1 Scope

This part of IEC 60909 is applicable to the calculation of short-circuit currents

• in low-voltage three-phase AC systems,

• in high-voltage three-phase AC systems, and

• operating at a nominal frequency of 50 Hz or 60 Hz.

Systems at highest voltages of 550 kV and above with long transmission lines are outside the scope of this document.

This document establishes a general, practicable and concise procedure leading to results which are generally of acceptable accuracy. For this calculation method, an equivalent voltage source at the short-circuit location is introduced. This does not exclude the use of special methods, for example the superposition method, adjusted to particular circumstances, if they give at least the same precision. The superposition method gives the short-circuit current related to the one load flow presupposed. This method, therefore, does not necessarily lead to the maximum respective minimum short-circuit current.

This document deals with the calculation of short-circuit currents in the case of balanced or unbalanced short circuits.

A single line-to-earth fault occurring in networks with isolated or resonant earthing of the neutral point is beyond the scope of this document.

For currents during two separate simultaneous single-phase line-to-earth short circuits in an isolated neutral system or a resonance earthed neutral system, see IEC 60909‑3.

Short-circuit currents and short-circuit impedances can also be determined by system tests, by measurement on a network analyser, or numerical simulations with electromagnetic programs. In existing low-voltage systems, it is possible to determine the short-circuit impedance on the basis of measurements at the location of the prospective short circuit considered.

The calculation of the short-circuit impedance is in general based on the rated data of the electrical equipment and the topological arrangement of the system and has the advantage of being possible both for existing systems and for systems at the planning stage.

In general, two types of short-circuit currents, which differ in their magnitude, are considered:

• maximum short-circuit current which determines the capacity or rating of electrical equipment;

• minimum short-circuit current which can be a basis, for example, for the selection of fuses, for the setting of protective devices, and for checking the run-up of motors.

This document does not cover short-circuit currents deliberately created under controlled conditions (short-circuit testing stations).

This document does not deal with the calculation of short-circuit currents in installations on board ships and aeroplanes.

This document does not distinguish between grid-forming and grid-following converters for the calculation of short-circuit currents.