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Selecting Your CT
Selecting Your CT
Selecting Your CT
We know the responsibility of ordering CTs often defaults to the purchasing agent. This guide is designed
to help non-engineers, as well as engineers choose the right CT. “Current Transformer” or CT broadly
refers to the group of current transformers, current sensors, and current transducers. The industry has
accepted this consolidation of terms primarily because they are all devices that allow you to measure
current.
Selecting a CT may be as easy as consulting your control drawings. If you have any concerns about what
to order based on the control drawings, we may be able to assist. It can also be more difficult than that.
New regulations may require that you use ‘independent lab certified’ CTs or you may find the original
drawings are no longer available. We can help in these situations as well. While we’re available by phone
or email, the following tables may help you order the right CT for the job:
The
F ull
Load
Amperage
(FLA)
that
will
be
measured
is:
Amps
AC
=
The
CT
will
be
placed
around
a
conductor
that
is: Yes
or
no
for
voltage
rating:
Ins ul a ted
o r
n on-‐i ns ul a ted,
w i th
a
vol ta ge
l evel
l es s
tha n
600
VAC Check
i f
Yes
=
Non-‐i ns ul a ted,
w i th
a
vol ta ge
l evel
g rea ter
tha n
600
VAC Indi ca te
VAC
=
The
Current
Transformer
must
open
to
go
around
the
conductor:
Yes
-‐
S pl i t
Core Spl i t
Core
___________
No-‐
S ol i d
core
o r
toroi d Sol i d
Core
___________
Will
the
CT
be
used
in
wet
conditions? If
yes,
see
our:
Outdoor
Current
Tra ns formers
Please note:
1. If you selected “Instrument Transformers”, we will need to know the burden. The definition of
“burden” is on our web site in the technical information section, under the title, What does "CT
burden" mean?
2. If not stated as a specific standard, (i.e., “per IEC 60011-1, Table 1”), the accuracy specifications
are likely indicated only at Full Load Amperage (FLA). Due diligence is recommended when
selecting the accuracy classification your CTs need to meet.
3. When discussing accuracy, the term “Revenue Grade” is used to describe the concept of
measurement for financial compensation purposes. It is often associated with an accuracy of 0.5%
or better per IEC 60011-1 table 1, but is not specifically defined as such.
4. High voltage CTs are available in many models. We have received ETL certification on models
up to 4160 volts. Higher voltage models are available but have not been submitted for
certification.
5. Solid core CTs can be provided in most of our housings. Solid core CTs, particularly toroids, are
less prone to interference from nearby power sources.
6. Most of our CTs can be made as waterproof models. Our outdoor series has been tested and
proven ‘water-tight’ even when totally submerged (IP-65 and IP-68 specifications).
The
F ull
Load
Amperage
(FLA)
that
will
be
measured
is:
Amps
AC
=
The
type
of
input
signal
to
the
meter's
current
measurement
terminals
is:
Verified
(yes-‐no)
Veri fy
5-‐Amps
The
CT
will
be
placed
around
a
conductor
that
is: Yes
or
no
for
voltage
rating:
Ins ul a ted
o r
n on-‐i ns ul a ted,
w i th
a
vol tage
l evel
l es s
tha n
600
VAC Check
i f
Yes
-‐
Non-‐i ns ul a ted,
w i th
a
vol tage
l evel
grea ter
tha n
600
VAC VAC
=
The
Current
Transformer
must
open
to
go
around
the
conductor:
Yes
-‐
S pl i t
Core Spl i t
Core
___________
No-‐
S ol i d
core
o r
toroi d Sol i d
Core
___________
Will the CT be used in wet conditions? Yes or No
Volt-‐Amps (Burden in ohms or VA) IEEE C57.13 Std 5A burden
CTs used for switching-relays and protection devices generally have 5-amp outputs. Although accuracy is
important, it is less important than its ability to perform well during over-current conditions. This type CT
must be able to provide current well above its Full Load Amperage (FLA) rating and has an IEEE
classification rating to indicate its designed capability. Sentran Corporation has been called upon to
provide this type CT for unusual applications, including off-shore platforms and split-core requirements.
Each and every CT manufactured by Sentran Corporation is tested at various stages of completion, with a
final test and inspection conducted prior to sale. A serialized certificate of compliance is provided with
each order that lists every CT and its test results. All Sentran CTs come with a 5-year warranty.