should be cleared by feeder protective device 2 before ampere rating than would be possible if the primary fuse
the transformer-primary fuse 1 operates. In the same were coordinated with the main secondary-side protective
manner, a secondary fault at Point B, or a primary fault at device, thereby providing a higher degree of protection
Point A, should be cleared by the transformer-primary fuse for the transformer against secondary-side faults, as well
1 before another protective device even farther upstream
as superior backup protection for the transformer in the
begins to operate. event a secondary-side circuit breaker or recloser fails to
For most applications, a main secondary-side protective operate correctly.
device is considered economically unjustifiable, since a Lack of coordination between the transformer-primary
properly selected primary fuse will provide the same de- fuse and the main secondary-side device is no problem,
gree of secondary-fault protection for the transformer as since the current range over which the two devices do not
would a main secondary-side circuit breaker or recloser. coordinate is very narrow, and even then it only occurs

Feeder protective
devices

Transformer-
primary fuse
1

Source Feeders

A B
2

Figure 15. Coordination between a transformer-primary fuse and a feeder protective device. Refer to text.

24
 Application Principles

when: (1) a feeder fault is not cleared due to failure of a curve of the transformer-primary fuse for all current levels
feeder circuit breaker or recloser; or (2) there is a second- — from overload current up to the maximum three-phase
ary-side bus fault. Either combination of circumstances is secondary fault-current level — with proper allowances
so rare that the primary fuse will seldom operate. Even if made for the transformer connection (discussed later),
the primary fuse does operate, the results are no differ- for the prefault load current, and for elevated (or reduced)
ent from that which ensues if only the main secondary ambient temperatures (if applicable).
breaker or recloser operates. In either case, the entire out- Proper coordination between a transformer-primary
put of the transformer will be lost. Rapid operation of the fuse and a secondary-side circuit breaker is illustrated in
transformer-primary fuse will actually improve the degree Figure 16 on page 26. In this example, the transformer has
of protection of the transformer for the two situations a base (OA) rating of 7500 kVA three phase, 69 kV primary,
mentioned above since the time required for the primary 12.47 kV secondary. The transformer has a forced air (FA)
fuse to operate will be less than the time required if the rating of 9375 kVA (125%). The transformer impedance is
primary fuse and the main secondary-side protective 7%, and the maximum three-phase secondary fault current
device were fully coordinated. The shorter operating time is 810 amperes (1000 MVA), as seen on the primary side
of the primary fuse results in a lesser accumulation of of the transformer. The transformer is connected delta
mechanical and thermal stresses on the transformer, grounded-wye.
thereby helping to preserve transformer operating life.
The transformer-primary fuse is a 100E-ampere Slow
Coordinating with non-reclosing secondary-side Speed SMD-1A Power Fuse rated 69 kV. The full-load
protective devices current of the transformer, based on the forced-air
To establish coordination between the transformer-pri- (FA) rating, is 78.4 amperes. At this level of transformer
mary fuse and a non-reclosing feeder protective device, loading, the primary fuse will be loaded to 78.4% of rating
it is necessary to examine the relationship between the (78.4 ÷ 100 = 0.784). The preload adjustment factor, which
minimum melting time-current characteristic curve of the can be determined from Figure 5 on page 10, is 0.85.
primary fuse and the total clearing time-current character- The secondary-side protective device is a Square D
istic curve of the feeder circuit breaker (assumed). In so Type FVR circuit breaker controlled by Westinghouse
doing, however, the time-current characteristic curves for CO-9 (very inverse) induction-disk overcurrent relays. The
both devices must be converted to equivalent currents ap- phase relay has a 360-ampere minimum pickup setting,
plicable to a common voltage (either primary side or sec- and a time-dial of 3.0. The ground relay has a 240-ampere
ondary side). For this publication, the primary-side volt- minimum pickup current, and a time-dial setting of 2.5.
age has been used. The coordinating time interval (CTI) for both relays is 0.15
Complete coordination between the two devices is ob- second, consisting of 0.10 second for overtravel, and 0.05
tained when the total clearing time-current characteristic second for tolerance. (It is assumed that the relays have
curve of the feeder circuit breaker lies below and to the been carefully field calibrated.) The circuit breaker total
left of the minimum melting time-current characteristic clearing time is 0.05 second (3 cycles).

Data Bulletin 210-110

25
S&C Power Fuses Selection Guide for Transformer-Primary Fuses
Types SMD-1A, SMD-2B, SMD-2C, SMD-3, and SMD-50 in Medium- and High-Voltage Utility and
Outdoor Transmission (34.5 kV through 138 kV) Industrial Substations
Application Principles

1000

Primary fuse
(100E-ampere
Slow Speed)

100

Through-fault
protection curve for
delta grounded-wye
connected transformer
10
Time, Seconds

Phase relay

1
Ground relay

0.1

Magnetizing
inrush

Hot-load
pick up

Three-phase
secondary-side fault
(810 amperes)
0.01
10 100 1000 10000
Current, Amperes at 69 kV

Figure 16. Coordination between a transformer-primary fuse and a medium-voltage non-reclosing feeder
circuit breaker.

26
 Application Principles

A check of coordination indicates that a 100E Standard Coordinating with reclosing

Speed SMD-1A Power Fuse will not coordinate with the secondary-side protective devices
phase relay described above at the available three-phase A circuit breaker with a reclosing relay or an automatic
secondary-side fault current level of 810 amperes. Simply circuit recloser has the intelligence necessary to sense
put, the total clearing time of the secondary-side circuit overcurrents, to interrupt those overcurrents, and to re-
breaker is greater than the preload-adjusted minimum close automatically to reenergize the feeder. If the fault is
melting time of the primary fuse. However, a Slow Speed permanent rather than temporary, the recloser will “lock
SMD-1A Power Fuse will coordinate with the phase re- out” after a preset number of reclosing operations (usu-
lay. Refer to Figure 16. A 100E Very Slow Speed SMD-1A ally three or four), thus isolating the faulted feeder from
Power Fuse will also coordinate with the phase relay, the system. Most faults on overhead distribution feeders
although the degree of transformer protection will be re- — perhaps as many as 80% — are temporary in nature and
duced slightly. last only a few cycles to a few seconds at most. Automatic
If the fuse initially selected does not coordinate with the circuit reclosers, with their “trip-and-reclose” capability,
load-side protective device, then coordination should be eliminate prolonged outages on distribution systems due
rechecked, using a slower-speed fuse of the same ampere to these temporary faults.
rating. If coordination still cannot be obtained — even Automatic circuit reclosers have dual timing capa-
with the slowest available fuse (i.e., Very Slow Speed) — bilities that serve an important function in establishing
then the alternatives listed below should be considered coordination with other protective devices, and in help-
before resorting to a fuse with a larger ampere rating, ing to limit areas affected by permanent faults. A typi-
which would reduce the degree of protection afforded the cal recloser operating sequence to “lockout” is shown
transformer: in Figure 17. As illustrated, the first two fault-clearing
a) Use more circuit breakers (feeders) on the secondary operations are performed in accordance with
side of the transformer, thereby permitting the phase the “fast” timing characteristic in order to clear
and ground relays to have lower minimum pickup cur- temporary faults before any load-side protective
rents; devices operate. The remaining operations to lock-
b) Eliminate the main-secondary circuit breaker if pres- out incorporate a predetermined time delay, which
ent and if used solely for overcurrent protection; allows protective devices nearer the fault to interrupt
permanent faults, thereby limiting the extent of the
c) Lower the time-dial settings of the load-side phase or outage to the smallest possible portion of the system.
ground relays; This scheme is often referred to as a “fuse saving” scheme,
d) Use a transformer with a higher impedance rating to since fuses only respond to permanent faults within their
reduce the level of fault current seen by the primary zones of protection.
fuse; or
e) Accept incomplete coordination under certain infre-
quent conditions on a calculated-risk basis.

“Fast” operations “Time-delay” operations

(contacts closed) (contacts closed)
Fault
current

Load current Recloser

lockout
(contacts (contacts
closed) open)

Fault Reclosing time intervals

initiated (contacts open)
Time

Figure 17. Typical recloser operating sequence to lockout.

Data Bulletin 210-110

27
S&C Power Fuses Selection Guide for Transformer-Primary Fuses
Types SMD-1A, SMD-2B, SMD-2C, SMD-3, and SMD-50 in Medium- and High-Voltage Utility and
Outdoor Transmission (34.5 kV through 138 kV) Industrial Substations
Application Principles

The fast timing characteristic is generally identified delayed (1A / 2B), and two fast / one delayed (2A / 1B).
as the “A” curve on the recloser’s published time-cur- Although it is possible to select recloser operating se-
rent characteristic curves. Time-delayed operations, quences that are either all fast or all delayed, this is gen-
which are usually referred to as “slow” or “delayed” op- erally not done except in unusual situations because of
erations, are given curve designations “B,” “C,” “D,” etc. difficulties that will be encountered in coordinating the
Time-current curves for a typical recloser are shown in recloser with other protective devices.
Figure 18. Note that the fast (A) curve specifies the max- Proper selection of the operating sequence and reclos-
imum clearing time for a single operation, with all varia- ing time intervals is vital to ensure that all outages due to
tions negative. By contrast, the slow or delayed curves faults are restricted to the smallest possible section of the
specify average clearing times for a single operation, feeder or lateral. Generally, the time-current characteris-
variations are typically ±10% in terms of time, or ±0.01 tics and operating sequence of a recloser are selected to co-
second, whichever is greater. ordinate with source-side protective devices. Then, after a
Operating sequences for reclosers are selected specific recloser size and operating sequence has been
primarily on the basis of providing protection against determined, protective equipment further out on the
temporary faults and coordination with other protective feeder are selected to coordinate with it.
devices. Typical sequences are: two fast / two delayed
(2A / 2B), one fast / three delayed (1A / 3B), one fast / two

100

10
Time, Seconds

D
0.1

C
B

0.01
10 100 1000 10000

Current, Amperes

Figure 18. Typical recloser curves.

28
 Application Principles

When coordinating a transformer-primary fuse with a to the time-current characteristic curves of the circuit
load-side circuit breaker with a reclosing relay, or with a breaker or recloser — rather than the transformer-primary
load-side automatic-circuit recloser, the fault current flow- fuse — to generate an “equivalent” recloser lockout curve
ing through the fuse will be interrupted by the breaker or as “seen” by the primary fuse. A number of different tech-
recloser and then restored as the breaker or recloser goes niques have been used over the years to develop recloser
through its operating sequence. Initially, the temperature lockout curves, each providing differing levels of accura-
of the fusible element in the primary fuse is determined cy. One method, sometimes referred to as the “Conserva-
by the pre-fault load current and by elevated (or reduced) tive Method,” involves simply ignoring the cooling that oc-
ambient temperatures (if applicable). When a fault is initi- curs during the reclosing time intervals, and considering
ated, the temperature of the fusible element increases to- only the heating of the primary fuse. Such a method, as the
wards its melting point. If the breaker or recloser opens name suggests, yields very conservative results. A more
before the fusible element reaches its melting point, the accurate method — sometimes referred to as the “Cool-
fuse will cool during the reclosing time interval (i.e., ing-Factor Method” — precisely defines the recloser lock-
the breaker or recloser contacts are open). This current out curve by reflecting both the heating and the specific
cycling will continue until: a) the fault is cleared by a fast cooling characteristics of the primary fuse as a function of
operation of the circuit breaker or recloser, followed by the duration of each reclosing time interval. Cooling fac-
a successful reclose; b) a load-side fuse clears the fault tor curves for S&C Type SMD Power Fuses are shown in
during the recloser’s delayed operation; or c) the recloser Figure 20 on page 30.
operates to lockout. Clearly, you would like the recloser As shown in Figure 20, cooling factors for different fus-
to operate to lockout before the transformer primary-fuse es can vary substantially. For example, after a reclosing
operates. Figure 19 illustrates the heating and cooling of time interval of 2 seconds has elapsed, a Standard Speed
a primary fuse subjected to multiple reclose operations. SMD fuse unit rated less than 40E amperes has lost 60% of
When coordinating reclosers and fuses, the repeated its heat input as compared to a Slow Speed SMD fuse unit
heating and cooling of the fusible element must be consid- (having the same ampere rating), which has lost only 20%
ered. To achieve this end, adjustment factors are applied of its heat input.

Heat Cool Heat Cool Heat

Temperature of
fusible element

Time

Reclosing Reclosing
Load Fault Fault Fault
time interval time interval
Current
through
fuse

Figure 19. Heating and cooling of a fuse in series with a recloser during the recloser’s operating sequence.

Data Bulletin 210-110

29
S&C Power Fuses Selection Guide for Transformer-Primary Fuses
Types SMD-1A, SMD-2B, SMD-2C, SMD-3, and SMD-50 in Medium- and High-Voltage Utility and
Outdoor Transmission (34.5 kV through 138 kV) Industrial Substations
Application Principles

1.2
Standard Speed fuse units rated
7E – 40E amperes

1.0
Standard Speed fuse units rated
50E – 300E amperes

0.8
Slow Speed fuse units rated
15E – 300E amperes
Cooling Factor

Very Slow Speed fuse

0.6 units rated
50E – 250E amperes

0.4

0.2

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
Time, Seconds

Figure 20. Cooling factors versus time for various SMD Power Fuses.

Since the transformer-primary fuse is located on the has a forced-air (FA) rating of 9375 kVA (125%). The trans-
source side of the feeder circuit breakers or reclosers, former impedance is 7.5%, and the maximum three-phase
the goal is to have the primary fuse not melt before the secondary fault current is 478 amperes (2000 MVA), as
breaker or recloser on the faulted feeder operates all the seen on the primary side of the transformer. The trans-
way to lockout. The maximum current value up to which former is connected delta grounded-wye.
the primary fuse and breaker or recloser will coordinate is The transformer-primary fuse is a 65E-ampere Standard
generally the lower of: Speed SMD-2B Power Fuse rated 115 kV. The full-load cur-
a) The maximum interrupting capacity of circuit breaker, rent of the transformer, based on its forced-air rating, is 47
recloser, or fuse; or amperes. At this level of transformer loading, the primary
b) The intersection of the minimum melting curve of the fuse will be loaded to 72% of rating (47 amperes ÷ 65 am-
primary fuse and the maximum equivalent operating peres = 0.72). The preload adjustment factor, which can be
curve of breaker or recloser (i.e., the “lockout” curve). determined from Figure 5 on page 10, is 0.88.
Example 1: Conservative Method. Coordination be- The secondary-side recloser is a Cooper Type VSML
tween a transformer-primary fuse and a secondary-side electronically controlled vacuum recloser, rated 14.4 kV,
recloser is illustrated in Figure 21. In this example, the 560 amperes continuous. The phase-trip pickup current is
transformer has a base (OA) rating of 7500 kVA three 280 amperes, and the operating sequence is one fast (A),
phase, 115 kV primary, 13.2 kV secondary. The transformer three slow (C) operations. The reclosing time interval
between the fast operation and the first delayed operation

30
 Application Principles

is 0.5 second (instantaneous). Between the delayed opera- Since the fuse must allow the recloser to operate to
tions, the reclosing time interval is 5 seconds. lockout without melting, the recloser’s maximum equiva-
As noted earlier, the most conservative approach to es- lent lockout curve is calculated by adding up the individu-
tablishing coordination between the transformer-primary al operating times of the one fast (A) curve and three slow
fuse and a feeder recloser would be to ignore the cooling (C) curves at various current levels. As noted previously,
of the primary fuse during the reclosing time intervals, and the published fast (A) curve is based on maximum clearing
simply sum the heating effect or heat input of each opera- time, but the delayed (C) curve is based on average clear-
tion. That is, the recloser lockout curve would be created ing time and must be adjusted by its positive tolerance of
by adding the total clearing times of the proper number 10%.
of fast and delayed operations, at various current levels. The recloser’s maximum’s equivalent lockout curve
While the conservative method will ensure coordination, can be calculated by using Equation 1:
it may force the selection of a larger transformer-primary
fuse than otherwise would be necessary. A larger fuse, in
TA + 3(1.1TC)
turn, will provide a reduced level of transformer protec- Tl =
tion, and it may create coordination problems with devic- 1–P
es located even further to the source side of the fuse.
The maximum equivalent lockout curve for a reclosing Where TA and TC are points from the published recloser A
circuit breaker or recloser can be obtained by use of the and C curves, respectively, at the selected current I.
following equation: At the maximum three-phase secondary-side fault cur-
rent value of 478 A:
n
TA = 0.025 second
T
j=1
Rj
(Equation 1)
TC = 0.14 second
P = 0.12 (For 72% preload) (From Figure 5)
Tl =
1P 0.025 + 3[(1.1)(.14)]
Tl = = 0.55 second
1 – 0.12
Tl = Point on the maximum equivalent lockout curve
of the recloser, at current (I). The minimum melting time of the 65E-ampere Standard
P = Reduction in the melting time of the fuse due Speed SMD-2B Power Fuse at 478 amperes (0.42 second)
to preloading, expressed as a decimal part of its is less than the maximum equivalent lockout curve of the
total melting time. recloser at this same current level (0.55 second), so com-
TRj = Maximum clearing time at current (I) for the jth plete coordination between the primary fuse and the re-
operation of the recloser. closer is not obtained. Before considering a fuse with a
slower speed characteristic, or one with a larger ampere
n = Number of operations of the recloser. rating having the same speed characteristic, coordination
should be checked using the more precise Cooling-Factor
Method.

Data Bulletin 210-110

31
S&C Power Fuses Selection Guide for Transformer-Primary Fuses
Types SMD-1A, SMD-2B, SMD-2C, SMD-3, and SMD-50 in Medium- and High-Voltage Utility and
Outdoor Transmission (34.5 kV through 138 kV) Industrial Substations
Application Principles

1000

Primary fuse
(65E-ampere
Standard Speed)

100

Through-fault
protection curve for
delta grounded-wye
connected transformer
10
Time, seconds

Miscoordination
Maximum equivalent
recloser “lockout” curve
1

Recloser
“C” curve

0.1

Recloser
“A” curve

Three-phase secondary-side
fault (478 amperes)

0.01
10 100 1000 10000
Current, Amperes at 115 kV

Figure 21. Source-side fuse/load-side recloser coordination using Conservative Method. The primary
fuse does not coordinate with the recloser.

32
 Application Principles

Example 2: Cooling-Factor Method. In order to d. Four operations of reclosing device:

obtain precise coordination between the transformer-
primary fuse and a secondary-side circuit breaker or TR1 C1 C2 C3 + TR2 C2 C3 + TR3 C3 + TR4
recloser, it is necessary to compensate for the heat stored Tl =
in the primary fuse when the recloser contacts are closed,
(1 – P C1 C2 C3)
and the heat that is lost when the contacts are open. (Equation 5)
The heat stored in the fuse (preheating) during the time
the recloser contacts are closed is directly proportional to
the recloser’s total clearing times (for fast or delayed oper- when the reclosing times are the same, this simplifies
ations). As noted before, an adjustment can be made to the to:
recloser’s fast (A) and slow (B, C, etc.) curves by the appli-
cation of a factor (C) to the clearing times. These cooling TR1 C 3 + TR2 C 2 + TR3 C + TR4
factors (C), for a specific reclosing time interval, or cooling Tl =
time, reflect the heat remaining in the fuse after preheating
(1 – P C 3)
and cooling, in percent of preheating. See Figure 20 on (Equation 5a)
page 30.
Where:
Maximum equivalent lockout curves for the circuit
Tl = Point on the maximum equivalent lockout curve
breaker or recloser, for various operating sequences, are
of the recloser at current (I).
obtained by use of the following equations.
P = Reduction in the melting time of the fuse due to
a. One operation of reclosing device: preloading, expressed as a decimal part of its total
melting time.
TR1 TRj = Maximum clearing time at current (I) for the jth
Tl = (Equation 2) operation of the recloser.

(1 – P)
Ck = Cooling factors from Figure 20 on page 30 for kth
reclosing time interval of the recloser.
b. Two operations of reclosing device:

TR1 C1 + TR2
Tl = (Equation 3)

(1 – P C1)

c. Three operations of reclosing device:

TR1 C1 C2 + TR2 C2 + TR3

Tl = (Equation 4)

(1 – P C1C2)

when the reclosing times are the same, this simplifies

to:

TR1 C 2 + TR2 C + TR3

Tl = (Equation 4a)

(1 – P C 2)

Data Bulletin 210-110

33
S&C Power Fuses Selection Guide for Transformer-Primary Fuses
Types SMD-1A, SMD-2B, SMD-2C, SMD-3, and SMD-50 in Medium- and High-Voltage Utility and
Outdoor Transmission (34.5 kV through 138 kV) Industrial Substations
Application Principles

As in the previous example, the goal is to have the

recloser operate all the way to lockout before the trans-
former-primary fuse operates. The reclosing time interval
between the fast operation and the first delayed operation
is 0.5 second (instantaneous). Between the delayed opera-
tions, the reclosing time interval is 5 seconds. The equiva-
lent recloser lockout curve is calculated using Equation 5:
TAC1C2C3+1.1TC C2C3+1.1TCC3+1.1TC
Tl =
(1 – P C1C2C3)

Where TA and TC are points from the published recloser

A and C curves, respectively, at the current I.
At the maximum three-phase secondary-side fault value
of 478 A:
TA = 0.025 second
TC = 0.14 second
P = 0.12 (For 72% preload) (From Figure 5)
For a 0.5-second reclosing time interval: C1 = 1.0
For a 5-second reclosing time interval: C2 = C3 = 0.25
(From Figure 20)
(0.025)(1.0)(0.25)(0.25)+(1.1)(0.14)(0.25)(0.25)+(1.1)(0.14)(0.25)+(1.1)(0.14)
Tl = = 0.21 second
(1 – (0.12)(1.0)(0.25)(0.25))

As noted earlier, the minimum melting time of the As the above example illustrates, including the effects
65E Standard Speed SMD-2B Power Fuse at 478 amperes of cooling of the transformer-primary fuse during the
is 0.42 second. In this example, complete coordination re- reclosing time intervals often times allows the selection
sults because the equivalent lockout time of the recloser, of a smaller primary fuse ampere rating, or a primary fuse
at 478 amperes (0.21 second), is well below the minimum with the same rating but having a faster speed charac-
melting time of the primary fuse, thereby illustrating the teristic, for better transformer protection. The Cooling-
advantages of the Cooling-Factor Method. Factor Method is particularly useful when the coordina-
tion with the secondary-side breaker or recloser is particu-
larly tight.

34
 Application Principles

1000

Primary fuse
(65E-ampere
Standard Speed)

100

Through-fault
protection curve for
delta grounded-wye
connected transformer

10
Time, seconds

Maximum equivalent
recloser “lockout” curve

Recloser
“C” curve

0.1

Recloser
“A” curve

Three-phase secondary-side
fault (478 amperes)

0.01
10 100 1000 10000
Current, Amperes at 115 kV

Figure 22. Source-side fuse/load-side recloser coordination using Cooling-Factor Method. Complete
coordination is achieved.

Data Bulletin 210-110

35
S&C Power Fuses Selection Guide for Transformer-Primary Fuses
Types SMD-1A, SMD-2B, SMD-2C, SMD-3, and SMD-50 in Medium- and High-Voltage Utility and
Outdoor Transmission (34.5 kV through 138 kV) Industrial Substations
Application Principles

Additional coordination considerations for delta For a phase-to-phase secondary fault not involving
grounded-wye connected transformers ground on a delta grounded-wye connected transformer,
Coordination between the transformer-primary fuse and the per-unit primary-side line current in one phase is the
the feeder circuit breaker or recloser is typically checked same as that resulting from a three-phase secondary fault,
for the level of fault current and for the type of fault (i.e., while the secondary-side line current is only 0.87 per unit
three-phase, phase-to-phase, or phase-to-ground) produc- of the three-phase secondary fault-current value (hence,
ing the most demanding conditions possible for the trans- the ratio, as listed in Table IV, is l.0 ÷ 0.87, or 1.15). To
former in each application. From the standpoint of coordi- compensate for the line-current differential inherent to the
nation, the most demanding conditions possible are those delta grounded-wye connected transformer, it is generally
where the per-unit line current on the primary side of the recommended that a 15% margin in terms of current (or
transformer is greater than the per-unit line current on the an equivalent margin in terms of time) be maintained be-
secondary side of the transformer. For this situation, the tween the total clearing time-current characteristic curve
primary fuse “sees” more current, on a relative basis, than of the feeder protective device and the minimum melting
does the secondary-side breaker or recloser. Accordingly, time-current characteristic curve of the transformer-pri-
an allowance must be made before checking for proper mary fuse. Refer to Figure 23.
coordination between the two devices. Table IV lists the
ratio of the per-unit primary-side line current to the per-
unit secondary-side line current for the same transformer
connections and types of secondary faults as illustrated in
Figure 12 on page 18.

Table IV—Relationship Between Per-Unit Primary-Side Line Current and Per-Unit Secondary-Side Line Current for
Various Types of Secondary Faults

Ratio of Per-Unit Primary-Side Line Current to Per-Unit

Transformer Connection â
Secondary-Side Line Current①
Type of Fault à Three-Phase Phase-to-Phase Phase-to-Ground

– 1.0 1.0 1.0

– 1.0 1.0 NOT APPLICABLE

– 1.0 1.15 0.58

① Primary-side and secondary-side line current values are expressed in per unit of their respective values for a “bolted” three-phase
secondary fault.

36
 Application Principles

1000

Primary fuse
(100E-ampere
Slow Speed)

100

Through-fault
protection curve for
delta grounded-wye
connected transformer

10
Time, seconds

Phase
relay

T1

T2

Ground
relay
Magnetizing
inrush
0.1

Hot-load pickup

I 1 – Maximum three-phase secondary-side fault.

I 2 – 87% of I1.
T1 – Minimum melting time of primary fuse at I 1.
T2 – Total operating time of circuit breaker at I 2.
Note: For coordination T1 must be greater than T2.
I2 I1

0.01
10 100 1000 10000
Current, Amperes at 69 kV

Figure 23. Application of minimum time margin (equivalent to 15% current margin) between the minimum
melting curve of the transformer-primary fuse and a medium-voltage circuit breaker (feeder or main), for
a delta grounded-wye connected transformer.

Data Bulletin 210-110

37
S&C Power Fuses Selection Guide for Transformer-Primary Fuses
Types SMD-1A, SMD-2B, SMD-2C, SMD-3, and SMD-50 in Medium- and High-Voltage Utility and
Outdoor Transmission (34.5 kV through 138 kV) Industrial Substations
Application Principles

Coordination between the transformer-primary fuse and Protect Downstream Conductors Against
upstream protective devices Damaging Overcurrents . . .
After the transformer-primary fuse has been selected to The final application principle to be considered when se-
provide the maximum degree of protection for the trans- lecting a transformer-primary fuse is that it must protect
former and to coordinate with secondary-side circuit the conductors between the primary fuse and the trans-
breakers and reclosers, it is necessary to consider coor- former against damage from overheating due to excessive
dination with upstream protective devices. To achieve overcurrents. In general, the size of conductor to be used
coordination with an upstream protective device, the is determined by considering the conductor’s ampacity,
total clearing time of the primary fuse must be less than as well as its behavior under short-circuit current condi-
the minimum melting time of a source-side fuse, or the tions. Selection of the conductor size from the standpoint
minimum-operating time of the relay associated with a of its continuous current-carrying capability is easily done
source-side circuit breaker, for all currents less than the by reference to ampacity tables available in the industry
maximum-available fault current at the location of the literature, or published by the conductor manufacturer.
primary fuse. In establishing such coordination, no adjust- Similarly, conductor sizes capable of withstanding avail-
ment need be made to the total clearing time-current char- able short-circuit currents can easily be selected from
acteristic curve of the primary fuse. industry-accepted graphs, or those distributed by the con-
Certain adjustments must be made to the minimum ductor manufacturers. If the size of conductor to be used
operating time-current curves of the source-side is selected in this manner, the primary fuses selected in
protective devices, however. Specifically, the mini- accordance with the recommendations presented in this
mum melting time-current characteristic curves for publication will easily protect the conductors against dam-
source-side power fuses must be adjusted to reflect age from overheating due to excessive overcurrents.
the assumed prefault load current, as well as elevated
(or reduced) ambient temperatures (if applicable). Simi-
larly, the time-current characteristic curves for source-
side relays must be adjusted for any overtravel and
tolerance, as recommended by the manufacturer of the
device. Refer to Figure 24.
Earlier in this guide, it was recommended that you
select the smallest-practicable ampere rating of trans-
former-primary fuse in order to maximize transformer
protection. Such a fuse selection will also greatly facilitate
coordination with upstream protective devices since the
lower total clearing time-current curve associated with
this fuse will more easily fit below the time-current curve
of the upstream protective device.

38
 Application Principles

1000

Primary fuse
(100E ampere
Slow Speed)

100

10

Phase
relay
Time, seconds

Ground
relay

Maximum
available fault
current at
Minimum operating
transformer
time-current curves of
primary fuse
upstream circuit breaker
overcurrent relays
(adjusted for overtravel
and tolerance)
0.1

0.01
100 1000 10000 100000
Current, Amperes at 69 kV

Figure 24. Coordination between a transformer-primary fuse and an upstream circuit breaker.

Data Bulletin 210-110

39
S&C Power Fuses Selection Guide for Transformer-Primary Fuses
Types SMD-1A, SMD-2B, SMD-2C, SMD-3, and SMD-50 in Medium- and High-Voltage Utility and
Outdoor Transmission (34.5 kV through 138 kV) Industrial Substations
The Fuse Selection Tables

Introduction to Fuse Selection Tables . . . S&C Type SMD Power Fuses possess the performance
As described previously, the selection of a transformer-pri- characteristics and quality that make them especially suit-
mary fuse ampere rating and speed characteristic involves ed for the simultaneous satisfaction of all of the selection
consideration of the following factors: criteria. These time-tested fuses are available in a wide
variety of ampere ratings and speeds, permitting close fus-
1. Anticipated normal transformer loading schedule, in- ing for maximum protection and optimum coordination.
cluding daily or repetitive peak loads, and emergency And their time-current characteristics are precise, with
peak loads; only 10% total tolerance in melting current, compared to
2. Inrush currents, including the combined effects of the 20% (or greater) tolerance of other fuses (20% and 40%
transformer magnetizing-inrush current and the ener- respectively, in terms of time). Because of these narrow
gizing-inrush currents associated with connected loads tolerances, S&C Power Fuses can be counted on to re-
(i.e., hot-load pickup), and the long-term overcurrent spond faster than other fuses of comparable ampere rating
that occurs upon re-energizing the transformer follow- and speed, resulting in better and more reliable protection
ing an extended outage (i.e., cold-load pickup); for the transformer. Furthermore, these narrow tolerances
3. The degree of protection provided to the transformer allow the upstream protective devices to be set to oper-
against damaging overcurrents; ate faster for better system protection while still retaining
coordination.
4. Coordination with secondary-side as well as other pri-
mary-side overcurrent protective devices; and Exceptional care in the design and manufacture of S&C
Power Fuses guarantees that they are accurate with re-
5. Protecting downstream conductors against damaging
spect to their minimum melting time-current character-
overcurrents.
istics not only initially, but also on a sustained basis —
In the past, the task of selecting a transformer-primary neither age and vibration, nor surges that heat the element
fuse ampere rating and speed involved complex graphi- nearly to the severing point, will affect the characteristics
cal solutions using time-current characteristic curves of these fuses. S&C Power Fuses possess sufficient load-
published for the various overcurrent protective devices, ing capability to easily accommodate daily or repetitive
taking into consideration the many adjustment factors peak loads in excess of your normal transformer loading
required by the manufacturers of those devices and the schedule. And they have surge capacities which are more
particular transformer connection. than adequate to withstand any inrush currents they will
The fuse selection tables located on the S&C Electric likely experience. This provides operating economies
Company website because there is no need to replace unblown companion
www.sandc.com/edocs_pdfs/EDOC_025854.pdf fuses on suspicion of damage following a fuse operation
. . . a performance characteristic not generally found in
are based on the consideration of the aforementioned fac-
other brands of power fuses.
tors, and permit the selection of the optimal transformer-
primary fuse after just a few simple calculations. The need As a consequence of these performance characteristics,
to perform graphical coordination studies has been elimi- S&C Power Fuses allow you to fuse closer to the trans-
nated. The tables list, for each transformer, primary-fuse former full-load current than is possible with other fuses,
ampere ratings and speeds that will accommodate the full providing the maximum degree of protection against
range of loading levels normally encountered, and that will secondary faults. They are thus better able to protect
withstand the energizing-inrush currents associated with the transformer against damage due to faults between
each transformer shown. In addition, for each such fuse, the transformer and secondary-side circuit breakers or
the degree of transformer protection provided by the pri- reclosers, and furthermore, supply backup protection
mary fuse is quantified using S&C’s unique “Transformer in the event of the incorrect functioning of secondary-side
Protection Index,” which indicates the level of secondary- devices. In addition, the ability to fuse closer to the trans-
fault current down to which the primary fuse will oper- former full-load current facilitates coordination with
ate to protect the transformer in accordance with the upstream protective devices, by allowing them to have
appropriate transformer through-fault protection curve. lower ampere ratings and/or settings for faster response.
Furthermore, each fuse ampere rating and speed listed in Once the transformer-primary fuse ampere rating and
the tables has been “precoordinated” with medium-voltage speed characteristic have been selected as outlined in the
secondary-side circuit breakers and reclosers. You need section entitled “How to Use the Fuse Selection Tables” on
only refer to these tables to select the optimal fuse ampere page 45, it is only necessary to determine the appropriate
rating and speed to protect your transformer and coordi- power fuse type based on the voltage rating, short-circuit
nate with the appropriate secondary-side overcurrent pro- interrupting rating (considering the maximum anticipated
tective device. available fault current at the fuse location), and maximum

40
 The Fuse Selection Tables

ampere rating required. As can be seen from Table VI on Coordination with secondary-side overcurrent
pages 48 and 49, S&C Type SMD Power Fuses are offered protective devices. In general, this section of the fuse
in a multitude of voltage, short-circuit interrupting, and selection tables was developed by examining the rela-
maximum ampere ratings, allowing you to economically tionships that exist between the minimum melting time-
match the power fuse to the load- and fault-current levels current characteristic curve of the transformer-primary
of your particular applications. Moreover, S&C Type SMD fuse and the total clearing time-current characteristic
Power Fuses are offered in a wide variety of mounting curves for medium-voltage secondary-side circuit break-
configurations designed to accommodate the space and ers and reclosers. As explained previously, proper coordi-
bus configuration requirements of many different station nation between the primary fuse and the secondary-side
layouts. Consult your nearest S&C Sales Office for help in overcurrent protective device requires the consideration
making the most economical selection. of a number of factors. The assumptions made in consider-
ing these factors are outlined below.
Basis for Listings in the Fuse Selection
The maximum three-phase secondary-fault current level
Tables . . .
used in determining coordination between the transformer-
The fuse selection tables referenced in this publication primary fuse and the secondary-side circuit breaker or re-
were developed in accordance with the application princi- closer is based on consideration of the source impedance,
ples previously discussed. In applying these principles as as well as the more dominant transformer impedance. For
described, it was necessary to make certain decisions and the purpose of the fuse selection tables, the source imped-
assumptions, all of which are outlined in detail below. For ance is based on a variety of short-circuit MVA levels up
easy access to this information, this discussion is arranged through: 2000 MVA at 34.5 kV; 2500 MVA at 46 kV; 3000
in the following sections in the same order as it appears in MVA at 69 kV; 2000 MVA at 115 kV; and 2000 MVA 138 kV.
the fuse selection tables. Additional fault-current contribution by motors or other
Transformer self-cooled ratings. Table VII on page 50 secondary-side devices has not been considered, thus as-
serves as an index to the fuse selection tables applicable suring that coordination between the transformer-primary
to transformers having primary voltage ratings between fuse and the secondary-side protective device will be real-
34.5 kV and 138 kV, with medium-voltage (2.4 kV through ized under all circumstances.
34.5 kV) secondaries. The transformer ratings in Table VII The Transformer Protection Index. The Trans-
are listed on a self-cooled basis. The fuse selection tables former Protection Index is provided in the fuse selection
are applicable to all transformers with the listed ratings tables to allow you to evaluate the degree of transformer
even if they are equipped with cooling fans, if they have protection provided by the transformer-primary fuse
increased temperature capability (e.g., 65ºC temperature ampere rating selected. As explained in the section entitled,
rise instead of 55ºC temperature rise), or if they have both “Protect Transformer Against Damaging Overcurrents
cooling fans and increased temperature capability. . . .” beginning on page 13, there are two objectives that
The transformer impedances listed in Table VII were must be achieved in order to obtain a comprehensive
selected as being representative of transformers used in level of protection for the transformer. First, the total-
utility and large industrial substations, and were used in clearing time-current characteristic curve of the primary
preparing the fuse selection tables. Transformers with fuse should pass below and to the left of the ANSI Point
special impedances are not within the scope of this publi- of the appropriate transformer through-fault protection
cation, and thus have not been considered. curve, and second, the point at which the two curves in-
Prefault load. As mentioned previously, the time-cur- tersect should be at as low a multiple of the transformer
rent characteristic curves for medium-voltage power fuses primary full-load current as possible. The Transformer
are determined at 25ºC and with no initial load. In practice, Protection Index indicates how well these two objectives
every fuse is carrying some load which, in addition to am- are achieved. The presence of an index indicates that the
bient temperatures in excess of 25ºC, raises the tempera- first objective was achieved, whereas the absence of an
ture of the fusible element, and hence reduces the melting index signifies that the primary fuse does not provide pro-
time for a given value of current. This adjustment must tection for the transformer, since the total clearing time-
be considered when determining coordination between current curve of the primary fuse passes above and to the
the transformer-primary fuse and secondary-side circuit right of the ANSI Point. Accordingly, a smaller primary-
breakers or reclosers as well as in calculating the hot-load fuse ampere rating should be selected. The indexes indi-
pickup capability of the primary fuse. cate the percentage of the transformer primary full-load
current down to which the primary fuse will operate to
protect the transformer in accordance with the appropri-
ate transformer through-fault protection curve.

Data Bulletin 210-110

41
S&C Power Fuses Selection Guide for Transformer-Primary Fuses
Types SMD-1A, SMD-2B, SMD-2C, SMD-3, and SMD-50 in Medium- and High-Voltage Utility and
Outdoor Transmission (34.5 kV through 138 kV) Industrial Substations
The Fuse Selection Tables

The indexes are listed in the fuse selection tables for right of the point representing the magnitude and dura-
commonly used transformer connections. For delta tion of the combined magnetizing- and load-inrush cur-
grounded-wye connected transformers, the indexes are rents.
based on a phase-to-ground secondary fault, which is the 3. Cold-load pickup capability . . . ability of the trans-
most demanding type of fault for this transformer con- former-primary fuse to withstand the combined mag-
nection from a protection standpoint. For delta delta con- netizing- and load-inrush currents associated with the
nected transformers, the indexes are based on a phase-to- re-energizing of the transformer following an extended
phase secondary fault, which is the most demanding type outage (30 minutes or more). Cold-load pickup capabil-
of fault for this transformer connection from a protection ity is typically associated with utility distribution trans-
standpoint. Similarly, for grounded-wye grounded-wye former loading practices, where the transformers are
connected transformers, and for delta wye connected often sized for the average peak load rather than the
transformers with the secondary-side neutral grounded maximum-expected peak load, thereby exposing the
through an impedance, the indexes should be based on a transformers to overcurrent of up to 30 minutes dura-
three-phase secondary fault. However, since the indexes tion following re-energization. In contrast, transform-
for these transformer connections (based on a three-phase ers applied in industrial, commercial, and institutional
secondary fault) are only slightly smaller (better) than the power systems are usually sized to accommodate max-
indexes determined for delta delta connected transform- imum peak-load conditions without being overloaded.
ers, for simplicity, indexes for the delta delta connected For this reason, the combined magnetizing- and load-
transformer have been listed in the fuse selection tables. inrush current associated with the energizing of a trans-
Loading capability. In general, loading capability former following an extended outage is no more severe
refers to the amount of load the transformer-primary than the inrush current encountered under hot-load
fuse can pick up (even after a momentary or extended pickup conditions — where the primary fuse is loaded
loss of source voltage) without operating, and carry on a to the peak-load capability listed in the fuse selection
continuous basis. Two loadability values are listed in the tables. As a consequence, cold-load pickup capability
fuse selection tables for each fuse ampere rating: the mini- need not be considered when protecting transformers
mum of the continuous peak-load capability and the hot- serving industrial, commercial, and institutional power
load pickup capability, and the cold-load pickup capability. systems.
These two capabilities are discussed below: Ampere ratings. For each transformer kVA rating, the
1. Continuous peak-load capability . . . ability of the fuse selection tables list a choice of fuse ampere ratings
transformer-primary fuse to carry on a continuous ba- in all of three speed characteristics: S&C Standard Speed,
sis, daily, or repetitive peak loads regardless of dura- TCC No. 153; S&C Slow Speed, TCC No. 119; and S&C
tion. Continuous peak-load values for S&C Type SMD Very Slow Speed, TCC No. 176. The smallest ampere rating
Power Fuses can be determined by referring to S&C listed for each transformer kVA rating and for each speed
Data Bulletin 210-190. characteristic provides a minimum loading capability, for
2. Hot-load pickup capability . . . ability of the trans- any of the three conditions evaluated, of at least 80% of the
former-primary fuse that is carrying load to withstand full-load current of the transformer.
the combined magnetizing- and load-inrush currents Elevated ambient temperature. An ambient operat-
associated with the re-energizing of the transformer ing temperature not exceeding 40ºC is considered to be
following a momentary loss of source voltage. Spe- typical for medium-voltage power fuse installations. The
cifically, hot-load pickup capability is the maximum required adjustment (reduction) in melting time for an am-
transformer load current which, when used as the pre- bient temperature of 40ºC would be very small—on the or-
outage load current in adjusting the minimum melting der of 2% in terms of time, or 1% in terms of current—and
time-current characteristic curve of the primary fuse, thus can be ignored.
results in a fuse curve that passes above and to the

42
 The Fuse Selection Tables

Example 1 — Non-reclosing Secondary-Side Protective Device (Circuit Breaker)

Primary Fuse
80E Ampere, Very Slow Speed
SMD-2B Power Fuse
System Available Fault Level: 10,500 Amperes (2000 MVA)
115 kV
Transformer
12/16/20 MVA
Z = 8%
IFL = 60.2 Amperes at 115 kV (base) , 80.3 Amperes at 115 kV (OA/FA), 100.4
Amperes at 115 kV (OA/FA/FA)
12.47 kV
IFL = 556 Amperes at 12.47 kV (base)

Phase Relay Ground Relay

CO-9 CO-9
Minimum Pickup Current: 480 Amperes Minimum Pickup Current: 240 Amperes
TD: 3.0 TD: 2.5
CTI: 0.15 Second CTI: 0.15 Second
Maximum Clearing Time for 3-Phase Maximum Clearing Time for 3-Phase
Secondary Fault: 0.42 Second Secondary Fault: 0.28 Second

Steps 7. Confirm that coordination is achieved based on

1. The index on page 50 lists Table XI as applying to pre-loading the primary fuse under the assumption
transformers rated 115 kV three-phase, 12 MVA (base), that the transformer is operating at its top (20-MVA)
8% impedance. rating. The preload adjustment factor (see Figure 5 on
page 10) is 0.64. The adjusted minimum melting time of
2. The maximum total clearing time (TE) for the phase the 80E-ampere Slow Speed fuse is 0.35 second
relay for a maximum three-phase secondary-side fault [0.54 second (from Step 3) × 0.64 = 0.35 second].
(701 amperes at 115 kV) is 0.42 second. Since this value is less than TE for the phase relay
3. The appropriate entry in the column corresponding to determined earlier (0.42 second), the 80E ampere
a 2000-MVA system available fault-current level is 0.54 Slow Speed fuse will not coordinate with the phase
second. relay after all. An 80E-ampere Very Slow Speed prima-
4. The Transformer Protection Index (TPI) for the trans- ry fuse (TCC No. 176) will coordinate with the phase
former in this example is 335%. A comparison of this relay, even when preloaded to a current level equal
value with the values listed in Table V on page 47 to the top rating of the transformer. The adjusted
indicates that the primary fuse will protect the trans- minimum melting time for the 80E-ampere Very Slow
former in accordance with the through-fault protection Speed fuse is 0.79 second (from the table) × 0.64 = 0.51
curve against all types of secondary faults. second.
5. The primary fuse has a continuous and hot-load pick- 8. The recommended primary-fuse ampere rating (80E
up capability of 220% of the transformer full-load cur- amperes, Very Slow Speed, TCC No. 176) coordinates
rent, which is greater than the OA/FA/FA rating of the with source-side overcurrent protective devices (not
transformer (167%). The primary fuse has a cold-load considered in this example).
pickup capability of 110% of the transformer full-load 9. From Table VI on pages 48 and 49, an S&C Power Fuse
current. Type SMD-2B is available in the voltage rating (115
6. A primary-fuse rating of 80E amperes, Slow Speed, kV), maximum ampere rating (250E), and interrupting
TCC No. 119 is conditionally recommended. rating (10,500 amperes symmetrical) sufficient for the
application in this example.

Data Bulletin 210-110

43
S&C Power Fuses Selection Guide for Transformer-Primary Fuses
Types SMD-1A, SMD-2B, SMD-2C, SMD-3, and SMD-50 in Medium- and High-Voltage Utility and
Outdoor Transmission (34.5 kV through 138 kV) Industrial Substations
The Fuse Selection Tables

Example 2 — Reclosing Secondary-Side Protective Device (Recloser)

Primary Fuse
125E Ampere, Standard Speed
SMD-1A Power Fuse
System Available Fault Level: 17,500 Amperes (1000 MVA)
34.5 kV
Transformer
5000 kVA
Z = 6.5%
IFL = 83.7 Amperes at 34.5 kV (base)
12.47 kV IFL = 231.5 Amperes at 12.47 kV (base)

Recloser
Cooper Type VW (hydraulic control, vacuum interruption)
Maximum Continuous Current Rating: 560 Amperes
Trip Coil Rating: 140 Amperes
Operating Sequence: 2 Fast (A), 2 Slow (B)
Reclosing Time Intervals: Instantaneous, 2 Seconds

Steps Standard Speed: TE = 0.30 sec. 125E Standard Speed

1. The index on page 50 lists Table VIII as applying to Slow Speed: TE = 0.53 sec. 125E Slow Speed
transformers rated 34.5 kV three-phase, 5,000 kVA Very Slow Speed: TE = 0.53 sec. 100E Very Slow Speed
(base), 6.5% impedance.
5. The Transformer Protection Indices (TPIs) for the fus-
2a. The published maximum total clearing time for the es selected above are 375%, 405%, and 310%, respective-
recloser fast (A) curve for a maximum three-phase ly. A comparison of these values with the values listed
secondary-side fault (1195 amperes at 34.5 kV) is 0.05 in Table V indicates that the primary fuse will protect
second. The published nominal total clearing time for the transformer in accordance with the through-fault
the recloser slow (B) curve is 0.14 second. protection curve against all types of secondary faults.
2b. Cooling factors (C1, C2, etc.) for the various available 6 The primary fuses selected above have a continuous
fuse speeds, for an instantaneous and a 2-second re- and hot-load pickup capability of at least 175% of the
closing time interval, are: full-load current of the transformer, which is more than
Standard Speed: 1.0 (Instantaneous) 0.58 (2 second) sufficient for the application given that the transformer
Slow Speed: 1.0 (Instantaneous) 0.80 (2 second) is not equipped with fans. The 100E-ampere Very Slow
Speed fuse has a somewhat limited cold-load pickup
Very Slow Speed: 1.0 (Instantaneous) 0.95 (2 second) capability of 105% of the transformer full-load current.
2c. The preload adjustment factor is 0.90 (from Figure 5). If cold-load pickup is a concern, the 125E-ampere
The factor “P” is 0.10 (1.0 - 0.90 = 0.10). Standard Speed fuse or the 125E-ampere Slow Speed
3. The calculated values for TE for the various fuse fuse should be used.
speeds using Equation 5 (two fast, two slow sequence) 7. All of the recommended primary-fuse ampere ratings
are: coordinate with source-side overcurrent protective
Standard Speed: TE = 0.28 second devices (not considered in this example).
Slow Speed: TE = 0.35 second 8. From Table VI on pages 48 and 49, an S&C Power
Very Slow Speed: TE = 0.42 second Fuse, Type SMD-1A is available in the voltage rating
(34.5  kV), maximum ampere rating (200E), and inter-
4. The appropriate entries in the column corresponding rupting rating (17,500 amperes symmetrical) sufficient
to a 1000-MVA system available fault-current level, and for the application in this example.
conditionally recommended fuse ratings are:

44
 The Fuse Selection Tables

How to Use The Fuse Selection Tables . . . for which transformer protection is provided in accor-
In using these tables, it is recommended that the trans- dance with the appropriate through-fault protection
former-primary fuse be coordinated with the largest feeder curve. If protection is not provided for the fault types
circuit breaker or recloser, rather than a main secondary- listed, you may wish to select a smaller primary-fuse
side protective device (if any). This will provide superior ampere rating to obtain a smaller TPI by adjusting the
protection for the transformer while maintaining the same settings of the phase and/or ground relay, as follows:
degree of service continuity. Accordingly, you should fol- • Lower the time-dial setting.
low the steps below as they apply to your largest feeder • Lower the minimum pickup current.
protective device. The examples on pages 43 and 44 il-
• Use a different (faster) relay time-current charac-
lustrate the use of these steps in selecting a primary fuse.
teristic.
Non-Reclosing secondary-side protective device (circuit Return to Step 2.
breaker) 5. In the line selected in Step 4, and in the column headed
1. Locate the appropriate selection table based on the “Loading Capability . . .,” verify that the listed value is
applicable transformer kV rating. Refer to page 50 for sufficient to meet your hot-load or cold-load pickup re-
index to selection tables. quirements. If not, read down the table in this column,
2. Determine, from published operating characteristics, stopping in the first line containing an adequate loading
the maximum total clearing time of the feeder circuit capability value. Verify that the entries in the second-
breaker having the largest (highest) ratings or settings ary-side protective device ratings or settings columns
[i.e., the total operating time of the phase or ground and the “Transformer Protection Index . . .” columns
relay (which ever is longer) plus the interrupting time are still acceptable. If not, you may wish to consider
of the circuit breaker] at the maximum three-phase reducing your loading requirements.
secondary-side fault current level. In this publication, 6. The primary-fuse ampere rating and time-current char-
the primary-side system voltage is used. acteristic shown in the line selected above are those
3. Enter the table in the column entitled, “Secondary-side recommended for your application. Note: The TE val-
Circuit Breaker or Recloser — Upper Limit for TE . . .,” ues listed in the tables assume no preloading of the
in the specific column corresponding to the maximum primary fuse. Verify that coordination still exists by
three-phase secondary fault-current level. Select the adjusting the TE value using the graph in Figure 5 on
first line containing a “TE” entry equal to or larger than page 10.
the value determined in Step 2. 7. Verify that the primary fuse selected in Step 6
4. In the line selected in Step 3, and in the “Transformer coordinates with the upstream protective device. See
Protection Index . . .” column corresponding to the page 38.
transformer connection, determine the Transformer 8. To select the type of primary fuse (i.e., SMD-1A,
Protection Index (TPI). If there is no TPI in this line, SMD-2B, SMD-2C, SMD-3, or SMD-50), refer to Table VI
choose a smaller transformer-primary fuse ampere on pages 48 and 49. Based on the system voltage, inter-
rating as described below. Compare the TPI to the rupting duty, and maximum continuous current, note
entries listed in Table V, on page 47, corresponding to the power fuse types that can be used. Your local S&C
the transformer connection and impedance. Entries Sales Office will help you make the most economical
greater than or equal to the TPI indicate the fault types selection.

Data Bulletin 210-110

45
S&C Power Fuses Selection Guide for Transformer-Primary Fuses
Types SMD-1A, SMD-2B, SMD-2C, SMD-3, and SMD-50 in Medium- and High-Voltage Utility and
Outdoor Transmission (34.5 kV through 138 kV) Industrial Substations
The Fuse Selection Tables

Reclosing secondary-side protective device (recloser) the entries listed in Table V, on page 47, correspond-
1. Locate the appropriate selection table based on the ing to the transformer connection and impedance. En-
applicable transformer kV rating. Refer to page 50 for tries greater than or equal to the TPIs indicate the fault
index to selection tables. types for which transformer protection is provided in
accordance with the appropriate through-fault pro-
2. Collect data. tection curve. If protection is not provided for one or
2a. Determine, from published operating characteristics, more of the fault types listed, you may wish to select a
the maximum total clearing time of the feeder reclos- smaller primary fuse ampere rating to obtain a smaller
er having the largest (highest) ratings or settings for TPI by adjusting the settings of the recloser, as follows:
the fast (A) operation(s) at the maximum three-phase • Lower the recloser’s minimum pickup current.
secondary-side fault current level. Next, for this same
recloser, determine the nominal clearing time for the • Use a different (faster) time-current characteristic
delayed (B,C, or D, etc.) operations at the maximum curve for the delayed operation (e.g., a “C” curve in-
three-phase secondary-side fault current level. For this stead of a “D” curve, or a “B” curve instead of a “C”
publication, the primary-side system voltage is used. curve).
2b. Determine the cooling factors for the various available Return to Step 2.
fuse unit speeds (e.g., Standard, Slow, Very Slow), and 6. In the line selected in Step 4, and in the column headed
for the reclosing time intervals being used. See Figure “Loading Capability . . .,” verify that the listed value is
20 on page 30. sufficient to meet your hot-load or cold-load pickup re-
2c. Using the Preload Adjustment Curve shown in Figure 5 quirements. If not, read down the table in this column,
on page 10, determine preload factor “P.” This is the re- stopping in the first line containing an adequate loading
duction in the melting time of the fuse due to preload- capability value. Verify that the entries in the second-
ing, expressed as a decimal part of the melting time ary-side protective device ratings or settings columns
(i.e., 1.0 – the preload adjustment factor). and the “Transformer Protection Index . . .” columns
are still acceptable. If not, you may wish to consider
3. Based on the information determined above, calculate reducing your loading requirement.
TE for the various fuse unit speeds using Equations
2 through 5a, depending on the specific reclosing 7. The primary fuse ampere rating and time-current char-
sequence being used. See page 33. acteristic shown in the line selected above are those
recommended for your application.
4. Enter the table in the column entitled, “Secondary-
side Circuit Breaker or Recloser — Upper Limit for 8. Verify that the primary fuse selected in Step 7 coordi-
TE . . . ,” in the specific column corresponding to the nates with the upstream protective device. See page 38.
maximum three-phase secondary fault current level. 9. To select the type of primary fuse (i.e., SMD-1A, SMD-
Select the first line containing a “TE” entry equal to or 2B, SMD-2C, SMD-3, or SMD-50), refer to Table VI on
larger than the values determined in Step 2 for the vari- pages 48 and 49. Based on the system voltage, inter-
ous fuse speeds under consideration. rupting duty, and maximum continuous current, note
5. In the lines selected in Step 3, and in the “Transformer the power fuse types that can be used. Your local S&C
Protection Index . . .” column corresponding to the Sales Office will help you make the most economical
transformer connection, determine the Transformer selection.
Protection Indices (TPIs). If there is no TPI in these
lines, choose a smaller transformer-primary fuse
ampere rating as described below. Compare the TPI to

46
 The Fuse Selection Tables

Table V—Secondary Fault Currents Reflected to Primary Lines

Maximum Primary-Side Line Current for Various Types of Secondary Faults,

Transformer Percent of Transformer Full-Load Current
Impedance
Connection
Phase-to-Ground Phase-to-Phase Three-Phase
4% 2500 2165 2500

5% 2000 1730 2000

6% 1670 1445 1670

– 7% 1430 1240 1430

8% 1250 1085 1250

10% 1000 865 1000

12% 830 720 830

4% 2165 2500

5% 1730 2000

6% 1445 1670

– 7% NOT APPLICABLE 1240 1430

8% 1085 1250

10% 865 1000

12% 720 830

4% 1445 2500 2500

5% 1155 2000 2000

6% 965 1670 1670

– 7% 825 1430 1430

8% 720 1250 1250

10% 575 1000 1000

12% 480 830 830

Data Bulletin 210-110

47
S&C Power Fuses Selection Guide for Transformer-Primary Fuses
Types SMD-1A, SMD-2B, SMD-2C, SMD-3, and SMD-50 in Medium- and High-Voltage Utility and
Outdoor Transmission (34.5 kV through 138 kV) Industrial Substations
The Fuse Selection Tables

Table VI — SMD Power Fuses (with SMD Fuse Units)

kV, Nominal â Short-Circuit Interrupting Ratings①

Fuse Type à SMD-50 SMD-1A SMD-2B②
Amperes, RMS Amperes, RMS Amperes, RMS
Fuse System Interrupting MVA③ Interrupting MVA③ Interrupting MVA③
Max Max Max
SYM③ ASYM SYM③ ASYM SYM③ ASYM
23 6 700 10 600 265 17 500 28 000 700
34.5 27.6 100E 6 700 10 600 320 200E 17 500 28 000 840
34.5 6 700 10 600 400● 17 500 28 000 1 000●
23
27.6 6 000 9 600 ... 15 000 24 000 ...
46 100E 200E
34.5 6 000 9 600 ... 15 000 24 000 ...
46 5 000 8 000 400● 13 100 21 000 1 000●
23 21 900 ... ...
27.6 21 900 ... ...
69 34.5 100E 4 000 6 400 ... 200E 10 000 16 000 ... 300E 21 900 ... ...
46 4 000 6 400 ... 10 000 16 000 ... 21 900 ... ...
69 3 350 5 300 400● 8 750 14 000 1 000● 17 500 28 000 2 000●
69 5 000 8 000 ... 10 500 16 800 ...
115 100E 250E
115 5 000 8 000 1 000● 10 500 16 800 2 000●
115 5 000 8 000 1 000 10 500 16 800 ...
138 100E 250E
138 4 200 6 700 1 000● 8 750 14 000 2 000●
① Where no interrupting rating is listed, or when higher interrupting capacity is needed, refer to your nearest S&C Sales Office.
② The listed ratings apply only to SMD-2B and SMD-2C Fuse Units used with mountings that are of the latest design (i.e., incorporating upper
end fittings having four attachment bolts for 69 kV and below, or three attachment bolts for 115 and 138 kV), or that have been modernized with
new end fittings.
③ Symmetrical ratings assigned are based on available symmetrical short-circuit current at locations where the X/R ratio is 15.
● Nominal rating.

48
 The Fuse Selection Tables

SMD-2C SMD-3
Amperes, RMS Amperes, RMS
Interrupting MVA③ Interrupting MVA③
Max Max
SYM③ ASYM SYM③ ASYM
33 500 53 500 1 300
300E 33 500 53 500 1 600
33 500 53 500 2 000●
31 500 50 500 ...
31 500 50 500 ...
300E
31 500 50 500 ...
31 500 50 500 2 500●
25 000 ... ...
25 000 ... ...
300E 25 000 ... ...
25 000 ... ...
25 000 40 000 3 000●

Data Bulletin 210-110

49
S&C Power Fuses Selection Guide for Transformer-Primary Fuses
Types SMD-1A, SMD-2B, SMD-2C, SMD-3, and SMD-50 in Medium- and High-Voltage Utility and
Outdoor Transmission (34.5 kV through 138 kV) Industrial Substations
The Fuse Selection Tables

Table VII — Index to Selection Tables①

Transformer Rating (Self Cooled) Transformer Rating (Self Cooled)

Table Table
Impedance, Number Impedance, Number
kV kVA kV kVA
Percent Percent
300 5 000
500 7 500
750 10 000
1 000 12 000
1 500 15 000
115 7.5%, 8.0%, 8.5% XI
2 000 18 000
34.5 2 500 6.0%, 6.5%, 7.0% VIII 20 000
3 750 24 000
5 000 25 000
7 500 30 000
10 000 5 000
12 000 7 500
15 000 10 000
300 12 000
500 15 000
138 9.0%, 9.5%, 10.0% XII
750 18 000
1 000 20 000
1 500 24 000
2 000 25 000
2 500 30 000
46 6.5%, 7.0%, 7.5% IX
3 750
5 000
7 500
10 000
12 000
15 000
18 000
1 500
2 000
2 500
3 750
5 000
69 7 500 7.0%, 7.5%, 8.0% X
10 000
12 000
15 000
18 000
20 000
① Fuse selection tables are located on the S&C Electric Company
website
www.sandc.com/edocs_pdfs/EDOC_025854.pdf.

50
 The Fuse Selection Tables

NOTES

Data Bulletin 210-110

51
 S&C Power Fuses
SMD-1A, SMD-2B, SMD-2C,
SMD-3, and SMD-50

6601 N. Ridge Blvd., Chicago, IL 60626-3997

(773) 338-1000 • sandc.com

August 17, 2015

© S&C Electric Company 2005 – 2015, all rights reserved Data Bulletin 210-110
Supersedes Data Bulletin 210-110 dated 10-10-05