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Current Transformer CT class Ratio Error

Phase Angle Error in Current Transformer
Electrical Power Transformer
Working Principle of Transformer
Ideal Transformer
EMF Equation of Transformer
Theory of Transformer
Leakage Reactance of Transformer
Equivalent Circuit of Transformer
Voltage Regulation of Transformer
Losses in Transformer
Open and Short Circuit Test on Transformer
Tertiary Winding of Transformer
Parallel operation of Transformers
Core of Transformer
Transformer Insulating Oil
Dissolved Gas Analysis of Transformer Oil
Transformer Cooling System
Transformer Accessories
Conservator Tank of Transformer
Buchholz Relay in Transformer
Silica Gel Breather
Radiator of Transformer

 Magnetic Oil Gauge or MOG

Temperature Indicators of Transformer
On and No Load Tap Changer
Auto Transformer
Three phase transformer
Current Transformer
Voltage Transformer
Accuracy Limit & Instrument Security Factor
Knee Point Voltage of Current Transformer
More.........
Definition
of
Definition
of
CT
Accuracy
Class
Theory
of
Current
Error
in
Current
The
Current
Error
or
Ratio
Phase
Error
or
Phase
Cause
of
Error
How to Reduce Error in Current Transformer

or

Error
Angle

Instrument
Transformer
Current
Transformer(CT)
Current
Transformer
Class
Transformer
or
CT
Transformer
or
CT
in
Current
Transformer
or
CT
Error
in
Current
Transformer
in
Current
Transformer

Definition of Instrument Transformer

Instrument transformers means current transformer & voltage transformer are used in electrical
power system for stepping down currents and voltages of the system for metering and protection
purpose. Actually relays and meters used for protection and metering, are not designed for high
currents and voltages.
High currents or voltages of electrical power system can not be directly fed to relays and meters. CT
steps down rated system current to 1 Amp or 5 Amp similarlyvoltage transformer steps down system
voltages to 110 V. The relays and meters are generally designed for 1 Amp, 5 Amp and 110 V.

Definition of Current Transformer(CT)

A CT is an instrument transformer in which the secondary current is substantially proportional to
primary current and differs in phase from it by ideally zero degree.

CT Accuracy Class or Current Transformer Class

A CT is similar to a electrical power transformer to some extent, but there are some difference in
construction and operation principle. For metering and indication purpose, accuracy of ratio,
between primary and secondary currents are essential within normal working range. Normally
accuracy of current transformer required up to 125% of rated current; as because allowable
system current must be below 125% of rated current. Rather it is desirable the CT core to be
saturated after this limit since the unnecessary electrical stresses due to system over current can be
prevented from the metering instrument connected to the secondary of the CT as secondary current
does not go above a desired limit even primary current of the CT rises to a very high value than its
ratings. So accuracy within working range is main criteria of a CT used for metering purpose. The
degree of accuracy of a metering CT is expressed by CT accuracy class or simply current

transformer

class or CT

class.

But in the case of protection, the CT may not have the accuracy level as good as metering CT
although it is desired not to be saturated during high fault current passes through primary. So core of
protection CT is so designed that it would not be saturated for long range of currents. If saturation of
the core comes at lower level of primary current the proper reflection of primary current will not come
to secondary, hence relays connected to the secondary may not function properly and protection
system losses its reliability.
Suppose you have one CT with current ratio 400/1 A and its protection core is situated at 500 A. If
the primary current of the CT becomes 1000 A the secondary current will still be 1.25 A as because
the secondary current will not increase after 1.25 A because of saturation. If actuating current of the
relay connected the secondary circuit of the CT is 1.5 A, it will not be operated at all even fault level
of the power circuit is 1000 A.
The degree of accuracy of a protection CT may not be as fine as metering CT but it is also
expressed by CT accuracy class or simply current transformer class or CT class as in the case
of
metering
current
transformer
but
in
little
bit
different
manner.

Theory of Current Transformer or CT

A CT functions with the same basic working principle of electrical power transformer, as we
discussed earlier, but here is some difference. If a electrical power transformer or other general
purpose transformer, primary current varies with load or secondary current. In case of CT, primary
current is the system current and this primary current or system current transforms to the CT
secondary, hence secondary current or burden current depends upon primary current of the current
transformer.
Are you confused? OK let us clear you.
In a power transformer, if load is disconnected, there will be only magnetizing current flows in the
primary. The primary of the power transformer takes current from the source proportional to the load
connected with secondary . But in case of CT, the primary is connected in series with power line. So
current through its primary is nothing but the current flows through that power line. The primary
current of the CT, hence does not depend upon whether the load or burden is connected to the
secondary or not or what is the impedance value of burden. Generally CT has very few turns in
primary where as secondary turns is large in number. Say Np is number of turns in CT primary and
Ip is the current through primary. Hence the primary AT is equal to NpIp AT.
If number of turns in secondary and secondary current in that current transformer are N s and
Isrespectively then Secondary AT is equal to NsIs AT.
In an ideal CT the primary AT is exactly is equal in magnitude to secondary AT.
So from the above statement it is clear that if a CT has one turn in primary and 400 turns in
secondary winding, if it has 400 A current in primary then it will have 1 A in secondary burden.
Thus the turn ratio of the CT is 400/1 A

Error in Current Transformer or CT

But in an actual CT, errors with which we are connected can best be considered through a study of
phasor
diagram
for
a
CT,

Is -

Secondary

current.

Es Secondary
induced
Ip Primary
Ep Primary
induced
KT Turns
ratio
=
Numbers
of
secondary
turns/number
I0 Excitation
Im Magnetizing
component
Iw Core
loss
component
m - Main flux.

emf.
current.
emf.
of
primary
turns.
current.
of
I0 .
of
I0.

Let us take flux as reference. EMF Es and Ep lags behind the flux by 90. The magnitude of the
passers Es and Ep are proportional to secondary and primary turns. The excitation current Io which is
made up of two components Im and Iw.
The secondary current I0 lags behind the secondary induced emf Es by an angle s. The secondary
current is now transferred to the primary side by reversing Is and multiplied by the turns ratio KT. The
total current flows through the primary Ip is then vector sum of KT Is and I0.

The Current Error or Ratio Error in Current Transformer or CT

From above passer diagram it is clear that primary current Ip is not exactly equal to the secondary
current multiplied by turns ratio, i.e. KTIs. This difference is due to the primary current is contributed
by the core excitation current. The error in current transformer introduced due to this difference is
called current error of CT or some times ratio error in current transformer.

Phase Error or Phase Angle Error in Current Transformer

For a ideal CT the angle between the primary and reversed secondary current vector is zero. But for
an actual CT there is always a difference in phase between two due to the fact that primary current
has to supply the component of the exiting current. The angle between the above two phases in
termed
asphase
angle
error
in
current
transformeror
CT.

Here
in
the
pharos
the phase angle error is usually expressed in minutes.

1.
2.
3.
4.

diagram

it

is

Cause of Error in Current Transformer

The total primary current is not actually transformed in CT. One part of the primary current is
consumed for core excitation and remaining is actually transformers with turns ratio of CT so
there is error in current transformer means there are both ratio error in current
transformer as well as a phase angle error in current transformer.
How to Reduce Error in Current Transformer
It is desirable to reduce these errors, for better performance. For achieving minimum error in
current transformer, one can follow the following,
Using a core of high permeability and low hysteresis loss magnetic materials.
Keeping the rated burden to the nearer value of the actual burden.
Ensuring minimum length of flux path and increasing cross-sectional area of the core, minimizing
joint of the core.
Lowering the secondary internal impedance.
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Procedures to follow:
1. Visual and Mechanical Inspection
2. Electrical Tests:
1. Electrical Tests Current Transformers
2. Electrical Tests Voltage Transformers
3. Electrical Tests Coupling-Capacitor Voltage Transformers
4. Electrical Tests High-Accuracy Instrument Transformers (Reserved)
3. Test Values:
1. Test Values: Visual and Mechanical
2. Test Values: Current Transformers Electrical
3. Test Values:Voltage Transformers Electrical
4. Test Values: Coupling Capacitor Voltage Transformers
5. Test Values: High-Accuracy Instrument Transformers (Reserved)
4. Tables (100.5, 100.9 and 100.12)

1. Visual and Mechanical Inspection

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Compare equipment nameplate datawith drawings and specifications.

Inspect physical and mechanical condition.
Verify correct connection of transformers with system requirements.
Verify that adequate clearances exist between primary and secondary circuit wiring.
Verify the unit is clean.
Inspect bolted electrical connections for high resistance using one or more of the
following methods:
1. Use of low-resistance ohmmeter in accordance with Section 2.1 and 2.2.
2. Verify tightness of accessible bolted electrical connections by calibrated torquewrench method in accordance with manufacturers published data or Table 100.12.
3. Perform thermographic survey.
7. Verify that all required grounding and shorting connections provide contact.
8. Verify correct operation of transformer withdrawal mechanism and grounding operation.
9. Verify correct primary and secondary fuse sizes for voltage transformers.
10. Verify appropriate lubrication on moving current-carrying parts and on moving and
sliding surfaces.
Go to Index of Procedures

2. Electrical Tests
2.1 Electrical Tests Current Transformers
1. Perform resistance measurements through bolted connections with a low-resistance
ohmmeter, if applicable, in accordance with Section 1.
2. Perform insulation-resistance test of each current transformer and its secondary wiring
with respect to ground at 1000 volts dc for one minute.For units with solid-state
components that cannot tolerate the applied voltage, follow manufacturers
recommendations.
3. Perform a polarity test of each current transformer in accordance with ANSI/IEEE C57.13.1.
4. Perform a ratio-verification test using the voltage or current method in accordance
with ANSI/IEEE C57.13.1.
5. Perform an excitation test on transformers used for relaying applications in accordance
with ANSI/IEEE C57.13.1.
6. Measure current circuit burdens at transformer terminals in accordance with
ANSI/IEEE C57.13.1.
7. When applicable, perform insulation-resistance tests on the primary winding with the
secondary grounded. Test voltages shall be inaccordance with Table 100.5.

8. When applicable, perform dielectric withstand tests on the primary winding with the
secondary grounded. Test voltages shall be inaccordance with Table 100.9.
9. Perform power-factor or dissipation-factortests in accordance with test
equipment manufacturers published data.
10. Verify that current transformer secondary circuits are grounded and have only one
grounding point in accordance with ANSI/IEEE C57.13.3. That grounding point should be
located as specified by the engineer in the project drawings.
Go to Index of Procedures

2.2 Electrical Tests Voltage Transformers

1. Perform resistance measurements through bolted connections with a low-resistance
ohmmeter, if applicable, in accordance with Section 1.
2. Perform insulation-resistance tests winding-to-winding and each winding-to-ground.
Test voltages shall be applied for one minute in accordance with Table 100.5. For units
with solid-state components that cannottolerate the applied voltage, follow
manufacturers recommendations.
3. Perform a polarity test on each transformer to verify the polarity marks or H1- X1
relationship as applicable.
4. Perform a turns-ratio test on all tap positions.
5. Measure voltage circuit burdens at transformer terminals.
6. ** Perform a dielectric withstand test on the primary windings with the secondary
windings connected to ground. The dielectric voltage shall be in accordance with Table
100.9. The test voltage shall be applied for one minute.
7. Perform power-factor or dissipation-factortests in accordance with test
equipment manufacturers published data.
8. Verify that voltage transformer secondary circuits are grounded and have only one
grounding point in accordance with ANSI/IEEE C57.13.3. The grounding point should be
located as specified by the engineer in the project drawings.
Go to Index of Procedures

2.3 Electrical Tests Coupling-Capacitor Voltage Transformers

1. Perform resistance measurements through bolted connections with a low-resistance
ohmmeter, if applicable, in accordance with Section 1.
2. Perform insulation-resistance tests winding-to-winding and each winding-to-ground.
Test voltages shall be applied for one minute in accordance with Table 100.5. For units
with solid-state components that cannottolerate the applied voltage, follow
manufacturers recommendations.

3. Perform a polarity test on each transformer to verify the polarity marking.

SeeANSI/IEEE C93.1 for standard polarity marking.
4. Perform a turns-ratio test on all tap positions, if applicable.
5. Measure voltage circuit burdens at transformer terminals.
6. ** Perform a dielectric withstand test on the primary windings with the secondary
windings connected to ground. The dielectric voltage shall be in accordance with Table
100.9. The test voltage shall be applied for one minute.
7. Measure capacitance of capacitor sections.
Go to Index of Procedures

2.4 Electrical Tests High-Accuracy Instrument Transformers (Reserved)

3. Test Values
3.1 Test Values Visual and Mechanical
1. Compare bolted connection resistance values to values of similar connections.
Investigate values which deviate from those of similar bolted connections by more than 50
percent of the lowest value. (1.6.1)
2. Bolt-torque levels shall be in accordance with manufacturers published data. In the
absence of manufacturers published data, use Table 100.12.
3. Results of the thermographic survey.
4. Perform power-factor or dissipation-factortests in accordance with test
equipment manufacturers published data.
5. Verify that the coupling-capacitor voltage transformer circuits are grounded and have only
one grounding point in accordance with ANSI/IEEE C57.13.3. That grounding point should
be located as specified by the engineer in the project drawings.
Go to Index of Procedures

3.2 Test Values: Current Transformers Electrical

1. Compare bolted connection resistance values to values of similar connections.
Investigate values which deviate from those of similar bolted connections by more than 50
percent of the lowest value.
2. Insulation-resistance values of instrument transformers shall not be less than values shown
in Table 100.5.
3. Polarity results shall agree with transformer markings.

4. Ratio errors shall be in accordance with C57.13.

5. Excitation results shall match the curve supplied by the manufacturer or be in accordance
with ANSI C57.13.1.
6. Measured burdens shall be comparedto instrument transformer ratings.
7. Insulation-resistance values of instrumenttransformers shall be in accordance
with manufacturers published data. In the absence of manufacturers published data,
useTable 100.5.
8. If no evidence of distress or insulation failure is observed by the end of the total time of
voltage application during the dielectricwithstand test, the primary winding is considered to
have passed the test.
9. Power-factor or dissipation-factor values shall be in accordance with manufacturers
published data. In the absence of manufacturers published data, use test equipment
manufacturers published data.
10. Test results shall indicate that the circuits have only one grounding point.
Go to Index of Procedures

3.3 Test Values: Voltage Transformers Electrical

1. Compare bolted connection resistance values to values of similar connections.
Investigate values which deviate from those of similar bolted connections by more than 50
percent of the lowest value.
2. Insulation-resistance values of instrument transformers shall be in accordance
with manufacturers published data. In the absence of manufacturers published data, use
Table 100.5.
3. Polarity results shall agree with transformer markings.
4. Ratio errors shall be in accordance with C57.13.
5. Measured burdens shall be comparedto instrument transformer ratings.
6. If no evidence of distress or insulation failure is observed by the end of the total time of
voltage application during the dielectricwithstand test, the primary windings are considered
to have passed the test.
7. Power-factor or dissipation-factor values shall be in accordance with manufacturers
published data. In the absence of manufacturers published data, use test equipment
manufacturers published data.
8. Test results shall indicate that the circuits are grounded at only one point.
Go to Index of Procedures

3.4 Test Values: Coupling Capacitor Voltage Transformers

1. Compare bolted connection resistance values to values of similar connections.

Investigate values which deviate from those of similar bolted connections by more than 50
percent of the lowest value.
2. Insulation-resistance values of instrument transformers shall not be less than values shown
in Table 100.5.
3. Polarity results shall agree with transformer markings.
4. Ratio errors shall be in accordance with C57.13.
5. Measured burdens shall be comparedto instrument transformer ratings.
6. If no evidence of distress or insulation failure is observed by the end of the total time of
voltage application during the dielectric withstand test, the test specimen is considered to
have passed the test.
7. Capacitance of capacitor sections of coupling-capacitor voltage transformers shall be
in accordance with manufacturers published data.
8. Power-factor or dissipation-factor values shall be in accordance with manufacturers
published data. In the absence of manufacturers published data, use test equipment
manufacturers published data.
9. Test results shall indicate that the circuits are grounded at only one point.
Go to Index of Procedures

3.5 Test Values: High-Accuracy Instrument Transformers (Reserved)

TABLE 100.5
Transformer Insulation Resistance Acceptance Testing

Table 100.5 Transformer Insulation Resistance Acceptance Testing

In the absence of consensus standards, the NETA Standards Review Council suggests the above representative values.
NOTE: Since insulation resistance depends on insulation rating (kV) and winding capacity (kVA), values obtained should
be compared to manufacturers published data.

Go to Index of Procedures

TABLE 100.9
Instrument Transformer Dielectric Tests Field Acceptance

Table 100.9 Instrument Transformer Dielectric Tests Field Acceptance

Table 100.9 is derived from Paragraph 8.8.2 and Tables 2 of ANSI/IEEE C57.13-1993, Standard Requirements for
Instrument Transformers.
+ Periodic dc potential tests are not recommended for transformers rated higher than 34.5 kV.
* DC potential tests are not recommended for transformers rated higher than 200 kV BIL. DC tests may prove beneficial
as a reference for future testing. In such cases the test direct voltage shall not exceed the original factory test rms
alternating voltages.

Go to Index of Procedures

TABLE 100.12
US Standard Fasteners Bolt-Torque Values for Electrical
Connections

Table 100.12.1 Heat-Treated Steel Cadmium or Zinc Plated

Table 100.12.2 Silicon Bronze Fasteners

Table 100.12.3 Aluminum Alloy Fasteners

Table 100.12.4 Stainless Steel Fasteners

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