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Current Transformer Dimensioning

Posted @ 3/26/2012 6:54 AM by Steven | Files in Power Systems
Correct dimensioning of current transformers is required to ensure satisfactory operation of measuring
instruments and protection relays.

Measuring CTs
Measuring current transformers are normally class 0.5 or 1 for general use. Class 0.1 or 0.2 for precision and
tariff measurements. Typical accuracy limiting factors of 10 and burdens of 5, 10 and 15 VA are common. A
typical specification may be 0.5M10 15 VA.

Protection CTs
Protection CTs provide signals to protective relays to
enable correct operation under steady state and transient
conditions. Worked Example
IEC 60044 & 60185 Equipment Selection:

IEC 60044 specifies the requirements for protection CTs (in Relay: Siemens 7SS5
addition to measuring CT's, VTs and electronic sensors). CT: 600/1 5P10 15 VA Ri = 4 Ω

Generally accuracy class 5P (1%) is specified with rated CT Leads: 6 mm2 50 m (r=0.0179
accuracy limiting factors of 10 or 20 being common. Wmm2/m)
Typically burdens would be 5, 10, 15 or 20 VA. A typical Iscc.max = 30 kA
specification would be 5P10 15 VA.
CT Calculation:
To correctly select a CT the following dimensioning
formulae can be used:

with

From Siemens relay data:

where:

• KALF is the rated CT accuracy factor

• K*ALF is the effective CT accuracy limiting

factor
• RBN is the rated burden resistance
• RBC is the connected burden
• Ri is the internal CT resistance
(secondary winding)
• Iscc.mzx is the maximum short circuit current
• IN is the rated primary CT current

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• KOF is an over dimensioning factor

The over dimensioning factor KOF is dependant on the type

of protection
The rated KALF of 10 is greater than 7.6,
relay and primary DC time constant. These values are
therefore stability of the relay is
normally
confirmed.
available in the protection relay manual.

BS 3838

CTs can be defined by the knee point voltage UKN and the
internal secondary resistance Ri. To convert an IEC design
the following can be used:

where:

• I2N is the nominal secondary current

ANSI/IEEE C 57.13

Class C of the ANSI standard defines CTs by their secondary terminal voltage at 20 times nominal current (for
which the ratio error shall not exceed 10%). Standard classes are C100, C200, C400 and C800 for 5 A nominal
secondary current. This terminal voltage can be calculated from the IEC data as follows:

with

and

Connection Leads
The burden of connection leads can be estimated from:

where:

• l is the connection lead length in m

• ρ is the resistivity in Ω mm2 m-1 (=0.0179 for copper)

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2
• A is the cross sectional area in mm

Related
For an introduction and guidance on how to apply CT sizing, refer the following post:

How to Size Current Transformers

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