Answers

1. The equation for 1sc is: l 5c = In X

%Z
Where 1sc is the available short-circuit current
I,c is the full-load rated current
Full load current is calculated by the equation:
IFL

The Official Publication of the lnterNational Electrical Testing Association

Winter 2005-2006

TCH

Quiz #74

2. What is the maximum power factor for a new, oilfilled power transformer recommended by NETA's
ATS-2003?
a. 0.25%
c. 0.75%
3. During the performance of an excitation test on a
power transformer, you notice that two of the currents are higher than the third reading. Why?
a. This reading indicates core bolt insulation failure.
b. This reading indicates the core may have shifted
as a result of a through-fault.
c. This reading indicates that your test leads may
have been connected improperly.
d. This is a normal reading.
4. The dataplate on a condenser bushing shows values
for C2. What do these represent?
a. The power factor and capacitance that should be
measured from the conductor to the tap
NETA WORLD Winter 2005-2006

For our example transformer:

2500
=
6939.SA
1.732 X 0.208 [FL
and

'?

15c = 6939.5 X .!QQ_ = 126,173A

5.5

by Jim White

his month the topic is power transformers. Transformers have

almost no moving parts (unless they have load tap changers), but
there is a host of things that can go wrong with them.
1. A power transformer has the following nameplate
information:
a. 2,500kVA
b. 5.5% Z
d. Y-<i
c. 4,160:208 V
What is the available short-circuit current?

kVA

..J3 X kVL-L

2. NETA ATS-2003 recommends a maximum powerfactor

of 0.5% for a new, oil-filled power transformer.

Power Transformers

3. This would be the pattern of currents normally expected

when performing a core excitation current test on a threephase power transformer. There are some exceptions to
this, so don't jump to conclusions. An alternate connection can be used on delta-wound windings. A good practice is to reverse the leads when conducting this test and
compare the two values for each test. The values should
be within 10 percent of each other. If they aren't, there
could be a problem. Most readings will be very close and
if there is a problem in the flux path, the two values will
be much more than 10 percent away from each other.

4. Bushings typically have a tap for test measurements. The

bushing nameplate usually lists the tap capacitance and

power factor of the C2 insulation, as measured from the
tap to the grounded flange .. The tap connection is the
weak link in the bushing insulation and should be tested.
However, do not apply more voltage than the tap is rated
for, as this could damage the tap insulation. Check with
the manufacturer to determine the correct test voltage.

5. The maximum deviation for the TTR test on both new

and in-service transformers is 0.5 percent.

Shermco Industries

b. The leakage current and voltage that shoul

be measured between the tap and the ground
flange
c. The power factor and capacitance that should
be measured between the tap and the ground
flange
d. The power factor and capacitance that should
be measured between the tap and the neutral
bushing
e. TRICK QUESTION! There is no such thing
asC2
5. According to ATS-2003, what is the maximum
allowable percent deviation when measuring the
turns ratio?
a. 0.25%
b. 0.3%
c. 0.5%
d.0.75%
e. 1%

James R. White is nationally recognized for teclutlcal skills

and safety training in the electrical power systems industry. He
is currently the Training Director forShennco Industries, a NETA
Full Member company. Jim has spent the last twenty years directly
involved in technical skills and safety training for electrical power
system technicians.

Article available for reprint with permission from NETA. Please inquire a t neta@netaworld.org.
2

NETA WORLD Winter 2005-2006