The development of modern power systems has been reflected in

the advances in transformer design. This has resulted in a wide

range of transformers with sizes ranging from a few kVA to several
hundred MVA being available for use in a wide variety of
applications.
The considerations for a transformer protection package vary with
the application and importance of the transformer. To reduce the
effects of thermal stress and electrodynamic forces, it is advisable
to ensure that the protection package used minimises the time for
disconnection in the event of a fault occurring within the
transformer. Small distribution transformers can be protected
satisfactorily, from both technical and economic considerations, by
the use of fuses or overcurrent relays. This results in time-delayed
protection due to downstream co-ordination requirements.
However, time-delayed fault clearance is unacceptable on larger
power transformers used in distribution, transmission and generator
applications, due to system operation/stability and cost of repair/
length of outage considerations.
Transformer faults are generally classified into six categories:
a. winding and terminal faults
b. core faults
c. tank and transformer accessory faults
d. on�load tap changer faults
e. abnormal operating conditions
f. sustained or uncleared external faults