Current transformers

Current Transformers produce output in proportion to the current flowing through the primary winding as a result of a constant potential on the primary. The Current Transformer ( C.T. ), is a type of “instrument transformer” that is designed to produce an alternating current in its secondary winding which is proportional to the current being measured in its primary. Current transformers reduce high voltage currents to a much lower value and provide a convenient way of safely monitoring the actual electrical current flowing in an AC transmission line using a standard ammeter. T

The principle of operation of a basic current transformer is slightly different from that of an ordinary voltage transformer. Unlike the voltage or power transformer looked at previously, the current transformer consists of only one or very few turns as its primary winding. This primary winding can be of either a single flat turn, a coil of heavy-duty wire wrapped around the core, or just a conductor or bus bar placed through a central hole as shown.

Due to this type of arrangement, the current transformer is often referred to as a “series transformer” as the primary winding, which never has more than a very few turns, is in series with the current-carrying conductor supplying a load.

The secondary winding, however, may have a large number of coil turns wound on a laminated core of low-loss magnetic material. This core has a large cross-sectional area so that the magnetic flux density created is low using a much smaller cross-sectional area wire, depending upon how much the current must be stepped down as it tries to output a constant current, independent of the connected load.

The secondary winding will supply a current into either a short circuit, in the form of an ammeter or into a resistive load until the voltage induced in the secondary is big enough to saturate the core or cause failure from excessive voltage breakdown.