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The fault level at the source of a cable due to all the upstream elements is the network fault level (or external fault level). Network fault level can be specified either as an apparent power, impedance or fault current and power factor. The relationship between the various quantities is given by:
Three Phase a.c System
Ik=VA3Un or Ik=Un3Ze
VA = 3IkUn or VA=Un2Ze
Ze=Un3Ik or Ze=Un2VA
Single Phase a.c. System
Ik=3VAUn or Ik=Un3Ze or Ik=VAULN
VA = IkUn3 or VA=Un23Ze or VA=IkULN
Ze=Un3Ik or Ze=Un23VA or Ze=ULNIk
d.c. System
Ik=VAUn or Ik=UnZe
VA = IkUn or VA=Un2Ze
Ze=UnIk or Ze=Un2VA
Note: for a.c. systems the values are phasor quantities and the use of absolute values will lead to some error. The easiest way to take this into account phasor relationships is by carrying out the calculations with numbers in complex form (ensuring that both resistance are reactance are considered appropriately).
Ik - network/external fault current, A VA - network/external fault apparent power, VA or MVA (x by 10-6 to convert to VA) pf - power factor of the network/external fault ULN - nominal voltage, line-neutral (single phase circuit), V Un - nominal voltage, line-line (or absolute for d.c.), V Ze - network/external fault impedance, Ω