Description

'K’ Rated Transformers are designed to reduce the heating effect of harmonic currents produced by non-linear loads. A standard transformer is not designed for nonlinear load and will overheat and fail prematurely when connected to these loads. K- Factor is defined as a ratio between the additional losses due to harmonics and the eddy current losses at 50 Hz. It is used to evaluate transformers for non-linear loads. The ANSI/ IEEEE C57. 110 has derived a system of weighing how much harmonic load currents a transformer can handle without exceeding its maximum temperature rise level. A K factor of 1 indicates no harmonics, while a K factor of 50 is the harshest harmonic environment possible. Typically a K Factor of 13 is sufficient for most applications. K factor must be determined to calculate the right size transformer that is needed.