Voltage Regulating

Apparatus
Determination of Regulator Compensator Settings
CONTENTS
GENERAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
ADVANTAGES OF FEEDER REGULATORS . . . 1
FUNCTIONS OF THE
AUTOMATIC CONTROLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
APPROACH FOR DETERMINATION
OF SETTINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
MAKING THE VOLTAGE-DROP
CALCULATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1. Basic Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2. Express TrunkA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3. Local FeederB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
4. TransformerC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
5. Secondaries and ServicesD and E . . . . . . 4
6. Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
EFFECT OF SHUNT-CAPACITOR LOADS . . . . 5
1. Distributed Capacitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2. Lumped Capacitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
CONVERSION TO COMPENSATOR
SETTINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1. Single-phase Circuit Regulators . . . . . . . . . 6
2. Three-phase Wye Circuit Regulators . . . . . 6
3. Three-phase Delta Circuit Regulators . . . . . 7
REFERENCE SUMMARY AND EXAMPLE . . . . . 8
1. Step-by-Step Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2. Short Cut with table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
DETERMING LEADING AND
LAGGING REGULATORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1. Phase Relations Known . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2. Field Check for Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
UNGROUNDED WYE CONNECTIONS . . . . . . . . 10
PARALLELING REGULATORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
E

R225-10-1

ADVANTAGES OF FEEDER
REGULATORS
Correctly applied and accurately adjusted regulators can
be justified economically and because they provide
more satisfactory
service to the light and power
consumer.
It can be demonstrated that maintaining a high quality of
voltage control will result in a higher level of permissible
loading on feeders, and will defer investment for rebuilding or adding capacity. Because of higher average voltage and, therefore, kwhr usage, an increase in revenue
will accrue.
It is obvious that a more uniform voltage level will
improve operation of lights, appliances. and motors, and
will consequently improve consumer relations.
Therefore, benefits derived justify optimum precision in
the application and setting of regulators.

FUNCTIONS OF THE AUTOMATIC

CONTROLS
A regulator is equipped with a solid-state voltage-sensing circuit (VSC) that has a voltage balance point and
that causes the regulator to change taps to maintain a
constant base voltage (usually 120 volts) at its input terminals. This voltage (without compensation) is equal to
the line voltage divided by the control winding primaryto-secondary ratio. Main connections of the regulator
and of the control winding are illustrated in Figure 1.

GENERAL
Feeder regulators are equipped to automatically and
continuously correct circuit voltages according to locally
established practices. Procedures for checking and
setting the control devices are described in detail in
related instructions on the control unit.
Also, however, it is necessary that line-drop compensation values be determined and applied to the compensator. These involve the circuit calculations described in
R225-10-1.

Figure 1.
Schematic of main connections for a single-phase
regulator.

These instructions do not claim to cover all details or variations in the equipment, procedure, or process described, nor to provide
directions for meeting every contingency during installation, operation, or maintenance. When additional information is desired to
satisfy a problem not covered sufficiently for the user's purpose, please contact your Cooper Power Systems sales engineer.
October 2003 Supersedes 04/78 2003 Cooper Power Systems
Printed in U.S.A.

Determination of Regulator Compensator Settings

The compensator, essentially an artificial line containing
adjustable resistance and reactance elements, is connected to the secondary terminals of a line current
transformer. Thus, it can be set to reproduce a miniature
replica of voltage drop in the power circuit. This voltage
is connected to subtract vectorially from the miniature
primary voltage supplied to the voltage-sensing circuit.
In order to balance, the VSC will cause tap changes until
the line voltage has been changed by an amount equal
to the calculated feeder voltage drop. The control connections described are basically illustrated in Figure 2.
Setting the compensator at the correct R and X values
to duplicate line conditions is accomplished by adjustment of clearly marked dials as described in instructions
of the control unit. Methods that can be used in making
necessary voltage-drop calculations and converting
them to compensator
settings are subsequently
described.

Figure 3.
Typical feeder layout and voltage profile with
maximum load.
that the voltage between the first and the last service
meters graduates from maximum to minimum values on
each side of the nominal base value, usually 120 volts,
at the center of regulation. The range from maximum to
minimum values is a function of circuit design and
loading. Limits allowed are set by economic and other
policies established locally.

Figure 2.
Simplified connections of compensator and
voltage relay.

APPROACH FOR DETERMINATION

OF SETTINGS
Accurate setting of the voltage-sensing circuit (VSC) is
essential. This VSC acts as the reference standard for
circuit voltage control. It can be shown that a narrow
band (within practical limits) between raise and lower
contact-closing points results in the greatest benefits
from automatic feeder voltage regulation. Bandwidth is
a constant that adds to the line-drop range and
increases the total voltage variation at any point.
Determination of circuit voltage drop, the basis of compensator settings, is most readily accomplished in
increments because circuit characteristics and loads
along the circuit are nonuniform. A typical distribution
circuit problem is illustrated by the schematic diagram
and voltage profile of Figure 3.
The schematic and profile show that, for the case illustrated, the total circuit voltage drop is made up of five
increments, A through E, which should be considered
separately. Under loaded conditions, it will be noted

There is some point on the circuit where, as the load

varies throughout its cycle, the voltage can be held
approximately at constant base value. At any load, the
maximum overvoltages and corresponding undervoltages along the feeder remain substantially equal if the
load varies uniformly. The voltage drop to the point
mentioned, i.e., the center of regulation (rather than the
center of load), is translated into regulator compensator
values set to continuously maintain these voltage
conditions.

MAKING THE VOLTAGE-DROP

CALCULATIONS
Determination of voltage drop to the regulation center
poses special problems in every case; however, advantage may be taken of similarities and simplifications. On
the other hand, there are circuit and load conditions that
are incompatible with desirable regulation. These must
be rationalized or corrected.
Following, by means of a general example, is a guide for
making voltage-drop calculations. Each circuit, whether
for distribution or transmission purposes, should be analyzed increment by increment to determine how each
should be treated. The example is the distribution feeder
illustrated by Figure 3.

1. Basic Conditions
To a practical degree, it is desirable that the loads connected along the circuit be similar in character. They
should vary in a similar wayboth in magnitude and
power factorthroughout load cycles; for example, it
would be undesirable to have a large amount of power
load on one branch and a predominance of lighting load
on another.

R225-10-1
2. Express TrunkA

The location of power-factor-correction capacitors may

be of critical importance. For example, if such capacitors
are distributed over the circuit, satisfactory regulation
may be accomplished; whereas, a bank located close to
and on the load side of the regulator would result in
false line-drop compensation. Similarly, cable in the
circuit has relatively high capacitance that must be
considered. The line current flowing in miniature through
the compensator would be of a different magnitude and
power factor than that flowing through the circuit
impedances. Compensator settings would have to be
established by a compromise such as described in the
APPROACH FOR DETERMINATION OF SETTINGS
section.

Compensator setting will be simplified if line-drop calculations are based on the regulator current transformer
primary rating. Calculate resistance and reactance
drops separately. Calculated voltage-drop values can
then be converted more directly into compensator volts.
Table 1 provides impedance values for common
open-wire circuits. Any cable of appreciable length
must, of course, be taken into account. Also, any
lumped reactance on the load side of the regulator,
such as a current-limiting reactor, must be included.

It is assumed, for the purpose of the following outline

and discussion, that the circuit layout and loading permit
good voltage control. Refer to Figure 3 for the letter
references contained in the following headings. Calculations are summarized in the REFERENCE SUMMARY
section.

Table 1
Resistance and Reactance, Single-Conductor Values per 1000 ft of Open-Wire Line.
Copper
Size in
Circular
Mills or
B&S
Gage
(Approx
for Al)

Resistance of One
Conductor in Ohms
per 1000 Ft at 25 C
Stranded Aluminum
Cable
Copper
Steel;
Hard;
Drawn Reinforced

REACTANCE at 60-cycle in ohms per 1000 feet of each conductor of a single-phase

circuit or of a three-phase circuit with symmetrical triangular spacing. For
other arrangements of conductors, see Note. Reactance values are for concentric
stranded copper conductors and are approximately correct for aluminum cable conductors.
Symmetric-Spacing D Between Centers of Conductors (in.)
4

12

15

18

21

24

27

30

33

36

40

48

60

72

84

96

108

750,000
700,000
600,000
500,000

.0155
.0165
.0195
.0227

.0252
.0265
.0299
.0354

.054
.055
.057
.059

.063
.064
.066
.068

.069
.070
.072
.074

.079
.080
.082
.064

.064
.085
.087
.089

.088
.089
.091
.093

.092
.093
.095
.097

.095
.096
.098
.100

.098
.099
.100
.102

.100
.101
.103
.105

.102
.103
.105
.107

.104
.105
.107
.109

.108
.109
111
.113

.111
.112
.114
.116

.116
.117
119
.121

.120
.121
.123
.125

.124 .127
.125 .128
.127 130
.129 .132

.129
.130
132
134

400,000
350,000
300,000
250,000

.0280
.0320
.0371
.0445

.0445
.0526
.0588
.0662

.062
.063
.065
.067

.071
.072
.074
.076

.077
.078
.081
.083

.087
.088
.090
.092

.092
.093
.095
.097

.096
.098
.099
.101

.099
.101
.103
.105

.103
.104
.106
.108

.105
.107
.109
.111

.108
.110
.111
.113

.110
.112
.113
.115

.112
.114
.115
.117

.115
.117
.119
.121

.119
.120
.122
.124

.124
.125
.127
.129

.128
.130
.131
.133

.131
.133
.135
.137

.135
.136
.138
.140

.137
.139
.140
.143

0000
000
00
0

.0527
.0662
.0833
.1051

.0881
.1118
.1363
.1705

.070
.073
.075
.078

.079
.082
.085
.087

.086
.089
.091
.094

.095
.098
.100
.103

.100
.103
.106
.109

.105
.107
.110
.113

.108
.111
.114
.116

.111
.114
.117
.119

.114
.117
.119
.122

.116
.119
.122
.124

.118
.121
.124
.127

.121
.123
.126
.129

.124
.127
.129
.132

.127
.131
.133
.135

.132
.135
.138
.140

.137
.139
.142
.144

.140
.144
.146
.148

.143
.146
.148
.151

.146
.148
.151
.154

.132
.167
.267
.422

.210
.267
.424
.674

.081
.083
.089
.094

.091
.093
.098
.103

.097
.099
.105
.110

.106
.109
.114
.120

.111
.114
.119
.124

.115
.118
.123
.129

.119
.121
.127
.132

.122
.125
.130
.135

.125
.127
.132
.138

.127
.130
.135
.140

.129
.132
.137
.141

.131
.134
.139
.145

.135
.137
.143
.148

.138
.140
.146
.151

.143
.146
.151
.156

.146
.150
.155
.161

.151
.153
.159
.164

.154
.156
.162
.167

.156
.159
.165
.170

1
2
4
6

NOTE: Geometric Mean Distance (GMD),D for

any three-phase conductor arrangement.

Determination ofRegulator Compensator Settings

3. Local FeederB

6. Summary

Since current in the local line tapers off toward the end,
voltage drop along the feeder plots as a curve as illustrated in Figure 3. Also, line conductor sizes may reduce
toward the end of line. For these reasons, it usually is
not feasible to find and calculate drop precisely to the
regulation center. Approximations are necessary. These
should be made using the same current base as used
for the trunk.

If based on the impedance in Table 1, the primary line

voltage-drop values (for A and B, Figure 3) are on a
single-conductor basis. Thus, they are in basic form to
be converted for the particular type of circuit and
regulator connection (see CONVERSION TO COMPENSATION SETTINGS section). The transformer and
secondary percent impedance values (C, D, and E) are
multiplied by the transformer primary voltage rating to
obtain equivalent volts drop. It is assumed. for Table 2
(multipliers) that local service transformers are phaseto-neutral connected on four-wire wye systems and
phase-to-phase connected on three-wire delta systems.

An approximate solution, usually satisfactory where the

load is fairly uniformly distributed, is to assume that
100% of the current flows as far as one-third the total
length and that the load is concentrated at this point.
Another premise for this is that the line characteristics
are the same over the length of the branch. The results
may be adjusted if there are significant deviations from
the assumptions.
Should the circuit have two or more main radial branches, only a portion of the base load will be carried by
each. Thus, the local branch-voltage drop will reduce
accordingly. Should the load be split evenly three ways,
for example, the current and, therefore, the voltage drop
for each will be reduced to one-third.

Table 2
R and X Voltage-Drop Multipliers
According to Type of Circuit
Portion of
Circuit
(Figure 3)

Single
Phase of
Wye

Single
Phase of
Delta

ThreePhase
Wye

ThreePhase
Delta

A+B
C+D+E

2*
1

2
1

1
1

3
1

*Assumes that the entire load current returns through the neutral wire.
Multiple grounding can reduce the value to near 1.5.

4. TransformerC
Obviously, individual transformer loads and impedances
will vary quite widely. However, transformer regulation is
usually not a major portion of the total. Therefore, a flat
rule may apply.
The average impedance Z of modern transformers in
sizes mounted on poles may be taken as about 2%;
also X may be taken as equal to R. On this premise,
and assuming that transformer load is 100% at the time
of the base load used for line calculations,
the
allowance for the transformers will be 1.4% resistance
and 1.4% reactance volts drop. These come from the
above transformer values where Z = 2 and R = X; i.e., R
or X = 2. Appropriate adjustments can be made by
ratio for any other percent load.
To combine properly with calculated line values, the
voltage drop must be correctly converted to volts on the
primary side of the transformer.

5. Secondaries and Services

D and E
By calculation, average voltage drops for the secondaries and services should be approximated. The
combined total may approximate 2%, each, R and X
voltage drops, if these circuits are open-wire. Values
used will be influenced by local circuit design (such as
the use of triplex cable) and loading practices. If Table 1
is used, the drop calculated will be the per-conductor
value. Therefore, if the service is three-wire, 120/240
volts, for example, the percentage is calculated using a
120-volt base.
The percentages R and X are translated into primary
terms, following the method used for the transformer.
The percentage values may be combined with the
transformer values so only one conversion is involved.

Resistance and reactance voltage-drop values from

Table 2 will be in a form to convert, either combined or
separately, to regulator compensator settings. In practice, it may be feasible to calculate for each circuit only
the primary line values, and to develop standard values
for the local transformer and secondary circuits.
The CONVERSION TO COMPENSATOR SETTINGS
section contains a complete summary for reference
when determining settings for a specific circuit.

EFFECT OF SHUNT-CAPACITOR
LOADS
The effect of shunt-connected capacitors on VSC and
compensator settings depends to a great extent on
where they are connected. Capacitor loads can reduce
the effectiveness of compensation. Distribution of the
capacitor and service loads over the circuit usually
differs; also, capacitor loads remain constant, while the
service loads vary.
Following are some combinations of conditions encountered in practice and modifications in settings that they
suggest. Solving the problem for the maximum service
load should produce acceptable results. If the maximum
and minimum voltages (i.e., at the first and last meters)
occurring under this condition are within established limits, then voltages at minimum load should normally be
satisfactory. It is assumed that the amount of shuntcapacitor load is within the bounds of good engineering
practice; however, large amounts of cable may cause
difficulty.

R225-10-1
1. Distributed Capacitors

tion center, but a check should be made for excessively high

voltage at minimum load.

If there is a reasonable uniformity in the spread of

capacitors, the power factor of the current will be substantially the same everywhere along the line. Then,
power factor of the current causing voltage drop in the
line would be close to that of current flowing in the compensator. Thus, setting calculations would be only slightly complicated.

Switched capacitors. connected anywhere on the line,

also require a compromise in determining compensator
settings. Settings halfway between calculated requirements withand withoutthe capacitors connected
may prove to be a reasonable compromise.

Shunt capacitors are usually connected to the primary

line. There, they do not reduce transformer or secondary
voltage drop. The voltage drops in these elements of the
total circuit would be slightly higher than they appear to
be at the regulator. One method of approximating this is
to add a small value, probably less than 1%, to the total
of the calculated transformer and secondary voltagedrop values.
Another approach is suggested by the fact that the
capacitors cause a specific and constant reduction in
voltage drop along the line regardless of variations in
service load. Most of the reduction is due to the effect of
a leading capacitor current tlowing through the line reactance. To make use of this fact, the voltage improvement
at the regulation center can be separately calculated for
only the capacitor load without regard to the service
load. Since this value is a constant, the increase in line
voltage due to the capacitors can be translated into a
reduction in the voltage setting of the voltage-sensing
circuit. Then, the compensator values for the primary
line must be calculated as if there were no capacitors.
These values would be based on the original base kw
load, but on a new kva (ampere) value corresponding to
the service load power factor. That is, the voltage-drop
values to be used for the primary line portion of compensator settings would be increased by the ratio of
power factors withand withoutthe capacitors:
Power factor with capacitors
x Original voltage-drop
Power factor without capacitors

2. Lumped Capacitors
Capacitor banks of considerable size or a large amount
of cable pose special problems, usually rationalized by
compromise. Where fixed banks are installed at some
distance out and on the feeder branches, the solution
frequently may be treated as the above distributed
capacitors.

CONVERSION TO COMPENSATOR
SETTINGS
The line-drop compensator has adjustable resistance
and reactance elements connected in series. Controls of
each are marked in one-volt increments through 24
volts. (The resistance element actually is a rheostat that
can be positioned between one-volt markings.) The voltage drop across each compensator element will be as
marked when primary current through the current transformer is at CT (not necessarily regulator) rated value,
listed in Table 3.
Table 3
Current Transformer Primary Ampere Valuesthat
Produce Dial-Marked Compensation Values
Regulator
Current Ratings
25
50
75
100
150
167,200
219, 231, 250
289, 300
328, 334, 347, 400, 418
438, 463, 500, 548, 578, 656, 668
833
1000
1332, 1665

CT Primary
Current Ratings
25
50
75
100
150
200
250
300
400
600
800
1000
1600

NOTE: Current transformer primary ampere value (CT ratios per nameplate) that results in 24 volts resistance and 24 volts reactance compensation, as marked on compensator dials. The current transformer value
is appropriate for making voltage drop calculations, rather than the
regulator rating.

Large concentrations of capacitance near, and on the

load side of, the regulator should, if possible, be avoided. A compromise of setting values, determined with
and withoutcapacitors, would necessarily be required.
The regulator compensator has no way of knowing that
the capacitor current does not flow through the
impedance of the line, thus it has no chance to improve
the voltage along it. Another approach is to increase the
VSC voltage setting by an amount equivalent to the rise
in voltage that would have been caused by such capacitors had they been connected out on the line. This solution would, at full load result in correct voltage at the regula-

Determination of Regulator Compensator Settings

The voltage across the compensator subtracts vectorialIy from the auxiliary control potential voltage. The resultant is applied to the voltage-sensing circuit, causing it
to react as if it were at the center of regulation. Regulator and compensator
connections
are illustrated
schematically in Figures 1 and 2.
The regulator will change taps until the voltage across
the VSC is the nominal preset value, usually 120 volts.
Without compensation, this will be exactly the primary
voltage divided by the overall ratio of the control potential windings. This ratio can be changed by means of a
secondary auxiliary transformer usually provided for
special purposes. Overall control potential ratios, which
must be used to obtain accuracy, are listed in Table 4.

Table4
Control Potential (CP) Ratios, Including Effect of
Ratio Adjustment
Regulator
Voltage
Rating
2500
20:1
5000
40:1
20:1
7620
60:1
40:1
20:1
13800
115:1
57.5:1

14400
120:1

60:1

19920
166:1
120:1

60:1

Nominal
SinglePhase
Voltage

Ratio Adjusting
Data
Int.
Cont.
Tap
Tap

2500
2400

Nominal Overal
Control Potential
Setting* Ratio*

125
120

20:1
20:1

5000
4800
4160
2400

4.8
4.8
4.8
2.4

120
120
104
120

125
120
120
120

40:1
40:1
34.6:1
20:1

7980
7620
7200
4800
4160
2400

7.2
7.2
7.2
4.8
4.8
2.4

133
127
120
120
104
120

120
120
120
120
120
120

66.5:1
63.5:1
60:1
40:1
34.6:1
20:1

13800
13200
12000
7980
7620
7200
6900

13.8
13.8
13.8
6.9
6.9
6.9
6.9

120
115
104
133
133
120
120

120
120
120
125
120
125
120

115:1
110:1
100:1
63.5:1
63.5:1
57.5:1
57.5:1

14400
13800
13200
12000
7980
7620
7200

14.4
14.4
14.4
14.4
7.2
7.2
7.2

120
115
110
104
133
127
120

120
120
120
115
120
120
120

120:1
115:1
110:1
104:1
66.5:1
63.5:1
60:1

19920
14400
13800
13200
12000
7980
7620
7200

19.9
14.4
14.4
14.4
14.4
7.2
7.2
7.2

120
120
115
110
104
133
127
120

120
120
120
120
115
120
120
120

166.1
120:1
115:1
110:1
104:1
66.5:1
63.5:1
60:1

*Nominal Control Setting and Overall Potential ratio may vary slightly
from one regulator rating to another. See the regulator rating plate
for determining the exact values.

From the above, it is evident that actual primary volts

drop, calculated with current transformer full-load current as previously described, divided by the specific
overall control voltage ratio, basically becomes the setting for the compensator. In addition, however, the type
of circuit and regulator connections must be taken into
account.

1. Single-phase Circuit Regulators

For either wye or delta systems supplying independently
regulated single-phase circuits, the voltage-drop values
are converted by potential ratio directly into compensator settings. The voltage-drop values used must
include both supply and return conductors.

2. Three-phase Wye Circuit

Regulators
A four-wire-wye circuit, Figure 4, operates basically with
the load current in phase with the phase-to-neutral voltage. Therefore, calculated circuit voltage-drop-to-neutral
(one conductor) values can be converted directly to
compensator settings.
Calculations are the same whether regulation is by
means of three single-phase regulators or a threephase unit.

Figure 4.
Four-wire,three-phase wye with three-phase or singlephase regulators.

R225-10-1
3. Three-phase Delta Circuit Regulators
For three-wire-delta circuits, only if regulator windings
are wye connected and neutrals are stabilized can compensators be set with voltage-drop values converted
directly, using the control potential ratio. For such regulator compensation, all voltage-drop calculations (including transformers and secondaries) would have to be
treated as if the load was wye connected.
For single-phase regulators connected either closed delta
(Figures 5 and 6) or open delta (Figures 7 and 8), an extra
step is required in making compensator settings. This is
because the control potentials are in phase with the lineto-line voltages; whereas, the load currents are basically
in phase with hypothetical, 30-degree displaced, line-toneutral voltages.
Assuming 100% power-factor load, the line current is 30
degrees out of phase with the line-to-line voltage. Therefore, the compensator voltages would be shifted 30
degrees from the control voltage. The direction of shift
may be either lead or lag, depending on regulator connections. It will be noted in Figures 5 and 6 that, with
three regulators in closed delta, phase relations for all
three regulators will be the same whether lead or lag;
whereas, with two regulators in open delta, one will lead
and one will lag.
As a result of the 30-degree dphase displacement the
magnitude of the compensator resistance and reactance
values mut be adjusted.

Figure 5
Three-phase, closed-delta connectionCase 1.

Figure 6.
Three-Phase, closed-delta connectionCase

2.

It has been proved that compensation values can be

mathematically adjusted to artifically correct both phase
angle and magnitude discrepancies. and these corrections will hold for any load power factor. The same
corrections, to be made for either closed-delta or opendelta regulator connections,
are obtained with the
following equations:
R1 =0.866 R - 0.5X and X1 =0.866 X + 0.5 R for lagging unit
R2=0.866 R + 0.5X and X2=0.866 X - 0.5 R for leading unit
NOTE: The above calculations can be quickly made by
using Figure 9 (see page 8).
Should any resistance or reactancevalue calculated with
the equations prove to have a negative sign, then the
effect of that element must be reversed. Reference must
be madeto the control instruction manual for the
method of reversing the resistance compensationand for
reversing the reactance compensation.

Figure 7.
Three-phase, open-delta connectionCase 1.
LEADING

Compensator resistance/reactance settings for deltaconnected regulators differ based on the vintage of the
control, as follows:
Key-entry Controls: McGraw-Edison (Cooper) CL4series controls and newer require that the regulator
configuration (Function Code 41) be entered.
Compensator settings for thesecontrols must be the
unadjusted R and X values for a wye (star) system.
Based on the programmed value of Function Code 41
(delta lead or delta lag) thesenewer controls
automatically calculate the R1and X1 or R2 and X2, and
use the appropriate values in the LDC function.

Figure 8.
Three-Phase, open-delta connectionCase 2.

Dial-type Controls: McGraw-Edison (Cooper) CL-2A

controls and older do not allow for the programming of
the regulator configuration, therefore, the resistance and
reactance settings on these controls must be the adjusted
values of R1a
. nd X1 or R2 and X2, as calculated above.

Determination of Regulator Compensator Settings

Figure 9.
Chart and formulas for converting compensator settings to values for delta-connectedregulators.
NOTE: It is not the purpose here to discuss the relative
merits of various regulator connections. However, it may
be noted that (a) current transformers of closed delta
regulators are inside the delta, causing up to 10% error
In compensatlon (undercompensatlon);
(b) a phase
rotation results at any position but neutral with closeddelta banks, but not with open-delta banks; (c) closed
delta banks provide 50% more voltage regulatlon range
than open delta (15% instead of 10%); (d) there is some
loss in kva capacity with delta connections because of
load phase angle (inherent 30 degrees from regulator).

SOLUTION
1. From Table 1, express R = .0527 and X = .121 ohms
per 1000 ft for a total R = .105 and X = .242 ohms. At
300 amps CT primary rating (listed for regulator in
Table 3) per-conductor volts drop in R = 31.6 and in
'
X = 72.6.
2. From Table 1, Branch R = .0833 and X = .126 ohms
per 1000 ft. At 150 am ps per branch to regulation

center, one-third out on branch length, voltage drop

REFERENCE SUMMARY AND EXAMPLE

The MAKING THE VOLTAGE-DROP CALCULATIONS,
EFFECT OF SHUNT-CAPACITOR LOADS, and
CONVERSION TO COMPENSATOR SETTINGS
sections contain general instructions for determining
compensator settings that will be of optimum value. For the
purpose of this summary section, it is assumed that the basic
principles used for calculations are understood.

1. Step-by-Step Calculations
By the example and solution below, the procedure
outlined in MAKING THE VOLTAGE-DROP CALCULATIONS section is illustrated.

CONDITIONS
Circuit: Three-wire delta, 2400-volt.
Regulators: Two 300 amp in open delta.
Primary: Express2000 ft, 4/0 Cu, at 36 in. GMD;
branchestwo with equal loads evenly distributed, each
total 3000 ft, 2/0 CU, at 36 in. GMD.
Transformers: Assumes average impedance 1.4% R,
1.4% X and 100% load when regulator CT fully loaded.
Secondaries and Services: Assume 2% R and 2% X
voltage drop when regulator CT is 100% loaded.

in R = 12.5 and in X = 18.9.

. . primary
.
3. Summarizing
feeder, R = 44.1 and X = 91.5
volts per wire or to neutral. For a delta circuit, this
convertsphase-to-phase-to R = 76.4 and X =
158.5 volts (from V-6. multipliers equal 1 for wye, 3
for delta, and 1.5 to 2 for single-phase).
4. To convert 3 to control voltage level, dlvlde by the
overall potential ratio from Table 4; in this case, 20/1.
The result is R = 3.8 and X = 7.9 volts.
5. Summarizing transformer and secondary drops,
using assumptions: R = 3.4 % and X = 3.4 % or 81.6 R
and 81.6 X volts at the 2400 volt primary rating. By
potential ratio division, this becomes R = 4.1 and X =
4.1 at control voltage level.
Note that these values may be large and important
relative to the primary line drop; therefore, a very
careful analysis to determine average circuit conditions is justified.

6. Adding 4 and 5, R = 7.9 and X = 12.0 volts, total base

control-level voltages.

R225-10-1
7. Since this is a delta circuit with open-delta-connected
regulators, the R and X settings are determined by
artifical adjustment of the calculated voltages 6, using
the chart, Figure 9. (For single-phase and four-wire,
three-phase circuits, settings would be the calculated
values of 6.) The chart shows a sample calculation.
If final setting calculations for delta regulators should be
negative, it will be necessary to reverse the particular
compensator element, as discussed in CONVERSION
TO COMPENSATOR SETTINGS, Item 3.

2. Short Cut with Table

Table5
Multipliers for Direct Translations of Line Impedance
to Compensator Settings
Multiplier for Type
Nameplate Ratings
Volts
KVA

(Base)

(2 x Base)

(v3 x Base)

25
50

100
200

5.00
10.00

10.00
20.00

12.98
17.30

75
100

300
400

15.00
20.00

30.00
40.00

25.95
34.60

125
167

600
600

30.00
30.00

60.00
60.00

51.96
51.96

250
333

1000
1600

50.00
80.00

100.00
160.00

86.60
138.56

416.6

1600

80.00

160.00

138.56

25
50

50
100

1.25
2.50

2.50
5.00

2.17
4.33

100
125

200
250

5.00
6.25

10.00
12.50

8.66
10.83

167
250

400
600

10.00
15.00

20.00
30.00

17.32
24.25

333
416.6

600
800

15.00
20.00

30.00
40.00

24.25
34.64

19.1

25

0.42

0.84

0.73

38.1
57.2

50
75

0.83
1.25

1.67
2.50

1.44
2.17

76.2
114.3

100
150

1.67
2.50

3.33
5.00

2.89
4.33

167
250

250
400

4.17
6.67

8.33
13.33

7.22
11.55

333
416.6

600
600

10.00
10.00

20.00
20.00

17.32
17.32

500

600

10.00

20.00

17.32

69
138

50
100

0.43
0.87

0.87
1.74

0.75
1.50

115/1 CP

276
414

200
300

1.74
2.61

3.47
5.21

3.00
4.50

72

50

0.42

0.84

0.73

14400 Class

144
288

100
200

0.83
1.67

1.67
3.33

1.44
2.89

333
416

250
300

2.08
2.56

4.17
5.00

3.60
4.33

500
576

400
400

3.33
3.33

6.67
6.67

5.77
5.77

667
833

600
800

4.17
6.67

8.33
13.33

7.22
11.55

2500
Operating
2400 with
20/1 CP

5000 Class
Operating
4800 with
40/1 CP

7620 Class

DETERMINING LEADING AND

LAGGING REGULATORS
A leading regulator of closed- or open-delta-connected
banks is that unit in which 100% power-factor line load
current (measured at the current transformer) leads the
regulator voltage (measured at the control potential) by
30 degrees. In the lagging unit, the current lags the voltage by 30 degrees.

1. Phase Relations Known

If the phase rotation and identification of the circuit are
known, units which are leading and units which are lagging can be identified by reference to Figure 5 through
8. The same relations hold, of course, should phase
identifications (vector markings) in any diagram be rotated, provided the same phase order is retained.

Operating
7200 with
60/1 CP

13800 Class
Operating
13800 with

Operating
14400 with
120/1 CP

2. Field Check for Rotation

Phase rotation, if unknown, can be determined in the
field by the action of the individual regulators in an
open-delta-connected bank when the reactance compensation is changed. If the bank is to be connected in
closed delta, an open-delta connection may be made
until phase rotation is determined or the SL terminal of
one regulator can be transferred temporarily to the third
phase for comparison.
With an open-delta connection, and a substantially balanced, sizable load of any power factor, the voltage (or
tap position) of the lagging regulator will increase the
most when the reactance compensation values are
increased equally. Starting with zero R and X compensation, increase the X compensation value of each
equally, until the difference in the voltage change is sufficient to be positively recognized.

Of Circuit Connection
Wye
Single
Delta

Primary
Amps

For convenience, calculations covered by Steps 1, 2, 3,

and 4 in the step-by-step calculations are consolidated
into a multiplier table, Table 5. The correct multiplier
times line impedance provides, in one step, the basic
voltage for setting the compensator. Above Steps 5, 6,
and 7 in the step-by-step calculations must be followed
as described.
For the branch primary calculation (Step 2), the multiplier must be selected according to the equivalent current
transformer rating; i.e., corresponding to the actual
branch load (150 amps for the example). Table 5 cannot
be used without correction if the potential ratio is other
than listed. The summations of the values for the
express trunk (Step 1) and branch (Step 2) are necessarily made at the control voltage level.

CT

19920 Class
Operating]
14400 with
166/1 CP

50

25

0.16

0.32

0.28

100
200

50
100

0.31
0.63

0.62
1.25

0.54
1.09

333
400

200
200

1.25
1.25

2.50
2.50

2.17
2.17

500
667

250
400

1.50
2.50

3.00
5.00

2.60
4.33

833

400

2.50

5.00

4.33

Multpliers for other control potentials can be calculated by multiplying by the

ratio shown over the new ratio times the value shown.
Exp: Wye (Base) for 76.2 kva, 7620 Class with 63.5/1
60
CP Ratio =
x 1.67 = 1.58
63.5

Determination of Regulator Compensator Settings

UNGROUNDED-WYE CONNECTIONS
The conventional methods of connecting single-phase
regulator banks is to use the grounded-neutral wye connection on a four-wire system and phase-to-phase connections on a three-wire system. When regulators are
wye connected, it is normally necessary to stabilize the
neutral by some means, this being accomplished by
connection to the system neutral. If the common point
(neutral) of the bank is not stabilized, it will shift electrically relative to the phase conductors, and voltages
across individual units may vary widely.
If, for some reason, it is necessary to connect a regulator bank in wye, but isolate its neutral from the system,
some special stabilizing provision is required. A practical
method is to install a small grounding bank, consisting
of three transformers, each from one-third to two-thirds
the kva rating of the individual regulators. The rating
within the range depends on the expected unbalance in
load.
Three-phase regulators are normally designed for use
on a four-wire system, with the regulator neutral grounded. Should it be necessary to isolate the regulator
neutral, special provisions must be made. The neutral
may be stabilized with a tertiary or by a grounding bank
such as previously described.
Neutral shift may be tolerable when a three-phase
regulator is supplying a substantially balanced load;
however, special phase-to-phase instrumentation must
be provided.

PARALLELING REGULATORS
Parallel operation of either three-phase or single-phase
regulators necessitates some special provision to
prevent off-step operation. This would cause the flow of

10

excessive circulating current between regulators. If linedrop reactance compensation is used in the normal
manner, the condition would become progressively
worse because tap changes would be called for until the
regulators run to opposite limits.

CAUTION

Under any circumstance, the impedance of regulators

is too low to permit operation in direct parallel.
Circulating current would be excessive even if they
were only on tap off the same position. A parallel must
have a loop impedance such as that provided when
the regulators are inter-connected through different
transformers.
There are several ways to prevent excessive off-step
positioning of regulators operating in parallel. The most
common, and one for which provision is built into the
regulator control system, is to reverse the reactance
compensation. Voltage drop through this element would
then be in a direction to cause the regulators to change
taps together.

A second method, for which provision is built into

McGraw-Edison standard automatic control systems,is
reactor parallelinga method based on separation of
load and circulating current. The circulating current,
which is passed through all control units of the parallel,
is used to operate the voltage-regulating relays and
self-correct an off-position condition. Terminals of the
multiwinding reactor coil are accessible at a control
terminal block.
Other paralleling methods in use for special purposes
can usually be worked into the normal control scheme.

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