18POWER PRODUCT Technical

October 2019

Contents
General 18-2
Types of Power Distribution Systems 18-3
System Analysis 18-6
Current Limiting Circuit Breaker Technology 18-7
Overcurrent Protection and Coordination 18-8
Ground Fault Protection 18-9
Series-Connected Combination Ratings 18-15
Harmonics / K-factor Ratings 18-16
Table 1A:
Motor Full-Load Currents of
Three Phase AC Induction Type Motors 18-18
Table 1B:
Motor Full-Load Currents in Amperes,
Single Phase AC 18-18
Table 1C:
Motor Full-Load Currents in Amperes, DC 18-18
Table 2:
Electrical Formulas for Finding Amperes,
Horsepower Kilowatts, and kVA 18-18
Conversion Tables 18-19

18
Technical
 Technical
Reference Guide
General
In the application of fusible switches and Electrical Connections — Molded Case Fault Current Available — The
circuit breakers, consideration should be Circuit Breakers are to be connected interrupting rating of the circuit breaker
given to the following factors: with 60 or 75°C wire for breakers having or fused switch should be greater than
a rated ampacity of 125 amperes or the available short circuit current at the
1. Voltage of circuit. less. For circuit breakers having a rated point of application. The short circuit
2. Ampacity of circuit. ampacity greater 125 amperes, only 75°C current from some power sources, such
3. Frequency of power source. cable shall be used unless otherwise as engine driven generators, is limited,
4. Operating conditions. indicated on the circuit breaker label. and the protective device characteristics
5. Fault current available. Note: Exceptions to this rule are outlined should be selected to clear such faults
Voltage of Circuit — The system in the Canadian Electric Code. without delay.
voltage should not exceed the listed Conductors should be derated in Some systems require a study of
voltage rating of the circuit breaker, accordance with the Canadian Electrical protective device characteristics to assure
fuse or switch. Code for both ambient temperature and proper protection and coordination for
Ampacity of Circuit — The listed continuous loading. Conductors which are any possible value of fault current. Your
continuous current rating of the fuse or loaded continuously should be derated to representative is available to assist in
circuit breaker should not exceed the 80% of their allowable current- carrying making coordination studies.
allowable ampacity of the conductors. capacity except when supplied by an
Where the allowable ampacity of the assembly including its overcurrent device
conductor does not correspond to that is listed for continuous operation at
listed current ratings for fuses or circuit 100% of its rating.
breakers, the next larger rating of fuse When the type of load is unusual,
or circuit breaker is permitted providing it intermittent, or one which involves
does not exceed the conductor ampacity momentary peak currents such as motor
by more than 25%. An exception to this loads, consideration should be given
rule is permitted for motor circuits or to the heating effect on the protective
other circuits where high inrush currents device over a period of time. The duty
may persist for an appreciable time. cycle of a motor which is started and
Frequency of Power Source — Circuit stopped frequently may require a circuit
breakers and fusible switches are breaker or fuses with a higher rating than
calibrated for use on direct current or an infrequently started motor.
48–68-Hertz alternating current. For The presence of excessive dust,
frequencies above 62-Hertz, some fuses, moisture, corrosive fumes, or
switches and circuit breakers must be explosive atmosphere requires the
derated. The derating varies with each use of enclosures suitable for such
type and size of protective device. atmospheres. For applications in regions
Consult your local representative for where fungus growth may occur, some
specific information. circuit breakers should be treated with a
Operating Conditions — Molded case fungus and moisture resistant material.
circuit breakers and fuses are calibrated
without any enclosure as specified by
the UL and CSA. Sound engineering
practice dictates that continuous loads
should not exceed 80% of the breaker
or fuse current rating for most types of
enclosures.
18
Technical

18-2 Siemens Canada Limited Power Product Catalogue Note: Please consult with local regulations.
Technical
Types of Power Distribution Systems Selection
There are several basic considerations The low voltage service entrance circuit
which must be included by the system comes into the building through service
design engineer to select and design the entrance equipment and terminates at a
best power distribution system which will main switchgear assembly, switchboard or
supply power to both present and future panelboard. Feeder circuits are pro­vided to
loads most economically. Among these the loads or to other subswitchboards,
are: distribution cabinets, or panelboards.
Figure 1 shows the two forms of radial
b Safety
circuit arrangements most frequently
b Reliability used. Under normal operating conditions,
b Maintenance the entire load is served through the
b Flexibility single incoming supply circuit, and in the
case of high voltage service, through the
b Voltage Regulation transformer. A fault in the supply circuit,
b Initial Investment the transformer, or the main bus will
b Simplicity of Operation cause an interruption of service to all
The characteristics of electrical service loads. A fault on one of the feeder or
available at the building site, the types of branch circuits should be iso­lated from the Figure 3. Expanded Radial Systems
loads, the quality of service required, and rest of the system by the circuit protective individual Primary Feeder Protection
the size and configuration of building are device on that circuit. Under this
also important factors that will influence condition, continuity of service is making it possible to limit outages due to
system design and circuit arrangement. maintained for all loads except those a feeder or transformer fault to the loads
served from the faulted circuit. associated with the faulted equipment. If
Four basic circuit arrangements are used
for the distribution of electric power. They The need for continuity of service often circuit breakers are used for primary
are the radial, primary selective, secondary requires multiple paths of power supply as feeder protection, the cost of this system
selective, and secondary network circuit opposed to the single path of power will be high. Even if fused switches are
arrangements. The following discussion of supply in the radial system. used, the cost of the arrangement of
these circuit arrangements covers both Figure 3 will exceed the cost of the
the high-voltage and low-voltage circuits. arrangement of Figure 2.
The reader should recognize that the high- Primary Selective System
voltage circuits and substations may be
The circuit arrangement of Figure 4
owned by either the utility company or the
provides means of reducing both the
building owner, depending upon the
extent and duration of an outage caused
electric rates, the practice, and
by a primary feeder fault. This operating
requirements of the particular electric
feature is provided through the use of
utility serving the specific building site.
duplicate primary feeder circuits and load
Radial System interrupter switches that permit
If power is brought into a building at connection of each secondary substation
utilization voltage, the simplest and the transformer to either of the two primary
lowest cost means of distributing the feeder circuits. Each primary feeder circuit
power is to use a radial circuit must have sufficient capacity to carry the
arrangement. The radial system is the Figure 2. Expanded Radial System—Single total load in the building.
Primary Feeder
simplest that can be used, and has the
lowest system investment. It is suitable for
smaller installations where continuity of
service is not critical. A fault in a primary feeder in the
arrangement shown in Figure 2 will cause 18
the main protective device to operate and
interrupt service to all loads. If the fault
Technical

were in a transformer, service could be

restored to all loads except those served
from that transformer. If the fault were in
a primary feeder, service could not be
restored to any loads until the source of
trouble had been eliminated. Since it is to
be expected that more faults will occur on
the feeders than in the transformers, it
becomes logical to consider providing Figure 4. Primary Selective Systems
individual circuit protection on the pri­mary
feeders as shown in Figure 3. This
arrangement has the advantage of
Figure 1. Radial Systems

Note: Please consult with local regulations. Siemens Canada Limited Power Product Catalogue 18-3
 Technical
Types of Power Distribution Systems Selection
Under normal operating conditions, the
appropriate switches are closed in an
attempt to divide the load equally
between the two primary feeder circuits.
Then, should a primary feeder fault occur,
there is an interruption of service to only
half of the load. Service can be restored to
all loads by switching the deenergized
transformers to the other primary feeder
circuit. The primary selective switches are
usually manually oper­ated and outage
time for half the load is determined by the
time it takes to accomplish the necessary
switching. An automatic throwover
switching arrangement could be used to
avoid the interruption of service to half the
load. However, the additional cost of the
automatic feature may not be justified in
many applications. If a fault occurs in a
secondary substation transformer, service Figure 5. Secondary Selective System Figure 6. Secondary Selective System
can be restored to all loads except those Using Close-Coupled Double-Ended Using Two Single-Ended Substations
served from the faulted transformer. Substation With Cable or Bus Tie
The higher degree of service continuity by essential loads that must be served distributed network or a spot network. If
afforded by the primary selective under emergency operating conditions. If the building demand is in the order of 750
arrangement is realized at a cost service is to be provided for all loads kVA or higher, a spot network will often be
somewhat higher than a simple radial under emergency conditions, then each established to serve the building. In
system due to the extra primary cables primary feeder should have sufficient buildings where a high degree of service
and switchgear. capacity to carry the total load, and each reliability is required, and where spot
transformer should be capable of carrying network supply may not be available, the
Secondary Selective System the total load in each substation. distributed secondary network system is
Under normal conditions, the secondary This type of system will be more often used. This is particularly true of
selective arrangement of Figure 5 is expensive than either the radial or primary institutional buildings such as hospitals.
operated as two separate radial systems. selective system, but it makes restoration The network may take the form of several
The secondary tie circuit breaker in each of service to all essential loads possible in secondary substations interconnected by
secondary substation is normally open. the event of either a primary feeder or low voltage circuits. However, the most
The load served from a secondary transformer fault. The higher cost results common practice is to use some form of
selective substation should be divided from the duplication of transformer the spot network circuit arrangement.
equally between the two bus sections. If a capacity in each secondary substation.
fault occurs on a primary feeder or in a This cost may be reduced by shedding
transformer, service is interrupted to all nonessential loads.
loads associated with the faulted feeder or A modification of the secondary selective
transformer. Service may be restored to all circuit arrangement is shown in Figure 6.
secondary buses by first opening the main In this arrangement there is only one
secondary switch or circuit breaker transformer in each secondary substation,
associated with the faulted transformer but adjacent substations are
and primary feeder, and then closing the interconnected in pairs by a normally open
tie breaker. The two transformer low voltage tie circuit. When the primary
18

secondary circuit breakers in each feeder or transformer supplying one

substation should be interlocked with the secondary substation bus is out of service,
secondary tie breaker in such a manner the essential loads on that substation bus
Technical

that all three cannot be in the closed can be supplied over the tie circuit. The
position simultaneously. This prevents operating aspects of this system are
parallel operation of the two transformers somewhat complicated if the two
and thereby minimizes the interrupting substations are separated by distance.
duty imposed on the secondary switching The best arrangement is to use close-
devices. It also eliminates the possibility of coupled, double-ended substations.
interrupting service to all loads on the bus
when a fault occurs in either a pri­mary Secondary Network System Figure 7. Simple Spot Network System
feeder or a transformer. Many buildings with radial distribution
The cost of the secondary selective systems are served at utilization voltage A simple spot network, such as shown in
system will depend upon the spare from utility secondary network systems. Figure 7, consists of two or more identical
capacity in the transformers and primary The network supply system assures a transformers supplied over separate
feeders. The minimum transformer and relatively high degree of service reliability. primary feeder circuits. The transformers
primary feeder capacity will be determined The utility network may take the form of a are connected to a common low voltage

18-4 Siemens Canada Limited Power Product Catalogue Note: Please consult with local regulations.
Technical
Types of Power Distribution Systems Selection
bus through network protectors and are selective switching arrangement with
operated in parallel. A network protector each transformer, or by using three or
is an electrically operated power circuit more transformers. If the primary
breaker controlled by network relays in selective switching arrangement is used,
such a way that the circuit breaker the total load can be about 160 percent
automatically opens when power flows of the nameplate rating of one of the
from the low voltage bus toward the transformers. This produces an overload
transformer. When voltages in the on one transformer until such time as
system are such that power would flow the remaining transformer can be
toward the low voltage bus from the switched to the other feeder in the case
transformer, it will close automatically. of a primary feeder fault.
Network protectors are normally The interrupting duty imposed on the
equipped with relays which operate for low voltage protective devices in a spot
faults in the network transformer or high network substation is higher than in
voltage feeder only. The network is often radial, primary selective, or secondary
operated on the assumption that selective substations having the same
network failure will “burn” open. load capability because of the spare
Network protectors without transformer capacity required in the spot
supplementary protection do not meet network substation and because the
transformers are operated in parallel. Figure 9. Primary Selective Secondary
the requirements of the NEC for Network System
overcurrent, ground fault, or short circuit
protection. Protection of the network or multiple paths of power flow to the
collector bus may be added by providing various load buses. In normal operation,
sensing devices, including ground fault the substations are about equally loaded
detection, with tripping of the network and the current flowing in the tie circuits
protectors. The most common use of the is relatively small. However, if a network
network protector, however, has been by protector opens to isolate a transformer
utilities in vaults where failure of the on a primary feeder fault, the load on the
network devices could cause damage associated bus is then carried by the
limited to the vault. High integrity design adjacent network units and is supplied
involving wide phase separation and the over the tie circuits. This arrangement
use of “catastrophe” fusing minimize the provides for continuous power supply to
danger and extent of a network failure. A all low voltage load buses, even though a
conventional circuit breaker with time primary feeder circuit or a transformer is
overcurrent and instantaneous trip taken out of service.
devices plus network relays can meet
In the network arrangement in Figure 9,
the NEC requirements. However, the full
if there were three incoming primary
reliability of the network may be
feeder circuits and three transformers,
compromised since selectivity between
the combined capacity of two of the
these devices is difficult to obtain.
transformers should be sufficient to carry
Under normal operating conditions, the Figure 8. Secondary Network System
the entire load on the three substations
total load connected to the bus is shared on the basis that only one feeder is out
equally by the transformers. Should a of service at one time. Generally, these
fault occur in a transformer or on a pri­ The spare transformer capacity, the
transformers would all have the same
mary feeder, the network protector network protectors, and the higher
ratings. With this arrangement, as with
associated with the faulted transformer interrupting duty will make the secondary
the spot network arrangement, a
or feeder will open on reverse power network arrangement much more
reduction in spare transformer capacity
flow to isolate the fault from the low expensive than the other arrangements.
can be achieved, if a primary selective 18
voltage bus. The remaining transformer At the same time, these elements make
switching arrangement is used at each
or transformers in the substation will the reliability of the network system
Technical

substation transformer. However, if three

continue to carry the load and there will greater than for the other system
or more primary feeder circuits are
be no interruption of service to the loads, configurations.
available, the reduction in transformer
except for a voltage dip during the time The secondary network may also capacity achieved through the use of a
that it takes for the protective equipment take the form shown in Figure 8. primary selective arrangement may be
to operate. In this arrangement there is only small.
If only two transformers are used in a one transformer in each secondary
Cable ties or busway ties, as shown in
spot network substation, each substation, and the substations are
Figures 8 and 9, will require careful
transformer must be capable of carrying interconnected by normally closed
consideration of load distribution during
the total load served from the low low voltage tie circuits. The tie circuits
contingencies and of the safety aspects
voltage bus. The amount of spare permit interchange of power between
with regard to backfeeds. Key or other
transformer capacity in the substation substations to accommodate unequal
mechanical interlocking of switches or
can be reduced by using a primary loading on the sub­stations and to provide
circuit breakers may be essential.

Note: Please consult with local regulations. Siemens Canada Limited Power Product Catalogue 18-5
 Technical
System Analysis Selection
General 5. Motor Starting Studies: determine This is illustrated in Figure 10.
Proper system design requires that the severity of voltage dips and adequacy Short circuit currents are determined by
system be coordinated so the interrupting of load accelerating torque when start- the system impedance, including both
capacity and / or short circuit withstand ing large motors on a weak system. reactance and resistance. The effect of
capabilities of the various components in Today, most studies are performed using the reactance is to cause the initial fault
the system are not exceeded for any computers. Some specialized studies current to be high, with the fault current
operating situation. Good practice also require large computing resources, but declining as time proceeds. This is
requires that the system be selective, that many studies can now be performed on represented as the summation of a DC
is, that the minimum portion of the personal computers. A wide variety of component which decays relatively
system be inter­rupted on occurrence of a software packages are available. In rapidly over time, and an AC component,
fault. The need for selectivity must always addition, many specialty firms exist which which decays at a slower rate. The rate of
be balanced against the requirements of provide engineering service to perform decay of the components depends on the
economics and coordination with the such studies. system X / R ratio.
overall process needs.
Since the reactance of rotating machines
At the conceptual phase of a project, Short Circuit Calculations
varies with the time from fault initiation,
several distribution system alternatives The single-line diagram serves as the the short circuit calculations must use the
should be considered, and examined both starting point for the system study and appropriate machine reactance values.
technically and economically. This study selection of equipment ratings. The Subtransient reactance (X”d) governs
should include sufficient detail for a single-line must be modified to show all current flow for approximately the first 6
thorough understanding of the system power sources and capacities, and cycles of a fault. Then, transient
alternatives. The conceptual study should system impedances. Sources of short reactance (X’d) determines current flow
determine the optimal distribution system circuit current include utility connections, up to around 30-120 cycles, depending on
configuration for the project, on which local generation, and all rotating machines the machine. After this, synchronous
definitive design can proceed. connected to the system at the instant reactance (Xd) applies, but studies
the fault occurs. The system study should seldom use this value as faults are not
At all stages of design, the principal
consider various fault types (line-to-line usually allowed to persist for this length
objectives of personnel safety, equipment
and line-to-ground) and fault locations. of time.
protection, process continuity, fault
clearing, and service continuity should be The value of normal load current in a For transformers, the actual tested value
considered. circuit depends on the load connected, of the transformer impedance is used. If
and is essentially independent of the this is not available, use design
In designing a new or modified
capacity of the power system. On the impedance adjusted to the minimum
distribution system, the following types of
other hand, the short circuit current value allowed by manufacturing tolerance
system studies may be needed:
depends almost entirely on the capacity of +– 7.5%. For example, a 5.75% design
1. Short Circuit Studies: three phase, of the power system, not the size of the
line-to-line, and line-to-ground faults unit has a tolerance range of 5.32-6.18%,
load. and 5.32% would be used in a system
can be calculated for both close-and-
The total fault current consists of a study prior to manufacture.
latch and interrupting conditions,
symmetrical AC component,
necessary for checking interrupting
superimposed on a DC (offset)
device and related equipment ratings,
component. Hence, the total fault current
and setting protective devices.
is asymmetric with respect to the current
2. Circuit Breaker Application Studies: axis. The value of the DC component
consider the AC and DC decrements depends on the point of the voltage wave
in the fault current, and the speed of at which the fault was initiated. For
the various medium voltage circuit system studies, it is assumed that the
breakers, to determine close-and-latch fault is initiated at the worst point, to
and interrupting duties. produce a “fully offset” fault current.
3. Protective Device Coordination
18

Studies: determine characteristics

and settings of protective devices,
e.g., relays, trip devices, fuses, etc.
Technical

The coordination study should provide

a balance between protection of
system equipment and continuity
of service.
4. Load Flow Studies: calculate volt-
ages, phase angles, real and reactive
power, line and transformer loadings
under simulated conditions to aid in
determining the performance of a
new or revamped system during the
planning stage.

Figure 10. Structure of Asymmetrical Current Wave (Fully Offset)

18-6 Siemens Canada Limited Power Product Catalogue Note: Please consult with local regulations.
Technical
Current Limiting Circuit Breaker Technology Selection
Fuseless Current Limiting The Sentron circuit breakers use the
Circuit Breakers “blow-apart” contact principle to
The technology of Siemens Sentron® accomplish current limitation. This
fuseless current limiting circuit breakers principle is based on the electro-magnetic
was developed to meet the demands of repulsion of adjacent conductors which
modern distribution systems. It is carry current in opposite directions.
not uncommon for today’s systems to The contact arms are arranged to create
have prospective short circuit currents opposing magnetic fields. As fault current
approaching 200,000 amperes. Users rises, magnetic repulsion forces the
demanded the protection and flexibility contacts to separate completely. The
afforded by circuit breakers, without higher the fault current, the faster this
the nuisance and expense of fuse “blow-apart” action occurs.
replacement.
As figure 12 illustrates, the energy let-
A fuseless current limiting circuit breaker through with the current limiting Sentron
as one that “does not employ a fusible circuit breaker is decreased significantly.
element, and that when operating within This provides better protection for
its current-limiting range, limits the let- downstream equipment, and reduces
through l2t to a value less than the l2t damage.
of a half-cycle wave of the symmetrical
prospective current.” Figure 11. Reduction of l2t Let-Through Applications and Ratings
l2t is an expression which allows with Current-Limiting Technology Sentron current limiting circuit breakers
comparison of the energy available as a are designed for use in loadcentres,
result of fault current flow. As used in power panelboards, distribution
current limiting discussions, l 2t refers to switchboards, secondary unit
the energy released between the initiation substations, and all types of individual
of the fault current and the clearing of the enclosures where the available fault
circuit. currents exceed the interrupting ratings
Figure 11 relates the “prospective l2t” to of heavy duty and extra-heavy duty
the energy allowed by a Sentron current molded case circuit breakers.
limiting circuit breaker, or “let-through Sentron circuit breakers have ratings of
l2t”. The upper curve represents the 15 through 1600 amperes, 240 through
maximum I2 the circuit can produce, 600 volts AC, with up to 200,000
unaltered by the presence of any symmetrical amperes interrupting rating.
protective device. The lower curve
illustrates the reduction in energy
allowed when Sentron current limiting
circuit breakers are used.
Figure 12. Current Limitation

Figure 12 illustrates how the Sentron

circuit breaker limits the energy under
fault conditions. The upper curve
illustrates the first half-cycle wave of
prospective fault current. To qualify as
truly current limiting, the circuit breaker
must prevent the current value from
reaching the maximum value that it
would reach if the circuit breaker were 18
not connected in the circuit.
Technical

Note: Please consult with local regulations. Siemens Canada Limited Power Product Catalogue 18-7
 Technical
Overcurrent Protection and Coordination Selection
Coordination of a power distribution plotted on standard log-log coordination where possible. Selective coordination is
system requires that circuit protective paper to facilitate the coordination study. usually obtained in low voltage systems
devices be selected and set so that when the log-log plot of time / current
electrical disturbances, such as over-loads Mechanics Of Achieving Coordination: characteristics displays a clear space
or short circuits, will be cleared promptly The process of achieving coordination between the characteristics of the
by isolating the faulted equipment with among protective devices in series is protective devices operating in series,
minimum service disruption of the essentially one of selecting individual units that is, no overlap should exist between
distribution system. Time / Current to match particular circuit or equipment any two time/current characteristics if
Characteristic Curves are available for protection requirements, and of plotting full selective coordination is to be
circuit protective devices, such as circuit the time/current characteristic curves of obtained. Allow­ance must be made for
breakers and fuses, which show how these devices on a single overlay sheet of relay overtravel and for relay and fuse
quickly they will operate at various values log-log coordination paper. curve accuracy. Quite often the
of overload and short circuit current. The achievement of coordination is a trial- coordination study will stop at a point
Coordination can be obtained by and-error routine in which the various short of complete selective coordination
comparing these curves for each device in time / current characteristic curves of the because a compromise must be made
series in the system. series array of devices are matched one between the competing objectives of
In developing the system, it will be noted against another on the graph plot. maximum protection and maximum
that many compromises must be made service continuity.
When selecting protective devices one
between the various objectives: must recognize ANSI and CEC Computer Aided Coordination:
1. System reliability. requirements and adhere to the limiting The philosophy discussed above applies
2. Continuity of service. factors of coordination such as load to the “classical” practice of performing
3. Equipment and system protection. current, short-circuit current, and motor coordination studies manually. Today,
4. Coordination of protective devices. starting. The protective devices selected however, there are numerous personal
5. System cost. must operate within these boundaries computer software programs available
Preliminary steps in Coordination study: while providing selective coordination for performing coordination studies.
A) One-line diagram: used as a base on
which to record pertinent data and
information regarding relays, circuit
breakers, fuses, current transformers, and
operating equipment while at the same
time, providing a convenient
representation of the relationship of circuit
protective devices with one another.
B) Short-circuit study: record all applicable
impedances and ratings; using these
values, a short-circuit study is made to
determine currents available at any
particular point in the system.
C) Determine maximum load currents
which will exist under normal operating
conditions in each of the power-system
circuits, the transformer magnetizing
inrush currents, and times, and the
starting currents, and accelerating times of
large motors. These values will determine
the maximum currents which circuit
protective devices must carry without
18

operating. The upper boundary of current

sensitivity will be determined by the
Technical

smallest values resulting from the

following considerations:
1) Maximum available short-circuit
current obtained by calculation.
2) Requirements of applicable codes
and standards for the protection of
equipment such as cable, motors,
and transformers.
3) Thermal and mechanical limitations
of equipment.
D) Time / current characteristic curves of
all the protective devices to be coordi­
nated must be obtained. These should be Figure 13. Coordination of Example System

18-8 Siemens Canada Limited Power Product Catalogue Note: Please consult with local regulations.
Technical
Ground Fault Protection Selection
The term “low magnitude” arcing ground
fault is a deceptive description of this
type fault. What is meant by this is
that the fault current magnitude is low
compared to that of a bolted fault. Even
so, the arc energy released at the point
of the fault can cause much damage and
may result in a fire. A ground fault is an
insulation failure between an energized
conductor and ground. A phase-to-ground
arcing fault, unlike a phase-to-phase
bolted fault, is a high-impedance type
fault. The factors that contribute to this
high impedance are the resistance of the
arc and the impedance of the return path.
This return path is usually metal conduit,
raceway, busway housing or switchboard
frames. Another contributing factor is the
spasmodic nature of the arc. The circuit
breaker or fuse protecting the circuit
detects the fault current, but the actual
ground fault current magnitude is ever
changing due to arc elongating blowout
effects, self-clearing attempts and arc
reignition.
These current limiting effects make the
circuit breaker or fuse incapable of
detecting the actual damage that is
occurring. This is not to imply that these
devices are inadequate. The problem is
one of system protection because the
circuit breaker must be adjusted (or fuse
size selected) so as to hold without
tripping under momentary overload
conditions, such as motor starting current
or transformer inrush current. Therefore,
the circuit breaker or fuse cannot open
quickly enough under relatively low
magnitude faults to limit the arcing Figure 14. Ground Fault Protection
damage.
Figure 14 illustrates the basic problem.
Shown is a typical distribution system by a traditional overcurrent devices. To no output from the ground sensor to the
with a 1600 ampere main service complete total protection of the system tripping relay because the vector sum of
entrance unit with a circuit breaker against all possible types of faults, other all the currents through the sensor
(single line “a”) or fused service means are utilized to detect ground fault window is zero.
protector (single line “b”). A ground fault currents, including:
(Ia + lb + Ic + In = 0)
of 1500 amperes on the bus would affect b Zero sequence method
If a ground fault occurs on the system,
but would not open either device. A 4000
ampere ground fault would be cleared in
b Source ground current (or ground there is now an additional current (Ig)
18
return) method
approximately 35 seconds by the circuit seen by ground sensor which returns to
Technical

breaker and in 230 seconds by the fuse. b Residual connection method the source by a path other than through
To allow a fault of this magnitude to the sensor window. The sensor now
Zero Sequence Method sees an unbalance caused by Ig and
persist for this length of time would This is commonly used when ground
create more than 92,000 kW seconds of operates the ground relay which trips the
fault protection is provided for equipment circuit protector.
arc energy. As a result of tests made, it employing electromechanical trip
has been determined that an arc with a devices. The scheme uses a core balance (Ia + lb + lc + In = Ig)
value of 1050 kW seconds of energy type current transformer (ground sensor)
would vaporize about 1.0 cubic in. of The ground sensor is located
which encircles all phase conductors (and downstream from the point at which the
copper or 2.5 cubic in. of aluminum. neutral on four wire system) to detect
Obviously a fault of the magnitude system is grounded and can be mounted
ground faults. either on the line side or load side of the
shown in Figure 14 could cause a
considerable amount of damage. The operation of this system is such that main disconnect device. This method can
under normal operating conditions (eg., be used on incoming main disconnect or
The nature of low-level arcing ground no ground fault on the system) there is on feeders.
faults makes impractical their detection

Note: Please consult with local regulations. Siemens Canada Limited Power Product Catalogue 18-9
 Technical
Ground Fault Protection Selection
Source Ground Current (or Ground
Return) Method
This method of detecting the ground
fault current Ig locates the ground
sensor on the neutral connection to
ground at the service entrance. This
means that the ground sensor only
detects ground fault current. This type of
detection has some limitations because
it is detecting the ground fault return
current. On multiple source systems
with multiple connections to ground, this
ground fault current can return by more
than one path, therefore, some
sensitivity in detecting these faults
Figure 15. Schematic for Zero Sequence
would be lost.

Residual Connection Method

Current sensors, one on each of the
phase conductors and on the neutral
conductors, are connected in common.
This common (or residual connection)
measures the vector summation of the
phase currents and the neutral current.
Under normal conditions, this vector
summation will be zero, and no current
will be applied to the ground relay.
If a fault involving ground occurs, the
current summation is not equal to zero.
Figure 16. Schematic for Source Ground Current
Current flows into common connection
which is applied to the relay. This
method of detecting ground fault current GFS = Ground Fault Sensor
is used in circuit breakers with electronic GFP = Ground Fault Protection
trip device. (Relay or Trip Unit)

Residual Ground Current

Sensing
3-Wire System
This system is used with electronic trip
units, and always includes three current
sensors mounted on the circuit breaker. Figure 17. Schematic for Residual Method
A trip element is connected in series
with each sensor to provide phase
overcurrent protection. By adding a
ground trip element in the residual
(neutral) circuit of the three current
18

sensors, it will sense ground fault current

only, and not load current. This permits
Technical

more sensitive settings to protect

against low magnitude ground faults.
This scheme is shown in Figure 18.
Under normal conditions, the vector sum
of the current in all of the phases equals
zero. No current would flow in the GND
element, which is also true under the
condition of a phase-to-phase fault.
A phase-to-ground fault would cause a
current to flow in the GND trip element.
If the magnitude of this current exceeds
the pickup setting for the required time,
the trip unit will operate to trip the
Figure 18. Schematic for Ground Protection on 3-Wire Systems, Residual Sensing
breaker.

18-10 Siemens Canada Limited Power Product Catalogue Note: Please consult with local regulations.
Technical
Ground Fault Protection Selection
4-Wire System
To avoid false tripping, a fourth current
sensor is connected in the neutral
conductor to sense normal neutral
current. This fourth sensor is connected
so that it cancels the normal neutral
current which is developed in the residual
circuit as shown in Figure 19.
Under normal conditions, the vector sum
of the current in all phases equals the
neutral current. Disregarding the effects
of the neutral sensor connection, the
neutral current would flow through the
GND element. Since this is normal
neutral current, pickup of the GND
element is not desired. Therefore, the
neutral sensor is added to sense the
same neutral current as the GND sensor
— but opposite in polarity. The result is a
circulating current between the phase
sensing current sensors and the neutral
sensor, with no current flowing through
the GND sensor. This is similar to a Figure 19. Schematic for Ground Protection on 4-Wire Systems, Residual Sensing
differential relay circuit. When a phase-to-
ground fault occurs, the vector sum of fault current returns via the ground bus current exceeds the pickup setting of the
the phase currents will no longer equal and bypasses the neutral. If the GND element for the required time, the
the neutral current because the ground magnitude of the phase-to-ground trip unit will operate to open the breaker.

Types Of Coordinated Ground Fault Tripping Systems

There are two types of Coordinated interlocking wiring between the GFP send a restraining signal to the upstream
Ground Fault Systems: devices associated with main feeder and device and transfer that device to a time-
branch disconnecting devices. delay tripping mode. The upstream time-
b Time / Current Selective
Figure 20, on the next page, illustrates delay tripping characteristic selected
b Zone Selective (Zone Interlock) should be such that the downstream
time / current selective coordination in a
system involving a 4000 ampere main disconnect will open and clear the circuit
Time / Current Selective circuit breaker and a 1600 ampere feeder before the upstream disconnect tripping
circuit breaker in an incoming service mechanism is actuated. The time-current
In this system the time / current
switchboard. These feed a distribution characteristic of the upstream device
characteristics of the Ground Fault
switchboard with a 600 ampere sub­ should be such as to offer backup
Protection (GFP) devices used with each
feeder to a 100 ampere branch breaker. protection in the event of malfunction of
disconnect are coordinated so that the
The system is coordinated so that only the downstream equipment.
nearest disconnect supplying the ground
fault location will open. Any upstream the circuit breaker nearest the location of Alternatively, a restraining signal from a
disconnects remain closed and continue the ground fault trips. downstream device may be used to
to supply the remaining load current. Each prevent the tripping of an upstream
set of GFP devices should have a Zone Selective (Zone Interlock) disconnect on ground fault instead of
specified time-current operating In this system each disconnecting means causing it to operate in the time-delay
18
characteristic. When disconnects are should open as quickly as possible when tripping mode. This may be done where
Technical

connected in series, each downstream a ground fault occurs in the zone where backup protection is less important than
device should use a time-current setting this disconnect is the nearest supply continuity of service to critical loads
that will cause it to open and clear the source. supplied by the upstream unit. There are
circuit before any upstream disconnect The GFP device for an upstream very few instances in which this is
tripping mechanism is actuated. The time- disconnecting means should have at least justified, and a careful study of the entire
current bands of disconnects in series two modes of operation. If a ground fault system should be made before using this
must not overlap and must be separated occurs between it and the nearest type of interlocking.
from each other sufficiently to allow for downstream disconnect, it should operate For a zone selective system, the time-
the clearing time of each disconnecting in its fast tripping mode. current bands of disconnects in series,
means used. The time / current selective When a ground fault occurs beyond the although used only for backup protection,
system is recommended for applications downstream disconnect, the downstream should not overlap and should be
where damage levels associated with the GFP device should open in its fast separate from each other sufficiently to
time / current settings used are tolerable. tripping mode and simultaneously allow for the opening time of each
This type of system does not require disconnecting means used.

Note: Please consult with local regulations. Siemens Canada Limited Power Product Catalogue 18-11
 Technical
Ground Fault Protection Selection
Time/Current Selective Ground Coordination

Figure 21. Zone Interlocking Scheme

Zone Selective Operation (Figure 21):

a) Relay-1 will sense a ground fault at
A when it exceeds 10 amperes. It
will instantly initiate tripping of the
Branch breaker and send restraining
signals (transfer from instantaneous
operation to time-delayed operation)
to Relay-2 and Relay-3 (Relay-2 and
Relay-3 will then back up Relay-1 on
a time coordinated basis). Relay-4
will be restrained by Relay-2 if
ground fault exceeds 100 amperes.
b) Relay-2 will sense a ground fault at
B when it exceeds 100 amperes. It
will instantly initiate tripping of the
Sub-Feeder breaker and send
restraining signals to Relay-3 and
Relay-4.
c) 
Relay-3 will sense a ground fault at
Figure 20. Fully Coordinated Multizone GFP System
C when it exceeds 400 amperes. It
­ he zone selective or zone interlock
T The zone selective or zone interlock will instantly initiate tripping of the
system provides fast tripping of the scheme is for those few special Feeder breaker and send a
nearest disconnect upstream of the applications where exceptionally fast restraining signal to Relay-4.
ground fault. The damage level is the tripping is necessary for all feeders d) Relay-4 will sense a ground fault at
18

lowest that is possible because the throughout the entire system to reduce D when it exceeds 800 amperes. It
ground fault is cleared as quickly as the damage. Note that although the relay will instantly initiate tripping of the
Technical

protective equipment can respond and time can be reduced appreciably, the Main breaker.
the disconnect can open. Additional circuit breaker mechanism and arcing
interlocking wiring and circuity for time (plus safety margin) will still be A.1
sending and receiving the restraining present. Typical Ampere Restrained
signals are required. Setting Time Delay
800 0.4 SEC.
400 0.3 SEC.
100 0.2 SEC.
10 0.1 SEC.

18-12 Siemens Canada Limited Power Product Catalogue Note: Please consult with local regulations.
Technical
Ground Fault Protection Selection
Typical Application Diagrams means can be utilized, providing it is and ground return sensors provide
Figures 22 through 27 on this and the suitable for use with a ground fault protection only on the load side of
facing page show the basic methods of protection system as indicated in the associ­ated disconnects. If a vector
applying ground fault protection (GFP). scope of this application guide. The summation method is used and its
Other types of distribution systems will examples do not show protection against sensors are located on load side of a
require variations of these methods to a ground fault on the supply side of the disconnect, the zone between a source
satisfy other system conditions. main disconnect. and actual sensor location becomes
Sensing device and disconnect locations the responsibility of the next upstream
These diagrams show circuit breakers as protective device.
the disconnects. Any disconnecting define zones of protection. Source side

Table A.2 Recommendations for Figures 22-27

Ground Fault
Protection Figure Sensing Method Additional Ground Points Recommended Use Selectivity

22 Vector Must not be downstream. Limited selectivity depends

On Main Minimum protection only per on location of fault and rating
Summation May be upstream Section 230-95 for the
Disconnect Only of overcurrent devices on the
23 Ground Return None National Electric Code upstream side of fault.
Must not be downstream of
Main and Feeders– main ground fault sensor. Main will allow feeder to trip
24 Vector Summation Improved service continuity for faults downstream of
On Main and May be upstream.
Feeder is required feeder sensors, but main will
Disconnects Main – Ground Return trip if feeder fails to operate.
25 None
Feeders – Vector Summation

Main and feeder 1-3 will

provide delayed backup
Improved service continuity protection if fault is
Main and feeders 1-3 – Must not be downstream of and minimum arcing fault
On Main, Feeder, Vector Summation downstream of MCC branch
and Selected 26 main ground fault sensor. damage are required and feeder A. Main will provide
MCC branch feeder A – May be upstream. protection is needed on
Branch Zero Sequence delayed backup protection if
Disconnects with branch circuits. fault is downstream of sensors
Zone Selective for feeders 1-3. Main will trip
Interlocking on fastest curve if fault is
upstream of sensors for
feeders 1-3.
When operating with tie
disconnect open, main will
Double-Ended provide delayed backup
System with Double-ended systems with protection if fault is
Main and Tie – Ground ground fault protection on
Protection on Return downstream from feeder
Main and on Tie 27 None tie disconnect where
sensors. When operating
Feeders – Vector Summation maximum continuity of
and Feeder with the tie disconnect
Disconnects service is essential.
closed, the tie will trip before
the main, thus sectionalizing
the bus.

Ground Fault Protection on Main Disconnects Only

18
Technical

Figure 22 Figure 23

Note: Please consult with local regulations. Siemens Canada Limited Power Product Catalogue 18-13
 Technical
Ground Fault Protection Selection
Ground Fault Protection on Main and Feeder Disconnects

Figure 24 Figure 25

Ground Fault Protection on Main, Feeder and Selected Double-Ended System with Ground Fault Protection on
Branch Disconnects with Zone Selective Interlocking Main and on Tie and Feeder Disconnects

Note: Interlocking
Supplementary interlocking is
required but will vary depending
on equipment used.

Figure 26 Figure 27
18
Technical

18-14 Siemens Canada Limited Power Product Catalogue Note: Please consult with local regulations.
Technical
Series-Connected Combination Ratings Selection
Series-Connected Rating the main and the feeder breaker are With the advent of fuseless current
A series-connected rating can be assigned subjected to several short circuit peaks. limiting circuit breakers such as Sentron,
to a combination of compo­nents — In a series-connected system, however, another important development in series-
typically circuit breakers — which has the individual components (or circuit connected combinations has emerged.
been tested in combination to a higher breakers) have already been tested in Because of the fuseless current limiting
interrupting rating than that of the lowest series and the combination has been circuit breaker’s extremely fast interrupting
rated protective device of the given an interrupting rating equal to or capability, this device provides more
combination. These ratings must be greater than various prospective fault control over high prospective fault
substantiated by extensive CSA testing. currents which are available. The currents than traditional series-connected
combination, therefore, acts as a single systems.
General entity, and performs the same protective The concept behind using fuseless current
“Equipment intended to interrupt current function as individual circuit breakers in limiting circuit breakers as a component in
at fault levels shall have an interrupting the traditional method. The difference is a series-connected system is twofold: (1)
rating not less than the nominal circuit that combinations in series-connected higher interrupting ratings, and (2)
voltage and the current that is available systems contain devices with lower increased control over peak current (ip) and
at the line terminals of the equipment. interrupting ratings. energy let-through (I2t).
Equipment intended to interrupt current Siemens circuit breakers used in series
at other than fault levels shall have an For example, a current limiting circuit
combinations which have passed breaker is placed at the side closest to the
interrupting rating at nominal circuit extensive tests required by CSA.
voltage not less than the current that source of power and rated according to
must be interrupted.” Using the previous example, if the the prospective fault current available at
prospective fault current at the line the line-side terminals. In effect, doing this
The difference between the phrases “at terminals of the panelboard is 100,000 places a “shroud of protection” over the
fault levels” and “at other than fault amperes RMS symmetrical, the series- downstream components. Because of the
levels” is the part of the Code which connected method would involve inherent high interrupting capability of the
makes series-connected systems selecting a specific combination with current limiting circuit breaker, the breaker
possible. For example, the traditional a rating of 100,000 amperes RMS itself meets or exceeds the prospective
method of satisfying the Code was to symmetrical or greater interrupting short circuit current. Because of its current
select each breaker in the series with an capacity. That combination might include limiting action the prospective I2t never
interrupting rating equal to or greater than individual components which have lower reaches downstream components. This is
the prospective fault current. The individual interrupting ratings than 100,000 illustrated in Figure 29.
interrupting rating of a circuit breaker — amperes RMS symmetrical.
stated in RMS symmetrical amperes — is It is important to recognize that the
the amount of short circuit current the However, all the components in the current limiting circuit breaker be an
device can safely interrupt and continue to combination have been tested together individual component in a CSA tested
function as a circuit breaker. and form an entity that will safety interrupt combination, and that it is the combination
the prospective fault current of the itself — current limiting circuit breaker
Thus, if the prospective fault current at the particular situation being examined as long plus other circuit breakers — that forms
line terminals of a panelboard is 100,000A as the interrupting rating listed matches entity specified in day-to-day applications.
RMS symmetrical, this traditional method the prospective fault current.
would require that all the circuit breakers For specific series-connected
within the panelboard be rated at combinations that have met CSA
100,000A RMS symmetrical or greater requirements please refer to the breaker
interrupting capacity. This is illustrated in section of this catalogue or contact your
Figure 28. In the traditional system, both local Siemens Sales Office.

18
Technical

Figure 28 — Without Current Limiting Figure 29 — Series-Connected Protective Scheme With Current
Limiting Main Circuit Breaker

Note: Please consult with local regulations. Siemens Canada Limited Power Product Catalogue 18-15
 Technical
Harmonics / K-factor Ratings Selection
Non-Linear Loads
Voltage of Current Waveform for Linear Loads (Sine Wave)
When a sinusoidal voltage is applied to a
linear load, the resultant current
waveform takes on the shape of a sine
wave as well. Typical linear loads are
resistive heating and induction motors.
In contrast, a non-linear load either:
b Draws current during only part of the
cycle and acts as an open circuit for
the balance of the cycle,
or
b Changes the impedance during the
cycle, hence the resultant waveform is
distorted and no longer conforms to a Typical Current Waveform of Switching Power Supply
pure sine wave shape
In recent years, the use of electronic
equipment has mushroomed in both
offices and industrial plants. These
electronic devices are powered by
switching power supplies or some type
of rectifier circuit. Examples of these
devices used in offices are: computers,
fax machines, copiers, printers, cash
registers, UPS systems, and solid-state
ballasts. In indus­trial plants, one will find
other electronic devices such as variable
speed drives, HID lighting, solid-state A Non-Linear Current and Its Fundamental, Plus 3rd and 5th Harmonic Components
starters and solid-state instruments. They
all contribute to the distortion of the
current waveform and the generation of
harmonics. As the use of electronic
equipment increases and it makes up a
larger portion of the electrical load, many
concerns are raised about its impact on
the electrical power supply system.

Harmonics
As defined by ANSI / IEEE Std. 519-1992,
harmonic components are represented
by a periodic wave or quantity having a
frequency that is an integral multiple of
the fundamental frequency. Harmonics
are voltages or currents at frequencies
that are integer multiples of the
fundamental (60 Hz) frequency: 120 Hz,
180 Hz, 240 Hz, 300 Hz, etc. Harmonics
are designated by their harmonic number,
18

Figure 30 — Effect of Harmonics on Current Waveform

or multiple of the fundamental frequency.
Thus, a harmonic with a frequency of 180 gen­erated by the non-linear load. Total Therefore, it is the percentage amount of
Technical

Hz (three times the 60 Hz fundamental Harmonic Distortion (THD) is calculated odd harmonics (3rd, 5th, 7th ,..., 25th,...)
frequency) is called the 3rd harmonic. as the square root of the sum of the present in the load which can affect the
Harmonics superimpose themselves on squares of all harmonics divided by the transformer, and this condition is called a
the fundamental waveform, distorting it normal 60 Hz value. “Non-Linear Load” or “Non-Sinusoidal
and changing its magnitude. For instance, Load”. To determine what amount of
when a sine wave voltage source is harmonic content is present, a K-Factor
applied to a non-linear load connected calculation is made instead of using the
from a phase-leg to neutral on a 3-phase, THD formula. The total amount of
4-wire branch circuit, the load itself will harmonics will determine the percentage
draw a current wave made up of the of non-linear load, which can be specified
60 Hz fundamental frequency of the with the appropriate K-Factor rating.
voltage source, plus 3rd and higher order This yields an RMS value of distortion as
odd harmonic (multiples of the 60 Hz a percentage of the fundamental 60 Hz
fundamental frequency), which are all waveform.

18-16 Siemens Canada Limited Power Product Catalogue Note: Please consult with local regulations.
Technical
Harmonics / K-factor Ratings Selection
Typical Symptoms of Harmonic Sizing Transformers for Non-Linear
Problems Loads 2. Multiply the kVA of each load or load
b Distribution / lighting transformers ANSI / IEEE C57.110-2008 has a category times the Index of Load
overheating even when measured load procedure for de-rating standard K-rating (ILK) that corresponds to the
current is within transformer rating distribution transformers for non-linear assigned K-factor rating. This result is
loading. However this is not the only
b Neutral cable / bus overheating even an indexed kVA-ILK value.
with balanced load approach. A transformer with the KVA x ILK = kVA-ILK.
appropriate K-Factor specifically designed
b Fuses blowing and circuit breakers for non-linear loads can be specified. 3. Tabulate the total connected load kVA
tripping at currents within rating for all load categories to be supplied.
K-Factors 4. Next, add-up the kVA-ILK values for all
Effect Of Harmonics On Transformers
K-Factor is a ratio between the additional loads or load categories to be supplied
Non-sinusoidal current generates extra losses due to harmonics and the eddy by the transformer.
losses and heating of transformer coils losses at 60 Hz. It is used to specify
thus reducing efficiency and shortening 5. Divide the grand total kVA-ILK value by
transformers for non-linear loads. Note the total kVA load to be supplied. This
the life expectancy of the transformer. that K-Factor transformers do not
Coil losses increase with the higher will give an average ILK for that combi-
eliminate harmonic distortion; they nation of loads. Total kVA-ILK/ Total
harmonic frequencies due to higher eddy withstand the non-linear load condition
current loss in the conductors. kVA = average ILK.
without overheating.
Furthermore, on a balanced linear power 6. From Table A.4 find the K-factor rating
system, the phase currents are 120 Calculating K-Factor Loads whose ILK is equal to or greater than
degrees out of phase and offset one 1. List the kVA value for each load the calculated ILK.
another in the neutral conductor. But with category to be supplied. Next, assign a
the “Triplen” harmonics (multiple of 3) K-factor designation that corresponds
the phase currents are in phase and they to the relative level of harmonics
are additive in this neutral conductor. This drawn by each type of load. Refer to
may cause installations with non-linear Table A.4.
loads to double either the size or number
of neutral conductors.

Measurement of Harmonics Table A.4 Estimating K-Factor Loadsa

Table A.3 K-Factor Ratings Description K-Factor ILK
Non- Total Incandescent Lighting
Type Linear Linear K-Factor
Load Electric Resistance Heating
Load Load Valve Motors (without solid state drives) K1 0.00
K4 100% 50% 4.0 Control Transformers / Electromagnetic Control Devices
Motor-Generators (without solid state drives)
K13 100% 100% 13.0 Standard Distribution Transformers
K20 100% 125% 20.0 Electric Discharge Lighting (HID)
K30 100% 150% 30.0 UPS with Optional Input Filter K4 25.82
Welders
Induction Heating Equipment
For existing installations, the extent of PLCs and Solid State Controls
the harmonics can be measured with Telecommunications Equipment (PBX)
UPS without Input Filtering K13 57.74
appropriate instruments commonly Multiwire Receptacle Circuits in General Care Areas of Health Care Facilities,
referred to as “Power Harmonic Schools, etc.
Analyzers”. This service is offered by Multiwire Receptacle Circuits Supplying Testing Equipment on an Assembly Line
Main-Frame Computer Loads
many consulting service organizations. Solid State Motor Drives (variable speed drives) K20 80.94
For new construction, such information Multiwire Receptacle Circuits in Critical Care Areas in Hospitals
may not be obtainable. For such Multiwire Receptacle Circuits in Industrial, Medical and Educational Laboratories
situations, it is best to assume the worse Multiwire Receptacle Circuits in Commercial Office Spaces
Small Main-Frames (mini and micro)
K30 123.54 18
case condition based on experience with a Typical loads and K-Factor values for estimating purposes only.
the type and mix of loads.
Technical

Note: Please consult with local regulations. Siemens Canada Limited Power Product Catalogue 18-17
 Technical
General
Table 1A Table 1B Table 1C
Motor Full-Load Currents of Three Motor Full-Load Currents Motor Full-Load Currents
Phase AC Induction Type Motors  In Amperes, Single-Phase, AC In Amperes, DC
Motor Horsepower 115V 230V Horsepower 120V 240V
Rating Current in Amperes
1/6 4.4 2.2 1/4 3.1 1.6
Horsepower 208V 230V 460V 575V 1/4 5.8 2.9 1/3 4.1 2.0
1/4 1.11 .96 .48 .38 1/3 7.2 3.6 1/2 5.4 2.7
1/2 9.8 4.9 3/4 7.6 3.8
1/3 1.34 1.18 .59 .47 1/3 13.8 6.9
1/2 2.4 2.2 1.1 .9 1 9.5 4.7
1 16 8 11/2 13.2 6.6
3/4 3.5 3.2 1.6 1.3 11/2 20 10 2 17 8.5
1 4.6 4.2 2.1 1.7 2 24 12
3 25 12.2
3 34 17
11⁄2 6.6 6 3 2.4 5 40 20
5 56 28
2 7.5 6.8 3.4 2.7 71/2 80 40 71/2 58 29
10 100 50 10 76 38
3 10.6 9.6 4.8 3.9
5
71⁄2
16.7
24.2
15.2
22.0
7.6
11.0
6.1
9.0
Table 2
10 30.8 28.0 14.0 11.0 Electrical Formulas for Finding Amperes, Horsepower, Kilowatts and kVA
15 46.2 42.0 21.0 17.0 Alternating Current Direct
To Find Single-Phase Three-Phase
20 59.4 54 27 22 Two-Phase , Four-Wire Current
25 74.8 68 34 27 I x E x pf I x E x 2 x pf I x E x 1.73 x pf IxE
30 88 80 40 32 Kilowatts
1000 1000 1000 1000
40 114 104 52 41 IxE IxEx2 I x E x 1.73
50 143 130 65 52 kVA —
1000 1000 1000
60 169 154 77 62
Horsepower I x E x % EFF x pf I x E x 2 x % EFF x pf I x E x 1.73 x % EFF x pf I x E x % EFF
75 211 192 96 77 (Output) 746 746 746 746
100 273 248 124 99
Amperes
125 343 312 156 125 when HP x 746 HP x 746 HP x 746 HP x 746
150 396 360 180 144 Horsepower E x % EFF x pf 2 x E x % EFF x pf 1.73 x E x % EFF x pf E x % EFF
200 528 480 240 192 is Known
250 —0 —0 302 242 Amperes
300 —0 —0 361 289 when KW x 1000 KW x 1000 KW x 1000 KW x 1000
Kilowatts is E x pf 2 x E x pf 1.73 x E x pf E
350 —0 —0 414 336
Known
400 —0 —0 477 382
450 —0 —0 515 412 Amperes
kVA x 1000 kVA x 1000 kVA x 1000
when kVA is —
500 —0 —0 590 472 E 2xE 1.73 x E
Known

Average Efficiency and Power Factor Fault-Current Calculation on

Values of Motors Low-Voltage AC Systems
When the actual efficiencies and power In order to determine the maximum
factors of the motors to be controlled are interrupting ratings of the circuit breakers
not known, the following approximations in a distribution system it is necessary
may be used. to calculate the current which could flow
under a three-phase bolted short circuit
Efficiencies:
condition. For a three-phase system the
DC motors, 35 horsepower
maximum available fault current at the
and less 80% to 85%
secondary side of the transformer can be
18

DC motors, above
obtained by use of the formula:
35 horsepower 85% to 90%
Synchronous motors
Technical

kVA x 100
(at 100% power factor) 92% to 95% ISC =
KV x √3 x % Z
“Apparent” Efficiencies where:
( = Efficiency x Power Factor);
Three-phase induction motors, ISC = Symmetrical RMS amperes of fault
25 horsepower and less 85% current.
Three-phase induction motors kVA = Kilovolt-ampere rating of
above 25 horsepower 90% transformers.
E = Volts I = Amperes KV = Secondary voltage in kilovolts.
% EFF = Per Cent Efficiency These figures may be decreased slightly % Z = Percent impedance of primary line
pf = Power Factor for single-phase and two-phase and transformer.
induction motors.
 Valuesmay vary depending on manufacturer, type of
motor and NEMA design.
Table 5 on page 15-4 has been prepared
For full load currents of 200 volt motors, increase the to list the symmetrical RMS fault current
corresponding 230 volt motor full-load current by which is available at the secondary
15 percent.
terminals of the transformer.

18-18 Siemens Canada Limited Power Product Catalogue Note: Please consult with local regulations.
Fraction, Decimal and Millimeter Equivalents
Conversion Tables
Fractions to Decimals to Millimeters Millimeters to Inches 
Fractions Decimals Millimeters Millimeters Inches Millimeters Inches
1/64 0.015625 0.397 0.1 0.0039 46 1.8110
1/32 0.03125 0.794 0.2 0.0079 47 1.8504
3/64 0.046875 1.191 0.3 0.0118 48 1.8898
1/16 0.0625 1.588 0.4 0.0157 49 1.9291
5/64 0.078125 1.984 0.5 0.0197 50 1.9685
3/32 0.09375 2.381 0.6 0.0236 51 2.0079
7/64 0.109375 2.778 0.7 0.0276 52 2.0472
1/8 0.1250 3.175 0.8 0.0315 53 2.0866
9/64 0.140625 3.572 0.9 0.0354 54 2.1260
5/32 0.15625 3.969 55 2.1654
11/64 0.171875 4.366 1 0.0394 56 2.2047
3/16 0.1875 4.763 2 0.0787 57 2.2441
13/64 0.203125 5.159 3 0.1181 58 2.2835
7/32 0.21875 5.556 4 0.1575 59 2.3228
15/64 0.234375 5.953 5 0.1969 60 2.3622
1/4 0.2500 6.350 6 0.2362 61 2.4016
17/64 0.265625 6.747 7 0.2756 62 2.4409
9/32 0.28125 7.144 8 0.3150 63 2.4803
19/64 0.296875 7.541 9 0.3543 64 2.5197
5/16 0.3125 7.938 10 0.3937 65 2.5591
21/64 0.328125 8.334 11 0.4331 66 2.5984
11/32 0.34375 8.731 12 0.4724 67 2.6378
23/64 0.359375 9.128 13 0.5118 68 2.6772
3/8 0.3750 9.525 14 0.5512 69 2.7165
15 0.5906 70 2.7559
25/64 0.390625 9.922
13/32 0.40625 10.319 16 0.6299 71 2.7953
27/64 0.421875 10.716 17 0.6693 72 2.8346
7/16 0.4375 11.113 18 0.7087 73 2.8740
19 0.7480 74 2.9134
29/64 0.453125 11.509 20 0.7874 75 2.9528
15/32 0.46875 11.906
31/64 0.484375 12.303 21 0.8268 76 2.9921
1/2 0.500 12.700 22 0.8661 77 3.0315
23 0.9055 78 3.0709
33/64 0.515625 13.097 24 0.9449 79 3.1102
17/32 0.53125 13.494 25 0.9843 80 3.1496
35/64 0.546875 13.891
9/16 0.5625 14.288 26 1.0236 81 3.1890
27 1.0630 82 3.2283
37/64 0.578125 14.684 28 1.1024 83 3.2677
19/32 0.59375 15.081 29 1.1417 84 3.3071
39/64 0.609375 15.478 30 1.1811 85 3.3465
5/8 0.6250 15.875
31 1.2205 86 3.3858
41/64 0.640625 16.272 32 1.2598 87 3.4252
21/32 0.65625 16.669 33 1.2992 88 3.4646
43/64 0.671875 17.066 34 1.3386 89 3.5039
11/16 0.6875 17.463 35 1.3780 90 3.5433
45/64 0.703125 17.859 36 1.4173 91 3.5827
23/32 0.71875 18.256 37 1.4567 92 3.6220
47/64 0.734375 18.653 38 1.4961 93 3.6614
3/4 0.7500 19.050 39 1.5354 94 3.7008
49/64 0.765625 19.447 40 1.5748 95 3.7402
25/32 0.78125 19.844 41 1.6142 96 3.7795
51/64 0.796875 20.241 42 1.6535 97 3.8189
13/16 0.8125 20.638 43 1.6929 98 3.8583
53/64
27/32
0.828125
0.84375
21.034
21.431
44
45
1.7323
1.7717
99
100
3.8976
3.9370
18
55/64 0.859375 21.828
7/8 0.8750 22.225
Technical

57/64 0.890625 22.622

29/32 0.90625 23.019
59/64 0.921875 23.416
15/16 0.9375 23.813
61/64 0.953125 24.209
31/32 0.96875 24.606
63/64 0.984375 25.003
1 1.000 25.400

 0.001”
= 0.0254 mm
1 mm = 0.03937”

Note: Please consult with local regulations. Siemens Canada Limited Power Product Catalogue 18-19
 Notes

18
Technical

18-20 Siemens Canada Limited Power Product Catalogue