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Current Transformer
Current transformers (CT) are broadly employed in order to measure high magnitude
currents. Such transformers basically step down (lower) the current which is to be
measured, so that it can be measured with an average range ammeter. A CT generally
possesses one or few primary turns. The primary side winding could be simply a
conductor positioned in an empty (hollow) core.

Fig.1: Current Transformer Circuit Diagram

Whereas the secondary side possesses a large number of turns which are precisely
wound for a particular turns ratio. Hence the CTs step the voltage up whilst stepping the
current down.
Normally, CTs are expressed in terms of primary to secondary current ratio like Ip/Is. A
200:5 CT rating means that the secondary side current is 5 amperes when primary side
current is 200 amperes. Generally, the secondary side current rating is 1 ampere or 5
amperes. Current transformers are represented by the following symbol.

Fig.2: Current Transformer Symbol

Potential Transformers
Voltage transformers (VTs) are essentially step-down transformers with highly accurate
turns ratio. VTs generally step down the higher voltage to a lower voltage so that it can
be measured easily with the standard voltmeter. Such transformers possess a higher
number of turns on a primary side and smaller number turns on the secondary side.
 Fig.3: Potential Transformer Circuit Diagram
A Voltage transformer is generally represented in terms of primary to secondary voltage
ratio like Vp/Vs. For instance, 1000:120 VT means that secondary side voltage is 120 V
when the primary side has 1000 V. Voltage transformers are represented by the
following symbol.
 Fig.4: Potential Transformer Symbol
 You May Also Read: Difference between Core type and Shell type Transformer
This article keys out the main differences between Current and Potential Transformer on
the basis of several factors such as function, connection, use, primary and secondary
windings, excitation current, core, types, and applications.
Difference between Current Transformer and Potential Transformer
CHARACTERISTICS CURRENT TRANSFORMER POTENTIAL TRANSFORMER

Function Transforms high current into low Transforms high voltage into low
current voltage

Connection Connected in series with the circuit Connected in parallel with the
so full line current flows through the circuit so full line voltage appears
winding across the winding

Primary current Primary current does not depend Primary current relies on
upon secondary side circuit secondary side circuit conditions.
conditions

Secondary side Secondary side can’t be open Secondary side can be open
circuited when under service circuited without any damage

Use Using current transformer, a 5 Using potential transformer, a 120

Ampere ammeter can be utilized to V voltmeter can be used to
measure high currents such as 200 measure high voltages such as 11
amperes KV.

Primary winding In CT, primary has small number of In PT, primary has large number of
turns turns

Secondary winding Possesses large number of turns in Possesses small number of turns
the secondary side in the secondary side

Excitation current & Vary over a wide range Vary over a narrow range
flux density

Core Made up of silicon steel Made up of high quality steel which

operates at low flux density

Input value Constant Current Constant Voltage

Secondary winding 1A-5A 110V-120V

range

Types Closed core and wound core Capacitor voltage type and
electromagnetic type

Step up/down They are step-up transformers They are step-down transformers

Applications Measuring current and operating Measuring voltage and operating

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