PG&E Distribution System and Arc Flash Assessment Letter

Date:
PG&E Representative: Telephone #:707 449-5755
Dear Customer,
PG&Es distribution system is dynamic and due to the many variables in the
distribution system a range of impedances must be provided to assist in your arc
flash assessment. The dynamics of the system include:

The distribution circuit that is feeding your transformer. The distribution

circuits are continually being reconfigured due to system needs and
general maintenance. These changes can lead to a significant change in
the system impedance.

The transformer size (including any future replacement size). When a

transformer is replaced the size is reassessed based on the expected
loading.

Impedance of the transformer (PG&E specifies a minimum and maximum

impedance range)

PG&E protective devices on the high side of the service transformer are
intended to provide protection to the primary system and should not be
relied upon to protect the service panel or customer systems.

PG&E recommends that all electrical work on the main breaker to the
service panel should be done in a de-energized condition to eliminate arc
flash hazards at this location.

The following data should be used for the system impedance:

Maximum: 100 MVA
Minimum: 4.5 MVA
Maximum X/R ratio: 40

Page 1 of 3

PG&E Distribution System and Arc Flash Assessment

Attachment 1 - Impedance Ranges for PG&E Transformers
PG&E reassesses the transformer load whenever a transformer is replaced.
PG&E does NOT notify the customer when a new transformer is installed. Each
table below lists the full range of transformer sizes for each transformer type. At
the time of replacement, any size listed in the table could be installed.
For Example: Referring to Table 3a the possible replacement transformer sizes
for a 3-phase 300kVA 208Y/120V pad-mount transformer range from 75 kVA to
1000 kVA.
Table 1: Single-Phase Pad-Mount Transformer Impedance Range
Secondary Voltage
Transformer
120/240
kVA
Minimum Maximum
25 and 50
1.4%
2.4%
100
1.8%
3.0%
167-500
3.0%
5.0%
Table 2: Duplex Pad-Mount Transformer Impedance Range
Secondary Voltage
Transformer kVA
120/240
Minimum
Maximum
25-10 and 50-10
1.4%
2.4%
100-25 and 100-50
1.8%
3.0%
Table 3: Three-Phase Pad-Mount Transformer Impedance Range
a)
b)
Secondary Voltage
208Y/120
Transformer
Transformer
kVA
Minimum Maximum
kVA
75
1.4%
3.5%
75
150
1.9%
4.5%
150
300
2.8%
4.5%
300
750-1000
5.3%
6.2%
750-2500
Table 4: Single-Phase Subsurface Transformer Impedance Range
Secondary Voltage
Transformer
120/240
kVA
Minimum Maximum
25 and 50
1.4%
2.4%
100
1.8%
3.0%
167 and larger
3.0%
5.0%

Attachment 1 - Page 2 of 3

Secondary Voltage
480Y/277
Minimum Maximum
1.4%
4.5%
1.4%
4.5%
1.9%
4.5%
5.3%
6.2%

PG&E Distribution System and Arc Flash Assessment

Attachment 1 - Impedance Ranges for PG&E Transformers
Table 5: Three-Phase Subsurface Transformer Impedance Range
a)
b)
Secondary Voltage
208Y/120
Transformer
Transformer
kVA
kVA
Minimum Maximum
150
150
1.9%
4.5%
300
300
2.8%
4.5%
750-1000
5.3%
6.2%
750-1000

Secondary Voltage
480Y/277
Minimum Maximum
1.4%
4.5%
1.9%
4.5%
5.3%
6.2%

Table 6: Single-Phase Overhead Transformer Impedance Range

a)
b)
Secondary Voltage
120/240
Transformer
Transformer
kVA
Minimum Maximum
kVA
10-75
1.4%
2.4%
10-75
100
1.8%
3.0%
100
167-500
2.0%
5.0%
167-500

Secondary Voltage
240/480
Minimum Maximum
1.4%
2.4%
1.8%
3.0%
2.0%
5.0%

Table 7: Three-Phase Overhead Transformer Impedance Range

a)
b)
Secondary Voltage
208Y/120
Transformer
Transformer
kVA
Minimum Maximum
kVA
45 112.5
1.4%
3.5%
75
150
1.9%
4.5%
150
225
2.1%
4.5%
300
300
2.8%
4.5%
750-2500

Secondary Voltage
480Y/277
Minimum Maximum
1.4%
4.5%
1.4%
4.5%
1.4%
4.5%
1.9%
4.5%

Attachment 1 - Page 3 of 3