Courtesy of www.MikeHolt.com. Based on the 2020 NEC.
Article 450 of the National Electrical Code (NEC) opens by saying, “This article covers the installation of all transformers.” Then it lists eight exceptions. So, what does it really cover? Single Phase Dry Type Transformer
Essentially, this Article covers transformers supplying power and lighting loads. For the purposes of Art. 450 only, a transformer is an individual power transformer (single- or 3-phase,)identified by a single nameplate — unless otherwise indicated.
A major concern with transformers is preventing overheating. The Code does not completely address this issue. Article 90 explains that the NEC is not a design manual, and it assumes that anyone using the Code has a certain level of expertise. Proper transformer selection is an important part of preventing transformers from overheating. The NEC assumes you have already selected a transformer suitable for the load characteristics.
Article 450 then takes you to the next logical step — providing overcurrent protection and the proper connections. But it does not stop there; Sec. 450.9 provides ventilation requirements, and Sec. 450.13 contains accessibility requirements.
Part I contains the general requirements (such as guarding, marking, and accessibility), and Part II contains requirements for specific types of transformers.
Transformers having a secondary voltage not exceeding 1,000V, with primary overcurrent protection only, must have the primary overcurrent protective device sized per the percentages shown in Table 450.3(B) and the percentages mentioned in its applicable notes [Sec. 450.3(B)].
Note 1 of Table 450.3(B) says that if 125% of the primary current does not correspond to a standard rating of an overcurrent protective device [Sec. 240.6(A)], the next higher rating is permitted [Sec. 240.6(A)].
Let’s show how this all works through an example problem.
What size primary-only protection overcurrent device and conductor is required for a 45kVA, 3-phase, 480V transformer that is fully loaded? The terminals are rated 75°C (Fig. 1).
(a) 70A breaker, 6 AWG conductor
(b) 100A breaker, 3 AWG conductor
(c) 110A breaker, 2 AWG conductor
(d) 125A breaker, 1 AWG conductor
Step 1: Determine the primary current.
I = VA ÷ (E × 1.732) I = 45,000VA ÷ (480V × 1.732) I = 54A
Step 2: Determine the primary overcurrent protection rating [Sec. 240.6(A)].
Primary Overcurrent Protection = 54A × 125% = 68A; use the next size up, 70A [Sec. 240.6(A) and Table 450.3(B) Note 1]
Step 3: Determine the conductor size.
The conductor must be sized to accommodate the 70A primary overcurrent protection per Sec. 240.4(B).
Primary Conductor = 6 AWG conductor rated 65A at 75°C [Sec. 110.14(C)(1)(a)(3) and Table 310.16]
In this example, a 70A breaker and 6 AWG conductor will meet Code requirements.
According to Note 1 of Table 450.3(B), transformers having a primary current rating of 9A or more are permitted to use the “next size up” rule when 125% of the primary current doesn’t correspond to the standard rating of a fuse or nonadjustable circuit breaker listed in Sec. 240.6(A). This Note does not require the next size up protection; it “permits” the next size up.
Always install transformers per the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure transformer ventilating openings are not blocked by walls or other obstructions [Sec. 450.9]. Pay attention to other equipment that is (or will be) installed in the same room (or close to the transformer if in an open area).
If a vented dry-type transformer is installed in an equipment room with a door:
A terminal bar for equipment grounding conductors (EGCs), system bonding jumpers, supply-side bonding jumpers, and grounding electrode conductors (GECs) must be installed and bonded inside the transformer enclosure [Sec. 450.10(A)].
Nonconductive coatings on transformer enclosures must be removed to ensure electrical continuity, or the termination fittings must be designed to make such removal unnecessary [Sec. 250.12].
Power quality problems can occur because of incorrectly grounding and bonding a transformer. You can never fix power quality problems by introducing grounding or bonding errors at the transformer or anywhere else. But you can reduce or eliminate power quality problems by correcting grounding and bonding errors at the transformer or somewhere else (e.g., at the utilization equipment).
Transformers must be readily accessible to qualified personnel for inspection and maintenance [Sec. 450.13]. Notice the language is “accessible to qualified personnel.” This in no way inhibits making transformers inaccessible to unqualified personnel.
Two exceptions to the “make readily accessible” rule are noted in Sec. 450.13(A) and (B):
(A) Open Installations. Dry-type transformers having a secondary voltage of 1,000V or less are not required to be readily accessible.
(B) Suspended Ceilings. Dry-type transformers having a secondary voltage of 1,000V or less and not more than 50kVA can be installed above a suspended ceiling.
A transformer must have a disconnect within sight of the transformer unless the disconnect location is field marked on the transformer, and the disconnect is capable of being locked in the open position per Sec. 110.25 [Sec. 450.14] (Fig. 2).
“Within sight” means it is visible and not more than 50 ft from the equipment [Art. 100].
You can use the breaker that supplies the transformer primary as the disconnecting means. Alternatively, you can also use a properly rated safety switch.
Much of what we’ve discussed here isn’t explicitly required by the NEC. For example, most of the general tips for setting it in place are not found in the NEC. But these and similar recommendations are the kinds of best practices that improve the performance, reliability, and safety of a transformer over its lifetime.
Oddly enough, you will find the underlying concept in NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace. If you substitute “installation quality” for “personal safety risk,” you could use Figure F.1 of Informative Annex F to identify and correct potential problems with the installation.
Figure F.1 has you start by establishing the context. Step back from the transformer installation task itself, and look at the context — that is, see the forest and not just the tree you are working on. Is this in a room with an inswing door? Is other equipment in there? What might block airflow? What else can you see that might impinge upon a safe and reliable installation?
These materials are provided by Mike Holt Enterprises in Leesburg, Fla. To view Code training materials offered by this company, visit www.mikeholt.com/code.
Sf6 Free Gis Mike Holt is the owner of Mike Holt Enterprises (www.MikeHolt.com), one of the largest electrical publishers in the United States. He earned a master's degree in the Business Administration Program (MBA) from the University of Miami. He earned his reputation as a National Electrical Code (NEC) expert by working his way up through the electrical trade. Formally a construction editor for two different trade publications, Mike started his career as an apprentice electrician and eventually became a master electrician, an electrical inspector, a contractor, and an educator. Mike has taught more than 1,000 classes on 30 different electrical-related subjects — ranging from alarm installations to exam preparation and voltage drop calculations. He continues to produce seminars, videos, books, and online training for the trade as well as contribute monthly Code content to EC&M magazine.