Amtech Protections Model Calculation PDF

ProDesign: Model Calculation
INTRODUCTION
This document provides detailed examples of the principle calculation procedures in ProDesign. Each example is
intended to illustrate the method used and the rules applied when performing a particular check or calculation.
References made to relevant parts of BS 7671: Requirements for Electrical Installations are highlighted in bold and italic
text, thus: 433.1.1. The edition referred to is: BS 7671:2008 (2011).
The examples described refer to circuits from the ProDesign project Model Calculation which is located in the folder
ProDesign projects folder.
The project single-line diagram is shown below. The Notes symbols denote which examples apply to which circuits.
ProDesign Model Calculation
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1. LOAD SUMMATION
The circuit conductors in a distribution network must be protected against the detrimental thermal effects of overload
currents (433.1). Therefore, conductors of adequate current-carrying capacity and correctly co-ordinated circuit
protective devices need to be selected for each circuit. To ensure this is done correctly, the load current flow in all parts
of the network are determined.
Example 1: Load Summation

Sub-main SM-3
Calculation for summation of the design load current (Ib) flowing through Cable SM-3.
Method:
o
Summarise load currents: Table 1 summarises the load currents for all the circuits connected to DB-1, which in
turn is connected to Cable SM-3.
Loads resolved into resistive and reactive components and diversity applied: using the load currents and power
factors, the load currents are resolved into their resistive and reactive components, r and x. The currents are
adjusted by the application of diversity settings made in the Load and Distribution Board dialogs.
Summing loads to give phase loads and power factors: in each phase, the resistive and reactive load components
are added (Table 2). These phase load components are then used to give the load current magnitude and power
factor for each phase.
Compare to ProDesign Results: the calculated load currents and power factors are compared to those given in
ProDesign for Cable SM-3.
Summing Phase Loads to Give Neutral Load Current: the vectors of the individual phase load currents are
summed to give the current flowing in the neutral conductor. To do this, the phase vectors are stated as complex
numbers (Z = r + jX), which are then converted to polar form (Z). The vectors are then rotated to reflect their
relative displacements (0, 120, 240), converted back to complex numbers, and then added to give the r and x
components of the neutral current. The r and x components are then used to give the magnitude of the neutral
current.
Compare to ProDesign Results: the calculated neutral load current is compared to that given in ProDesign for
Cable SM-3.
Summarise load currents:

Table 1: Summary of phase load currents connected to SM-3
Load
Phase L1
Phase L2
Phase L3
Diversity
(A)
PF
(A)
PF
(A)
PF
At Load
Load 1
70
0.9
70
0.9
70
0.9
0.8
At DB
0.9
Load 2
15
0.8
1.0
0.9
Load 3
20
1.0
1.0
0.9
Loads resolved into resistive and reactive components and diversity applied:
Using: r = z cos = PF; and x = r tan(cos-1)
Load 1:
r = 70 x 0.9 = 63 A; x = 63 x 0.484 = 30.5122926 A
Diversity for load = 0.8 x 0.9, therefore: r = 63 x 0.72 = 45.36 A; x = 30.5122926 x 0.72 = 21.96885067 A
Load 2: r = 15 x 0.8 = 12 A; x = 12 x 0.75 = 9 A
Diversity for load = 1.0 x 0.9, therefore: r = 12 x 0.9 = 10.8 A; x = 9 x 0.9 = 8.1 A
Load 3: r = 20 x 1.0 = 20 A; x = 20 x 0 = 0 A
Diversity for load = 1.0 x 0.9, therefore: r = 20 x 0.9 = 18 A; x = 0 x 0.9 = 0 A
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Summing loads to give phase loads and power factors:
Table 2: Summation of resistive and reactive load currents
Load
Phase L1
Phase L2
Phase L3
Load 1
45.36
21.96885067
45.36
21.96885067
45.36
21.96885067
Load 2
10.8
8.1
Load 3
18
Total
63.36
21.96885067
45.36
21.96885067
56.16
30.0688567
Total load current/power factor:

using: I = (r2+x2); and PF = r/z
Phase L1: (63.362 + 21.968850672) = 67.06056963 A; and PF = 63.36/67.06056963 = 0.944817503
Phase L2: (45.362 + 21.968850672) = 50.4 A; and PF = 45.36/50.4 = 0.90
Phase L3: (56.162 + 30.06885672) = 63.70307483 A; and PF = 56.16/63.70307483 = 0.881590098
Compare to ProDesign Results:
Rounded to 1 decimal place, gives the same values as the report:
Phase L1: 67.1 A, 0.94 PF;
Phase L2: 50.4 A; 0.90 PF;
Phase L3: 63.7 A; 0.88 PF
Summing Phase Loads to Give Neutral Load Current:
To find the neutral current, the three phase load current vectors are summed.
From Table 2 above, the phase load current components are:
L1: r = 63.36, x = 21.96885067; L2: r = 45.36, x = 21.96885067; L3: r = 56.16, x = 30.0688567.
Expressed as complex numbers, the phase load current vectors are:
L1= 63.36 + j21.96885067; L2= 45.36 + j21.96885067; L3 = 56.16 +j30.0688567.
Before summing the phase currents, the phase load vectors have to be rotated by their phase angle displacements:
L1 + 0 rads (or 0); L2 + 2/3 rads (or 120); L3 + 4/3 rads (or 240).
To do this the complex numbers representing the vectors are converted to polar form, as follows:
Complex form: Z = r +jx; Polar form: Z, where: = tan-1(x/r)
In polar form: L2 = Z = 50.4tan-1(21.96885067/45.36)= 50.40.451026811
L3 =Z = 63.70307483tan-1(30.0688567/56.16) = 63.703074830.491575912
Then the phase angle displacements are added:
L2 = 50.40.451026811 + 02.094395102 = 50.42.545421913
L3 = 63.703074830.491575912 + 04.188790205 = 63.703074834.680366117
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Convert back to complex numbers and add the vectors:
Using r = Z cos; x= Z sin
L1 = 63.36
+ j21.96885067
L2 = 41.70558274 + j28.29848703
L3 = 2.039606231 j63.67041502
L1 + L2 + L3 = N
= 19.61481103 j13.40307732
Find the neutral current magnitude from the resistive and reactive components:
Neutral current = (r2 + x2) = (19.614811032 13.403077322) = 23.75675258 A
Compare to ProDesign Results:
Rounded to 1 decimal place, gives the same value as the report:
Neutral current = 23.8 A
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2. CIRCUIT PROTECTIVE DEVICE CURRENT RATING
It is necessary to ensure that for each circuit the circuit protective device (CPD) is correctly co-ordinated with the
current-carrying capacity of the conductors, so that the circuit is correctly protected against the detrimental thermal
effects of overload currents.
The nominal rating (In) of the CPD has to be equal to or greater than the circuit design current (Ib), i.e., (InIb) (433.1.1).
Also, the tripping characteristics of the CPD have to comply with 433.1.1 or 433.1.2.
For CPDs with an adjustable overload setting (Ir), it is permissible for the CPD to be adjusted so as to equal or exceed the
design current, i.e., IrIb.
For a final circuit with a motor load, there is a further constraint: the CPD and its rating should be selected such that
inadvertent operation of the protection should not occur during motor starting. To this end, ProDesign checks the
suitability of any selected CPD for the motor starting duty defined in the circuit, assuming normal starting duty
conditions; Example 2.2 below illustrates this.
Note that the motor overload in the motor starter provides overload protection for the circuit conductors and the CPD
provides fault protection only. Example 3.3 describes the cable sizing calculations which take into account both the
setting of the overload and the CPD energy let-through.
NOTE: for more details on the determination of the design current, see Section 1: Load summation.
Example 2.1: CPD rating

Sub-main SM-4
The selected CPD is: Merlin Gerin, Compact MCCB, NS100H, TM-D, Rating 80 A. The overload is adjusted to 0.8, which
gives an overload current setting (Ir) = 0.8 x 80 = 64 A.
The diversified load currents in each phase have been calculated to be: L1 = 39.67 A; L2 = 59.19 A; L3 = 19.78 A.
The design current for the circuit is set to the highest of the phase currents. Therefore the design current Ib = 59.19 A.
Testing the CPD rating using IrIb; 6459.19, therefore the CPD rating is OK.
Failure to comply with this rule would result in an error message.
Example 2.2: CPD rating: motor circuit

Final circuit FC-6
The selected CPD type is: Generic, BS 88 Fuse, HRC, gG(General), Rating set to Auto.
The motor load current = 19.78 A
The recommended ratings for fuses of this type for a Star Delta started motor are:
Fuse rating = 25 A; Maximum Star Delta Motor Rating = 18 A;
Fuse rating = 32 A; Maximum Star Delta Motor Rating = 22 A;
Therefore the fuse rating selected by ProDesign is 32 A (22 19.78).
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3. CABLE SIZING
For each circuit, once the design current Ib has been determined, and then the CPD rating established, cable sizing can
proceed.
In general, the suitable cable size is determined by finding, from the tables (Tables 4D1 to Table 4J4), the cable size of
the type selected, that has a tabulated rating (It) for the specified installation method, that equals or exceeds the
minimum cable capacity (Iz).
The minimum cable capacity Iz is found by dividing the CPD rating In by any applicable derating factors: Ca, Cg, etc.
[Appendix 4, 5.1.1, equation (1)].
Therefore the general rules are:
Iz = In / (Ca x Cg x etc.) or, for adjustable CPDs: Iz = Ir / (Ca x Cg x etc.)
and,
ItIz
Example 3.1: Cable sizing: Grouped cable subject to simultaneous overload

[Appendix 4, 5.1.2, equation (2)]
Sub-main SM-4
The minimum required rating for grouped cables subject to simultaneous overload needs to satisfy: It In/Cg
Therefore, the minimum cable capacity Iz, when grouped, is determined from: Iz = In/Cg (or Iz = Ir/Cg where the CPD is
adjustable).
Cable details and installed conditions:
Cable type: Multicore, 90C thermosetting insulated/sheathed, non-arm Cu Table 4E2; Size = set to Auto;
Installation Method: Method 8 In trunking (Reference Method B); Length = 30 m; Ambient Temperature = 35.
Grouping: Circuit in Group = 6; Grouping Subject to Simultaneous Overload.
CPD details:
The selected CPD is: Merlin Gerin, Compact MCCB, NS100H, TM-D, Rating 80 A. The overload is adjusted to 0.8, which
gives an overload current setting (Ir) = 0.8 x 80 = 64 A.
Determination of minimum cable capacity Iz:
Derating Factors:
Ambient Temperature = 35, from Table 4B1, for Thermosetting 90 cable: Ca = 0.96
Grouping: from Table 4C1, for Enclosed (Reference Method B), 6 in group: Cg = 0.57
Calculation:
Iz = Ir/(Ca x Cg) = 64/(0.96 x 0.57) = 116.96 A
Determination of cable size:
From Table 4E2A, column 5 (Reference Method B, 1 three or four-core cable, three-phase a.c):
25 mm2 cable, It = 105 A; 35 mm2 cable, It = 128 A
Therefore, ProDesign sizes the cable at 35 mm2, i.e., 128 116.96 (ItIz)
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Example 3.2: Cable sizing: Grouped cable not subject to simultaneous overload
[Appendix 4, 5.1.2, equations (3), (4)]
Sub-main SM-3
The minimum required rating for grouped cables not subject to simultaneous overload is the larger of the two values
resulting from: It Ib / Cg, or: It {In2 + 0.48Ib2 [(1 Cg2) / Cg2]}
Therefore, the minimum cable capacity Iz is determined from the larger result of the following two calculations:
Iz = Ib/(Cg x Ca x Ci x Cc),
or: Iz = 1/(Ca x Ci) x {In2 + 0.48Ib2 [(1 Cg2) /Cg2]}
Cable type: Multicore, 70C thermoplastic insulated/sheathed, non-arm Cu Table 4D2; Size = set to Auto;
Installation Method: Method 34 On ladder supports (Reference Method E); Length = 10 m.
Ambient Temperature = 30.
Grouping: Circuit in Group = 4; Grouping Not Subject to Simultaneous Overload.
CPD details:
The selected CPD is: Generic, BS 88 Fuse, HRC, gG(General), Rating set to 100A.
Derating Factors:
Ambient Temperature = 30: Ca = 1
Protection is not BS3036, cable is not under ground; Ci = 1
Grouping (not subject to simultaneous overload): from Table 4C1, for ladder (Reference Method E), 4 in group:
Cg = 0.80
Calculation:
Iz = Ib/Cg = 67.06/0.8 = 83.83 A; or Iz = 1/(1 x 1) {1002 + 0.48 x 67.062 [(1 0.82) / 0.82]} = 105.9 A
Therefore, the minimum cable capacity Iz = 105.9 A
From Table 4D2A, column 9 (Reference Method E, 1 three- or four-core cable, three-phase ac):
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Example 3.3: Cable sizing motor circuit
Final circuit FC-6
In ProDesign a motor circuit will normally include a motor starter containing a motor overload. The motor overload can
be set to any value equal to or greater than the motor load current (Ib) to reflect its actual setting on site. The cable
sizing is then based on the motor overload setting (Irm), with the minimum cable capacity (Iz) being equal to the motor
overload setting divided by any rating factors:
Irm Ib and Iz = Irm/rating factors
Load type:
Motor, Star Delta started, three phase, motor starter at board.
Cable type Multicore, 90C thermosetting insulated, armoured Cu Table 4E4;
Two three-core cables (2 x 1 x 3c) run together (the motor is star/delta started and the starter is located at the board,
therefore six conductors are required to connect the ends of the windings to the starter);
Size = set to Auto;
Installation Method: Method 31 On perforated tray (Reference Method E); Length = 10 m; Ambient Temperature =
40.
Grouping = 2; Arrangement = Horizontal Touching.
CPD details:
The selected CPD is: Generic, BS 88 Fuse, HRC, gG(General), Rating set to Auto. ProDesign has set the CPD rating In = 32
A (see Example 2.2 above).
The motor overload setting = 20 A.
Rating Factors:
Ambient Temperature = 40, from Table 4B1, for Thermosetting 90 cable: Ca = 0.91
Grouping = 2 in group; from Table 4C4, Cg = 0.88
Calculation:
Minimum cable capacity Iz = Ib/3(Ca x Cg)
[each conductor is carrying the delta current rather than the phase current the required rating is divided by 3].
= 19.78/3(0.91 x 0.88) = 14.3 A
From Table 4E4A, column 5 (Reference Method E, 1 three- or four-core cable, three-phase ac):
1.5 mm2 cable, It = 25 A
Therefore, ProDesign sizes the cable at 1.5 mm2, i.e., 25 14.3 (ItIz)
Line conductor adiabatic check

A check is required to ensure that, under fault conditions, the line conductors are not subjected to excessive levels of
thermal energy that could lead to damage or premature deterioration. The check analyses the fault energy resulting
from both the minimum phase fault current and the earth fault current.
From 434.5.2, the general formula used for the adiabatic calculation is:
t = (k2S2)/I2
where: t = the maximum permissible disconnection time (s);
k = a factor for the type of conductor. The value of k relates to the conductors thermal characteristics;
S = the section of the conductor (mm2);
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I = the minimum fault current (A).
For disconnection times of less than 0.1 s, the formula is:
I2t < k2S2
where: I2t is the let-through energy (A2s) for the circuit protective device.
In the case of the circuit under consideration, the level of both the phase and earth fault currents are sufficiently high to
cause the fuse to rupture in less than 0.1 s. Therefore, the level of energy let-through would be the same for either fault
current condition. In such cases, the results are given for the phase fault condition.
The protective device in the circuit FC-6 is a BS 88 Fuse, rated 32 A. From its characteristic curve it can be seen that, at
the calculated minimum phase fault current (855 A), the disconnection time would be less than 0.1 s.
From Table 43.1, for a copper conductor with 90 C thermosetting insulation, k = 143;
The cable section S = 1.5 mm2.
k2S2 = 1432 x 1.52 = 46.01 x 103
The let-through energy for the fuse is 3.4 x 103 A2s.
Therefore the cable complies with the adiabatic requirement: 3.4 x 103 < 46.01 x 106
Example 3.4: Cable sizing: ring final circuit to sockets

Final circuit FC-3
For the standard ring final circuit as defined in 433.1.5, protected by a 30 A or 32 A CPD, the minimum cable capacity Iz
can be as little as 20 A (assuming the load on any part of the ring is unlikely to exceed Iz for long periods), with a
minimum size limit of 2.5 mm2.
Cable type: Multi Core Flat twin and earth PVC Cu Table 4D5; Size = set to Auto;
Installation Method: Method 20 Clipped direct, Reference Method C; Length = 10 m; Ambient Temperature = 30.
Grouping: None.
CPD details:
The selected CPD is: Generic, BS 88 Fuse, HRC, gG(General), Rating set to Auto. The design current Ib = 20 A.
ProDesign has set the CPD rating In = 32 A as a consequence of the load description: Sockets BS 1363, 32 A ring final
circuit to sockets up to 100 m2.
Derating Factors:
None
Calculation:
Minimum cable capacity Iz = 20 A (433.1.5)
From Table 4D5A, column 6 (Reference Method C):
1.5 mm2 cable, It = 20 A; 2.5 mm2 cable, It = 27 A
1.5 mm2 cable complies with ItIz (2020) but 433.1.5 requires that the minimum cable section for this circuit type
should be 2.5 mm2.
Therefore, ProDesign sizes the cable at 2.5 mm2.
Example 3.5: Cable sizing: cable run through thermal insulation

Final circuit FC-2
Where a cable is run through thermal insulation (as defined by 523.7), derating is applied using the derating factor Ci,
according to Table 52.2.
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Cable type: Single-core, 70C thermoplastic, non-armoured Cu Table 4D1; Size = set to Auto;
Installation Method: Run through thermal insulation; Length = 10 m; Distance run through insulation = 150 mm.
Ambient Temperature = 30.
Grouping: None.
CPD details:
The selected CPD is: Generic, BS 88 Fuse, HRC, gG(General), rating set to Auto. The design current Ib = 15 A, therefore
ProDesign has set the CPD Rating In = 16 A.
Derating Factors:
Ambient Temperature = 30: Ca = 1.
Grouping: not grouped, Cg = 1.
Run through thermal insulation. Distance = 150 mm. Derating factor Ci from Table 52.2:
0.78 for Distance = 100; 0.63 for Distance = 200
By linear interpolation:
Ci = {[(150 100)/(200-100)] x (0.63 0.78)} + 0.78 = 0.705
Calculation:
Minimum cable capacity Iz = In/(Ca x Cg x Ci) = 16/(1 x 1 x 0.705) = 22.70A
From Table 4D1, column 6 (Reference Method C):
1.5 mm2 cable, It = 20 A; 2.5 mm2 cable, It = 27 A
Therefore, ProDesign sizes the cable at 2.5 mm2. i.e., 27 22.70 (ItIz)
Example 3.6: Cable sizing: direct in ground

Final circuit FC-7
Current ratings for cables installed direct in ground (Table 4A2: Installation methods 72 and 73) are subject to correction
factors given in Tables 4B2 (ambient ground temperature), 4B3 (soil thermal resistivity) and 4C2 (spacing).
Cable type: Multicore, 90C thermosetting insulated, armoured Cu Table 4E4; Size = set to Auto;
Installation Method: Method 73 Direct in ground; Length = 10 m; Ambient ground temperature = 15.
Soil thermal resistivity = 1.0 K.m/W, Grouping: 2 in Group; subject to simultaneous overload, Spacing = 0.125m
CPD details:
The selected CPD is: Generic, BS 88 Fuse, HRC, gG(General), rating set to Auto. The design current Ib = 310 A, therefore
ProDesign has set the CPD Rating In = 315 A.
Derating Factors:
Ground ambient temperature = 15, Ctg = 1.04 (taken from Table 4B2)
Soil thermal resistivity = 1.0 K.m/W, Crg = 1.5 (taken from Table 4B3)
Grouping: 2 in group. Spacing = 0.125m, Cgg = 0.85 (taken from Table 4C2)
Direct in ground method. Cc = 0.9 (taken from Appendix 4 section 5.1)
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The cable ratings are found in Table 4E4, column 7 (Reference Method D).
Calculation:
Iz = Ir/(Ctg x Crg x Cgg x Cc) = 315/(1.04 x 1.5 x 0.85 x 0.9) = 263.95A
From Table 4E4A, column 7 (Reference Method D, 1 three or four-core cable, three-phase a.c):
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4. VOLTAGE DROP
For each circuit, a per unit voltage drop (mV/A/m or m/v) is found for the cable (from Tables 4D1B, etc.) or busbar
(from manufacturers data). This data is used to calculate the total circuit voltage drop for the conductor length and load
current, corrected for load power factor and operating temperature (Appendix 4, Section 6). See Example 4.1 below.
BS7671:2008 Appendix 12 suggests voltage drop limits for various combinations of source and load type. ProDesign will
apply the voltage drop limits found in BS7671:2008 Appendix 12 or user entered limits when defined. Each final load and
motor dialog contains a tab showing its voltage drop limit back to source.
Each cable in ProDesign is assigned a voltage drop limit. The voltage drop limit for fixed size cables is taken as being the
calculated voltage drop in that cable. Each cable which is set to Auto is allocated a voltage drop limit which represents
a portion of the overall limit for the leg(s) of the distribution which it forms part.
If the calculated voltage drop in any circuit exceeds the allocated limit, the cable size will be increased to meet the
voltage drop requirement. If it is not possible to meet the allocated voltage drop limit by increasing the cable sizes (e.g.,
where the cable size is fixed), an error message will be given for each circuit where the overall voltage drop limit is
exceeded.
Example 4.1: Voltage drop calculation

Final circuit FC-1
Cable type: Single-core, 70C thermoplastic, non-armoured Cu Table 4D1; Size = set to 35 mm2;
Installation Method: Method 20 Clipped direct, trefoil; Length = 90 m.
Load Conditions:
Design current Ib = 70 A; power factor PF= 0.9; three phase and neutral.
Voltage drop data:
From Table 4D1B, column 7: Size = 35 mm2; r = 1.100; x = 0.170.
Calculating voltage drop:
The load current Ib = 70 A, which when resolved into resistive and reactive components is:
Ir = 63 A; Ix = 30.5123 A
[Ir = Ib x PF; Ix = Ib x sin(cos-1(PF))]
The circuit impedance and voltage drop calculation:

r
Data from table [m/m]
1.100
0.170
Per phase conductor [3]
0.6351
0.0982
Correction for power factor [cos r + sin x]
0.5716
0.0428
r corrected for temperature, using Ct = 0.9059*. [Z = r + x]
0.5178
0.0428
0.5606
3.1785
1.5394
3.5317
Total Voltage drop (V)

[r = (Ir x Z x length)/1000; x = (Ix x Z x length)/1000; Z = (r2 + x2)]
* Ct calculated using formula (10)* from Appendix 4, section 6.1:
Ct = {230 + tp [Ca2Cg2 (Ib2/It2)](tp 30)} / (230 + tp)
tp = max. permitted normal operating temperature.
The total voltage drop per phase Vd calculated by ProDesign = 3.5317 V
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5. PHASE FAULT
Fault currents are calculated at every point in the network. At each point the calculations are performed using the
voltage and the impedance between that point and the voltage source, i.e., the active source or sources.
The impedances are calculated and brought together using a Zbus impedance matrix. A separate matrix is constructed
for each of the fault types:
Phase fault: 3-phase circuits, maximum and minimum; 3-phase and neutral, maximum and minimum.
Earth fault.
A portion of the matrix for 3-phase maximum fault impedances for the Model Calculation project is shown below. The
impedances at each point in the network are located on the principal diagonal (the yellow shaded cells). For example,
the fault impedance at the load end of Cbl_SM-1 is: resistance = 4.51316663; reactance = 14.44968318.
Per unit values to a 100 MVA base are used in the Zbus matrix calculations, the impedances shown in the matrix are the
per unit values used.
The following worked examples for maximum and minimum fault currents, and earth fault current in the next section,
use conventional calculation methods to demonstrate the accuracy of the ProDesign calculations, while avoiding the
complexities of the construction of the Zbus matrices. Also, each worked example is repeated showing the calculations
that are performed by ProDesign using the impedances obtained from the Zbus matrix.
In some versions of ProDesign a Zbus matrix viewer is provided. This is displayed by clicking View Impedance Matrices in
the Calculation menu.
Maximum prospective phase fault current

Calculated using the total fault impedance at the source end of the circuit under consideration. The fault impedance
includes the source impedance and the conductor impedance of the circuit between the source and the origin of the
circuit under consideration. Conductor resistances are calculated at 20 C. For three-phase and three-phase and neutral
circuits, the maximum fault current condition is the three-phase symmetrical fault current (for single-phase circuits, the
phase to neutral fault current).
The maximum prospective fault current in a circuit is used to check that the breaking capacity of the circuit protective
device (CPD) is adequate (434.5.1).
Example 5.1 below describes the calculation for a three-phase and neutral circuit.
Minimum phase fault current

Calculated using the total fault impedance at the load end of the circuit under consideration. The fault impedance
includes the source impedance, the phase conductor impedance of the circuit between the source and the origin of the
circuit under consideration, and the impedance of the conductor in the circuit under consideration. Conductor
resistances are calculated using a temperature multiplier [Guidance Note 1: Table E2].
The formula used to calculate the minimum fault current (Ifmin) depends on the circuit configuration:
Three-phase only: Ifmin = Iph-ph = UL / 2(Ze + Z1)
[Ze = external impedance; Z1 = phase conductor impedance]
Three-phase and neutral: Ifmin = Iph-n = Uph / (Ze + Z1 + Zn)
[Zn = neutral conductor impedance]
Single phase: Ifmin = Iph-n = Uph / (Ze + Z1 + Zn)

The minimum prospective fault current in a circuit is used in the adiabatic test to ensure that the maximum phase
conductor temperature is not exceeded during a phase fault (434.5.2).
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Example 5.2 below describes the minimum phase fault current calculation for a three-phase and neutral circuit.
Example 5.3 below describes the phase fault adiabatic calculation.
Example 5.1: Maximum phase fault current

Final circuit FC-7: conventional calculation
Fault current is calculated by dividing the system voltage by the total fault path impedance. The maximum fault current
is calculated at the source end of the circuit, therefore for FC-7 the total fault impedance includes the external source
impedance (Ze) and the impedance of the conductors in SM-1.
The maximum phase fault current for three-phase and three-phase and neutral circuits is the three-phase symmetrical
fault current Isym = UL / Z
Impedances in circuit for fault at cable FC-7, supply end:
r
250 MVA Transformer primary supply network
0.000064
0.000637
Transformer winding
0.004000
0.019596
0.003157
0.002887
0.00717
0.02312
Cable SM-1: thermosetting non-armoured, multicore, 240 mm2

Impedance from Table 4E2B, col. 4 [m/m @ 90]
0.1750
0.1250
Corrected for temperature [r @ 20 = r90 / (1 + (90 20) x 0.004)]
0.1367
0.1250
Value for one line conductor (3)
0.0789
0.0722
Calculated for 40 m circuit length []

Total
2
|Z| = (R + X )] = (0.00717 + 0.02312 )] = 0.02421

Calculating fault current:
Ifmax = UL / Z = (4003) / 0.02421 = 9539 A = 9.539 kA
Max. phase fault current calculated by ProDesign = 9.535 kA
Final circuit FC-7: using Zbus impedances

Impedances in circuit for fault at cable FC-7, supply end (per unit values at 100 MVA base):
r
0.0398
0.3980
Transformer winding
2.5000 12.247
Transformer primary supply network + winding
2.5398 12.645
Cable SM-1
1.9734
Total
1.8042
4.5132 14.449
2
|Z| = (R + X )] = (4.5132 + 14.449 )] = 15.1375 pu

Ifmax = MVA Base / (Zpu x 3 x VLL) = 100 / (15.1375 x 3 x 0.4) = 9.535 kA
v4 09/11
Page 15 of 21

Example 5.2: Minimum phase fault current
Final circuit FC-7: conventional calculation
Fault current is calculated by dividing the system voltage by the total fault path impedance. The minimum fault current
is calculated at the load end of the circuit, therefore for FC-7 the total fault impedance includes the external source
impedance (Ze) and the impedance of the conductors in SM-1 and FC-7.
The minimum phase fault current for three-phase and neutral circuits is the single phase and neutral fault current Iph-n:
Ifmin = UL/(Ze + Z1 + Zn)
Adding Ze and Z1 and Zn:
r
Ze: External impedance from the Transformer dialog

Z1a: SM-1, 3ph cable impedance from Table 4E2B, col. 4 [r: m/m @ 90]
0.1750
0.1250
Single phase conductor [3]
0.1010
0.0722
0.0789
0.0722
Corrected for fault temperature [Using Multiplier 54C = 1.28 in Table E2]
0.1010
0.0722
0.0041
0.0202
0.0040
0.0029
0.0040
0.0029
0.0013
0.0007
Znb: Neutral conductor same as phase conductor
0.0013
0.0007
Total
0.0274
0.0311
Zna: Neutral conductor same as phase conductor

Z1b: FC-7, 3ph cable impedance from Table 4E4B, col. 4 [r: m/m @ 90]
0.2200
0.1250
0.1270
0.0722
0.0992
0.0722
Corrected for fault temperature [Using Multiplier 54C = 1.28 in Table E2]
0.1270
0.0722
|Z| = (R + X )] = (0.0274 + 0.0311 )] = 0.0311

Ifmin = UL / (Ze + Z1 + Zn) = (4003)/0.0311 = 7.390 A = 7.425 kA
Min. phase fault current calculated by ProDesign = 7.418 kA
Final circuit FC-7: using Zbus impedances

Impedances in circuit for fault at cable FC-7, load end (per unit values at 100 MVA base):
r
0.0398
0.3980
Transformer winding
2.5000 12.247
Transformer primary supply network + winding
2.5398 12.645
Cable SM-1
5.0518
3.6084
Cable FC-7
1.5877
0.9021
Total
9.1793 17.156
2
|Z| = (R + X )] = (9.1793 + 17.156 )] = 19.457 pu

Ifmax = MVA Base / (Zpu x 3 x VLL) = 100 / (19.457 x 3 x 0.4) = 7.418 kA
v4 09/11
Page 16 of 21

Example 5.3: Line conductor adiabatic check
Final circuit FC-7
From 434.5.2, the general formula used for the phase fault adiabatic calculation is:
t = (k2S2)/I2
I = the minimum phase fault current (A).
Phase Fault Conditions
The protective device in the circuit FC-7 is a BS 88 Fuse, rated 315 A. From its characteristic curve it can be seen that,
I2t < k2S2
The cable section S = 185 mm2.
k2S2 = 1432 x 1852 = 699.87 x 106
The let-through energy for the fuse is 800 x 103 A2s.
Therefore the cable complies with the adiabatic requirement: 800 x 103 < 699.87 x 106
Earth Fault Conditions
At the calculated earth fault current (4.4 kA), the disconnection time would be 0.23 s.
For disconnection times greater than 0.1 s, the formula is:
t = (k2S2)/I2
where: t is the maximum permissible disconnection time.
t = (1432 x 1852) / 44002 = 36.15 s
The actual disconnection time = 0.23 s
Therefore the cable complies with the adiabatic requirement: 0.23 < 36.15 s
Line conductor adiabatic check

From 434.5.2, the general formula used for the adiabatic calculation is:
t = (k2S2)/I2
I = the minimum fault current (A).
I2t < k2S2
v4 09/11
Page 17 of 21

In the case of the circuit under consideration, the level of both the phase and earth fault currents are sufficiently high to
cause the fuse to rupture in less than 0.1 s. Therefore, the level of energy let-through would be the same for either fault
current condition. In such cases, the results are given for the phase fault condition.
The protective device in the circuit FC-6 is a BS 88 Fuse, rated 32 A. From its characteristic curve it can be seen that, at
the calculated minimum phase fault current (855 A), the disconnection time would be less than 0.1 s.
The cable section S = 1.5 mm2.
k2S2 = 1432 x 1.52 = 46.01 x 103
The let-through energy for the fuse is 3.4 x 103 A2s.
Therefore the cable complies with the adiabatic requirement: 3.4 x 103 < 46.01 x 106
v4 09/11
Page 18 of 21

6. EARTH FAULT
Earth fault calculations are performed for each circuit in a network, to check compliance with 411.3: Requirements for
fault protection, as follows:
the earth fault loop impedance (Zs) is calculated;
Using the earth fault loop impedance, the earth fault current (Ief) is calculated;
Using the earth fault current, the earth fault disconnection time is determined from the circuit protective device
(CPD) characteristic (or the residual current device (RCD) characteristic where an RCD is used);
A check is made to determine whether the disconnection time is within the maximum for the circuit (411.3.2,
Table 41.1);
Where an RCD is used on a TT system, a check is made to ensure the Touch Voltage does not exceed the limit for
the circuit (411.5.3);
An adiabatic calculation is performed to ensure that the maximum permitted CPC temperature is not exceeded
during an earth fault (543.1.3).
Example 6.1 below describes the calculation for earth fault disconnection by means of the CPD.
Example 6.2 below describes the adiabatic calculation.
Example 6.3 below describes the calculation for earth fault disconnection by means of an RCD.
Example 6.1: earth fault disconnection by CPD

Sub-main SM-1: conventional calculation
Phase conductor type: Multicore, 90C thermosetting insulated/sheathed, non-arm Cu Table 4E2; Size = 240 mm2;
Length = 40 m.
CPC type: XLPE Non-Armoured Cu; Size = 50 mm2.
Circuit Protective Device (CPD): BS 88 fuse; Rating: 500 A.
Calculate the earth fault loop impedance Zs:
Zs = Ze + Z1 + Z2
where: Ze = external earth fault impedance; Z1 = phase conductor impedance; Z2 = CPC impedance
r
Ze: External earth fault impedance from the Transformer dialog

Z1: 3ph cable impedance from Table 4E2B, col. 4 [r: m/m @ 90]
0.175
0.125
0.1010
0.0722
0.0789
0.0722
Corrected for fault temperature [Multiplier 54C = 1.28 in Table E2]
0.1010
0.0722

Z2: cable impedance from Table 4E1B, col. 5 [r: m/m @ 90]
0.99
0.27
Single conductor [2]
0.495
0.135
Corrected for temperature [r @ 20 = r90 /(1+(9020) x 0.004)]
0.3867
0.135
Corrected for fault temperature [Multiplier 54C = 1.28 in Table E2]
0.495
0.135

Total
2
0.0041
0.0202
0.0040
0.0029
0.0198
0.0054
0.0279
0.0285
|Z| = (R + X )] = (0.0279 + 0.0285 )] = 0.03988
v4 09/11
Page 19 of 21

Calculate earth fault current Ief:
Ief = U0/Zs = 230/0.03988 = 5,767 A = 5.767 kA
Earth fault current calculated by ProDesign = 5.78 kA
Determine Disconnection Time:
From the protective device characteristic curve, the maximum disconnection time for a fault current of 5.76 kA is 0.79 s.
The maximum disconnection time for the circuit from 411.3.2.3 is 5 s.
Therefore, the circuit complies with the earth fault disconnection requirement: 0.79 < 5 s
Sub-main SM-1: using Zbus impedances

Impedances in circuit for earth fault at cable SM-1 (per unit values at 100 MVA base):
r
0.0398
0.3980
Transformer winding
2.5000 12.247
Cable SM-1: Phase Conductor
2.5259
Line Impedances (ZL):
1.8042
5.0657 14.449
Total ZL
15.1971 43.3491
3 ZL
Earth Impedances (ZG):
Transformer winding
Cable SM-1: CPC
37.125
10.125
Total ZG
37.125
3ZL + ZG
52.3221 53.471
10.125
|3ZL + ZG| = (R2 + X2)] = (52.32212 + 53.4712)] = 74.814 pu

Calculating earth fault current:
Ifmax = [MVA Base / (3ZL + ZG)] x [1 / (VLL /3)] = (100 / 74.814) x [1 / (0.4 /3) ] = 5.78 kA
Example 6.2: earth fault adiabatic

Sub-main SM-1
Phase conductor type: Multicore, 90C thermosetting insulated/sheathed, non-arm Cu Table 4E2; Size = 240 mm2;
Length = 40 m.
CPC type: XLPE Non-Armoured Cu; Size = 50 mm2.
Circuit Protective Device (CPD): BS 88 fuse; Rating: 500 A.
From 543.1.3, the general formula used for the phase fault adiabatic calculation is:
S = (I2t)/k
where: S = the minimum section of the CPC (mm2);
k = a factor for the type of conductor (from Tables 54.2 to 54.6).
The value of k relates to the conductors thermal characteristics.
v4 09/11
Page 20 of 21

For disconnection times of less than 0.1 s:
I2t = the let-through energy (A2s) for the circuit protective device.
For disconnection times greater than 0.1 s:
I = earth fault current;
t = the calculated earth fault disconnection time (s).
As shown in Example 6.1 above: the calculated earth fault current = 5,767 A, the calculated disconnection time = 0.79 s,
which is greater than 0.1 s, therefore:
S = (I2t)/k = (earth fault current squared x disconnection time)/k = (57672 x 0.79)/143 = 35.85 mm2
Therefore, the CPC complies with adiabatic requirement: 50 > 35.85 mm2
v4 09/11
Page 21 of 21

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ProDesign: Model Calculation

ProDesign Model Calculation

ProDesign: Model Calculation

Example 1: Load Summation

Summarise load currents:

r = 70 x 0.9 = 63 A; x = 63 x 0.484 = 30.5122926 A

ProDesign Model Calculation

ProDesign: Model Calculation

Total load current/power factor:

ProDesign Model Calculation

ProDesign: Model Calculation

ProDesign Model Calculation

ProDesign: Model Calculation

Example 2.1: CPD rating

Example 2.2: CPD rating: motor circuit

ProDesign Model Calculation

ProDesign: Model Calculation

Example 3.1: Cable sizing: Grouped cable subject to simultaneous overload

ProDesign Model Calculation

ProDesign: Model Calculation

ProDesign Model Calculation

ProDesign: Model Calculation

Line conductor adiabatic check

ProDesign: Model Calculation

Example 3.4: Cable sizing: ring final circuit to sockets

Example 3.5: Cable sizing: cable run through thermal insulation

ProDesign: Model Calculation

Example 3.6: Cable sizing: direct in ground

ProDesign Model Calculation

ProDesign: Model Calculation

ProDesign Model Calculation

ProDesign: Model Calculation

Example 4.1: Voltage drop calculation

[Ir = Ib x PF; Ix = Ib x sin(cos-1(PF))]

The circuit impedance and voltage drop calculation:

Data from table [m/m]

Per phase conductor [3]

Correction for power factor [cos r + sin x]

r corrected for temperature, using Ct = 0.9059*. [Z = r + x]

Total Voltage drop (V)

ProDesign Model Calculation

ProDesign: Model Calculation

Maximum prospective phase fault current

Minimum phase fault current

[Ze = external impedance; Z1 = phase conductor impedance]

Three-phase and neutral: Ifmin = Iph-n = Uph / (Ze + Z1 + Zn)

[Zn = neutral conductor impedance]

Single phase: Ifmin = Iph-n = Uph / (Ze + Z1 + Zn)

ProDesign: Model Calculation

Example 5.1: Maximum phase fault current

250 MVA Transformer primary supply network

Cable SM-1: thermosetting non-armoured, multicore, 240 mm2

Corrected for temperature [r @ 20 = r90 / (1 + (90 20) x 0.004)]

Value for one line conductor (3)

Calculated for 40 m circuit length []

|Z| = (R + X )] = (0.00717 + 0.02312 )] = 0.02421

Final circuit FC-7: using Zbus impedances

250 MVA Transformer primary supply network

Transformer primary supply network + winding

|Z| = (R + X )] = (4.5132 + 14.449 )] = 15.1375 pu

ProDesign Model Calculation

ProDesign: Model Calculation