What is an instrument transformer? A current transformer (CT) is used for measurement of electric currents. Current transformers, together with voltage transformers (VT) or potential transformers (PT), are known as instrument transformers. When current in a circuit is too high to directly apply to measuring instruments (meters), 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 (meters). A current transformer also isolates the measuring instruments (meters) from what may be very high voltage in the monitored circuit. Current transformers are commonly used in metering and protective relays.
Why ?
When ? How ? Why ? High Currents: over 200 amps
High Voltage: over 240 volts When ?
Industrial
Commercial Service greater than 200 amps How ? Overhead Service Underground Service Secondary Primary Window (doughnut)
Styles Spade Primary C.T. P.T. or V.T. 288/2.4= 120 volts 2.4/1 P.T. 277/480 volt service 4-wire wye
P.T. or V.T. 4/1 P.T. 480/4= 120 volts 480 volts service 3-Wire Delta C.T. Ratio 200/5 = 40/1 400/5 = 80/1 600/5 = 120/1 800/5 = 160/1 1000/5 = 200/1
The relation between two similar magnitudes with respect to the number of times the first contains the second: the ratio of 200 to 5, written 200:5 or 200/5. Example: 200/5: For every 200 amps that flow through the primary winding (window), the meter will receive 5 amps. From the secondary side of the C.T. Name Plates 200 :5A RF = 4.0 @ 30C AMB RF = 3.0 @ 55C AMB R.F. Rating factor : The amount by which the primary load current may be increased over its name plate rating without exceeding the allowable temperature rise. Temperatures are measured in C (celsius).
Rating Factors
Examples: 200/5 with a R.F. 2.0 = 400 max amps 200/5 with a R.F. 3.0 = 600 max amps 200/5 with a R.F. 4.0 = 800 max amps 400/5 with a R.F. 2.0 = 800 max amps 400/5 with a R.F. 3.0 = 1200 max amps 400/5 with a R.F. 4.0 = 1600 max amps Etc 200/5 with R.F. 4.0 200 :5A RF = 4.0 @ 30C AMB RF = 3.0 @ 55C AMB 1200/5 with R.F. 1.5
1200 RF 1.5 @30C
Q: Is it important to consider R.F.s?
A: Yes. Your billing depends on accuracy. KVA Converting KVA to amps KVA x 1000 / line to line voltage / sq rt of 3 (1.732) Examples:
500 x 1000 / 480 / 1.732 = 601 amps 500 x 1000 / 208 / 1.732 = 1387 amps 1500 x 1000 / 480 / 1.732 = 1804 amps 1500 x 1000 / 208 / 1.732 = 4163 amps
Transformer Rated Meters
Meter Form # 3s: Class 20 Meter
3s : Single Phase Service.
Service Type: Secondary 120 volt 2-Wire.
Service Type: Single-Phase Primary C.T. and P.T.
Transformer Rated Meters
Meter Form # 4s: Class 20 Meter
4s: Single Phase Service.
Service Type: 120/240 3-Wire with 2 C.T.
Transformer Rated Meters
Meter Form # 5s: Class 20 Meter
5s : Three Phase Service.
Service Type: 120/240 4-Wire Hi Leg
Service Type: 240 volt 3-Wire.
Service Type: 480 volt 3-Wire.
*Meter also known as Form 45s
Transformer Rated Meters
Meter Form # 9s: Class 20 Meter
9s : Three Phase Service.
Service Type: 120/208 volt 4-Wire Wye
Service Type: 277/480 volt 4-Wire Wye.
Service Type: Primary C.T. and P.T.
How to Determine the Correct Size C.T. Transformer Rated Meters are rated for 20 amps Transformer Size: KVA Power Formula: KVA x 1000 / line to line voltage / 1.732 Rating Factor: 2, 3, 4 Meter: 20 amps max C.T. Ratio: 200, 400, 600, etc Wire Size: 2/0, 4/0, 250, 350, etc