Distributor

Training
Manual

Understanding
Three Phase
Line Reactors

TM-03
Training Module Objectives

At the conclusion of this module, you will have a better understanding of:

(1) What a Line Reactor is

(2) What harmonics are
(3) Line Reactor fundamentals
(4) Frequently Asked Questions
(5) Line Reactor applications

Table of Contents Page Number

Section 1 - The Questions

A) Some basic questions about line reactors................................................................................................ 4 - 5
B) More challenging questions about line reactors....................................................................................... 6 - 7

Section 2 - The Answers

A) The answers for the basic line reactor questions..................................................................................... 8 - 10
B) The answers for the more challenging questions about line reactors.....................................................11 - 14

Section 3 - Transformer Types

Transformer types, applications, general construction, harmonic performance............................................... 15

2
A Profile of our Company

History
Established in 1917, Hammond Power Solutions Inc. continues as an industry leader in magnetic transformer design
and development. With plants located throughout North America, we have expanded our manufacturing and product
base to offer one of the broadest ranges of both standard and special type transformers available anywhere.

The Transformer Group

Hammond Power Solutions, with its headquarters in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, operates out of five facilities:
Guelph, Ontario Walkerton, Ontario
Baraboo, Wisconsin Compton, California
Monterey, Mexico

Quality
Hammond has been regarded for quality since its very inception. Customers have come to rely on our products and
services and continue to depend on us for support at the most critical stages of their need. Our stability and integrity
as a supplier are paramount particularly in an industry environment where demands must be resolved quickly and
effectively. Extensive testing programs and an exemplary field service record ensures that Hammond products not
only meet all the standards necessary, but more importantly, fulfill customers expectations and requirements.

3
 Section 1 - The Questions

First……….A Quiz to Test Yourself!

Notes
Answer these multiple choice or ‘true and false’ questions,
and then check your answers in the section that follows.
Some questions may have more than one correct answer.

1) What is a Line Reactor?

A) A device that is designed to eliminate all harmonic distortion in a
line.
B) A device whose primary purpose is to introduce a specific amount of
inductive reactance into a circuit.
C) A device whose primary purpose is to introduce anti-harmonic
signals into a line.
D) None of the above.

2) What is Impedance?
A) The apparent resistance in a circuit to the flow of an alternating
current analogous to the actual resistance of a direct current.
B) The apparent resistance in a circuit to the flow of electrons in a line.
C) The actual resistance in a alternating current circuit when measured
across to windings.
D) All of the above.

3) A Harmonic is a sinusoidal component of what?

A) Frequency
B) Current differential between two windings.
C) A periodic wave having a frequency that is a multiple of the
fundamental frequency.
D) A sine wave having a frequency of no less than that of the multiple
of each winding.

4) Saturation is a natural condition in which an increase in current results in a?

A) Increase in resistance.
B) Decrease in reactance.
C) Decrease in voltage.
D) Decrease in inductance.

5) What is frequency?
A) In DC circuits, designates the number of times the polarity changes
from positive to negative and back.
B) In AC circuits, designates the number of times the phase shifts
from one coil to the next and back.
C) In AC circuits, designates the number of times the polarity alternates
from positive to negative and back.
D) All of the above.

4
6) What is nuisance tripping?
A) Transients due to switching on the utility line cause intermittent
tripping of circuit breakers.
B) Harmonics from the drive system cause intermittent tripping.
C) Both A and B Notes

7) Line Reactors can extend the life of which of the following components?
A) Motors
B) Drives
C) Solid State Switching
D) All of the above.

8) Low heat dissipation in your equipment is not desired?

True
False

9) Line Reactors eliminate harmonic distortion in current waveforms?

True
False

10) Hammond line reactors have no short circuit capabilities?

True
False

11) Line reactors are used to provide the inductive reactance needed to reduce line
notching?
True
False

12) What is Line Notching?

A) A notch in the current in a line.
B) A notch in the voltage waveform.
C) A notch in the voltage of a line.
D) None of the above.

13) The letter designation for impedance is?

A) I
B) M
C) Z
D) E

14) You should use 3% impedance line reactors to satisfy which of the following
applications?
A) Solid state
B) Overseas
C) When compliance with IEEE 519 is required.
D) Where absorbing normal line spikes and motor current surges are
required.

5
15) Hammond line reactors can be used on which of the following?
A) Input side of drives.
B) Output side of drives.
C) Multiple drives.
D) Multiple motors. Notes

16) On Hammond line reactors the insulation class on units up to 160 amps is?
A) 180°C
B) 220°C
C) 105°C
D) 150°C

17) VPI is an abbreviation for?

A) Vinyl Polyester Insulation
B) Variable Protection Insulation
C) Vacuum Pressure Impregnation
D) None of the above.

18) Three phase line reactors usually have how many coils?
A) 1
B) 2
C) 3
D) 4

19) The maximum system voltage standard Hammond line reactors are rated for is?
A) 1200 volts
B) 600 volts
C) 480 volts
D) 240 volts
E) 120 volts

20) Hammond line reactors have standard units with current ratings from?
A) 10A to 250A
B) 5A to 900A
C) 2A to 1200A
D) 1A to 1500A

21) Some Hammond three phase line reactors can be used as single phase line
reactors?
True
False

6
22) Ampere is a unit of measure for electric current flow?
True
False

Notes
23) “ANSI” stands for?
A) American National Safety Institute
B) Arizona Nuclear Standards Incorporated
C) American National Standards Institute
D) American Nuclear Safety Institute

24) The term “hertz” is a unit of measure for?

A) Current
B) Harmonic distortion
C) Frequency
D) Load Losses

25) Power factor is the relationship of watts to resistance in a circuit?

True
False

26) What is Reactance?

A) The impedance component due to inductance and/or capacitance.
B) The inductance component due to impedance and/or capacitance.
C) The capacitance component due to inductance and/or impedance.
D) None of the above.

27) An “SCR” is a?
A) Speed controlled reactor.
B) Silicon current rectifier.
C) Silicon controlled rectifier.
D) Switching capacitance reactor.

28) A solid state device is?

A) One that contains components that do not require current to
operate.
B) One that contains components that do not depend on other
mechanical devices to perform their tasks.
C) One that contains components that do not have wires, resistors
or capacitors.
D) One that contains components that do not depend on electronic
conduction in a vacuum or gas.

7
 Section 2 - The Answers

Check to see how well you did. The correct answers

are in bold, along with an explanation below. Notes

1) What is a Line Reactor?

B) A device whose primary purpose is to introduce a specific amount
of inductive reactance into a circuit.
When a line reactor introduces inductive reactance into a circuit, in affect it is
limiting the current in the line which inturn filters the waveform and attenuates
electrical noise and harmonics associated with a inverter/drive output.

2) What is Impedance?
A) The apparent resistance in a circuit to the flow of an alternating
current analogous to the actual resistance of a direct current.
Line reactors are rated in impedance to retain some conformity with the
ratings of conventional drive isolation transformers.

3) A Harmonic is a sinusoidal component of what?

C) A periodic wave having a frequency that is a multiple of the
fundamental frequency.
Harmonics, in an electrical system, are currents created by non-linear loads
that generate non-sinusoidal (non-linear) current waveforms. These current and
voltage waveforms operate on frequencies that are in multiples of the
fundamental 60-hertz frequency. That is, the fundamental frequency is at 60
hertz; the 2nd harmonic is at 120-hertz frequency (60 x 2), the 3rd at 180 hertz,
and so forth.
Harmonics are principally the by-product of switch-mode power supply
technology where AC is rectified to DC, and back again. In the process, a
capacitor is charged in the first half-cycle, and then discharged in the next
half-cycle, in supplying current to the load. This cycle is repeated, at very
high rates of speed. This action of recharging causes AC current to flow
only during a portion of the AC voltage wave, in abrupt pulses. These abrupt
pulses distort the fundamental wave shape causing distortion to the various
harmonic frequencies.
Here are some general ways in which harmonics indicate their presence:
• overheating electrical equipment - motors, transformers
• electronic devices malfunction
• telephone interference
• apparatus vibrates
• breakers trip on low current
• overheating connections and bus bars

4) Saturation is a natural condition in which an increase in current results in a?

D) Decrease in inductance.
Due to the care in the selection of the core material with its optimum flux
density, Hammond line reactors will not saturate under the most adverse line
conditions. Since the inductance is linear over a broader current range,
equipment is protected even in extreme overcurrent conditions.

8
5) What is frequency?
C) In AC circuits, designates the number of times the polarity
alternates from positive to negative and back.
For alternating current systems, the ‘frequency’ is the number of times that the
polarity changes from positive to negative. A 60-cycle sine wave occurs when a Notes
generator turns at its rated speed producing exactly 60 identical curves that
repeat themselves each second. When the whole cycle repeats itself every 1/60
second, the frequency of the AC wave is said to be 60 Hertz (cycles per second).
Manufacturers in North America could traditionally expect a demand for 60 hertz
requirements to serve the domestic market, but the expansion of export markets
has increased the need for 50 Hz. products, and a combination 50/60 Hz. for
smaller units.

6) What is nuisance tripping?
C) Both A and B.
Transients due to switching on the utility line and harmonics from the drive
system, can cause intermittent tripping of circuit breakers. Furthermore, modern
switchgear, equipped with solid state trip sensing devices, is designed to react to
peak current rather than RMS current. As switching transients can peak over
1000 volts, the resulting overvoltage will cause undesirable interruptions. A
reactor added to your circuit restricts the surge current by utilizing its inductive
characteristics, and therefore eliminates nuisance tripping.

7) Line Reactors can extend the life of which of the following components?
D) All of the above.
Due to the attenuation of line disturbances, the life of your solid state devices are
extended when protected by the use of a Hammond line reactor. Line reactors,
when selected for the output of your drive, will enhance the wave form and
virtually eliminate failures due to output circuit faults. Subsequently, motor
operating temperatures are reduced by 10 to 20 degrees and motor noise is
reduced due to the removal of some of the high frequency harmonic currents.

8) Low heat dissipation in your equipment is not desired?

False
Low heat dissipation in your equipment is indeed desired. Particular attention has
been focused on the design and field testing of Hammond line reactors. The
result are reactors with ideal operating features including low temperature rises
and reduced losses. Hammond reactors will operate efficiently and heat
dissipation in your equipment will be of minimal concern.

9) Line Reactors eliminate harmonic distortion in current waveforms?

False
Hammond line reactors, and any manufacturers line reactors for that matter will
MINIMIZE harmonic distortion in current waveforms. Nonlinear current wave-
forms contain harmonic distortion. By using a Hammond line reactor you can limit
the inrush current to the rectifier in your drive. The peak current is reduced, the
wave form is rounded and harmonic distortion is minimized. Current distortion
typically is reduced to 30%. Severe Harmonic current distortion can also cause
the system voltage to distort. Often, high peak harmonic current drawn by the
drive, causes “flat-topping” of the voltage waveform. Adding a reactor controls the
current component, and voltage harmonic distortion is therefore reduced.

AC sine wave

9
 Notes

The total harmonic distortion of variable speed

drives produces complex wave shapes such as
the phase current shown above. The challenge for
today’s designers is to effectively minimize these
line problems.

10) Hammond line reactors have no short circuit capabilities?

False
Hammond line reactors can withstand current under short circuit conditions,
reducing the potential of severe damage to electronic equipment. In a short
circuit, the inductance of the coil is necessary to limit overcurrent after the core
has saturated. Hammond has extensive experience in designing and testing
dry-type transformers to withstand short circuits for the most demanding
applications, and this experience has been applied to our line reactor design.

11) Line reactors are used to provide the inductive reactance needed to reduce line
notching?
True
Whenever AC power is converted to DC by a rectifier using a nonlinear device,
such as an SCR, the process of commutation occurs. The result is a notch in
the voltage waveform. The number of notches is a function of both the number
of pulses and the number of SCR’s in the rectifier. Line Reactors are used
to provide the inductive reactance needed to reduce notching, which can
adversely effect equipment operation.

A voltage waveform illustrating line notching. Line

reactors are used to provide the inductive reactance
needed to reduce such notches.

12) What is Line Notching?

B) A notch in the voltage waveform.
See above.

10
13) The letter designation for impedance is?
C) Z

Notes
14) You should use 3% impedance line reactors to satisfy which of the following
applications?
A) Solid state
D) Where absorbing normal line spikes and motor current surges are
required.
Choose 3% impedance reactors to satisfy most solid state applications in North
America. Reactors rated for 3% impedance are ideal for absorbing normal line
spikes and motor current surges, and will prevent most nuisance line tripping of
circuit protection devices or equipment. Where considerably higher line
disturbances are present, a 5% impedance reactor may be required. Additionally,
if the application is overseas, or when it is necessary to comply to IEEE 519, the
higher impedance reactor is recommended. These units may also be selected to
further reduce harmonic current and frequencies if desirable, or to both extend
motor life or diminish motor noise.

15) Hammond line reactors can be used on which of the following?

A) Input side of drives.
B) Output side of drives.
C) Multiple drives.
D) Multiple motors.

INPUT SIDE OF DRIVE

Installed on the input side of drives, reactors will reduce line notching, limit current and
voltage spikes and surges from the incoming line, and will reduce harmonic distortion
from the drive onto the line. Units are installed in front of the drive or inverter as shown.

A1 A2

B1 B2 Drive Motor
C1 C2

OUTPUT SIDE OF DRIVE

On the output side between the motor and the controller, reactors protect the controller
from short circuits at the load. Motor performance improves. Voltage and current wave-
forms from the supply are enhanced reducing motor overheating and noise emissions.

A1 A2

Drive B1 B2 Motor
C1 C2

11
 MULTIPLE DRIVES
Individual line reactors are recommended when multiple drives are installed on the same
power line. Individual reactors eliminates cross talk between multiple drives and provides
isolated protection for each controller for its own specific load.

Notes
A1 A2
B1 B2 Drive Motor
C1 C2

A1 A2
B1 B2 Drive Motor
C1 C2

MULTIPLE MOTORS
A single reactor can be installed when the application calls for multiple motors on the
same drive. The reactor is sized based on the total horsepower of all the motors. Recom-
mended for simultaneous operating motors only.

A1 A2 Motor

Drive B1 B2

Motor
C1 C2

16) On Hammond line reactors the insulation class on units up to 160 amps is?
A) 180°C
Hammond Line Reactors are designed to meet the most difficult temperature
environments. On units up to 160 amps, RM line reactors are 115°C
temperature rise, designed for 185°C Insulation Class. This results in a
permissible 24 hour maximum ambient of 50° C, or an average of 40°C
continuously. On units larger than 160 amps, Insulation Class 220 is
used throughout with a maximum permissible continuous ambient temperature
of 60°C. These temperature tests are all measured at 150% rated 60 Hz
current.

17) VPI is an abbreviation for?

C) Vacuum Pressure Impregnation
Every Hammond line reactor is fully VPI vacuum and pressure processed with
VT (vinyl-toluene) Polyester Resin. This modern, vinyl-toluene based resin with
its thicker build, offers significant benefits for electrical, mechanical and
thermal properties. This impregnation process and material results in a much
improved dielectric constant, dissipation factor, bonding strength and dielectric
breakdown (volts per mil) than any other impregnation material including the
more traditional oil modified epoxies and varnishes. Vacuum impregnation is
considered vital for the integrity of electrical equipment located in such sensitive
locations. The core and coil assembly is finished in black to optimize heat
dissipation.

12
18) Three phase line reactors usually have how many coils?
C) 3
(You thought it was a trick question . . .did’nt you!)

Notes
19) The maximum system voltage standard Hammond line reactors are rated for is?
B) 600 volts
Although the maximum standard system voltage is 600 volts, we offer standard
product and selection tables for 240 volt, 480 volt and 600 volts as well.

20) Hammond line reactors have standard units with current ratings from?
C) 2A to 1200A
Hammond not only offers the largest range of line reactors in the market, but we
also offer the most variety in each current class than anyone else in the market.

21) Some Hammond three phase line reactors can be used as single phase line
reactors?
True
Hammond Line Reactors may be used in Single Phase Applications. However, in
order to do so, use the following circuit diagram listed below. Please ensure you
properly insulate terminals B1 and B2 before any connections are made.

CIRCUIT DIAGRAM

L1 A1 A2 Variable
B1 B2
Speed
L2 C1 C2
Drive

22) Ampere is a unit of measure for electric current flow?

True
Current is the measure of the rate at which electrons move through a conductor.
Hammond line reator selection tables are conviently listed by both HP rating and
their current (amps) rating.

23) “ANSI” stands for?

C) American National Standards Institute
This is one of the recognized organizations which specifies the standards for
transformers.

24) The term “hertz” is a unit of measure for?

C) Frequency
Hammond standard three phase line reactors are rated at 60 Hz. However, 50 Hz
units are available on request.

13
25) Power factor is the relationship of watts to resistance in a circuit?
False
Power factor is actually the relationship of watts to volt amps in a circuit.

Notes
26) What is Reactance?
A) The impedance component due to inductance and/or capacitance.

27) An “SCR” is a?
C) Silicon controlled rectifier.

28) A solid state device is?

D) One that contains components that do not depend on electronic
conduction in a vacuum or gas.

14
 Section 3 - Transformer Types

The chart below lists many common types of transformers and their application.
Additionally, basic construction information will help to explain why there exists
such a broad range of uses.
A column has also been added to describe that particular unit’s reaction to the
presence of harmonics. Harmonics is one of the most impacting aspects on
system performance.

Item Type Application General Construction Harmonic Performance

1 Control Transformers Control circuits at 600 volts Concentric wound, 2 windings. No withstand to harmonics.
and less. Provides power
for switches, breakers and
solenoids.
2 General Purpose General loads Isolation transformer, 2 Triplen (zero sequence) harmonics
Distribution windings concentric wound. produced by single phase loads
Conventional vector of -30 deg. will circulate through secondary
Conncted delta-wye. neutral of wye winding. These
currents could be twice the rated
line current. Triplen harmonics
circulate in the delta primary, and
overheat the transformer. Other
harmonics, 5th, 7th, pass through to
the supply.
3 K- Factor Distribution General use where Same as above except conductors As above except unit will not over-
harmonics are present. sized for harmonics, and shield heat as windings are sized for the
added between primary and harmonic losses, and the neutral is
secondary. Connected delta-wye. designed for twice the rated current.
4 Shielded Distribution General use where spikes Same as general purpose except Same as general purpose except
or surges are present on shield added. Connected shield acts as a capacitance trap
the line side. delta-wye. between primary and secondary and
reduces noise from source. Common
mode attenuation is 50 to 65 dB.
5 Buck Boost Corrects minor voltage Consists of 2 primary and 2 No withstand to harmonics.
variations. Raises (boosts) secondary windings connected
or lowers (buck) line 8 different ways for a variety of
voltage from 5 to 20%. voltages and kVA’s.
6 Auto Transformers Again, corrects minor Has one winding only, tapped at No withstand to harmonics.
voltage variations. Usually the voltage desired.
used on larger loads.
7 Potted Transformers General purpose for loads, Isolation transformer, 2 Same as general purpose.
but installed in windings concentric wound.
environmentally sensitive Conventional vector of -30 deg.
areas. Connected delta-wye.
8 Drive Isolation For AC or DC drive gear. Same as gen. purp. except Same as gen. purp. except unit will
Transformer conductors sized for motor load not overheat as windings are
and harmonics. No shield. designed to carry harmonic currents.
Connected delta-wye.
9 Line Reactor For input or output side of Gapped core auto transformer. Current limiting function. Reduces
VSD. total current harmonic distortion to
30%.
10 Line Reactor Filter Installed in front of the Same as above except capacitors Same as above. Added benefit is
motor on VSD. and inductors added to limit the reduction of voltage spikes.
voltage spikes.
11 Constant Voltage Provides very tight 2 linear windings with 3rd Stable voltage supply in the intent.
Transformer regulation usually needed compensating winding. Some minor benefit in harmonic
for electronic loads, or for correction.
minor voltage fluctuations.
12 Super Isolation Dedicated computer loads Separate windings triple shielded. No appreciable harmonic correction.
Transformer where frequency or voltage Reduces common mode noise ( line
spikes cannot be tolerated. to ground) up to 150 dB. Reduces
normal mode ( line to line) up to
60 dB.
13 Zero Sequence Filter Usually associated with Zigzag reactor or auto Low zero sequence impedance
(Neutral Current drives. Cancels triplen transformer. device. Cancels triplen harm. on the
Eliminator) harmonics on neutral. neutral. Reduces triplen harmonics
to the upstream transformer.
14 Delta-Zigzag General purpose but Two windings are standard but Cancels triplen harmonics at the
(single output) cancels triplen harmonics secondary is connected ‘zigzag’. secondary. Other load harmonics
at secondary. Has zero degree phase shift. No pass to primary, and then to line.
shield.
15 Delta- Zigzag General purpose or single Standard delta primary with 2 Cancels triplen - 5th, 7th, 11th and
(multiple outputs (2) loads, i.e. VSD. Cancels all Zig-Zag secondaries, each phase 13th harmonics only.
harmonics. shifted by 30 degrees to each
other. No shield.

15
Canada
595 Southgate Drive
Guelph, Ontario
N1G 3W6
Tel (519) 822-2441
Fax (519) 822-9701

Toll free in Canada

1-888-798-8882 Baraboo, WI

Guelph, ON
Walkerton, ON
USA
1100 Lake Street
Baraboo, Wisconsin
53913-2866
Tel (608) 356-3921 Compton, CA
Fax (608) 356-2452

Toll free in the

North Eastern United States Monterrey, MX
1-888-798-8882

Toll free in South Central and the

Western United States
1-866-705-4684

sales@hammondpowersolutions.com
www.hammondpowersolutions.com

Distributed by:

Catalog TM-02
Issue Date: May 2001
Issue Date: March 2001
16 © Jan. 2006 Hammond Power Solutions Inc.
Issue Date: Jan. 2006, Revision 0