Everyone’s pet hate; Instrument transformers

the metering
transformer !!! and yet…
KEEP IN MIND THE FOLLOWING POINTS
It is not difficult to
Current and voltage sensors supply metering and control
make the correct command devices. Their galvanic insulation, ensures
choice as long as you the safety of the operating personnel.

know what you are he current Both current and voltage

talking about.
Today, we will take an
T transformer is
designed to give
the secondary a
current that is proportional
transformers must meet the
specifications of the medium
voltage network (voltage,
frequency, currents).
to the primary current. Current and voltage
initial look at this very transformers are both defined
interesting subject. he voltage

T
transformer is
designed to give
the secondary a
secondary voltage that
is proportional to the
primary voltage.
by their transformation ratio,
their accuracy power and
their accuracy class.
The accuracy class
depends on the type of
operation: metering or
protection.

on-magnetic

N sensors give
an output signal
in the form of
a voltage which is
proportional to the
derivative of the primary
current.
The definitions are issued by the
IEC 185 and IEC 186.

date
2
06/9
1•3 -
- B•
ed
revis
5
08/9
■ Merlin Gerin ■ Modicon ■ Square D ■ Telemecanique
Instrument transformers

GENERAL COMMENTS Current and voltage sensors supply metering and

control command devices. Their galvanic insulation
ensures the safety of the operating personnel.

hese sensors transform the current or voltage of the primary circuit

!
T into an output signal (to the secondary) which is adapted to the
protection, metering and control command devices of the network.
HELLO This signal will represent the input signal. The quality of the sensor will
E
WE AR depend on the error that it introduces in current error and phase
D “I”
“U” AN displacement.
The galvanic insulation electrically separates the primary circuit from the
secondary circuit. It enables the electric metering protection, control-
command system to be earthed, thus ensuring operator safety.
In medium voltage, metering transformers and non-magnetic sensors are
frequently used.

Metering transformers are magnetic sensors that

supply an output signal of the same type as the
input signal.

Their degree of accuracy depends on the saturation of the magnetic core.

They are used to supply typical metering and protection devices
(electromagnetic, static or microprocessor).
IT'S WORTH @@@@@@@@e?
@@@@@@@@e?
@@h?
@@h?
@@h?
@@h?
@@h?
@@h?
@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e
@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@
@@@@@@@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@

TO KNOW US ! @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
Example: @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@

@@ @@
@@ @@
@@
@@ @@
@@
@@ @@

A current transformer: transforms a current into current.

@@ @@
@@ @@
@@
@@

@@ @@
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@
@@ @@
@@
@@ @@
@@ @@

@@ @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@g
@@g
A voltage transformer: transforms a voltage into voltage. @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
?@@
?@@
@@g ?@@
@@g ?@@
@@g ?@@
@@g ?@@
@@@@@@@@ ?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@ ?@@@@@@@@
@@@@@@@@ ?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@ ?@@@@@@@@

Non-magnetic sensors give an output signal in the

form of a voltage which is proportional to the
derivative of the primary current.

They do not become saturated and have a linear response.

They are used to supply modern systems such as the Sepam.

date
2
06/9
1•3 -
- B•
ed
revis
5
08/9

page 2
Instrument transformers

GENERAL COMMENTS INSTRUMENT TRANSFORMERS ARE ABOVE ALL ELECTRICAL

(cont’d) TRANSFORMERS
nstrument transformers are above all electrical transformers that

l operate according to the same theoretical principles as power

transformers.

The current transformer is a transformer that is

connected to a low impedance (operation in virtual
short-circuit mode).

The current transformer gives its secondary a current that is proportional to

the primary current.
In a current transformer (CT), the ratio of current between primary and
secondary is constant.
Is
The secondary current is thus independent of the load.
Us Z
If Z is the load impedance of the CT, then at the secondary we have:
P = Z x Is2 and Us = Z x Is
P = power flow to the secondary,
Is = secondary current,
Us = secondary voltage,
if Z decreases, then P decreases.
If we short-circuit the secondary of the CT, Z = 0, P = 0, Us = 0 and there is
thus no risk of destruction.

We can thus short-circuit without damaging the

secondary of the CT.

However, if the secondary circuit remains open, Z tends to infinity, the power
and the voltage will, in theory, be infinate but are fortunately limited by the
magnetic and copper losses of the CT and the source.
Nethertheless, the voltage can attain a peak of several kV. It is thus
dangerous to leave a CT in an open circuit since, under these conditions,
date voltages, dangerous to personnel and to equipment may appear across its
2
06/9 terminals.
1•3 -
- B•
ed
revis
5
08/9

page 3
Instrument transformers

GENERAL COMMENTS The voltage transformer is a transformer that is

(cont’d)
connected to a very large impedance (use in virtual
open circuit mode).

voltage transformer is designed to give the secondary a voltage

A which is proportional to that applied to its primary. For a voltage

transformer (VT) the ratio of voltage between the primary and the
secondary is constant. The secondary voltage is independent of the load.
If Z is the load impedance of a VT, then at the secondary, we have:
2
Is U Us
P= s and I s =
Us Z Z Z
P = power flow to the secondary,
Is = secondary current,
Us = secondary voltage (imposed by the primary circuit),
if Z increases, then P and Is decrease.

Thus, we can put an impedance with a value of between the nominal

impedance and infinity across the terminals of a VT without any danger.

We can thus operate with a VT in an open circuit

without any danger.

However, if we decrease Z, the supplied power becomes excessive and the

VT is damaged.

Never connect a VT in short-circuit.

date
2
06/9
1•3 -
- B•
ed
revis
5
08/9

page 4
Instrument transformers

GENERAL COMMENTS And now, for a little theory.

(cont’d) WHAT IS A TRANSFORMER?
It is the piling up on a magnetic circuit of a primary winding and a
secondary winding insulated from each other.
IS IT PERFECT?
The transformer would be perfect if the product of the number of primary
turns N1 with the primary current I1 was equal to the product of the number
of secondary turns N2 with the secondary current I2.
magnetic circuit

Ip Is

Up N1 N2 Us Z

The device is thus defined by its transformation ratio. The secondary

Up current and voltage are oppositely phased to those of the primary.
1 Ip

I pn N
N

= 2 for a CT
p)

Kn =
(I

I sn N1

Up N
= 1 for a VT
Is

Kn =
2
N

Us N2
n Is )
(K

Us
UNFORTUNATELY NOT !!! (see following page)

date
2
06/9
1•3 -
- B•
ed
revis
5
08/9

page 5
Instrument transformers

GENERAL COMMENTS UNFORTUNATELY NOT !!!

(cont’d) n fact, the real transformer is comparable with a perfect transformer to

l which we add internal impedances which create losses.

Depending on the transformer operation, these losses will either be big
or small.

Ip R1 l1 I2 = Ip/n R2 l2 Is

N1 Ie
n=
l 1 ω Ip N2

Up Ep N2 N1 Es Us Z
R1 Ip Ip

Ep perfect transformer Im Ia
Up
ϕ1 Ip/n

B
Im φ
α
Legend:
Ia
Ie Ep = e.m.f. induced in the primary winding.
H Es = e.m.f. induced in the secondary winding.
ϕ2 Ip/n = primary current as a ratio of the secondary.
Is
Us Ie = exciting current (current across the primary circuit when the
Es transformer is in no-load).
Im = magnetizing current that ensures the transfer process of power from
one winding to another.
R2 Is
l 2 ω Is Ia = current losses in the magnetic circuit (losses from hysteresis and
Foucault currents).
R2, R1, = resistances of the primary and secondary windings which lead to
voltage drops.
l 1, l 2 = leakage inductances of the secondary and primary windings which
lead to voltage drops.
Is = secondary current.
Z = secondary load.
Us = voltage across secondary terminals.
α = angle of hysteresis.
ϕ1 = phase difference between the voltage and the primary current.
ϕ2 = phase difference between the voltage and the secondary current.

☞ Remark: for a current transformer, since the secondary winding is very

tight and regular, it is possible to ignore l 2.
date
2
06/9
1•3 -
- B•
ed
revis
5
08/9

page 6
Instrument transformers

CURRENT TRANSFORMER The current transformer is designed to give the

secondary a current that is proportional to the
primary current.

T he IEC standard 185 defines the conditions to which current

transformers must comply.
☞ Remark: Current transformers must comply with IEC standard 185 but
can also comply with standards BS 3938 and ANSI.
It is made up of one or more primary windings around one or more
principle N1 = 1 secondary windings each having their magnetic circuit, the whole device
being sealed in an insulating resin.
To guarantee a given accuracy, the product of N1 x Ip must always be
greater than a certain value.
if N1 = 1, then the device is :
■ bushing type: the primary becomes reduced to a
copper bar moving through the secondary winding.
■ bar primary type: it is the module’s own conductors
that act as the primary winding.
■ ring type: this is a CT through LV designed to be
installed on a medium voltage cable or on a passage.
The latter gives the insulation.

if N1 > 1, then the device is said to be of the

wound type.

N1 > 1 winding

date
2
06/9
1•3 -
- B•
ed
revis
5
08/9

page 7
Instrument transformers

CURRENT TRANSFORMER SPECIFICATIONS AND DEFINITIONS

(cont’d)
The current transformer must meet the specifications
of the medium voltage network.

A
s any device connected to the medium voltage network, the current
transformer must comply with the same constraints as the network
to which it is connected (voltage, frequency, currents; see binder B,
chapter 1, topic 1).
The specifications of current transformers are only valid for normal
operating conditions. A derating must be considered as a function of the
ambient temperatures in the cubicle and of altitude (see binder B, chapter
1, topic 1, page 3).

The current transformer must be adapted to the

protection, and metering devices.

The forseen application of the current transformer will enable the rated
primary and secondary currents, the power and the accuracy class to be
determined.
The rated current to the primary is defined by the standard. It is chosen
from the following values: 10 - 12.5 - 15 - 20 - 25 - 30 - 40 - 50 - 60 - 75 and
@@@@@@@@e?
@@@@@@@@e?
@@h?
@@h?
@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e
@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@
@@@@@@@@
@@
@@
their multiples or decimal factors.
@@h? @@
@@h? @@
@@h? @@
@@h? @@

@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
Example: 100 / 5A @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
The rated current to the secondary is either 1 A, or 5 A.
@@ @@

Ip n
@@ @@
@@
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
Kn = @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
The rated transformation ratio (Kn) is the ratio between the primary rated
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
Is n @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
current and the secondary rated current.
@@g ?@@
@@g ?@@
@@g ?@@
@@g ?@@
@@g ?@@
@@g ?@@
@@@@@@@@ ?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@ ?@@@@@@@@
@@@@@@@@ ?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@ ?@@@@@@@@

The rated output or the rated burden, is the apparent power (in VA at a
specified power factor) that the transformer can supply to the secondary
circuit for the rated secondary current and the accuracy load. The accuracy
load, is that on which the conditions of accuracy are based.
The standardized values are: 1 - 2.5 - 5 - 10 - 15 - 30 VA.
The accuracy power will be chosen according to the need.
Over-calibrating a rated burden may be dangerous.
The accuracy class defines the error limits that are guaranteed for the
transformation ratio and for the phase displacement with the specified
conditions of burden and current.
The error for the transformation ratio is the error in % that the transformer
introduces in the current measurement.
K n I s - I p x 100
current error (%) =
date
Ip
2
06/9 The phase displacement error or phase error is the difference in phase
1•3 - between the primary and secondary currents, it is an angle expressed in
- B•
revis
ed minutes.
5
08/9

page 8
Instrument transformers

CURRENT TRANSFORMER The accuracy class will depend on the forseen use of the
(cont’d) current transformer: Accuracy class for metering,
Accuracy class for protection.

METERING IN ACCORDANCE WITH IEC 185

application
laboratory instruments
precision metering
consumer metering
for industrial measurements
statistical metering
industrial control,
ammeters, wattmeters,
current recorder.
In metering, we need:
class
■ to have an accuracy adapted to the application for the normal
0.2 operational current,
■ to protect the devices in the case of a fault current.
0.5
The accuracy is defined by the accuracy class which
1 determines the permissible error in phase and in
current within a range of 5 to 120% of the rated
primary current.

accuracy % of current phase

The IEC standardized accuracy classes are: 0.1 - 0.2 - 0.5 - 1 - 3 - 5.
class rated error displacement Classes 0.5 and 1 are used in the majority of cases.
current ± % ± mn Class 0.2 is only used for accurate metering.
5 0.75 30 Classes 0.1 - 3 - 5 are never used in medium voltage.
20 0.35 15
0.2
100
120
0.2
0.2
10
10
☞ Particular case: Wide range current transformers : these devices can
be permanently used with a primary current of 120 or 150 or 200% of the
5 1.5 90 rated current.
20 0.75 45 The degree of heating and their accuracy are guaranteed.
0.5
100 0.5 30
120 0.5 30
5 3 180 The protection of metering devices in the case of a
20 1.5 90
1
100 1 60 fault is defined by the safety factor SF .
120 1 60

3 50 3 no The safety factor is the ratio of the value of the primary current Ipl for which
120 3 limit the magnetic circuit becomes saturated (to within 10% on the secondary),
5 50 5 no to the rated primary current (Ipn). The preferred values of SF are 5 and 10.
120 5 limit
The standard gives the following value: SF ≤ 10 *.
@@@@@@@@e? @@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e
@@@@@@@@e? @@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@
@@@@@@@@
@@h? @@
@@h? @@
@@h? @@
@@h? @@
@@h? @@
@@h? @@

* the smaller the SF, the quicker the CT will

ideal current
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
Assuming a CT : @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@

be saturated and the device will require @@ @@

greater protection in the instance of a short- s transformer @@

@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
500 /1A 15 VA cl 0.5 @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@

@@
@@
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@

circuit. @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@

In cases of a dual primary ratio, by tapping

@@
@@
@@
@@ Current transformer for metering. @@
@@
@@
@@

Kn
@@
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@
@@ @@

to the secondary, SF ≤ 10 will be applied to

@@
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@
@@ @@
@@
@@ @@
@@

Rated primary current 500 A.

@@ @@
@@ @@

the highest ratio. @@

@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@ @@

Equivalent ANSI-IEC standards, @@

@@
@@
@@
@@
@@

see appendix 8.
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
Rated secondary current: 1 A. @@
@@
@@
@@

@@
@@
@@
@@
@@ @@

actual current @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@

Accuracy class: 0.5

@@ @@
@@ @@

10 % transformer
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@

@@
@@
@@ @@

s @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
Rated burden 15 VA: @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@

I
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@

i.e. for a load of between @@

SF = pl
@@
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@
@@
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@
@@
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@

I pn @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
15/4 = 3.75 VA and 15 VA under 1 A @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@

date
@@ @@
@@
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@

at the secondary, the error on the

@@
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@

2
06/9
@@
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@
@@
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@

current will be of plus or minus 0.5%

@@ @@
@@
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@

1•3 - @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@

- B• Ip @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
and the phase error will not more than @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@

ed
revis
@@ @@

5
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@ 30 minutes. @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@

08/9 Ipl @@g

@@g
@@g
@@g
@@g
@@g
@@@@@@@@
@@@@@@@@ ?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@
?@@
?@@
?@@
?@@
?@@
?@@
?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@ ?@@@@@@@@
?@@@@@@@@

page 9
Instrument transformers

CURRENT TRANSFORMER PROTECTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH IEC 185

(cont’d) n protection, we need:

l to have an accuracy limit factor and an accuracy class adapted to the

application.
To have an accuracy limit factor (AFL) adapted to the application :
The accuracy factor limit is the ratio between:
I
ALF = pl ■ the accuracy limit current for which the error is guaranteed less than 5 to
I pn 10 % depending on whether the accuracy class is 5P or 10P:
■ and the rated primary current.
The larger the ALF is the less likely the device will become saturated.
The IEC values for ALF are: 5 -10 -15 - 20 - 30.

accuracy composite current phase

class error at error displacement
accuracy between error at
limit current I1n and 2I1n rated current
5P 5% ± 1% ± 60 mn
10P 10% ± 3% no limit
Equivalent ANSI-IEC standards, see appendix 8.

5P 10P

To have an accuracy adapted to the application:

The accuracy is defined by application accuracy
the accuracy class. class
differential protection class X
IEC accuracy classes are 5P, 10P
and class X. The class chosen impedance relay 5P

depends on the equipment current protection 10P

connected.
@@@@@@@@e? @@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?
@@@@@@@@e? @@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@
@@@@@@@@
@@h? @@
@@h? @@
@@h? @@
@@h? @@
@@h? @@
@@h? @@

@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
Assuming a CT: 100/1A 15VA 10P5 @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@

@@ @@
@@ @@
@@
@@
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@
@@

Protection current transformer.

@@ @@
@@
@@
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@
@@ @@
@@
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@
@@
@@ @@

@@ @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@

@@
@@
Rated primary current (Ipn): 100 A @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@ @@
@@
@@
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@
@@
@@ @@

@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
Rated secondary current (Isn): 1 A @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@

@@ @@
@@
@@ @@
@@
@@ @@

Rated burden: 15 VA
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@
@@
@@ @@

@@ @@
@@
@@
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@
@@
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@
@@

Accuracy class: 10P

@@ @@
@@ @@
@@
@@ @@
@@
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@
@@
@@ @@

@@ @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
Accuracy limit factor (ALF): 5 @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@

@@
@@
@@ @@
@@
@@
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@
@@
@@ @@

@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
For a supplied power of 15 VA under 1 A, the maximum error on the @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@

@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
secondary current will be: @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@

@@ @@
@@
@@
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@
@@
@@ @@

less than 3% to Ipn = 100 A,

@@ @@

■
@@ @@

@@ @@
@@ @@
@@
@@
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@
@@
@@ @@
@@ @@

@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
thus at the secondary (Isn x 3%) = 1 A x 3% = ± 0.03 A @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@

date
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
■ less than 10% to (Ipn x ALF) = 100 A x 5 = 500 A, @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@

2 @@

thus at the secondary (Isn x 5 x 10%) = 1 A x 5 x 10% = ± 0.5 A

@@

06/9
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@
@@
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@
@@
@@ @@

@@ @@
@@
@@
@@ @@
@@ @@

1•3 - @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@

The secondary current is thus between 4.5 et 5.5 A for a primary current
@@ @@

- B• @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@

revis
ed @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
of 500 A (i.e.: 5 x Ipn). @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
5
08/9
@@g ?@@
@@g ?@@
@@g ?@@
@@g ?@@
@@g ?@@
@@g ?@@
@@@@@@@@
@@@@@@@@ ?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@ ?@@@@@@@@
?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@ ?@@@@@@@@

page 10
Instrument transformers

CURRENT TRANSFORMER DEVICES DESIGNED FOR PROTECTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH BS STANDARD

(cont’d) (CLASS X)

he BS standard 3938 defines

T specifically, the secondaries of

protection windings under the
heading class X.
E
Class X, according to the BS
standard, is defined by the rated
10 % secondary current, the minimum knee-
Vk point voltage maximum resistance of
the current transformer’s secondary
winding and the maximum
magnetizing current at the rated knee-
50 % point voltage.
The rated knee-point voltage (Vk), is defined as that point at which a
further increase of 10% of secondary e.m.f. would require an increment of
I exciting current of 50%.
The maximum resistance of the secondary winding (Rct), is the
Im Im 1,51.5
Im Im
maximum resistance of this winding, corrected at 75 °C or at the maximum
operating temperature, whichever is greater.
knee-point voltage and
magnetizing current of a The maximum magnetizing current (Im), is the value of the magnetizing
transformer of class X current at the rated voltage, or at a specified percentage of the latter.

☞ In appendix 1, we give you the relation between the various

definitions of a current transformer and in appendix 2 an example of an
identification plate of a CT.

date
2
06/9
1•3 -
- B•
ed
revis
5
08/9

page 11
Instrument transformers

VOLTAGE TRANSFORMER The voltage transformer is designed to give the

secondary a voltage which is proportional to that
applied to the primary.

The IEC standard 186 defines the conditions with which voltage transformers
comply.
☞ Remark: voltage transformers comply with IEC standard 186 but can
be adapted to other standards such as VDE, BS, ANSI,…
It is made up of a primary winding, a magnetic circuit, one or several
secondary windings, everything being sealed in an insulating resin.
A voltage transformer can be left without risk in an open circuit, but it should
never be short circuited.

SPECIFICATIONS AND DEFINITIONS

The voltage transformer must comply with the

medium voltage network specifications.

A
s with any device connected to a medium voltage circuit, the voltage
transformer comply with the constraints imposed on the voltage,
current and frequency (see binder B, chapter 1, topic 1).
The specifications of voltage transformers are only valid for operation under
normal conditions. A derating should be applied as a function of the
ambient temperatures in the compartment and of altitude (see binder B,
chapter 1, topic 1, page 3).

The voltage factor is determined by the maximum

operating voltage, which depends on the network and
the earthing conditions of the primary winding.

date
2
06/9
1•3 -
- B•
ed
revis
5
08/9

page 12
Instrument transformers

VOLTAGE TRANSFORMER SPECIFICATIONS AND DEFINITIONS (cont’d)

(cont’d) The rated voltage factor is the factor by which the rated primary voltage
must be multiplied to determine the maximum voltage for which the
transformer must attain the required heating and accuracy as specified.
Depending on the earthing conditions of the network, the voltage
transformer must withstand this maximum voltage for the time that is
required to clear the fault.

standard values of rated voltage factors

rated voltage rated method of connecting the primary winding
factor time and system earthing conditions
between phases in any network.
1.2 continuous between transformer star-point
and earth in any network.
1.2 continuous between phase and earth in an effectively earthed
neutral system.
1.5 30 s
1.2 continuous between phase and earth in a non-effectively
earthed neutral system with
1.9 30 s automatic earth fault tripping.
between phase and earth in an isolated neutral
1.2 continuous system without automatic earth fault tripping or
in a resonant earthed system without automatic
earth fault tripping.
1.9 8h

Note: reduced rated times are permissible by agreement between manufacturer and user.

☞ Generally, voltage transformer manufacturers comply with VT

phase/earth 1.9 during 8 h and for the VT phase/phase 1.2 continuous.
rated primary voltage (Up):
Depending on their design, voltage transformers will be connected:
■ either between a phase and earth: ■ between phase and phase:
3000 100 U
/ Up = 3000/100 Up = U
3 3 3
Phase 1
U U
Phase 2

Phase 3

P
P S

date
2
06/9
1•3 -
- B•
ed
revis
5
08/9

page 13
Instrument transformers

VOLTAGE TRANSFORMER SPECIFICATIONS AND DEFINITIONS (cont’d)

(cont’d)

The voltage transformer must be adapted to the

requirements concerning the metering and
protection devices.

he forseen application of the voltage transformer determines the rated

T secondary voltage, the accuracy power and class and the thermal
power limit.
The rated secondary voltage is 100 or 110 V for a phase to phase
connected V.T. but for one phase transformers designed to be connected
between phase and earth the rated secondary voltage must be divided
by 3 100
(e.g. : )
3
The rated output or the rated burden, expressed in VA, is the apparent
power that the voltage transformer can supply to the secondary when it is
connected to the rated primary voltage and connected to its accuracy load.
It must not introduce an error in excess of the values guaranteed by the
accuracy class.
The standardized values are: 10 - 15 - 25 - 30 - 50 - 75 - 100 - 150 - 200 -
300 - 400 - 500 - VA.
The accuracy class defines the guaranteed limits of the voltage error and
1
+1 on the phase error under the specified conditions of burden and voltage.
—
=3 The voltage error is the error that the transformer introduces in the voltage
metering.

(k n U s - U p ) x 100
voltage error (%) =
Up

The phase displacement error is the difference in phase between the

primary voltage and the secondary voltage. It is expressed in minutes of a
degree.
The rated thermal limiting output is the apparent load that the transformer
can permanently supply at its rated secondary voltage without exceeding
the heating limits as defined by the standards.

date
2
06/9
1•3 -
- B•
ed
revis
5
08/9

page 14
 Instrument transformers

VOLTAGE TRANSFORMER The accuracy class will depend on the forseen use of the
(cont’d) voltage transformer: Accuracy class for metering,
Accuracy class for protection.

METERING IN ACCORDANCE WITH IEC 186

application accuracy
class The classes 0.5 and 1 are usually used.
not for 0.1
industrial use
accurate metering 0.2 he accuracy class is guaranteed if the voltage is between 80 and 120%
usual metering
statistical metering
and/or measurement
0.5

1
T of the rated primary voltage and for any load of between 25 and 100%
of the rated accuracy power with an inductive power factor of 0.8.
The IEC standardized accuracy classes are: 0.1 - 0.2 - 0.5 - 1 - 3.
measurement
no specific 3
The classes 0.1 and 0.2 are only used for laboratory devices.
accuracy The classes 0.5 and 1 are usually used.
The class 3 is very rarely used.

accuracy voltage error phase displacement phase displacement

class (of ratio) in ± % ± minutes ± centiradians
0.1 0.1 5 0.15
1 0.2 0.2 10 0.3
+1 0.5 0.5 20 0.6
—
≈2 1.0 1.0 10 1.2
3.0 3.0 not specified not specified
Equivalent ANSI-IEC standards, see appendix 8.

@@@@@@@@e? @@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?
@@@@@@@@e? @@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@
@@@@@@@@
@@h? @@
@@h? @@
@@h? @@
@@h? @@
@@h? @@
@@h? @@

@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
As an example @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@

@@
@@
@@
@@
@@ @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@ @@

@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@ 20000 110 Voltage transformer for measurement @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@

@@
@@
@@
@@ / 100 VA cl 1 @@
@@
@@
@@

Primary voltage = 20 000 V / 3

@@ @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@

@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
3 3 @@

@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@

@@
@@
@@
@@
@@ @@

Secondary voltage = 110 V / 3

@@ @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@ @@
@@ @@

@@ @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@ @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
Rated output = 100 VA @@
@@

@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@

@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
Accuracy class = 1 @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@

@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
i.e.: for a load of between @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@

@@
@@
@@
@@

100/4 = 25 VA and 100 VA and a

@@
@@
@@
@@
@@ @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@ @@

@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@ @@
@@
@@
@@

@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
primary voltage of between @@
@@
@@

@@
@@
@@
@@
@@

20000 x 80 = 16000 V and

@@
@@
@@
@@
@@ @@

@@ @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@ @@

@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
100 @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@

20000 x 120 = 24000 V

@@
@@
@@
@@
@@ @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@ @@

@@ @@
@@ @@

100
@@ @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@ @@
@@
@@
@@
@@

@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
The error for voltage will be more or @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@

@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
less 1% and the phase displacement @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@

date
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
error will not exceed 10 minutes. @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@g ?@@
@@g ?@@
@@g ?@@
2 @@g ?@@

06/9
@@g ?@@
@@g ?@@
@@@@@@@@
@@@@@@@@ ?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@ ?@@@@@@@@
?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@ ?@@@@@@@@

1•3 -
- B•
revis
ed ☞ Special case for our VT’s, see appendix 9 “referenced equipment”.
0 8/95

page 15
Instrument transformers

VOLTAGE TRANSFORMER PROTECTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH IEC 186

(cont’d)
In the pratice only 3P is used.

T he IEC accuracy classes are 3P and 6P. In practice, only class 3P is

used.
The accuracy class is guaranteed for:
■ voltage values between 5% of the primary voltage and the maximum
voltage which is the product of the primary voltage multiplied by the rated
voltage factor (kT x Un).
■ secondary load between 25% and 100% of the accuracy power with an
inductive power factor of 0.8.

ε % voltage accuracy voltage error in ± % phase displacement in mn

class between 5% of Un between 2% between 5% of Un between 2%
and kT x Un and 5% of Un and kT x Un and 5% of Un
3P 3 6 120 240
6P 6 12 240 480
Un = rated voltage
kT = voltage factor
voltage Equivalent ANSI-IEC standards, see appendix 8.

0.02
0,02 Un U0,05
n 0.05
Un Un 1,91.9
Un Un @@@@@@@@e?
@@@@@@@@e?
@@h?
@@h?
@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?
@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@
@@@@@@@@
@@
@@
@@h? @@
@@h? @@
@@h? @@
@@h? @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
As an example @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
The maximum voltage error will be 3% @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@ and the maximum phase displacement @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@

20000 110
@@
@@ @@
@@
@@ @@

100 VA cl 3P will be 120 minutes.

@@ @@

/
@@
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@
@@
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@

3 3
@@ @@
@@
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@
@@ @@
@@
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
If the load is of between @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
25% x 100 = 25 VA and 100 VA with @@
@@
@@
@@

kT = 1.9 8 hours
@@ @@
@@
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@
@@ @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
an inductive power factor of 0.8, @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@

kT = rated voltage factor

@@

the maximum voltage that the VT can

@@ @@
@@
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@
@@ @@
@@
@@
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@

withstand us:
@@
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@
@@
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@
@@ @@
@@
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@ @@

20000
@@
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@ @@
@@
@@ @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
1.9 x for 8 hours @@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@
@@

3
@@ @@
@@g ?@@
@@g ?@@
@@g ?@@
@@g ?@@
@@g ?@@
@@g ?@@
@@@@@@@@
@@@@@@@@ ?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@ ?@@@@@@@@
?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@ ?@@@@@@@@

☞ Remark: for earthing faults, three single phase VT’s are used.
Their secondary windings are open delta connected in order to measure
the zero sequence voltage.

are:
100 and 110
V V
3 3
(see MT partenaire binder C, chapter 2, topic 3-a-1-1 appendix).

date
06/9
2 ☞ In appendix 2, we show you an example of an identification plate of
- a voltage transformer.
1•3
- B•
ed
revis
5
08/9

page 16
Instrument transformers

NON-MAGNETIC he principle of this sensor was described by Rogowski in 1912.

SENSORS (SS) T As opposed to magnetic current transformers, it contains no

ferromagnetic material; a fact that gives it perfect linearity across a
wide range of currents.

Non-magnetic current sensors give an output voltage

long life signal proportional to the derivative of the primary
ROGOWSKI ! current. Because of this they can be used across a
wide range of currents.

Non-magnetic current sensors work according to Rogowski’s principle:

primary
toroid r: adjustment resistor
r E: output voltage
RCA: non-magnetic current
E RCA receptor (Sepam)

The primary current i produces a magnetic field in each secondary turn the
flux variations of which are opposed by an e.m.f. “e” induced by the cause
that produces them (the variation in i).
di
e = –L (Lenz’s law)
dt

☞ The output voltage is proportional to the derivative of the primary

current. See appendix 3 for a theoretical explanation.

date
2
06/9
1•3 -
- B•
ed
revis
5
08/9

page 17
Instrument transformers

NON-MAGNETIC Non-magnetic current sensors must comply with the

SENSORS (SS) characteristics of the medium voltage system.
(cont’d) ike all devices connected to a medium voltage circuit, the current sensor

L must withstand constraints related to the system to which it is connected

(voltage, frequency, current; see binder B, chapter 1, topic 1).
Current sensor characteristics are only valid for normal conditions of use, as
recommended in IEC standard no.185. In certain situations, it is advisable to
downrate the device.
Downrating due to altitude
The device should be downrated for dielectric reasons if used at altitudes over
1,000 m (insulation problem: see binder B, chapter 1, topic 1, page 3).
Downrating due to temperature
Devices are designed for installation and operation in cubicles. If the ambient
temperature exceeds the maximum value given in the standard (40 °C), it is not
necessary to downrate the non-magnetic sensor, it is rather the cubicle that
should be downrated. Whenever a device is to be used in special conditions,
it is advisable to contact the manufacturer.

STANDARDISATION

To date, no international or national standard

governs this type of sensor.
SS (specific sensors: non-magnetic) type sensors currently sold comply
with IEC standard 185.
The accuracy is defined by analogy with that of CT’s. The non-magnetic
sensor’s output signals are compared relative to a reference CT.

RATING PLATE
network voltage characteristics:
assigned voltage
resistance at industrial frequency
resistance to shock wave
sensor type
frequency
capteur de courant non magnétique - non magnetic current sensor
marking : kV N°

1 primary circuit Ith kA s Id kA

1 secondary circuit courant primaire assigné courant primaire d’échauffement
A A
rated primary current thermal primary current network current
bornes rapport bornes rapport characteristics
Ith
Idyn
date
2
06/9
1•3 - transformation
- B• ratio
ed
revis
5
08/9

page 18
Instrument transformers

NON-MAGNETIC Non-magnetic current sensors must be adapted to

SENSORS (SS) certain constraints related to protection,
(cont’d) instrument and metering devices.

T he primary duty current can be used to determine the rated current

range for a non-magnetic current sensor.
The primary’s rated current is defined by the standard. One of the following
values is chosen: 10 -12.5 -15 - 20 - 25 - 30 - 40 - 50 - 60 - 75 and any
decimal multilples or factors of these values.
current ranges reference Considering the linearity of the signal and electronic receptor capabilities,
30 to 300 A CSP3110 5 current ranges have been chosen by Schneider.
160 to 640 A CSP3210 ☞ These 5 ranges replace the 27 levels of primary current used with
160 to 1,600 A CSP3310 magnetic transformers (see appendix 9).
500 to 2,500 A CSP3410 The protection and command control units connected to the SS’s secondary
2,500 to 3,500 A to be announced use microprocessor technology. The protection settings are easily adjusted
using a keyboard and display (Sepam 1000) or using a pocket device and
a display (Sepam 2000).

AN SS SENSOR IS MADE UP OF FIVE ELEMENTS:

■ a single copper primary conductor whose cross section is determined by:
■ the SS’s continuous thermal rated primary current,
■ the installation’s rated short-circuit current.

■a secondary coil support, generally toroid in shape and made of non-

magnetic material.
■ a secondary winding, wound on the support.
■ an adjusting resistor, connected to the secondary winding.
■ earthed shielding to protect the coils from possible interference from
magnetic fields outside the sensor.

primary
winding
secondary winding
dielectric secondary winding
screen support
dielectric magnetic shielding
insulation

adjustment THE INSULATION IS ENSURED BY:

resistor
■ dielectric insulation
As for current transformers, the primary and secondary of an SS sensor are
insulated from one another by means of a solid dielectric resin.
■ a dielectric screen
date In order to improve the system’s dielectric behaviour, an earthed dielectric
2
06/9 screen is placed between the primary and the secondary winding.
1•3 -
- B•
ed
revis
5
08/9

page 19
Instrument transformers

NON-MAGNETIC ince non-magnetic sensors have an output signal of a few millivolts,

SENSORS (SS)
(cont’d)
S great care must be taken in production to eliminate the effects of
external interference.

Non-magnetic current sensors must be manufactured

and installed in accordance with a few rules.
■ technical production rules.
■ the use of an integrator to eliminate the effect of
frequency and phase error.
■ the use of a process that is suited to calibration
■ in-cubicle installation rules.

TECHNICAL PRODUCTION RULES

The winding must be wound regularly along the whole length of the
toroid and the layers of wire must be complete. Should this not be the case,
the non-magnetic sensor will be prone to parasite effects.
The winding must comprise contiguous turns in order to limit the
phase error.
Phase error is caused by a time delay between the output signal and
causes problems in transient states.
The turn formed by the winding process must be compensated:
■ either by a return turn for each layer.
■ or preferably by alternating layer directions or so called oscillating
winding (see appendix 4: compensating winding).
The primary and secondary must be centred and must be accurately
inclined with respect to one another.
Ampere’s theorem makes no reference to the relative position of the current
(primary conductor) and the closed profile (secondary winding) to which it
is applied.
This comment shows that the sensor is theoretically unaffected by the
relative positioning of the components. However, imperfections in
production of the winding can create an error of anything up to 3%.
It is necessary to ensure centring and accurate inclination between the
primary and secondary .
Non-magnetic sensors must be protected from fluxes produced by
other phases.
The magnetic field produced by a conductor near to the SS is vectorially
added to that of the current being measured. Shielding will give protection
date
06/9
2 against such interference.
1•3 -
- B•
ed
revis
5
08/9

page 20
Instrument transformers

NON-MAGNETIC The expansion coefficient of the winding support core must be low.
Expansion of the core risks distorting the winding turns and deteriorating
SENSORS (SS) the signal.
(cont’d) To reduce the phase error, the number of turns must not be too high.
A large number of turns distorts phase lag accuracy.
The primary and secondary must be separated by an earthed screen.
To avoid constraints between two conductors (capacitive effect), the
production solution involves insulating them from one another using an
earthed screen (see appendix 5: electromagnetic compatibility).

AN INTEGRATOR MUST BE USED TO ELIMINATE THE INFLUENCE OF

FREQUENCY AND THE PHASE ERROR
The non-magnetic sensor has a derivative effect.
In the primary, di
we have: I = Imax sin ω t = – ω Imax cos ω t avec ω = 2 π f
dt

In the secondary, di
we have: E =K = – K ω Imax cos ω t
dt
The output signal of the non-magnetic sensor is proportional to ω, and
therefore to the frequency. It has a phase lag of 90° with respect to the
primary current. These two phenomena are cancelled out by using the
integrator (inside the receptor)
E = – K ω Imax cos ω t integrator E = 40 2 sin ω t
{

40 2 mV
Group Schneider’s non-magnetic sensors are designed with an output
supply of 40 mV.
40 mV at the minimum current 40 mV at the
in the primary current range selected current

adjustment system

primary
toroid

(1) integrator signal

voltage protection switch
(2) processing
BNC
screened
cable
sensor unit Sepam
(1) overvoltage protection (potentiometer protection)
(2) selection of the primary duty current

date
The non-magnetic sensor/Sepam combination operates just as well at 50 as
06/9
2 at 60 Hz. It is not sensitive to harmonic.
-
- B•
1•3 Primary duty current selection mode: see appendix 6.
ed
revis
5
08/9

page 21
Instrument transformers

NON-MAGNETIC THE USE OF A PROCESS SUITED TO CALIBRATION

SENSORS (SS) Group Schneider uses a safety device to check accuracy in the factory.
l1
(cont’d)
non-magnetic sensor load Sepam
junction
box
adjusting
resistor

BNC screening

safety set integrator

amplifier

differential
device (comparison of the 2 voltages)
differential magnitude

reference current differential

transformer voltmeter
reference shunt

The safety set comprises a reference magnetic CT and a reference shunt

that supplies a signal in mV. This signal is compared with the sensor’s
output signal.
Any difference between the measurements causes a differential
measurement on the voltmeter. The perfect response is when a zero
differential is read on the voltmeter.

IN-CUBICLE INSTALLATION RULES

Non-magnetic sensors have the same space requirement as current
transformers. They are installed in cubicles according to the same rules.
It is our wish to offer a full range including non-magnetic sensors, whilst still
retaining the possibility of using current transformers.
Connection is made to the receptor using BNC screened cables.
Graphical representation:
l1 l2 l3

P1 BNC screened cables

CS1
P2
P1
CS2 Sepam
receptor
P2
P1
date CS3
2
06/9 P2
1•3 -
- B•
ed
revis
5
08/9

page 22
Instrument transformers

NON-MAGNETIC Schneider non-magnetic current sensors are

SENSORS (SS) designed to form a coherent protection and
(cont’d) measurement chain with Sepam units.

N on-magnetic sensors are used to supply modern systems such as

Sepam.
Sepam units provide protection and control command functions
(Sepam 2000).
They are integrated, configurable, micro-processor-based units.
In cubicles these units combine, in a very small space, the various
functions required for operation of electrical systems:
■ measurement,
■ protection,
■ automated control,
■ communication.

Sepam is designed to be supplied directly by a non-

magnetic sensor.

Sepam may either be supplied directly by a non-magnetic sensor, or by a

current transformer.
The zero sequence circuit is always supplied by a non-magnetic sensor.
In the instance of it being supplied by a current transformer, an auxiliary,
non-magnetic toroid is used.
Sepam replaces classical devices such as:
■ measuring devices.
■ panel indicators (voltmeter, wattmeter, ammeter).
■ meters.
■ protection relays.

The non-magnetic sensor/Sepam chain is a simple

solution, meeting your needs for cost effective
measurement/protection.
The non-magnetic sensor/Sepam chain has a multitude of advantages
enabling the customers requirements to be met with minimum incorporating
costs.

date
2
06/9
1•3 -
- B•
ed
revis
5
08/9

page 23
Instrument transformers

NON-MAGNETIC Compared with the magnetic current transformer,

SENSORS (SS) the non-magnetic sensor is:
(cont’d)
EASY TO SPECIFY
TAKE IT
■ wide ranges of current.
EASY !
■ perfect linearity and non hysteresis: these phenomena are faithfully
reproduced in both the steady and the transitory state.
■ guaranteed accuracy, whatever the frequency (50 Hz or 60 Hz).
performance CT SS
conventional Rogowski
current coil sensor
transformer
linearity ■ ■■■■

consistency ■ ■■■■

dynamic ■ ■■■■

accuracy ■■■ ■■■

EMC (ElectroMagnetic Compatibility) ■■■ ■■■

key: bad ■ - average ■ ■ - good ■ ■ ■ - very good ■ ■ ■ ■

■ the SS + Sepam chain enables only one sensor to be used for protection
and measurement with very good accuracy: 0.5% at In (CT protection 1% at In;
current measurement 0.5% at In).
The whole chain, the SS non-magnetic sensor and protection and command
control unit, is supplied by the same manufacturer. The non-magnetic sensor
is easy to specify.
As opposed to a magnetic CT, the specification of a non-magnetic sensor
simply requires:
■ the sensor’s insulation level,
■ the rated thermal short-circuit current (Ith),
■ the operating range (rated primary current and rated continuous current).

EASY TO PROCURE
Any one non-magnetic sensor can be used in a large number of different
configurations. This makes them easy to procure (use of referenced or
stock-held devices) and possible to re-use.

date
2
06/9
1•3 -
- B•
ed
revis
5
08/9

page 24
Instrument transformers

NON-MAGNETIC Compared with a conventional protection chain,

SENSORS (SS) the sensor/Sepam chain:
(cont’d)
OFFERS COMPETITIVE INCORPORATING COSTS
The incorporating requirements of the sensor/Sepam chain are low compared
with a conventional solution. For this reason, installing a sensor/Sepam
chain is a competitive solution for panel builders and installers.

IS EASY TO TEST

A parallel injection device is connected to the

sensor’s secondary, enabling the whole chain to be
tested, including the sensor.

This device enables:

■ injection of an input signal to Sepam, allowing verification of operation
and settings of the protections.
■ connection of the SS’s secondary to a signal recorder device
(see appendix 7).

LIMIT OF USE: DIFFERENTIAL PROTECTION

Currently, most differential protections function using category X, magnetic
current transformers.
The principle of differential protections requires the use of a current sensor
with very specific characteristics both upstream and downstream.
The principle of differential protections involves the summation of currents.
However, non-magnetic current delivers a voltage: the principle of
differential protections must therefore be re-evaluated for non-magnetic
sensors.
At present, the use of non-magnetic sensors in cubicles for this purpose is
relatively improbable.

date
2
06/9
1•3 -
- B•
ed
revis
5
08/9

page 25