Indoor vs. Outdoor Protective Current Transformers

As the name implies, protection current transformers are used to protect electrical systems from damage. They reduce the high current flowing in a power system element to lower, manageable values ideal for relay operation. Protective CTs from power monitoring equipment providers can also isolate the relay circuit from the primary, while allowing for the use of standardized current rating for relays, which can either be 5 or 1 ampere.

Meet the Cores

At the heart of a current transformer is a slab of magnetic material known as a magnetic core. to put it simply, the measurement mechanism wouldn't work without a magnetic core.

Enveloped by two upper layers of insulation and secondary windings, the magnetic core emits the magnetic field necessary to generate electromagnetic energy. Through the Hall Effect, the current transformer enables a hooked measuring device like an ammeter or voltmeter to get accurate readings. Solid and split-core transformers are known to employ magnetic cores.

Split-Core Transformers: Common Features

Modern split-core transformers are easily installed, easily connectable devices that can be attached to virtually all types of wiring terminals. Preferably, a split-core transformer is attached to electrical wiring by snapping the device around the conductor. High quality split-core transformers—such as those produced by Magnelab—have the highest standards in terms of interleaving joints and self-locking mechanism. Typically, these products have a rated accuracy of +- 1 percent between 10 and 130 percent of their graded input.

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.

Choosing a Core Transformer: Factors to Consider

Most industrial processes that rely on electricity require the use of power meters. These devices allow operators to measure just how much electric current is being utilized and thereby monitor changes or fluctuations that may affect productivity. Power meters and other electrical measuring instruments come with a small but extremely vital current transformer (CT), which reduces the level of electric current that passes through the measuring instrument.

Energy Tracking: Why It’s Done and What You Need

As a retailer of power monitoring equipment, your customers are going to request for various devices for different purposes. You have to be familiar with the principles and the tools needed for these purposes, so you can assist your clients well. Here are some common reasons why energy tracking is done and what devices may be needed:

Measuring Currents in Data Center Mains

Running a data center can be tough business. If the investment in equipment doesn’t put a massive dent in your budget, year-to-year operations costs certainly might as your equipment draws immense amounts of power from your suppliers.

Go Split Core for Easy Monitoring Maintenance

Solid core current transformers typically have a long lifespan, however, they do break down over time. When they do, it can sometimes be difficult, if not impossible, to replace them without affecting power delivery downstream.

When continuous power delivery is a must, utilizing split core CTs might be ideal. Since the rings of a split core CT can be opened up, removal and installation of the device can be achieved without having to disconnect the feeder lines they are meant to monitor.

It should be noted, however, that split core CTs do have their disadvantages over solid core CTs:

First, split core CTs are typically less accurate than solid core CTs. When accuracy is your priority, going solid core may be your only option. When faced with such a case, it may be best to incorporate a backup power supply in your design so that the main feeders can be disconnected for safe replacement of the solid core CT.

Second, split core CTs are also more expensive than solid core CTs. Some would argue, however, that in cases where a backup power supply is not a feasible option, the cost of using split core CTs can be justified by the mitigated impact to production the replacement of a CT might otherwise have.

Finally, split core CTs are bulkier than their solid core counterparts. While this might not be a problem in most cases, such aspect should be highly considered when space is at a premium.

Stay Safe When Working with Electrical Equipment

When working in dangerous environments, safety should always be the first priority. This is especially true for those who work with electricity. With that in mind, here are a few safety measures you should take before you start working:

Check Electrical Equipment

Malfunctioning electrical equipment is a massive electrocution risk. Inspect your equipment carefully for any faulty or peeling wiring and other forms of damage. If your device has a current transformer, don’t forget to inspect that as well. If you feel a tingling sensation when touching an electrical device, stop working immediately and ask for replacement equipment.

Take Off Your Watch

It is no secret that metals conduct electricity, so remove your watch while you’re working. Rings, piercings, and jewelry should also be removed. It may seem like an obvious thing to do, but this important safety measure easily slips the mind of many people.

Bring a Towel

A small, super absorbent face towel will suffice. This is so that you can wipe off any sweat from areas where your skin is exposed, thereby decreasing the chance of your sweat conducting electricity.

Working with electricity is no laughing matter. All it takes is for one person to be lax in his or her safety procedures for an accident to happen. Always run through the safety measures above before you start working with electricity.

Choosing a Split-Core Transformer

Current measurement is vital to ensuring the proper delivery of electricity. That’s why you must choose the best current transformer on the market for the most accurate measurements possible.

These days, many companies choose to implement split-core transformers for retrofit measurements. Given their designs, they are extremely easy and safe to install, and do not require the power line to be disconnected prior to installation.

Of course, there are many types and models of split-core transformers out there. To make purchasing easier, keep these buying tips in mind:

Take Note of Capacity

When looking for split-core transformers, the first consideration should be its capacity. After all, you wouldn’t want to purchase a model that has a lower capacity rating than the power line it’s supposed to measure. Fortunately, some brands offer transformers that have a rated input of up to 200 Amp.

Accuracy

With the appropriate capacity rating defined, your next consideration should be the accuracy of the product. For split-core transformers, an accuracy of 10-130% of the rated current is ideal. Linearity accuracy should also be rated ±1%.

Your Supplier

Of course, choosing a top-notch supplier is just as important as choosing an excellent product. With their help, you’ll gain access to a wide variety of quality products at reasonable prices. They’ll also ensure that your orders are delivered on time and in excellent condition.