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Current Transformer
Testing Guide

Engr. Qazi Arsalan Hamid

 Please see below mention Current Transformer(CT)
name plate data;

Introduction
This is Outdoor CT, it can work upto 15KV line,
frequency mention is 60Hz, it is multi ratio CT of
150:300:5; multi ratio CT is developed with the help of
tapping at CT’s Secondary, but you can use one ratio
at a time, means i can use it as 300:1 or as 150:1 CT at
a single event, and if i am using 150:1(X2 & X3), i do
not need to short rest of the CT section(X1 &X2), but
please remember this is not the practice of multi core
CT, if i have multi core CT of 300:1:1, and it is desig-
nated as protection (300:1) and measurment(300:1)
CT, i have to Test only protection core, then it is men-
datory to short the remaining measurment CT core.
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Why?because multi core 300:1:1 CT is actaully rep- BIL is bulk impulse lightning voltage,this viltage is
resenting two CTs of 300:1 ratios with single primary definif insulation withstand capability of CT against
current of 300A, if any of secondary core remains defined voltage value.
open, it will act as a open circuit CT under excitation, Now we will observe a IEC coded CT,
and remember open circuit CT under excitation is the
most dangerous practice in protection engineering
field which will result in human casuality and equip-
ment damage.

Now see name plate data again, Basic Ratio is 30:60:1,

Rating Factor(RF) is 1.5, RF is the maximum current
at which a CT can operate continuously, without ex-
ceeding the thermal limits of its insulation. if it is 1.5
and CT ratio is 300:5 , means upto 450 A contineous
current CT can operate continuously, without exceed-
ing the thermal limits of its insulation.
Accuracy given is 0.3%, this CT nameplate is IEEE/
ANSI coded, B0.1 means burden of 0.1 ohms and B1.6
means burden is 1.6 ohms, so B0.1 toB1.6 is defining
burden range, burden of CT is the load connected to Now see, this CT have ratio of 400-200-100/1-1-1-1A,
secondary of CT. means it is at a time multi ratio and multi core(4), but
we can use it either as a multi ratio or multi core in
this CT is oil Filled , means insultation medium is oil, single event, or we can say it is actually CT with men-
secondary connection is X1-X3 and X2-X3. tion below options
Please note if secondary connection will be written as
1X1-1X3 and 2X1-2X3 then the CT will be multi core *.It may be use as 400/1-1-1-1 or 200/1-1-1-1 or
CT. 100/1-1-1-1
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NSV is net service or operating voltage which is here
33KV, HSV is highest service or rated voltage, which
is 36KV, IL is power frequency and impulse withstand
voltages, here IL is 70/170KV, so power frequency is
70 KV, this power frequency withstand voltage is, as
per IEC always for one minute duration, and impulse
withstand voltage is highest or peak value of lightning
voltage.
Burden is 30 VA, and as secondary is 1A, so our bur-
den in ohms is,
it is 4 cores CT, so corewise classes are mention,
Core 1’s Class is 5P10, it is protection class, protection
class CT is divided in two classes
5P and 10P, these are accuracy classes, accuracy classes
are defining composite error(CE) of CT, 5p means 5%
CE, and 10P means 10% CE, then 10 in 5P10 is accu-
racy limit factor,
Now our ALF as we see in 5P10 is 10, and if we will
consider primary current of 400A, then our highest
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value of primary current at which accuracy of CT re-
mains intact is 10x400=4000A,
So upto 4000A, the composite error will be less then
or equal to 5%(5P is accuracy class), but after 4000A it
will become more then 5%.
second core is metering class, metering CT’s classes
are mention below
0.1,0.2,0.5,1,3
The 3rd and 4th cores belongs to special protection
class(PS).
STC is short thermal current, it is also called as rated
short time thermal current(Ith), it is defined as the
r.m.s value of the primary current which a transform-
er will withstand for a second without suffering harm-
full effect, during this value of primary current inject
secondary will remain short cirucited.
Rated Dynamic current(Idyn), is the peak value of the
primary current which a transformer will withstand
without electrical and mechanical damage, during this
value of primary current inject secondary will remain
short cirucited. Idyn is 2.5 times of Ith,
= 2.5*25=62.5KA
Secondary resistance (RCT) is the combined inherited
resistance of secondary circuit of CT.

Knee point Voltage is the voltage at which CT errors

maximize, or where primary current transformed
mostly in excitation current rather then secondary
current, for test purpose it is the voltage which when-
ever increase by 10% it will result in 50% increase in
excitation current.

Knee point voltages have different formulae, but all

drived from one basic formula,

VK=IZ
it will become, VK=ALF*ISN*(RCT+RB+RLead)
RB is burden resistance, we have 400-200-100/1-1-1-1,
5P10, 30VA CT, if lead resistance is not mention con-
sider it zero, RCT is 4 to 5 at 75 degree celcius

VK = ALF * ISN * (RCT + RB + RLead)

VK=10*1*(4+30+0)
VK=340V
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CT Representation in Schematic Draw- Testing Practices
ings
Here CT is connected via Test block to OVERCURRENT De-Magnetizing of CT
Relay, these CTs are multi ratio CT, you can recognize them
from secondary core codes 1S1,1S2 and 1S3. Before any testing practice, we need to demagnetize
CT, WHY? may be there is residual flux/magnetiza-
tion flux in CT, this residual flux may be due to previ-
Test Switches ous CT Testing or may be subjected to high current.
Current switches consisting of a test jack and current short-
ing elements are placed in current circuits to facilitate check- Two methods are available for demagnetization of CT,
out, troubleshooting, calibration, and periodic testing of one is similar to knee point testing, 2nd method is us-
relays, meters, transducers, and instrumentation. These ing secondary loop resistance reduction.
switches permit testing to take place without de-energizing
the primary circuit and may be a separate unit or built into a 1st method
protective relay case.
Connect CT as shown below
Test Jacks
The test jack is used to allow current measurements to be
taken without opening the circuit by inserting a test plug into
the test jack. The test plug is a two-wire device connected to
an ammeter. Inserting the test plug into the test jack places
the ammeter in series with the current circuit. Before the test
plug is inserted into the jack, extreme care should be taken
to make sure that a complete low-impedance circuit exists
1.1st put off circuit breaker
through the ammeter.
2. Confirm supply zero by short and ground method
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3. Remove Test block of CT
4. Insert Test plugs of your power source, as per circuit
the ammeter must be in series with AC source and CT,
Voltmeter must be connected in parallel of AC source
and CT.
5. Primary of CT shown open circuit, it is actually in-
formed that breaker is at off and ground position.
6. Unmarked outputs of primary and secondary of CT
must be short by Jumpers, Jumpers are flexible thin
copper conductors
7. Safe distance of work must be 7 to 8 feet (min)
8. This demagnetization process is similar to the exci-
tation voltage test
9. Test Power supply is AC with Variable Transformer
9. 1st Raise voltage with the help of Variable Trans-
former , and identify the point of CT saturation, by
point i mean identify the voltage level at which slight
increase give more deflection/reading as compare to
previous reading in Ammeter, that point is identify as
minimum value of saturation/knee point voltage.
10. Now reduce the voltage supply gradually to Zero
value, wait for the Ammeter reading of Zero Ampere,
once you observe this value.it is information that your
CT is demagnetized.

2nd method
Connect CT as shown on next page
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1.1st put off circuit breaker
2. Confirm supply zero by short and ground method
3. Remove Test block of CT
4. Insert Test plugs of your power source, as per circuit
the ammeter must be in series with AC source and CT,
Voltmeter must be connected in parallel of AC source
and CT.
5. Connect Low Value of Variable Resistor across Pri-
mary conductor of CT
6. Safe distance of work must be 7 to 8 feet (min)
7. Test Power supply is AC with Variable Transformer
8. 1st Raise voltage with the help of Variable trans-
former, and same time raise the resistor value, observe
the knee point voltage and excitation current values,
now reduce voltage from variable transformer and re-
sistance from variable resistor value to zero, your CT
is demagnetized.
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9. you can series connected Ammeter on Primary conductor of CT, when you reduced resistance to zero value , it is out of service method, out of service you need to
there is significant drop in current value at primary conductor which will be shown by this series ammeter, this remove CT from compartment or switch chamber.
reduction notify that CT is now demagnetized.
1. Shut off breaker
Ratio Test: 2. Check Supply Zero state
Connect CT as shown below 3. short and ground the circuit breaker
4. Remove CT from Chamber
5. CT Primary bar, you can use as primary conductor
for CT Test
6. Now connect Primary bar conductor of CT to Test
Power Supply Circuit
7. Test Power Supply circuit is consist of AC Power
Supply, Variable Transformer, Loading Transforme
and Reference CT , Ammeter is connected at second-
ary of reference CT.
8. Reference CT is CT with know ratio, i.e.
100:1,200:1etc.i used 200:1.
9. Loading Transformer is controlling transformer and
designed to provide rated output voltage at full output
VA.
9. place jumpers at loading transformer and unmarked
outputs of CTs primary and secondary.
10. Variable Transformer rating is 8KVA, 240v/6v, and
will inject upto 1200A.(Safe Distance must maintain)
11. We will inject 25% of CT primary current rating, if
CT ratio is 1200:1, i will inject 25% of 1200A, which is
144A.
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12. Then observe values at Ammeter of reference CT method is using CT Analyzer. CT Analyzer is composed of meters, calibrated CTs, holding, filtering and sampling
and Ammeter at CT secondary. microprocessor circuits.

In-service Method is mention below 1. in this method, no need to take CT out of Chamber
1. Maintain Safe Distance of work 2. For Connections, we need to shut off the breaker
2. Use Clamp meter on secondary 3. Connect CT Analyzer as mention below
3. As per IEEE Std C57.13.1-2017, Guide advised
clampmeter on primary side also, but i suggest to take
primary current reading from associated microproces-
sor relay or energy meter.
4. Note Reading of secondary current from clamp on
ammeter
5. From Energymeter, please note circuit current or
feeder current which will be primary current
6. Now if we have 400:1, and Energymeter or micro-
processor is showing 200A or 1% less as compare to
rated value at primary and Clamp on meter on sec-
ondary is showing 0.5 or 0.49 or 0.48 or 0.47A, then
ratio is correct as per nameplate data.
7. Always remember the safe distance of work in this
method is 3 to 4 feet, you must wear safety PPE during 4. After connection, put on circuit breaker, so supply will be normal.
clamping of meter 5. Sample and hold circuit of analyzer will capture the simultaneous primary and secondary current amplitudes
8. Please note your Clamp meter must be calibrated and phase angles between them,Calibrated CTs in CT analyzer are used to provide low scale replica of Under
and allowable errors of clamp meter must be known to study or at Test CT’s current values.
you. 6. microprocessor will do math on these captured values and show result on display
7. The result then will be compared with nameplate data
Another method and we can say precious and modern This method is more accurate and modern.
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Polarity test

DC voltage test Method

Connect CT as per below mention circuit, please note circuit breaker must be at off & ground position

1. We used 6V or 10V DC voltage battery

2. We used analogue meter(Ammeter or Voltmeter), as deflection is the main source of detection in this test
method
3. +ve of DC battery is connected to marked point(X1) of CT’ secondary lead , -ve of DC battery is connected to
unmarked point of CT’ secondary lead, 1switch/Knife switch is connected in series with DC battery and CT’ Sec-
ondary.
4. +ve terminal of Analogue meter(Ammeter or Voltmeter) is connected to Primary conductor marked
point(H1),-ve terminal of Analogue meter(Ammeter or Voltmeter) is connected to Primary conductor unmarked
point.
5. Whenever switch connect, the deflection on Analogue meter will be forward and vice versa.
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If a bushing CT, installed in a power transformer, is being tested by connecting the battery to the power
transformer terminals, the other CT windings on the same phase of the power transformer may have to be
short-circuited in order to obtain a reading.

Warning: A dangerous voltage may be generated while disconnecting the battery from the transformer winding;
therefore, a resistor may be connected in parallel with the CT winding before disconnecting the dc source. The
ohmic value of the resistor should be in the range of the dc resistance of the winding and should be of appropriate
wattage. This would avoid overvoltage and arcing when the dc source is disconnected. After a few seconds the re-
sistance can be disconnected. Alternatively, if a knife switch is not used, a hot stick or rubber gloves must be used
for connecting and disconnecting the battery.

AC voltage test—oscilloscope
Connect CT as per below mention circuit, please note circuit breaker must be at off & ground position

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If only a single-channel oscilloscope is available, the preferred method is to apply secondary voltage to the 1.In this method, the main role is played by two am-
vertical input terminals, V, and primary voltage to the horizontal input terminals, H, with polarities as indicated meters A1 and A2.
in the diagram. If the slope of the line is positive as shown as it would be when the same voltage is applied to both 2. The correct polarity is identified when Reading on
inputs, then the polarity is in accordance with terminal markings. If a dual-channel oscilloscope is available, pri- A2 is more then A1.
mary and secondary voltages should be displayed on separate channels. If the resulting waveforms are in polarity
agreement (as they would be when the same voltage is applied to both channels), the polarity is correct. If the os- Insulation resistance test
cilloscope is calibrated, the current-transformer ratio can be obtained directly by measuring the magnitude of the Equipment we require in this test is Insulation Resist-
voltage waveforms and multiplying by the scale constants of the oscilloscope. The ammeter is provided only for ance Tester.
indication of excessive excitation current.

Current method
Connect CT as per below mention circuit, please note circuit breaker must be at off & ground position

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Connect CT as per below mention circuit, please note circuit breaker must be at off & ground position Insulation tester leads shall be connected as defined below

Test voltage shall be selected according to given table. The durationcould be 1min to 10min, and the reading shall be taken after this
The voltage shall be applied between duration.Before disconnecting the test leads test object shall be discharged throughground. The same procedure shall be followed
1. Primary to secondary plus ground (covered during switchgear test). for other phases.
2. Secondary to primary plus ground. Influencing factors: Insulation resistance value is influenced by various factors like temperature,humidity, and moisture. The ambi-
3. Secondary core to core.Test voltage limits mentioned in table given below. The ambient temperature shall ent temperature value shall be noted during test. The relation between temperature and insulation resistance is inversely propor-
benoted down during test. tional.

Test methods:
Short time or spot reading:In this method the megger instrument is connected insulation to be tested andis applied for 60sec.
The reading is recorded at the end of that time.
Time resistance method:In this method the testing is fairly independent of temperature providesconsiderably more information
about the condition of insulation than the spotmeasurement. The test voltage shall be applied for 10minutes and readings are taken
every 15sec for the first minute and every minute for 10 minutes.Dielectric absorption factor, polarization index could be calculated
as below,
Dielectric absorption factor = 60sec reading/ 30sec reading.Polarization index = 10min reading / 1min reading.The insulation con-
dition could be categorized as shown in the Polarisation index table given above.
Step or multi- voltage method:This method requires a multi voltage megger instrument, preferably with 1:5voltage ratio
ranges. Any reduction of insulation resistance at higher voltage isa sign of an insulation weakness.
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Winding and lead resistance (internal resistance)
Secondary resistance test is to verify the CT secondary
winding resistance withspecified one and no discon-
tinuity in the winding. This value can be used inother
calculations. Loop resistance to ensure load is con-
nected properly andcircuits not left open.
The circuit connection shall be made as shown Figure
given below for secondary resistance.
Measure the dc resistance value and record. The same
shall bedone for all taps and cores. These values are in-
fluenced by temperature,so ambient temperature must
be recorded during this test.
The circuit connection shall be made as shown in Fig-
ure for loop resistance.Measure the dc resistance in-
cluding CT and load, phase by phase andvalues can be
compared between them.
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MAGNETIZATION CURVE TEST
Magnetization Curve test is to confirm the magnetisation characteristics of CT with nameplate specification.This
test shall be conducted before ratio test and after secondary resistance and polarity test, since residual magnetism
left in the core due to DC test(polarity, resistance), which leads additional error in ratio test. The meters used for
this test shall be having true RMS measurement.The circuit connection shall be made as shown Figure.
The primary should be open during test.
Demagnetisation:Before start the test demagnetise the core by Inject voltage on secondaryterminals and increase
up to where considerable increment in current with small voltage increment. Now start decreasing the voltage to
zero, the rate atwhich increased.
Magnetisation test(Voltage Method):Now increase the voltage and monitor the excitation current up to the
CTreaching near to saturation point. Record the reading of voltage and currentat several points. Plot the curve
and evaluate the Vk and Img from the graph
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Magnetisation test(Current Method):
Please connect CT as per below connection
drawing, prior to this please shut off the breaker
and ground it.
1. Please note this primary injection Test, so
please maintain safe distance of work
2. Secondary of CT is remain off
3. One Voltmeter(better i suggest digital meter)
will be connected in parallel to CT open Second-
ary
4. One ammeter must be connected in series with
Primary current injector.
5. The secondary open-circuit voltage is
plotted against the transformed primary exciting
current.
6. The observed values of current must be divid-
ed by the CT ratio in order to compare observed
data with the manufacturer’s data or other refer-
ence.
25
Magnetisation test(Variable frequency test method)
An ac excitation voltage is applied to secondary terminals while the primary winding is left
open-circuit. Voltage, current, and phase on the secondary terminals are measured simultane-
ously to plot the excitation curve.
When measuring below 120 V, nominal frequency (i.e., 50 Hz) is used. For voltage above 120
V, the frequency is reduced to reach the necessary flux level. This method is available in a com-
mercial CT analyzer. This method has been validated by an independent test lab and produces
an accurate result.
Admittance test
A CT analyzer with admittance testing capability checks for abnormal admittance by injecting
an audio frequency into the secondary winding of an in-service CT, and by detecting the circuit
admittance. Any audio frequency signal between 1 kHz and 2 kHz would probably be satisfac-
tory. One analyzer uses an audio frequency of 1575 Hz to avoid the probability of any multiple
harmonic of the fundamental system frequency being present in the system, and possibly caus-
ing a false signal in the audio frequency-detecting circuitry.
Relaying or metering accuracy CTs have very small errors when operated within the specified
current and burden ratings. Therefore, it is known that the circuit admittance of any particu-
lar CT and the circuit connected to it is very nearly constant throughout the normal operating
range unless a fault condition develops. If the
admittance measurement shows a deviation from normal while the CT is in service, it is likely
that the CT has: 1) an internal short (usually a shorted turn); 2) an abnormal internal or exter-
nal resistance (such as a high-resistance connection—loose or corroded); or 3) the CT is op-
erating under abnormal conditions (such as a dc component in the primary current). Serious
faults are immediately obvious due to an abnormally high admittance reading, usually at least
1.5 times the normal reading. A CT with an incorrect ratio, or connected to the wrong tap will
provide readings substantially different than the normal readings.
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BURDEN TEST
Please connect CT as per below connection draw-
ing, prior to this please shut off the breaker and
ground it

Burden test is to ensure the connected burden to CT

is with in the ratedburden, identified on the name-
plate.Injected the rated secondary current of the CT,
from CT terminals towards load side by isolating the
CT secondary with all connected load and observethe
voltage drop across the injection points.
The burden VA can be calculated as,
Burden VA = Voltage drop x rated CT sec. Current.

Limits: The calculated burden should be less than rates

CT burden.
Note:Ammeter selector switch should be at respec-
tive phase during test.High impedance relays shall be
shorted during the test.
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 Special Cases Generator CTs
For Ratio Test, preferred method is Voltage method
CT in a closed-delta transformer connection For Polarity Test, preferred method is AC Voltage
Ratio and polarity tests must be made prior to Test-oscilloscope method
assembly if the delta winding terminals are not
brought out, unless a test set is used that can
compensate for this. Ratio tests must be made by
the voltage method(Testing Kit must be connect-
ed as per given below connection figure), The En-
gineer should be made aware that it is necessary
to short circuit the unused winding of the affect-
ed phase of the power transformer when making
the polarity test.

Bibliography:
1. IEEE Guide for Field Testing of Relaying Current
Transformers
2. Schneider Electric-Testing and Commissioning of
Electrical Equipment

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