How Short Circuit Test is Performed on Transformer

Transformer short circuit test is performed to find copper losses on transformer. The figure below displays the circuit diagram of setup used for doing short circuit test on transformer.

1. Starting from 0 volts, increase the input voltage till the ammeter indicates full rated current. This happens at a few percent of the rated input voltage.
2. Core losses are proportional to square of voltage, since voltage is very low, the core losses are negligible
3. While above circuit diagram measures both sum of copper and core losses, the wattmeter essentially reads only copper losses.

Álso see Most Important Questions on Transformers:

1. Why you hear Noise near Transformers
2. What happens if you supply 50 Hz to a 60 Hz transformer
3. What are some advantages of Oil over air as a cooling medium in Power Transformers
4. Why you use Oil in Transformers
5. Dot convention on Electrical Transformers

Further Reading/Handbooks on Transformers:

1. The Ultimate Guide to Transformers
2. The Transformer Polarity Handbook
3. Electrical Transformers Handbook
4. What does 3000:1 indicates on Current Transformer
5. Current Transformer
6. Rating Factor of Current Transformers
7. Transformer’s Power and Current Capacity
8. Instrument Transformer Connections Handbook PDF Download