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Home / Featured Tips / Determining CT Ratios

Determining CT Ratios

Electric Motor Testing (EMT)

The Snell Group

Figure 1. Amp probes used for monitoring circuit current

When performing energized electric motor testing

on medium and high voltage systems, it is
necessary to acquire data from potential and
current transformers. PT’s and CT’s step down the
line currents and voltage to much safer levels. To
connect to these circuits, we need to know the
step-down ratio. Voltage is a simple division
answer, simply divide a 1:1 PT ratio value into the
known line voltage; For example; 4160 / 120 =
34.66 or 35:1. Current transformers are not
necessarily so easy.

There are essentially four methods to determine CT

ratios, one of those requires the circuit be de-
energized.

Amp or current probes are used for current

acquisition during energized testing. They are also
current transformers. Through electromagnetic
induction or transformation action, circuit current is
induced through the jaws of the current or amp
probes that clamp around the primary conductors.
Generally motor testing software’s default the
acquisition ratio as 1:1.

The CTs installed in the motor circuit have a

designed stepdown ratio to reduce the secondary
current to safer levels. Knowing the exact ratio is
essential in successful monitoring of the motor
under test. Misdiagnosing current, particularly
underestimating current, could allow an overload
condition to exist which could result in a
catastrophic failure.

Figure 2. Control Transformer.

The CT in Figure 2 has a 200:5 or 4:1 ratio. If the

circuit is accessed when de-energized, you can
look at one of the installed CTs and find the ratio
on the unit. If the circuit is energized, we must
pursue other methods.

When analog ammeters are installed, we can easily

determine the CT ratio by observing the meter full
scale value and then divide that value by 5.

Figure 3. Ammeter with a full scale of 150 amps.

The meter in Figure 3 has a full scale of 150 amps.

Divide 150 by 5 and the ratio will be 30:1. With
more and more circuits utilizing digital
instrumentation this method is becoming a thing of
the past.

When we are dealing with digital equipment’s, we

must conduct more research to determine the
proper CT ratio.

We can use a similar method like we discussed

earlier for determining PT ratios. Collect a current
data set at a 1:1 ratio and divide the acquired
reading into the meter reading.  Simple, but-not
necessarily accurate. If the unit is not set up
properly it could be indicating incorrect readings.
The best way to prevent this is to research prints, if
they are available.

If prints are available, look at the motor portion of

the secondary circuitry.

Find the CTs in the schematic and look for a ratio in

proximity to the CTs. These drawing show a 100:5
which will be a 20:1 ratio.

For more information on Control Transformers and

electric motor testing, contact the Snell Group and
schedule one of our comprehensive training
courses.  Don’t forget to ask about our new De-
Energized Electric Motor Data Analysis Wall Chart.
A 36” x 48” laminated chart that is a wealth of
information. Also look for the release of Our
Energized Electric Motor Data Analysis Wall Chart.

ALSO ON THE SNELL GROUP

10 months ago • 1 comment 8 months ago • 1 comm

Assessing Motor Learn to Use

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Assessing' Motor
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Manindra Nath Datta
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It is also very important to check accuracy, class of
protection, saturation factor of CTsfor proper and
correct motor protection.
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