Minimun Pri/Sec Ocpd on transformer

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Trovmar

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I have a 3 phase 240/480 step up transformer, rated at 75 kva. I have at the main 240 3 phase 200 amp service. Machine runs at 480 60 amps 30 hp. According to the manufacturer, he said i can use a 125 amp 3 phase circuit breaker at the main. When i did the calculation i came up with 168.75 amperes, the transformer manufacturer said i needed a 175 amp breaker. Can i use a 125 amp breaker?.. If not can i put a 175 amp breaker in a 200 amp main panel.:-?

Thank you
Mike
 
transformer

transformer

I don't arrive at the same numbers. Unless I made a mistake I see a primary current of 180 amps and a secondary current of 90 amps. The proper overcurrent protection can vary depending on factors described in 450.3 and 240.21.

I believe you may encounter a problem in that many gear manufacturers list a 3 pole 100 amp as the largest branch breaker for a standard 200 amp panel.
You might consider sub-feed lugs and let the panel main breaker protect the transformer.
 
transformer

transformer

I came up with 180 prim. and 90 for sec. also, Now if protection is only for primary Max. ocp (amps) has to be calculated at 125% = 250 ocp.

For pri.and sec. ocp:Calculate Pri. @ 250% =500 max ocp and sec. @125% = 125 max ocp. This is what I came up with, some one may come up with something differant,
 
A 75KVA 240 to 480 transformer has a rated primary current of 180A and a rated secondary current of 90A.

Generally the primary OCPD is _greater_ that the rated full load current of the transformer, in order to avoid 'nuisance tripping' when the transformer is energized. When a transformer is energized, there is usually a sudden inrush of current until proper magnetization is established.

However you are not _required_ to oversize the primary OCPD, and in fact it is certainly permissible to use OCPD that is _less_ than the full load rating of the transformer, again with the risk of nusiance tripping when the transformer is energized. For what its worth, in my lab I've used 30KVA transformers with primary OCPD about half the full load rating, with no nuisance tripping problem.

You must select OCPD that is properly sized for the load, including any 125% sizing if the load is continuous.

Note: you can also place a 175A breaker in a 200A main panel, as long as the calculated load is properly served by the 200A main panel. You could even put a 200A breaker in a 200A panel, as long as your load calculations tell you that the over-all load is properly served. The size of a feeder breaker doesn't tell you how much load that feeder _uses_; it simply says that the feeder conductors are protected at a certain current level.

-Jon
 
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