Instrument transformers are used for measurement and protective application, together with

equipment such as meters and relays. Their role in electrical systems is of primary importance as
they are a means of "stepping down" the current or voltage of a system to measurable values,
such as 5A or 1A in the case of a current transformers or 110V or 100V in the case of a voltage
transformer. This offers the advantage that measurement and protective equipment can be
standardized on a few values of current and voltage.

 Voltage transformers

 Current transformers

 Kappa has published a reference manual on instrument transformers

Voltage transformers

 Principle of operation
 Definitions
 Standards
 Tests
 Typical Specifications

Principle of operation

The standards define a voltage transformer as one in which "the secondary voltage is
substantially proportional to the primary voltage and differs in phase from it by an angle which is
approximately zero for an appropriate direction of the connections."

This, in essence, means that the voltage transformer has to be as close as possible to the "ideal"
transformer. In an "ideal" transformer, the secondary voltage vector is exactly opposite and equal
to the primary voltage vector, when multiplied by the turns ratio.

In a "practical" transformer, errors are introduced because some current is drawn for the
magnetization of the core and because of drops in the primary and secondary windings due to
leakage reactance and winding resistance. One can thus talk of a voltage error,which is the
amount by which the voltage is less than the applied primary voltage ,and the phase error, which
is the phase angle by which the reversed secondary voltage vector is displaced from the primary
voltage vector.

Kappa designs its VT's so that the resistance and reactance drops are minimized. It also uses the
best grades of cold rolled grain oriented electrical steels which enables operation at optimum
levels of magnetic induction, thus reducing both the size and the cost of the VT.

Definitions
Typical terms used for specifying a voltage transformer (VT)

a. Rated primary voltage: This is the rated voltage of the system whose voltage is required
to be stepped down for measurement and protective purposes.

b. Rated secondary voltage: This is the voltage at which the meters and protective devices
connected to the secondary circuit of the voltage transformer operate.

c. Rated burden: This is the load in terms of volt-amperes (VA) posed by the devices in
the secondary circuit on the VT. This includes the burden imposed by the connecting
leads. The VT is required to be accurate at both the rated burden and 25% of the rated
burden.

d. Accuracy class required: The transformation errors that are permissible, including
voltage (ratio) error and phase angle error. Phase error is specified in minutes. Typical
accuracy classes are Class 0.5, Class 1 and Class 3. Both metering and protection classes
of accuracy are specified. In a metering VT, the VT is required to be within the specified
errors from 80% to 120% of the rated voltage. In a protection VT, the VT is required to
be accurate from 5% upto the rated voltage factor times the rated voltage.

e. Rated voltage factor: Depending on the system in which the VT is to be used, the rated
voltage factors to be specified are different. The table below is adopted from Indian and
International standards.

Rated voltage Rated time Method of connecting primary

factor winding in system
1.2 Continuous Between phases in any network
Between transformer star-point and earth in any network
1.2 Continuous
1.5 for 30 Between phase and earth in an effectively earthed neutral system
seconds
1.2 Continuous
Between phase and earth in a non-effectively earthed neutral
1.9 for 30
system with automatic fault tripping
seconds
1.2 Continuous Between phase and earth in an isolated neutral system
1.9 for 8 hours without automatic fault tripping or in a resonant earthed
system without automatic fault tripping

f. Temperature class of insulation: The permissible temperature rise over the specified
ambient temperature. Typically, classes E, B and F.

g. Residual voltage transformer (RVT): RVTs are used for residual earth fault protection
and for discharging capacitor banks. The secondary residual voltage winding is connected
in open delta. Under normal conditions of operation, there is no voltage output across the
residual voltage winding. When there is an earth fault, a voltage is developed across the
open delta winding which activates the relay. When using a three phase RVT, the primary
 neutral should be earthed, as otherwise third harmonic voltages will appear across the
residual winding. 3 phase RVTs typically have 5 limb construction.

h. Metering Units:11kV metering units consist of one 3 phase VT and 2 CT's connected
together in a single housing. This can be used for three phase monitoring of energy
parameters. It is used with trivector meters and energy meters.

Standards

The Indian and international standard references for VT s are as given in the table below:

Standard Standard Number Year

Indian IS 3156 1992
British BS 3841 1973
British BS 7625 1993
British BS 7729 1994
International IEC 186 1987
Electro technical
Commission (IEC)
Australian AS 1243 1982
American ANSI C.57.13 1978

Kappa manufactures VT s to all these standards. Our designs are backed up by extensive type
testing at national and international laboratories.

Tests

A number of routine and type tests have to be conducted on VT s before they can meet the
standards specified above. The tests can be classified as:

a. Accuracy tests to determine whether the errors of the VT are within specified limits

b. Dielectric insulation tests such as power frequency withstand voltage test on primary
and secondary windings for one minute, induced over-voltage test , impuse tests with
1.2u/50u wave, and partial discharge tests (for voltage>=6.6 kV) to determine whether
the discharge is below the specified limits.

c. Temperature rise tests

d. Short circuit tests
e. Verification of terminal markings and polarity

Kappa conducts routine tests on each and every VT produced and all designs are type tested.
Typical specification for a 11 kV VT

System voltage: 11 kV
Insulation level voltage (ILV) : 12 /28/75 kV
Number of phases: Three
Vector Group: Star / Star
Ratio: 11 kV/ 110 V
Burden: 100 VA
Accuracy: Class 0.5
Voltage Factor: 1.2 continuous and 1.5 for 30 seconds
With provision for fuse

Double and triple secondary VT s are also manufactured.

Current transformers

 Principle of operation
 Definitions
 Standards
 Tests
 Typical Specifications

Principle of operation

A current transformer is defined as "as an instrument transformer in which the secondary current
is substantially proportional to the primary current (under normal conditions of operation) and
differs in phase from it by an angle which is approximately zero for an appropriate direction of
the connections." This highlights the accuracy requirement of the current transformer but also
important is the isolating function, which means no matter what the system voltage the
secondary circuit need be insulated only for a low voltage.

The current transformer works on the principle of variable flux. In the "ideal" current
transformer, secondary current would be exactly equal (when multiplied by the turns ratio) and
opposite to the primary current. But, as in the voltage transformer, some of the primary current
or the primary ampere-turns is utilized for magnetizing the core, thus leaving less than the actual
primary ampere turns to be "transformed" into the secondary ampere-turns. This naturally
introduces an error in the transformation. The error is classified into two-the current or ratio error
and the phase error.

Kappa CT s are designed to minimise the errors using the best quality electrical steels for the
core of the transformer. Both toroidal (round) and rectangular CT s are manufactured.

Definitions
Rated primary current: The value of current which is to be transformed to a lower value. In CT
parlance, the "load" of the CT refers to the primary current.

Rated secondary current: The current in the secondary circuit and on which the performance of
the CT is based. Typical values of secondary current are 1 A or 5 A. In the case of transformer
differential protection, secondary currents of 1/ root 3 A and 5/ root 3 A are also specified.

Rated burden: The apparent power of the secondary circuit in Volt-amperes expressed at the
rated secondary current and at a specific power factor (0.8 for almost all standards)

Accuracy class: In the case of metering CT s, accuracy class is typically, 0.2, 0.5, 1 or 3. This
means that the errors have to be within the limits specified in the standards for that particular
accuracy class. The metering CT has to be accurate from 5% to 120% of the rated primary
current, at 25% and 100% of the rated burden at the specified power factor. In the case of
protection CT s, the CT s should pass both the ratio and phase errors at the specified accuracy
class, usually 5P or 10P, as well as composite error at the accuracy limit factor of the CT.

Composite error: The rms value of the difference between the instantaneous primary current
and the instantaneous secondary current multiplied by the turns ratio, under steady state
conditions.

Accuracy limit factor: The value of primary current upto which the CT complies with
composite error requirements. This is typically 5, 10 or 15, which means that the composite error
of the CT has to be within specified limits at 5, 10 or 15 times the rated primary current.

Short time rating: The value of primary current (in kA) that the CT should be able to withstand
both thermally and dynamically without damage to the windings, with the secondary circuit
being short-circuited. The time specified is usually 1 or 3 seconds.

Instrument security factor (factor of security): This typically takes a value of less than 5 or
less than 10 though it could be much higher if the ratio is very low. If the factor of security of the
CT is 5, it means that the composite error of the metering CT at 5 times the rated primary current
is equal to or greater than 10%. This means that heavy currents on the primary are not passed on
to the secondary circuit and instruments are therefore protected. In the case of double ratio CT's,
FS is applicable for the lowest ratio only.

Class PS/ X CT: In balance systems of protection, CT s with a high degree of similarity in their
characteristics are required. These requirements are met by Class PS (X) CT s. Their
performance is defined in terms of a knee-point voltage (KPV), the magnetizing current (Imag)
at the knee point voltage or 1/2 or 1/4 the knee-point voltage, and the resistance of the CT
secondary winding corrected to 75C. Accuracy is defined in terms of the turns ratio.

Knee point voltage: That point on the magnetizing curve where an increase of 10% in the flux
density (voltage) causes an increase of 50% in the magnetizing force (current).
Summation CT: When the currents in a number of feeders need not be individually metered but
summated to a single meter or instrument, a summation current transformer can be used. The
summation CT consists of two or more primary windings which are connected to the feeders to
be summated, and a single secondary winding, which feeds a current proportional to the
summated primary current. A typical ratio would be 5+5+5/ 5A, which means that three primary
feeders of 5 are to be summated to a single 5A meter.

Core balance CT (CBCT): The CBCT, also known as a zero sequence CT, is used for earth
leakage and earth fault protection. The concept is similar to the RVT. In the CBCT, the three
core cable or three single cores of a three phase system pass through the inner diameter of the
CT. When the system is fault free, no current flows in the secondary of the CBCT. When there is
an earth fault, the residual current (zero phase sequence current) of the system flows through the
secondary of the CBCT and this operates the relay. In order to design the CBCT, the inner
diameter of the CT, the relay type, the relay setting and the primary operating current need to be
furnished.

Interposing CT's (ICT's) : Interposing CT's are used when the ratio of transformation is very
high. It is also used to correct for phase displacement for differential protection of
transformers.

Standards

The Indian and international standard references for CT s are as given in the table below:

Standard Standard Number Year

Indian IS 2705 1992
British BS 3938 1973
British BS 7626 1993
International IEC 60044-1 1996
Electro technical
Commission (IEC)
Australian AS 1675 1986
American ANSI C.57.13 1978

Although the definitions given above are based on IS/BS and IEC standards, Kappa
manufactures CT s to any of the above standards. Our designs are backed up by extensive up by
extensive type testing at national and international laboratories.

Tests

A number of routine and type tests have to be conducted on CT s before they can meet the
standards specified above. The tests can be classified as :

a. Accuracy tests to determine whether the errors of the CT are within specified limits.
 b. Dielectric insulation tests such as power frequency withstand voltage test on primary
and secondary windings for one minute, inter-turn insulation test at power frequency
voltage, impulse tests with 1.2u/50 wave, and partial discharge tests (for voltage
>=6.6kv) to determine whether the discharge is below the specified limits.
c. Temperature rise tests.
d. Short time current tests.
e. Verification of terminal markings and polarity.

Kappa conducts routine tests on each and every CT produced and all designs are type tested.

Typical specification for a 11 kV CT

System voltage:11 kV
Insulation level voltage (ILV) : 12/28/75 kV
Ratio: 200/1 - 1 - 0.577 A
Core 1: 1A, metering, 15 VA/class 1, ISF<10
Core 2: 1 A, protection, 15 VA/5P10
Core 3: 0.577 A, Class PS, KPV>= 150 V, Imag at Vk/2 <=30 mA, RCT at 75 C<=2 ohms
Short time rating:20 kA for 1 second

Instrument transformers - A reference manual

Kappa has published a handy reference manual for instrument transformers. The manual runs to
about 160 pages and further details on all of the above topics as well as on much more, including
Australian and ANSI standards can be found in the manual. The table of contents of the manual
is reproduced below:

Introduction to instrument transformers

Current transformers - a discussion on theory, specifications and operational aspects. Definitions

- Ideal and practical CT - Magnetic alloys for cores - equivalent circuits - open circuits voltages
in CTs - leakage reactance - modification of current transformer errors - operational aspects -
standard specifications for CT s.

Metering or measurement current transformers

Accuracy - instrument security factor - accuracy requirements for various applications - use of
CT s in indicating and metering units - summation CT.

Protection CTs
Composite error - Accuracy limits - transient stability and class PS CTs - Basic protection
schemes - CT requirement for various protection schemes - CBCTs.

In electrical engineering, a current transformer (CT) is used for measurement of electric

currents. Current transformers, together with voltage transformers (VT) (potential
transformers (PT)), are known as instrument transformers. When current in a circuit is too
high to directly apply to measuring instruments, a current transformer produces a reduced current
accurately proportional to the current in the circuit, which can be conveniently connected to
measuring and recording instruments. A current transformer also isolates the measuring
instruments from what may be very high voltage in the monitored circuit. Current transformers
are commonly used in metering and protective relays in the electrical power industry.

Contents
[hide]

 1 Design
 2 Usage
 3 Safety precautions
 4 Accuracy
o 4.1 Burden
o 4.2 Burden class IEEE/ANSI (Also called Knee-point Voltage)
o 4.3 Rating factor
 5 Special designs
 6 Standards
 7 See also
 8 References
 9 External links

[edit] Design
Like any other transformer, a current transformer has a primary winding, a magnetic core, and a
secondary winding. The alternating current flowing in the primary produces a magnetic field in
the core, which then induces a current in the secondary winding circuit. A primary objective of
current transformer design is to ensure that the primary and secondary circuits are efficiently
coupled, so that the secondary current bears an accurate relationship to the primary current.

The most common design of CT consists of a length of wire wrapped many times around a
silicon steel ring passed over the circuit being measured. The CT's primary circuit therefore
consists of a single 'turn' of conductor, with a secondary of many hundreds of turns. The primary
winding may be a permanent part of the current transformer, with a heavy copper bar to carry
current through the magnetic core. Window-type current transformers are also common, which
can have circuit cables run through the middle of an opening in the core to provide a single-turn
primary winding. When conductors passing through a CT are not centered in the circular (or
oval) opening, slight inaccuracies may occur.

Current transformers used in metering equipment for three-phase 400 ampere electricity supply

Shapes and sizes can vary depending on the end user or switchgear manufacturer. Typical
examples of low voltage single ratio metering current transformers are either ring type or plastic
moulded case. High-voltage current transformers are mounted on porcelain bushings to insulate
them from ground. Some CT configurations slip around the bushing of a high-voltage
transformer or circuit breaker, which automatically centers the conductor inside the CT window.

The primary circuit is largely unaffected by the insertion of the CT. The rated secondary current
is commonly standardized at 1 or 5 amperes. For example, a 4000:5 CT would provide an output
current of 5 amperes when the primary was passing 4000 amperes. The secondary winding can
be single ratio or multi ratio, with five taps being common for multi ratio CTs. The load, or
burden, of the CT should be of low resistance. If the voltage time integral area is higher than the
core's design rating, the core goes into saturation towards the end of each cycle, distorting the
waveform and affecting accuracy.

[edit] Usage
Current transformers are used extensively for measuring current and monitoring the operation of
the power grid. Along with voltage leads, revenue-grade CTs drive the electrical utility's watt-
hour meter on virtually every building with three-phase service, and every residence with greater
than 200 amp service.

The CT is typically described by its current ratio from primary to secondary. Often, multiple CTs
are installed as a "stack" for various uses. For example, protection devices and revenue metering
may use separate CTs; stacking them provides severability while consolidating the high voltage
interface. Similarly, potential transformers such as the CVT are used for measuring voltage and
monitoring the operation of the power grid.

[edit] Safety precautions

Care must be taken that the secondary of a current transformer is not disconnected from its load
while current is flowing in the primary, as the transformer secondary will attempt to continue
driving current across the effectively infinite impedance. This will produce a high voltage across
the open secondary (into the range of several kilovolts in some cases), which may cause arcing.
The high voltage produced will compromise operator and equipment safety and permanently
affect the accuracy of the transformer.

[edit] Accuracy
The accuracy of a CT is directly related to a number of factors including:

 Burden
 Burden class/saturation class
 Rating factor
 Load
 External electromagnetic fields
 Temperature and
 Physical configuration.
 The selected tap, for multi-ratio CTs

For the IEC standard, accuracy classes for various types of measurement are set out in IEC
60044-1, Classes 0.1, 0.2s, 0.2, 0.5, 0.5s, 1, and 3. The class designation is an approximate
measure of the CT's accuracy. The ratio (primary to secondary current) error of a Class 1 CT is
1% at rated current; the ratio error of a Class 0.5 CT is 0.5% or less. Errors in phase are also
important especially in power measuring circuits, and each class has an allowable maximum
phase error for a specified load impedance. Current transformers used for protective relaying also
have accuracy requirements at overload currents in excess of the normal rating to ensure accurate
performance of relays during system faults.

[edit] Burden

The load, or burden, in a CT metering circuit is the (largely resistive) impedance presented to its
secondary winding. Typical burden ratings for IEC CTs are 1.5 VA, 3 VA, 5 VA, 10 VA, 15
VA, 20 VA, 30 VA, 45 VA & 60 VA with ANSI/IEEE B-0.1, B-0.2, B-0.5, B-1.0, B-2.0 and B-
4.0. This means a CT with a burden rating of B-0.2 can tolerate up to 0.2 Ω of impedance in the
metering circuit before its output current is no longer a fixed ratio to the primary current. Items
that contribute to the burden of a current measurement circuit are switch-blocks, meters and
intermediate conductors. The most common source of excess burden in a current measurement
circuit is the conductor between the meter and the CT. Often, substation meters are located
significant distances from the meter cabinets and the excessive length of small gauge conductor
creates a large resistance. This problem can be solved by using CT with 1 ampere secondaries
which will produce less voltage drop between a CT and its metering devices (used for remote
measurement).

[edit] Burden class IEEE/ANSI (Also called Knee-point Voltage)

[edit] Rating factor

Rating factor is a factor by which the nominal full load current of a CT can be multiplied to
determine its absolute maximum measurable primary current. Conversely, the minimum primary
current a CT can accurately measure is "light load," or 10% of the nominal current (there are,
however, special CTs designed to measure accurately currents as small as 2% of the nominal
current). The rating factor of a CT is largely dependent upon ambient temperature. Most CTs
have rating factors for 35 degrees Celsius and 55 degrees Celsius. It is important to be mindful of
ambient temperatures and resultant rating factors when CTs are installed inside pad-mounted
transformers or poorly ventilated mechanical rooms. Recently, manufacturers have been moving
towards lower nominal primary currents with greater rating factors. This is made possible by the
development of more efficient ferrites and their corresponding hysteresis curves. This is a
distinct advantage over previous CTs because it increases their range of accuracy, since the CTs
are most accurate between their rated current and rating factor.

[edit] Special designs

Specially constructed wideband current transformers are also used (usually with an oscilloscope)
to measure waveforms of high frequency or pulsed currents within pulsed power systems. One
type of specially constructed wideband transformer provides a voltage output that is proportional
to the measured current. Another type (called a Rogowski coil) requires an external integrator in
order to provide a voltage output that is proportional to the measured current. Unlike CTs used
for power circuitry, wideband CTs are rated in output volts per ampere of primary current.

[edit] Standards
Depending on the ultimate clients requirement, there are two main standards to which current
transformers are designed. IEC 60044-1 (BSEN 60044-1) & IEEE C57.13 (ANSI), although the
Canadian & Australian standards are also recognised.

[edit] See also

The current transformers that we manufacture are fabricated using qualitative material procured from
reliable vendors. These are designed to provide current in its secondary winding proportional to the
alternating current flowing in its primary. The current transformers are generally used in metering and
defensive relaying in the industry of electrical power and it provide the secure measurement of large
currents, often in the existence of high voltages. These transformers safely segregate the measurement
and control circuitry from the high voltages typically present on the circuit being measured.
 
These are widely used for measuring current and monitoring the power grid’s operation. From primary
to secondary, the CT is typically described by its current ratio. Many a times multiple CTs are installed as
a stack for various uses (for example, protection devices and revenue metering may use separate CTs).
Equally, for measuring voltage and monitoring the operation of more.. A transformer is a device that
transmits electricity from one circuit to another through inductively coupled transformer coils. A current
transformer is an integral part of electrical engineering, which when used with potential transformer, is
known as an instrument transformer. When the current in a circuit connected to a measuring
instrument is extremely high, the current transformer generates a reduced current which is directly
proportional to the circuit current, so that the circuit can operate with the measuring device with no risk
of getting damaged. It not only minimizes the current, but also isolates the measuring instrument from
the circuit, especially if the circuit is having very high voltages.

Current Transformer Design

Current transformers consist of a primary and secondary winding and a magnetic core. The alternating
current flowing in the primary winding generates a magnetic field which induces current flow in the
secondary winding. The main objective of a current transformer design is to have properly coupled
primary and secondary circuits, so that the secondary current is proportional to the primary current. The
most basic design of current transformer comprises a length of wire wrapped around a silicon steel ring
passed over the circuit being measured. The primary circuit consists of a single turn of a conductor, with
a secondary circuit with many number of turns. The primary winding is the most important part of the
current transformer and with a heavy copper bar, it transmits current through the magnetic core. The
secondary winding can be single ratio or multi-ratio; usually five taps are commonly considered for
multi-ratio. The current transformer's load should be of low resistance and the core's design rating
should be more than the voltage time integral area, else the core may enter into saturation mode at the
end of each cycle, and will affect the transformer's efficiency.

Current Transformer Design Specifications

Following are some design specifications that are necessary to be considered before designing a current
transformer.

 Maximum current value, kind of measurement (rms, average, peak, etc.), type of waveform
(sine wave, square wave, triangular, etc.), duty cycle, etc, are important specifications that
should be considered.
 Evaluation of parameters like number of primary turns, current ratio, secondary current value at
specific primary current value.
 Value and type of the intended secondary load, i.e. whether it is resistive, inductive or
capacitive. Commonly resistors are used as a secondary load, whose value can be calculated
after alternatively measuring the desired output voltage with respect to the primary current.
 Accuracy is another specification which is expressed as a maximum percentage or maximum
absolute change over the complete primary current range. It comprises of both, measurement
tolerances and variations, expressed at specific operating points or over a portion of the
operating range.
 Secondary termination is another point to be considered. Terminal block, lead wires (with or
without terminal lugs), or headers (with pcb pins or pads ) are some possible ways to terminate
a secondary circuit.
 Voltage isolation requirements, ambient temperature, maximum expected temperature of the
primary conductor are some other parameters to be specified before designing.
Dimensional constraints (like width, length, thickness, etc.), mounting, environmental restrictions (like
corrosive environment, water spray, ultra-violet light, etc.) are some other current transformer design
specifications. Though, current transformers are extensively used for measuring current, they also help
in monitoring the operation of power grids, protective relays, and ground fault circuit breakers. They are
available in different shapes and sizes, depending upon the end user or switchgear manufacture.

Insulating oil of transformers and current transformers fulfills the purpose of insulating as well
as cooling. On a regular schedule, it must be subject to an oil test to determine its breakdown
voltage.

The oil test is essential and in most countries even mandatory, since the dielectric oil
deteriorates in its isolating and cooling qualities due to ageing and pollution by dust particles or
humidity, potentially endangering operational facilities and staff.

Breakdown during an oil test

International standards define the test sequence and procedure of such an oil test.

Periodic execution of oil tests also makes sense from an economic point of view, as damage to
the insulation can be avoided by prompt substitution of the dielectric oil.

Lifetime of plant is increased and the requirement for new investment can be delayed.

Principle of the oil test

To determine the insulating property of the dielectric oil, an oil sample is taken from the device
under test, and its breakdown voltage is measured on-site. 

 
In the vessel, two standard-compliant test electrodes with a typical clearance of 2.5 mm are
surrounded by the insulating oil.

During the oil test, a test voltage is applied to the electrodes. The test voltage is continuously
increased up to the breakdown voltage with a constant slew rate of e.g. 2 kV/s.

Breakdown occures in an electric arc, leading to a collapse of the test voltage.

Immediatly after ignition of the arc, the test voltage is switched off automatically.

Ultra fast switch off is crucial, as the energy that is brought into the oil and is burning it during
the breakdown, must be limited to keep the additional pollution by carbonisation as low as
possible.

The root mean square value of the test voltage is measured at the very instant of the breakdown
and is reported as the breakdown voltage.

After the test is completed, the insulating oil is stirred automatically and the test sequence is
performed repeatedly.

The resulting breakdown voltage is calculated as mean value of the individual measurements.

The lower the resulting breakdown voltage, the poorer the quality of the oil!

The oil test with b2 equipment

The Oil testers by b2 are of compact design and portable due to their low weight.

 
An oil test can be performed quickly and economically, as the testers can be taken on-site and
therefore no oil sample needs to be shipped to a test laboratory.

The whole test sequence including stirring and repeated measurement is carried out
automatically.

One can choose from a number of predefined test sequences, all in accordance with the various
international standards.

It is possible as well to program and store customer specific procedures for the oil test.

APPLICATION
Direct measurement of current in High Voltage System is Not possible because of insulation problem of
measuring instruments. It is also not possible to use current flowing through the system directly for
protection purpose due to its high insulation problem.

BASIC FUNCTIONS OF CURRENT TRANSFORMERS ARE :

 1. To reduce the line current to a value which is suitable for standard measuring
     instruments relays etc.
 2. To isolate the measuring instruments, meters, relays etc. from high voltage
     side an installation.
  3. To protect measuring instruments against short circuit currents.
4.  To sense abnormalities in current and give current signals to protective relays
     to isolate the defective system.

    There are four main factors which determine the capability of current
     transformer i.e.
    * Insulation Level (Service Voltage)
    * Rated primary current
    * Short time withstand current
    * Burden and Accuracy

THE CURRENT TRANSFORMERS MUST :

 
1. Withstand operational voltage and over voltage in the network
2. Withstand rated primary current in continuous operation without exceeding 
    maximum allowed temperature rise.
3. Be capable o sustain thermal and mechanical stresses developed due to
    system falut current
4. Feed current to external circuit with specified accuracy at specified primary
   currents

CONSTRUCTION :
 
Core & Secondary Winding, Primary Winding, Insulation,
Procelain Insulators, Tanks & Bases, Testing, Packaging &
Transportation, Maintenance

HOW TO SELECT THE C.T.

    It is impotant to specify correct parameters of CT while ordering for optimum
design. Following are main factors for selecting current transformer.
Voltage and potential transformers are used to measure voltage (potential). The secondary
voltage is substantially proportional to the primary voltage and differs from it in phase by an
angle that is approximately zero. Voltage and potential transformers that are designed for
monitoring single-phase and three-phase line voltages in power-metering applications are used
mainly as step-down devices. They are designed for connecting line-to-line or line-to-neutral in
the same way as ordinary voltmeters. The secondary voltage has a fixed relationship to the
primary voltage so that a change in potential within the primary circuit is monitored accurately
by meters connected across the secondary terminals.

Voltage and potential transformers can be used with voltmeters for voltage measurements, or
with current transformers for wattmeter or watt-hour meter measurements. Voltage transformers
and potential transformers are also used to operate protective relays and devices, and in many
other applications. Because they are used mainly in a monitoring capacity, however, voltage or
potential transformers generally require greater accuracy. For examples, products used by public
utilities for determining electricity usage must be accurate since these voltage or potential
transformers are used for billing customers.

Performance specifications for voltage and transformers include accuracy, operating

temperature, primary voltage range, secondary voltage range, burden, and insulation voltage.
Accuracy is the degree of uncertainty to which the measured current (secondary) value agrees
with an ideal value. Burden is the maximum load that a voltage transformer or potential
transformer can support while operating within its accuracy rating. Burden is expressed in volt-
amperes (VA), the product of the root mean square (RMS) voltage applied to a circuit and the
RMS current, in amperes, flowing through it. 

There are many different types of voltage and potential transformers. Commercial devices are
suitable for most low-power current-monitoring applications. ANSI metering class transformers
are designed especially for power-monitoring applications where high accuracy and minimum
phase angle error are required. Multi-ratio transformers have several outputs. Three-phase
devices are also available. Split-core voltage and potential transformers feature a hinge and
locking snap mechanism that allows attachment without interrupting the current-carrying wire.
Toroidal or donut-shaped transformers do not have an internal primary winding. 

Voltage and potential transformers include wound primary current transformers, devices with
primary windings that consist typically of more than one turn. Bar transformers or bar current
transformers have a bus bar that serves as the primary conductor. PC-mount transformers feature
a small footprint for measuring sensor current or voltage on a board. Voltage and potential
transformers include under-current sensing and over-current sensing devices, as well as
Noncontact current transformers. This latter class of device accurately measures current
waveforms without coming into electrical contact with the circuit.

1. SERVICE VOLTAGE : System voltage in which CT is to be installed e.g.

    11kV, 22kV, 33kV ETC.
2. INSTALLATION : Whether OUTDOOR or INDOOR
3. ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS : Such as condition of Pollution, Altitude
    Ambient Temperature etc.
4. INSULATION LEVEL : If insulation level other than associated with service
    voltage is required, it should be specifically mentioned.
5. RATED PRIMARY CURRENT : Specify rated primary current / currents (if
    required more than one value). Also indicate if different primary current
    is required for different cores.
6. CONTINUOUS PRIMARY CURRENT : Max.primary current that can be withstood
    continuously by current transformer e.g. 120% of primary current
7. RATED SECONDARY CURRENT : Whether 1 Amp. or 5 Amps.
8. SHORT TIME CURRENT & ITS DURATION : Specify fault current of the system
    in which CT is to be installed along with its duration. it is most important to
    specify realistic value of S.T.C. as at lower primary current, higher S.T.C.
    value neceesitates bulky & costlier design. Also specify dynamic current if
    other than 2.5 times S.T.C. is required.
9. NO.OF CORES THEIR BURDENS, ACCURACY : Basis of application, No.of cores,
    their burdens and accuracy class should be specified. It is advisable to specify
    minimum required Burden for metering core as unnecessary high burden will
    necessitate bulky and costlier design. Specified accuracy is guaranteed for
    100 % to 25% of rated burden only. Current transformer offers minimum error
    if 75% to 60% burden  is connected to secondary, Therefore, ideally rated
    burden higher than 1.5 time actual burden should be specified. Also, it is
    important to specify correct burden in context of instrument Security Factor
    (I.S.F.). The I.S.F. indicates the over current as multiple of rated current at
    which the metering core will saturate, thus limiting the secondary current
    flowing through meter and protect it from damage. If actual burden connected
    is half of the rated burden, the I.S.F. will increase two-fold of its rated value.
10. KNEE POINT VOLTAGE, SECONDARY RESISTANCE AND
     EXCITATION CURRENT : For differential protection, R.E.F. Protection, Bus Bar
     Protection, C.T. with accuracy class PS is required. The Knee Point Voltage,
     Secondary resistance and excitation current should be for this core. It is
     always better to specify Formula for Knee Point Voltage related to relay used
     for the protection. This will help designer to optimise the design.