What are CT transformers used for?

Today, We will learn about What are CT transformers used for?, Which type of transformer is used in CT?, Where is CT and PT transformer used?

What are CT transformers used for?

Current transformers (CTS) are crucial in electrical measurement and protection systems. They operate by removing high currents in power systems to levels suitable for metering or protection devices. CTs are widely used in various applications, including:

Support: CTS enable precise measurement of current flow in electrical circuits, allowing utilities to monitor energy consumption accurately for billing purposes and equipment performance analysis.

Which type of transformer is used in CT?

Protection: CTS plays a vital role in protective relay systems by detecting fault currents and providing signals to protective devices to quickly isolate faulty sections of the power system. This helps prevent equipment damage, minimize downtime, and keep personnel safe.

Monitoring: CTS facilitates continuous monitoring of current levels in power networks, allowing operators to detect abnormal operating conditions, such as overloading or short circuits, and take appropriate corrective action.

Where is CT and PT transformer used?

CTs generally use a toroidal or ring-shaped core of ferromagnetic material, around which the main conductor (carrying the current to be measured) passes. The secondary winding, wound around the core, generates a proportional current signal which is fed to the measuring or protection device.

CTs are often used in conjunction with potential transformers (PTs) in power systems. PTS, also called voltage transformers, step high voltages to safer levels for measurement or protection purposes. Together, CTS and PTS form an essential part of instrument transformer circuits, ensuring accurate and reliable operation of electrical measurement and protection systems.

Despite the term “transformer” used in the name, CTs do not operate like conventional transformers in the sense of stepping the voltage up or down. Instead, they step the current down to safer levels for measurement or protection purposes. The name “Step-Up Transformer” may be a misnomer or colloquial usage in some contexts, as CTs primarily deploy current rather than step-up it.

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