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How to manage transformer
inrush current
Inrush current is the high current that a transformer draws when it is first energized. Learn
how you can manage inrush current in your electrical system.
Written by: Ben Gulick, Mac Spiller, & Nathan Stenzel
August 21, 2023 HOW TO'S
What is Inrush Current?
Inrush current is the high current that a transformer draws when it is first energized. This current is caused
by the sudden change in magnetic flux in the transformer's core, and is proportional to the current flowing
through the primary winding of the transformer.
What Causes Inrush Current?
When a transformer is first energized, there is no magnetic flux in the core, so a large current must flow
through the primary winding to create the initial magnetic flux. This current can be several times the
transformer's rated current, which means special precautions must be taken to manage it.
You can think of the transformer’s core like a large highway with many lanes for travel. Instead of cars filling
the lanes, you have individual lines of a magnetic field, or polarized lines of flux moving through. Before
voltage can be effectively induced in the secondary coil, these lines of flux must be present. When a
transformer is first powered up, it has to do the initial work of filling up the empty sections of the core with
these lines of magnetic flux. This initial work of filling up the core with magnetic flux is what we call inrush.
There is a certain amount of exciting current required to establish effective mutual induction between the
primary and secondary coils.
The quality of the core and assembly and its construction influence how much power is needed during
energization or startup. Imagine trying to roll a car with a dead battery down the street to a nearby parking
lot. You would have to do some amount of work to get the car going, which would require a bit more heaving
and grunting in the beginning; this extra heaving and grunting would merely be spent in getting the object
out of its stationary state. In the same way, a poorly built (or damaged) core assembly will require more
“heaving” and “grunting” when the transformer is energized. The additional work required at startup is what
we refer to as inrush current. The excitation current and the associated no-load loss are the power that
keeps the core energized during normal operation. The quality, orientation, and construction of the
laminated core steel in a transformer will determine the exciting current. (learn more about how
transformers work.)
Large transformers and reverse fed transformers are especially susceptible to large amounts of inrush
current.
Transformer Size
The larger the transformer, the higher the inrush current.
Inrush current in a transformer only lasts for a short period of time (less than a second), but the magnitude of
the inrush current ultimately depends on the size and type of transformer. In general, the larger the
transformer, the higher the inrush. Just as a 5-gallon bucket will require more time and energy to fill up than
an 8 oz glass, a larger transformer will require more exciting current than a smaller one.
Reverse Feeding Transformers
Inrush current is greater when reverse-feeding a transformer. Why is this the case? Since the secondary
windings of a step-down transformer typically have lower impedance (being physically closer to the core
itself), the expected inrush current can easily be doubled or tripled when reverse-feeding the transformer.
How to calculate transformer inrush current
Inrush current calculations depend on several factors such as the saturation characteristics of the
transformer core, the waveform of the supply voltage, and the specific transformer design.
Coordination software such as SKM will typically plot standard inrush curve values based on given
transformer ratings.
To simplify inrush current calculations for distribution transformers, the following maximum values can be
used as a function of the time of energization. These values are used for coordinating primary fusing for
transformers, and they are generally accepted across the industry.
The Inrush Current Typical Limits
These limits are accepted in practice like maximum current values.
Times In Time (sec)
25 0.01
12 .1
6 1
3 10
Here is an example of the maximum inrush current values plotted out for a 300 kVA padmount
transformer using the table above.
“All four points on a straight line TCC (time-current curve)”
Effects of Inrush Current
Inrush is a normal occurrence when you first energize a transformer. However, in extreme cases, inrush can
cause protection devices to trip, or even overload the power system or connected equipment.
Tripping of Protective Devices:
If the inrush current is excessively high, it may cause circuit breakers or the transformer’s fuses to trip.
These protective devices are designed to detect and respond to abnormal current levels to protect the
system from damage. In cases of severe inrush current, false tripping of protective devices may occur,
resulting in unnecessary power interruptions.
A fuse that accommodates the transformer’s initial inrush current should be selected. This is accomplished
by selecting a fuse with a TCC (time current characteristic) curve which sits to the right of the transformer’s
inrush curve.
Overcurrent protection devices must be coordinated to allow for transformer inrush current. If inrush current
is not taken into account when sizing overcurrent protection for a transformer, nuisance tripping may result
(breakers or fuses operating as a result of a transformer’s exciting current upon energization). Tables
450.3(A) and 450.3(B) of the NEC should be consulted when coordinating overcurrent protection for a
transformer. If a particular application of a transformer (such as reverse feeding) yields an inrush current that
requires a rating that would not allow these rules to be observed, a different transformer design may be
required.
Overloading Power Sources
The initial surge of inrush current, which can be several times higher than the transformer's rated current,
can overload the power sources (such as generators or other transformers) supplying power to the system.
This can result in voltage instability, increased losses, and decreased efficiency of the power sources.
How to reduce inrush on a transformer
Though the best practices will vary somewhat depending on the transformer you are using, there are several
steps that can be taken to manage inrush current and mitigate its effects. Here are some common
practices:
Step-Up Transformers
If your project requires a step up application where the applied voltage is lower than the induced voltage,
you may need a step-up transformer. Step up transformers are designed to reduce inrush current in the
case where a typical reverse fed transformer would be used. As mentioned above. Reverse feeding a
transformer will typically increase the initial inrush current several times the normal amount.
Soft-Start Mechanisms
Soft-start mechanisms gradually apply voltage and/or current to inductive loads such as motors or
transformers at the time of initial startup. With a soft-start, a transformer has time to build up the magnetic
flux in the core gradually to reduce the sudden surge of starting current. Soft-start mechanisms utilize
specialized control circuits and devices that gradually ramp up the supply voltage. Unlike a variable
frequency drive (VFD) which controls the speed of a motor load continuously, a soft-start is designed to
operate only at the point of startup. Once the reduction of large starting currents is complete, a soft-start
mechanism will disengage.
Multiple-Winding Taps
Transformers can be designed with multiple winding taps on the primary side. By connecting the
transformer to a tap with a higher voltage ratio during startup, the flux in the core can be built up more
gradually, reducing the inrush current.
Core Design
Transformer cores can be designed with low remanence and low saturation characteristics. Core materials
with lower saturation levels can help reduce the magnitude of inrush current and minimize core saturation
effects during startup.
Pre-magnetization
Pre-magnetizing the transformer core by applying a small DC current before energizing it with AC can help
reduce inrush current. This technique ensures that the core is at a certain magnetic flux level prior to
energization, reducing the need for a large surge of current during startup.
System Planning and Sizing:
Careful system planning is important to ensure that the transformer is adequately sized for the load and
operating conditions. Oversizing a transformer can lead to higher inrush currents, since it takes a larger
initial surge of current to energize the unit. By selecting a transformer that correctly matches the load
requirements, the inrush current can be minimized.
Conclusion
Always consult with a qualified electrician to determine the best way of managing the inrush on your
transformer—the best process will vary from project to project. If you’re currently looking for a distribution
transformer for your project, Maddox stocks thousands of new and reconditioned transformers. We’re
ready to help you get the power on for your project. Contact us today to receive a custom quote for your
project!
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