Application Note

Primary Injection on Current Transformers with 6 kA

Author
Christoph Engelen | christoph.engelen@omicronenergy.com
Thomas Bischof | thomas.bischof@omicronenergy.com

Date
August 7th, 2018

Related OMICRON Product

CPC100, CP CB2, CPC Sync

Application Area
Current Transformer Testing

Keywords
CT testing, Primary injection, CPC100, CPC Sync

Version
v1.0

Document ID
ANP_18002_ENU

Abstract
The Application Note at hand deals with primary current injection on current transformers in order to
determine the ratio and burden. Using one CPC100 an output current of 800 A can be generated. In
combination with the CP CB2, the output current can be increased to 2000 A. If a higher primary current is
required, up to three CPC units can be synchronized. The parallel connection of three CP CB2s offers the
possibility to inject up to 6000 A to perform the ratio and burden test of the CT.
 General information

OMICRON electronics GmbH, including all international branch offices, is henceforth referred to as
OMICRON.
The product information, specifications, and technical data embodied in this Application Note represent the
technical status at the time of writing and are subject to change without prior notice.
We have done our best to ensure that the information given in this Application Note is useful, accurate and
entirely reliable. However, OMICRON does not assume responsibility for any inaccuracies which may be
present.
OMICRON translates this Application Note from the source language English into a number of other
languages. Any translation of this document is undertaken for local requirements, and in the event of a
dispute between the English and a non-English version, the English version of this note shall govern.

All rights, including translation, reserved. Reproduction of any kind, for example, photocopying, microfilming,
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consent of OMICRON. Reprinting, wholly or partly, is not permitted.
© OMICRON 2018. All rights reserved. This Application Note is a publication of OMICRON.

© OMICRON 2019 Page 2 of 18

 Table of contents

1 Safety instructions ...........................................................................................................................4

2 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................5
2.1 Primary injection up to 2 kA with CPC + CB2 .............................................................................5
2.1.1 Ratio Measurement........................................................................................................................... 5
2.1.2 Burden Measurement ....................................................................................................................... 6
2.2 Software ....................................................................................................................................7
3 Primary injection up to 6 kA with CPC Sync and three CB2s.........................................................8
3.1 Ratio Measurement....................................................................................................................8
3.2 Burden Measurement ................................................................................................................9
3.3 Software ..................................................................................................................................10
3.3.1 Ratio Measurement......................................................................................................................... 10
3.3.2 Burden Measurement ..................................................................................................................... 11
4 Synchronizing multiple CPCs ........................................................................................................12
4.1 Software Configuration ............................................................................................................12
4.2 Step-by-Step Procedure...........................................................................................................13
4.2.1 Connection...................................................................................................................................... 13
4.2.2 Synchronization .............................................................................................................................. 15
4.2.3 During the Test ............................................................................................................................... 16
4.2.4 Disconnection ................................................................................................................................. 16
5 List of literature ..............................................................................................................................17

© OMICRON 2019 Page 3 of 18

1 Safety instructions
This Application Note may only be used in conjunction with the relevant product manuals which contain all
safety instructions. The user is fully responsible for any application that makes use of OMICRON products.
Instructions are always characterized by a  symbol, even if they are included in a safety instruction.

Death or severe injury caused by high voltage or current if the respective protective measures are
not complied with.

 Carefully read and understand the content of this Application Note as well as the manuals of the
systems involved before taking them into operation.
 Please contact OMICRON support if you have any questions or doubts regarding the safety or
operating instructions.
 Follow each instruction listed in the manuals, especially the safety instructions, since this is the only
way to avoid the danger that can occur when working on high voltage or high current systems.
 Only use the equipment involved according to its intended purpose to guarantee safe operation.
 Existing national safety standards for accident prevention and environmental protection may
supplement the equipment’s manual.

Only experienced and competent professionals who are trained for working in high voltage or high current
environments may implement this Application Note. Additionally, the following qualifications are required:
• Authorized to work in environments of energy generation, transmission or distribution, and familiar
with the approved operating practices in such environments.
• Familiar with the five safety rules.
• Good knowledge/proficient in working with current transformer testing
• Good knowledge/proficient in working with CPC 100 and CP CB2
• During primary injection on current transformers all secondary windings must either be closed via
the test set (integrated amp meter) or shorted.

© OMICRON 2019 Page 4 of 18

2 Introduction
The Application Note at hand discusses the possibility of generating high output currents in order to perform
a ratio and burden measurement on current transformers. To do so, a primary injection with up to 2 kA per
test set is performed. If multiple test sets are synchronized, the output current can be increased up to 6 kA
(see Chapter 3

2.1 Primary injection up to 2 kA with CPC + CB2

WARNING
Death or severe injury caused by high voltage or current possible.

 When injecting current into the CT’s primary winding make sure that no
secondary windings are open.
 All unused secondary windings must be shorted.

The following chapter describes the test setup for a CT ratio measurement using primary injection with one
CPC100 + CB2. In this configuration a maximum output current of 2 kA can be generated.
Before connecting the test set make sure that the CT is completely disconnected on the primary side and
disconnected from the burden. Ground one terminal of both the primary and secondary side. Extensive
information can also be found in the CPC manual [1].

2.1.1 Ratio Measurement

In order to perform a primary injection of 2 kA, one CPC 100 and one CB2 are needed. The CB2 is
connected via the booster output to the CPC100. The high current output of the CB2 is then connected to
the primary winding of the CT under test. The secondary terminal S1/X1 of the CT and the I AC input of the
CPC100 are connected in series to the burden. Figure 1 depicts the basic test setup.

© OMICRON 2019 Page 5 of 18

 Figure 1 CT ratio measurement setup with CPC100 and CB2.

2.1.2 Burden Measurement

The setup of the burden measurement is similar to that of the ratio measurement. In addition, the V1 AC
input of the CPC100 is connected in parallel to the burden. This way, the voltage drop over the burden and
the current flow can be measured (Figure 2).

Figure 2 Combined CT ratio and burden measurement setup with CPC100 and CB2.

© OMICRON 2019 Page 6 of 18

2.2 Software

The ratio and burden measurement using one CPC100 and CB2 can be performed with the
CTRatio (and Burden) test card (Figure 3).

Figure 3 CT ratio test card with activated Measure burden option.

First, the output mode is set to CB2 1000A or CB2 2000A, depending on the required test current. The
output mode CB2 1000A requires a different connection setup from the CB2, for a detailed description refer
to the user manual. Afterwards, the primary and secondary ratings (Iprim and Isec) of the tested CT are
entered. Finally, the test current Itest and frequency f are set. The test card automatically calculates the ratio
and its deviation to the nominal CT ratio. In addition, a check for correct polarity is conducted.

Note: The burden measurement is only useful as long as the injected current is approximately that of the
magnitude of the nominal current of the CT.

In cases where the burden will also be measured, the checkbox Measure burden is activated. The CPC100
takes into account the measured secondary current as well as the voltage drop over the burden.
Consequently, the burden rating is given as a combination of a VA / cos 𝜑 value.

© OMICRON 2019 Page 7 of 18

3 Primary injection up to 6 kA with CPC Sync and three CB2s
WARNING
Death or severe injury caused by high voltage or current possible.

 When injecting current into the CT’s primary winding make sure that no
secondary windings are open.
 All unused secondary windings must be shorted

Note: The following chapters discuss the usage of three synchronized CPC units. Synchronizing only two
units and generating up to 4 kA is also possible.
In order to increase the maximum output current up to 6 kA, three CPC100 + three CB2s are connected in
parallel to the test object. The CPC units are synchronized using CPC Sync to achieve synchronized output
amplitudes and phase angles. A description of the synchronization process can be found in Chapter 4

3.1 Ratio Measurement

Each CPC + CB2 unit is connected to the primary side of the current transformer while all CPC units are
synchronized. The secondary current is measured via the I AC input of the master CPC100 unit. The test
setup using three CPC + CB2 systems is shown in Figure 4.

Figure 4 CT ratio measurement with three CPC100 + CB2 systems connected in parallel.

© OMICRON 2019 Page 8 of 18

3.2 Burden Measurement

The setup of the burden measurement is similar to the ratio measurement with three CPC + CB2 systems. In
addition, the V1 AC output of the master CPC100 unit is used to measure the voltage drop over the burden
(Figure 5).

Figure 5 Combined CT ratio and burden measurement setup with three CPC100 + CB2 systems connected in parallel.

© OMICRON 2019 Page 9 of 18

3.3 Software

If multiple CPC units are synchronized, the Quick card is used to conduct the measurement. Before using
the Quick test card, press the hammer & screw button to access the CPC settings. Select CB2 as the
External booster output (Figure 6) in the CPC settings. The Quick test card can then be configured.

Figure 6 Setting the external booster to CB2 in the CPC device setup.

The output mode is set to CB2 1000A or CB2 2000A, depending on the required test current.

3.3.1 Ratio Measurement

The measurement channels of the Quick card are set to I Out and I AC. The calculation of the ratio between
primary current (I Out) and secondary current (I AC) is done automatically when selecting Ratio :1 or Ratio
:5, depending on the CT secondary current rating in the quick card (Figure 7).
Ratio :1 CT secondary rated current is 1 A
Ratio :5 CT secondary rated current is 5 A

Figure 7 Configuration of the Quick card to perform a ratio measurement with multiple CPCs synchronized.

© OMICRON 2019 Page 10 of 18

3.3.2 Burden Measurement
The measurement channels of the Quick card are set to V1 AC and I AC in order to measure the voltage
and current on the burden terminals (Figure 8).

Figure 8 Configuration of the Quick card to perform a burden measurement with multiple CPCs synchronized.

In this case, the burden value has to be calculated manually using the formula below:

𝐼𝑠,𝑁
𝐵𝑢𝑟𝑑𝑒𝑛 𝑖𝑛 𝑉𝐴 = 𝐼𝑠,𝑁 ∗ 𝑉𝑠,𝑁 = 𝐼𝑠,𝑁 ∗ 𝑉𝑠,𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠 ∗
𝐼𝑠,𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠

The cos 𝜑 of the burden is given by

cos 𝜑 = cos(𝜑𝐼 − 𝜑𝑈 )

© OMICRON 2019 Page 11 of 18

4 Synchronizing multiple CPCs

4.1 Software Configuration

Note: In order to synchronize multiple CPC100 devices, it is necessary that all devices are running on the
same firmware version. In addition, the TRC1 has to be connected to the safety circuits of all devices.

The synchronization process of multiple CPC100/CPC80s can be started via the settings screen of the
device. After switching to the tab Synchronization, the user can select whether the CPC100 acts as the
master or as the slave (Figure 9). The first option represents the control unit whereas the latter just receives
commands from the master and mirrors the output accordingly. As soon as all CPC100s are synchronized,
the output can be controlled from the Quick Card. For all devices, a Quick Card has to be opened and the
same output mode must be selected. As soon as all synchronized CPCs are set to the same output mode
the test can be started.

Figure 9 Configuring the synchronization settings of the CPC100.

All synchronized devices are started simultaneously by using the TRC1 start button. As soon as all devices
are running (indicated by the red flashing light) the output current can be adjusted.
For further information see also Literature [1] and [2].

© OMICRON 2019 Page 12 of 18

4.2 Step-by-Step Procedure

4.2.1 Connection
1. Make sure that the devices used for testing are not connected to mains.
2. Press the Emergency Stop button on all devices.
3. Ground all CPC devices.
4. Connect the CPC devices to the test objects, placing them and the TRC1 in the safe area (Figure
10)

Figure 10 Schematic test setup using TRC1 and CPC devices.

5. Connect the CPC devices to the TRC1 using the TRC1 safety cables.
Remove the safety dongles (black) from the Safety connector on the CPC side panel and from the
TRC1 (grey) (Figure 11).

© OMICRON 2019 Page 13 of 18

 Figure 11 Safety cable connection to TRC1 and CPC.

6. Use the gray TRC1 safety dongle to close the unused bottom connectors on the TRC1.
7. Connect the black CPC safety dongle to the TRC1 Safety connector
OR
Connect an OMICRON safety accessory to the TRC1 Safety connector (see Literature [5]) for
detailed information)
Note: All unused connectors need to be closed using the corresponding safety dongle: black for
Safety connectors (CPC and TRC1) and gray for TRC1 bottom connectors.
The black and gray dongles are not interchangeable (Figure 12).

Figure 12 CPC side board with CPC Sync plug-in card and TRC1 safety cable.

8. Connect one slave device to the Sync1 connector of the master device and, if used, the other slave
device to the Sync2 connector of the master device, using the Ethernet cables of the CPC devices.
9. Connect all devices used for testing to the mains and turn on the power switches.
10. Release the Emergency Stop buttons on the TRC1 and all connected devices.

© OMICRON 2019 Page 14 of 18

4.2.2 Synchronization
Synchronize up to two slave units (CPC100 or CPC80) with a CPC100 set as a master unit for testing with
Quick, Sequencer and Ramping test cards.
Note: Synchronization requires the CPC Sync plug-in card and license and the TRC1. CPC100 V0 devices
cannot be used for synchronization.
1. Open the Option tab Synchronization.
2. Set the Synch Mode option either to Master or to Slave (Figure 13).

Figure 13 Synchronization tab of the CPC options menu.

Table 1 gives an overview of the abbreviations shown in the lower left corner of the display indicating the
status of the synchronization.

Table 1 Overview of different status indications shown in the CPC

Abbreviation Displayed on Status

M1 Master Slave 1 synchronized

M2 Master Slave 2 synchronized

M Master Both slaves synchronized with master

S Slave Status OK

EV Slave CPC version mismatch

EO Slave Different outputs set on master and slave(s)

ES All No TRC1 connected

EC All Synch cable(s) error/not connected

© OMICRON 2019 Page 15 of 18

4.2.3 During the Test

WARNING
Death or severe injury caused by high voltage possible.

 High voltages can be induced on open secondary contacts of the CT.

 Do not enter HV area during testing.
 Always switch off the voltage source before entering the test area.

Starting a test
Press the Start button on the TRC1 for at least one second to simultaneously start the connected CPC
devices.
Emergency stop
Press the Emergency Stop button on the TRC1 to trigger the emergency stop on all CPC devices.
Note: Pressing the Emergency Stop button on one of the CPC devices also disables all devices.

4.2.4 Disconnection
1. Make sure that the TRC1 and all devices used for testing are turned off. If in doubt press the
Emergency Stop button.
2. Remove the barrier between the safe area and the high-voltage test area.
3. Ground the test object(s).
4. Ground all sets used for testing.
5. Remove the cables.
6. Plug the black safety dongle back into the Safety socket of the CPC.
7. Plug the grey safety dongles into the TRC1 inputs.

© OMICRON 2019 Page 16 of 18

5 List of literature
[1] “CPC100 Reference Manual”; OMICRON electronics GmbH; ENU 1036 04 02
[2] “TRC1 Manual”, OMICRON electronics GmbH; 2016

© OMICRON 2019 Page 17 of 18

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