Transformers:

Basics, Maintenance, and Diagnostics

Figure 10 Connections of Instrument Transformers.

Those transformers used to step voltage down are known as potential

transformers (PTs) and those used to step current down are known as
current transformers (CTs).
The function of a PT is to accurately measure voltage on the primary,
while a CT is used to measure current on the primary.
2.12 Potential Transformers
Potential transformers (figure 11) are used with voltmeters,
wattmeters, watt-hour meters, power-factor meters, frequency meters,
synchroscopes and synchronizing apparatus, protective and regulating
relays, and undervoltage and overvoltage trip coils of circuit breakers.
One potential transformer can be used for a number of instruments if
the total current required by the instruments connected to the
secondary winding does not exceed the transformer rating.
Potential transformers are usually rated 50 to 200 volt-amperes at
120 secondary volts. The secondary terminals should never be short
circuited because a heavy current will result, which can damage the
windings.

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