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6 comments
Associate

Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 28

Transformer Mcb

01/28/2008 4:13 AM

hi,

i have 10 no. of transformers 400VA,12V,single phase.I want to select the breaker required for this.I want to connect all the ten in one circuit.Is there anything special when selecting breaker for transformer.This transformer is for lighting purpose.

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Guru

Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 3356
Good Answers: 81
#1

Re: Transformer Mcb

01/28/2008 8:44 AM

Yes, you have to watch for inrush current. You have a total of 4800 VA worth of transformers. I don't know your Voltage, but let's say you have 240VAC. The maximum operating current would be 4800 VA/240V = 20 A. and you might think that, for example a 30 A breaker and wire would be OK. But, if you turn on all the transformers at once (or, worse, if you use the breaker as an on/off switch), the inrush might easily go to 60 A or more. Breakers used as high current switches can develop rough arc spots and later malfunction.

I recommend getting a licensed electrician to see what your local code says about transformer loads and derating. But, I'd above all put on/off switches on the transformers.

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Power-User
New Zealand - Member - Kiwi

Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Christchurch, New Zealand
Posts: 125
Good Answers: 14
#2
In reply to #1

Re: Transformer Mcb

01/28/2008 2:58 PM

As TVP45 says, you do need to accommodate the inrush current.

Here in New Zealand, we would normally use a D-curve MCB for an application such as this. D-curve breakers are designed for applications with significant inrush current, and the magnetic (instantaneous) trip is normally set to 14 x In, where the more common C-curve trips magnetically at 8.5 x In.

When we acquired a variac for our test bench, it would trip the MCB protecting the bench most times when plugged in. A D-curve MCB eliminated the problem with no loss of protection.

Member

Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 9
#3

Re: Transformer Mcb

01/29/2008 1:35 AM

The Breaker for 400VA for each segment would be 400VA+25% of total rating which would be 500VA.But the next disconnect would be 500VA+400VA+25%of power to give the next rating of the next disconnect box 1000VA. Next disconnect =1000 VA + 400VA + 25%=1500Va for next disconnect, with a rating +25% more power + 400VA+25% of that .It multiplies, but as long as you have the following disconnect rated for the added power increase + 25% of box rating, there should be no problems.Just make sure your wire rating for such power is increased along with the rating of the disconect boxes increased by 25%.Hope this helps in your delima? Keith_moc, Industrial Electrician/Retired P.S. Also check on the updated codebook for this year.It's updated every 3 years.As always BE CAREFUL WITH VERRY HIGH VOLTAGE!!! It will instantly kill, you as you will be the ground.Keep power off untill you get an Electrical Inspection done, but you dont need power untill work is finished....later..Keith_moc@yahoo.com

Associate

Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 37
#4

Re: Transformer Mcb

01/29/2008 8:46 AM

One important issue is you must also have to select the breaking capacity of a circuit breaker according to short circuit current values of all transformers.

Commentator

Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Chicago, IL, USSA
Posts: 92
Good Answers: 2
#5

Re: Transformer Mcb

01/29/2008 9:42 AM

HI,

Use the following formula "Breaker I= (VA / V) *1.25" , this will put you in the ballpark buy the closest one off the shelf.

Because the transformer is a inductive device with inrush you will need a breaker with a transformer time delay (slow trip characteristic). The breaker MFG can recommend the proper line.

Active Contributor

Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 16
#6

Re: Transformer Mcb

09/27/2008 1:04 PM

simple take a thumb rule of finding out of breakers current rating

1.5 times the kva

i.e 400 x 1.5 = 600 aproximately equals to 630 amps

so for 400 VA transformer we required 630 amp of a breaker

moreover for inrush of currents you have to select the maximum setting of the thermal so as to overcome the instatanious tripping of the breaker.

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