Effects of Overcurrent. A transformer may be subjected to overcurrents ranging from just in excess of na meplate rating to as much as 10 or 20 times rating.

Currents up to about twice r ating normally result from overload conditions on the system, while higher curre nts are a consequence of system faults. When such overcurrents are of extended duration, they may produce either mechani cal or thermal damage in a transformer, or possibly both. At current levels near the maximum design capability (worst-case through fault), mechanical effects fr om electromagnetically generated forces are of primary concern. The pulsating forces tend to loosen the coils, conductors may be deformed or dis placed, and insulation may be damaged. Lower levels of current principally produ ce thermal heating, with consequences as described later on loading practices. F or all current levels, the extent of the damage is increased with time duration. Protective Devices. Whatever the cause, magnitude, or duration of the overcurrent, it is desirable t hat some component of the system recognize the abnormal condition and initiate a ction to protect the transformer. Fuses and protective relays are two forms of p rotective devices in common use. A fuse consists of a fusible conducting link which will be destroyed after it is subjected to an overcurrent for some period of time, thus opening the circuit. Typically, fuses are employed to protect distribution transformers and small pow er transformers up to 5000 to 10,000 kVA. Traditional relays are electromagnetic devices which operate on a reduced curren t derived from a current transformer in the main transformer line to close or op en control contacts, which can initiate the operation of a circuit breaker in th e transformer line circuit. Relays are used to protect all medium and large powe r transformers. Coordination. All protective devices, such as fuses and relays, have a defined operating chara cteristic in the current-time domain. This characteristic should be properly coo rdinated with the current-carrying capability of the transformer to avoid damage from prolonged overloads or through faults. Transformer capability is defined in general terms in a guide document, ANSI/IEE E C57.109, Transformer Through Fault Current Duration Guide. The format of the t ransformer capability curves is shown in Fig. 10-35.

The solid curve, A, defines the thermal capability for all ratings, while the da shed curves, B (appropriate to the specific transformer impedance), define mecha nical capability. For proper coordination on any power transformer, the protecti ve-device characteristic should fall below both the mechanical and thermal porti ons of the transformer capability curve.