transformer secondary & primary OCPD

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Ponchik

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I don't do much transformer installations. Why would one provide primary AND secondary protection on 3phase transformer VS just primary only?

Thanks
 
Mostly because it's required with just a few exceptions. Typically a 3Ø transformer which is Delta/Wye requires both. Look at the notes to T450.30(A).
 
I'm confused. We are talkin about the transformer itself here not the conductors right? I don't see any restrictions with primary only protection as long as we comply with the ocpd percentages given in 450.3 (b). What is 450.30 (a) I don't have that in my 2011 (job site beater codebook), was there a change?
 
I'm confused. We are talkin about the transformer itself here not the conductors right? I don't see any restrictions with primary only protection as long as we comply with the ocpd percentages given in 450.3 (b). What is 450.30 (a) I don't have that in my 2011 (job site beater codebook), was there a change?
But you can't really use a transformer with no conductors. 240.4(F) tells you that you need secondary protection.
 
But you can't really use a transformer with no conductors. 240.4(F) tells you that you need secondary protection.

I agree, it's sort of a play on words but the end result is protection on both sides which is what the OP is asking.
 
Ok y'all were talking about conductors, got it. It's not entirely an academic differentiation. One could have big conductors and ocpd for VD or maybe something that was existing, and that wouldn't meet the 450.3 requirements.
 
I don't do much transformer installations. Why would one provide primary AND secondary protection on 3phase transformer VS just primary only?

Thanks
If we are talking under 1000 volts primary, it's designers choice... really [Table 450.3(B)].

What is not designer's choice is when secondary conductor or panelboard protection is required to be on the secondary side [240.21(C)(1), 408.30(B)].

Where protection is required on the secondary side, many designers choose to use primary and secondary protection versus primary only.
 
... Is the primary fuse required on the primary side?
Where else would you put the primary fuse(s)? :slaphead:

A transformer always requires, at the very least, primary OCPD (on the primary side :lol:).


PS: If you are back feeding a transformer with a PV system, for example, you are required to evaluate OCP both ways, i.e. each side as a primary [705.30(B)].
 
Where else would you put the primary fuse(s)? :slaphead: A transformer always requires, at the very least, primary OCPD (on the primary side :lol:).

PS: If you are back feeding a transformer with a PV system, for example, you are required to evaluate OCP both ways, i.e. each side as a primary [705.30(B)].

I know. Wasn't that a dumb question. :ashamed1:
 
Where else would you put the primary fuse(s)? :slaphead:

A transformer always requires, at the very least, primary OCPD (on the primary side :lol:).


PS: If you are back feeding a transformer with a PV system, for example, you are required to evaluate OCP both ways, i.e. each side as a primary [705.30(B)].

Wouldn't that only be true if the export capacity is physically able to break the transformer or conductor limits? It's possible if there's a short on the utility side and there's 9,000 lbs of rotating mass in a large mechanical inverter but there's practically no energy stored in the static converter and none in the panel.
 
Wouldn't that only be true if the export capacity is physically able to break the transformer or conductor limits? It's possible if there's a short on the utility side and there's 9,000 lbs of rotating mass in a large mechanical inverter but there's practically no energy stored in the static converter and none in the panel.
Analyzing each side as primary for primary OCP is a requirement. The whole point is that neither side is oversized. Neither side can exceed 125% of the transformer rated current. This is for nominal operation, not a fault condition.
 
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