Current Transformer Test

Yibal Site
December 2022
Introduction

CT testing, or current transformer testing, is a necessary step in keeping our electrical power
systems better protected and functioning appropriately. Our power lines can easily reach voltage
levels of 400,000 volts to 750,000 volts, so working on them is not a job to take lightly or do
haphazardly.
Current transformer meters and CT testing ensures current transformers are working appropriately.
Since a current transformer is used to decrease voltage to a safer and more manageable level,
getting the most accurate reading possible is a must.
Usually we use “Megger” for IR test then we can use “CT Analyzer” or “CPC100” for WR,
polarity, knee point and ratio tests, sequentially.
Most of Test are done to check the information that are given in the name plate.
The pictures below show the principle of each test.
Object to be tested: Current Transformer (CT)
Kits to be used for CT Testing
First Kit: Name: Megger MIT515
Using: IR Test
The Megger MIT515-US insulation resistance tester measures insulation resistance, voltage,
current, and capacitance in high-voltage electrical systems. This multiranging digital meter
performs timed insulation resistance (IR), polarization index (PI), and dielectric absorption ratio
(DAR) tests.

Result

Test Injected Voltage Value Status

Primary to Secondary 5 kV 1.161 Tera ohm OK
Primary to Earth 5 kV 810 Giga ohm OK
Secondary to Earth 500 V 204 Giga ohm OK
P-S

P-E

S-E
Second Kit: Name: CT Analyzer
Using: WR, Knee Point, Polarity and Ratio Tests
The CT Analyzer is intended to perform automatic testing and calibration of current transformers
(CT) in laboratories as well as on-site in utilities.

The following tests can be performed using the CT Analyzer:

• Burden measurement
• Residual magnetism measurement of CTs
• CT winding resistance measurement
• CT excitation characteristic measurement
• CT ratio measurement with consideration of a connected burden
• CT phase and polarity measurement
• Determination of accuracy limiting factor, instrument security factor, secondary time constant,
symmetrical short-circuit current factor, transient dimensioning factor, remanence factor, knee
point voltage/current, class, saturated inductance and non-saturated inductance.
Connection
Test Procedure: CT Analayzer HMI Setup
The whole test can be done from HMI screen of the kit. (no need for laptop)
If necessary, display the CT-Object card and then press the Main soft key to display the main
menu.
In the main menu, select "New Advanced CT Test" and press the OK soft key to initialize a new
CT test.
The display shows the CT-Object card, ready to start a test.
Enter the data listed in the table below according to the CT’s name plate.

I-pn: Rated primary current of the CT.

I-sn: Rated secondary current of the CT.
Standard: Standard to be used for the CT test and the test assessment.
P/M: Set "P" for a protection CT or "M" for a metering CT.
VA: Rated power of the CT

Enable the desired tests in the Select Cards page.

Start the test by pressing the key.

Result

Test Value Status

Winding Resistance (WR) 2.235 ohm OK
345.92 V ‫ـــ‬
Knee Point
45.88 mA ‫ـــ‬
Ratio 400:1.0046 OK
Polarity ‫ــــ‬ OK
Third Kit: Name: CPC 100
Using: WR, Knee Point, Polarity and Ratio Tests
The CPC 100, in conjunction with its accessories or as a stand-alone unit, is a multi-purpose
primary test set for commissioning and maintaining substation equipment. It performs current
transformer (CT), voltage transformer (VT) and power transformer (TR) tests. Furthermore, it is
used for contact and winding resistance testing, polarity checks as well as primary and secondary
protection relay testing.

Functionality of CPC 100

Current Transformer (CT):
Measuring Winding Resistance (WR)
Measuring Excitation Curve
Testing Ratio and Polarity

Voltage Transformer (VT):

Measuring Winding Resistance (WR)
Testing Ratio and Polarity
Testing Secondary Burden
Dielectric Withstand Voltage Test

Power Transformer (TR):

Measuring Winding Resistance (WR)
Testing Ratio and Polarity
Testing Tap Changer Contact
Dielectric Withstand Voltage Test

Resistance Testing:
Measuring Contact Resistance
Measuring Winding Resistance
Measuring Earth Resistance
Connection
*The Polarity Check will be done with Ratio Test.
*For more information about connection and HMI screen, please check the
manual.
Result

Test Value Status

Winding Resistance (WR) 2.1592 ohm OK
347.66 V ‫ـــ‬
Knee Point
45.88 mA ‫ـــ‬
Ratio 400:1.0048 OK
Polarity ‫ــــ‬ OK