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Current transformers (CTs) in a few words

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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 to be insulated only for a low
voltage.
cross-sectional view of the panel and multifunctional CT.

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 are 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 current ratio error
and the phase error.
Top

Definitions
Typical terms used for specifying current transformer are:

Rated primary current

The value of current which is to be transformed to a lower value. In CT parallence, 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.

Rated burden
The apparent power of the secondary circuit in Volt-amperes expressed at the rated secondary current and at a
specific power factor.

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 up to which the CT compiles 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.

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 (Image) 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

The 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 CTs (ICTs)

Interposing CTs are used when the ratio of transformation is very high. It is also used to correct for phase
displacement for differential protection of transformer.
SOURCE: Electric Power Substations Engineering By James C. Burke

About Author //
Edvard Csanyi
Edvard - Electrical engineer, programmer and founder of EEP. Highly specialized for design of LV high power
busbar trunking (<6300A) in power substations, buildings and industry fascilities. Designing of LV/MV switchgears.

Professional in AutoCAD programming and web-design. Present on

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7 Comments
1.
Differences between Shunt Reactor and Power Transformer | EEP
Dec 22, 2013
[...] current is based on the load transfer requirement.Detailed view of an iron core divided by air
gapsMagnetizing current is small and is negligible value when compared with the secondary rated current.
Further, since [...]
(reply)
2.
Rogowski Coil Construction | EEP
Dec 13, 2012
[...] Measurements and Protection Figure 1 shows the construction of a Rogowski coil, an air-core current
transformer that is especially well suited to measuring ripple currents in the presence of a DC component or
[...]
(reply)
3.
Testing and Commissioning of Current Transformer | EEP
Oct 19, 2012
[...] and specifications.Inspect for physical damage/ defects and mechanical condition.Verify correct
connection of transformers with system requirements.Verify that adequate clearances exist between
primary and secondary [...]
(reply)
4.
How To Connect Current Transformers? | EEP
Feb 17, 2012
[...] The primary of a current transformer typically has only one turn. This is not really a turn or wrap around
the core but just a conductor [...]
(reply)
5.
PIX metal-clad switchgear | EEP
Jan 20, 2012
[...] Its position is visible from the front panel, through the inspection window in the cable panel.Current
transformers, with DIN dimensions, are fitted at the rear of the cubicle.The voltage transformers, fitted at the
[...]
(reply)

6.
How residual current device (RCD) works? | EEP
Oct 09, 2011
[...] then the load and return currents are equal. In this case the mmfs generated by the load and return
current windings are equal; there is no resultant flux in the toroid and the detecting winding does not
generate any [...]
(reply)
7.
Applications and forms of differential relays | EEP
Aug 15, 2011
[...] system element might be a length of circuit, a winding of a generator, a portion of a bus, etc.A current
transformer (CT) is shown in each connection to the system element. The secondaries of the CTs are [...]
(reply)
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