Fault Current Calculator
Enter the values of voltage, V(V) and resistance, R(Ω) to determine the value of Fault current, FC(A).
Fault Current Formula:
Fault current is the unintended high current that flows through an electrical circuit during a fault condition, such as a short circuit or equipment failure.
This current can be significantly higher than the normal operating current and can cause severe damage to electrical components and pose safety risks.
It is crucial to calculate and mitigate fault current to ensure the safety and reliability of electrical systems.
Fault current is influenced by factors such as the voltage of the system and the resistance of the fault path.
Fault current is caused by insulation failure, mechanical damage, environmental conditions and equipment failure.
Short Circuit Faults:
- Line-to-Line Fault: Occurs when two conductors in different phases come into contact.
- Line-to-Ground Fault: Occurs when a conductor comes into contact with the ground or a grounded object.
- Three-Phase Fault: A simultaneous fault involving all three phases.
- Line-to-Line-to-Ground Fault: Involves a fault between two lines and the ground.
Ground Faults: A specific type of short circuit where an unintended path to ground is created. This can occur due to insulation failure or physical damage to conductors.
Fault current, FC(A) in amperes is calculated by dividing the voltage, V(V) in volts by resistance, R(Ω) in ohms.
Fault current, FC(A) = V(V) / R(Ω)
FC(A) = fault current in amperes, A.
V(V) = voltage in volts, V.
R(Ω) = resistance in ohms, Ω.
Fault Current Calculation:
- Calculate the fault current for a circuit with a voltage of 120 volts and a resistance of 2 ohms.
Given: V(V) = 120V, R(Ω) = 2 Ω.
Fault current, FC(A) = V(V) / R(Ω)
FC(A) = 120 / 2
FC(A) = 60A.
- Suppose a voltage source has a fault current of 30 amperes and the voltage is 150 volts. Calculate the resistance:
Given: V(V) = 150V, FC(A) = 30A.
Fault current, FC(A) = V(V) / R(Ω)
R(Ω) = V(V) / FC(A)
R(Ω) = 150 / 30
R(Ω) = 50 Ω.