The Two Main Types of Current Transformers

Current transformers (CT) are generally used to measure and control current in an electrical system. High current levels cannot be fed to a system’s relays and meters, and it’s a CT’s job to quantify our manipulate current to a level that these devices can handle. Based on function, CTs can be classified as follows:

Measuring CTs

This type of CT is typically used in combination with measuring devices for the accurate measurement of energy, current, and power.

Real-Time Data from a Current Transformer

Current transformers can be hooked up to an ammeter, although the resulting amperage reading only paints a partial picture of an office or factory's energy consumption. A gauge system brings out the transformer’s full potential by providing real-time data that includes amperage, voltage, frequency, power factor, and more. Access the data on the computer, and you'll get a bird's-eye-view of your power consumption patterns.

A gauge system is a mother unit that can support a number of conductors. It gathers data from all connected units and, depending on the model, may upload the data on the Internet through an Ethernet connection. This enables the user to access the information, whether onsite or offsite, and make quick decisions.

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.

The Current Transformer’s Role in a Circuit

Electrical measurements are critical to industries that rely on electricity for production continuity. After all, aside from potential interruptions due to sudden current flow changes, over fusing can lead to fires and increased current flow through the wires. Constant monitoring of the current flow using measuring instruments, such as an ammeter, is imperative in any electrical system.

Unfortunately, most measuring instruments cannot take the current flowing through live wires. Like how electricity can severely injure living things that come into contact with an open electrical source, so does the circuitry inside these instruments burn when subjected to excessive currents. An electrical measuring instrument has to be protected so it can continue to measure alternating current without the risk of over fusing.