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Home Science & Nature Physics Electricity & Magnetism

Functions of a Current Transformer

Varying the Current of Electricity in AC Power Supplies
Jun 2, 2009 Carla Marie Boulianne
Step-Down Transformers - Dennis Matheson/ Flickr.comWhat is a current
transformer and how does a transformer work when used in an AC electrical
circuit?
Safe, cost-effective delivery and use of electrical power requires an
ability to change the current and voltage transmitted through a circuit.
Current transformers perform this function using electromagnetic fields.
Definition of a Current Transformer
A current transformer raises or lowers the current of an AC circuit in a
predictable manner dependent on the ratio between the windings. For
example, a 100:1 ratio current transformer, 100 amps flowing throw the
primary transformer winding will result in a current of 1 amp through the
secondary winding. According to Ohm's Law, power is conserved; therefore,
the effect of a current transformer on voltage is inverse to its effect on

current.
How Does a Current Transformer Work?
A current transformer consists of primary and secondary coils of wire
wrapped around a core, usually made of steel or a nickel alloy.
Transformer windings are electrically insulated from each other and from
the core. The winding connected to the power supply is called the primary
winding. The transformer winding in which current is induced is called the
secondary winding.
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As current passes through the primary winding, an electromagnetic field is
produced which induces a current in the electrically isolated secondary
winding.The number of coils in a winding determine the amount of current
and voltage in the circuit. By altering the coil ratio between the primary
and secondary winding, a current transformer can alter the current, either

stepping it up or down, while conserving power.

Uses for Current Transformers
Current transformers are used in the AC power supplies of appliances, in
ground fault circuit interrupter circuit breakers, and in AC power supply
grids.
What are the Functions of a Current Transformer?
A current transformer can function in:
Read on
Glossary of Home Electrical Terms
Foreign Travel AC Voltage Power Converters
Understanding Home Wiring
metering of power to track energy use
monitoring of current flow through a circuit
relay of power through an energy grid
control of the state of a circuit (open or closed) in a ground fault
circuit interrupter
 protection of instruments and appliances connected to AC power supplies
Metering Functions of a Current Transformer
Current across the secondary winding of a transformer is directly
proportional to the current across the primary winding. Direct measurement
of current across the second winding allows an indirect calculation of the
current conducted across the primary winding. Measurements may be used for
calculating energy usage in power supply billing.
Monitoring Functions of a Current Transformer
Current measurements across the secondary winding may be used to monitor
and display the current conducted along a circuit or power line to check
for spikes and drops.
Relaying Functions of a Current Transformer
Power grid transformers may be used to increase or decrease the current of
the power supply. A step-up transformer increase the current and decrease
the voltage of power from an energy plant generator before transmission
over long distance power lines. This reduces the costs of transmission by
permitting use of smaller power lines with less energy loss. Step-down
transformers lower current at the point of use.
Control Functions of a Current Transformer
Measurements from the secondary winding of a current transformer may
trigger switches in controllers such as ground fault circuit interrupter
(GFCI) circuit breakers when measurements exceed allowed parameters.
Protection Functions of a Current Transformer
Metering, monitoring, and control equipment used with AC power supplies
can be damaged by high currents. Transformers can step-down current so
that appliance circuitry is protected. For this reason, current
transformers are often termed instrument transformers.
Current Transformers Perform Critical Roles in the Use of Electricity
Without current transformers, long distance transmission of electricity
would not be cost-effective. Home use of AC power would not be safe. The
metering, monitoring, relaying, control and protection functions of
current transformers enable the essential role electricity plays in high
technology societies.
Copyright Carla Marie Boulianne. Contact the author to obtain permission
for republication.
Print Article | Share Article | Recommend Article!
Step-Down Transformers - Dennis Matheson/ Flickr.com 750 kVA
Transformer Windings - Patrick Finnegan/ Flickr.com Step-Up Transformer
- Victoria Catterson/ Flickr.com Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter Outlet

- saaby/ Flickr.comStep-Down Transformers - Dennis Matheson/

Flickr.com750 kVA Transformer Windings - Patrick Finnegan/
Flickr.comStep-Up Transformer - Victoria Catterson/ Flickr.comGround
Fault Circuit Interrupter Outlet - saaby/ Flickr.com Step-Down
Transformers - Dennis Matheson/ Flickr.com 750 kVA Transformer Windings
- Patrick Finnegan/ Flickr.com Step-Up Transformer - Victoria Catterson/
Flickr.com Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter Outlet - saaby/ Flickr.comAd
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www.elec-di.com
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www.hvmtech.com
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Comments
Mar 8, 2010 5:40 AMGuest : this aricle provides an excellent insight to
current transformers for novice readers like me,thanks to people who
composed and contributed to this article
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Mechanical & Programmable Complete range of Winding Solutions
www.windingmachine.in
Electric circuit breakers
Free access to LV switchgear functions & selection
www.electrical-installation.org
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Good Quality & Reasonable Prices Semi-automatic to fully automatic
www.wincowire.com
Toroidal cores
high magnetic perf., custom design chamfering, coating, all types
www.technotron.cz
Ads by Google
Current Transformers
Standard & Customised Solutions for Your Current sensing requirement.
Electrohms.com
Siemens answers
Efficient energy supply Long-distance power transmission.
Siemens.com/India
OEM Surge Manufacturer
APT - Leading Surge Suppressor OEM Quality TVSS Product Line
www.AptTvss.com
AC-DC Converters, Mornsun
Smallest Size, High Quality 3-25W UL, CE or Medical Approved.
www.Mornsun-Power.com
Transformer Design News
Read the Latest Electronics Design News & Daily Updates from EW-
www.ElectronicsWeekly.com/Design
transformer
Specializes in transformer custom-made, quality certified
en.szjingye.net
Hyosung Power Transformer
Manufacturer of 765kV power TR Over 40 years of experience
www.hyosungpni.com

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