Why is CT Sizing Calculation

Necessary
In the realm of electrical power systems, current transformers (CTs) play a
vital role in accurately measuring and monitoring current levels. Proper sizing
of CTs is essential to ensure their adequacy and enable reliable operation
within specified limits. This article focuses on the calculation of CT sizing
specifically for dual power overcurrent relays, aiming to ensure effective
protection and fault detection in power systems.

Never underestimate how important it is to choose the right CT size in fault

detection and protection (photo credit: pfiffner-group.com)
Accurate current measurement forms the foundation of various functions
within a power system, including fault detection, protection coordination, and
equipment monitoring. The primary purpose of a CT is to step down high
primary currents to manageable secondary currents proportional to the
primary currents. This secondary current is then utilized for measurements
by protective relays, meters, and other devices.

To ensure the effectiveness and reliability of these measurements, it is

crucial to determine the appropriate CT size. Oversized CTs may result in
insufficient resolution, leading to inaccurate measurements, while undersized
CTs can become saturated and fail to accurately represent the primary
current.
Therefore, calculating the CT sizing is imperative to strike a balance
between precision and operational integrity.
In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the intricacies of CT
sizing, including understanding CT saturation, the accuracy limit factor
(ALF), CT selection criteria, and provide an example of overcurrent relay
setting calculations.
This comprehensive exploration aims to provide a practical understanding of
CT sizing principles and guidelines for dual power overcurrent relays.

Table of Contents:
1. Factors Influencing CT Sizing Calculations
1. Optimizing CT Ratio Selection: Ensuring Accurate Current Measurement
and Protection
2. Optimizing CT Secondary Current Selection: Factors and Considerations
3. Understanding Short Circuit Level and Its Significance in Current
Transformer Sizing and Design
4. Accurate Current Measurement: Understanding Accuracy Class
Determination for Current Transformers (CTs) as per IEC 61869-2
5. Understanding CT Ratings and Burden Considerations: Maintaining
Accuracy and Avoiding Saturation
6. CT Selection Criteria: Evaluating Apparent Voltage and Saturation for
Accurate Current Measurement
2. Calculation of Overcurrent Relay Settings Using SIA-C FANOX Make: An
Illustrative Example
3. BONUS! CT Theory and Standards IEC 600441 and and IEC 61869-2

1. Factors Influencing CT Sizing

Calculations
In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the various factors that influence
CT sizing calculations and explore the key considerations for optimizing CT
selection. We will discuss the importance of selecting the right CT ratio to
ensure accurate current measurement and reliable protection functionality.
Additionally, we will examine the factors and considerations involved in
choosing the appropriate CT secondary current.

Understanding the short circuit level and its significance in CT sizing and
design will also be explored. The short circuit level, defined by the fault
current and duration, is a crucial parameter used in CT sizing calculations.
We will discuss how the short circuit level affects CT design and the
importance of considering thermal withstand capabilities and time ratings.
Accurate current measurement is paramount in many applications, and we
will delve into the determination of accuracy classes for CTs as per the
IEC 61869-2 standard. We will explain how accuracy classes define the
permissible error limits and explore the different accuracy class designations.
Furthermore, we will explore the ratings and burden considerations for CTs.
The CT rating, expressed in volt-amperes (VA), determines the CT’s capacity
to handle a specific load.
We will discuss the significance of matching the CT burden with the CT’s
nameplate rating to ensure accurate performance and avoid saturation.
Lastly, we will touch upon the concept of CT saturation and Vsat (saturation
voltage) as critical factors in CT performance.
Understanding the relationship between the apparent voltage at the CT
secondary winding and the saturation voltage is crucial for selecting the
appropriate CT and maintaining accurate current measurement.

Figure 1 – Medium voltage current transformers

 Figure
1 – Medium voltage current transformers

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1.1 Optimizing CT Ratio Selection:

Ensuring Accurate Current Measurement and
Protection:
Selecting the appropriate CT ratio is a crucial step in CT design! It is
influenced by two key factors: the maximum load current and the maximum
short circuit current. The CT ratio should ideally be greater than the rated
current, typically around 120%.
This ensures that the CT can accurately measure current values under load
conditions, which is essential for various protection functions that operate
near the rated current, such as overload protection and inverse time
protection.
Additionally, the CT ratio selection must also consider the maximum fault
current level. It is important to ensure that the fault current level remains
below the CT’s saturation point. Saturation occurs when the primary current
exceeds the CT’s magnetic core capabilities, leading to inaccurate
measurements.

The connected load plays a significant role in determining the saturation

level, and the CT ratio should be chosen in a way that keeps the fault current
within an acceptable range.

By carefully considering both the maximum load current and the maximum
fault current, the CT ratio can be determined to enable accurate current
measurement for various operational and protective purposes. It is
crucial to strike a balance between ensuring accurate measurements at load
conditions and preventing CT saturation during fault conditions.
Proper CT ratio selection forms the foundation for reliable current
measurement and plays a vital role in the overall performance of the
protection system. Therefore, engineers must carefully analyze the system
requirements, load characteristics, and expected fault currents to make
informed decisions regarding CT ratio selection, ultimately ensuring accurate
and effective operation of the current transformer.

Table 1 – Standard multi ratio current transformer taps as per IEEE C57.13
Table 1 – Standard multi ratio current transformer taps as per IEEE C57.13

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1.2 Optimizing CT Secondary Current

Selection
Factors and Considerations
CT secondary ratings are typically available in two standard options: 1 Amp
and 5 Amp. While 5 Amp CTs are more cost-effective to manufacture, it’s
important to consider the burden they offer in terms of VA (volt-amperes) at a
given load resistance. In comparison, 1 Amp CTs provide a lower VA burden
on the secondary side.
The choice between 1 Amp and 5 Amp CTs depends on factors such as the
length of the CT loop. In applications where the yard length is extensive,
such as in high-voltage or extra-high-voltage switchgear installations , 1 Amp
CTs are commonly used. This is because the lower secondary current helps
mitigate voltage drops and power losses over longer distances.