Current Sensing in the Manufacturing Industry

Electric motors are used extensively in the manufacturing industry. Whether AC- or DC-powered, electric motors are used to drive conveyors, fans, pumps, and a broad range of specialized equipment designed to speed up and automate specific manufacturing tasks. Many types of motors exist for many different applications, but they all have one thing in common: They all require electrical current to generate the magnetic fields necessary for them to function.

The need to monitor electric current

When an electrical motor’s current is monitored, useful information can be obtained regarding the status of the motor and the equipment it runs. Consequently, this information can be used to protect both the motor and the equipment connected to it.

A War of Currents

When Nikola Tesla created alternating current (AC) in the late 1800s, the world didn't realize that electricity was about to change for the better. In fact, businessmen like Thomas Edison, a fellow inventor, tried to discredit Tesla for the discovery since he invested heavily in direct current (DC). In fact, many of Tesla's inventions conflicted with business interests.

What exactly was in AC that gave DC a run for its money? AC traveled in a wave-like motion, moving power more efficiently than DC’s straight-line motion. This innovation meant electricity can be distributed to long distances using low voltages, which is much safer. Tesla demonstrated the safety of AC by using his own body as a conduit to light up lamps.

Different Types of Current Transformer

Current transformers are used to protect current measuring devices from dangerous voltages running through transmission lines. They come in a variety of shapes, forms, and sizes to suit various levels of voltage and wire diameters. Here are three major types of current transformer available on the market today.

Solid Core

This is the most common yet least recommended type of current transformer consisting of a secondary coil wound on a round-shaped core and connected to the ammeter. The reason it’s not recommended is that its installation requires cutting the transmission line just to insert the device, which means additional cost and interruption in the service due to the need for opening the circuit.

Why Is Current Transformer Important?

Electrocution is one of the leading causes of death among construction workers, killing an average of 143 personnel each year. Whether it’s overhead or underground wires you are working with, or are near your working area, you are at risk of electrocution. Unfortunately, like humans and animals, high voltage electricity is also dangerous to devices, for instance, a television breaking down after receiving more voltage than normal.

One particular device that can easily break down when applied with high voltage electricity is the ammeter, an instrument used to measure electric current. This device allows you to know your regular energy consumption. The problem with ammeter is that despite its function as a current measuring device, its electronics are too sensitive and can burn quickly when subjected to high voltage electricity.