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CT MANGETISING CHARACTERISTICS:
The working range of a protective CT extends over the full range between the ankle and
the knee points and beyond, whereas the measuring CT usually operates in the region of the
ankle point.
The major difference in requirement between those for metering and those for protection
is that with the former, specified accuracies are essential over a range of primary current about
5% full load upto 125%. Whereas the protective purposes, we are concerned with accurate
secondary reproductions of the primary currents from about full load upto those of short circuit
magnitude, the latter being many times full load. It is therefore a primary requirement, that
protective CTs should have a high saturation level. Whereas those for metering should preferably
saturate at low level, thus protecting the connected instruments or meters against over currents.
The point at which a CT begins to saturate is known as the knee point on the curve of its
magnetising characteristic and is by definition, the point where the exciting current increases by
50% for a 10% increase in secondary voltage typically as shown in figure.
It is very difficult to avoid saturation of protective CTs during short circuit condition; the effect
of saturation is the reduced output hence reduced speed of over current relays