X/R ratio

nounStandard termElectrotechnology

Ratio of reactance to resistance in the fault path, which sets how large and slow the DC offset in fault current is.

The X/R ratio compares the inductive reactance of the network seen from a fault point with its resistance. A high value, common near generators and large transformers where it can exceed 30, means a slowly decaying DC component and a first peak of fault current up to about 2.7 times the symmetrical RMS value. Breaker ratings assume a test X/R, so equipment in high X/R locations may need derating, and CT saturation becomes more likely.

Heard on the job

X/R at the generator bus comes out at 42, check the breaker's DC component rating before you sign off the study.

Also heard as

  • X over R