AIEE

No. 25
July 1952

Standard
for
FUSES ABOVE 600 VOLTS
(Effective July 31, 1952)
Supercedes AIEE No. 25—1945)

Published by
AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS
33 West Thirty-ninth Street, New York 18, N. Y.

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 Development of the Standards
of the
American Institute of Electrical Engineers
Recognizing the importance in the development of electrical engineering, of standardiza-
tion in the electrical field, the A I E E in 1898 appointed a Committee on Standardization,
consisting of seven members having qualifications and experience from designing, manufac-
turing and operating standpoints. The report of this Committee was accepted at a meeting of
the Institute in June 1899.

Experience gained in applications of the standards and further developments in electric

apparatus and methods showed the necessity of revision, and a committee was appointed
which after consultation with manufacturing and operating engineers presented the first
revised report on Standardization Rules of the A I E E in June 1902.

The next revision was undertaken by a committee of ten, which presented its report in
May 1906.

In September 1906, a Standards Committee of eleven members was appointed for further
revision, and its report was presented in June 1907.

The appreciation of the importance and value of standardization resulted in the forma-
tion of a Standing Committee, with the title of Standards Committee of the A I E E . This
became effective in the Constitution of June 1907. The scope and amount of work necessitated
increasing the number of members from time to time until in 1922 there were 37 members
divided into a number of subcommittees specializing on various subjects.

A I E E Standards published in a single volume as each revision was adopted were

generally accepted as standards of the electrical industry of the United States since the
adoption of the first report in 1899. Subsequent reports on standards were made and pub-
lished, in some cases in several editions. The dates of adoption by the Board of Directors of
such reports are as follows: June 20, 1902; June 21, 1907; June 27, 1912; July 10, 1914; June
30, 1915; June 28, 1916; November 8, 1918; October 8, 1920, and June 29, 1922.

On June 29, 1922, in view of the increasing complexity of the work, a reorganization of
the Standards Committee was effected, and a working organization established which pro-
vided for an increase in standardization work and for the appointment on Working Commit-
tees of the Standards Committee of non-Institute members.

The present plan under which the Institute Standards are being issued involves the sepa-
ration of the complete body of standards into more than forty sections, each published as a
separate pamphlet and dealing with a specific subject. Each section of the standards has been
formulated either by a subcommittee of the Standards Committee which was made as rep-
resentative as possible for the work in hand, by an A I E E . T e c h n i c a l Committee or subcom-
mittee, or by a Sectional Committee organized according to the procedure of the American
Standards Association. The division of the standards into a number of separate publications
simplifies the process of keeping the standards revised to conform with the latest develop-
ment and enables those interested in a particular field to obtain in concise form the material
relating to that field. In framing the Institute Standards the chief purpose has been to define
terms and conditions which characterize the rating and behavior of electric machinery and
apparatus, with special reference to the conditions of acceptance tests.

The A I E E Standards Committee takes this occasion to draw attention to the value of
suggestions based upon experience gained in the application of the standards to general
practice. Any suggestions looking toward improvements in the standards will be welcomed for
the guidance of the Committee in preparation of future editions, and should be communicated
to the Secretary of the A I E E Standards Committee, 33 West 39th Street, N e w York 18, N. Y.

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 Table of Contents

Scope 5

Service Conditions 5

Definitions 6

Rating 8

Tests 10

Nameplate Markings 12

Appendix A
Recommended methods for determining the rms value of sinusoidal cur-
rent wave 13

Appendix B
Simplified calculation of fault current 17

Appendix C
Recommended method of determining the equivalent steady-state rms
current 21

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 ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The Institute wishes to acknowledge its indebtedness to those who

have so freely given their time and knowledge, and have conducted
experimental work on which many of the A I E E Standards are based.

The work of preparing this standard was carried out by members

of the Subcommittee on Switches, Fuses and Insulators of the A I E E
Committee on Switchgear. The members of the subcommittee are:

K. J. Falck, Chairman
R. H. Amundson
T. E. Curtis
H. W. Graybill
G. L. Hill
J. B. Owens
A. H. Powell
J. C. Woods
C. P. Zimmerman

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 Standard
of the
American Institute of Electrical Engineers
FUSES ABOVE 600 VOLTS
SCOPE
This standard applies to the following types of
devices designed for operation above 600 volts
whether for indoor or outdoor service.
(a) Fuses (see paragraph 25-50).
(b) Fuse cutouts (see paragraph 25-63).
(c) Fuse parts of combined equipment.
SERVICE CONDITIONS
25-1 Usual Temperature and Altitude Service
Conditions—Equipment conforming to these stand-
ards shall be suitable for operation at its standard
rating, provided that:
(a) The temperature of the cooling air (am-
bient temperature) does not exceed 40C and cop-
per-to-copper contacts, or equivalent are used for
fuse terminals and all conducting joints (except
those of the conducting element).
(b) The temperature of the cooling air (am-
bient temperature) does not exceed 55C if the fuse
has all contacts silver surfaced or equivalent, and
in addition has all conducting joints, except those
of the conducting element) including terminal
connections, either:
(1) Separately held mechanically and either sold-
ered or silver surfaced, or
(2) Brazed, welded or silver soldered and pro-
vided that such operation does not result in
temperatures in excess of 90C for Class O,
105C for Class A, or 130C for Class B in-
insulations.
(c) The altitude does not exceed 3300 feet
(1000 meters).
25-2 Unusual Temperature and Altitude Service
Conditions—The application of equipment at
higher ambient temperatures or at higher alti-
tudes than specified in Usual Temperature and
Altitude Service Conditions shall be considered
as special.
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Standard equipment may be applied at higher
ambient temperatures or at higher altitudes than
specified, but its performance may be affected and
special consideration should be given to these ap-
plications. (See paragraph 25-4).
25-3 O t h e r Conditions W h i c h May Affect Design
and Application—Where other unusual conditions
exist they should be brought to the attention of
those responsible for the design and application of
the equipment. Examples of such conditions a r e :
(a) Damaging fumes or vapors, excessive or
abrasive dust, explosive mixtures of dust or gases,
steam, salt spray, excessive moisture or dripping
water, etc.
(b) Abnormal vibration, shocks, or tilting.
(c) Excessively high or low temperatures.
(d) Unusual transportation or storage condi-
tions.
(e) Unusual space limitations.
(/) Unusual operating duty, frequency of oper-
ation, difficulty of maintenance, poor wave form,
unbalanced voltage, special insulation requirements,
etc.
25-4 Applications at Altitudes Greater than 3300
F e e t (1000 Meters)—Equipment that depends on
air for its insulating and cooling medium will
have a higher temperature rise and a lower di-
electric value when operated at altitudes higher
than 3300 feet.
Dielectric strength and current ratings should
be multiplied by factors shown in Tables l a and lb.
Equipment designed for standard temperature
rise may be used at its normal current rating
without exceeding ultimate standard temperature
limits provided that the ambient temperature does
not exceed the ambient allowed in paragraph 25-1,
multiplied by the factor shown in table lc.
 TABLE I and/or severance of which initiates the interrup-
Altitude Correction tion function of the fuse. ( T h e current-responsive
element may consist of the combination of a fusible
Altitude Correction Factor element and, when used, a strain element.)
To Be Applied To
a b c 25-54 Conducting Element—The conducting element
Utitude Dielectric Current Ambient of a fuse is the conducting means, including the
Feet Meters Strength Rating Temperature current responsive element, for completing the
3300 1000 1.00 1.00 1.00 electric circuit between the terminals of the fuse
holder.
4000 1200 .98 .995 .992
5000 1500 .95 .99 .980 25-55 Arc Extinguishing Medium—The arc extin-
6000 1800 .92 .985 .968 guishing medium of a fuse is the material included
in the fuse to facilitate current interruption.
7000 2100 .89 .98 .956
8000 2400 .86 .97 .944 25-56 Refill Unit—A refill unit of a fuse is an assembly
9000 2700 .83 .965 .932 comprising a conducting element, the complete arc
extinguishing medium and parts normally required
10000 3000 .80 .96 .920
to be replaced after each circuit interruption to
12000 3600 .75 .95 .896 restore the fuse to its original operating condition.
14000 4200 .70 .935 .872
25-57 Fuse Link—A fuse link is a replaceable part or
16000 4800 .65 .925 .848
assembly comprised entirely or principally of the
180O0 5400 .61 .91 .824 conducting element required to be replaced after
20000 6000 .56 .90 .800 each circuit interruption to restore the fuse to
operating condition.
The correction factors in Table 1, columns b
and c are not to be applied at the same time. 25-57.5 Fusible Element—A fusible element is the
If the derating as determined from the table is current-carrying part of a fuse unit designed to
serious, equipment of a suitably higher rating sever under stated conditions.
should be chosen to meet requirements, after de-
rating factors have been applied. 25-58 Fuse Tube—A fuse tube is a tube of insulating
material which encloses the conducting element.
DEFINITIONS 25-59 Fuse Holder—A fuse holder is an assembly of
Definitions as given herein apply specifically to a fuse tube or tubes, together with parts necessary
the apparatus treated in this standard. For other to enclose, and provide means of making contact
definitions applying to fuses, see American Stand- with, the conducting element and the fuse clips.
ard Definitions of Electrical Terms, A S A C42. The fuse holder does not include the conducting
element.
General
25-60 Fuse Unit—A fuse unit is an assembly com-
25-50 Fuse—A fuse is an overcurrent protective device prising a conducting element mounted in a fuse
with a circuit-opening fusible member directly holder with parts and materials in the fuse holder
heated and severed by the passage of overcurrent essential to the operation of the fuse.
through it.
25-61 Fuse Clips (Fuse Contacts)—Fuse clips are
25-51 Vented Fuse—A vented fuse is a fuse which current-carrying parts of a fuse support which
during circuit interruption may eject forcibly arc engage the fuse holder.
gases, solid particles, liquid or other material into
the surrounding atmosphere. 25-62 Fuse Support (Fuse Mounting)—A fuse sup-
port is an assembly of base, insulating means, and
25-52 Non-Vented Fuse—A non-vented fuse is a fuse fuse clips for mounting a fuse holder and connect-
which during circuit interruption does not eject ing it into the circuit.
forcibly arc gases, solid particles, liquid or other
25-63 Fuse Cutout—A fuse cutout is an assembly of
material into the surrounding atmsophere.
a fuse support and fuse holder which may or may
not include a fuse link or conducting element.
Construction (a) Enclosed Fuse Cutout—An enclosed fuse
25-53 Current-Responsive Element — T h e current- cutout is a fuse cutout in which the fuse clips and
responsive element of a fuse is the conducting sec- fuse holder are mounted completely within an en-
tion with predetermined characteristics, the melting closure.

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 (6) Open Fuse Cutout—An open fuse cutout
is a fuse cutout in which the fuse support and fuse
holder or fuse link are exposed.
(c) Open Link Fuse Cutout—An open link fuse
cutout is a fuse cutout which does not employ a
a fuse holder and in which the fuse support di-
rectly receives an open link fuse link.
(d) Oil Fuse Cutout—An oil fuse cutout is an
enclosed fuse cutout in which all or a part of the
fuse support is mounted in oil with provision for
partial or complete immersion of the conducting
element.
Modifying Terms
25-67 Liquid-Fuse Unit—A liquid-fuse unit is a fuse
unit in which the arc is drawn through a liquid.
25-68 Solid-Material-Fuse Unit—A solid-material-
fuse unit is a fuse unit in which the arc is drawn
through a hole in solid material.
25-69 Filled-Fuse Unit—A filled-fuse unit is a fuse
unit in which the arc is drawn through powdered,
granular or fibrous material.
25-70 Expulsion-Fuse Unit—An expulsion-fuse unit
is one characterized by expulsion of arc gases
during interruption.
25-71 Renewable-Fuse Unit—A renewable-fuse unit
is a fuse unit which, after circuit interruption, may
be restored for service.
(a) Field Renewable-Fuse Unit—A field re-
newable-fuse unit is a fuse unit which, after circuit
interruption may be readily restored for service by
the replacement of the fuse link or refill unit.
(b) Factory Renezvable-Fuse Unit—A factory
renewable-fuse unit is a fuse unit which, after
circuit interruption, must be returned to the manu-
facturer to be restored for service.
25-73 Drop-Out Fuse—A drop-out fuse is a fuse in
which the fuse holder automatically drops into an
open circuit position after the fuse has interrupted
the circuit.
25-75 Fuse Disconnecting Switch (or Disconnecting
Fuse)—A fuse disconnecting switch is a discon-
necting switch in which a fuse unit forms a part
of the blade.
25-76 Indicating Fuse—An indicating fuse is a fuse
which automatically indicates that the fuse has
interrupted the circuit.
25-77 Reclosing Fuse—A reclosing fuse is a com-
bination of several fuse holders or fuse units
mounted on a fuse support or supports, mechani-
cally or electrically interlocked, so that one fuse
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can be connected into the circuit at a time and the
functioning of that fuse automatically connects
the next fuse into the circuit, with or without
additional time delay, thereby permitting one or
more service restorations without replacement of
fuse links, refill units or fuse units.
25-78 Current-Limiting Fuse — A current-limiting
fuse is a fuse which, when interrupting a specified
circuit, will consistently limit the short-circuit cur-
rent of that circuit to a magnitude substantially less
than that obtainable in the same circuit with the
fuse short-circuited.
Performance Terms
25-79 Melting Time of a Fuse—The melting time of
a fuse is the time required for the current to sever
the current responsive element under specified con-
ditions.
25-80 Arcing T i m e of a Fuse—The arcing time of a
fuse is the time elapsing from the severance of the
current responsive element to the final interruption
of the circuit under specified conditions.
25-81 Clearing Time (Total Interrupting Time) of
a Fuse—The clearing time of a fuse is the total
time, measured from the beginning of a specified
overcurrent condition to interruption of the cir-
cuit at maximum design voltage. The clearing
time is equal to the sum of the melting time and
the arcing time.
25-82 Current-Limiting Characteristic of a Fuse—
The current-limiting characteristic of a fuse is a
curve showing the relation between the rms short-
circuit current (including the d-c component) avail-
able in the circuit and the maximum instantaneous
peak current permitted by the fuse during circuit
interruption.
25-83 Recovery Voltage — Recovery voltage is the
voltage impressed upon a fuse after the current
has been interrupted.
(a) Normal-Frequency Recovery Voltage—The
normal-frequency recovery voltage is the normal-
frequency rms voltage impressed upon a fuse after
the current has been interrupted and after high-
frequency transients have subsided.
(b) Transient Recovery Voltage—The transient
recovery voltage is the transient voltage impressed
upon a fuse immediately after the current has been
interrupted or substantially limited.
(c) Rate of Rise of Transient Recovery Volt-
age—The rate of rise of transient recovery voltage
is the rate at which the voltage rises across the
contacts of a fuse during the transient period,
immediately after the current has been interrupted
or substantially limited.
 Installation
25-84 Mounting Position—The mounting of a fuse
is determined by and corresponds to the position
of the base of the fuse support, and may be
designated a s :
(a) Vertical.
(b) Horizontal-Upright. (When fuse holder is
to be mounted above the supporting insulators.)
(c) Horizontal-Underhung. (When fuse holder
is to be mounted below the supporting insulators.)
(d) Angle (from vertical).
RATING
25-100 Rating—A rating of a device is a designated
limit of operating characteristics based on definite
conditions. Ratings of equipment covered by this
standard shall include the items indicated in the
following table.
in rms amperes or direct current which it can
carry continuously without deteriorating or exceed-
ing the limit of permissible temperature rise.
25-104 Rated Time-Current Values—The rated time-
current values (usually shown as a curve) of a
fuse is the relation between the rms alternating
current or direct current and the time for the fuse
to perform the whole or some specified part of
its interrupting function.
25-104.3 Basis of Rated Time-Current Values—The
time-current characteristic of a fuse is based on
the fuse starting cold in an ambient temperature
of 25C. Operation at other ambient temperatures
or other previous conditions of loading may affect
the time—current characteristic. ( F o r practical
reasons, tests may be made at any ambient tem-
perature between 20C and 30C inclusive).

T A B L E II 25-105 Rated Interrupting Current (Rated Interrupt-

ing Capacity)—The rated interrupting current of
Fuse Cutout
a fuse is the highest rms current at a specified
Fuse Link Fuse Support
operating voltage which the fuse is required to
Fuse and and
interrupt under the operating duty specified and
Unit Refill Unit Fuse Holder
with a normal-frequency recovery voltage not less
Rated Voltage X X X than the specified operating voltage.
Maximum Design 25-105.3 Transient Currents—Transient currents hav-
Voltage X X X ing a magnitude and duration which produce tem-
Rated Frequency X peratures approaching, but not actually reaching,
X X
the melting temperature of the fusible element
Rated Continuous may alter the fuse characteristic. This factor
Current X X should be recognized in the application of the fuse.
Rated Time-Current 25-106 Rated Withstand Voltage—The rated with-
Values X X stand voltage is the voltage which the device
must withstand without flashover or other elec-
Rated Interrupting
tric failure when voltage is applied under specified
Current X X conditions. The standard voltages a r e :
Rated Withstand
Voltage TABLE I I I
X
Indoor Fuses
Rated Temperature
Withstand Voltages
Rise X X
Impulse
Maximum 1.5x40
25-101 Rated Voltage—The rated voltage of a device Rated Design Low-Frequency Full Wave kv
Voltage Voltage One Minute (Pos. and
is the nominal system voltage on which it is in- kv kv kv (Dry) Neg., Dry)
tended to be applied. 2.4 2.75 15 45
25-101.3 Maximum Design Voltage—The maximum 4.8 5.5 19 60
design voltage of a device is the highest rms
voltage at which it is designed to operate. 72 8.25 26 75
25-102 Rated Frequency—The rated frequency of a 13.8 15 36 95
device is the frequency of the circuit for which it
is designed.
14.4 15.5 50 110
23 25.8 60 150
25-103 Rated Continuous Current—The rated contin-
uous current of a device is the designated limit 34.5 38 80 200
8

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 T A B L E IV For all conducting parts of the fuse, except the
Outdoor F u s e s conducting element, 50C.
Withstand Voltages For all other parts made up of Class O, A or B
Impulse insulations:
Maximum 1.5 x 40
Rated Design Low-Frequency Low-Frequency Full Wave kv 70C for Class O and Class A insulation.
Voltage Voltage One Minute Ten Seconds (Pos. and 100 C for Class B insulation.
kv kv kv (Dry) kv (Wet) Neg., Dry)
7.2 8.25 36 30 95 25-109 Classification of Insulation Materials—The
temperature limits on which the rating of electric
14.4 15.5 50 45 110 devices is based are largely determined by the
character of the insulating materials used. For
23 25.8 70 60 150
the purpose of establishing temperature limits, in-
34.5 38 95 80 200 sulating materials are classified as shown in the
following :
46 48.3 120 100 250
69 72.5 175 145 350 Class Description of Material

115 121 280 230 550 O Class O insulation consists of cotton, silk, paper,
and similar organic materials when neither im-
138 145 335 275 650 pregnated* nor immersed in a liquid dielectric.
161 169 385 315 750 A Class A insulation consists of: (1) cotton, silk,
paper, and similar organic materials when either
TABLE V impregnated* or immersed in a liquid dielectric;
Cutouts (2) molded and laminated materials with cellu-
Withstand Voltages lose filler, phenolic resins and other resins of simi-
Impulse
lar properties; (3) films and sheets of cellulose
Maximum 1.5 x 40 acetate and other cellulose derivatives of similar
Rated Design Low-Frequency Low-Frequency Full Wave kv
Voltage Voltage One Minute Ten Seconds (Pos. and properties; and (4) varnishes (enamel) as applied
kv kv kv (Dry) kv (Wet) Neg., Dry) to conductors.
4.8 5.2 21 20 60
B Class B insulation consists of mica, asbestos, fiber-
7.2 7.8 27 24 75 glass and similar inorganic materials in built-up
form with organic binding substances. A small
14.4 15.0 35 30 95 proportion of Class A materials may be used for
25-107 Rated Temperature Rise—The rated tem- structural purposes only.**
perature rise is the temperature rise above the C Class C insulation consists entirely of mica, porce-
ambient which the devices shall not exceed when lain, glass, quartz and similar inorganic materials.
operating under specified conditions.
*An insulation is considered to be "impregnated" when a
25-108 Limit of Observable T e m p e r a t u r e Rise—The suitable substance replaces the air between its fibers, even
temperature rise of a fuse when fused with the if this substance does not completely fill the spaces between
maximum rated conducting element shall not ex- the insulated conductors. The impregnating substances in
order to be considered suitable, must have good insulating
ceed the following limits determined after the fuse properties; must entirely cover the fibers and render them
has carried rated current at an ambient tempera- adherent to each other and to the conductor; must not
ture within the range specified (Par. 25-201) produce interstises within itself as a consequence of evap-
until the temperature rise has become constant: oration of the solvent or through any other cause; must not
flow during the operation of the machine at full working
(a) For all conducting parts of the fuse, except load or at the temperature limit specified; and must not
the conducting element, 30 C. unduly deteriorate under prolonged action of heat.
**The electrical and mechanical properties of the in-
(b) For all parts made up of Class O, A or B sulated winding must not be impaired by application of
insulation. the temperature permitted for Class B material. (The word
35C for Class O insulation. "impair" is here used in the sense of causing any change
which could disqualify the insulating material for con-
50C for Class A insulation.
tinuous service.
70C for Class B insulation. The temperature endurance of different Class B insula-
Exception—Fuses for railway service may be de- tion assemblies varies over a considerable range, in
signed for higher temperature rise, the limits of accordance with the percentage of Class A materials em-
temperature rise under the same conditions of test ployed, and the degree of dependence placed on the
organic binder for maintaining the structural integrity of
not to be in excess of the following values: the insulation

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 TESTS
General
25-150 Classification of Tests—There are three classi-
fications of tests as follows :
(a) Design Tests—Design tests are tests made
by the manufacturer to obtain data for design or
application or check conformance with require-
ments of applicable standards.
(b) Routine Tests—Routine tests are tests
made by the manufacturer on devices or parts to
check quality of manufacture.
(c) Acceptance Tests — Acceptance tests are
tests made by the manufacturer at the request of
the purchaser of commercially manufactured de-
vices and made only by mutual agreement between
the manufacturer and the purchaser.
25-151 Test Procedures—The test procedures in this
standard are to be followed in making design and
acceptance tests.
25-152 Dielectric Tests—Dielectric tests are tests which
consist of the application of the rated dielectric
voltage for the specified time and are designed to
determine the adequacy against breakdown of in-
sulating material and spacing.
25-153 Standard Test Voltage—Standard test voltage
at which devices are to be tested are the applicable
withstand values as tabulated under Ratings, para-
graph 25-106.
25-154 Measurement of Voltage—The voltage for die-
lectric tests shall be measured in accordance with
A I E E Standard No. 4 titled "Standard for the
Measurement of Test Voltages in Dielectric Tests".
25-155 Points of Application of Voltage—
The test voltage shall be successively applied:
(1) Between each terminal and all other metal
parts which may be grounded, with the fuse, in-
cluding the conducting element or equivalent, com-
pletely assembled ready for service.
(2) Between terminals with the fuse holder in
the support and with the conducting element re-
moved.
(3) Between terminals for drop-out type fuses
with the fuse holder in the support and with the
conducting element removed; also between ter-
minals with fuse holder in the drop-out position.
Note: Test on enclosed fuse cutouts shall be
made with leads of bare wire (not smaller than
No. 6 A W G ) centrally located in the entrance
holes.
25-156 Voltage Test for Break Distance of Fuse Dis-
connecting Switches—Devices in the full open
10
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position shall be capable of withstanding between
live parts voltage tests of 10 percent in excess of
the maximum voltage test which they shall with-
stand to ground.
Test voltages shall be low-frequency alternating
and full wave impulse* ( 1 . 5 x 4 0 microseconds)
of both positive and negative polarity.
25-157 Duration of Application of T e s t Voltage —
(a) The low-frequency withstand test voltages
shall be applied continuously for a period of
one minute unless otherwise specified.
(b) The supplementary wet test when made
shall be applied continuously for 10 seconds.
(c) The impulse withstand test voltage (both
positive and negative polarity) shall be applied and
if a disruptive discharge does not occur during any
of three consecutive impulses, the specimen shall
be considered as having met the test. If two or
three of the applied impulse waves cause disruptive
discharge, the test specimen shall be considered as
having failed the test. If only one of the three
applied impulses causes disruptive discharge, three
additional impulses shall be applied. If disruptive
discharge does not occur on any of these three
additional impulses, the specimen shall be consid-
ered as having met the test.
25-158 Condition of Device to be Tested—Tests shall
be made with the completely assembled device, and
not with individual parts. The device shall be in
good condition and tests shall be applied before
the device is put into commercial service, unless
otherwise specified. High-voltage tests to deter-
mine whether specifications are fulfilled are admis-
sible on new devices only.
25-159 Conditions for W e t Dielectric Tests—Refer
to A I E E Standard No. 29; titled "Wet Tests".
25-160 Where Tests are to be Made—Unless otherwise
agreed upon, tests shall be made at the factory.
25-161 Temperature At Which Dielectric Tests Are
T o Be Made—Dielectric tests shall be made at
the temperature assumed under normal operation
or at the temperature attained under the conditions
of commercial testing.
*Note: Recent investigations show that conventional de-
vices, which meet the above requirements on low-frequency
alternating voltage tests will not always meet the above
requirements under some impulse conditions. For an interim
period, this standard is met if the break distance is at least
10 percent in excess of the dry arcing distance of the
insulator, and if the device in the full open position will
withstand between live parts voltage tests 10 percent in
excess of the standard test voltages specified in paragraph
25-106. This is no assurance that an open device will always
flash over to ground instead of across the open gap.
 25-162 Frequency and Wave Shape of Test Voltage—
The frequency of the test voltage shall be not less
than the rated frequency of the device tested. A
sine wave shape is recommended. The test shall
be made with alternating voltage having a crest
value equal to 1.414 times the specified test voltage.
Temperature Rise Tests
25-200 Method of Temperature Determination—This
method consists in the determination of the tem-
perature of a device by mercury or alcohol ther-
mometers, by resistance thermometers, or by
thermocouples, any of these instruments being ap-
plied to determine the temperature of the hottest
parts of the device, excepting the conducting ele-
ment, while maintaining all parts in normal oper-
ating condition.
25-201 Value of the Ambient Temperature During
Test—The test may be made at any ambient
temperature, preferably not below 10 C. It shall
be assumed that the temperature rise is the same
for all ambient temperatures between the limits of
10 C and 40 C.
25-202 Determination of the Ambient Temperature—
(a) Placing of Thermometer — The ambient
temperature shall be determined by taking the aver-
age of the readings of three thermometers placed
as follows:
One 12 inches above;
One 12 inches below;
One midway between the above two positions and
12 inches from the side of the device.
(b) Use of Oil Cups*—In order to avoid errors
due to the time lag between the temperature of
large apparatus and the variations in the ambient
temperature, all reasonable precautions must be
taken to reduce these variations and the errors
arising therefrom. Thus, the thermometers for
determining the ambient temperature should be
immersed in a suitable liquid, such as oil, in a
suitably heavy metal cup when the ambient tem-
perature is subject to such variations that error in
the temperature rise might result.
*A convenient form for such an oil cup consists of a
metal cylinder with a hole drilled partly through it. This
hole is filled with oil and the thermometer is placed therein
with its bulb well immersed. The response of the thermome-
ter to various rates of temperature change will depend
largely upon the size, kind of material and mass of the
containing cup and may be further regulated by adjusting
the amount of oil in the cup. The larger the apparatus under
test, the larger should be the metal cylinder employed as an
oil cup in the determination of the ambient temperature.
The smallest size of oil cup employed in any case shall con-
sist of a metal cylinder one inch in diameter and two inches
high (25 mm in diameter and 50 mm high).
11
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25-203 Covering the Thermometer Bulbs—The bulbs
of thermometers used for taking temperatures shall
be covered by felt pads cemented to the apparatus
by oil putty or by cotton waste.
Dimensions of felt pads for use with large
apparatus shall be V/z in. x 2 in. by Y% in. thick
(40 mm by 50 mm by 3 mm thick). T h e use of
smaller pads is permissible on small apparatus.
25-204 Duration of Temperature Test — The rated
current of the device at rated frequency shall be
applied continuously until the temperature rise
becomes constant.
Interrupting Tests
25-250 Interrupting Tests—Interrupting tests are tests
which are made to determine or check the inter-
rupting performance of a device.
25-251 Voltage at which Interrupting Tests are Made
—The normal frequency recovery voltage across
the terminals of the device shall be the maximum
design voltage of the device determined in accord-
ance with Appendix A. Where limited by testing
equipment, the maximum tolerance for normal
frequency recovery voltage shall be 15 percent
below the maximum design voltage.
25-252 Power Factor at which Interrupting Tests are
Made—The power factor of the test circuit prior
to the melting of the current responsive element
shall not exceed 20 percent lagging, or 60 percent
lagging for tests of open link cutouts.
25-253 Currents at which Interrupting Tests are
Made—A fuse shall interrupt any currents ranging
from the minimum current required to melt the
lowest rated current responsive element to the in-
terrupting rating of the fuse. The current inter-
rupted shall be measured at the start of arcing
except that when arcing starts before the peak of
the first major current loop, the measurement shall
be made at the peak of the first major loop and
shall be determined by test as follows:
(a) For fuses which in the interruption of the
circuit permit the normal fault current to flow, by
tests with the fuse in the circuit.
(b) For current-limiting fuses, by tests with a
blade substituted for the fuse.
(c) The rms alternating current shall be cal-
culated from oscillograms in accordance with Ap-
pendix A.
25-254 Condition of Fuse after Interrupting Tests—
At the end of five (5) successive interruptions* for
renewable fuses renewing the fuse link or refill unit,
only, and one interruption for non-renewable fuses,
*An interruption for a reclosing fuse shall consist of the
complete cycle of operation for which the fuse is designed.
 at or below the interrupting rating, and fused with
a current responsive element within the range of
current rating of the fuse, the fuse shall be in the
following condition:
(1) Mechanical.
The fuse (except the conducting element and other
parts normally replaceable) shall be in substantial-
ly the same mechanical condition as at the begin-
ning.
(2) Electrical.
The fuse (except the conducting element and other
parts normally replaceable) shall be capable of
carrying continuously rated current at maximum
design voltage. The fuse after interruption shall be
capable of withstanding its maximum design volt-
age between terminals.
Time-Current Tests
25-300 Time—Current Tests—Time—current tests con-
sist of the application of current to determine the
relation between the rms alternating current or
direct current and the time for the fuse to perform
the whole or some specified part of its interrupting
function.
25-301 Standard Range of Time—Current Tests—
The standard range of time—current tests for fuse
units shall be 0.01 to 300 seconds for fuses rated
100 amperes and below; and 0.01 to 600 seconds for
fuses rated above 100 amperes.
(a) The standard time—current characteristics
of a fuse unit shall show the relation between time
and current at any given steady-state rms current
throughout the time range specified above.
(b) The tolerance of the time—current charac-
teristics of a fuse shall be given, and shall be
expressed as percent variation of current values.
25-301.3 Temperature of Fuse at Start of T i m e -
Current Tests—Time—current tests shall be made
with the fuse at an initial temperature of 20 to 30C.
35-302 When Time—Current Tests are to be Made—
Unless otherwise specified, time—current tests are
to be made and the results published as standard
time—current characteristic curves.
25-303 Measurement of Current During Time—Cur-
rent Tests—The measurement of current through
the fuse during a time—current test shall be made
as follows:
(a) A current existing for one second or more
may be measured with a standard indicating am-
meter.
Note: A standard ammeter equipped with an
adjustable stop to limit the deflection of the needle
will improve the accuracy of the measurement.
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(b) A current of less than one second duration
shall be measured with an oscillograph and the cur-
rent wave including the d-c component of current
and the a-c decrement shall be corrected to steady-
state conditions for plotting both melting and total
clearing time—current curves.* (See Appendix C
for Method of Correction.)
25-304 Measurement of Time During Time—Current
Tests—The measurement of the time shall be made
as follows:
( a ) A time longer than ten seconds may be
measured with a stop watch.
(b) A time longer than one second may be
measured with a synchronous timer.
(c) A time shorter than one second shall be
measured with an oscillograph.
NAMEPLATE MARKINGS
25-350 Fuse Nameplate Markings — The following
minimum information shall be given on the name-
plate of all fuse cutouts and fuse supports.
(a) Manufacturer's name or designation mark.
(b) Manufacturer's type or designation number.
(c) Rated continuous current (Maximum or
minimum sizes or fuse units, refill units or fuse
links to be used if limited).
(d) Maximum design voltage.
25-351 Fuse Unit, Refill Unit or Fuse Link Name-
plate Marking—The following minimum informa-
tion shall be given on the nameplate or shipping
container, or both, of all fuse units, refill units or
fuse links, when applicable.
(a) Manufacturer's name or designation mark.
(b) Manufacturer's designation number or type.
(c) Manufacturer's designation number on re-
fill units or fuse link containers or type of his fuse
for which the refill units or fuse links are designed.
(d) Rated continuous current.**
(e) Maximum design voltage.
(/) Manufacturer's time — current designation
(may be a time—current curve number).
*Since the arcing time of a fuse is relatively insensitive
to small variations in current magnitude, arcing time—cur-
rent curves may be plotted with either the equivalent steady-
state rms current, as determined in accordance with Appen-
dix C, or with the rms current at the instant arcing begins,
as determined in accordance with Appendix A.
**The current rating shall appear on all fuse units, refilJ
units and fuse links.
 APPENDIX A
RECOMMENDED METHODS FOR DETERMINING
T H E RMS V A L U E OF A S I N U S O I D A L C U R R E N T W A V E

CURRENT WAVES

Classification of Current Waves. T h e determina-

tion of the current interrupted by a circuit-interrupting
device involves the m e a s u r e m e n t s of the r m s or effec-
tive values of sinusoidal waves. T h e s e waves m a y be
*'S O F ^ g . -
divided into 2 g r o u p s : those which are symmetrical
about the zero axis, and those which are asymmetrical ZERO LINE
with respect to the zero axis.
Symmetrical Sinusoidal Wave. T h e symmetrical ENVELOPE
sinusoidal wave has an r m s value equal to the peak-to-
Fig. 2
peak value divided by 2.828. T o determine the r m s
value at a given instant, draw the envelope of the t = Time for which measurement is made
current wave, determine from it the peak-to-peak A = Peak-to-peak value of alternating component
value at the given instant, and divide by 2.828. See
D = Direct component^
!=
vy») 2+z>2
Fig. 1 for example.
B == Rms value ;
EN
-y£LOP£ A' = Major ordinate
RMS. VALUE
B' = Minor ordinate
2 R LINE
A .9 AND Rms Value = / / R m s Value of \2 /Direct \-
AXIS OF WAVE ~
\ V Alternating Current/ ' \Component /

ponents and to combine them, but it may be used to

ENVELOPE
Fig.l
t = Time for which measurement was made
A = Peak-to-peak value
B = Rms value
2.828
Asymmetrical Sinusoidal Wave. T h e asymmetrical
sinusoidal wave can be considered to be composed of
2 components, an alternating component and a direct
component.
Measurement of the Rms Value. T h e measurement
of the r m s value is simplified by this conception of an
asymmetrical wave, since the r m s value of the wave is
a function of these two components.
Alternating Component. The alternating component
has a peak-to-peak value equal to the distance between
the envelopes and has an axis midway between the
envelopes.
Direct Component. T h e direct component has an
amplitude equal to the displacement of the axis of the
alternating component. See Fig. 2 for example.
T h e direct use of this formula involves a consider-
able amount of calculation to determine the com-
develop tables, charts, and scales by which the effective
values are easily and quickly obtained.
Chart for Determining Rms Value. A chart which
gives the r m s value of the asymmetrical wave in terms
of the peak-to-peak and m a x i m u m values is shown in
Fig. 3. T h e s e two values are read on an oscillogram.
T h e point, whose abscissa is the m a x i m u m value of
the wave and whose ordinate is the peak-to-peak
value, indicates the r m s value of the asymmetrical
wave. This value is multiplied by the scale of the
oscillogram.
Scale for Determining Rms Value. A transparent scale
which can be laid over an asymmetrical sine wave and
used for reading the r m s value directly is shown in
Fig. 4. T h e scale is placed over the wave with the line
X - X ' parallel to the zero line and with the upper and
lower edges of the scale passing t h r o u g h the points
on the envelopes of the sinusoidal wave corresponding
to the instant at which the r m s value is to be obtained.
T h e point on the zero line of the wave corresponding
to the instant at which the r m s value is to be obtained,
then indicates the r m s value on the scale. T h e scale
in Fig. 4 is full size and is read in inches. T h e rms
value is multiplied by the scale of the oscillogram.
Rms Values for Currents of Less Than One Cycle
Duration. The current to be measured m a y flow for less

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 than one cycle and make it impossible to determine
the envelope of the current wave by inspection of the
oscillogram. Such currents can occur with fuses,
breakers operating on low-frequency circuits, break-
ers which have started to open before the fault
develops or breakers pre-tripped on test. The rms
value of the displaced sine wave integrated over a
complete cycle may be determined from the ampli-
tude of the single loop, its duration and curve M of
Figure 5. In some cases, the rms value of the current
for the fraction of a cycle for which the current
actually flowed may be desired. It may be deter-
mined from the amplitude of the single loop, its
duration and curve N of Figure 5.

NORMAL-FREQUENCY RECOVERY VOLTAGE

Determination of Normal-Frequency Recovery

Voltage. Normal-frequency recovery voltage shall be
determined from the envelope of each voltage wave
at a point in time coincident with that peak which

FIG. 3
Chart for Determining the Rms Value of an
Asymmetrical Sine Wave .8 .9 IX) I.I 1.2-0 .1
VALUE A TO B

100
DURATION OF LOOP IN PERCENT OF CYCLE » = X 100

FIG. 5 — Curves for determining from a single loop of a displaced sine wave the rms value of the
wave integrated over a complete cycle or over the single loop.
Note: The curves are based on the assumption of no decrement in the wave.
14

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 2..865"

~
C,}1

(ty (-9 (,e I (YJI I , (-'1 EfT Ceil V· IX I

FIGURE 4
A Scale for Measuring the RMS Value of an Asymmetrical
Sine Wave

Center line x-x' of scale parallel to zero axis of wave. Y· y'

AT
instant for which current is to be determined.

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 G2 , Phase A = First to open circuit

n h T
1 0 0= Instant of final arc extinction

totL ri 1
GiGi= Interval — from O O
2}
1
TP^A A PHASE A

W w \J \J \J
GiGt= Interval — from O O
f

- = 1 period at system frequency

JAWWV A PHASE B
Ei
- = Normal-frequency recovery voltage, phase A
2.828
PHASE C £2
- = Normal-frequency recovery voltage, phase B
2.828
0 G,I 6* 2
FIG. 6
E*
- = Normal-frequency recovery voltage, phase C
Determination of Normal-Frequency Recovery Voltage 2.828
Average normal-frequency recovery voltage
occurs more than y2 cycle, and not more than 1 cycle,
after final arc extinction in the last phase to clear.
The normal-frequency recovery voltage for a 3-phase V 2.826
828 + 2.828 ■ +2.828 )
short circuit shall be taken as the average of the three
values obtained in this manner for the three voltage NOTE : In phase B, a voltage peak occurs exactly at in-
terval GiGi. In such event, measurement is made at the
waves. See Fig. 6. later interval, G2G2.

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 APPENDIX B
SIMPLIFIED CALCULATION
FAULT CURRENTS
Intended for general use by the industry as a simplified method of approximating the
magnitude of fault currents; however, other more rigorous methods should be used
where required.
The precise determination of short-circuit currents
involves a complicated calculation which in many in-
stances is not necessary. Certain approximations can be
made although a degree of judgment must be applied
in any simplified method. T h e method presented here is
based upon the determination of an initial value of rms
symmetrical current with which multiplying factors are
used for application purposes. It may be used, where
applicable, in place of the methods which involve the use
of decrement curves. It is believed that this procedure is
sufficiently accurate to serve as a reliable basis for the
usual application of interrupting devices and as a pre-
liminary basis for relay settings. A recent review of the
procedure revealed the need for certain modifications in
order to improve and bring the previous report up to date.
The multiplying factors given in Tables I and II take
account of generator decrement and the asymmetrical
value of current as influenced by the system d-c time
constant, and they are adjusted to make allowance for
the increase in generator excitation required to maintain
normal terminal voltage under load conditions. They
neglect, however, such influences as generator voltage
regulators and phase-angle differences between generator
rotors, which have but little effect within the usual oper-
ating time of modern circuit breakers.
A comparison of the current magnitudes determined
by these factors with those determined from decrement
curves previously in general use is given in Figure 1.
The time intervals selected for comparison correspond
to power circuit breaker interrupting time ratings of 2,
3, 5 and 8 cycles, with time from inception of fault to
parting of contacts assumed to be not less than 1, 2, 3,
and 4 cycles respectively. The fault current and react-
ances are based on the system kilovolt-amperes. The
earlier "decrement curves" gave rms total current, but
for purposes of comparison, Figure 1 also includes "a-c
component only". The total rms current (decrement
curve method) is based on the assumption that for all
short circuits the decay of the d-c component of current
has a time constant of 0.15 second. However, as this
0.15 second time constant is larger than the values
usually encountered in any equipment except generators
and reactors, results are often conservative. In the gen-
eral case, actual total rms currents are no greater than
the "simplified method" values indicated in Figure 1. The
d-c time constant may be expressed generally as equal to
(1/2-77/) (X/R) in seconds, or (1/2TT) (X/R) in cycles,
17
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OF
where X is the reactance in ohms at system frequency
/ and R the d-c resistance to the point of fault.
In this method of determining fault currents, symbols
are used with the significance given in the following:
E = phase-to-neutral voltage
Xi = direct-axis positive-sequence reactance either tran-
sient or subtransient as specified, in ohms per
phase
X2 — negative-sequence reactance,, ohms per phase
Xo = zero-sequence reactance, ohms per phase
R0 — zero-sequence resistance, ohms per phase
The type of fault (number of phases involved, with or
without ground) which will result in the maximum fault
current varies with the relative values of the different
circuit constants.
The 3-phase short-circuit current is E/Xi. The line-to-
line short-circuit current is -\J 3E/ (Xi-\-X*). Since Xi
is usually equal to Xx this current seldom exceeds 86
percent of the 3-phase short-circuit current, and conse-
quently, for line-to-line faults the 3-phase fault-current
value is generally satisfactory.
The line-to-ground short-circuit current is 3£/(Xi-f-
Xi-\-Xo). Since X 2 is usually approximately equal to Xi
(using the subtransient value for Xi), this expression
often is shortened to 3E/(2Xj-f-Xo). In practical cases,
regardless of the value X 2 , this last expression is satis-
factory for determining the conductor current in either
single or double line-to-ground fault.
Procedure
T h e following gives a resume of the procedure and
the various multiplying factors to be used with currents
calculated by the formulas just stated. Tables I and II
show what reactance quantity should be used for repre-
senting the machines in the positive-sequence network.
Interrupting Duty. Determine "highest value of rms
symmetrical current for any type of fault" by E/Xt or
ZE/(2Xx-\-Xo), whichever is greater, except that with
resistance grounded systems when Rx is greater than
2.23Xi, no consideration need be given to the latter ex-
pression 3E/(2Xi-\-Xo). Use multiplying factors as given
in Table I for specific type of apparatus. It has been
found that for systems where the 3-phase fault kilovolt-
ampere at the generator bus voltage does not exceed
 -TOTAL RMS CURRENT \ o E C R £ M E N T CURVE METHOO
L A-C COMPONENT ONCVJ (0.15 O-C TIME C O N S T A N T )
2-CYCLE CIRCUIT BREAKER
CURRENT AT 1 'V
TOTAL RMS CURRENT
SIMPLIFIED METHOD
/ 1.4
0 20 40 60 80
REACTANCE PER CENT (ON SYSTEM KVA BASE)
F i g u r e 1A
Decrement curve method
•Simplified method
500,000 (before the application of multiplying factors),
no additional multiplying factor is required. When cal-
culated values exceed 500,000 kva these multiplying fac-
tors should be increased as indicated in Table I, section
A2, to compensate for the longer d-c time constant of
large generators and reactors.
For the application of protector tubes, 3 both minimum
and maximum fault currents must be determined. The
minimum fault current should be determined on the basis
of minimum connected synchronous capacity and sym-
metrical current using E/X% or 3 £ / ( 2 X i + X o ) , whichever
gives the lower value. Special consideration is required
where ground resistance appreciably can reduce this line-
to-ground fault current. Protector tubes are rated in
terms of symmetrical current but are designed to with-
stand full asymmetrical current and therefore the multi-
plying factor is 1.0.
Fuses are rated on total current, and, as the time
durations involved are very short, their required inter-
rupting capacity should be based on the total rms current
at one-half cycle, using subtransient reactances for both
synchronous and induction machines. Two cases should
be considered.
1. At 15,000 volts or below, except for current-limiting
fuses, when the fuse is located remote from generating
stations or primary substations (that is, X/R is less
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- TOTAL RMS CURRENT \ DECREMENT CURVE METHOD
L- A-C COMPONENT ONLY / (0-15 0 - C TIME CONSTANT)
5-CYCLS CIRCUIT BREAKER
CURRENT AT 3«V
TOTAL RMS CURRENT
SIMPLIFIED METHOD
20 40 60 80 100
REACTANCE PERCENT (ON SYSTEM KVA BASE)
F i g u r e IB
Decrement curve method
Simplified curve
than 4) multiply by 1.2. This is because the rms current
of a maximum displaced wave in the first half cycle will
not exceed 1.2 times the calculated symmetrical current.
2. In all other cases, including current-limiting fuses,
regardless of voltage, multiply by 1.6.
In determining the X/R ratio in the calculation, the
entire X value from source of power to the fuse location
should be used but the R value only from the fuse back
to the first primary substation. T h e error in neglecting
the remainder of R is negligible, and the difficulty in
obtaining rigorous values is not commensurate with the
increase in accuracy obtained. If the X/R ratio is less
than 4, the lower multiplying factor of 1.2 is permissible;
otherwise the factor of 1.6 should be used. Although it is
recognized that the same line of reasoning could be applied
to higher-voltage fuses which are not current limiting, a
survey of many cases indicated that the majority of
these cases would fall in the 1.6 multiplier class.
For all current-limiting fuses, the multiplying factor
will be 1.6. This is because the rating of such fuses is
based on an unsymmetrical current value equal to 1.6
times the symmetrical current.
Mechanical and Momentary Duty. For many purposes,
it is necessary to know the maximum possible rms cur-
rent (including both a-c and d-c components) which can
flow in the circuit. Allowing for over-excitation of gen-
 Table I. Multiplying Factors for Application of Interrupting Devices

Reactance Quantity for Use in Xi

Multi- Synchronous
plying Generators and Synchronous Induction
. ^ , , Factor Condensers Motors Machines
A. Circuit Breaker Interrupting Duty
1. General case
8-cycle or slower circuit breakers* 1.0
5-cycle circuit breaker 1.1 / .. subtransient**.. transient .. neglect
3-cycle circuit breaker 1.2
2-cycle cricuit breaker 1.4
2. Special case for circuit breakers at generator voltage only.
For short-circuit calculations of more than 500,000 kva (before the application of any multiplying factor)
fed predominantly direct from generators, or through current-limiting reactors only.
8-cycle or slower circuit breakers* 1.1
5-cycle circuit breakers 1.2
3-cycle circuit breakers 1.3 1 " subtransient**.. transient .. neglect
2-cycle circuit breakers 1.5
3. Air circuit breakers rated 600 volts and less 1.25 .. subtransient .. subtransient.. subtransient
B. Mechanical Stresses and Momentary Duty of Circuit Breakers
1. General case 1.6 \
2. At 5,000 volts and below, unless current is fed predomi- ( u* • * u* • * u* • *
nantly by directly connected synchronous machines or ..subtransient . .subtransient. .subtransient
through reactors 1.5 /
C. Protector Tubes
1. Maximum rating 1.0 )
2. Minimum rating—use minimum system capacity and > ..subtransient . .subtransient. .subtransient
minimum of E/Xx or 3£/(2X 1 +X 0 ) 1.0 )
D. Fuses
1. At 15,000 volts, or below, except for current-limiting
fuses when the fuse is located remote from gener-
ating stations or primary substations (that is, X/R is v ,. . , u. • * „ u* *
less than 4^ 12 ' ..subtransient . .subtransient. .subtransient
2. All other cases, including all current-limiting fuses
regardless of voltage 1.6

* Since old circuit breakers are slower than modern ones, it might be expected a low multiplier could be used with old circuit breakers.
However, modern circuit breakers are likely to be more effective than their slower predecessors, and, therefore, the application procedure
with the older circuit breakers should be more conservative than with modern circuit breakers. Also, there is no assurance that a short
circuit will not change its character and initiate a higher current flow through a circuit breaker while it is opening. Consequently, the
factors to be used with older and slower circuit breakers may well be the same as for modern 8-cycle circuit breakers.
**This is based on the condition that any hydroelectric generators involved have amortisseur windings. For hydroelectric generators
without amortisseur windings, a value of 75 percent of the transient reactance should be used for this calculation rather than the
subtransient value.

Table II. Multiplying Factors for Preliminary Relay Settings

Reactance Quantity for Use in Xi

Multi- Synchronous
plying Generators and Synchronous Induction
Factor Condensers Motors Machines

1. High-speed current actuated 1.0 subtransient subtransient subtransient

2. Time overcurrent 1.0 transient transient neglect

19

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 erators on account of load, the rms value of current as
calculated for zero time is about 1.8 times the value
calculated by dividing phase-to-neutral voltage by sub-
transient reactance. As there will always be some delay
even in the first half cycle; however, a multiplier of 1.6
is acceptable.
In some instances, as when transmission line or cable
reactance is an important factor in the limitation of cur-
rent, the factor 1.6 may be higher than necessary. I n such
applications at 5,000 volts and below, the ratio of react-
ance to resistance is sufficiently low so that the d-c
component decreases very greatly during the first half
cycle. Thus within this voltage range, and except where
the bulk of the power is supplied by generators at thei
point of fault, a factor of 1.5 may be used instead of 1.6.
Low-Voltage Systems. Low-voltage air circuit breakers
(rated 600 volts or less) are often instantaneous in opera-
tion and part contacts during the first half cycle. These
circuit breakers, however, are rated on the basis of
average current in the three phases, and circuits on which
they are installed rarely have X/R ratios exceeding 12.
This corresponds to an average rms current at one-half
cycle after instant of fault which equals 1.25 times the
symmetrical current. Such circuit breakers therefore may
be applied on the basis of 1.25 times the 3-phase initial
symmetrical current using subtransient reactance and
including1 both synchronous and induction motors.
In calculating the equivalent system impedances, it
should be remembered that at low voltages even small
impedance values become of importance, and all elements
of the circuit, including current transformers, discon-
nects, switches, bus runs, and their connections should be
taken into consideration.
APPENDIX C
RECOMMENDED METHOD OF DETERMINING THE EQUIVALENT STEADY-STATE
RMS C U R R E N T FOR PLOTTING TIME-CURRENT CURVES
The current which melts a fuse in less than one second
may contain a number of transients in the wave. The
magnitude of these transients varies with each fuse opera-
tion, and the equivalent steady-state rms value of the
current wave can be obtained only by evaluating each case
individually. T h e following methods are recommended
for fuse tests which fall in this class:
A. When the fuse melts during transient conditions,
the area under the melting portion of the current
R m s Value of Current W a v e t o Melting P o i n t =
r
/ R m s Value \ 2 / T i m e of \
I of Transient I
\ Portion /
I Transient I
\ Portion / +
Total Time to Melt
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Overcurrent Protective Relays. In approximating the
settings of overcurrent relays, the fault currents for
two conditions should be determined:
1. The maximum initial symmetrical current for maxi-
mum connected synchronous capacity as determined by
E/Xi or 3E/(2Xi-\-X0), whichever is greater, except
that, when R0 is greater than 2.23Xi, no consideration
need be given to the expression 3 £ / ( 2 X i + X 0 ) .
2. The minimum symmetrical current for minimum con-
nected synchronous capacity as determined by 0.866£/Xi,
or 3E/(2Xi-\-X0) for reactance grounded systems. In
particular situations, allowance should be made for remote
fault locations and fault resistance.
Ground, distance, balanced, and other types of relays
require special consideration.
References
1. SYSTEM SHORT CIRCUIT CURRENTS, W . M. Hanna,
H . A . Travers, C. F . Wagner, C. A . Woodrow, W . F .
Skeats. A I E E TRANSACTIONS, volume 60, 1941, Septem-
ber section, pages 877-81.
2. SIMPLIFIED CALCULATION OF F A U L T CURRENTS. ELEC-
TRICAL ENGINEERING, October, 1942, pages 509-11; and
A I E E TRANSACTIONS, 1942, pages 1133-35; ELECTRICAL
ENGINEERING, February 1944, page 65.
3. PROTECTOR T U B E S FOR POWER SYSTEMS, H . A. Peter-
son, W . J. Rudge, Jr., A. C. Monteith, L. R. Ludwig.
A I E E TRANSACTIONS, volume 59, 1940, May section,
pages 282-92.
4. STANDARD DECREMENT CURVES, W . C. Hahn, C. F.
Wagner. A I E E TRANSACTIONS, volume 51, 1932, pages
353-61.
wave is integrated to determine the root-mean-
square value of the wave. This value is then multi-
plied by the scale of the oscillogram to give the
rms current.
B. When the fuse melts after transient conditions sub-
side, the transient portion of the wave is integrated
as in paragraph ( A ) , and the crest-to-crest height
of the steady-state wave measured. The two values
obtained are combined as follows:
)
Crest-to-Crest Value 2 / T i m e of \
(
of Steady-State Portion
2V2~
I Steady-State j
\ Portion /