H1

1.
general
H1
1.1 methodology and definitions
component parts of an electric circuit and its protection are determined such, that all normal and abnormal operating constraints are satisfied.
methodology
Following a preliminary analysis of the power requirements of the installation, as decribed in Chapter B Clause 4, a study of cabling* and its electrical protection is undertaken, starting at the origin of the installation, through the intermediate stages to the final circuits. The cabling and its protection at each level must satisfy several conditions at the same time, in order to ensure a safe and reliable installation, e.g. it must: c carry the permanent full load current, and normal short-time overcurrents, c not cause voltage drops likely to result in an inferior performance of certain loads, for example: an excessively long acceleration period when starting a motor, etc. Moreover, the protective devices (circuit breakers or fuses) must: c protect the cabling and busbars for all levels of overcurrent, up to and including short-circuit currents, c ensure protection of persons against indirect contact hazards, particularly in TN- and IT- earthed systems, where the length of circuits may limit the magnitude of short-circuit currents, thereby delaying automatic disconnection (it may be remembered that TT- earthed installations are obligatorily protected at the origin by a RCD, generally rated at 500 mA). The cross-sectional areas of conductors are determined by the general method described in Sub-clause 1.2 of this Chapter. Apart from this method some national standards may prescribe a minimum cross-sectional area to be observed for reasons of mechanical endurance. Particular loads (as noted in Chapter J) require that the cable supplying them be oversized, and that the protection of the circuit be likewise modified.
* the term "cabling" in this chapter, covers all insulated conductors, including multi-core and single-core cables and insulated wires drawn into conduits, etc.
kVA to be supplied upstream or downstream network maximum load current IB rated current of protective device (C.B. or fuses) In choice of protective device
short-circuit MVA at the origin of the circuit short-circuit current Isc short-circuit current-breaking rating of C.B. or fuses I scb
choice of C.B. or fuses
conditions of installation
cross-sectional area of conductors of the circuit verification of the maximum voltage drop
verification of thermal withstand requirements IT or TN scheme
verification of the maximum length of the circuit TT scheme determination of the cross-sectional area of the conductors confirmation of the cross-sectional area of the cabling, and the choice of its electrical protection
table H1-1: logigram for the selection of cable size and protective-device rating for a given circuit.
the protection of circuits - the switchgear - H1-1
1. general (continued)
H1
1.1 methodology and definitions (continued)
definitions
Maximum load current: IB c at the final circuits level, this current corresponds to the rated kVA of the load. In the case of motor-starting, or other loads which take an initially-high current, particularly where frequent starting is concerned (e.g. lift motors, resistance-type spot welding, and so on) the cumulative thermal effects of the overcurrents must be taken into account. Both cables and thermaltype relays are affected; c at all upstream circuit levels this current corresponds to the kVA to be supplied, which takes account of the factors of simultaneity (diversity) and utilization, ks and ku respectively, as shown in figure H1-2. Maximum permissible current: IZ This is the maximum value of current that the cabling for the circuit can carry indefinitely, without reducing its normal life expectancy. The current depends, for a given crosssectional area of conductors, on several parameters: c constitution of the cable and cable-way (Cu or Alu conductors; PVC or EPR etc. insulation; number of active conductors); c ambient temperature; c method of installation; c influence of neighbouring circuits.
main distribution board
combined factors of simultaneity (or diversity) and utilization ks x ku = 0.69
IB = 290 x 0.69 = 200 A
sub-distribution board
80 A
60 A
100 A
IB = 50 A normal load motor current 50 A
fig. H1-2: calculation of maximum load current IB.
overcurrents
An overcurrent occurs each time the value of current exceeds the maximum load current IB for the load concerned. This current must be cut off with a rapidity that depends upon its magnitude, if permanent damage to the cabling (and appliance if the overcurrent is due to a defective load component) is to be avoided. Overcurrents of relatively short duration can however, occur in normal operation; two types of overcurrent are distinguished: Overloads These overcurrents can occur in healthy electric circuits, for example, due to a number of small short-duration loads which occasionally occur co-incidentally; motorstarting loads, and so on. If either of these conditions persists however beyond a given period (depending on protective-relay settings or fuse ratings) the circuit will be automatically cut off. Short-circuit currents These currents result from the failure of insulation between live conductors or/and between live conductors and earth (on systems having low-impedance-earthed neutrals) in any combination, viz: c 3 phases short-circuited (and to neutral and/or earth, or not); c 2 phases short-circuited (and to neutral and/or earth, or not); c 1 phase short-circuited to neutral (and/or to earth).
H1-2 - the protection of circuits - the switchgear
H1
1.2 overcurrent protection principles
A protective device is provided at the origin of the circuit concerned. c acting to cut-off the current in a time shorter than that given by the I2t characteristic of the circuit cabling; c but allowing the maximum load current IB to flow indefinitely. The characteristics of insulated conductors when carrying short-circuit currents can, for periods up to 5 seconds following short-circuit initiation, be determined approximately by the formula: Is2 x t = k2 x S2 which shows that the allowable heat generated is proportional to the cross-sectional-area of the condutor squared. Where: t: duration of short-circuit current (seconds); S: c.s.a. of insulated conductor (mm2); Is: short-circuit current (A r.m.s.); k: insulated conductor constant (values of k2 are given in table H1-54). For a given insulated conductor, the maximum permissible current varies according to the environment. For instance, for a high ambient temperature (a1 > a2), IZ1 is less than IZ2 (fig. H1-5). means "temperature". Note: Isc means 3-phase short-circuit current. IscB means rated 3-ph. short-circuit breaking current of the circuit breaker. Ir (or Irth)* means regulated "nominal" current level; e.g. a 50 A nominal circuit breaker can be regulated to have a protective range, i.e. a conventional overcurrent tripping level (see figure H1-6) similar to that of a 30 A circuit breaker.
* both designations are commonly used in different standards.
t maximum load current I2t cable characteristic
temporary overload
circuit-breaker tripping curve
IB Ir Iz
ISCB PdC
fig. H1-3: circuit protection by circuit breaker.

t I2t cable characteristic
temporary overload
fuse curve
IB t
Ir cIz Iz 1 2
fig. H1-4: circuit protection by fuses.
a1 > a2
5s I2t = k2S2
Iz1 < Iz2
fig. H1-5: I2t characteristic of an insulated conductor at two different ambient temperatures.
H1
1.3 practical values for a protection scheme
The following methods are based on rules laid down in the IEC standards, and are
loads
representative of the practices in many countries.

circuit cabling
m u cu m rre pe nt rm Iz iss i
bl e
m ax i
1. 45
Iz
n its om re in gu al la cu te rr d en cu t rre In nt or Ir co nv en tri tio p na cu l o rre ve nt rc I2 urr en
fig. H1-6: current levels for determining circuit breaker or fuse characteristics.
IB i In i Iz I2 i 1,45 Iz ISCB u ISC
zone a zone b zone c
general rules
A protective device (circuit breaker or fuse) functions correctly if: c its nominal current or its setting current In is greater than the maximum load current IB but less than the maximum permissible current IZ for the circuit, i.e. IB i In i IZ corresponding to zone "a" in figure H1-6; c its tripping current I2 "conventional" setting is less than 1.45 IZ which corresponds to zone "b" in figure H1-6. The "conventional" setting tripping time may be 1 hour or 2 hours according to local standards and the actual value selected for I2. For fuses, I2 is the current (denoted If) which will operate the fuse in the conventional time; c its 3-phase short-circuit fault-current breaking rating is greater than the 3-phase short-circuit current existing at its point of installation. This corresponds to zone "c" in figure H1-6.
criteria for a circuit breaker: IB i In (or Ir) i Iz and, rated short-circuit breaking current ISCB u ISC the 3-ph. short-circuit current level at the point of CB installation. criteria for fuses: IB i In i IZ k3 and, the rated short-circuit current breaking capacity of the fuse ISCF u ISC the 3-ph. short-circuit current level at the point of fuse installation.
applications
Protection by circuit breaker By virtue of its high level of precision the current I2 is always less than 1.45 In (or 1.45 Ir) so that the condition, that I2 i 1.45 IZ (as noted in the "general rules" above) will always be respected. Particular case: if the circuit breaker itself does not protect against overloads, it is necessary to ensure that, at a time of lowest value of short-circuit current, the overcurrent device protecting the circuit will operate correctly. This particular case is examined in Sub-clause 5.1.
Protection by fuses The condition I2 i 1.45 IZ must also be taken into account, where I2 is the fusing (meltinglevel) current, equal to k2 x In (k2 ranges from 1.6 to 1.9) according to the particular fuse concerned. A further factor k3 has been introduced (in the national standards from which these notes have been abstracted) such that I2 i 1.45 IZ will be valid if In i IZ/k3. Association of different protective devices The use of protective devices which have fault-current ratings lower than the fault level existing at their point of installation are permitted by IEC and many national standards in the following conditions: c there exists upstream, another protective device which has the necessary short-circuit rating, and c the amount of energy allowed to pass through the upstream device is less than that which the downstream device and all
m ax um im a lo d cu n rre t IB
IB In zone a Iz I2
1.45 Iz
ISC ISCB zone c
zone b
fa
g t ui atin irc r -c king t or a sh bre h nt p 3- urre -c ult
protective device
For fuses type gl: In i 10 A k3 = 1.31 10 A < In i 25 A k3 = 1.21 In > 25 A k3 = 1.10 Moreover, the short-circuit current breaking capacity of the fuse ISCF must exceed the level of 3-phase short-circuit current at the point of installation of the fuse(s).
associated cabling and appliances can withstand without damage. In pratice this arrangement is generally exploited in: c the association of circuit breakers/fuses; c the technique known as "cascading" in which the strong current-limiting performance of certain circuit breakers effectively reduces the severity of downstream short-circuits. Possible combinations which have been tested in laboratories are indicated in certain manufacturers catalogues.
H1
1.4 location of protective devices
a protective device is, in general, required at the origin of each circuit.
general rule
A protective device is necessary at the origin of each circuit where a reduction of permissible maximum current level occurs.
P2 50 mm2 P
P3 10 mm2
P4 25 mm2
possible alternative locations in certain circumstances

The protective device may be placed part way along the circuit: c if AB is not in proximity to combustible material, and c if no socket-outlets or branch connections are taken from AB. Three cases may be useful in practice. Consider case (1) in the diagram c AB i 3 metres, and c AB has been installed to reduce to a practical minimum the risk of a short-circuit (wires in heavy steel conduit for example). Consider case (2) c the upstream device P1 protects the length AB against short-circuits in accordance with Sub-clause H1-5.1. Consider case (3) c the overload device (S) is located adjacent to the load. This arrangement is convenient for motor circuits. The device (S) constitutes the control (start/stop) and overload protection of the motor while (SC) is: either a circuit breaker (designed for motor protection) or fuses type aM, c the short-circuit protection (SC) located at the origin of the circuit conforms with the principles of Sub-clause H1-5.1.
A <3m
P1
short-circuit sc protective device B s overload protective device3
B P2 B P3 case (1) case (2)
case (3)
circuits with no protection

Either c the protective device P1 is calibrated to protect the cable S2 against overloads and short-circuits; Or c where the breaking of a circuit constitutes a risk, e.g. v excitation circuits of rotating machines, v circuits of large lifting electromagnets, v the secondary circuits of current transformers. No circuit interruption can be tolerated, and the protection of the cabling is of secondary importance.
P1: C60 calibre 15 A 2,5 mm2 S2: 1,5 mm2
table H1-7: general rules and exceptions concerning the location of protective devices.
1.5 cables in parallel

Conductors of the same cross-sectional-area, the same length, and of the same material, can be connected in parallel. The maximum permissible current is the sum of the individual-core maximum currents, taking into account the mutual heating effects, method of installation, etc. Protection against overload and short-circuits is identical to that for a single-cable circuit. The following precautions should be taken to avoid the risk of short-circuits on the paralleled cables: c additional protection against mechanical damage and against humidity, by the introduction of supplementary protection; c the cable route should be chosen so as to avoid close proximity to combustible materials.
H1
1.6 worked example of cable calculations
installation scheme
The installation is supplied through a 1,000 kVA transformer. The process requires a high degree of supply continuity and this is provided by the installation of a 500 kVA 400 V standby generator, and by the adoption of a 3-phase 3-wire IT-system at the main general distribution board from which the processing plant is supplied. The remainder of the installation is isolated by a 315 kVA 400/400V transformer: the isolated network is a TT-earthed 3-phase 4-wire system.
TR1 1000 kVA 5% 400 V 26. 44 kA C1 8m .18% 3x (3 x 240)
Following the one-line diagram of the system shown in figure H1-8 below, a reproduction of the results of a computer study for the circuit C1 and its circuit breaker Q1, and C2 with associated circuit breaker Q2 are presented. These studies were carried out with ECODIAL 2.2 software (a Merlin Gerin product). This is followed by the same calculations carried out by the methods described in this guide.
Q1 M16 N1 STR 38 1600 A
B1
G1 500 kVA 721 A Q2 C801N STR35SE 800 A C2 15m .7% Q3 Q4 Q5 Q6
C3
C4
3x (1 x 240) T1 315 kVA 400 V Q7 NS630N STR35SE 630 A B2 Q8 Q9 Q10 I1 I2
Q11 NS250N TMD 250 A
Q12 NS160N TMD 160 A
Q13 NS100N TMD 80 A
fig. H1-8: one-line diagram of the installation.
H1
calculations using software Ecodial 2.2
General network characteristics earthing system neutral distributed voltage (V) frequency (Hz) Transformer TR 1 number of transformers upstream fault level (MVA) rating (kVA) short-circuit impedance voltage (%) remarks nominal current (A) resistance of transformer (m) reactance of transformer (m) running total of impedance RT (m) running total of impedance XT (m) 3-phase short-circuit current (kA) short-circuit power factor Cable C 1 maximum load current (A) type of insulation conductor material ambient temperature (C) single-core or multi-core cable installation method number of circuits in close proximity (table H1-14) other coefficient number of phases selected cross-sectional area (mm2) protective conductor neutral conductor length (m) voltage drop U (%) running total of impedance RT (m) running total of impedance XT (m) voltage drop U total (%) 3-phase short-circuit current (kA) 1-phase-to-earth fault current (A) resistance of protective conductor RPE (m) touch voltage (V) Circuit breaker Q 1 voltage (V) 3-ph short-circuit current upstream of the circuit breaker (kA) maximum load current (A) ambient temperature (C) number of poles circuit breaker type tripping unit type rated current (A) Busbars B 1 maximum load current (A) number of phases number of bars per phase width (mm) thickness (mm) length (m) remarks impedance of busbars R (m) impedance of busbars X (m) voltage drop U(%) running total of impedance RT (m) running total of impedance XT (m) voltage drop U total (%) 3-ph short-circuit current (kA) IT N 400 50 input data 1 500 1000 5
output
input data 1374 PRC Cu 30 UNI 13 1 1
1374 2.13 8.55 2.18 8.9 26.44 .23 output
3 3 x 240 1 x 240 8 .18 2.43 9.11 .18 25.7 20334 .75 15 output
input data 400 25.7 1374 40 3
M 16 N1 STR 38 1600 1374 3 1 125 5 3 .1 .45 .16 2.53 9.55 .34 24.53
H1
1.6 worked example of cable calculations (continued)
Circuit breaker Q 2 voltage (V) 3-ph short-circuit current upstream of the circuit breaker (kA) maximum load current (A) ambient temperature (C) number of poles circuit breaker type tripping unit type rated current (A) 3-phase fault current (A) protection against indirect contact assured upstream circuit breaker absolute discrimination Cable C 2 maximum load current (A) type of insulation conductor material ambient temperature (C) single-core or multi-core cable installation method number of circuits in close proximity (table H1-14) other coefficient number of phases selected cross-sectional area (mm2) protective conductor neutral conductor length (m) voltage drop U (%) running total of impedance RT (m) running total of impedance XT (m) voltage drop U total (%) 3-phase short-circuit current (kA) 1-phase-to-earth fault current (A) resistance of protective conductor RPE (m) touch voltage (V) input data 400 24.53 433 40 3 NS630 N STR23SE 630 13221 M16 N1 STR38 input data 433 PRC Cu 30 UNI 13 1 1 3 1 x 240 1 x 70 15 .33 3.93 10.75 .67 21.18 13221 5.57 73 output output
table H1-9: calculations carried out with ECODIAL software (M.G).
the same calculations using the methods recommended in this guide

Dimensioning circuit C 1 The HV/LV 1,000 kVA transformer has a rated no-load voltage of 420 V. Circuit C 1 must be suitable for a current of In = 1,000 = In = 1,374 A per phase ex 0.42 Three single-core XLPE-insulated copper cables in parallel will be used for each phase; these cables will be laid on cable trays corresponding with reference F (see tables in Clause H1 2.2). The "K" correction factors are as follows: K1=1 K 2 = 0.82 ( 3 three-phase groups in a single layer) K 3 = 1 (temperature 30 C). If the circuit breaker is a withdrawable or unpluggable* type, which can be regulated, one might choose: Iz = 1,374 A applying H1.2.1 Iz Iz = = 1,676 A. K1xK2xK3 Each conductor will therefore carry 558 A. Table H1-17 indicates that the c.s.a. is 240 mm2.
* Withdrawable, CBs are generally mounted in drawers for maintenance purposes. Plug-in type CBs are generally moulded-case units, which may be completely removed from the fixed-base sockets.
The resistances and the inductive reactances for the three conductors in parallel are, for a length of 8 metres (see H1-4.2): 22.5 x 8 R= = 0.25 m per phase 240 x 3 0.12 x 8 X= = 0.32 m per phase 3 (0.12 m/metre was advised by the cable maker). Dimensioning circuit C 2 Circuit C 2 supplies a 315 kVA 3-phase 400/400 V isolating transformer Ib = 315 = 433 A. 0.42 x e A multi-core XLPE cable laid on a cable tray (together with two other cables) in an ambient air temperature of 30 C is proposed. The circuit breaker is regulated to 433 A. Iz = 433 A The method of installation is characterized by the reference letter E, and the "K" correcting factors are: K1=1 K 2 = 0.82 K 3 = 1. 433 Iz = = 528 A so that 1 x 0.82 x 1 a c.s.a. of 240 mm2 is appropriate. The resistance and inductive reactance are respectively: 22.5 x 15 R= = 1.4 m per phase 240 X = 0.08 x 15 = 1.2 m per phase.
H1
Calculation of short-circuit currents for the selection of circuit breakers Q 1 and Q2 *all values are to a 420 voltage base e circuits R* X* Z* components parts m m m 500 kVA at the HV source network 0.050 0.35 HV/LV transformer 2.24 8.10 cable C 1 0.25 0.32 sub-total for Q1 2.54 8.77 9.13 busbars B1 0.75 9.85 cable C 2 1.40 1.2 sub-total for Q2 3.94 10.72 11.42 table H1-10: example of short-circuit current evaluation. Circuit C 1 will be of class 2 insulation i.e. double insulation and no earthed exposed conductive parts. The only indirect-contact requirement for this circuit, therefore, is at the transformer tank. The 240 mm2 P.E. conductor mentioned above, generally connects the tank of the HV/LV transformer to the earth electrode for the installation at a common earthing busbar in the main general distribution board. This means that if one (of the two) concurrent LV phase-to-earth faults should occur in the transformer, an indirect contact danger will exist at the transformer tank. In such a case, the HV overcurrent protection for the transformer is unlikely to operate, but the protection on the second faulty LV circuit must do so infallibly to ensure protection against the indirect contact danger, as described. Since a HV fault to earth at the transformer is also always possible, and very often HV lightning arresters on the transformer are connected to earth through the P.E. conductor in question, a conductor of large c.s.a. is invariably selected for this section of the installation. Dimensioning considerations for this conductor are given in Sub-clause 6.3. For circuit C2, tables G.43 and G.59, or the formula given in Sub-clause G.6.2 may be used for a 3-phase 3-wire circuit. The maximum permitted length of the circuit is given by: 0.8 x 230 x 240 x ex 103 Lmax = 2 x 22.5 x (1.25 + 240/70) x 630 x 11.5 = 76,487 = 50 metres. 1,530 The factor 1.25 in the denominator is a 25% increase in resistance for a 240 mm2 conductor, in accordance with Chapter G Sub-clause 5.2. (The value in the denominator 630 x 11.5 = Im i.e. the current level at which the instantaneous short-circuit magnetic trip of the 630 A circuit breaker operates). This value is equal to 10 In + 15 % (the highest positive manufacturing tolerance for the tripping device). For further details of magnetic tripping devices, please refer to Chapter H2 Sub-clause 4.2. The length of 15 metres is therefore fully protected by "instantaneous" overcurrent devices. Voltage drop From table H1.29 it can be seen that: for C1 (3 x 240 mm2 per phase) 0.21 V/A/km x 1,374 A x 0.008 km U = 3 = 0.77 V U % = 100 x 0.77 = 0.19 %; 400 for C2 U = 0.21 V/A/km x 433 A x 0.015 km = 1.36 V U % = 100 x 1.36 = 0.34 %; 400 At the circuit terminals of the LV/LV transformer the percentage volt-drop U % = 0.53 %.
Isc* kA
26.5 24.6 21.2
Sub-clause H1-4.2 shows the formula for calculating the short-circuit current Isc at a given point in the system. If the rated no-load voltage of the transformer is 420 V: 420 Isc = 2.542 + 8.772 3 = 26.5 kA at Q 1. The inductive reactance of busbars B1 is estimated to be 0.15 x 5 = 0.75 m - its resistance being negligibly small. The Isc at the location of Q 2 is computed as for Q 1, and found to be 21 kA. In order to make the final choice, features such as selectivity, isolating capability, withdrawal or unplugging facility and general ease of maintenance, and so on, must be considered, with the aid of manufacturers catalogues. The protective conductor Thermal requirements. Tables H1.60 and H1.61 show that, when using the adiabatic method (IEC 724 (1984) Clause 2) the c.s.a. for the protective earth (PE) conductor for circuit C1 will be: 26500 x 0.1 u = 47.6 mm2 176 a single 240 mm2 conductor dimensioned for other reasons mentioned later is therefore largely sufficient, provided that it also satisfies the requirements for indirect-contact protection (i.e. that its impedance is sufficiently low). For the circuit C2, the c.s.a. of its PE conductor should be: 21,000 x 0.1 u = 37.7 mm2 176 In this case a 70 mm2 conductor may be adequate if the indirect-contact protection conditions are also satisfied. Protection against indirect-contact hazards Reminder: the LV neutral point of an IT-scheme transformer is isolated from earth, or is earthed through a high resistance (1-2 k) so that an indirect-contact hazard can only exist if two earth faults occur concurrently, each on a different phase (or on one phase and a neutral conductor). Overcurrent protective devices must then be relied upon to cut-off the faulty circuits, except in particular circumstances i.e. where the resistance of P.E. conductors is too high, as noted in Chapter G Sub-clauses 6.3 to 6.5. RCDs are often employed in such cases.
2. practical method for determining the smallest allowable cross-sectional-area of circuit conductors
H1
2.1 general
installation conditions for the conductors maximum load current IB IB rated current In of the protective device must be equal to or greater than the maximum load current IB determination of K factors and of the appropriate letter code In choice of maximum permissible current IZ for the circuit, corresponding to a conductor size that the protective device is capable of protecting
fuse IZ = 1.31 In if In 10 A* IZ = 1.21 In if In 10 A* and In 25 A* IZ = 1.10 In if In 25 A* I Z1
circuit breaker
I Z = I n*
I Z2
Determination of the size (c.s.a.) of the conductors of the circuit capable of carrying IZ1 or IZ2, by use of an equivalent current I'Z, which takes into account the influences of factor K (I'Z = IZ/K), of the letter code, and of the insulating sheath of the conductors (refer to tables H1-17 or H1-24) I 'Z S1 I 'Z S2
verification of other conditions that may be required-see figure H1.1

* or slightly greater
table H1-11: logigram for the determination of minimum conductor size for a circuit. The first step is to determine the size of the phase conductors. The dimensioning of the neutral and protective conductors is explained in H1-6 and H1-7. In this clause the following cases are considered: c unburied conductors, c buried conductors. The tables in this clause permit the determination of the size of phase conductors for a circuit of given current magnitude. The procedure is as follows: c determine an appropriate code-letter reference which takes into account: v the type of circuit (single-phase; threephase, etc.) and v the kind of installation: and then c determine the factor K of the circuit considered, which covers the following influences: v installation method, v circuit grouping, v ambient temperature.
2.2 determination of conductor size for unburied circuits

the size of a phase conductor is given in tables which relate: c the code letter symbolizing the method of installation, and c the factor of influence K. These tables distinguish unburied circuits from buried circuits.
determination of the code-letter reference

The letter of reference (B to F) depends on the type of conductor used and its method of installation. The possible methods of types of conductor single-core wires and multi-core cables
installation are numerous, but the most common of them have been grouped according to four classes of similar environmental conditions, as shown below in table H1-12. letter code
multi-core cables
method of installation c under decorative moulding with or without a removable cover, surface or flush-mounting, or under plaster c in underfloor cavity or behind false ceiling c in a trench, moulding or wainscoting c surface-mounted in contact with wall or ceiling c on non-perforated cable trays c cable ladders, perforated trays, or on supporting brackets c surface-mounted clear of the surface (e.g. on cleats) c catenary cables
C E
single-core cables
table H1-12: code-letter reference, depending on type of conductor and method of installation.
H1
for circuits which are not buried, factor k characteristizes the conditions of installation, and is given by: K = K1 x K2 x K3 the three component factors depending on different features of the installation.
determination of the factor K

The factor k summarizes the several features which characterize the conditions of installation. It is obtained by multiplying three correction factors K1, K2 and K3. The values of these factors are given in tables H1.13 to H1.15 below.
correction factor K1
Factor K1 is a measure of the influence of the method of installation.
factor K1 is a measure of the influence of the method of installation.
code letter B
installation details - cables installed directly in thermal-insulation materials
example
K1 0.70
- conduits installed in thermalinsulation materials
0.77
- multi-core cables
0.90
- construction cavities and closed cables trenches C B, C, E, F - surface mounted on ceiling - other cases
0.95 0.95 1
table H1-13: factor K1 according to method of circuit installation (for further examples refer to IEC 364-5-52 table 52H). Correction factor K2 Factor K2 is a measure of the mutual influence of two circuits side-by-side in close proximity. Two circuits are considered to be in close proximity when L, the distance between two cables, is less than double the diameter of the larger of the two cables.
factor K2 is a measure of the mutual influence of two circuits side-by-side in close proximity.
code letter
location of correction factor K2 cables in close number of circuits or multicore cables proximity 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 12 16 20 B,C embedded 1.00 0.80 0.70 0.65 0.60 0.57 0.54 0.52 0.50 0.45 0.41 0.38 or buried in the walls C single layer 1.00 0.85 0.79 0.75 0.73 0.72 0.72 0.71 0.70 0.70 on walls or floors, or on unperforated cables trays single layer 0.95 0.81 0.72 0.68 0.66 0.64 0.63 0.62 0.61 0.61 on ceiling E,F single layer 1.00 0.88 0.82 0.77 0.75 0.73 0.73 0.72 0.72 0.72 on horizontal perforated trays, or on vertical trays single layer 1.00 0.87 0.82 0.80 0.80 0.79 0.79 0.78 0.78 0.78 on cable ladders, brackets, etc table H1-14: correction factor K2 for a group of conductors in a single layer
2. practical method for determining the smallest allowable cross-sectional-area of circuit conductors (continued)
H1
2.2 determination of conductor size for unburied circuits (continued)
When cables are installed in more than one layer a further factor, by which K2 must be multiplied, will have the following values : 2 layers : 0.80 3 layers : 0.73 4 or 5 layers : 0.70. Correction factor K3 Factor K3 is a measure of the influence of the temperature, according to the type of insulation.
factor K3 is a measure of the influence of the temperature according to the type of insulation.
ambient temperatures
cross-linkedpolyethylene (XLPE) butyl, ethylenepropylene-rubber (EPR) 10 1.29 1.22 1.15 15 1.22 1.17 1.12 20 1.15 1.12 1.08 25 1.07 1.07 1.04 30 1.00 1.00 1.00 35 0.93 0.93 0.96 40 0.82 0.87 0.91 45 0.71 0.79 0.87 50 0.58 0.71 0.82 55 0.61 0.76 60 0.50 0.71 65 0.65 70 0.58 75 80 table H1-15: correction factor K3 for ambient temperatures other than 30 C. Example: A 3-phase 3-core XLPE cable is laid on a perforated cable-tray in close proximity to three other circuits, consisting of: c a 3-phase 3-core cable (circuit no. 1), c three single-core cables (circuit no. 2), c six single-core cables (circuit no. 3), circuit no. 2 and no. 3 are 3-phase circuits, the latter comprising 2 cables per phase. There are, therefore, effectively 5 3-phase circuits to be considered, as shown in figure H1-16. The ambient temperature is 40 C. The code letter indicated in table H1-12 is E. K1 given by table H1-13 = 1. K2 given by table H1-14 = 0.75. K3 given by table H1-15 = 0.91. K = K1 x K2 x K3 = 1 x 0.75 x 0.91 = 0.68.
1 2 3
insulation elastomer (rubber)
polyvinylchloride (PVC)
a = 40C
XLPE
fig. H1-16: example in the determination of factors K1, K2 and K3.
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determination of the minimum cross-sectional area of a conductor
The current Iz when divided by K gives a fictitious current I'z. Values of I'z are given in table H1-17 below, together with corresponding cable sizes for different types of insulation and core material (copper or aluminium). insulation and number of conductors (2 or 3) rubber butyl or XLPE or EPR or PVC code B PVC3 PVC2 PR3 PR2 B code letter C PVC3 PVC2 PR3 PR2 C letter E PVC3 PVC2 PR3 PR2 E F PVC3 PVC2 PR3 PR2 F c.s.a. 1.5 15.5 17.5 18.5 19.5 22 23 24 26 1.5 c.s.a. copper 2.5 21 24 25 27 30 31 33 36 2.5 copper 4 28 32 34 36 40 42 45 49 4 (mm2) (mm2) 6 36 41 43 48 51 54 58 63 6 10 50 57 60 63 70 75 80 86 10 16 68 76 80 85 94 100 107 115 16 25 89 96 101 112 119 127 138 149 161 25 35 110 119 126 138 147 158 169 185 200 35 50 134 144 153 168 179 192 207 225 242 50 70 171 184 196 213 229 246 268 289 310 70 95 207 223 238 258 278 298 328 352 377 95 120 239 259 276 299 322 346 382 410 437 120 150 299 319 344 371 395 441 473 504 150 185 341 364 392 424 450 506 542 575 185 240 403 430 461 500 538 599 641 679 240 300 464 497 530 576 621 693 741 783 300 400 656 754 825 940 400 500 749 868 946 1083 500 630 855 1005 1088 1254 630 c.s.a. 2.5 16.5 18.5 19.5 21 23 25 26 28 2.5 c.s.a. aluminium 4 22 25 26 28 31 33 35 38 4 alu (mm2) 6 28 32 33 36 39 43 45 49 6 (mm2) 10 39 44 46 49 54 59 62 67 10 16 53 59 61 66 73 79 84 91 16 25 70 73 78 83 90 98 101 108 121 25 35 86 90 96 103 112 122 126 135 150 35 50 104 110 117 125 136 149 154 164 184 50 70 133 140 150 160 174 192 198 211 237 70 95 161 170 183 195 211 235 241 257 289 95 120 186 197 212 226 245 273 280 300 337 120 150 227 245 261 283 316 324 346 389 150 185 259 280 298 323 363 371 397 447 185 240 305 330 352 382 430 439 470 530 240 300 351 381 406 440 497 508 543 613 300 400 526 600 663 740 400 500 610 694 770 856 500 630 711 808 899 996 630 table H1-17: case of an unburied circuit: determination of the minimum cable size (c.s.a.), derived from the code letter; conductor material; insulation material and the fictitious current I'z.
H1
2.2 determination of conductor size for unburied circuits (continued)
Example The example shown in figure H1-16 for determining the value of K, will also be used to illustrate the way in which the minimum cross-sectional-area (c.s.a.) of conductors may be found, by using the table H1-17. The XLPE cable to be installed will carry 23 amps per phase. Previous examples show that: c the appropriate code letter is E, c the factor K = 0.68.
1 2 3
a = 40C
XLPE
fig. H1-18: example for the determination of minimum cable sizes.
Determination of the cross-sectional areas A standard value of In nearest to, but higher than 23 A is required. Two solutions are possible, one based on protection by a circuit breaker and the second on protection by fuses. c circuit breaker: In = 25 A v permissible current Iz = 25 A v fictitious current I'z = 25 = 36.8 A 0.68 v cross-sectional-area of conductors is found as follows: In the column PR3 corresponding to code letter E the value of 42 A (the nearest value greater than 36.8 A) is shown to require a copper conductor c.s.a. of 4 mm2. For an aluminium conductor the corresponding values are 43 A and 6 mm2. c fuses: In = 25 A v permissible current Iz = K3 In = 1.21 x 25 = Iz = 30.3 A v the fictitious current I'z = 30.3 = 40.6 A 0.68 v the cross-sectional-areas, of copper or aluminium conductors are (in this case) found to be the same as those noted above for a circuit-breaker-protected circuit.
2.3 determination of conductor size for buried circuits

In the case of buried circuits the determination of minimum conductor sizes, necessitates the establishement of a factor K. A code letter corresponding to a method of installation is not necessary.
for buried circuits the value of factor K characteristizes the conditions of installation, and is obtained from the following factors: K4 x K5 x K6 x K7 = K each of which depends on a particular feature of installation.
determination of factor K
Factor K summarizes the global influence of different conditions of installation, and is obtained by multiplying together correction factors K4, K5, K6 and K7. The values of these several factors are given in tables H1-19 to H1-22. Correction factor K4 Factor K4 is a measure of the influence of the method of installation. method of installation K4 placed in earthenware ducts; in 0.8 conduits, or in decorative mouldings other cases 1 table H1-19: correction factor K4 related to the method of installation. Correction factor K5 Factor K5 is a measure of the mutual influence of circuits placed side-by-side in close proximity. Cables are in close proximity when the distance L separating them is less than double the diameter of the larger of the two cables concerned. location of correction factor K5 cables side-by-side number of circuits or of multicore cables in close proximity 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 12 16 20 buried 1.00 0.80 0.70 0.65 0.60 0.57 0.54 0.52 0.50 0.45 0.41 0.38 table H1-20: correction factor K5 for the grouping of several circuits in one layer. When cables are laid in several layers, multiply K5 by 0.8 for 2 layers, 0.73 for 3 layers, 0.7 for 4 layers or 5 layers.
factor K4 measures the influence of the method of installation.
factor K5 measures the mutual influence of circuits placed side-byside in close proximity.
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factor K6 is a measure of the influence of the earth in which the cable is buried.
Correction factor K6 This factor takes into account the nature and condition of the soil in which a cable (or cables) is (are) buried; notably its thermal conductivity. nature of soil K6 very wet soil (saturated) 1.21 wet soil 1.13 damp soil 1.05 dry soil 1.00 very dry soil (sunbaked) 0.86 table H1-21: correction factor K6 for the nature of the soil.
factor K7 is a measure of the influence of the soil temperature.
Correction factor K7 This factor takes into account the influence of soil temperature if it differs from 20 C. soil temperature C cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR) 10 1.10 1.07 15 1.05 1.04 20 1.00 1.00 25 0.95 0.96 30 0.89 0.93 35 0.84 0.89 40 0.77 0.85 45 0.71 0.80 50 0.63 0.76 55 0.55 0.71 60 0.45 0.65 table H1-22: correction factor K7 for soil temperatures different than 20 C. Example A single-phase 230 V circuit is included with four other loaded circuits in a buried conduit. The soil temperature is 20 C. The conductors are PVC insulated and supply a 5 kW lighting load. The circuit is protected by a circuit breaker. K4 from table H1-19 = 0.8. K5 from table H1- 20 = 0.6. K6 from table H1- 21 = 1.0. K7 from table H1- 22 = 1.0. K = K4 x K5 x K6 x K7 = 0.48.
a = 20C 5 kW 230 V
insulation polyvinyl-chloride (PVC)
fig. H1-23: example for the determination of K4, K5, K6 and K7.
H1
2.3 determination of conductor size for buried circuits (continued)
determination of the smallest c.s.a. (cross-sectional-area) of a conductor, for buried circuits
Knowing Iz and K, the corresponding crosssectional-areas are given in table H1-24 below. insulation and number of loaded conductors rubber or PVC Butyl, or cross-linked polyethylene XLPE, or ethylene-propylene rubber EPR 3 conductors 2 conductors 3 conductors 2 conductors c.s.a. 1.5 26 32 31 37 copper 2.5 34 42 41 48 (mm2) 4 44 54 53 63 6 56 67 66 80 10 74 90 87 104 16 96 116 113 136 25 123 148 144 173 35 147 178 174 208 50 174 211 206 247 70 216 261 254 304 95 256 308 301 360 120 290 351 343 410 150 328 397 387 463 185 367 445 434 518 240 424 514 501 598 300 480 581 565 677 c.s.a. 10 57 68 67 80 aluminium 16 74 88 87 104 2 (mm ) 25 94 114 111 133 35 114 137 134 160 50 134 161 160 188 70 167 200 197 233 95 197 237 234 275 120 224 270 266 314 150 254 304 300 359 185 285 343 337 398 240 328 396 388 458 300 371 447 440 520 table H1-24: case of a buried circuit: minimum c.s.a. in terms of type of conductor; type of insulation; and value of fictitious current I'z (I'z = Iz ). K Example This is a continuation of the previous example, for which the factors K4, K5, K6 and K7 were determined, and the factor K was found to be 0.48. Full load current 5.000 IB = = 22 A 230 Selection of protection A circuit-breaker rated at 25 A would be appropriate. Maximum permanent current permitted Iz = 25 A (i.e. the circuit-breaker rating In) Fictitious current Iz 25 I'z = = = 52.1 A K 0.48 C.s.a. of circuit conductors In the column PVC, 2 conductors, a current of 54 A corresponds to a 4 mm2 copper conductor. In the case where the circuit conductors are in aluminium, the same fictitious current (52 A) would require the choice of 10 mm2 corresponding to a fictitious current value (for aluminium) of 68 A.
a = 20C 5 kW 230 V
fig. H1-25: example for determination of the minimum c.s.a. of the circuit conductors.
3. determination of voltage drop
H1
The impedance of circuit conductors is low but not negligible: when carrying load current there is a fall in voltage between the origin of the circuit and the load terminals. The correct operation of an item of load (a motor; lighting circuit; etc.) depends on the voltage at its terminals being maintained at a value close to its rated value. It is necessary therefore to dimension the circuit conductors such, that at full-load current, the load terminal voltage is maintained within the limits required for correct performance. This section deals with methods of determining voltage drops, in order to check that: c they conform to the particular standards and regulations in force, c they can be tolerated by the load, c they satisfy the essential operational requirements.
3.1 maximum voltage-drop limit

Maximum allowable voltage-drop limits vary from one country to another. Typical values for LV installations are given below in table H1-26. maximum voltage-drop between the service-connection point and the point of utilization lighting other uses (heating and power) a low-voltage service connection from a LV 3% 5% public power distribution network consumers HV/LV substation supplied from 6% 8% a public distribution HV system table H1-26: maximum voltage-drop limits. These voltage-drop limits refer to normal steady-state operating conditions and do not apply at times of motor starting; simultaneous switching (by chance) of several loads, etc. as mentioned in Chapter B Sub-clause 4.3 (factor of simultaneity, etc.). When voltage drops exceed the values shown in table H1-26 larger cables (wires) must be used to correct the condition. The value of 8%, while permitted, can lead to problems for motor loads; for example: c in general, satisfactory motor performance requires a voltage within 5% of its rated nominal value in steady-state operation, c starting current of a motor can be 5 to 7 times its full-load value (or even higher). If 8% voltage drop occurs at full-load current, then a drop of 40% or more will occur during start-up. In such conditions the motor will either: v stall (i.e. remain stationary due to insufficient torque to overcome the load torque) with consequent over-heating and eventual trip-out, v or accelerate very slowly, so that the heavy current loading (with possibly undesirable low-voltage effects on other equipment) will continue beyond the normal start-up period; c finally an 8% voltage drop represents a continuous (E2/R watts) of power loss, which, for continuous loads will be a significant waste of (metered) energy. For these reasons it is recommended that the maximum value of 8% in steady operating conditions should not be reached on circuits which are sensitive to under-voltage problems. Important: In a number of countries the existing 220/380 V 3-phase systems are being uprated to operate eventually at nominal 230/400 V (the recommended IEC standard). Transformer manufacturers in these countries have recently increased the no-load secondary voltage of their distribution transformers accordingly, to 237/410 V. After several years of transition in the appliances industry, distribution transformers will be manufactured with no-load ratios of 242/420 V. The rated voltage of consumer appliances will evolve in the same time-scale. From now on, therefore, voltage-drop calculations must take account of these changes. Dangerous possible consequences for motors are: c a lightly-loaded "new" transformer and an "old" motor: risk of overvoltage on the motor, c a fully-loaded "old" transformer and a "new" motor: risk of undervoltage at the motor. Similar (but inverse) problems will arise in countries which presently operate 240/415 V systems, if the IEC 230/400 V standard is adopted by them.
HV consumer
LV consumer 8%(1) 5%(1)
load
(1) between the LV supply point and the load
fig. H1-27: maximum voltage drop.

3. determination of voltage drop (continued)
H1
3.2 calculation of voltage drops in steady load conditions
use of formulae
The table below gives formulae commonly used to calculate voltage drop in a given circuit per kilometre of length. If: IB: the full load current in amps L: length of the cable in kilometres R: resistance of the cable conductor in /km 22,5 .mm2/km R= for copper S (c.s.a. in mm2) 2 36 .mm /km R= for aluminium S (c.s.a. in mm2)
Note: R is negligible above a c.s.a. of 500 mm2.
X: inductive reactance of a conductor in /km

Note: X is negligible for conductors of c.s.a. less than 50 mm2. In the absence of any other information, take X as being equal to 0.08 /km.
: phase angle between voltage and current in the circuit considered, generally: c lighting: cos = 1 c motor power: v at start-up: cos = 0.35 v in normal service: cos = 0.8 Un: phase-to-phase voltage. Vn: phase-to-neutral voltage. For prefabricated pre-wired ducts and bustrunking, resistance and inductive reactance values are given by the manufacturer.
circuit single phase: phase/phase single phase: phase/neutral balanced 3-phase: 3 phases (with or without neutral) table H1-28: voltage-drop formulae.
voltage drop ( U) in volts U = 2 IB (R cos + X sin ) L U = 2 IB (R cos + X sin ) L U = eIB (R cos + X sin ) L
in % 100 U Un 100 U Vn 100 U Un
simplified table
Calculations may be avoided by using the table H1-29 below, which gives, with an adequate approximation, the phase-to-phase voltage drop per km of cable per ampere, in terms of: c kinds of circuit use: motor circuits with cos close to 0.8, or lighting with a cos in the neighbourhood of unity; c of the type of cable; single-phase or 3-phase. Voltage drop in a cable is then given by: K x IB x L c.s.a. in mm2 single-phase circuit motor power normal service cos = 0.8 24 14.4 9.1 6.1 3.7 2.36 1.5 1.15 0.86 0.64 0.48 0.39 0.33 0.29 0.24 0.21 lighting start-up cos = 0.35 10.6 6.4 4.1 2.9 1.7 1.15 0.75 0.6 0.47 0.37 0.30 0.26 0.24 0.22 0.2 0.19 cos = 1 30 18 11.2 7.5 4.5 2.8 1.8 1.29 0.95 0.64 0.47 0.37 0.30 0.24 0.19 0.15 K is given by the table, IB is the full-load current in amps, L is the length of cable in km. The column motor power cos = 0.35" of table H1-29 may be used to compute the voltage drop occurring during the start-up period of a motor (see example (1) after the table H1-29).
Cu 1.5 2.5 4 6 10 16 25 35 50 70 95 120 150 185 240 300
Al
10 16 25 35 50 70 120 150 185 240 300 400 500
balanced three-phase circuit motor power normal service start-up cos = 0.8 cos = 0.35 20 9.4 12 5.7 8 3.6 5.3 2.5 3.2 1.5 2.05 1 1.3 0.65 1 0.52 0.75 0.41 0.56 0.32 0.42 0.26 0.34 0.23 0.29 0.21 0.25 0.19 0.21 0.17 0.18 0.16
lighting cos = 1 25 15 9.5 6.2 3.6 2.4 1.5 1.1 0.77 0.55 0.4 0.31 0.27 0.2 0.16 0.13
table H1-29: phase-to-phase voltage drop U for a circuit, in volts per ampere per km.
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examples:
Example 1 (figure H1-30) A three-phase 35 mm2 copper cable 50 metres long supplies a 400 V motor taking: c 100 A at a cos = 0.8 on normal permanent load; c 500 A (5 In) at a cos = 0.35 during start-up. The voltage drop at the origin of the motor cable in normal circumstances (i.e. with the distribution board of figure H1-30 distributing a total of 1.000 A) is 10 V phase-to-phase. What is the volt drop at the motor terminals: c in normal service? c during start-up? Solution: c voltage drop in normal service conditions: U % = 100 U/Un Table H1-29 shows 1 V/A/km so that: U for the cable = 1 x 100 x 0.05 = 5 V U total = 10 + 5 = 15 V = i.e. 15 x 100 = 3.75 % 400 This value is less than that authorized (8%) and is satisfactory. c voltage drop during motor start-up: U cable = 0.52 x 500 x 0.05 = 13 V Owing to the additional current taken by the motor when starting, the volt drop at the distribution board will exceed 10 Volts. Supposing that the infeed to the distribution board during motor starting is 900 + 500 = 1.400 A then the volt-drop at the distribution board will increase approximately pro rata, i.e. 10 x 1400 = 14 V 1000 U distribution board = 14 V U for the motor cable = 13 V U total = 13 + 14 = 27 V i.e. 27 x 100 = 6.75 % 400 a value which is satisfactory during motor starting. Example 2 A 3-phase 4-wire copper line of 70 mm2 c.s.a. and a length of 50 m passes a current of 150 A. The line supplies, among other loads, 3 single-phase lighting circuits, each of 2.5 mm2 c.s.a. copper 20 m long, and each passing 20 A. It is assumed that the currents in the 70 mm2 line are balanced and that the three lighting circuits are all connected to it at the same point. What is the voltage drop at the end of the lighting circuits? Solution: c voltage drop in the 4-wire line: U % = 100 U/Un Table H1-29 shows 0.55 V/A/km. U line = 0.55 x 150 x 0.05 = 4.125 V phase-to-phase which: 4.125 V = 2.38 V phase to neutral. e c voltage drop in any one of the lighting single-phase circuits: U for a single-phase circuit = 18 x 20 x 0.02 = 7.2 V The total volt-drop is therefore 7.2 + 2.38 = 9.6 V 9.6 V x 100 = 4.2 % 230 V This value is satisfactory, being less than the maximum permitted voltage drop of 6%.
1000 A
400 V
50 m / 35 mm2 Cu IB = 100 A (500 A during start-up)
fig. H1-30: example 1.
50 m / 70 mm2 Cu IB = 150 A
20 m / 2.5 mm2 Cu IB = 20 A
4. short-circuit current calculations
H1
knowing the levels of 3-phase symmetrical short-circuit currents (Isc) at different points in an installation is an essential feature of its design.
A knowledge of 3-phase symmetrical shortcircuit current values (Isc) at strategic points of an installation is necessary in order to dimension switchgear (fault current rating); cables (thermal withstand rating); protective devices (discriminative trip settings) and so on... In the following notes a 3-phase short-circuit of zero impedance (the so-called bolted short-circuit) fed through a typical HV/LV distribution transformer will be examined. Except in very unusual circumstances, this type of fault is the most severe, and is certainly the simplest to calculate. Short-circuit currents occurring in a network supplied from an alternator and also in d.c. systems are dealt with in Chapter J Sub-clauses 1.1 and 6.1. The simplified calculations and practical rules which follow give conservative results of sufficient accuracy, in the large majority of cases, for installation design purposes.
4.1 short-circuit current at the secondary terminals of a HV/LV distribution transformer

the case of one transformer
c as a first approximation the impedance of the HV system is assumed to be negligibly small, so that: In x 100 Isc = where Usc P x 103 and: In = eU20 P = kVA rating of the transformer, U20 = phase-to-phase secondary volts on open circuit, In = nominal current in amps Isc = short-circuit fault current in amps, Usc = short-circuit impedance voltage of the transformer in %. Typical values of Usc for distribution transformers are given in the table H1-32. Example: 400 kVA transformer, 242/420 V at no load Usc = 4% In = 400 x 103 = 550 A ex 420 550 x 100 Isc = = 13.75 kA 4 c in practice Isc is slightly less than that calculated by this method, as shown in the following table (H1-33) since the HV system impedance is such that its fault level at the HV terminals of the transformer rarely exceeds 500 MVA. A level of 250 MVA, or less, is more common. transformer rated power (kVA) transformer current Ir (A) oil-immersed transformer Isc (kA) cast-resin transformer Isc (kA) 50 69 1.71 1.71 1.14 1.14 100 137 3.40 3.42 2.28 2.28 160 220 5.41 5.45 3.63 3.65 250 344 8.38 8.49 5.63 5.68 315 433 10.5 10.7 7.07 7.14 400 550 13.2 13.5 8.93 9.04 500 687 16.4 16.8 11.1 11.3 transformer rating 50 to 630 800 to 2500 Usc in % type of transformer oil-immersed cast-resin 4% 6% 6% 6%
table H1-32: typical values of Usc for different kVA ratings of transformers with HV windings i 20 kV.
Psc = 250 MVA Psc = 500 MVA Psc = 250 MVA Psc = 500 MVA
630 866 20.4 21.0 13.9 14.1
800 1100 17.4 17.9 17.4 17.9
1000 1375 21.5 22.2 21.5 22.2
1250 1718 26.4 27.5 26.4 27.5
1600 2199 33.1 34.8 33.1 34.8
2000 2749 40.4 43.0 40.4 43.0
2500 3437 49.1 52.9 49.1 52.9
tables H1-33: Isc at the LV terminals of 3-phase HV/LV transformers supplied from a HV system with a 3-phase fault level of 500 MVA, or 250 MVA.
the case of several transformers in parallel feeding a busbar

The value of fault current on an outgoing circuit immediately downstream of the busbars (figure H1-34) can be estimated as the sum of the Isc from each transformer calculated separately. It is assumed that all transformers are supplied from the same HV network, in which case the values obtained from table H1-33 when added together will give a slightly higher fault-level value than would actually occur. Other factors which have not been taken into account are the impedance of the busbars and of the circuit breakers. The conservative fault-current value obtained however, is sufficiently accurate for basic installation design purposes.
The choice of circuit breakers and incorporated protective devices against short-circuit fault currents is described in Chapter H2 Sub-clause 4.4.
Isc1
Isc2
Isc3
Isc1 + Isc2 + Isc3
fig. H1-34.
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4.2 3-phase short-circuit current (Isc) at any point within a LV installation
In a 3-phase installation Isc at any point is given by: Isc = U20 (amps) eZT U20 = phase-to-phase voltage of the opencircuited secondary windings of the powersupply transformer(s). ZT = total impedance per phase of the installation upstream of the fault location (in ohms).
method of calculating ZT Each component of an installation (HV network, transformer, cable, circuit breaker, busbar, and so on...) is characterized by its impedance Z, comprising an element of resistance (R) and an inductive reactance (X). It may be noted that capacitive reactances are not important in short-circuit current calculations. The parameters R, X and Z are expressed in ohms, and are related by the sides of a rightangled triangle, as shown in the impedance diagram of figure H1-35. The method consists in dividing the network into convenient sections, and to calculate the R and X values for each. Where sections are connected in series in the network all the resistive elements in the section are added arithmetically; likewise for the reactances, to give RT and XT. The impedance (Z) for the combined sections concerned is then calculated from
ZT = RT 2 + XT 2
Any two sections of the network which are connected in parallel, can, if, predominantly both resistive (or both inductive) be combined to give a single equivalent resistance (or reactance) as follows: Let R1 and R2 be the two resistances connected in parallel, then the equivalent resistance R3 wil be given by:
fig. H1-35: impedance diagram. R1 R2 X1 X2 or for reactances X3 = R1 + R2 X1 + X2 Combining two or more dissimilar circuits in parallel is (fortunately) seldom required in normal radial-type installation networks and will not be demonstrated in the main text. General methods for reducing impedances to a single equivalent impedance are given, however, in Appendix H1. R3 =
determination of the impedance of the HV network

c network upstream of the HV/LV transformer (table H1-36) The 3-phase short-circuit fault level in kA or in MVA* is given by the power supply authority concerned, from which an equivalent impedance can be deduced. A formula which makes this deduction and at the same time converts the impedance to an equivalent value at LV is given, as follows Uo2 Zs = where: Psc Zs = impedance of the HV voltage network, expessed in milli-ohms, Uo = phase-to-phase no-load LV voltage, expressed in volts. Psc 250 MVA 500 MVA Uo (V) 420 420
Psc = HV 3-phase short-circuit fault level, expressed in kVA.

*Short-circuit MVA: eEL Isc where: EL = phase-to-phase nominal system voltage expressed in kV (r.m.s.). Isc = 3-phase short-circuit current expressed in kA (r.m.s.).
The upstream (HV) resistance Ra is generally found to be negligible compared with the corresponding Xa, the latter then being taken as the ohmic value for Za. If more accurate calculations are necessary, Ra may be taken to be equal to 0.15 Xa. Table H1-36 gives values for Ra and Xa corresponding to the most common HV* short-circuit levels in public power-supply networks, namely, 250 MVA and 500 MVA.
* up to 36 kV
Ra (m) 0.106 0.053
Xa (m) 0.71 0.353
table H1-36: the impedance of the HV network referred to the LV side of the HV/LV transformer.
4. short-circuit current calculations (continued)
H1
4.2. 3-phase short-circuit current (Isc) at any point within a LV installation (continued)
c transformers (table H1-37) The impedance Ztr of a transformer, viewed from the LV terminals, is given by the formula: U22O Usc Ztr = x milli-ohms where: Pn 100 U2 o = open-circuit secondary phase-tophase voltage expressed in volts. Pn = rating of the transformer (in kVA). Usc = the short-circuit impedance voltage of the transformer expressed in %. The transformer windings resistance Rtr can be derived from the total losses as follows: Pcu = 3 In2 Rtr so that Rtr = Pcu x 103 3 In2 in milli-ohms where Pcu = total losses in watts. In = nominal full-load current in amps. Rtr = resistance of one phase of the transformer in milli-ohms (the LV and corresponding HV winding for one LV phase are included in this resistance value).
Xtr = Ztr 2 Rtr 2

For an approximate calculation Rtr may be ignored since X Z in standard distributiontype transformers. 800 6 2.9 12.9 13.2 6 2.6 13.0 13.3 1000 6 2.3 10.3 10.6 6 1.9 10.4 10.6 1250 6 1.8 8.3 8.5 6 1.5 8.3 8.4 1600 6 1.4 6.5 6.6 6 1.1 6.5 6.6 2000 6 1.1 5.2 5.3 6 0.8 5.2 5.3 2500 6 0.9 4.1 4.2 6 0.6 4.2 4.2
transformer rated power oil-immersed transformer Usc Rtr Xtr Ztr cast-resin transformer Usc Rtr Xtr Ztr
kVA % m m m % m m m
50 4 95.3 104.1 141.1
100 4 37.9 59.5 70.5 6 33.5 100.4 105.8
160 4 16.2 41.0 44.1 6 18.6 63.5 66.2
250 4 9.2 26.7 28.2 6 10.7 41.0 42.4
315 4 6.9 21.3 22.4 6 8.2 32.6 33.6
400 4 5.1 16.9 17.7 6 6.1 25.8 26.5
500 4 3.9 13.6 14.1 6 4.6 20.7 21.2
630 4 2.9 10.8 11.2 6 3.5 16.4 16.8
table H1-37: resistance, reactance and impedance values for typical distribution transformers with HV windings i 20 kV. c circuit breakers In LV circuits, the impedance of circuit breakers upstream of the fault location must be taken into account. The reactance value conventionally assumed is 0.15 m per CB, while the resistance is neglected. c busbars The resistance of busbars is generally negligible, so that the impedance is practically all reactive, and amounts to approximately 0.15 m/metre* length for LV busbars (doubling the spacing between the bars increases the reactance by about 10% only).
* for 50 Hz systems, but 0.18 m/metre length at 60 Hz.
c circuit conductors The resistance of a conductor is given by the formula: x L Rc = where S = the resistivity constant of the conductor material at the normal operating temperature being: 22.5 m.mm2/m for copper, 36 m.mm2/m for aluminium, S = c.s.a. of conductor in mm2. Cable reactance values can be obtained from the manufacturers. For c.s.a. of less than 50 mm2 reactance may be ignored. In the absence of other information, a value of 0.08 m/metre may be used (for 50 Hz systems) or 0.096 m/metre (for 60 Hz systems). For prefabricated bus-trunking and similar pre-wired ducting systems, the manufacturer should be consulted.
c motors At the instant of short-circuit, a running motor will act (for a brief period) as a generator, and feed current into the fault. In general, this fault-current contribution may be ignored. However, for more precise calculation, particularly in the case of large motors and/or numerous smaller motors, the total contribution can be estimated from the formula: Iscm = 3.5 In from each motor i.e. 3.5 m In for m similar motors operating concurrently. The motors concerned will be the 3-phase motors only; single-phase-motor contribution being insignificant. For HV circuit breakers, the contribution from motors is often reduced to very low values at the instant of contact separation, and for that reason is frequently ignored, but with lowinertia high-speed LV CBs* the value given in the above formula is recommended. Note: for circuit breaker fault-current makingduty however, no account can be taken of diminution of fault current contribution, and each running motor will initially feed current into the fault at a level approaching its own starting current, i.e. 4 or 5 In.
* and fuses
c fault-arc resistance Short-circuit faults generally form an arc which has the properties of resistance. The resistance is not stable and its average value is low, but at low voltage this resistance is sufficient to reduce the fault-current to some extent. Experience has shown that a reduction of the order of 20% may be expected. This phenomenon will effectively ease the current-breaking duty of a CB, but affords no relief for its fault-current making duty.
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recapitulation table
system elements considered supply network table H1-33 transformer table H1-34 resistance R in milli-ohms Ra 0,15 Xa R can therefore be neglected in comparison with X 3 Rtr = Pcu x 10 3In2 Rtr = is often negligible compared to Xtr for transformers > 100 kVA negligible negligible for S > 200 mm2 in the formula below: R = L (1) S R = L (1) S see Sub-clause 4.2 "motors" (often negligible at LV)) U2o Isc = 2 2 3 RT + XT Xa Za = reactance X in milli-ohms U22 0 Psc
circuit breaker busbars
Ztr 2 Rtr 2 U2 Usc avec Ztr = 2 0 x Pn 100 XD = 0.15 m/pole XB = 0.15 m/m
circuit conductors (2) motors three-phase short-circuit current in kA

M
cables : Xc = 0.08 m/m
table H1-38: recapitulation table of impedances for different parts of a power-supply system. U20: phase-to-phase no-load secondary voltage of HV/LV transformer (in volts). Psc: 3-phase short-circuit power at HV terminals of the HV/LV transformers (in kVA). Pcu: 3-phase total losses of the HV/LV transformer (in watts). Pn: rating of the HV/LV transformer (in kVA). Usc: short-circuit impedance voltage of the HV/LV transfomer (in %). R (m) X (m) RT (m) RT : total resistance. XT: total reactance (1) = resistivity at normal temperature of conductors in service = 22.5 milli-ohms x mm2/metre for copper = 36 milli-ohms x mm2/metre for aluminium. (2) If there are several conductors in parallel per phase, then divide the resistance of one conductor by the number of conductors. The reactance remains practically unchanged. XT (m)
Isc = 3 420 2 2 RT + XT
HV network 0.053 0.353 Psc = 500 MVA transformer 2.35 10.34 20 kV/420 V Pn = 1000 kVA Usc = 6% Pcu = 13.3 x 103 watts single-core cables Xc = 0.08 x 5 2.523 11.1 Rc = 22.5 x 5 5 m copper 4 240 4 x 240 mm2/phase = 0.12 = 0.40 Isc1 = 21.3 kA main RD = 0 XD = 0.15 circuit breaker busbars RB = 0 XB = 1.5 2.523 12.75 Isc2 = 18.6 kA 10 m three-core cable Xc = 100 x 0.08 Rc = 22.5 x 100 100 m 95 95 mm2 copper = 23.68 =8 26.2 20.75 Isc3 = 7.24 kA three-core cable Xc = 20 x 0.08 Rc = 22.5 x 20 20 m 10 10 mm2 copper = 45 = 1.6 71.2 22.35 Isc4 = 3.24 kA final circuits table H1-39: example of short-circuit current calculations for a LV installation supplied at 400 V (nominal) from a 1,000 kVA HV/LV transformer.
4.3 Isc at the receiving end of a feeder in terms of the Isc at its sending end
The following tables, derived by the "method of composition" (mentioned in Chapter G Sub-clause 5.2) give a rapid and sufficiently accurate value of short-circuit current at a point in a network, knowing: c the value of short-circuit current upstream of the point considered c the length and composition of the circuit between the point at which the short-circuit current level is known, and the point at which the level is to be determined. It is then sufficient to select a circuit breaker with an appropriate short-circuit fault rating immediately above that indicated in the tables. If more precise values are required, it is possible to make a detailled calculation (see Sub-Clause 4.2 above) or to use a software package, such as Ecodial*. In such a case, moreover, the possibility of using the cascading technique should be considered, in which the use of a currentlimiting circuit breaker at the upstream position would allow all circuit breakers downstream of the limiter to have a shortcircuit-current rating much lower than would otherwise be necessary (see Chapter H2 Sub-clause 4.5).
* a Merlin Gerin product (see Chapter B, Clause 1, Methodology).
4. short-circuit current calculations (continued)
H1
4.3 Isc at the receiving end of a feeder in terms of the Isc at its sending end (continued)
c.s.a. of length of circuit (in metres) phase conductors (in mm2) 1.5 0.8 1 1.3 1.6 3 2.5 1 1.3 1.6 2.1 2.6 5 4 0.8 1.7 2.1 2.5 3.5 4 8.5 6 1.3 2.5 3 4 5 6.5 13 10 0.8 1.1 2.1 4 5.5 6.5 8.5 11 21 16 0.9 1 1.4 1.7 3.5 7 8.5 10 14 17 34 25 1 1.3 1.6 2.1 2.6 5 10 13 16 21 26 50 35 1.5 1.9 2.2 3 3.5 7.5 15 19 22 30 37 75 50 1.1 2.1 2.7 3 4 5.5 11 21 27 32 40 55 110 70 1.5 3 3.5 4.5 6 7.5 15 30 37 44 60 75 150 95 0.9 1 2 4 5 6 8 10 20 40 50 60 80 100 200 120 0.9 1 1.1 1.3 2.5 5 6.5 7.5 10 13 25 50 65 75 100 130 250 150 0.8 1 1.1 1.2 1.4 2.7 5.5 7 8 11 14 27 55 70 80 110 140 270 185 1 1.1 1.3 1.5 1.6 3 6.5 8 9.5 13 16 32 65 80 95 130 160 320 240 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2 4 8 10 12 16 20 40 80 100 120 160 200 400 300 1.5 1.7 1.9 2.2 2.4 5 9.5 12 15 19 24 49 95 120 150 190 240 2 x 120 1.5 1.8 2 2.3 2.5 5.1 10 13 15 20 25 50 100 130 150 200 250 2 x 150 1.7 1.9 2.2 2.5 2.8 5.5 11 14 17 22 28 55 110 140 170 220 280 2 x 185 2 2.3 2.6 2.9 3.5 6.5 13 16 20 26 33 65 130 160 200 260 330 3 x 120 2.3 2.7 3 3.5 4 7.5 15 19 23 30 38 75 150 190 230 300 380 3 x 150 2.5 2.9 3.5 3.5 4 8 16 21 25 33 41 80 160 210 250 330 410 3 x 185 2.9 3.5 4 4.5 5 9.5 20 24 29 39 49 95 190 240 290 390 Isc upstream Isc downstream (in kA) (in Ka) 100 94 94 93 92 91 83 71 67 63 56 50 33 20 17 14 11 9 5 90 85 85 84 83 83 76 66 62 58 52 47 32 20 16 14 11 9 4.5 80 76 76 75 75 74 69 61 57 54 49 44 31 19 16 14 11 9 4.5 70 67 67 66 66 65 61 55 52 49 45 41 29 18 16 14 11 5 4.5 60 58 58 57 57 57 54 48 46 44 41 38 27 18 15 13 10 8.5 4.5 50 49 48 48 48 48 46 42 40 39 36 33 25 17 14 13 10 8.5 4.5 40 39 39 39 39 39 37 35 33 32 30 29 22 15 13 12 9.5 8 4.5 35 34 34 34 34 34 33 31 30 29 27 26 21 15 13 11 9 8 4.5 30 30 29 29 29 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 19 14 12 11 9 7.5 4.5 25 25 25 25 24 24 24 23 22 22 21 20 17 13 11 10 8.5 7 4 20 20 20 20 20 20 19 19 18 18 17 17 14 11 10 9 7.5 6.5 4 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 14 14 14 13 13 12 9.5 8.5 8 7 6 4 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 9.5 9.5 9.5 9.5 9 8.5 7 6.5 6.5 5.5 5 3.5 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 6.5 6.5 6.5 6 5.5 5 5 4.5 4 2.9 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 4.5 4 4 4 3.5 3.5 2.5 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 3.5 3.5 3.5 3 3 2.9 2.2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2.9 2.9 2.9 2.8 2.7 2.6 2.5 2.4 2.3 1.9 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1.9 1.9 1.8 1.8 1.7 1.7 1.4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.8 aluminium c.s.a. of length of circuit (in metres) 230 V / phase 400 V conductors (in mm2) 2.5 0.8 1 1.3 1.6 3 4 1 1.3 1.6 2.1 2.6 5 6 0.8 1.6 2 2.4 3 4 8 10 1.3 2.6 3.5 4 5.5 6.5 13 16 0.8 1.1 2.1 4 5.5 6.5 8.5 11 21 25 0.8 1 1.3 1.7 3.5 6.5 8.5 10 13 17 33 35 0.9 1.2 1.4 1.8 2.3 4.5 9 12 14 18 23 46 50 1.3 1.7 2 2.6 3.5 6.5 13 17 20 26 33 65 70 0.9 1.8 2.3 2.8 3.5 4.5 9 18 23 28 37 46 90 95 1.3 2.5 3 4 5 6.5 13 25 32 38 50 65 130 120 0.8 1.7 3 4 4.5 6.5 8 17 32 40 47 65 80 160 150 0.9 1.7 3.5 4.5 5 7 8.5 17 34 43 50 70 85 170 185 0.9 1 2 4 5 6 8 10 20 40 50 60 80 100 240 240 0.9 1 1.1 1.3 2.5 5 6.5 7.5 10 13 25 50 65 75 100 130 250 300 0.9 1 1.2 1.4 1.5 3 6 7.5 9 12 15 30 60 75 90 120 150 300 2 x 120 0.9 1.1 1.3 1.4 1.6 3 6.5 8 9.5 13 16 32 65 80 95 130 160 320 2 x 150 1 1.2 1.4 1.5 1.7 3.5 7 9 10 14 17 35 70 85 100 140 170 2 x 185 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2 4.1 8 10 12 16 20 41 80 100 120 160 200 2 x 240 1.5 1.8 2 2.3 2.5 5 10 13 15 20 25 50 100 130 150 200 250 3 x 120 1.4 1.7 1.9 2.1 2.4 4.5 9.5 12 14 19 24 48 95 120 140 190 240 3 x 150 1.5 1.8 2.1 2.3 2.6 5 10 13 15 21 26 50 100 130 150 210 260 3 x 185 1.8 2.1 2.4 2.7 3 6 12 15 18 24 30 60 120 150 180 240 300 3 x 240 2.3 2.7 3 3.5 4 7.5 15 19 23 30 38 75 150 190 230 300 380 table H1-40: Isc at a point downstream, in terms of a known upstream fault-current value and the length and c.s.a. of the intervening conductors, in a 230/400 V 3-phase system.
Note: for a 3-phase system having 230 V between phases, divide the above lengths by e= 1.732
copper 230 V / 400 V
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Example: The network shown in figure H1-41 typifies a case for the application of table H1-40. Select the c.s.a. of the conductor in the column for copper conductors (in this example the c.s.a. is 50 mm2). Search along the row corresponding to 50 mm2 for the length of conductor equal to that of the circuit concerned (or the nearest possible on the low side). Descend vertically the column in which the length is located, and stop at a row in the middle section (of the 3 sections of the table) corresponding to the known fault-current level (or the nearest to it on the high side). In this case 30 kA is the nearest to 28 kA on the high side. The value of short-circuit current at the downstream end of the 11 metre circuit is given at the intersection of the vertical column in which the length is located, and the horizontal row corresponding to the upstream Isc (or nearest to it on the high side). This value in the example is seen to be 19 kA. The procedure for aluminium conductors is similar, but the vertical column must be ascended into the middle section of the table. In consequence, a DIN-rail-mounted circuit breaker rated at 63 A and Isc of 50 kA (such as a NC100LH unit*) can be used for the 55 A circuit in figure H1-41. A Compact* rated at 260 A with an Isc capacity of 25 kA (such as a NS160N unit*) can be used to protect the 160 A circuit.
* Merlin Gerin product.
400 V Icc = 28 kA
50 mm2, Cu 11 m Icc = ?
IB = 55 A
IB = 160 A
fig. H1-41: determination of downstream short-circuit current level Isc using table H1-40.
4.4 short-circuit current supplied by an alternator or an inverter

Please refer to Chapter J.
5. particular cases of short-circuit current
H1
5.1 calculation of minimum levels of short-circuit current
if a protective device in a circuit is intended only to protect against short-circuit faults, it is essential that it will operate with certainty at the lowest possible level of short-circuit current that can occur on the circuit.
In general, on LV circuits, a single protective device protects against all levels of current, from the overload threshold through the maximum rated short-circuit current-breaking capability of the device. In certain cases, however, overload protective devices and separate short-circuit protective devices are used.
examples of such arrangements

Figures H1-42 to H1-44 show some common arrangements where overload and shortcircuit protections are effected by separate devices. As shown in figures H1-42 and H1-43, the most common circuits using separate devices control and protect motors. Figure H1-44 constitutes a derogation in the basic protection rules, and is generally used on circuits of prefabricated bustrunking, lighting rails, etc.
aM fuses (no protection against overload)
load-breaking contactor with thermal overload relay
fig. H1-42: circuit protected by aM fuses.

circuit breaker with instantaneous magnetic short-circuit protective relay only
load-breaking contactor with thermal overload relay
fig. H1-43: circuit protected by circuit breaker without thermal overload relay.
circuit breaker D
S1
S2 < S1 load with incorporated overload protection
fig. H1-44: circuit breaker D provides protection against short-circuit faults as far as and including the load.
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it is necessary that the protective device instantaneous-trip setting c Im < Isc (min) for protection by a circuit breaker; or fusion current c Ia < Isc (min) for protection by fuses.
conditions to be respected
The protective device must therefore satisfy the two following conditions: c its fault-current breaking rating > Isc the 3-phase short-circuit current at its point of installation, c elimination of the minimum short-circuit current possible in the circuit, in a time tc compatible with the thermal constraints of the circuit conductors, where: K2 S2 tc = (tc < 5 seconds) Isc (min) Comparison of the tripping or fusing performance curve of protective devices, with the limit curves of thermal constraint for a conductor shows that this condition is satisfied if: c Isc (min) > Im (instantaneous or short timedelay circuit-breaker trip setting current level). See figure H1-45. c Isc (min) > Ia for protection by fuses. The value of the current Ia corresponds to the crossing point of the fuse curve and the cable thermal withstand curve (figures H1-46 and H1-47).
t=
k2 S2 I2
Im
fig. H1-45: protection by circuit breaker.

t
t=
k2 S2 I2
Ia
fig. H1-46: protection by aM-type fuses.

t
t=
k2 S2 I2
Ia
fig. H1-47: protection by gl-type fuses.
in practice this means that the length of circuit downstream of the protective device must not exceed a calculated maximum length: Lmax = 0.8 x U x Sph 2 x x Im
practical method of calculating Lmax

The limiting effect of the impedance of long circuit conductors on the value of short-circuit currents must be checked and the length of a circuit must be restricted accordingly. The method of calculating the maximum permitted length has already been demonstrated in TN- and IT- earthed schemes for single and double earth faults, respectively (see Chapter G Sub-clauses 5.2 and 6.2). Two cases are considered below: 1. calculation of Lmax for a 3-phase 3-wire circuit The minimum short-circuit current will occur when two phase wires are short circuited at the remote end of the circuit. where = resistivity of copper* at the average temperature during a short-circuit, and Sph : c.s.a. of a phase conductor in mm2 L = length in metres In order that the cable will not be damaged by heat Isc u Im 2L Im 0.8 U u or Sph 0.8 U Sph Lmax = 2 Im with: U = 400 V = 1.5 x 0.018 = 0.027 .mm2/m**. Im = magnetic trip current setting for the CB Lmax = maximum circuit length in metres. 5.926 Sph Lmax = Im
* or for aluminium according to conductor material ** the high value for resistivity is due to the elevated temperature of the conductor when passing short-circuit current.
L load
P 0.8 U
f Using the "conventional method", the voltage at the point of protection P is assumed to be 80% of the nominal voltage during a shortcircuit fault, so that 0.8 U = Isc Zd, where: Zd = impedance of the fault loop Isc = short-circuit current (ph/ph) U = phase-to-phase nominal voltage. For cables i 120 mm2, reactance may be neglected, so that 2L Zd = Sph
5. particular cases of short-circuit current (continued)
H1
5.1 calculation of minimum levels of short-circuit current (continued)
2. calculation of Lmax for a 3-phase 4-wire 230/400 V circuit The minimum Isc will occur when the shortcircuit is between a phase conductor and the neutral. A calculation similar to that of example 1 above is required, but using the following formulae (for cable i 120 mm2 (1)). c where Sn for the neutral conductor = Sph for the phase conductor Sph Lmax = 3,421 Im c If Sn for the neutral conductor < Sph, then 6,842 Sph Sph Lmax = where m = (1+m) Im Sn (1) for larger c.s.a.'s, the resistance calculated for the conductors must be increased to account for the non-uniform current density in the conductor (due to "skin" and "proximity" effects, previously noted in Chapter G Sub-clause 5.2). Suitable values (taken from French standard NF 15-100) are as follows: 150 mm2 : R + 15% 185 mm2 : R + 20% 240 mm2 : R + 25% 300 mm2 : R + 30% where R is the value calculated from 2L R= Sph For larger c.s.a.'s than those listed, reactance values must be combined with those of resistance to give an impedance. Reactance may be taken as 0.08m/metre for cables (at 50 Hz). At 60Hz the constant is 0.096 m/metre.
tabulated values for Lmax

Table H1-49 below gives maximum circuit lengths (Lmax) in metres, for: c 3-phase 3-wire 400 V circuits (i.e. without neutral) and c 1-phase 2-wire 400 V circuits, without neutral, protected by general-purpose circuit breakers. In other cases, apply correction factors (given in table H1-53) to the lengths obtained. The calculations are based on the foregoing methods, with Im = 1.2 Irm Irm = regulated short-circuit current trip setting. Irm is guaranteed to be within 20% of the regulated value; hence the worst-case factor of 1.2 (i.e. 120%). Refer to Chapter H2 Sub-clause 4.2 for details of regulation of circuit-breaker protective elements.
operating current c.s.a. (nominal cross-sectional-area) of conductors (in mm2) level Im of the instantaneous magnetic tripping element (in A) 1.5 2.5 4 6 10 16 25 35 50 70 95 120 150 185 50 148 246 394 63 117 195 313 470 80 92 154 246 370 100 74 123 197 296 493 125 59 99 158 237 395 160 46 77 123 185 308 494 200 37 62 99 148 247 395 250 30 49 79 118 197 316 494 320 23 38 62 92 154 247 386 400 18 31 49 74 123 197 308 432 500 15 25 39 59 99 158 247 345 494 560 13 22 35 53 88 141 220 308 441 630 12 19 31 47 78 125 196 274 392 700 11 18 28 42 70 113 176 247 353 494 800 9 15 25 37 61 98 154 215 308 432 875 8 14 22 34 56 90 141 197 282 395 1000 7 12 20 30 49 79 123 173 247 345 469 1120 6 11 17 26 44 70 110 154 220 308 419 1250 6 10 16 24 39 63 99 138 197 276 375 474 1600 7 12 18 31 49 77 108 154 216 293 370 532 2000 6 10 15 24 39 62 86 123 173 234 296 425 570 2500 8 12 20 31 49 69 99 138 188 237 340 438 3200 6 9 15 25 38 54 77 108 146 185 265 340 4000 7 12 20 31 43 62 86 117 148 212 273 5000 6 10 16 25 34 49 69 94 118 170 218 6300 8 12 20 27 39 55 74 94 134 175 8000 6 10 15 21 31 43 59 74 105 136 10000 8 12 17 25 35 47 59 85 109 12500 6 10 14 20 28 37 47 67 87 table H1-49: maximum circuit lengths in metres for copper conductors (for aluminium, the lengths must be multiplied by 0.62).
240
592 462 370 296 235 185 147 118
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Tables H1-50 to H1-52 below give maximum circuit length (Lmax) in metres for: c 3-phase 3-wire 400 V circuits (i.e. without neutral) and c 1-phase 2-wire 400 V circuits, without neutral, protected in both cases by domestic-type circuit breakers or with circuit breakers having similar tripping/current characteristics. In other cases, apply correction factors to the lengths indicated. These factors are given in table H1-53. The calculations are carried out according to the method described above, again, with Im = 1.2 Irm as previously noted. These circuit breakers have fixed overload (thermal) tripping elements and fixed shortcircuit (magnetic) tripping elements. Categories B, C and D differ only in the levels of short-circuit-current trip setting Im. IEC 898 is the relevant international standard for these circuit breakers. See also table H2-28 for tripping ranges.
rated current cross-sectional-area (c.s.a.) of conductors (in mm2) of circuit breakers (in A) 1.5 2.5 4 6 10 16 25 35 50 6 296 494 790 10 178 296 474 711 13 137 228 385 547 912 16 111 185 296 444 741 20 89 148 237 356 593 948 25 71 119 190 284 474 759 32 56 93 148 222 370 593 926 40 44 74 119 178 296 474 741 50 36 59 95 142 237 379 593 830 63 28 47 75 113 188 301 470 658 854 80 22 37 59 89 148 237 370 519 704 100 18 30 47 71 119 190 296 415 563 125 14 24 38 57 95 152 237 331 450 table H1-50: maximum length of copper-conductored circuits in metres protected by B-type circuit breakers. rated current cross-sectional-area (c.s.a.) of conductors (in mm2) of circuit breakers (in A) 1.5 2.5 4 6 10 16 25 35 50 6 148 247 395 593 988 10 89 148 237 356 593 948 13 68 114 182 274 456 729 16 56 93 148 222 370 593 926 20 44 74 119 178 296 474 741 25 36 59 95 142 237 379 593 830 32 28 46 74 111 185 296 463 648 880 40 22 37 59 89 148 237 370 519 704 50 18 30 47 71 119 190 296 415 563 63 14 24 38 56 94 150 235 329 446 80 11 19 30 44 74 119 185 259 351 100 9 15 24 36 59 95 148 207 281 125 7 12 19 28 47 76 119 166 225 table H1-51: maximum length of copper-conductored circuits in metres protected by C-type circuit breakers. rated current cross-sectional-area (c.s.a.) of conductors (in mm2) of circuit breakers (in A) 1.5 2.5 4 6 10 16 25 35 50 6 105 176 283 423 706 1129 10 63 105 170 254 423 639 1058 13 48 81 130 195 325 521 814 1140 16 40 65 105 158 264 422 661 925 1255 20 32 52 84 126 211 337 528 740 1004 25 25 41 67 101 169 270 423 592 803 32 20 32 52 79 132 211 330 462 627 40 16 26 42 63 105 168 264 370 502 50 12 20 33 50 84 135 211 296 401 63 10 16 26 40 67 107 167 234 318 80 8 13 21 31 52 84 132 185 251 100 6 10 16 25 42 67 105 148 200 125 5 8 13 20 33 54 84 118 160 table H1-52: maximum length of copper-conductored circuits in metres protected by D-type circuit breakers (Merlin Gerin). Note: IEC 898 provides for an upper shortcircuit-current tripping range of 10-50 In for type D circuit breakers. European standards, and the above table H1-52 however, are based on a range of 10-20 In, a range which covers the vast majority of domestic and similar installations.
5. particular cases of short-circuit current (continued)
H1
5.1 calculation of minimum levels of short-circuit current (continued)
circuit details 3-phase 3-wire 400 V circuit 3-phase 4-wire 230/400 V circuit or 1 ph 2-wire 400V circuit (no neutral) or 2 ph 3-wire 230/400 V circuit (i.e. with neutral) Sph =1 S neutral 1 0.58 0.39 (1) Sph =2 S neutral
1-phase 2-wire 0.58 (phase and neutral) 230 V circuit table H1-53: correction factors to apply to lengths obtained from tables H1-49 to H1-52.
(1) 0.77 for the c.s.a. of the neutral conductor.
examples
Example 1 In a 3-phase 3-wire installation the protection is provided by a 250 A industrial-type circuit breaker, the instantaneous short-circuitcurrent trip setting of which, is set at 2,000 A (accuracy of 20%), i.e. in the worst case would require 2,000 x 1,2 = 2,400 A to trip. The cable c.s.a. = 120 mm2 and the conductor material is copper. In table H1-49, the row Im = 2,000 A crosses the column c.s.a. = 120 mm2 at the value for Lmax of 296 m. The circuit breaker protects the cable against short-circuit faults, therefore, provided that its length does not exceed 296 metres. Example 2 In a single-phase 230 V (phase to neutral) system, the protection is provided by a circuit breaker with an instantaneous short-circuitcurrent trip setting of 500 A ( 20%), i.e. a worst case of 600 A to be certain of tripping. The cable c.s.a. = 10 mm2 and the conductor material is copper. In table H1-49 the row Im = 500 A crosses the column c.s.a. = 10 mm2 at the value for Lmax of 99 m. Being a 230 V single-phase circuit, a correction factor from table H1-53 must be applied. This factor is seen to be 0.58. The circuit breaker will therefore protect the cable against short-circuit current, provided that its length does not exceed 99 x 0.58 = 57 metres.
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5.2 verification of the withstand capabilities of cables under short-circuit conditions
in general verification of the thermal-withstand capability of a cable is not necessary, except in cases where cables of small c.s.a. are installed close to, or feeding directly from, the main general distribution board.
thermal constraints
When the duration of short-circuit current is brief (several tenths of a second up to five seconds maximum) all of the heat produced is assumed to remain in the conductor, causing its temperature to rise. The heating process is said to be adiabatic, an assumption that simplifies the calculation and gives a pessimistic result, i.e. a higher conductor temperature than that which would actually occur, since in practice, some heat would leave the conductor and pass into the insulation. For a period of 5 seconds or less, the relationship I2t = k2 S2 characterizes the time in seconds during which a conductor of c.s.a. S (in mm2) can be allowed to carry a current I amps, before its temperature reaches a level which would damage the surrounding insulation. insulation conductor conductor copper (Cu) aluminium (Al) PVC 13225 5776 PR 20449 8836 table H1-54: value of the constant k2. S (mm2)
The factor k2 is given in table H1-54 below, and is abstracted from the French standards NF C 15-100. The method of verification consists in checking that the thermal energy I2t per ohm of conductor material, allowed to pass by the protecting circuit-breaker (from manufacturers catalogues) is less than that permitted for the particular conductor (as given in table H1-55 below).
PVC XLPE copper aluminium copper k 115 76 143 k2 13225 5776 20449 1.5 0.0297 0.0130 0.0460 2.5 0.0826 0.0361 0.1278 4 0.2116 0.0924 0.3272 6 0.4761 0.2079 0.7362 10 1.3225 0.5776 2.0450 16 3.3856 1.4786 5.2350 25 8.2656 3.6100 12.7806 35 16.2006 7.0756 25.0500 50 29.839 13.032 46.133 table H1-55: maximum allowable thermal stress for cables (expressed in amperes2 x seconds x 106). Example: Is a copper-cored XLPE cable of 4 mm2 c.s.a. adequately protected by a C60N circuit breaker (Merlin Gerin)? The above table shows that the I2t value for the cable is 0.3272 x 106, while the maximum "let-through" value by the circuit breaker, as given in the manufacturer's catalogue, is considerably less, and amounts to 0.094 x 106 ampere2-seconds. The cable is therefore adequately protected by the circuit breaker up to its full rated breaking capability.
aluminium 94 8836 0.0199 0.0552 0.1414 0.3181 0.8836 2.2620 5.5225 10.8241 19.936
electrodynamic constraints
For bus-trunking and other kinds of prefabricated pre-conductored channels, rails, etc. it is necessary to verify that the electrodynamic withstand performance when carrying short-circuit currents is satisfactory. The peak value of current, limited by the circuit breaker or fuse, must be less than that for which the pre-conductored system is rated. Tables of coordination ensuring adequate protection of their products are generally published by the manufacturers of such systems.
6. protective earthing conductors (PE)
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6.1 connection and choice
connection, choice and dimensioning of PE conductors (extracted from IEC standards and the French standard NF C 15-100)
Protective (PE) conductors provide the bonding connection between all exposed and extraneous conductive parts of an installation, to create the main equipotential bonding system. These conductors conduct fault current due to insulation failure (between a phase conductor and an exposed conductive part) to the earthed neutral of the source. P.E. conductors are connected to the main earthing terminal of the installation. The main earthing terminal is connected to the earthing electrode (see Chapter F) by the earthing conductor (grounding electrode conductor in USA). PE conductors must be: c insulated and coloured yellow and green (stripes); c be protected against mechanical and chemical damage. In IT and TN-earthed schemes it is strongly recommended that PE conductors should be installed in close proximity (i.e. in the same conduits, on the same cable tray, etc.) as the live cables of the related circuit. This arrangement ensures the minimum possible inductive reactance in the earth-fault currentcarrying circuits.
connection
PE conductors must: c not include any means of breaking the continuity of the circuit (such as a switch, removable links, etc.); c connect exposed conductive parts individually to the main PE conductor, i.e. in parallel, not in series, as shown in figure H1-56; c have an individual terminal on common earthing bars in distribution boards. TT scheme The PE conductor need not necessarily be installed in close proximity to the live conductors of the corresponding circuit, since high values of earth-fault current are not needed to operate the RCD-type of protection used in TT installations. IT and TN schemes The PE or PEN conductor, as previously noted, must be installed as close by as possible to the corresponding live conductors of the circuit and no ferro-magnetic material must be interposed between them. A PEN conductor must always be connected directly to the earth terminal of an appliance, with a looped connection from the earth terminal to the neutral terminal of the appliance (figure H1-57). c TN-C scheme (the neutral and PE conductor are one and the same, referred to as a PEN conductor). The protective function of a PEN conductor has priority, so that all rules governing PE conductors apply strictly to PEN conductors; c TN-C to TN-S transition The PE conductor for the installlation is connected to the PEN terminal or bar (figure H1-58) generally at the origin of the installation. Downstream of the point of separation, no PE conductor can be connected to the neutral conductor.
PE
correct PE
incorrect
fig. H1-56: a poor connection in a series arrangement will leave all downstream appliances unprotected.
PEN
fig. H1-57: direct connection of the PEN conductor to the earth terminal of an appliance.
PEN PE
fig. H1-58: the TN-C-S scheme.
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types of materials
Materials of the kinds mentioned below in table H1-59 can be used for PE conductors, provided that the conditions mentioned in the last column are satisfied. type of protective earthing conductor (PE) supplementary in the same conductor cable as the phases, or in the same cable run independent of the phase conductors metallic housing of bus-trunking or of other prefabricated prewired ducting (5) external sheath of extruded, mineral- insulated conductors (e.g. "pyrotenax" type systems) certain extraneous conductive elements (6) such as: c steel building structures c machine frames c water pipes (7) metallic cable ways, such as, conduits*, ducts, trunking, trays, ladders, and so on IT scheme strongly recommended TN scheme strongly recommended TT scheme correct conditions to be respected the PE conductor must be insulated to the same level as the phases c the PE conductor may be bare or insulated (2) c the electrical continuity must be assured by protection against deterioration by mechanical, chemical and electrochemical hazards c their conductance must be adequate
possible (1)
possible (1) (2)
correct
possible (3) possible (3)
possible (4)
PE possible (3) PEN (8) PE possible (3) PEN not recommended (2) (3) PE possible (4) PEN forbidden
correct possible
possible
PE possible (4) possible PEN not recommended (2) (4) forbidden for use as PE conductors, are: metal conduits*, gas pipes, hot-water pipes, cable-armouring tapes* or wires*.
* forbidden in some countries only-universally allowed to be used for supplementary equipotential conductors.
possible (4)
table H1-59: choice of protective conductors (PE). (1) In schemes TN and IT, fault clearance is generally effected by overcurrent devices (fuses or circuit breakers) so that the impedance of the fault-current loop must be sufficiently low to assure positive protective device operation. The surest means of achieving a low loop impedance is to use a supplementary core in the same cable as the circuit conductors (or taking the same route as the circuit conductors). This stratagem minimizes the inductive reactance and therefore the impedance of the loop. (2) The PEN conductor is a neutral conductor that is also used as a protective earth conductor. This means that a current may be flowing through it at any time (in the absence of an earth fault). For this reason an insulated conductor is recommended for PEN operation. (3) The manufacturer provides the necessary values of R and X components of the impedances (phase/PE, phase/PEN) to include in the calculation of the earth-fault loop impedance. (4) Possible, but not recomended, since the impedance of the earth-fault loop cannot be known at the design stage. Measurements on the completed installation are the only practical means of assuring adequate protection for persons. (5) It must allow the connection of other PE conductors. NB: these elements must carry an indivual green/yellow striped visual indication, 15 to 100 mm long (or the letters PE at less than 15 cm from each extremity). (6) These elements must be demountable only if other means have been provided to ensure uninterrupted continuity of protection. (7) With the agreement of the appropriate water authorities. (8) In the prefabricated pre-wired trunking and similar elements, the metallic housing may be used as a PEN conductor, in parallel with the corresponding bar, or other PE conductor in the housing.
6.2 conductor dimensioning

Table H1-60 below is based on the French national standard NF C 15-100 for LV installations. This table provides two methods of determining the appropriate c.s.a. for both PE or PEN conductors, and also for the conductor to the earth electrode. The two methods are: c adiabatic (which corresponds with that described in IEC 724) This method, while being economical and assuring protection of the conductor against overheating, leads to small c.s.a.'s compared to those of the corresponding-circuit phase conductors. The result is sometimes incompatible with the necessity in IT and TN schemes to minimize the impedance of the circuit earth-fault loop, to ensure positive operation by instantaneous overcurrent tripping devices. This method is used in practice, therefore, for TT installations, and for dimensioning an earthing conductor*. c simplified This method is based on PE conductor sizes being related to those of the correspondingcircuit phase conductors, assuming that the same conductor material is used in each case. Thus, in table H1-60 for: Sph i 16 mm2 SPE = Sph 16 < Sph i 35 mm2 SPE = 16 mm2 Sph > 35 mm2 SPE = Sph/2 c note: when, in a TT scheme, the installation earth electrode is beyond the zone of influence of the source earthing electrode, the c.s.a. of the PE conductor can be limited to 25 mm2 (for copper) or 35 mm2 (for aluminium).
* grounding electrode conductor.
6. protective earthing conductors (PE) (continued)
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6.2 conductor dimensioning (continued)
The neutral cannot be used as a PEN conductor unless its c.s.a. is equal to or larger than 10 mm2 (copper) or 16 mm2 (aluminium). Moreover, a PEN conductor is not allowed in a flexible cable. Since a PEN conductor functions also as a neutral conductor, its c.s.a. cannot, in any case, be less than that necessary for the neutral, as discuss in Subclause 7.1 of this Chapter. This c.s.a. cannot be less than that of the phase conductors unless: c.s.a. of phase conductors Sph (mm2) Cu simplified i 16 method 25,35 > 35 adiabatic any size method c.s.a. of PE conductor Alu i 16 25 35 > 35 SPE = Sph (1) SPE = 16 SPE = Sph/2 SPE = I t (1) (2) k c.s.a. of PEN conductor c the kVA rating of single-phase loads is less than 10% of the total kVA load, and c Imax likely to pass through the neutral in normal circumstances, is less than the current permitted for the cable size selected. Furthermore, protection of the neutral conductor must be assured by the protective devices provided for phase-conductor protection (described in Sub-clause 7.2 of this Chapter).
c.s.a. of earthing conductor between the installation earth electrode and the main earth terminal SPEN = Sph with minimum c when protected against mechanical 10/mm2 Cu, 16/mm2 Alu damage: S = I t (2) SPEN = Sph/2 Sph (3) with k 2 2 minimum 16/mm Cu, 25/mm Alu c without mechanical protection, but protected against corrosion by impermeable cable sheath. Minimum 16 mm2 for copper or galvanized steel. c without either of the above protections; minimum of 25 mm2 for bare copper and 50 mm2 for bare galvanized steel.
table H1-60: minimum c.s.a.'s for PE conductors and earthing conductors (to the installation earth electrode). (1) When the PE conductor is separated from the circuit phase conductors, the following minimum values must be respected: c 2.5 mm2 if the PE is mechanically protected c 4 mm2 if the PE is not mechanically protected. (2) Refer to table H1-55 for the application of this formula. (3) According to the conditions prescribed in the introduction to this table.
values of factor k to be used in the formulae (2)

These values are identical in several national standards, and the temperature rise ranges, together with factor k values and the upper temperature limits for the different classes of insulation, correspond with those published in IEC 724 (1984). k values The data presented in table H1-61 are those most commonly needed for LV installation design.
nature of insulation polyvinylchloride (PVC)
final temperature (C) insulated conductors not incoporated in cables or bare conductors in contact with cable jackets copper aluminium steel conductors of a multi-core-cable copper aluminium
160 initial temperature initial = 30 C
cross-linked-polyethylene (XLPE) ethylene-propylene-rubber (EPR) 250 initial temperature initial = 30 C
143 95 52 initial temperature initial = 30 C 115 76
176 116 64 initial temperature initial = 30 C 143 94
table H1-61: k factor values for LV PE conductors, commonly used in national standards and complying with IEC 724.
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6.3 protective conductor between the HV/LV transformer and the main general distribution board (MGDB)
these conductors must be dimensioned according to national practices.
All phase and neutral conductors upstream of the main incoming circuit breaker controlling and protecting the MGDB are protected by devices at the HV side of the transformer. The conductors in question, together with the PE conductor, must be dimensioned accordingly. Dimensioning of the phase and neutral conductors from the transformer is exemplified in Sub-clause 1.6 of this chapter (for circuit C1 of the system illustrated in fig. H1-8). Recommended conductor sizes for bare and insulated PE conductors from the transformer neutral point, shown in figure H1-62, are indicated below in table H1-63. The kVA rating to consider is the sum of all (if more than one) transformers connected to the MGDB. The table indicates the c.s.a. of the conductors in mm2 according to: c the nominal rating of the HV/LV transformer(s) in kVA; c the fault-current clearance time by the HV protective devices, in seconds, P (kVA) LV voltages 127/ 230/ 220 V 400 V i 63 i 100 100 160 125 200 160 250 200 315 250 400 315 500 400 630 500 800 630 1000 800 1250 conductor material copper t(s) aluminium t(s) c.s.a. of PE conductors SPE (mm2)
PE
MGDB
main earth bar for the LV installation
fig. H1-62: PE conductor to the main earth bar in the MGDB. c the kinds of insulation and conductor materials. If the HV protection is by fuses, then use the 0.2 seconds columns. In IT schemes, if an overvoltage protection device is installed (between the transformer neutral point and earth) the conductors for connection of the device should also be dimensioned in the same way as that described above for PE conductors.
conductors bare 0.2 s 0.5 s 0.2 s 0.5 s 25 25 25 25 35 50 50 70 70 95 95 25 25 35 35 50 70 70 95 120 120 150 25 35 50 70 70 95 120 150 150 185 185
conductors conductors PVC-insulated XLPE-insulated 0.2 s 0.5 s 0.2 s 0.5 s 0.2 s 0.5 s 0.2 s 0.5 s 25 25 25 35 35 50 70 70 95 95 120 25 25 35 50 50 70 95 95 120 120 150 25 50 50 70 95 95 120 150 185 185 240 25 25 25 25 35 35 50 70 70 70 95 25 25 25 35 50 50 70 95 95 120 120 25 35 50 50 70 95 95 120 150 150 185
table H1-63: c.s.a. of PE conductor between the HV/LV transformer and the MGDB, in terms of transformer ratings and fault-clearance times used in France.
6.4 equipotential conductor

The main equipotential conductor This conductor must, in general, have a c.s.a. at least equal to a half of that of the largest PE conductor, but in no case need exceed 25 mm2 (copper) or 35 mm2 (aluminium) while its minimum c.s.a. is 6 mm2 (copper) or 10 mm2 (aluminium). Supplementary equipotential conductor This conductor allows an exposed conductive part which is remote from the nearest main equipotential conductor (PE conductor) to be connected to a local protective conductor. Its c.s.a. must be at least a half of that of the protective conductor to which it is connected. If it connects two exposed conductive parts (M1 and M2 in figure H1-64) its c.s.a. must be at least equal to that of the smaller of the two PE conductors (for M1 and M2). Equipotential conductors which are not incorporated in a cable, should be protected mechanically by conduits, ducting, etc. wherever possible. Other important uses for supplementary equipotential conductors concern the reduction of the earth-fault-loop impedance, particulary for indirect-contact protection schemes in TN- or IT-earthed installations, and in special locations with increased electrical risk (IEC 364-4-41 refers).
between two exposed conductive parts, if SPE1 i SPE2 if SLS = SPE1 SPE1 SLS SPE2
M1
M2
between an exposed conductive part and a metallic structure S SLS = PE 2 SPE1 SLS metal structures (conduits, girders, ) M1 (*) with a minimum of 2.5 mm2 for mechanically protected conductors ; 4 mm2 for conductors not mechanically protected copper equivalent
fig. H1-64: supplementary equipotential conductors.
7. the neutral conductor
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The c.s.a. and the protection of the neutral conductor, apart from its current-carrying requirement, depend on several factors, namely: c the type of earthing system, TT, TN, etc.; c method of protection against indirectcontact hazards according to the methods described below.
7.1 dimensioning the neutral conductor

influence of the type of earthing system
TT, TN-S and IT schemes c single-phase circuits or those of c.s.a. i 16 mm2 (copper) 25 mm2 (aluminium): the c.s.a. of the neutral conductor must be equal to that of the phases; c three-phase circuits of c.s.a. > 16 mm2 copper or 25 mm2 aluminium: the c.s.a. of the neutral may be chosen to be: v equal to that of the phase conductors, or v smaller, on condition that: - the current likely to flow through the neutral in normal conditions is less than the permitted value Iz. The influence of triplen* harmonics must be given particular consideration, as previously noted in Chapter F Sub-clause 2.2, or: - the single-phase power of the circuit is less than 10% of the balanced 3-phase power of the circuit, or: - the neutral conductor is protected against short-circuit, in accordance with the following Sub-clause H1-7.2.
* the 3rd and multiples of the 3rd harmonic.
TN-C scheme The same conditions apply in theory as those mentioned above, but in practice, the neutral conductor must not be open-circuited under any circumstances since it constitutes a PE as well as a neutral conductor (see table H160 "c.s.a. of PEN conductor" column). IT scheme In general, it is not recommended to distribute the neutral conductor, i.e. a 3-phase 3-wire scheme is preferred. When a 3-phase 4-wire installation is necesssary, however, the conditions described above for TT and TN-S schemes are applicable.
7.2 protection of the neutral conductor

Table H1-65 summarizes the several possible cases. The table has been based on French national standards (NF C 15-100). The following points however, should be considered when referring to the table. Circuit isolation It is considered to be good practice that every circuit be provided with the means for its isolation. Circuit breaking Table H1-65 is based on circuit breakers, which in the event of a fault, will open all poles, including the neutral pole, i.e. the circuit breakers are omnipolar. This table can also be used for fuses able to emulate this omnipolar opening. The action can only be achieved with fuses in an indirect way, in which the operation of one or more fuses provokes a mechanical trip-out of all poles of an associated series-connected load-break switch. The action is commonly caused by a strikerpin which is projected by means of an explosive cartridge (triggered by the blowing fuse) against the switch tripping mechanism. Reclosing of the switch however, must be possible only when the used cartridge has been replaced by a new one. Protection against electric shocks Table H1-65 takes into account the fact that protection against indirect-contact dangers depend either on 300 mA RCDs (TT system) or on circuit breakers (TN and IT systems).
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reminder: protection against indirect contact earthing systems TT by RCD TN-C provided by circuit breakers or fuses with Ia (fuses) or Im (CB) < Isc (min) TN-S according to the method of protection chosen IT provided by circuit breakers or fuses and one RCD at least for each group of appliances connected to an earth electrode (see figure G20)
protected circuit 1-phase P-N phase/neutral

(C)
1-phase phase/phase
2P
(A)
(A)
3-phase 3-wire
3P
3-phase 4-wire
3P-N Sn = Sph*
(C)
* Sn = c.s.a. of neutral conductor Sph = c.s.a. of phase
3P-N Sn < Sph
(B)
(B)
(C)
table H1-65: table of protection schemes for neutral conductors in different earthing systems.
thermal magnetic
Symbol for overcurrent and short-circuit tripping devices. (A) authorized for TT and TN schemes if a RCD is installed at the origin of the circuit or upstream of it, and if no artificial neutral is distributed downstream of its location. (B) authorized for TT and TN schemes if the neutral conductor is protected against shortcircuits by protective arrangements made for the phases, and if the normal service current is substantially less than the maximum permissible for the neutral conductor concerned. (C) authorized for IT schemes in certain conditions, viz: if the circuit breaker controlling a number of homogeneous (i.e. similar) final circuits, of which the ratio of the extreme circuit ratings does not exceed 2, and which are protected against a second fault occurring elsewhere in the installation by a RCD of sensitivity i 15% of that of the calibration of the final circuit having the smallest c.s.a. Refer to example 2 for CB 5.
7. the neutral conductor
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7.2 protection of the neutral conductor (continued)
examples
Example 1: (figure H1-66) 3-phase 4-wire circuit with 3 x 95 mm2 copper phase conductors and 1 x 50 mm2 copper neutral conductor. The installation is TT-earthed with RCD protection upstream. Single-phase power of load: 70 kVA (connected phase-neutral). Three-phase power of load: 140 kVA. The condition of single-phase power being < 10% of the 3-phase power delivered (Sub-clause 7.1 TT and TN-S schemes) is not satisfied in this case, since 70/140 = 50%. A reduced neutral c.s.a. may however, be used, provided that it is correctly protected. A suitable circuit breaker for this purpose would be a 4-pole unit rated at 250 A with 3 trip units (1 for each phase) set at 250 A and 1 trip unit (for the neutral) set at 125 A. The operation of any one (or more) of these tripping units will trip all four poles of the circuit breaker. Example 2: (fig. H1-67) An installation is IT-earthed with a distributed neutral (i.e. a 3-phase 4-wire system in which the neutral is not earthed). This arrangement is not recommended, particularly for small or medium-sized installations, but it does provide two levels of voltage, e.g. 230 V and 400 V. The interposition of a LV/LV transformer in a 3-phase 3-wire IT scheme (as shown in figure H1-8) is a preferred method of obtaining the two levels of voltage, and in such a case, the neutral conductor may be earthed. Circuit breaker 1, 2 and 3 As in example 1, the circuits protected by these CBs have a neutral conductor of 50% of the c.s.a. of the phase conductors. The circuit breakers will therefore be 4-pole units, with tripping devices similar to those mentioned in example 1.
400 kVA HV LV
N 4-pole CB 3 - 250 A trip units 1 - 125 A
50 mm2 3 x 95 mm2 3-phase power 140 kVA 1-phase power 70 kVA
3-phase loads
1-phase loads
Circuit breaker 5 This arrangement corresponds with that described in (C) of table H1-65 concerning a circuit breaker connected directly to, and controlling the busbars from which a number of similar final circuits, (protected by 2-pole, 1-phase and neutral CBs) are supplied. Overcurrent tripping is provided on all outgoing CBs, but the 4-pole incoming CB (no 5) has only the (300 mA) RCD protection (mentioned in (C) of table H1-65) the magnetic core of which embraces all 4 conductors. It may be noted that circuit breaker 12 supplies a long lighting circuit, the neutral and phase conductors of which have the same c.s.a. A 4-pole circuit breaker having 3 tripping devices is therefore suitable (1 device per phase).
2 single-core cables 120 mm2 per phase - 1 x 120 mm2 (neutral)
PE
PIM
compact NS250N 4-pole 3d 250 A 1d 125 A PE PE
compact NS400N 4-pole 3d 250 A 1d 125 A
3 x 120 mm2 +1 x 70 mm2
3 x 185 mm2 +1 x 95 mm2
NS100N 3-pole 3d 100 A 4 3 x 35 mm2 6 PE 5
NS100N 4-pole 32 A 300 mA PE 7
C60N 4-pole 4d 32 A diff. HS 300 mA
NS160N 4-pole 4d 125 A 8 9
C60N 4-pole 4d 32 A 10
NS160N 3-pole 3d 125 A
NS80HMA
12 11 contactor LC1 D63 thermal overload relay 3 x 16 mm2
NS160N 4-pole + MT100/160 3d 160 A diff. BS 10 A
4 x 6 mm2 N PE PE
4 x 50 mm2
4 x 6 mm2
3 x 50 mm2
4 x 70 mm2
DPN 2 x 2.5 mm2 2 x 1.5 mm2
DPN 2 x 1.5 mm2
DPN 4 x 2.5 mm2
DPN
DPN 3d = 3 tripping units 4d = 4 tripping units diff. HS = high-sensitivity differential tripping diff. BS = low-sensitivity differential tripping

30 kW 58 A
outdoor lighting
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Example 3: (figure H1-68) TN-C/TN-S installation Three-pole circuit breakers only must be used for nos. 1, 2, 3 and 7, since no switchgear of any kind must be included in the combined protective and neutral conductor (PEN) associated with them. The total single-phase power of the load is less than 10% of the 3-phase power, so that the c.s.a. of the PEN conductor from the source (i.e. circuit 1) may be half that of the phase conductors of the circuit. The protection against indirect contact for this circuit (1) is provided by CB1 if the maximum length of the circuit is less than Lmax (see Chapter G Sub-clause 5.2). For a 630 A CB, regulated to trip instantaneously at a current level of 4 In L max = 0.8 x 230 x 240 x 103 22.5 (1.25 + 2) x Ia The 1.25 factor in the denominator is a 25% increase in resistance for a 240 mm2 c.s.a. conductor*, while Ia = 630 x 4 x 1.15 where the factor 1.15 allows for the guaranteed 15% tolerance of the instantaneous magnetic tripping element of the circuit breaker (i.e. the worst case, requiring the shortest Lmax). Lmax = 208 metres.
* Chapter G Sub-clause 5.2
Section of the installation which is TN-S connected (PE conductor and neutral conductor separated at a point upstream) Circuit breaker 4 c.s.a. neutral = c.s.a. phase, so that a tripping device for the neutral current is not necessary. A 4-pole circuit breaker with one tripping device per phase is therefore appropriate. Circuit breaker 5 c.s.a. neutral = 50% c.s.a. phase, so that a tripping device for the neutral is required. A 4-pole circuit breaker with 3 tripping devices (set at 160 A) for the phases, and 1 tripping device for the neutral (set at 80 A) is required, as noted in (B) of table H1-65. Circuit breaker 6 The protection of a circuit supplying socket outlets, as mentioned frequently in earlier Chapters, must include a RCD of high sensitivity (generally of 30 mA). Associated circuit breaker and contactor 8 This combination provides short-circuit protection (circuit breaker) and overload protection (thermal relays on contactor to suit motor characteristics). The circuit breaker has no thermal tripping devices, while the contactor has three (one for each phase). Circuit breaker 9 Controls and protects an extensive lighting circuit, and since the phase and neutral conductors have the same c.s.a. a 4-pole circuit breaker is suitable, having 3 tripping devices (1 for each phase).
minimum pre-arcing time curve fuse-blown curve
4In
x In

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1.

choice of C.B. or fuses

verification of thermal withstand requirements IT or TN scheme

the protection of circuits - the switchgear - H1-1

combined factors of simultaneity (or diversity) and utilization ks x ku = 0.69

IB = 290 x 0.69 = 200 A

IB = 50 A normal load motor current 50 A

fig. H1-2: calculation of maximum load current IB.

H1-2 - the protection of circuits - the switchgear

t maximum load current I2t cable characteristic

circuit-breaker tripping curve

fig. H1-3: circuit protection by circuit breaker.

fig. H1-4: circuit protection by fuses.

Iz1 < Iz2

the protection of circuits - the switchgear - H1-3

representative of the practices in many countries.

n its om re in gu al la cu te rr d en cu t rre In nt or Ir co nv en tri tio p na cu l o rre ve nt rc I2 urr en

IB i In i Iz I2 i 1,45 Iz ISCB u ISC

zone a zone b zone c

ISC ISCB zone c

g t ui atin irc r -c king t or a sh bre h nt p 3- urre -c ult

H1-4 - the protection of circuits - the switchgear

possible alternative locations in certain circumstances

short-circuit sc protective device B s overload protective device3

B P2 B P3 case (1) case (2)

circuits with no protection

1.5 cables in parallel

the protection of circuits - the switchgear - H1-5

Q1 M16 N1 STR 38 1600 A

G1 500 kVA 721 A Q2 C801N STR35SE 800 A C2 15m .7% Q3 Q4 Q5 Q6

3x (1 x 240) T1 315 kVA 400 V Q7 NS630N STR35SE 630 A B2 Q8 Q9 Q10 I1 I2

Q11 NS250N TMD 250 A

Q12 NS160N TMD 160 A

Q13 NS100N TMD 80 A

fig. H1-8: one-line diagram of the installation.

H1-6 - the protection of circuits - the switchgear

input data 1374 PRC Cu 30 UNI 13 1 1

1374 2.13 8.55 2.18 8.9 26.44 .23 output

input data 400 25.7 1374 40 3

the protection of circuits - the switchgear - H1-7

table H1-9: calculations carried out with ECODIAL software (M.G).

the same calculations using the methods recommended in this guide

H1-8 - the protection of circuits - the switchgear

26.5 24.6 21.2

the protection of circuits - the switchgear - H1-9

fuse IZ = 1.31 In if In 10 A* IZ = 1.21 In if In 10 A* and In 25 A* IZ = 1.10 In if In 25 A* I Z1

verification of other conditions that may be required-see figure H1.1

2.2 determination of conductor size for unburied circuits

determination of the code-letter reference

determination of the factor K

factor K1 is a measure of the influence of the method of installation.

installation details - cables installed directly in thermal-insulation materials

- conduits installed in thermalinsulation materials

the protection of circuits - the switchgear - H1-11

insulation elastomer (rubber)

fig. H1-16: example in the determination of factors K1, K2 and K3.

H1-12 - the protection of circuits - the switchgear

the protection of circuits - the switchgear - H1-13

fig. H1-18: example for the determination of minimum cable sizes.

2.3 determination of conductor size for buried circuits

factor K4 measures the influence of the method of installation.

H1-14 - the protection of circuits - the switchgear

factor K7 is a measure of the influence of the soil temperature.