Split Core vs. Solid Core Current Transformers

Ensuring the safety of measuring large currents in industrial settings presents many challenges. For one, measuring a large voltage via small burden resistors in a circuit is not only ineffective, but also potentially hazardous. Common current measuring instruments can typically measure a few amperes, but you can’t use them for long. Prolonged use may lead to damaged equipment, or worse, physical injury.

Thinking Accuracy with Current Transformers

Accuracy is, and probably will always be, a contested subject. Even the readings on the most sensitive gauges ever made will be subject to factors beyond anyone's control. This is why it's reasonable to consider a margin of error every time you take a measurement, especially when it comes to currents.

Given that current transformers are always on the lookout for unusual energy spikes, accuracy must be their most defining feature. They don't have to be perfectly accurate, just accurate enough to confirm the readings and help managers make sound decisions. However, no one-size-fits-all transformer exists at present.

An Energy-Efficient Future with Split-Core CTs

Split-core current transformers (CTs), among other things, are used to conduct electrical load surveys. Offices and factories periodically ask for a thorough assessment of their energy consumption and ways to get more for less. Such an assessment answers the question: "How much energy does it take the load to convert electricity to light, heat, or motion?"

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.

The Pros of Using a Split Core Current Transformer

Power measurement systems require transformers to work properly. There are two main types of transformers for this use: solid core and split core. These devices vary in terms of performance and cost, the latter being one the major reasons some users choose solid core over split core transformers. However, split core transformers have many advantages over solid core.

Types of Current Transformers

A current transformer is a basic piece of electrical equipment that is designed with two windings or coils. The primary winding takes in an electrical current from a source and transforms it into an alternating current as it passes through the second winding. Essentially, there are three main types of current transformers according to the functions of its construction:

Can You Use DC on a Current Transformer?

Current transformers are a staple tool in any industry that uses electricity. Basically, a current transformer takes in a current that is too powerful and reduces it (“step down”) to a more manageable quantity. It does this by using coils or windings, with the primary one accepting the input current and the secondary winding producing the output current. Since the output current is proportional to the input one, you can easily measure the former by noting the number of coils the secondary winding has.

Of course, the type of current you introduce into the transformer plays a vital role, too. As it happens, many people wonder why you can’t use a direct current (DC) power system with transformers for power distribution.

The answer is simple: electromagnetic induction. A direct current is unidirectional, so the magnetic field it creates in the primary and secondary coils are unchanging. Unfortunately, without a changing magnetic field, electrons will not travel from one coil to the other, and thus the current cannot be “stepped down.”

What can you do to measure and reduce a direct current? One way to do this is to pulse the DC voltage supplied to the transformer. Another method is to transform the DC to an alternating current or AC. As the name suggests, an AC naturally creates a changing magnetic field, making it ideal for use with transformers.

A Focus on Split Core Current Transformers

Transformers are useful devices that transfer energy between two or more circuits by employing electromagnetic induction. They also come in the form of laminated core, toroidal, auto, variable, and others that are designed to serve specific functions. One of these specialized types of energy transfer devices is the split core current transformer.

Just like other types of transformers, the split core variety measures alternating current that flows through conductors, but comes with a distinguishing feature: its design. Unlike common transformers that come in a toroidal coil, the design of a split core current transformer allows it to be assembled around a buss bar without the need to disconnect the buss bar. For this unique feature, the split core type employ C-cores and U-core structures because they are built for easy dismantling and reconstruction, thereby saving time and energy.

Split core current transformers are commonly used for lower frequency applications and normally employ grain oriented silicon steel for the metal core. This type of transformer can also use nickel alloys and more exotic materials for a core to ensure less core loss at higher frequencies (typically up to about 10 kilohertz). Despite its low frequency application, the lower core loss factor makes split core types suitable for high accuracy current transformers.

What are Current Transformers and What Do They Do?

There’s no denying that electricity is indispensable in today’s world. However, the same power that runs your TV can also be very destructive if delivered to your home in too large a quantity. That’s why proper electricity level is vital to ensure that your appliances don’t just explode the moment you plug them in.

Yet monitoring and measuring electricity is not exactly an easy task, especially since electricity is distributed in dangerously high voltage levels. Even if you had an instrument, how can it survive exposure to such power?