What is a Current Transformer? How Does a Current Transformer Work?

What Is A Current Transformer?

Current transformers are devices you can use to measure current in an electrical circuit. If you’re not familiar with electrical circuits, don’t worry, we’ll cover what you need to know shortly. But first, let’s take a look at why you would use a current transformer.

What is a Current Transformer Used for Primarily?

Decreasing or increasing an alternating current (AC) is the primary use for current transformers. To do this, current transformers create a current in its secondary which is equal to the current in its primary.

How Does a Current Transformer Work?

Current transformers are instrument transformers.

Instrument transformers use the large values of voltage or current to small, standardized values that are easy to handle for measuring instruments and protective relays. The instrument transformers isolate measurement or protection circuits from the high voltage of the primary system.

A current transformer provides a secondary current that is accurately proportional to the current flowing in its primary.

Thus you can use current transformers to provide an effective means of protecting your electrical equipment and systems. You can do this by observing voltages and currents at various points in their circuitry. Current transformers may also be connected in series with the load they monitor; they separate measurement or protection circuits from high voltages and currents found at these points on an electrical system. For example, current transformers are often used in the medical and power industries, but they also have other interesting applications.

Types of Current Transformers And Use Examples

There are three main types of current transformers: wound, toroidal and bar-type.

Wound current transformers have the advantage of being able to handle high currents. They also have a high accuracy and low temperature coefficient. But, they are more expensive than the other types of transformers.

Toroidal current transformers are made from a single piece of material and therefore have a low cost. They also have a high accuracy, but their size makes them unsuitable for handling large currents.

Bar-type transformers are used for handling high currents. They also have an accurate measurement because they use metal bars instead of wire coils in their construction.

Depending on the manufacturer, you can request custom transformers for your products and instruments.

Custom High-Frequency Transformers

No matter what your requirements, our team of engineers will be happy to help with a custom current sensor or transformer. We provide full service design and manufacturing with any number of options and we’ll work within your budget to provide you with a great solution at an excellent price.

We can manufacture a custom high-frequency current transformer or sensor to meet your requirements, including:

• A wide range of line currents
• A special footprint (THD or SMD)
• Mounting pins or stranded leads
• Custom connectors or plugs
• Either window configuration or split core configuration
• Special mounting

Putting everything we’ve learned together, it should be clear that current transformers and sensors are sophisticated, useful devices with numerous applications in many different areas of industry.

Whatever your industry, whether it be communications or oil and gas, you can use current sensors to help you improve safety, efficiency, and quality. Contact us if you have any questions at (832) 400-4985 or request your custom quote here.