Instrument transformers are the general name for members of the family of current transformers (CTs) and voltage transformers (VTs) used in metering. They are high-accuracy transformers that convert load currents or voltages to other (usually smaller) values by some fixed ratio. Voltage transformers are also often called potential transformers (PTs). The terms are used interchangeably in this section. CTs and VTs are most commonly used in services where the current and/or voltage levels are too large to be applied directly to the meter.
A current transformer is rated in terms of its nameplate primary current as a ratio to five amps secondary current (e.g., 400:5). The CT is not necessarily limited to this nameplate current. Its maximum capacity is found by multiplying its nameplate rating by its rating factor. This yields the total current the CT can carry while maintaining its rated accuracy and avoiding thermal overload. For example, a 200:5 CT with a rating factor of 3.0 can be used and will maintain its rated accuracy up to 600 amps. Rating factors for most CTs are based on open-air outdoor conditions. When a CT is installed indoors or inside a cabinet, its rating factor is reduced.
A voltage transformer is rated in terms of its nameplate primary voltage as a ratio to either 115 or 120 volts secondary voltage (e.g., 7200:120 or 115000:115). These ratios are sometimes listed as an equivalent ratio to 1 (e.g., 60:1 or 1000:1).
Symbols for a CT and a PT connected in a two-wire circuit are shown in Fig. 7.5.
A current transformer is rated in terms of its nameplate primary current as a ratio to five amps secondary current (e.g., 400:5). The CT is not necessarily limited to this nameplate current. Its maximum capacity is found by multiplying its nameplate rating by its rating factor. This yields the total current the CT can carry while maintaining its rated accuracy and avoiding thermal overload. For example, a 200:5 CT with a rating factor of 3.0 can be used and will maintain its rated accuracy up to 600 amps. Rating factors for most CTs are based on open-air outdoor conditions. When a CT is installed indoors or inside a cabinet, its rating factor is reduced.
A voltage transformer is rated in terms of its nameplate primary voltage as a ratio to either 115 or 120 volts secondary voltage (e.g., 7200:120 or 115000:115). These ratios are sometimes listed as an equivalent ratio to 1 (e.g., 60:1 or 1000:1).
Symbols for a CT and a PT connected in a two-wire circuit are shown in Fig. 7.5.
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| FIGURE 7.5 Instrument transformer symbols. |