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Section

12
Transformers

12.1.0 Introduction
12.1.1 Typical Transformer Weights (lb) by kVA
12.1.2 Transformer Full-Load Current, Three-Phase, Self-Cooled Ratings
12.1.3 Typical Impedances, Three-Phase, Liquid-Filled Transformers
12.1.4 Approximate Transformer Loss and Impedance Data
12.1.5 Transformer Primary (480-V, Three-Phase, Delta) and Secondary
(208-Y/120-V, Three-Phase, Four-Wire) Overcurrent Protection,
Conductors and Grounding
12.1.6 NEC Table 450.3 (A), Maximum Rating or Setting of Overcurrent
Protection for Transformers Over 600 V (as a Percentage of Transformer
Rated Current)
12.1.7 NEC Table 450.3 (B), Maximum Rating or Setting of Overcurrent Protection
for Transformers 600 V and Less (as a Percentage of Transformer Rated
Current)
12.2.1 Electrical Connection Diagrams
12.3.1 Auto Zigzag Grounding Transformers for Deriving a Neutral, Schematic
and Wiring Diagram
12.3.2 Auto Zigzag Transformer Ratings
12.4.1 Buck-Boost Transformer Three-Phase Connection Summary
12.4.2 Wiring Diagrams for Low-Voltage Single-Phase Buck-Boost Transformers
12.4.3 Connection Diagrams for Buck-Boost Transformers in Autotransformer
Arrangement for Single-Phase System
12.4.4 Connection Diagrams for Buck-Boost Transformers in Autotransformer
Arrangement for Three-Phase System
12.5.1 Maximum Average Sound Levels for Transformers
12.5.2 Typical Building Ambient Sound Levels
12.6.1 Transformer Insulation System Temperature Ratings
12.7.1 k-Rated Transformers

12.1.0 Introduction
Transformers are a critical part of electrical distribution systems because they are
used most often to change voltage levels. This affects voltage, current (both load
and fault current levels), and system capacity. They also can be used to isolate,
suppress harmonics, derive neutrals through a zigzag grounding arrangement,
and reregulate voltage. The information that follows provides useful design and
installation data.

12.1
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12.2 Section Twelve

12.1.1 Typical Transformer Weights (lb) by kVA

TABLE 12.1.1

12.1.2 Transformer Full-Load Current,

Three-Phase, Self-Cooled Ratings

TABLE 12.1.2

12.1.3 Typical Impedances, Three-Phase,

Liquid-Filled Transformers (see page 12.3)

12.1.4 Approximate Transformer Loss and

Impedance Data (see page 12.3)
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Transformers 12.3

TABLE 12.1.3 Typical Impedances—Three-Phase Transformers

Note: Values are typical. Refer to transformer manufacturer for exact values.

TABLE 12.1.4 Approximate Loss and Impedance Data

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12.4 Section Twelve

12.1.5 Transformer Primary (480-V, Three-Phase,

Delta) and Secondary (208-Y/120-V, Three-Phase,
Four-Wire) Overcurrent Protection, Conductors and
Grounding

TABLE 12.1.5

12.1.6 Maximum Rating or Setting of Overcurrent

Protection for Transformers Over 600 V (as
a Percentage of Transformer Rated Current)
[NEC Table 450.3(A)] (see page 12.5)
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Transformers 12.5

TABLE 12.1.6

(© 2001, NFPA)

12.1.7 Maximum Rating or Setting of Overcurrent

Protection for Transformers 600 V and Less (as a
Percentage of Transformer Rated Current)

TABLE 12.1.7

(© 2001, NFPA)
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12.6 Section Twelve

12.2.1 Electrical Connection Diagrams

12.2.1 Connection diagrams for transformers.

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Transformers 12.7

12.3.1 Auto Zigzag Grounding Transformers for

Deriving a Neutral, Schematic and Wiring Diagram

12.3.1 Auto zig-zag transformers, for developing a neutral

from a three-phase, 3-wire supply.

12.3.2 Auto Zigzag Transformer Ratings

TABLE 12.3.2
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12.8 Section Twelve

12.4.1 Buck-Boost Transformer Three-Phase

Connection Summary

TABLE 12.4.1 Three-Phase Connections

12.4.2 Wiring Diagrams for Low-Voltage

Single-Phase Buck-Boost Transformers
12.4.2 Low-voltage buck-boost drawings.
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Transformers 12.9

12.4.3 Connection Diagrams for Buck-Boost

Transformers in Autotransformer Arrangement
for Single-Phase System

12.4.3 Connection diagrams, single-phase.

12.4.4 Connection Diagrams for Buck-Boost

Transformers in Autotransformer Arrangement
for Three-Phase System (see page 12.10)
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12.10 Section Twelve

12.4.4 Connection diagrams, three-phase.

12.5.1 Maximum Average Sound Levels for

Transformers

TABLE 12.5.1 Maximum Average Sound Levels (dB)

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Transformers 12.11

12.5.2 Typical Building Ambient Sound Levels

TABLE 12.5.2 Typical Sound Levels (dB)

12.6.1 Transformer Insulation System Temperature

Ratings

12.6.1 Total winding temperature, °C.

12.7.1 k-Rated Transformers

Transformers used for supplying the nonsinusoidal high-harmonic-content (5 per-
cent) loads that are increasingly prevalent must be designed and listed for these
loads. ANSI C57.110-1986, “Recommended Practice for Establishing Transformer
Capability When Supplying Non-Sinusoidal Load Currents,” provides a method for
calculating the heating effect in a transformer when high harmonic currents are pre-
sent. This method generates a number called the k-factor, which is a multiplier that
relates eddy-current losses in the transformer core due to harmonics to increased
transformer heating. Transformer manufacturers use this information to design
transformer core/coil and insulation systems that are more tolerant of the higher
internal heating load than a standard design. Simply put, a k-rated transformer can
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12.12 Section Twelve

tolerate approximately k times more internal heat than a similar standard design
transformer (e.g., a k-4 transformer can handle approximately four times the internal
heating load of a similar ANSI standard non-harmonic-rated transformer with no life
expectancy reduction).
The k rating of a transformer addresses only increased internal heating. It does
not address mitigation of the harmonic content of the transformer load.