Percent Impedance

Chad Flinn

Main Body

Percent Impedance

The percent impedance (%Z) is the percent of the rated load impedance possessed by a transformer. The percent impedance is important in that it allows us to:

Calculate available fault currents (both individual and bank).
Determine whether two transformers are suitable for paralleling.

In the last chapter, we learned how to determine the short-circuit voltage of a transformer. We now can use that voltage to determine the percent impedance:

E_{short circuit}/E_Rated = %Z

Video Alert!

Fault-Current Calculations

To calculate the fault current available from a transformer if a dead short occurs across the secondary terminals, use the formula:

I_{rated (Secondary)}/%Z = Fault current

Remember to use the percentage as a decimal not the full number. For example, 2.5% is actually .025.

Video Alert!

How to calculate fault current using %Z:

Example #1

What is the available fault current of a step-down transformer rated at 50 kVA, 1200 V – 120 V and 2.75% percent impedance?

I(full load) = $/frac{50000}{120}$

I(full load) = 417 Amps

I(short circuit) = $\frac{417}{.0275}$

I(short circuit) = 15,151 Amps

Exampe #2

A transformer is rated 20KVA, 4800 V – 240 V. With the secondary short-circuited, it takes 96 volts to reach the rated primary current (4.2 amps). Determine the %Z and the available fault current.

%Z = $\frac{96}{4800}$