Three Phase Transformers Introduction:

Three phase transformers are used throughout industry to change values of three phase
voltage and current. Since three phase power is the most common way in which power is
produced, transmitted, an used, an understanding of how three phase transformer
connections are made is essential. In this section it will discuss different types of three
phase transformers connections, and present examples of how values of voltage and
current for these connections are computed.

Three Phase Transformer Construction:

A three phase transformer is constructed by winding three single phase transformers on a

single core. These transformers are put into an enclosure which is then filled with
dielectric oil. The dielectric oil performs several functions. Since it is a dielectric, a
nonconductor of electricity, it provides electrical insulation between the windings and the
case. It is also used to help provide cooling and to prevent the formation of moisture,
which can deteriorate the winding insulation.

Three-Phase Transformer Connections:

There are only 4 possible transformer combinations:

1. Delta to Delta - use: industrial applications

2. Delta to Wye - use : most common; commercial and industrial
3. Wye to Delta - use : high voltage transmissions
4. Wye to Wye - use : rare, don't use causes harmonics and balancing problems.

Three-phase transformers are connected in delta or wye configurations. A wye-delta

transformer has its primary winding connected in a wye and its secondary winding
connected in a delta (see figure 1-1). A delta-wye transformer has its primary winding
connected in delta and its secondary winding connected in a wye (see figure 1-2).

Figure 1-1: Wye-Delta connection

Figure 1-2: Delta-Wye connection

Delta Conections:

A delta system is a good short-distance distribution system. It is used for neighborhood

and small commercial loads close to the supplying substation. Only one voltage is
available between any two wires in a delta system. The delta system can be illustrated by
a simple triangle. A wire from each point of the triangle would represent a three-phase,
three-wire delta system. The voltage would be the same between any two wires (see
figure 1-3).

Figure 1-3:

Wye Connections:

In a wye system the voltage between any two wires will always give the same amount of
voltage on a three phase system. However, the voltage between any one of the phase
conductors (X1, X2, X3) and the neutral (X0) will be less than the power conductors. For
example, if the voltage between the power conductors of any two phases of a three wire
system is 208v, then the voltage from any phase conductor to ground will be 120v. This
is due to the square root of three phase power. In a wye system, the voltage between any
two power conductors will always be 1.732 (which is the square root of 3) times the
voltage between the neutral and any one of the power phase conductors. The phase-to-
ground voltage can be found by dividing the phase-to-phase voltage by 1.732 (see figure
1-4).

Figure 1-4:
Connecting Single-Phase Transformers into a Three-Phase Bank:

If three phase transformation is need and a three phase transformer of the proper size and
turns ratio is not available, three single phase transformers can be connected to form a
three phase bank. When three single phase transformers are used to make a three phase
transformer bank, their primary and secondary windings are connected in a wye or delta
connection. The three transformer windings in figure 1-5 are labeled H1 and the other
end is labeled H2. One end of each secondary lead is labeled X1 and the other end is
labeled X2.

Figure 1-5:

Figure 1-6 shows three single phase transformers labeled A, B, and C. The primary leads
of each transformer are labeled H1 and H2 and the secondary leads are labeled X1 and
X2. The schematic diagram of figure 1-5 will be used to connect the three single phase
transformers into a three phase wye-delta connection as shown in figure 1-7.

Figure 1-6:
 Figure 1-7:

The primary winding will be tied into a wye connection first. The schematic in figure 1-5
shows, that the H2 leads of the three primary windings are connected together, and the
H1 lead of each winding is open for connection to the incoming power line. Notice in
figure 1-7 that the H2 leads of the primary windings are connected together, and the H1
lead of each winding has been connected to the incoming primary power line.

Figure 1-5 shows that the X1 lead of the transformer A is connected to the X2 lead of
transformer c. Notice that this same connection has been made in figure 1-7. The X1 lead
of transformer B is connected to X2, lead of transformer A, and the X1 lead of
transformer B is connected to X2 lead of transformer A, and the X1 lead of transformer C
is connected to X2 lead of transformer B. The load is connected to the points of the delta
connection.
Open Delta Connection:

The open delta transformer connection can be made with only two transformers instead
of three (figure 1-8). This connection is often used when the amount of three phase power
needed is not excessive, such as a small business. It should be noted that the output power
of an open delta connection is only 87% of the rated power of the two transformers. For
example, assume two transformers, each having a capacity of 25 kVA, are connected in
an open delta connection. The total output power of this connection is 43.5 kVA (50 kVA
x 0.87 = 43.5 kVA).

Figure 1-8: Open Delta Connection

Another figure given for this calculation is 58%. This percentage assumes a closed delta
bank containing 3 transformers. If three 25 kVA transformers were connected to form a
closed delta connection, the total output would be 75 kVA (3 x 25 = 75 kVA). If one of
these transformers were removed and the transformer bank operated as an open delta
connection, the output power would be reduced to 58% of its original capacity of 75
kVA. The output capacity of the open delta bank is 43.5 kVA (75 kVA x .58% = 43.5
kVA).

The voltage and current values of an open delta connection are computed in the same
manner as a standard delta-delta connection when three transformers are employed. The
voltage and current rules for a delta connection must be used when determining line and
phase values of voltage current.

Closing a Delta:

When closing a delta system, connections should be checked for proper polarity before
making the final connection and applying power. If the phase winding of one transformer
is reversed, an extremely high current will flow when power is applied. Proper phasing
can be checked with a voltmeter at delta opening. If power is applied to the transformer
bank before the delta connection is closed, the voltmeter should indicate 0 volts. If one
phase winding has been reversed, however, the voltmeter will indicate double the amount
of voltage.

It should be noted that a voltmeter is a high impedance device. It is not unusual for a
voltmeter to indicate some amount of voltage before the delta is closed, especially if the
primary has been connected as a wye and the secondary as a delta. When this is the case,
the voltmeter will generally indicate close to the normal output voltage if the connection
is correct and double the output voltage if the connection is incorrect.

Overcurrent Protection for the Primary:

Electrical Code Article 450-3(b) states that each transformer 600 volts, nominal or less,
shall be protected by an individual overcurrent device on the primary side, rated or set at
not more than 125% of the rated primary current of the transformer. Where the primary
current of a transformer is 9 amps or more and 125% of this current does not correspond
to a standard rating of a fuse or nonadjustable circuit breaker, the next higher standard
rating shall be permitted. Where the primary current is less than 9 amps, an overcurrent
device rated or set at not more than 167% of the primary current shall be permitted.
Where the primary current is less than 2 amps, an overcurrent device rated or set at not
more than 300% shall be permitted.

Example #1:

What size fuses is needed on the primary side to protect a 3 phase 480v to 208v 112.5
kVA transformer?

* Important when dealing with 3 phase applications always use 1.732 (square root of 3).

To solve: P / I x E

112.5 kVA X 1000 = 112500 VA

112500 VA divided by 831 (480 x 1.732) = 135.4 amps

Since the transformer is more than 9 amps you have to use 125 %.

135.4 X 1.25 = 169 amps.

Answer: 175 amp fuses (the next higher standard, Electrical Code 240-6).

Example #2:

What size breaker is needed on the primary side to protect a 3 phase 208v to 480v 3kVA
transformer?

To solve: P / I x E

3kVA X 1000 = 3000 VA

3000 VA divided by 360 (208 x 1.732) = 8.3 amps

Since the transformer is 9 amps or less you have to use 167%.

8.3 X 1.67 = 13.8 amps

Answer: 15 amp breaker (preferably a 20 amp breaker)

Electrical Code Article 450-3(b)(2) states if a transformer 600 v, nominal, or less, having
a an overcurrent device on the secondary side rated or set at not more than 125% of the
rated secondary current of the transformer shall not be required to have an individual
overcurrent device on the primary side if the primary feeder overcurrent device is rated or
set at a current value not more than 250% of the rated primary current of the transformer.

Overcurrent Protection for the Secondary:

Electrical Code Article 450-3(b)(2) states that a transformer 600 v, nominal, or less, shall
be protected by an individual overcurrent device on the secondary side, rated or set at not
more than 125% of the rated secondary current of the transformer. Where the secondary
current of a transformer is 9 amps or more and 125% of this current does not correspond
to a standard rating of a fuse or nonadjustable circuit breaker, the next higher standard
rating shall be permitted. Where the secondary current is less than 9 amps, an
overcurrent device rated or set at not more than 167% of the secondary current shall be
permitted.

Example:

What size breaker is needed on the secondary side to protect a 3 phase 480v/208v 112.5
kVA transformer?

To solve : P / I x E

112.5 kVA x 1000 = 112500 VA

112500 divided by 360 (208 x 1.732) = 312.5 amps

312.5 X 1.25 = 390.6 amps

Answer: 400 amp breaker