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5
Connecting and Troubleshooting Transformers
Topics to Be Covered
5.1 Checking out a Transformer 5.1.1 Testing for Turns Ratio 5.1.2 Insulation Resistance and Continuity Testing 5.1.3 Changing Transformer Taps 5.1.4 Testing for Transformer Polarity 5.1.5 Always Check the Voltage 5.1.6 Checking Transformer Loading 5.2 Specic Hazards Working with Transformers 5.2.1 Energizing an Overhead Transformer 5.2.2 Energizing an Underground Transformer 5.2.3 Protection from Transformer Backfeed 5.2.4 Potential Explosive Flash at Transformer Secondary 5.2.5 Causes of Ferroresonance 5.2.6 Prevention of Ferroresonance 5.3 Single-Phase Transformer Connections 5.3.1 Transformer Protection 5.3.2 Making Neutral Connections and Ground Connections 5.3.3 Parallel or Series Connection of Center-Tapped Secondary Coil 5.3.4 Connecting Two Transformers in Parallel 5.3.5 Connecting a Transformer to a Secondary Network 5.3.6 Troubleshooting a Single-Phase 120/240-Volt Service 93

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5.4 Three-Phase Transformer Connections 5.4.1 Banking Three Single-Phase Units 5.4.2 Making Wye or Delta Connections? 5.4.3 Delta Primary Transformer Connections 5.4.4 Wye Primary Transformer Connections 5.4.5 Delta Secondary Transformer Connections 5.4.6 Open Delta Connections 5.4.7 Wye Secondary Transformer Connections 5.4.8 Three-Phase Secondary Voltages 5.5 Troubleshooting Transformers 5.5.1 Taking Voltage Checks at the Secondary 5.5.2 Troubleshooting a Wye Secondary (120/208, 240/416, or 347/600 Volt) 5.5.3 Troubleshooting a Delta Secondary (600, 480, or 240 Volt) 5.6 Working on a Voltage Conversion 5.6.1 Preparing the Circuit for Voltage Conversion 5.6.2 Working at Transformer Installations 5.6.3 Working at Underground Installations 5.6.4 Working at Primary Step-Down Transformer Installations

5.1 Checking out a Transformer

5.1.1 Testing for Turns Ratio Check the transformer nameplate for the rated primary voltage and the expected secondary voltage. A test can conrm the actual turns ratio and will ensure that there are no shorts between turns in the windings (gure 5.1). Energize the high voltage

H-1

Apply 120 Volts AC

H-2

Figure 51 Turns Ratio Field Test.

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coil with a low voltage such as 120 volts. Measure the input voltage and the output voltage with a voltmeter. The ratio is calculated as: Input Output = Transformer Ratio CAUTION! Transformers work both ways! For this test, the low-input voltage must be connected to the HIGH-voltage winding. If the input voltage was connected to the low-voltage winding, the transformer would be a step-up transformer, and a lethal voltage will appear at the high-voltage terminal. 5.1.2 Insulation Resistance and Continuity Testing Testing a transformer for damaged insulation or coil continuity can be carried out using a 1000-volt insulation tester (megger). Remove any ground from the X2 terminal for these tests.
Insulation Test

The readings between the high-voltage terminal and the low voltage ( X1, X2, or X3) terminals should be innite. Readings between the low voltage terminals and the transformer tank should be innite. The insulation test readings with a three-phase transformer should be as shown in table 51.
Continuity Test

Readings between each of the primary terminals and each of the secondary terminals should be zero as shown in table 52. Table 51. Insulation Resistance Tests on Three-Phase Transformer
HV to LV Insulation Resistance Test Connections H1 to X1, X2, or X3 H2 to X1, X2, or X3 H3 to X1, X2, or X3 Readings Innite () Innite () Innite () LV Insulation Resistance to Tank Test Connections X1 to Tank X2 to Tank X3 to Tank Readings Innite () Innite () Innite ()

Table 52. Continuity Tests on Three-Phase Transformer Windings

Continuity Tests of HV Windings Test Connections H1 to H2 H2 to H3 H3 to H1 Readings Zero Zero Zero Continuity Tests of LV Windings Test Connections X1 to X2 X2 to X3 X3 to X1 Readings Zero Zero Zero

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Taps % 105 102.5 100 97.5 95 A B C D E

Figure 52 Tap Settings as Shown on Name Plate.

5.1.3 Changing Transformer Taps Some distribution transformers have no-load tap changers which can apply additional or fewer turns to the primary winding. Depending on the manufacturer, each tap will raise or lower the secondary voltage by 4.5 percent or 2.5 percent. The nameplate shown in gure 5.2 has 2.5 percent taps. Newer transformers have an external switch knob to change the taps, while the cover must be removed to access the taps for changes on older transformers. The transformer must be isolated before turning the knob. Caution: The feeder voltage will change during the day and at different seasons. Therefore, changing the taps at the transformer could produce extreme voltages when the primary voltage returns to its normal level in off-peak periods. 5.1.4 Testing for Transformer Polarity When installing a transformer on a secondary network or when banking the transformer together with other transformers, ensure that the transformers are connected at the same polarity. An additive and a subtractive transformer (gure 5.3) can be banked together by ensuring that the X-1 of one transformer is connected to the X1 of the other transformer (similarly with X-2 and X-3), regardless of the position of the terminals on the transformer tank.

H-1

H-2

H-1

H-2

Subtractive Transformer

Additive Transformer

X-1 X-2

X-3

X-3 X-2 X-1

Figure 53 Subtractive and Additive Transformers.

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Testing a Transformer for Additive or Subtractive Polarity

Step 1. When facing the transformer (gure 5.4), install a jumper between the highvoltage neutral (or the righthand-side high-voltage terminal) and the lowvoltage terminal on the righthand side. Step 2. Apply 120 volts across the primary of the transformer. Step 3. Measure the voltage between the left-side high-voltage terminal and the leftside low-voltage terminal. 5.1.5 Always Check the Voltage After the installation of a transformer, it is considered essential to perform a secondary voltage check as a nal test to ensure that the customer is supplied with a proper voltage. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) voltage standard is to be between + 6 percent or 13 percent for 120, 208, 277, 480, or 575-volt services. 5.1.6 Checking Transformer Loading The actual load on a transformer can be measured as shown in gure 5.5 and calculated in the eld. Example: The expected current on the secondary of a transformer with a 120/240volt loaded to 100 percent can be calculated as follows; Current @ 100% Load = kVA Transformer 240 1000

Apply 120 Volts AC H-1 For a 10 to 1 Additive Transformer, Voltmeter Will Read 132 Volts
additive

H-2

120 V + 12 V 132 V

X-3

X-1 Short Out H-2 and Adjacent Secondary Terminal

Figure 54 Test for Transformer Polarity.

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H-2

V1

V2

I1 Neutral

I2

Figure 55 Calculating the Actual Transformer Load.

5.2 Specic Hazards Working with Transformers

5.2.1 Energizing an Overhead Transformer An overhead transformer with a blown fuse is often checked by energizing it with another fuse. If the transformer is defective, the fuse can blow backward violently. Hot particles will blow back at the powerline worker. Precautions include staying out from under the cutout, using a stick with an attached shield, and using an extra length of hot stick. A current-limiting fuse in series with the cutout fuse will reduce the risk of a violent transformer failure in locations where there is a high fault current capability. 5.2.2 Energizing an Underground Transformer There are very few transient faults on an underground transformer. On a dead-front transformer, the bayonet-style fuse or the current-limiting fuse in a dry-well canister have been known to fail explosively when using the fusing device to energize a faulted transformer. This risk can be reduced by energizing the transformer with a loadbreak elbow or from a remote location. 5.2.3 Protection from Transformer Backfeed A secondary voltage feeding back into an isolated transformer is stepped up to a full primary voltage at the transformer primary terminal. Sources of secondary backfeed are not always obvious: A portable generator connected into the customer system without opening the customer main switch.

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A nearby recreational vehicle (RV) with a generator connected into a home wiring. An extension cord from a neighboring house. When working on a transformer that is networked with other transformers to a common secondary bus, the primary terminal remains alive if there are no network protectors opened after the transformer is disconnected from the primary.
Protection from Transformer Backfeed

When working on a transformer, remove the secondary leads to ensure that there is no possibility of backfeed into the transformer secondary terminals. Shorting out the secondary with approved grounds can be effective. Placing the grounds by hand can violate the minimum-approach distance to the primary bushing. Removing meters from all customers fed from the transformer will eliminate backfeed from customer operations but not from other transformers connected to the same bus. A small portable generator (less than 5 kW) feeding back into a grounded circuit will continue to run and not short out. The resistance of the circuit between the generator and the grounds is too high to short out the generator. When working on a primary circuit, apply protective grounds. It can still be safe to work on the grounded conductors because the voltage at the grounded location has been lowered to an acceptable level. However, there will be current owing in the conductor, and the conductor must be jumpered before cutting or opening the circuit. 5.2.4 Potential Explosive Flash at Transformer Secondary A step-down transformer can generate a very high current on the secondary side if the secondary wires are accidently shorted. The magnitude of the fault current available on a transformer secondary depends mostly on the size of the transformer. The larger the transformer, the greater the capability to generate a large fault current. If the secondary wires are shorted, the transformer can briey carry a load more than 10 times its rating and supply a high-fault current to the faulted location. Depending on the impedance of the transformer, a short at the secondary terminals of a 100 kVA can be as high as 18,000 amperes. The level of fault current at the location of the short will depend on the distance from the transformer and the conductor size, as shown in the gure 5.6 example. 5.2.5 Causes of FerroresonanceFerroresonance occurs when there is practically no impedance to current ow. This happens when the circuit has no load on it, and the capacitive reactance (dependent on the length of the cable) is equal to, and in

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20 240-Volt Short Circuit in Thousands of Amperes 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 0 20 6 40 60 80 100 120 feet 30 26 meters 12 18 24 Length of 4/0 Aluminum Service 75 kVA Transformer 167 kVA Transformer

Figure 56 Magnitude of Secondary Fault Current.

series (dependent on the transformer connections) with an inductive reactance (dependent on the size of the transformer). The voltage on the circuit can increase from two to nines times, thereby causing equipment damage. The most common occurrence of ferroresonance involves a three-phase wye/delta or delta/delta transformer bank fed with a length of underground cable as illustrated in gure 5.7. A certain length of underground cable can provide a critical amount of capacitative reactance in the circuit. A transformer bank can provide an inductive reactance that matches the capacitive reactance of the cable. The inductive load and capacitive load must be in series with each other (gure 5.8) and this occurs when only one or two phases are energized. 5.2.6 Prevention of FerroresonanceFerroresonance can be avoided by removing one of the causes of the phenomenon as shown in table 5.3. Table 5.3. Prevention of Ferroresonance
Causal Factor Operating the source single-pole switches to energize or deenergize an underground cable feeding a three-phase transformer puts the transformer coils temporarily in series during the switching operation. Action Install a three-phase gang-operated switch.

(continued)

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A-Phase Open

Current through Transformer Windings in Series

A-Phase Open

Figure 57 Typical Ferroresonance Setup.

Inductive Load in Series in Delta Primary

Inductive Load in Series When Wye Point Ungrounded

Not Subject to Ferroresonance When Wye Point Is Grounded

Cable Capacitance on Each Phase

Cable Capacitance on Each Phase

Fuse Open Source

Fuse Open Source

Fuse Open Source

Figure 58 Sources of Inductive Reactance in Series.

Inductive Load in Parallel

Resonating A-Phase Circuit Completed through Cable Capacitance to Ground

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Table 5.3. Prevention of Ferroresonance (continued)

Causal Factor If there is no load on the transformers when they are energized, the low resistance in the circuit causes a higher voltage when resonance occurs. A wye primary with a oating (ungrounded) neutral is susceptible to ferroresonance. Action Keep a load on the transformer when it is being energized. The increased resistance in the circuit will lower the effects of resonance. Temporarily ground the floating neutral of the wye primary which will short out a possible series circuit.

5.3 Single-Phase Transformer Connections

5.3.1 Transformer Protection Always install the specied fuse, current limiting fuse, and surge arrester at a transformer. The specied fuse is fast enough to protect the transformer from the heat generated by a secondary overload or fault and is slow enough to reduce nuisance outages due to transient faults. The fuse is usually coordinated to trip before the instantaneous trip on the feeder protection. 5.3.2 Making Neutral Connections and Ground Connections Neutral connections have one purpose and the ground connections have another. A neutral is a grounded conductor. Neutral connections are part of the electrical circuit, and during normal operation, they carry the current back to the source. A ground wire is a grounding conductor. Ground-wire connections provide a path for current under abnormal conditions such as during a lightning storm when an arrester or an insulator sparks over. The ground connections also bond the transformer tank and related equipment to keep them all at the same potential. 5.3.3 Parallel or Series Connection of Center-Tapped Secondary Coil A transformer with a center-tapped secondary coil will have a certain voltage induced across the full length of the coil and half that voltage on each side of any center tap. For example, on a 120/240-volt transformer, shown in gure 5.9, the secondary provides 240 volts when the two coils are connected in series. Placing the two secondary coils in parallel allows the complete coil to be used to provide 120 volts at the rated kVA capacity of the transformer. 5.3.4 Connecting Two Transformers in Parallel Two smaller transformers are sometimes paralleled together to give the equivalent capacity of one large single-phase transformer. In gure 5.10 the two secondary coils in each transformer are connected parallel. One transformer feeds one leg at a positive polarity while the other transformer feeds the other leg at a negative polarity.

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5.3.5 Connecting a Transformer to a Secondary Network A secondary bus that is fed radially should have bus breaks installed to prevent any interconnection with other transformers. A secondary network system is fed from many transformers connected in parallel to the same secondary bus.

X-3 120V

+ + X-2 X-1 Neutral X-3 120V

X-2

+ X-1 Neutral

240V 120V Series Connection Parallel Connection

Secondary Coils are in Series

Secondary Coils are in Parallel

Figure 59 Series and Parallel Secondary Connections.

One Cutout H-1 H-1

H-2 + + + + + +

H-2

X-3

+ + X-2 X-1 X-3 X-2 120V 240V 120V X-1

Neutral

Figure 510 Single-Phase Transformers Connected in Parallel.

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The load is divided among all the transformers connected to the bus. Individual customers with peak loads are supplied by the greater available reserve capacity of the multiple transformers. Fuses or network protectors on the secondary bus between transformers isolate faulted transformers and interrupt only the customers near the defective transformer. 5.3.6 Troubleshooting a Single-Phase 120/240-Volt Service
If A customer has intermittent power and flickering lights. Then Check for a voltage unbalance in the two 120-volt legs. If one 120-volt leg is two or more volts different from the other 120-volt leg, then turn on a large 120-volt load. If the voltage increases on one leg and decreases on the other, then there is a poor neutral connection. A loose connection on either leg can increase resistance to current ow and will also result in arcing and intermittent power. A poor or open neutral connection is blocking the normal return path from 120-volt appliances. The current will travel back to the source through the other 120-volt leg or through 240-volt equipment. Although the two voltages will be unbalanced, they will add up to 240 volts. The 240-volt appliances will operate normally. If the voltage at the meter base is normal, then one of the main fuses at the service entrance is likely blown. A voltage reading of about 120 volts between the top and the bottom of the fuse indicates that the fuse is blown. A poor connection could cause low voltage at various times. Heavy duty equipment used by a neighbor on the same bus can cause voltage problems for others on the same bus.

The lights in part of a customers premises are very bright and in another part, the lights are very dim.

A customer is receiving half power. Some of the lights work and some do not. None of the 240-volt appliances work. A customer complains about erratic or low voltage.

5.4 Three-Phase Transformer Connections

5.4.1 Banking Three Single-Phase Units There are four specications to look for when choosing a transformer to interconnect into a three-phase transformer bank:

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1. The voltage rating of the transformer primary coil must be compatible with the applicable circuit. The voltage impressed across the primary coil will depend on whether the coil is connected in a wye (phase-to-neutral) or a delta (phase-to-phase) conguration. 2. The transformer must be able to deliver the needed secondary voltage (see Table 5.3). The supplied secondary voltage will be dependent on: the voltage rating of the secondary coil. whether the transformer secondaries are interconnected in a wye or delta conguration. whether the secondary coils inside the transformer are connected together in series or in parallel. 3. If equipped with tap changers, the transformers must be on the same voltage tap. Dual voltage transformers must be set on the proper voltage. 4. The impedance of the transformers in the bank should be within 0.2 percent of each other to avoid having the transformer with the lowest impedance taking a greater share of the load. In other words, if one transformer has an impedance of 2 percent, then the impedance of the other transformer should be between 1.8 percent and 2.2 percent. 5.4.2 Making Wye or Delta Connections? There are two ways to get a voltage across a transformer coil: 1. When each of the three transformers have their coils connected between phases A-B, B-C, and C-A (gure 5.11), the transformers are interconnected in a delta conguration.

Phase B + + +

+ Phase A

Phase C

Phase A

Phase C

Phase B

Figure 511 Delta Configurations.

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2. When each of the three transformers have their coils connected between a phase and a common neutral (gure 5.12), the transformers are interconnected in a wye conguration. 5.4.3 Delta Primary Transformer Connections The three ways to connect a transformer primary into a delta (phase-to-phase) conguration is shown in gure 5.13. Note how labeling the polarity of the transformers on a drawing will reduce confusion when making connections. Each transformer coil in a delta primary or delta secondary is connected phaseto-phase. When two or more transformers are interconnected in a delta conguration, the coils are connected in series with each other. To connect a coil in series, each positive terminal of one coil is connected to a negative terminal of another coil. To ensure a proper phase rotation, the coils must be connected in a sequence.

+ Phase A Neutral + Phase B + + +

Phase C

Neutral

Phase A

Phase B

Phase C

Figure 512 Wye Configurations.

+ Single Phase

+ Open Delta

Closed Delta

Figure 513 Three Types of Delta Primary Connections.

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If a transformer primary is to be delta connected on a wye circuit, the voltage rating of the primary coil must be equal to the phase-to-phase voltage of the circuit. 5.4.4 Wye Primary Transformer Connections The three ways to connect a transformer primary into a wye (phase-to-neutral) conguration is shown in gure 5.14 Note how labeling the polarity of the transformers on a drawing will reduce confusion when making connections. Each transformer coil in a wye primary is connected phase-to-neutral. When two or more transformers are interconnected in a wye conguration, the coils are connected in parallel with each other. To connect a coil in parallel, each positive terminal is connected to a phase, and each negative terminal is connected to a common neutral. 5.4.5 Delta Secondary Transformer Connections A typical delta secondary is shown in gure 5.15. This gure shows a three-phase 240-volt service with an optional 120-volt lighting load supplied from one transformer. Each positive terminal is connected to a negative terminal. On center-tapped secondaries, the ground strap is removed from the X-2 terminal, and the terminal will be alive at 1/2 the full coil voltage. 5.4.6 Open Delta Connections A three-phase delta service can be supplied with two single-phase transformers. This hookup is sometimes used as an economical way to feed a small three-phase delta service. This type of service is called an open delta because the delta conguration is missing one side. Figure 5.16 shows the open delta loop with the availability of three phases.

Neutral

Single Phase

+ Wye

Open Wye

Figure 514 Three Types of Wye Primary Connections.

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+ + + + + +

X-3 1 2 3

X-1 X-2 +

X-3 X-2

X-1 +

X-3 X-2 240-V Delta Service

X-1 +

240V 240V

240V

120V

120V 240V

120/240-V Single-Phase Service

240-Volt Delta with a 120/240-Volt Lighting Service 2

210V

1 120V 120V 240V

24

Vector Drawing of Secondary

24

0V

Figure 515 Typical Delta Secondary Connections.

Three primary wires are needed to feed an open-delta, three-phase, secondary service. A wye primary would need two phases and a neutral, and a delta primary would need three phases. A three-phase wye secondary service cannot be fed from two normal single-phase transformers. When one transformer of a normal three-phase delta-delta or wye-delta transformer bank is found defective, the connections can be changed to congurations shown in gure 5.16 and service restored as an open delta. The customer should be told to reduce demand on service until the transformer is replaced because the two good transformers will now have the capacity to supply only 57.7 percent of the capacity of three transformers. 5.4.7 Wye Secondary Transformer Connections A typical wye secondary is shown in gure 5.17. The gure shows a three-phase 120/208-volt service with an optional 120/240-volt lighting load supplied from one transformer. Each positive terminal becomes a separate phase and all negative terminals are connected together.

0V

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A B C N
H1 H2

109

A B C
H1 H2 H1 H2

+
X3

H1

H2 X1

+
X2

+
X3

+
X1 X2

X1 X3 X2

+ A

X2

+ A

X1 X3

Wye / Open Delta

Delta / Open Delta

1 +

24

Vector Drawing of Secondary

0V

240V

Figure 516 Open Delta Transformer Connections.

The phase-to-phase voltage is 3 or 1.73 times the phase-to-neutral voltage. The voltage across each transformer coil is equivalent to the phase-to-neutral voltage The primary neutral must be connected to the secondary neutral in a wye-wye transformer bank. This neutral connection provides a path for any fault current or current from an unbalanced load to get back to the source. There is a potentially lethal voltage between the primary and secondary neutrals if they are not connected together. A standard single-phase 120/240-volt lighting service can be provided from a three-phase 120/208-volt service. In gure 5.17, the internal secondary coils in the center transformer are left in series to provide a 120/240-volt supply. The kVA rating of the center transformer is usually increased to provide the capacity for the extra load. 5.4.8 Three-Phase Secondary Voltages The secondary voltage from a three-phase transformer bank depends on more than just the transformer ratio. Three transformers with a given ratio can be interconnected to provide up to four different types of services (table 5.4).

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+ + + + + +

X-3

X-2

X-1 +

X-3

X-2

X-1 +

X-3 Neutral

X-2

X-1 +

120V 120V 120V 208V 208V 208V 120V 120V 240V 120/208-Volt Wye with 120/240 Lighting Service

Figure 517 Typical Wye Secondary Connections.

1. The secondary voltage is based on whether the transformer secondary is interconnected as wye or delta. The secondary phase-to-phase voltage is: equal to the actual voltage across the transformer coil with a delta connection. equal to 1.73 times the voltage across the transformer coil with a wye connection. 2. The secondary voltage is also based on whether a transformer with a centertapped secondary coil has the two parts of the coil inside the tank arranged in parallel or in series. The output voltage of series-connected coils is double the output of two parallel connected coils. Table 5.4 Standard North American Three-Phase Voltages
Transformer Secondary 120/240 Type of ThreePhase Service 120/208 240/416 120 240 240/416 277/480 240 480 277/480 347/600 600 Coil Arrangements Inside Tank parallel series parallel series parallel series parallel series NA NA NA External Conguration Wye Wye Delta Delta Wye Wye Delta Delta Wye Wye Delta

240/480

277 347 600

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5.5 Troubleshooting Transformers

5.5.1 Taking Voltage Checks at the Secondary Troubleshooting transformers involves checking for problems on secondary services. Many no power or partial power calls are due to internal customer problems. A utility responsibility normally ends at the service entrance. Opening the customers main switch and taking a voltage reading will determine whether the utility is the cause of the problem. 5.5.2 Troubleshooting a Wye Secondary (120/208, 240/416, or 347/600 Volt)
If A customer has an abnormal voltage. Then Open the customers switch and check the voltage. If the voltage on a phase-to-neutral reads zero, then check for a defective transformer or an open phase on the primary feeder. If the voltages on all three phases are balanced, close the customer switch and check the voltage. An unbalanced voltage indicates the customers load is unbalanced. The usual cause of trouble on one phase is an unbalanced load. This type of service has single-phase loads. Unbalance beyond 3 percent can cause the low-voltage leg to draw more current and create equipment heating. A faulty winding in a three-phase motor can cause high current on a phase. Open the customers main switch and check that the utility supply voltage is correct. Close the customers circuit breakers, one circuit at a time, and take voltage and current readings. A suspected circuit will have an unbalanced voltage or abnormal current readings for the equipment being fed. One phase is probably out. A phaseout can be due to a feeder problem, a transformer problem, or a blown fuse at the service entrance.

Three-phase motors are overheating and the thermal overload protection trips out the motor.

The load is balanced at the service entrance but there is still a problem.

All three-phase equipment and some single-phase equipment will not operate. The single-phase equipment has intermittent power. The three-phase load is operating normally

A poor or broken neutral connection will cause problems with single-phase loads. A customer-owned secondary (dry) transformer which steps down the higher 600 or 416-volt supply to 120/208 can be the cause of problems.

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5.5.3 Troubleshooting a Delta Secondary (600, 480 or 240 Volt)

If The customer has abnormal voltage. With the customers switch open, the voltage on the supply side shows one or more of the phase-tophase voltages at zero volts. At the main panel, the phase-to-phase voltage readings are lower than normal and one phaseto-phase voltage reading is zero volts. For example, on a 240-volt service, the readings are 210 volts, 210 volts, and 0 volts. Then One or more phases feeding the customer is out of service. Check the transformers and the primary feeder. The customers switch must be open for this voltage check because the back feed in a delta service can show a voltage at the service entrance.

When one phase of a primary feeder loses power, the voltage at a wye-delta transformer bank will have a reduced voltage on two of the phase-to-phase readings and zero volts on the third phase-to-phase reading. On a wye-delta transformer bank, the primary neutral is not connected to the system neutral or the secondary neutral, but it is left ungrounded or oating. If the transformer neutral was grounded and one primary phase is opened, the transformer bank would become an open-delta bank and continue to supply three-phase power at a 57 percent reduced capacity exposing the bank to a burnout because of an overload. A ground fault exists on a phase. When one phase of a delta circuit is faulted to ground, it does not blow a fuse because there is no path for a return current to the source. Both the phase and the ground are alive and, therefore, a faulted phase-to-ground voltage reading will show a very low or zero voltage difference. Both the faulted phase and earth are alive in relation to the other two phases. A customer with a delta service often has a ground fault indicating a light connected between each phase and ground. The light will go out when there is a ground fault and the ground becomes alive.

At the main panel all three phase-to-phase voltage readings are normal but one phaseto-ground is reading very low or zero voltage.

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5.6 Working on a Voltage Conversion

5.6.1 Preparing the Circuit for Voltage Conversion
Work That Can Be Done on the Circuit before the Day of the Voltage Conversion

1. If going to a higher voltage, change all insulators on the circuit where they have not already been done through pre-building projects. 2. Change any switchgear that can handle the duties for both voltages. 3. If going to a higher voltage, change any surge arresters that are on the circuit. The utility will need to decide if the risk of having the higher voltage arresters on the circuit for a period of time is acceptable. 4. Primary underground cable that cannot accommodate the new voltage will need to be replaced or planned to be fed at the original voltage using a primary step-down transformer.
Work to Be Done on Voltage Conversion Day

1. If going to a higher voltage, existing voltage regulators and capacitors will need to be removed or replaced. 5.6.2 Working at Transformer Installations
Work That Can Be Done at Transformer Installations before the Day of the Voltage Conversion

1. Install dual voltage transformers. There may not be any dual voltage transformers for 277/480 or 347/600 three-phase banks. 2. Install surge arresters for the new voltage. 3. Install cutouts and fuses for the new voltage. 4. There may be a need to install current-limiting fuses for a higher voltage distribution system. 5. Preparations need to be made if existing wye/delta transformer banks need to be changed to wye/wye during conversion day to accommodate single primary-bushing transformers. The customers service entrance will need to be upgraded to accept a neutral.
Work to Be Done on Voltage Conversion Day

1. Isolate all transformers from the circuit, and energize the circuit at the new voltage. 2. Change transformers that are not dual voltage.

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3. Change the tap setting on the dual voltage transformers to the new voltage. 4. If the circuit has been energized at the new voltage, energize the transformer and take voltage and phase rotation checks before the customer applies load (remove meter or open customer breaker). 5. Or, if it is preferred to energize the new higher-voltage surge arresters from a remote location, leave the circuit out under the clearance and attach the riser and arrester to the circuit. Leave the customers disconnected and perform voltage checks at each transformer after the circuit is energized. 6. Or, if the transformer will be fed from a primary step-down transformer, ensure that there is proper voltage and phase rotation before connecting customers. 7. Having the transformers on a check-off sheet will reduce the risk of forgetting to change the tap on a transformer and leaving a customer with a highdamaging voltage. 5.6.3 Working at Underground Installations
Work That Can Be Done at Underground Installations before the Day of the Voltage Conversion

1. If using existing cable at the new voltage, cable size may not match the bushing inserts of new switching cabinets or transformers. Non-standard equipment may be needed. 2. If a new, higher-voltage cable is installed before conversion day, larger elbows (separable connectors) may not match existing equipment. Non-standard equipment may be needed. 3. Install dual-voltage transformers or plan a change during the outage. 4. There may be a need to install current-limiting fuses for a higher-voltage distribution system. 5. Replace switchgear and fusing to accommodate the new voltage. 6. Change surge arresters at riser poles and any elbow arresters installed at dualvoltage transformers.
Work to Be Done on Voltage Conversion Day,

1. Change the tap setting on the dual-voltage transformers to the new voltage. 2. If the circuit has been energized at the new voltage, energize the transformer and take voltage and phase rotation checks before the customer applies load. 3. If the transformer is to be fed from a primary step-down transformer, ensure that there is proper voltage and phase rotation before connecting customers.

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5.6.4 Working at Primary Step-Down Transformer Installations

Work That Can Be Done At Underground Installations before the Day of the Voltage Conversion

During a voltage conversion project, primary step-down transformers are often installed to delay the conversion of some line sections, especially underground. Do a turns ratio test on the primary step-down transformer because setting the external switch or tap does not always make the proper internal connection.
Work to Be Done on Voltage Conversion Day

Reduce the risk of causing damage to a customers appliance by isolating all the transformers on the load side of the primary step-down transformer and doing a voltage test and phase-rotation tests on an individual basis as the transformers are energized. Make a clear separation at tie points between the two primary voltage levels.

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Additional Local Safety Regulations