Calculation of short-circuit

currents

B. de Metz-Noblat
F. Dumas
C. Poulain

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no. 158

Calculation of short-circuit
currents

Benot de METZ-NOBLAT

Graduate Engineer from ESE (Ecole Suprieure dElectricit), he

worked first for Saint-Gobain, then joined Schneider Electric in 1986.
He is now a member of the Electrical Networks competency group
that studies electrical phenomena affecting power system operation
and their interaction with equipment.

Frdric DUMAS

After completing a PhD in engineering at UTC (Universit de

Technologie de Compigne), he joined Schneider Electric in 1993,
initially developing software for electrical network calculations in the
Research and Development Department. Starting in 1998, he led a
research team in the field of industrial and distribution networks.
Since 2003, as a project manager, he has been in charge of the
technical development of electrical distribution services.

Christophe POULAIN

Graduate of the ENI engineering school in Brest, he subsequented

followed the special engineering programme at the ENSEEIHT
institute in Toulouse and completed a PhD at the Universit Pierre et
Marie Curie in Paris. He joined Schneider Electric in 1992 as a
research engineer and has worked since 2003 in the Electrical
Networks competency group of the Projects and Engineering Center.

Lexicon
Abbreviations

Ra

MLVS

Main low voltage switchboard.

RL

Cross-sectional area of conductors.

Scc

BC

Symbols
A

cos

Breaking capacity.

Angle between the initiation of the

fault and zero voltage.
Voltage factor.

Power factor (in the absence of

harmonics).

Sn

tmin
u

usc
U

Instantaneous electromotive force.

Phase angle (current with respect to

voltage).

Alternating sinusoidal component of

the instantaneous current.

XL

iac
idc
ip

I
Ib
Ik
Ik"
Ir
Is
Isc

Electromotive force (rms value).

Instantaneous current.

Aperiodic component of the

instantaneous current.

Maximum current (first peak of

the fault current).
Current (rms value).

Short-circuit breaking current

(IEC 60909).

Steady-state short-circuit current

(IEC 60909).

Initial symmetrical short-circuit current

(IEC 60909).
Rated current of a generator.
Design current.

Steady-state short-circuit current

(Isc3 = three-phase,
Isc2 = phase-to-phase, etc.).

Factor depending on the saturation

inductance of a generator.

Correction factor (NF C 15-105)

Correction factor for impedance
(IEC 60909).

Factor for calculation of the peak shortcircuit current.

Un
Xa
Xsubt
Z(1)
Z(2)
Z(0)
ZL

Zsc
Zup
Subscripts

Equivalent resistance of the upstream

network.
Line resistance per unit length.
Transformer kVA rating.

Short-circuit power

Minimum dead time for short-circuit

development, often equal to the time
delay of a circuit breaker.
Instantaneous voltage.

Transformer short-circuit voltage in %.

Network phase-to-phase voltage with

no load.
Network nominal voltage with load.

Reactance, in %, of rotating machines.

Equivalent reactance of the upstream
network.
Line reactance per unit length.

Subtransient reactance of a generator.

Posititve-sequence
impedance

Negative-sequence
impedance

Zero-sequence impedance

of a network
or an
element.

Line impedance.

Network upstream impedance for a

three-phase fault.
Equivalent impedance of the upstream
network.
Generator.

k or k3

3-phase short circuit.

k2

Phase-to-phase short circuit.

k1

Phase-to-earth or phase-to-neutral
short circuit.

k2E / kE2E Phase-to-phase-to-earth short circuit.

S

SO
T

Generator set with on-load tap

changer.

Generator set without on-load tap

changer.

Transformer.

Calculation of short-circuit currents

In view of sizing an electrical installation and the required equipment, as
well as determining the means required for the protection of life and
property, short-circuit currents must be calculated for every point in the
network.
This Cahier Technique reviews the calculation methods for short-circuit
currents as laid down by standards such as IEC 60909. It is intended for
radial and meshed low-voltage (LV) and high-voltage (HV) circuits.
The aim is to provide a further understanding of the calculation methods,
essential when determining short-circuit currents, even when computerised
methods are employed.

Summary
1 Introduction

1.1 The main types of short-circuits

p. 4
p. 5

1.4 Methods presented in this document

1.5 Basic assumptions

p. 11
p. 11

1.2 Development of the short-circuit current

1.3 Standardised Isc calculations
2 Calculation of Isc by
the impedance method

3 Calculation of Isc values in a radial

network using symmetrical components

4 Conclusion

Bibliography

2.1 Isc depending on the different types of short-circuit

2.2 Determining the various short-circuit impedances

2.3 Relationships between impedances at the different
voltage levels in an installation
2.4 Calculation example

p. 7
p. 10

p. 12
p. 13

p. 18
p. 19

3.1 Advantages of this method

p. 23

3.4 Equations for the various currents

3.5 Examples of short-circuit current calculations

p. 27
p. 28

3.2 Symmetrical components

3.3 Calculation as defined by IEC 60909

p. 23
p. 24

p. 32

p. 32

1 Introduction
Electrical installations almost always require
protection against short-circuits wherever there
is an electrical discontinuity. This most often
corresponds to points where there is a change
in conductor cross-section. The short-circuit
current must be calculated at each level in the
installation in view of determining the
characteristics of the equipment required to
withstand or break the fault current.

The flow chart in Figure 1 indicates the

procedure for determining the various shortcircuit currents and the resulting parameters for
the different protection devices of a low-voltage
installation.
In order to correctly select and adjust the
protection devices, the graphs in Figures 2, 3

and 4 are used. Two values of the short-circuit

current must be evaluated:
c The maximum short-circuit current, used to
determine
v The breaking capacity of the circuit breakers
v The making capacity of the circuit breakers
v The electrodynamic withstand capacity of the
wiring system and switchgear
The maximum short-circuit current corresponds
to a short-circuit in the immediate vicinity of the
downstream terminals of the protection device.
It must be calculated accurately and used with a
safety margin.
c The minimum short-circuit current, essential
when selecting the time-current curve for circuit
breakers and fuses, in particular when

Upstream Ssc

HV / LV
transformer rating

b Power factor
b Coincidence factor
b Duty factor
b Foreseeable expansion
factor

b Feeder current
ratings
b Voltage drops

Load
rating

usc (%)

Conductor characteristics
b Busbars
v Length
v Width
v Thickness
b Cables
v Type of insulation
v Single-core or multicore
v Length
v Cross-section
b Environment
v Ambient temperature
v Installation method
v Number of contiguous circuits

Isc
at transformer
terminals
Isc
of main LV switchboard
outgoers
Isc
at head of secondary
switchboards
Isc
at head of final
switchboards
Isc

at end of final
outgoers

Breaking capacity

Main
ST and inst. trip setting circuit breaker
Main LV
switchboard
ST and inst. trip setting distribution
circuit breakers
Breaking capacity

Secondary
distribution
ST and inst. trip setting circuit breakers
Breaking capacity

Breaking capacity
Inst. trip setting

Final
distribution
circuit breakers

Fig. 1 : Short-circuit (Isc) calculation procedure when designing a low-voltage electrical installation (ST = short time; Inst. = instantaneous)

v Cables are long and/or the source impedance

is relatively high (generators, UPSs)

v Protection of life depends on circuit breaker or

fuse operation, essentially the case for TN and
IT electrical systems
Note that the minimum short-circuit current
corresponds to a short-circuit at the end of the
protected line, generally phase-to-earth for LV
and phase-to-phase for HV (neutral not
distributed), under the least severe operating
conditions (fault at the end of a feeder and not
just downstream from a protection device, one
transformer in service when two can be
connected, etc.).

where A is the cross-sectional area of the

conductors and k is a constant calculated on the
basis of different correction factors for the cable
installation method, contiguous circuits, etc.
Further practical information may be found in the
Electrical Installation Guide published by
Schneider Electric (see the bibliography).
t

Note also that whatever the case, for whatever

type of short-circuit current (minimum or
maximum), the protection device must clear the
short-circuit within a time tc that is compatible
with the thermal stresses that can be withstood
by the protected cable:

Cable or I2t
characteristic

Design
current

Transient
overload

Circuit breaker
time-current
curve

dt i k 2 A 2 (see Fig. 2, 3, and 4)

t

IB Ir Iz

Isc BC
(tri)

Fig. 3 : Circuit protection using a circuit breaker.

t

Cable or I2t
characteristic

5s

I2t = k2S2

I2t

Iz1 < Iz2

Fig. 2 : The
characteristics of a conductor depending
on the ambient temperature (1 and 2 represent the rms
value of the current in the conductor at different
temperatures 1 and 2, with 1 > 2; Iz being the limit of
the permissible current under steady-state conditions).

1.1 The main types of short-circuits

Various types of short-circuits can occur in

electrical installations.

Characteristics of short-circuits
The primary characteristics are:
c Duration (self-extinguishing, transient and
steady-state)

Transient
overload

Furse time-current
curve

IB
Ir
Iz
Fig. 4 : Circuit protection using an aM fuse.

c Origin

v Mechanical (break in a conductor, accidental

electrical contact between two conductors via a
foreign conducting body such as a tool or an
animal)
v Internal or atmospheric overvoltages

v Insulation breakdown due to heat, humidity or

a corrosive environment
c Location (inside or outside a machine or an
electrical switchboard)
Short-circuits can be:
c Phase-to-earth (80% of faults)
c Phase-to-phase (15% of faults). This type of
fault often degenerates into a three phase fault
c Three-phase (only 5% of initial faults)
These different short-circuit currents are
presented in Figure 5 .

Consequences of short-circuits
The consequences are variable depending on
the type and the duration of the fault, the point in
the installation where the fault occurs and the
short-circuit power. Consequences include:
c At the fault location, the presence of electrical
arcs, resulting in
v Damage to insulation
v Welding of conductors

a) Three-phase short-circuit

v Fire and danger to life

c On the faulty circuit

v Electrodynamic forces, resulting in
- Deformation of the busbars
- Disconnection of cables
v Excessive temperature rise due to an increase
in Joule losses, with the risk of damage to
insulation

c On other circuits in the network or in near-by

networks
v Voltage dips during the time required to clear
the fault, ranging from a few milliseconds to a
few hundred milliseconds
v Shutdown of a part of the network, the extent
of that part depending on the design of the
network and the discrimination levels offered by
the protection devices
v Dynamic instability and/or the loss of machine
synchronisation
v Disturbances in control / monitoring circuits
v etc.

b) Phase-to-phase short-circuit clear of earth

L3

L3

L1

L1

L2

L2

I"k2

I"k3

c) Phase-to-phase-to-earth short-circuit

d) Phase-to-earth short-circuit

L3

L3

L1

L1

L2

L2

I"k2EL3

Ik" 2EL2
Ik" E2E

Ik" 1

Short-circuit current,
Partial short-circuit currents in conductors and earth.

Fig. 5 : Different types of short-circuits and their currents. The direction of current is chosen arbitrarily
(See IEC 60909).

1.2 Development of the short-circuit current

A simplified network comprises a source of

constant AC power, a switch, an impedance Zsc
that represents all the impedances upstream of
the switch, and a load impedance Zs
(see Fig. 6 ).
In a real network, the source impedance is made
up of everything upstream of the short-circuit
including the various networks with different
voltages (HV, LV) and the series-connected
wiring systems with different cross-sectional
areas (A) and lengths.
In Figure 6, when the switch is closed and no
fault is present, the design current Is flows
through the network.

the R / X ratio is between 0.1 and 0.3. The ratio

is virtually equals cos for low values:
cos =

R + X2
However, the transient conditions prevailing
while the short-circuit current develops differ
depending on the distance between the fault
location and the generator. This distance is not
necessarily physical, but means that the
generator impedances are less than the
impedance of the elements between the
generator and the fault location.

When a fault occurs between A and B, the

negligible impedance between these points
results in a very high short-circuit current Isc that
is limited only be impedance Zsc.
The current Isc develops under transient
conditions depending on the reactances X and
the resistances R that make up impedance Zsc:

Fault far from the generator

This is the most frequent situation. The transient
conditions are those resulting from the
application of a voltage to a reactor-resistance
circuit. This voltage is:
e = E 2 sin (t + )
Current i is then the sum of the two components:
i = iac + idc

In power distribution networks, reactance X = L

is normally much greater than resistance R and

where I =

Zsc =

R2 + X2

c The first (iac) is alternating and sinusoidal

iac = 2 sin (t + )
E
,
Zsc

= angle characterising the difference between

the initiation of the fault and zero voltage.
c The second (idc) is an aperiodic component

idc = - 2 sin ( ) e

Zsc

Zs

. Its initial value

depends on a and its decay rate is proportional
to R / L.
At the initiation of the short-circuit, i is equal to
zero by definition (the design current Is is
negligible), hence:
i = iac + idc = 0

Figure 7 shows the graphical composition of i as

the algebraic sum of its two components iac and
idc

Fig. 6 : Simplified network diagram.

iac = I sin (t + )

idc = - I sin ( ) e

I
-

R
t
L

R t
L

t
i = iac + idc

Fault initiation

Fig. 7 : Graphical presentation and decomposition of a short-circuit current occuring far from the generator.

a) Symmetrical
i

Ir

The moment the fault occurs or the moment of closing,

with respect to the network voltage, is characterised by its
closing angle a (occurrence of the fault). The voltage can
therefore be expressed as: u = E 2 . sin (t + ) .
The current therefore develops as follows:
R
t
E 2
sin (t + - ) - sin ( - ) e L
Z

with its two components, one being alternating with a shift

equal to with respect to the voltage and the second
aperiodic and decaying to zero as t tends to infinity.
Hence the two extreme cases defined by:

i =

c = / 2, said to be symmetrical (or balanced)

(see Fig. a )

b) Asymmetrical
i

idc

ip

E 2
sin t
Z
which, from the initiation, has the same shape as for
steady state conditions with a peak value E / Z.

The fault current can be defined by: i =

c = 0, said to be asymmetrical (or unbalanced)

(see Fig. b )
The fault current can be defined by:

R
t
E 2
sin (t - ) + sin e L
Z

Its initial peak value ip therefore depends on on

the R / X cos ratio of the circuit.

i =

Fig. 8 : Graphical presentation of the two extreme cases (symmetrical and asymmetrical) for a short-circuit current .

Figure 8 illustrates the two extreme cases for

the development of a short-circuit current,
presented, for the sake of simplicity, with a
single-phase, alternating voltage.

The factor e L is inversely proportional to the

aperiodic component damping, determined by
the R / L or R / X ratios.
The value of ip must therefore be calculated to
determine the making capacity of the required
circuit breakers and to define the electrodynamic
forces that the installation as a whole must be
capable of withstanding.
Its value may be deduced from the rms value of
the symmetrical short-circuit current a using the
equation:
ip = . r . Ia, where the coefficient is
indicated by the curve in Figure 9 , as a function
of the ratio R / X or R / L, corresponding to the
expression:

= 1.02 + 0.98 e

R
X

Fault near the generator

When the fault occurs in the immediate vicinity of
the generator supplying the circuit, the variation
in the impedance of the generator, in this case
the dominant impedance, damps the short-circuit
current.

The transient current-development conditions

are in this case modified by the variation in the
electromotive force resulting from the
shortcircuit.
For simplicity, the electromotive force is
assumed to be constant and the internal
reactance of the machine variable. The
reactance develops in three stages:
c Subtransient (the first 10 to 20 milliseconds of
the fault)
c Transient (up to 500 milliseconds)
c Steady-state (or synchronous reactance)

2.0
1.8
1.6
1.4
1.2
1.0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1.0

1.2

Fig. 9 : Variation of coefficient depending on

R / X or R / L (see IEC 60909).

R/X

Note that in the indicated order, the reactance

acquires a higher value at each stage, i.e. the
subtransient reactance is less than the transient
reactance, itself less than the synchronous
reactance. The successive effect of the three
reactances leads to a gradual reduction in the
short-circuit current which is the sum of four
components (see Fig. 10 ):

c The three alternating components (subtransient,

transient and steady-state)

c The aperiodic component resulting from the

development of the current in the circuit (inductive)

This short-circuit current i(t) is maximum for a

closing angle corresponding to the zero-crossing
of the voltage at the instant the fault occurs.

a) 0

t (s)

b) 0

t (s)

c) 0

t (s)

d) 0

t (s)
0.1

e) 0

Subtransient

0.3

Transient

0.5

Steady-state

t (s)

Fig. 10 : Total short-circuit current isc (e), and contribution of its components:
a) subtransient reactance = Xd
b) transient reactance = Xd
c) synchronous reactance = Xd
d) aperiodic component.
Note that the decrease in the generator reactance is faster than that of the aperiodic component. This is a rare
situation that can cause saturation of the magnetic circuits and interruption problems because several periods
occur before the current passes through zero.

It is therefore given by the following expression:

1
1 t / Td'' 1
1 t / Td'
1
E 2
i(t ) = E 2 '' ' e
+ '
e
+
cos t '' e t / Ta

Xd
Xd
X d X d
X d Xd

Where:
c In LV power distribution and in HV applications,
however, the transient short-circuit current is often
E: Phase-to-neutral rms voltage across the
used if breaking occurs before the steady-state
generator terminals
stage,
in which case it becomes useful to use the
X"d: Subtransient reactance
short-circuit
breaking current, denoted Ib, which
X'd: Transient reactance
determines the breaking capacity of the timeXd: Synchronous (steady-state) reactance
delayed circuit breakers. Ib is the value of the
T"d: Subtransient time constant
short-circuit current at the moment interruption is
T'd: Transient time constant
effective, i.e. following a time t after the beginning
Ta: Aperiodic time constant
of the short-circuit, where t = tmin. Time tmin
(minimum time delay) is the sum of the minimum
Practically speaking, information on the
operating time of a protection relay and the shortest
development of the short-circuit current is not
opening time of the associated circuit breaker, i.e.
essential:
the shortest time between the appearance of the
c In a LV installation, due to the speed of the
short-circuit current and the initial separation of the
breaking devices, the value of the subtransient
pole contacts on the switching device.
short-circuit current, denoted I"k , and of the
Figure 11 presents the various currents of the
maximum asymmetrical peak amplitude ip is
short-circuits defined above.
sufficient when determining the breaking capacities
of the protection devices and the electrodynamic
forces

Symmetrical

Asymmetrical
2r I"k

Subtrans.

Transient

Steady-state

ip

2r Ik

Fig. 11 : short-circuit currents near a generator (schematic diagram).

1.3 Standardised Isc calculations

The standards propose a number of methods.

c Application guide C 15-105, which
supplements NF C 15-100 (Normes Franaises)
(low-voltage AC installations), details three
methods
v The impedance method, used to calculate
fault currents at any point in an installation with a
high degree of accuracy.
This method involves adding the various
resistances and reactances of the fault loop
separately, from (and including) the source to
the given point, and then calculating the

corresponding impedance. The Isc value is

finally obtained by applying Ohms law:

Isc =

Un
.
3 (Z )

All the characteristics of the various elements in

the fault loop must be known (sources and wiring
systems).
v The composition method, which may be used
when the characteristics of the power supply are
not known. The upstream impedance of the
given circuit is calculated on the basis of an

estimate of the short-circuit current at its origin.

Power factor cos R / X is assumed to be
identical at the origin of the circuit and the fault
location. In other words, it is assumed that the
elementary impedances of two successive
sections in the installation are sufficiently similar
in their characteristics to justify the replacement
of vectorial addition of the impedances by
algebraic addition. This approximation may be
used to calculate the value of the short-circuit
current modulus with sufficient accuracy for the
addition of a circuit.
v The conventional method, which can be used
when the impedances or the Isc in the
installation upstream of the given circuit are not
known, to calculate the minimum short-circuit
currents and the fault currents at the end of a
line. It is based on the assumption that the
voltage at the circuit origin is equal to 80% of the
rated voltage of the installation during the shortcircuit or the fault.
Conductor reactance is neglected for sizes
under 150 mm2. It is taken into account for large

sizes by increasing the resistance 15% for

150 mm2, 20% for 185 mm2, 25% for 240 mm2
and 30% for 300 mm2.
This method is used essentially for final circuits
with origins sufficiently far from the source. It is
not applicable in installations supplied by a
generator.
c Standard IEC 60909 (VDE 0102) applies to all
networks, radial or meshed, up to 550 kV.
This method, based on the Thevenin theorem,
calculates an equivalent voltage source at the
short-circuit location and then determines the
corresponding short-circuit current. All network
feeders as well as the synchronous and
asynchronous machines are replaced in the
calculation by their impedances (positive
sequence, negative-sequence and
zerosequence).
All line capacitances and the parallel
admittances of non-rotating loads, except those
of the zero-sequence system, are neglected.

1.4 Methods presented in this document

In this Cahier Technique publication, two
methods are presented for the calculation of
short-circuit currents in radial networks:

c The impedance method, reserved primarily for

LV networks, was selected for its high degree of
accuracy and its instructive value, given that

virtually all characteristics of the circuit are taken

into account

c The IEC 60909 method, used primarily for HV

networks, was selected for its accuracy and its
analytical character. More technical in nature, it
implements the symmetrical-component principle

1.5 Basic assumptions

To simplify the short-circuit calculations, a
number of assumptions are required. These
impose limits for which the calculations are valid
but usually provide good approximations,
facilitating comprehension of the physical
phenomena and consequently the short-circuit
current calculations. They nevertheless maintain
a fully acceptable level of accuracy, erring
systematically on the conservative side. The
assumptions used in this document are as
follows:
c The given network is radial with nominal
voltages ranging from LV to HV, but not
exceeding 550 kV, the limit set by standard
IEC 60909
c The short-circuit current, during a three-phase
short-circuit, is assumed to occur simultaneously
on all three phases
c During the short-circuit, the number of phases
involved does not change, i.e. a three-phase

fault remains three-phase and a phase-to-earth

fault remains phase-to-earth
c For the entire duration of the short-circuit, the
voltages responsible for the flow of the current
and the short-circuit impedance do not change
significantly
c Transformer regulators or tap-changers are
assumed to be set to a main position (if the
short-circuit occurs away far from the generator,
the actual position of the transformer regulator or
tap-changers does not need to be taken into
account
c Arc resistances are not taken into account
c All line capacitances are neglected
c Load currents are neglected
c All zero-sequence impedances are taken into
account

2 Calculation of Isc by the impedance method

2.1 Isc depending on the different types of short-circuit
Three-phase short-circuit
This fault involves all three phases. Short-circuit
current Isc3 is equal to:

U/ 3
Zcc
where U (phase-to-phase voltage) corresponds
to the transformer no-load voltage which is 3 to
5% greater than the on-load voltage across the
terminals. For example, in 390 V networks, the
phase-to-phase voltage adopted is U = 410 V,
and the phase-to-neutral voltage is
U / 3 = 237 V .
Calculation of the short-circuit current therefore
requires only calculation of Zsc, the impedance
equal to all the impedances through which Isc
flows from the generator to the location of the

sc3 =

Three-phase fault

fault, i.e. the impedances of the power sources

and the lines (see Fig. 12 ). This is, in fact, the
positive-sequence impedance per phase:
Zsc =

+ X

where

R = the sum of series resistances,

X = the sum of series reactances.

It is generally considered that three-phase faults

provoke the highest fault currents. The fault
current in an equivalent diagram of a polyphase
system is limited by only the impedance of one
phase at the phase-to-neutral voltage of
thenetwork. Calculation of Isc3 is therefore
essential for selection of equipment (maximum
current and electrodynamic withstand capability).

ZL

ZL

Zsc
V

sc 3 =

U/ 3
Zsc

sc 2 =

U
2 . Zsc

ZL
Phase-to-phase fault

ZL

ZL

Phase-to-neutral fault

ZL

Zo

Fig. 12 : The various short-circuit currents.

Zsc
Zsc

ZL
ZLn

Phase-to-earth fault

Zsc

ZLn

sc1 =

U/ 3
Zsc + ZLn

sco =

U/ 3
Zsc + Z o

Zsc
V

Zo

In certain special cases of phase-to-neutral

faults, the zero-sequence impedance of the
source is less than Zsc (for example, at the
terminals of a star-zigzag connected transformer
or of a generator under subtransient conditions).
In this case, the phase-to-neutral fault current
may be greater than that of a three-phase fault.

Phase-to-phase short-circuit clear of earth

This is a fault between two phases, supplied with
a phase-to-phase voltage U. In this case, the
short-circuit current Isc2 is less than that of a
three-phase fault:

sc 2 =

U
=
2 Zsc

3
sc 3 0.86 sc 3
2

Phase-to-earth fault (one or two phases)

This type of fault brings the zero-sequence
impedance Zo into play.
Except when rotating machines are involved
(reduced zero-sequence impedance), the shortcircuit current Isco is less than that of a three
phase fault.
Calculation of Isco may be necessary, depending
on the neutral system (system earthing
arrangement), in view of defining the setting
thresholds for the zero-sequence (HV) or earthfault (LV) protection devices.
Figure 12 shows the various short-circuit currents.

For a fault occuring near rotating machines, the

impedance of the machines is such that Isc2 is
close to Isc3.

Phase-to-neutral short-circuit clear of earth

This is a fault between one phase and the

neutral, supplied with a phase-to-neutral voltage
V = U/ 3
The short-circuit current Isc1 is:

sc1 =

U/ 3
Zsc + ZLn

2.2 Determining the various short-circuit impedances

This method involves determining the shortcircuit
currents on the basis of the impedance
represented by the circuit through which the
short-circuit current flows. This impedance may
be calculated after separately summing the
various resistances and reactances in the fault
loop, from (and including) the power source to
the fault location.

Rup / Zup 0.1 at 150 kV.

As, Xup =
Xup
=
Zup

U2
Ssc
where U is the no-load phase-to-phase voltage
of the network.
The upstream resistance and reactance may be
deduced from Rup / Zup (for HV) by:
Rup / Zup 0.3 at 6 kV;
Rup / Zup 0.2 at 20 kV;
Zup =

Short-circuit voltage usc (%)

Xup
2
= 1 - (0.2) = 0.980
Zup
Xup = 0.980 Zup at 20kV,
hence the approximation Xup Zup .
c Internal transformer impedance
The impedance may be calculated on the basis
of the short-circuit voltage usc expressed as a
percentage:
u
U2
,
3 Z T = sc
100 Sn
U = no-load phase-to-phase voltage of the
transformer;
Sn = transformer kVA rating;
usc
= voltage that must be applied to the
100
primary winding of the transformer for the rated
current to flow through the secondary winding,
when the LV secondary terminals are
shortcircuited.
For public distribution MV / LV transformers, the
values of usc have been set by the European
Harmonisation document HD 428-1S1 issued in
October 1992 (see Fig. 13 ) .

Network impedances
c Upstream network impedance
Generally speaking, points upstream of the
power source are not taken into account.
Available data on the upstream network is
therefore limited to that supplied by the power
distributor, i.e. only the short-circuit power Ssc in
MVA.
The equivalent impedance of the upstream
network is:

Rating (kVA) of the MV / LV transformer

Rup
1 -

Zu p

2 Therefore, for 20 kV,

(The circled numbers X may be used to come

back to important information while reading the
example at the end of this section.)

Za2 - Ra 2 ,

630
4

800

4.5

1,000

Fig. 13 : Standardised short-circuit voltage for public distribution transformers.

1,250

5.5

1,600
6

2,000

Note that the accuracy of values has a direct

influence on the calculation of Isc in that an error
of x % for usc produces an equivalent error (x %)
for ZT.
4 In general, RT << XT , in the order of 0.2 XT,
and the internal transformer impedance may be
considered comparable to reactance XT. For low
power levels, however, calculation of ZT is
required because the ratio RT / XT is higher.
The resistance is calculated using the joule
losses (W) in the windings:
W
W = 3 RT n2 RT =
3 n2
Notes:
5

v When n identically-rated transformers are

connected in parallel, their internal impedance
values, as well as the resistance and reactance
values, must be divided by n

v Particular attention must be paid to special

transformers, for example, the transformers for
rectifier units have Usc values of up to 10 to 12%
in order to limit short-circuit currents.
When the impedance upstream of the
transformer and the transformer internal
impedance are taken into account, the
shortcircuit current may be expressed as:

sc =

U
3 ( Zup + Z T )

Initially, Zup and ZT may be considered

comparable to their respective reactances. The
short-circuit impedance Zsc is therefore equal to
the algebraic sum of the two.
The upstream network impedance may be
neglected, in which case the new current value
is:
U
' sc =
3 ZT

The relative error is:

U2

sc
' sc - sc
Zup
Ssc
=
=
=
sc
sc
ZT
usc U2

i.e. :

100 Sn
sc
=
sc
usc Ssc

100 Sn

Figure 14 indicates the level of conservative

error in the calculation of Isc, due to the fact that
the upstream impedance is neglected. The figure
demonstrates clearly that it is possible to neglect
the upstream impedance for networks where the
short-circuit power Ssc is much higher than the
transformer kVA rating Sn. For example, when
Ssc / Sn = 300, the error is approximately 5%.
c Line impedance
The line impedance ZL depends on the
resistance per unit length, the reactance per unit
length and the length of the line.
v The resistance per unit length of overhead
lines, cables and busbars is calculated as
RL =

where
A
S = cross-sectional area of the conductor;
= conductor resistivity, however the value used
varies, depending on the calculated short-circuit
current (minimum or maximum).
6 The table in Figure 15 provides values for
each of the above-mentioned cases.
Practically speaking, for LV and conductors with
cross-sectional areas less than 150 mm2, only
the resistance is taken into account
(RL < 0.15 m / m when A > 150 mm2).
v The reactance per unit length of overhead
lines, cables and busbars may be calculated as

d
XL = L = 15.7 + 144.44 Log
r

Isc/Isc
(%)
12

Ssc = 250 MVA

10

Ssc = 500 MVA

5
0
500

1,000

1,500

2,000

Sn
(kVA)

Fig. 14 : Resultant error in the calculation of the short-circuit current when the upstream network impedance Zup
is neglected.

expressed as m / km for a single-phase or

three-phase delta cable system, where (in mm):
r = radius of the conducting cores;
d = average distance between conductors.
NB : Above, Log = decimal logarithm.
For overhead lines, the reactance increases
slightly in proportion to the distance between
d
conductors (Log ), and therefore in
t
proportion to the operating voltage.

7 the following average values are to be used:

X = 0.3 / km (LV lines);

X = 0.4 / km (MV or HV lines).
Figure 16 shows the various reactance values for
conductors in LV applications, depending on the
wiring system (practical values drawn from French
standards, also used in other European countries).
The following average values are to be used:

- 0.08 m / m for a three-phase cable (

and, for HV applications, between 0.1 and

0.15 m / m.
Rule

Max. short-circuit current

Min. short-circuit current
c With fuse
c With breaker

Fault current for TN and IT

systems
Voltage drop

Overcurrent for thermal-stress

checks on protective conductors

),

8 - 0.09 m / m for touching, single-conductor

cables (flat

or triangular

);

9 - 0.15 m / m as a typical value for busbars

(
) and spaced, single-conductor cables
(
) ; For sandwiched-phase busbars
(e.g. Canalis - Telemecanique), the reactance is
considerably lower.
Notes :
v The impedance of the short lines between the
distribution point and the HV / LV transformer
may be neglected. This assumption gives a
conservative error concerning the short-circuit
current. The error increases in proportion to the
transformer rating
v The cable capacitance with respect to the earth
(common mode), which is 10 to 20 times greater
than that between the lines, must be taken into
account for earth faults. Generally speaking, the
capacitance of a HV three-phase cable with a
cross-sectional area of 120 mm2 is in the order

Resistitivity
(*)

Resistivity value
( mm2/m)

Concerned
conductors

0.01851

0.02941

PH-N

2 = 1,5 0
1 = 1,25 0
1 = 1,25 0

0.028
0.023

0.044
0.037

PH-N
PH-N (**)

1 = 1,25 0
1 = 1,25 0

0.023

0.037

PH-N

Copper

0,023

Aluminium

0,037

0.023

PH-N
PE-PEN

0.037

PH, PE and PEN

(*) 0 = resistivity of conductors at 20C = 0.01851 mm2/m for copper and 0.02941 mm2/m for aluminium.
(**) N, the cross-sectional area of the neutral conductor, is less than that of the phase conductor.

Fig. 15 : Conductor resistivity values to be taken into account depending on the calculated short-circuit current
(minimum or maximum). See UTE C 15-105.
Wiring system

Busbars

Three-phase Spaced single-core Touching single

3 touching
cable
cables
core cables (triangle) cables (flat)

Diagram
Reactance per unit length,
values recommended in
UTE C 15-105 (m/m)
Average reactance
per unit length
values (m/m)
Extreme reactance
per unit length
values (m/m)

3 d spaced cables (flat)

d = 2r
d = 4r
d

0.08

0.13

0.08

0.09

0.13

0.13

0.15

0.08

0.15

0.085

0.095

0.145

0.19

0.12-0.18

0.06-0.1

0.1-0.2

0.08-0.09

0.09-0.1

0.14-0.15

0.18-0.20

Fig. 16 : Cables reactance values depending on the wiring system.

of 1 F / km, however the capacitive current

remains low, in the order of 5 A / km at 20 kV.
c The reactance or resistance of the lines may
be neglected.
If one of the values, RL or XL, is low with respect
to the other, it may be neglected because the
resulting error for impedance ZL is consequently
very low. For example, if the ratio between RL
and XL is 3, the error in ZL is 5.1%.
The curves for RL and XL (see Fig. 17 ) may be
used to deduce the cable cross-sectional areas
for which the impedance may be considered
comparable to the resistance or to the
reactance.

Examples :
v First case: Consider a three-phase cable, at
20C, with copper conductors. Their reactance
is 0.08 m / m. The RL and XL curves
(see Fig. 17) indicate that impedance ZL
approaches two asymptotes, RL for low cable
cross-sectional areas and XL = 0.08 m / m for
high cable cross-sectional areas. For the low and
high cable cross-sectional areas, the impedance
ZL curve may be considered identical to the
asymptotes.
The given cable impedance is therefore
considered, with a margin of error less than
5.1%, comparable to:
- A resistance for cable cross-sectional areas
less than 74 mm2

m/m
1
0.8

0.2

ZL

0.1
0.08
0.05

XL

0.02
0.01

10

20

50

100 200

RL

500 1,000 Section S

2
(en mm )

Fig. 17 : Impedance ZL of a three-phase cable, at

20 C, with copper conductors.

Turbo-generator

Salient-pole generators

- A reactance for cable cross-sectional areas

greater than 660 mm2
v Second case: Consider a three-phase cable, at
20 C, with aluminium conductors. As above,
the impedance ZL curve may be considered
identical to the asymptotes, but for cable crosssectional areas less than 120 mm2 and greater
than 1,000 mm2 (curves not shown)

Impedance of rotating machines.

c Synchronous generators
The impedances of machines are generally
expressed as a percentage, for example:

x
In
=
(where x is the equivalent of the
100 Isc

transformer usc).

Consider:

x
U2
where
100 Sn
U = no-load phase-to-phase voltage of the
generator,
Sn = generator VA rating.
11 What is more, given that the value of R / X is
low, in the order of 0.05 to 0.1 for MV and 0.1 to
0.2 for LV, impedance Z may be considered
comparable to reactance X. Values for x are
given in the table in Figure 18 for
turbogenerators with smooth rotors and for
hydraulic generators with salient poles (low
speeds).
In the table, it may seem surprising to see that
the synchronous reactance for a shortcircuit
exceeds 100% (at that point in time, Isc < In) .
However, the short-circuit current is essentially
inductive and calls on all the reactive power that
the field system, even over-excited, can supply,
whereas the rated current essentially carries the
active power supplied by the turbine
(cos from 0.8 to 1).
c Synchronous compensators and motors
The reaction of these machines during a
shortcircuit is similar to that of generators.
12 They produce a current in the network that
depends on their reactance in % (see Fig. 19 ).
c Asynchronous motors
When an asynchronous motor is cut from the
network, it maintains a voltage across its
terminals that disappears within a few
hundredths of a second. When a short-circuit
occurs across the terminals, the motor supplies a
current that disappears even more rapidly,
according to time constants in the order of:
10 Z =

Subtransient
reactance

Transient
reactance

Synchronous
reactance

15-25

25-35

70-120

10-20

Fig. 18 : Generator reactance values. in per unit.

15-25

150-230

v 20 ms for single-cage motors up to 100 kW

v 30 ms for double-cage motors and motors
above 100 kW
v 30 to 100 ms for very large HV slipring motors
(1,000 kW)

In the event of a short-circuit, an asynchronous

motor is therefore a generator to which an
impedance (subtransient only) of 20 to 25% is
attributed.
Consequently, the large number of LV motors,
with low individual outputs, present on industrial
sites may be a source of difficulties in that it is
not easy to foresee the average number of
motors running that will contribute to the fault
when a short-circuit occurs. Individual calculation
of the reverse current for each motor, taking into
account the line impedance, is therefore a
tedious and futile task. Common practice,
notably in the United States, is to take into
account the combined contribution to the fault
current of all the asynchronous LV motors in an
installation.

13 They are therefore thought of as a unique

source, capable of supplying to the busbars a
current equal to Istart/Ir times the sum of the
rated currents of all installed motors.

Other impedances.

c Capacitors
A shunt capacitor bank located near the fault
location will discharge, thus increasing the
shortcircuit current. This damped oscillatory
discharge is characterised by a high initial peak
value that is superposed on the initial peak of the
shortcircuit current, even though its frequency is
far greater than that of the network.
Depending on the timing between the initiation of
the fault and the voltage wave, two extreme
cases must be considered:
v If the initiation of the fault coincides with zero
voltage, the short-circuit discharge current is
asymmetrical, with a maximum initial amplitude
peak
v Conversely, if the initiation of the fault
coincides with maximum voltage, the discharge
current superposes itself on the initial peak of
the fault current, which, because it is
symmetrical, has a low value
It is therefore unlikely, except for very powerful
capacitor banks, that superposition will result in
an initial peak higher than the peak current of an
asymmetrical fault.

High-speed motors
Low-speed motors

Compensators

It follows that when calculating the maximum

short-circuit current, capacitor banks do not need
to be taken into account.
However, they must nonetheless be considered
when selecting the type of circuit breaker. During
opening, capacitor banks significantly reduce the
circuit frequency and thus affect current
interruption.
c Switchgear

14 Certain devices (circuit breakers, contactors

with blow-out coils, direct thermal relays, etc.)
have an impedance that must be taken into
account, for the calculation of Isc, when such a
device is located upstream of the device intended
to break the given short-circuit and remain closed
(selective circuit breakers).

15 For LV circuit breakers, for example, a

reactance value of 0.15 m is typical, while the
resistance is negligible.
For breaking devices, a distinction must be made
depending on the speed of opening:
v Certain devices open very quickly and thus
significantly reduce short-circuit currents. This is
the case for fast-acting, limiting circuit breakers
and the resultant level of electrodynamic forces
and thermal stresses, for the part of the
installation concerned, remains far below the
theoretical maximum
v Other devices, such as time-delayed circuit
breakers, do not offer this advantage
c Fault arc
The short-circuit current often flows through an
arc at the fault location. The resistance of the arc
is considerable and highly variable. The voltage
drop over a fault arc can range from 100 to 300 V.
For HV applications, this drop is negligible with
respect to the network voltage and the arc has
no effect on reducing the short-circuit current.
For LV applications, however, the actual fault
current when an arc occurs is limited to a much
lower level than that calculated (bolted, solid
fault), because the voltage is much lower.

16 For example, the arc resulting from a

shortcircuit between conductors or busbars may
reduce the prospective short-circuit current by
20 to 50% and sometimes by even more than
50% for nominal voltages under 440 V.
However, this phenomenon, highly favourable in
the LV field and which occurs for 90% of faults,
may not be taken into account when determining
the breaking capacity because 10% of faults take
place during closing of a device, producing a solid

Subtransient
reactance

Transient
reactance

Synchronous
reactance

35

50

100

15
25

25
40

Fig. 19 : Synchronous compensator and motor reactance values, in per unit.

80

160

fault without an arc. This phenomenon should,

however, be taken into account for the
calculation of the minimum short-circuit current.
c Various impedances
Other elements may add non-negligible
impedances. This is the case for harmonics

filters and inductors used to limit the short-circuit

current.
They must, of course, be included in
calculations, as well as wound-primary type
current transformers for which the impedance
values vary depending on the rating and the type
of construction.

2.3 Relationships between impedances at the different voltage levels in an installation

Impedances as a function of the voltage
The short-circuit power Ssc at a given point in
the network is defined by:

U2
Zsc
This means of expressing the short-circuit power
implies that Ssc is invariable at a given point in
the network, whatever the voltage. And the
equation
Ssc = U 3 =

U
implies that all impedances
3 Zsc
must be calculated with respect to the voltage at
the fault location, which leads to certain
complications that often produce errors in
calculations for networks with two or more
voltage levels. For example, the impedance of a
HV line must be multiplied by the square of the
reciprocal of the transformation ratio, when
calculating a fault on the LV side of the
transformer:

sc 3 =

UBT
17 ZBT = ZHT U
HT

A simple means of avoiding these difficulties is

the relative impedance method proposed by
H. Rich.

Calculation of the relative impedances

This is a calculation method used to establish a
relationship between the impedances at the
different voltage levels in an electrical
installation.
This method proposes dividing the impedances
(in ohms) by the square of the network line-toline
voltage (in volts) at the point where the
impedances exist. The impedances therefore
become relative (ZR).
c For overhead lines and cables, the relative
resistances and reactances are defined as:

R
X
and XCR = 2 with R and X in
2
U
U
ohms and U in volts.
c For transformers, the impedance is expressed
on the basis of their short-circuit voltages usc and
their kVA rating Sn:
RCR =

1 usc
Sn 100
c For rotating machines, the equation is
identical, with x representing the impedance
Z TR =

expressed in %.

1
x
Sn 100
c For the system as a whole, after having
calculated all the relative impedances, the
shortcircuit power may be expressed as:
ZMR =

Ssc =

ZR

from which it is possible to deduce

the fault current Isc at a point with a voltage U:

sc =

Ssc
=
3 U

3 U

ZR

ZR is the composed vector sum of all the

impedances related to elements upstream of the
fault. It is therefore the relative impedance of the
upstream network as seen from a point at U
voltage.
Hence, Ssc is the short-circuit power, in VA, at a
point where voltage is U.
For example, if we consider the simplified
diagram of Figure 20 :
At point A, Ssc =

Hence, Ssc =

ULV 2

U
Z T LV
UHV

+ ZL

1
ZT
ZL
+
UHV 2
ULV 2

UHT
ZT
UBT
ZC
A

Fig. 20 : Calculating Ssc at point A.

2.4 Calculation example (with the impedances of the power sources, the upstream network
and the power supply transformers as well as those of the electrical lines)
Problem
Consider a 20 kV network that supplies a HV /
LV substation via a 2 km overhead line, and a
1 MVA generator that supplies in parallel the
busbars of the same substation. Two 1,000 kVA
parallel-connected transformers supply the LV
busbars which in turn supply 20 outgoers to
20 motors, including the one supplying motor M.
All motors are rated 50 kW, all connection cables
are identical and all motors are running when the
fault occurs.

The Isc3 and ip values must be calculated at the

various fault locations indicated in the network
diagram (see Fig. 21 ), that is:
c Point A on the HV busbars, with a negligible
impedance
c Point B on the LV busbars, at a distance of
10 meters from the transformers
c Point C on the busbars of an LV subdistribution
board
c Point D at the terminals of motor M
Then the reverse current of the motors must be
calculated at C and B, then at D and A.

Upstream network
U1 = 20 kV
Ssc = 500 MVA
Overhead line
3 cables, 50 mm2, copper
length = 2 km
Generator
1 MVA
xsubt = 15%

3L

2 transformers
1,000 kVA
secondary winding 237/410 V
usc = 5%
Main LV
switchboard
3 bars, 400 mm2/ph, copper
length = 10 m

10 m

Cable 1
3 single-core cables, 400 mm2,
aluminium, spaced, laid flat,
length = 80 m
LV sub-distribution board
neglecting the length of the busbars
Cable 2
3 single-core cables 35 mm2,
copper 3-phase,
length = 30 m
Motor
50 kW (efficiency = 0.9 ; cos = 0.8)
x = 25%

Fig. 21 : Diagram for calculation of Isc3 and ip at points A, B, C and D.

3L
C

3L

D
M

In this example, reactances X and resistances R

are calculated with their respective voltages in

Solution
Section

the installation (see Figure 22 ). The relative

impedance method is not used.

Calculation

Results

(the circled numbers X indicate where explanations may be found in the preceding text)

20 kV

1. upstream network

Zup = 20 x 103
Xup = 0.98 Zup

X ()

/ 500 x 106

Rup = 0.2 Zup 0.2 Xup

2. overhead line
(50 mm2)

3. generator
20 kV

Xc o = 0.4 x 2
Rc o = 0.018 x

XG

20 x 103
15
=
x
100
106

ZT =

1
2

0.78

0.8

6
2

RG = 0.1 XG

Fault A
4. transformers
ZT on LV side

2, 000
50

1
5
4102
x
x
2
100
106

X T ZT

10

60

11

X (m)

4.2

5. circuit-breaker

X cb = 0.15

15

0.15

6. busbars
(one 400 mm2 bar per
phase)

XB = 0.15 x 10-3 x 10

1.5

RB = 0.023 x

Fault B

7. circuit-breaker

X cb = 0.15

8. cable 1
(one 400 mm2 cable per
phase)

Xc1 = 0.15 x 10

9. circuit-breaker

X cb = 0.15

10. cable 2
(35 mm2)

Xc 2 = 0.09 x 10 3 x 30

Fault C

Fault D
11. motor 50 kW

Rc 2 = 0.023 x
Xm =

25
4102
x
100 (50 / 0.9 x 0.8) 103

Rm = 0.2 Xm

Fig. 22 : Impedance calculation.

30
35

R (m)

0.84

0.57
0.15

x 80

80
Rc1 = 0.036 x
400

10
400

0.15

0.72

RT = 0.2 X T

410 V

R ()

12
7.2
0.15
2.7
19.3

12

605
121

I - Fault at A (HV busbars)

Elements concerned: 1, 2, 3.
The network + overhead line impedance is
parallel to that of the generator, however the
latter is much greater and may be neglected:
X A = 0.78 + 0.8 1.58
R A = 0.15 + 0.72 0.87
ZA =

R2A + X 2A 1.80 hence

20 x 103
6,415 A
3 x 1.80
IA is the steady-state Isc and for the purposes
of calculating the peak asymmetrical IpA:

RC = (RB + 7.2) 10-3 = 9.0 m

These values make clear the importance of Isc

limitation due to the cables.
ZC =

C =

2
2
RC
+ XC
= 20.7 m

410
11,400 A
3 x 20.7 x 10 3

RC
= 0.48 hence = 1.25 on the curve in
XC

A =

figure 9 and therefore the peak ipC is equal to:

RA
= 0.55 hence = 1.2 on the curve in
XA
figure 9 and therefore ipA is equal to:

IV - Fault at D (LV motor)

[Elements concerned:
(1, 2, 3) + (4, 5, 6) + (7, 8) + (9, 10)]
The reactances and the resistances of the circuit
breaker and the cables must be added to XC and RC.

1.2 x 2 x 6,415 = 10,887 A .

II - Fault at B (main LV switchboard busbars)

[Elements concerned: (1, 2, 3) + (4, 5, 6)]
The reactances X and resistances R calculated
for the HV section must be recalculated for the
LV network via multiplication by the square of
the voltage ratio 17 , i.e.:

(410 / 20, 000)2 = 0.42 10-3 hence

XB =

[(XA

XB = 6.51 m and

RB =

[(RA

0.42) + 4.2 + 0.15 + 1.5 10-3

0.42) + 0.84 + 0.57 10-3

RB = 1.77 m
These calculations make clear, firstly, the low
importance of the HV upstream reactance, with
respect to the reactances of the two parallel
transformers, and secondly, the non-negligible
impedance of the 10 meter long, LV busbars.
ZB =

B =

RB2 + XB2 = 6.75 m

410
35,070 A
3 x 6.75 x 10-3

RB
= 0.27 hence = 1.46 on the curve in
XB

figure 9 and therefore the peak ipB is equal to:

1.46 x 2 x 35, 070 72,400 A .

What is more, if the fault arc is taken into

account (see c fault arc section 16 ), IB is

reduced to a maximum value of 28,000 A and a

minimum value of 17,500 A .

III - Fault at C (busbars of LV sub-distribution

board)
[Elements concerned: (1, 2, 3) + (4, 5, 6) + (7, 8)]
The reactances and the resistances of the circuit
breaker and the cables must be added to X B and RB.
XC = (XB + 0.15 + 12) 10-3 = 18.67 m

and

1.25 x

2 x 11, 400 20,200 A

XD = (XC + 0.15 + 2.7) 10-3 = 21.52 m

and

RD = (RC + 19.2) 10-3 = 28.2 m

ZD =

D =

2
2
RD
+ XD
= 35.5 m

410
6, 700 A
3 x 35.5 x 10-3

RD
= 1.31 hence 1.04 on the curve in
XD

figure 9 and therefore the peak ipD is equal to:

1.04 x 2 x 6,700 9,900 A

As each level in the calculations makes clear,
the impact of the circuit breakers is negligible
compared to that of the other elements in the
network.

V - Reverse currents of the motors

It is often faster to simply consider the motors as
independent generators, injecting into the fault a
reverse current that is superimposed on the
network fault current.

c Fault at C
The current produced by the motor may be
calculated on the basis of the motor + cable
impedance:
XM = (605 + 2.7)10 3 608 m

RM = (121 + 19.3) 10-3 140 m

ZM = 624 m hence

M =

410

3 x 624 x 10 3

379 A

For the 20 motors

MC = 7, 580 A.
Instead of making the above calculations, it is
possible (see 13 ) to estimate the current

injected by all the motors as being equal to

(Istart / Ir) times their rated current (98 A), i.e.
(4.8 x 98) x 20 = 9,400 A.

This estimate therefore provides conservative

protection with respect to IMC : 7,580 A.

On the basis of R / X = 0.23 = 1.51 and

ipMC = 1.51 2 7, 580 = 16,200 A

Consequently, the short-circuit current

(subtransient) on the LV busbars increases from
11,400 A to 19,000 A and ipC from 20,200 A to
36,400 A.

c Fault at D
The impedance to be taken into account is 1 / 19th
of ZM (19 parallel motors), plus that of the cable.
XMD

608

=
+ 2.7 10-3 = 34.7 m

19

140

RMD =
+ 19.3 10-3 26.7 m

19
ZMD = 43.8 m hence

MD =

410
= 5, 400 A
3 43.8 103

giving a total at D of:

6,700 + 5,400 = 12,100 A rms, and

ipD 18,450 A.

c Fault at B
As for the fault at C, the current produced by the
motor may be calculated on the basis of the
motor + cable impedance:
XM = (605 + 2.7 + 12) 10-3 = 620 m

RM = (121 + 19.3 + 7.2) 10-3 147.5 m

ZM = 637 m hence

IM =

410
372 A
3 637 103

For the 20 motors IMB = 7,440 A.

Again, it is possible to estimate the current

injected by all the motors as being equal to
4.8 times their rated current (98 A), i.e. 9,400 A.
The approximation again overestimates the real
value of IMB.
Using the fact that R / X = 0.24 = = 1.5
ipMB = 1.5 2 7, 440 = 15,800 A .
Taking the motors into account, the short-circuit
current (subtransient) on the main LV

switchboard increases from 35,070 A to

42,510 A and the peak ipB from 72,400 A to
88,200 A.
However, as mentioned above, if the fault arc is
taken into account, IB is reduced between 21.3
to 34 kA.
c Fault at A (HV side)

Rather than calculating the equivalent

impedances, it is easier to estimate
(conservatively) the reverse current of the
motors at A by multiplying the value at B by the
LV / HV transformation value 17 , i.e.:
7,440

410
= 152.5 A
20 103

This figure, compared to the 6,415 A calculated

previously, is negligible

Rough calculation of the fault at D

This calculation makes use of all the

approximations mentioned above (notably 15

and 16 .

X =
X =
R =

Z'D =

' D =

4.2 + 1.5 + 12
17.7 m = X'D

7.2 + 19.3 = 26.5 m = R'D

2
R'D2 + X'D
31.9 m

410
7,430 A
3 x 31.9 x 10-3

hence the peak ip'D :

2 x 7,430 10,500 A .

To find the peak asymmetrical ipDtotal, the above

value must be increased by the contribution of
the energised motors at the time of the fault A

13 i.e. 4.8 times their rated current of 98 A:

10,500 + 4.8 98 2 20 = 23,800 A

Compared to the figure obtained by the full

calculation (18,450 A), the approximate method
allows a quick evaluation with an error remaining
on the side of safety.

3 Calculation of Isc values in a radial network using

symmetrical components
3.1 Advantages of this method

Calculation using symmetrical components is

particularly useful when a three-phase network is
unbalanced, because, due to magnetic
phenomena, for example, the traditional
cyclical impedances R and X are, normally
speaking, no longer useable. This calculation
method is also required when:
c A voltage and current system is not
symmetrical (Fresnel vectors with different

moduli and imbalances exceeding 120).This is

the case for phase-to-earth or phase-to-phase
short-circuits with or without earth connection

c The network includes rotating machines and/or

special transformers (Yyn connection, for
example)
This method may be used for all types of radial
distribution networks at all voltage levels.

3.2 Symmetrical components

Similar to the Leblanc theorem which states that

a rectilinear alternating field with a sinusoidal
amplitude is equivalent to two rotating fields
turning in the opposite direction, the definition of
symmetrical components is based on the
equivalence between an unbalanced threephase
system and the sum of three balanced threephase systems, namely the positivesequence,
negative-sequence and zerosequence
(see Fig. 23 ).
The superposition principle may then be used to
calculate the fault currents.
In the description below, the system is defined
using current 1 as the rotation reference,
where:

a = e

I1(1)

I2(1)

I2(2)

I3(2)

Geometric construction of I1

I1

I1(1)

I1(2) I1(0)

I1(2)

I3(0)

Geometric construction of I2
I2 I1(1)
I1(0)
a I1(2)

I1(2)

a2 I1(1)

1
3
between I 1, I 2,
+ j
2
2

Currents 1and 3 may be expressed in the

same manner, hence the system:

1 = 1(1) + a 1(2) + 1(0)

2 = a 2 1(1) + a 1(2) + 1(0)

3 = a 1(1) + a 2 1(2) + 1(0) .

Zero-sequence
I1(0)

I2(0)

= -

2 = a 2 1(1) + a 1(2) + 1(3) .

c 1(2) is the negative-sequence component

c 1(0) is the zero-sequence component
and by using the following operator

Negative-sequence

2
3

and I 3.
This principle, applied to a current system, is
confirmed by a graphical representation
(see fig. 23). For example, the graphical addition
of the vectors produces, for, the following result:

c 1(1) is the positive-sequence component

Positive-sequence
I3(1)

I3
I2

I1
t

Geometric construction of I3
a2 I1(2)

I1(1)

I1(2)

I3

I1(1)

Fig. 23 : Graphical construction of the sum of three balanced three-phase systems (positive-sequence, negative-sequence and zero-sequence).

These symmetrical current components are

related to the symmetrical voltage components
by the corresponding impedances:
Z (1) =

V(1)

(1)

, Z (2) =

V(2)

(2)

and Z (0) =

V(0)

(0)

These impedances may be defined from the

characteristics (supplied by the manufacturers)
of the various elements in the given electrical
network. Among these characteristics, we can
note that Z(2) Z(1), except for rotating machines,
whereas Z(0) varies depending on each element
(see Fig. 24 ).
For further information on this subject, a detailed
presentation of this method for calculating solid
and impedance fault currents is contained in the
Cahier Technique n 18 (see the appended
bibliography).

Elements

Transformer
(seen from secondary winding)
No neutral

Yyn or Zyn
Dyn or YNyn
Dzn or Yzn

free flux
forced flux

Machine

Z(0)

10 to 15 X(1)

X(1)
0.1 to 0.2 X(1)

Synchronous

0.5 Z(1)

Line

3 Z(1)

Asynchronous

Fig. 24 : Zero-sequence characteristic of the various

elements in an electrical network.

3.3 Calculation as defined by IEC 60909

Standard IEC 60909 defines and presents a

method implementing symmetrical components,
that may be used by engineers not specialised in
the field.
The method is applicable to electrical networks
with a nominal voltage of less than 550 kV and
the standard explains the calculation of minimum
and maximum short-circuit currents.
The former is required in view of calibrating
overcurrent protection devices and the latter is
used to determine the rated characteristics for
the electrical equipment.
Procedure
1- Calculate the equivalent voltage at the fault
location, equal to c Un / 3 where c is a
voltage factor required in the calculation to
account for:
c Voltage variations in space and in time
c Possible changes in transformer tappings
c Subtransient behaviour of generators and
motors
Depending on the required calculations and the
given voltage levels, the standardised voltage
levels are indicated in Figure 25 .
2- Determine and add up the equivalent
positivesequence, negative-sequence and
zerosequence impedances upstream of the fault
location.
3- Calculate the initial short-circuit current using
the symmetrical components. Practically
speaking and depending on the type of fault, the
equations required for the calculation of the Isc
are indicated in the table in Figure 26 .
4- Once the rms value of the initial short-circuit
current (I"k) is known, it is possible to calculate
the other values:
ip, peak value,

Rated
voltage
Un

Voltage factor c
for calculation of
Isc max. Isc min.

If tolerance + 6%

1.05

0.95

1.1

LV (100 to 1000 V)
If tolerance + 10%
MV and HV

1 to 550 kV

1.1

0.95

Fig. 25 : Values for voltage factor c (see IEC 60909).

Ib, rms value of the symmetrical short-circuit

breaking current,
idc, aperiodic component,
Ik, rms value of the steady-state short-circuit
current.

Effect of the distance separating the fault

from the generator
When using this method, two different
possibilities must always be considered:
c The short-circuit is far from the generator, the
situation in networks where the short-circuit
currents do not have a damped, alternating
component
This is generally the case in LV networks, except
when high-power loads are supplied by special
HV substations;
c The short-circuit is near the generator
(see fig. 11), the situation in networks where the
short-circuit currents do have a damped,
alternating component. This generally occurs in
HV systems, but may occur in LV systems when,
for example, an emergency generator supplies
priority outgoers.

I"k

Type
of short-circuit

Fault occuring
far from rotating machines

General situation
c Un

I"k3 =

Three-phase (any Ze)

c Un

I"k3 =

3 Z (1)

3 Z(1)

In both cases, the short-circuit current depends only on Z(1). which is generally replaced by Zk
the short-circuit impedance at the fault location, defined by Zk =

Rk is the sum of the resistances of one phase, connected in series;

Xk is the sum of the reactances of one phase, connected in series.
c Un

Phase-to-phase clear of earth (Ze = )

" =
Ik2

Phase-to-earth

I"k1 =

Phase-to-phase-to-earth

I"kE2E =

(Zsc between phases = 0)

(see fig. 5c)

c Un 3

k2EL3

Symbol used in this table:

I"k1 =

Z (1) + Z (2) + Z(0)

"
Ik2EL2
=

I"

" =
Ik2

Z (1) + Z (2 )

c Un 3 Zi

Rk 2 + Xk 2 where:

c Un

2 Z (1)

c Un 3

2 Z(1) + Z( 0)

I"kE2E =

Z(1) Z( 2) + Z( 2) Z (0) + Z (1) Z ( 0)

c Un Z ( 0) aZ ( 2)

I"k2EL2 =

Z (1) Z (2 ) + Z ( 2 ) Z (0) + Z (1) Z(0)

c Un Z (0) a 2 Z( 2 )

I"k2EL3 =

Z (1) Z( 2) + Z ( 2 ) Z (0) + Z(1) Z (0 )

c phase-to-phase rms voltage of the three-pase network = Un

c modulus of the short-circuit current = I"k
c symmetrical impedances = Z(1) , Z(2) , Z(0)

c Un 3

Z (1) + 2 Z(0)
Z
c Un (0) a
Z (1)
Z (1) + 2 Z( 0)

Z
c Un (0) a 2
Z (1)
Z(1) + 2 Z(0 )

c short-circuit impedance = Zsc

c earth impedance = Ze.

Fig. 26 : Short-circuit values depending on the impedances of the given network (see IEC 60909).

The main differences between these two cases

are:
c For short-circuits far from the generator
v The initial (I"k), steady-state (Ik) and breaking
(Ib) short-circuit currents are equal (I"k = Ik = Ib)
v The positive-sequence (Z(1)) and negative
sequence (Z(2)) impedances are equal (Z(1) = Z(2))
Note however that asynchronous motors may also
add to a short-circuit, accounting for up to 30% of
the network Isc for the first 30 milliseconds, in
which case I"k = Ik = Ib no longer holds true.

Conditions to consider when calculating the

maximum and minimum short-circuit
currents

c Calculation of the maximum short-circuit

currents must take into account the following
points
v Application of the correct voltage factor c
corresponding to calculation of the maximum
short-circuit currents
v Among the assumptions and approximations
mentioned in this document, only those leading
to a conservative error should be used

v The resistances per unit length RL of lines

(overhead lines, cables, phase and neutral
conductors) should be calculated for a
temperature of 20 C

c Calculation of the minimum short-circuit

currents requires
v Applying the voltage factor c corresponding to
the minimum permissible voltage on the network
v Selecting the network configuration, and in
some cases the minimum contribution from
sources and network feeders, which result in the
lowest short-circuit current at the fault location
v Taking into account the impedance of the
busbars, the current transformers, etc.
v Considering resistances RL at the highest
foreseeable temperature
0.004

RL = 1 +
(e - 20 C) x RL20

where RL20 is the resistance at 20 C; e is the

permissible temperature (C) for the
conductor at the end of the short-circuit.

The factor 0.004 / C is valid for copper,

aluminium and aluminium alloys.

Impedance correction factors

Impedance-correction factors were included in
IEC 60909 to meet requirements in terms of
technical accuracy and simplicity when
calculating short-circuit currents. The various
factors, presented here, must be applied to the
short-circuit impedances of certain elements in
the distribution system.
c Factor KT for distribution transformers with two
or three windings
Z TK = K T Z T

K T = 0.95

Cmax
1+ 0.6x T

where xT is the relative reactance of the

transformer:
xT = XT

SrT

2
UrT

and cmax is the voltage factor related to the

nominal voltage of the network connected to the
low-voltage side of the network transformer.
The impedance correction factor must also be
applied to the transformer negative-sequence
and zero-sequence impedances when
calculating unbalanced short-circuit currents.
Impedances ZN between the transformer
starpoints and earth must be introduced as 3ZN
in the zero-sequence system without a
correction factor.
c Factors KG and KS or KSO are introduced when
calculating the short-circuit impedances of
generators and power station units (with or
without on-load tap-changers)
The subtransient impedance in the positivesequence network must be calculated by:

ZGK = K GZG = K G RG + jX''d

The impedance of a power station unit with an

on-load tap-changer is calculated by:

ZS = K S tr2ZG + Z THV

with the correction factor:

KS =

2
UnQ
U2
cmax
2rTLV
2
UrQ UrTHV 1+ x''d xT sin rG

and tr =

UrTHV
UrTLV

ZS is used to calculate the short-circuit current

for a fault outside the power station unit with an
on-load tap-changer.
The impedance of a power station unit without
an on-load tap-changer is calculated by:

ZSO = K SO tr2Z G + Z THV

with the correction factor:

K SO =

UnQ
U
cmax
rTLV (1 p T )
UrG (1+ pG ) UrTHV
1+ x''dsin rG

ZSO is used to calculate the short-circuit current

for a fault outside the power station unit without
an on-load tap-changer.

c Factors KG,S, KT,S or KG,SO, KT,SO are used

when calculating the partial short-circuit currents
for a short-circuit between the generator and the
transformer (with or without an on-load tapchanger) of a power station unit
v Power station units with an on-load tapchanger

I''kG =

where:

cUrG

3K G,S ZG
cmax
1+ x''dsin rG

with RG representing the stator resistance of a

synchronous machine and the correction factor

K G,S =

It is advised to use the following values for RGf

(fictitious resistance of the stator of a
synchronous machine) when calculating the
peak short-circuit current.

v Power station units without an on-load tapchanger

KG =

cmax
Un

UrG 1+ x''dsin rG

K T, S =

I''kG =

cmax
1 x T sin rG

RGf = 0.05X''d for generators with

UrG > 1kV et SrG u 100 MVA

where:

RGf = 0.15X''d for generators with

UrG i 1000 V

K T,SO =

RGf = 0.07X''d for generators with

UrG > 1kV et SrG < 100 MVA

cUrG

3K G,SOZG

KG,SO =

1
cmax

1+ pG 1+ x''dsin rG

1
cmax

1+ pG 1 x T sin rG

3.4 Equations for the various currents

Initial short-circuit current (I"k)

which expresses the influence of the

subtransient and transient reactances, with Ir as
the rated current of the generator.

The different initial short-circuit currents I"k are

calculated using the equations in the table in
figure 26.

Steady-state short-circuit current Ik

The amplitude of the steady-state short-circuit
current Ik depends on generator saturation
influences and calculation is therefore less
accurate than for the initial symmetrical curren I"k.
The proposed calculation methods produce a
sufficiently accurate estimate of the upper and
lower limits, depending on whether the shortcircuit is supplied by a generator or a
synchronous machine.

Peak short-circuit current ip

Peak value ip of the short-circuit current In no

meshed systems, the peak value ip of the shortcircuit current may be calculated for all types of
faults using the equation:
ip =

2 k" where

I"k = is the initial short-circuit current,

= is a factor depending on the R / X and can

c The maximum steady-state short-circuit

current, with the synchronous generator at its
highest excitation, may be calculated by:
Ikmax = max Ir

be calculated approximately using the following

equation (see fig.9) :

= 1.02 + 0.98 e

-3

R
X

Short-circuit breaking current Ib

Calculation of the short-circuit breaking current Ib
is required only when the fault is near the
generator and protection is ensured by
timedelayed circuit breakers. Note that this
current is used to determine the breaking
capacity of these circuit breakers.
This current may be calculated with a fair degree
of accuracy using the following equation:

Ib = . I"k where:

where = is a factor defined by the minimum

time delay tmin and the I"k / Ir ratio (see Fig. 27 )

c The minimum steady-state short-circuit current

is calculated under no-load, constant (minimum)
excitation conditions for the synchronous
generator and using the equation:

Ikmin = min Ir
is a factor defined by the saturated
synchronous reactance Xd sat.

The max and min values are indicated on next

the page in Figure 28 for turbo-generators and
in Figure 29 for machines with salient poles
(series 1 in IEC 60909).

1.0

Minimum the delay tmin

0.02 s

0.9

0.05 s

0.8

0.1 s

> 0.25 s

0.7
0.6
0.5

Three-phase short-circuit I"k / Ir

Fig. 27 : Factor used to calculate the short-circuit breaking current Ib (see IEC 60909).

2.4

Xd sat

max

2.2

6.0

1.2
1.4

2.0

1.6
1.8
2.0
2.2

1.8
1.6
1.4

5.0
4.5

Xd sat

max

4.0

0.6

3.5

1.2

0.8

3.0

1.0

1.0
1.2

2.5

0.8
0.6

1.7
2.0

2.0
1.5

min

0.4

min

1.0
0.5

0.2
0

5.5

Three-phase short-circuit current Ik" / Ir

Fig. 28 : Factors max and min for turbo-generators

(overexcitation = 1.3 as per IEC 60909).

Three-phase short-circuit current Ik" / Ir

Fig. 29 : Factors max and min for generators with

salient poles (overexcitation = 1.6 as per IEC 60909).

3.5 Examples of short-circuit current calculations

Problem 1. A transformer supplied by a
network

A 20 kV network supplies a transformer T

connected to a set of busbars by a cable L
(see Fig. 30 ).
It is necessary to calculate, in compliance with
IEC 60909, the initial short-circuit current I"k and
the peak short-circuit current ip during a threephase, then a phase-to-earth fault at point F1.
The following information is available:
c The impedance of the connection between the
supply and transformer T may be neglected
c Cable L is made up of two parallel cables with
three conductors each, where:
l = 4 m; 3 x 185 mm2 Al
ZL = (0.208 + j0.068) /km
R(0)L = 4.23RL; X(0)L = 1.21XL
c The short-circuit at point F1 is assumed to be
far from any generator

Supply network
UnQ = 20 kV
I"kQ = 10 kA
SrT = 400 kVA
UrTHV = 20 kV
UrTLV = 410 V
Ukr = 4%
PkrT = 4.6 kW
R(0)T / RT = 1.0
X(0)T / XT = 0.95

Fig. 30

Solution:
c Three-phase fault at F1
v Impedance of the supply network (LV side)
ZQt =

c QUnQ

3 I''kQ

2
U

1.1 20 0.41
rTLV =

= 0.534 m
3 10 20
UrTHV
2

Failing other information, it is assumed that

RQ
= 0.1, hence:
XQ

T (Dyn5)

Cable L
l=4m

F1

Un = 400 V

X Qt = 0.995ZQt = 0.531 m

RQt = 0.1X Qt = 0.053 m

ZQt = (0.053 + j0.531) m

c Impedance of the transformer

u
U2
4
(410)2 = 16.81 m
Z TLV = kr rTLV =

100
SrT
100 400 103
RTLV = PkrT

2
UrTLV
2
SrT

= 4, 600

(410)2

(400 10 )

3 2

= 4.83 m

X TLV = Z2TLV R2TLV = 16.10 m

Z TLV = (4.83 + j16.10) m

xT = XT

SrT

2
UrTLV

= 16.10

400
= 0.03831
4102

The impedance correction factor can be calculated as:

K T = 0.95

cmax
1.05
= 0.95
= 0.975
1+ 0.6x T
1+ (0.6 0.03831)

ZTK = K T Z TLV = (4.71+ j15.70) m

c Impedance of the cable

ZL = 0.5 (0.208 + j0.068) 4 103 = (0.416 + j0.136) m

c Total impedance seen from point F1

Zk = ZQt + ZTK + ZL = (5.18 + 16.37) m

c Calculation of I"k and ip for a three-phase fault

I''k =

cUn
1.05 400
=
= 14.12 kA
3 Zk
3 17.17

R Rk
5.18
=
=
= 0.316
X Xk 16.37

= 1.02 + 0.98e

ip = 2

I''k

R
X

= 1.4

= 1.4 2 14.12 = 27.96 kA

c Phase-to-earth fault at F1
v Determining the zero-sequence impedances
For transformer T (Dyn5 connection), the manufactures indicates:
R(0 )T = RT and X (0)T = 0.95X T
with the impedance-correction factor KT, the zero-sequence impedance is:
Z (0)TK = K T (RT + j0.95X T ) = (4.712 + j14.913) m

For cable L:

Z(0 )L = (4.23RL + 1.21XL ) = (1.76 + j0.165) m

v Calculation of I"k and ip for a phase-to-earth fault

Z(1) = Z( 2) = ZK = (5.18 + j16.37) m
Z( 0) = Z( 0) TK + Z( 0)L = (6.47 + j15.08) m
Z(1) + Z( 2) + Z( 0) = (16.83 + j47.82) m

The initial phase-to-earth short-circuit current can be calculated using the equation below:
cUn 3
1.05 400 3
I''k1 =
=
= 14.35 kA
50.70
Z(1) + Z( 2) + Z(0)

The peak short-circuit current ip1 is calculated with the factor obtained via the positive-sequence:
ip1 = 2 I''k1 = 1.4 2 14.35 = 28.41 kA

Problem 2. A power station unit

A power station unit S comprises a generator G

and a transformer T with an on-load tap-changer
(see Fig. 31 ).
It is necessary to calculate, in compliance with
IEC 60909, the initial short-circuit current Ik as
well as the peak ip and steady-state Ikmax shortcircuit currents and the breaking short-circuit
current Ib during a three-phase fault:
c Outside the power station unit on the busbars
at point F1
c Inside the power station unit at point F2
The following information is available:
c The impedance of the connection between
generator G and transformer T may be
neglected
c The voltage factor c is assumed to be 1.1
c The minimum dead time tmin for calculation of
Ib is 0.1 s
c Generator G is a cylindrical rotor generator
(smooth poles)
c All loads connected to the busbars are passive

SrG = 250 MVA

UrG = 21 kV
RG = 0.0025
x"d = 17%
xdsat = 200%
cos rG = 0.78

F2
SrT = 250 MVA
UrTHV 240 kV
=
UrTLV
21 kV
Ukr = 15%
PkrT = 520 kW

UnQ = 220 kV

F1

Fig. 31

Solution:
c Three-phase fault at F1
v Impedance of the transformer
Z THV =

2
ukr UrTHV
15 2402

= 34.56
100
SrT
100 250

RTHV = PkrT

2
UrTHV
2
SrT

2402
= 0.479
2502

= 0.52 x

X THV = Z2THV R2THV = 34.557

Z THV = (0.479 + j34.557)

v Impedance of the generator

X''d =

2
x''d UrG
17 212

= 0.2999
100 SrG 100 250

ZG = RG + jX''d = 0.0025 + j0.2999

ZG = 0.2999

SrG > 100 MVA, therefore RGf = 0.05 X"d, hence ZGf = 0.015 + j0.2999
KS =

2
UnQ
2
UrG

2
UrTLV

2
UrTHV

1+

x''d

cmax

x T sin rG

2202
212
1.1

= 0.913
2
21
2402 1+ 0.17 0.15 0.6258

240 2

ZS = K S (tr2ZG + Z THV ) = 0.913

(0.0025 + j0.2999) + (0.479 + j34.557)
21

ZS = 0.735 + j67.313

I''kS =

cUnQ

3 ZS

I''kS = 2.08 kA

(ZSf = 2.226 + j67.313 if we consider ZGf (to calculate ip))

11
, 220
= 0.023 j2.075
3 (0.735 + j67.313)

Based on impedance ZSf, it is possible to calculate RSf / XSf = 0.033 and S = 1.908
The peak short-circuit current ipS is calculated by:
ipS = S 2 I''kS

ipS = 1.908 2 2.08 = 5.61 kA

The short-circuit breaking current IbS is calculated by:

IbS = I''kS
Factor is a function of radio I"kG / IrG and the minimum dead time tmin.
Ratio I"kG / IrG is calculated by:
I''kG I''kS UrTHV 2.08 240
=
=
= 3.46
IrG IrG UrTLV 6.873 21

According to figure 27 (curve at tmin = 0.1 s), 0.85, hence:

IbS = 0.85 2.08 = 1.77 kA

The maximal steady-state short-circuit current Ikmax is calculated by:

IkS = max IrG

UrTLV
21
= 1.65 6.873
= 0.99 kA
UrTHV
240

Factor max = 1.65 is obtained in figure 28 for the ratio I"kG / IrG = 3.46 and xdsat = 2.0
c Three-phase fault at F2

I''kG =

where:
K G,S =

I''kG =

cUrG

3K G,SZG
cmax
1.1
=
= 0.994
1+ x''dsin rG 1+ (0.17 0.626)
cUrG

3KG,SZG

1.1 21
= 44.74 kA
3 0.994 0.2999

The peak short-circuit current ipG is calculated by:

ipG = G 2 I''kG

Based on impedance ZGf, it is possible to calculate RGf / X"d = 0.05, hence G = 1.86
ipG = 1.86 2 44.74 = 117.69 kA

The short-circuit breaking current IbG is calculated by:

IbG = I''kG

Factor is a function of ratio I"kG / IrG and the minimum dead time tmin.
Ratio I"kG / IrG is calculated by:

I''kG 44.74
=
= 6.51
IrG 6.873

According to figure 27 (curve at tmin = 0.1 s), 0,71, hence:

IbS = 0.71 44.74 = 31.77 kA

The maximum steady-state short-circuit current Ikmax is calculated by:

IkG = max IrG = 1.75 6.873 = 12.0 kA

Factor max = 1.75 is obtained in figure 28 for the ratio I"kG / IrG = 6.51 and xdsat = 2.0

4 Conclusion

Various methods for the calculation of shortcircuit currents have been developed and
subsequently included in standards and in this
Cahier Technique publication as well.

A number of these methods were initially

designed in such a way that short-circuit currents
could be calculated by hand or using a small
calculator. Over the years, the standards have
been revised and the methods have often been
modified to provide greater accuracy and a
better representation of reality. However, in the
process, they have become more complicated
and time-consuming, as is demonstrated by the
recent changes in IEC 60909, where hand
calculations are possible only for the most
simple cases.

With the development of ever more sophisticated

computerised calculations, electrical-installation
designers have developed software meeting
their particular needs. Today, a number of
software packages comply with the applicable
standards, for example Ecodial, a program
designed for low-voltage installations and
marketed by Schneider Electric.

All computer programs designed to calculate

short-circuit currents are predominantly
concerned with:
c Determining the required breaking and making
capacities of switchgear and the electromechanical withstand capabilities of equipment
c Determining the settings for protection relays
and fuse ratings to ensure a high level of
discrimination in the electrical network

Other software is used by experts specialising in

electrical network design, for example to study
the dynamic behaviour of electrical networks.
Such computer programs can be used for
precise simulations of electrical phenomena over
time and their use is now spreading to include
the entire electro-mechanical behaviour of
networks and installations.
Remember, however, that all software, whatever
its degree of sophistication, is only a tool. To
ensure correct results, it should be used by
qualified professionals who have acquired the
relevant knowledge and experience.

Bibliography

Standards

c EC 60909: Short-circuit currents in threephase AC systems.

v Part 0: Calculation of currents.
v Part 1: Factors for the calculation of shortcircuit currents.
v Part 2: Electrical equipment. Data for shortcircuit current calculations.
v Part 3: Currents during two separate
simultaneous single phase line-to-earth short
circuits and partial short-circuit currents flowing
through earth.
v Part 4: Examples for the calculation of shortcircuit currents.

c NF C 15-100: Installations lectriques basse

tension.
c C 15-105: Guide pratique. Dtermination des
sections de conducteurs et choix des dispositifs
de protection.

Schneider Electric Cahiers Techniques

c Analysis of three-phase networks in disturbed
operating conditions using symmetrical
components, Cahier Technique no. 18 B. DE METZ-NOBLAT.
c Neutral earthing in an industrial HV network.
Cahier Technique no. 62 - F. SAUTRIAU.
c LV circuit-breaker breaking capacity.
Cahier Technique no. 154 - R. MOREL.

Other publications
c Electrical Installation Guide
In English in accordance with IEC 60364:
2005 edition.
In French in accordance with NF C15-100:
2004 edition.
Published by Schneider Electric
(Schneider Training Institute).

c Les rseaux dnergie lectrique (Part 2),

R. PELISSIER. Published by Dunod.

Direction Scientifique et Technique,

Service Communication Technique
F-38050 Grenoble cedex 9

E-mail : [email protected]

DTP: Axess
Transl.: Cabinet Harder - Grenoble - France
Editor: Schneider Electric

005 Schneider Electric

Schneider Electric