[ Application note ] P3APS20030EN LPCT Configuration Issue 1.

Easergy P3 LPCT configuration

Introduction

This application guideline gives an overview of some reasons to move from traditional CT to LPCT,
what is a LPCT and how to configure them in eSetup Easergy Pro (at least V3.0.0).

Please also read the application guideline:

• P3APS20031EN Easergy P3 LPVT configuration for LPVT option

Further details, such as how to wire the LPCT or the VT adapter is described in the user manual in
the “Installation” chapter.

Benefits of LPCTs

In short, the use of Low Power Instrument Current Transformers brings many benefits through-out
the project lifecycle, which are detailed below.

1. Personal safety is much improved during testing and operation

With LPCT technology, due to its specific design, there is no longer any danger in the event of
accidental opening of the secondary circuit, as the output is always low voltage:

• The 1 A or 5 A ICT secondary current is replaced by either 22.5 mV, 150 mV, or 225 mV in
LPCTs.
• As these secondaries can be left open or short-circuited without risk, there is no longer the
need for short-circuit devices that were designed to mitigate those risks.

2. One LPCT can replace the needs of dedicated measurement and protection CTs

As LPCTs commonly saturate much later than ICTs, they can allow fault measurement ranging
from 5 kA to 80 kA primary.

The measurement accuracy of an LPCT could range from 5% of rated primary current to the
extended primary current. It may be specified as class 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, or 1.

However, its protection accuracy could range from the extended primary current to the
accuracy limit of primary current. It may be specified as either class 5P, 10P or 5TPE.

For example, a 100 A LPCT may be labelled as 0.5/5P 25000 A, meaning:

M class = 0.5%, P class = 5P up to 25 kA (250 times primary current rating).

*Because LPCTs have an extended rated primary current range, their application scope is
much wider, the LPCT primary rating is no longer required to be as close as possible to the
nominal current, and therefore no longer a major determining factor in specifications.

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2.1. For measurement class

Figure 1: LPCT measurement accuracies for primary currents

In this example, a multipurpose normalized LPCT with a 100 A rated primary current and a
1000 A extended primary current can be used in place of the 10 different Inductive Current
Transformers (ICTs) with the following primary currents:

100, (125), 150, 200, (250), 300, (400), 500, (600), 750** (but not 1000**)

** An ICT has an extended primary current equal to only 120% of its rated current.

• 750 A x 1.2 = 900 A is below the 1000 A extended primary current.

• 1000 A x 1.2 = 1200 A is above the 1000 A extended primary current.

If we know that the initial nominal current to be measured is between 100 and 750 A, we can
order a 100 A rated LPCT with 1000 A extended primary current and still be flexible to last-
minute changes or when load flow may increase subsequently.

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[ Application note ] Easergy P3 LPCT Configuration

2.2. • For protection class

Figure 2: LPCT protection accuracies for primary currents

Same example, a multipurpose normalized LPCT with a 100 A rated primary current and a
1000 A extended primary current can be used in place of the 13 different ICTs with the
following primary currents:

25, 50, 100, (125), 150, 200, (250), 300, (400), 500, (600), 750 and 1000

If we know that the initial nominal current for protection is between 25 and 1000 A, we can
order a 100 A rated LPCT with 1000 A extended primary current and still be flexible to last-
minute changes or when load flow may increase subsequently.

3. Save time and money during project planning and execution

Standardized products can now be used with a wider range of application, providing faster and
simpler integration. No longer do you need to wait for CT sizing clarifications, because fewer
designs cover the majority of requirements, providing many other benefits.

• Reduced variation of ordering

• Simplified and improved quality of project documentation
• In-stock products with fast delivery
• Simplified installation

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4. Compact switchgear with reduced footprint is more sustainable

The size and weight of the Low Power Current Transformers are reduced to less than 10%
compared to ICTs. This allows future switchgear designs to be more compact, reducing
materials used and the environmental impact. Switchgear handling, transport, installation and
replacement are also much simplified.

LPCT characteristics

The multipurpose LPCT is designed to measure from 5% of Ipr to kalf x Ipr and is defined with a:

• Rated primary current (Ipr) (minimum current for measuring accuracy class)
• Rated extended primary current (Iepr = Ipr*Kpcr) (maximum current for measuring accuracy
class)
• Rated accuracy limit (Ikpr = Ipr*kalf) (maximum current for protection accuracy class)

Figure 3: Magnitude and phase errors across the measurement range

For example, the Schneider Electric LPCTs have the following characteristics:

Ipr (A) Iepr (A) Ikpr (A)

CLV1 100 1250 16000

TLPU1 100 630 25000
TLP130 100 1250 25000
TLP160 or 190 100 2500 40000
CLP2 100 1250 40000
CLP3 100 2500 40000
CLP1 100 1250 50000

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 [ Application note ] Easergy P3 LPCT Configuration

P3 LPCT input characteristics

The P3 LPCT input measuring range is 50 In. That means 25 In fully offset:

Figure 4: Fault characteristic

The selection for the LPCT is done in eSetup Easergy Pro (at least V3.0.0), at the creation of the
configuration file once the “Voltage measurement +I/O, X5” has been set to the option C in “Phase
currents and voltage input X1:”:

Figure 4: Selection of option C in X5

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 Easergy P3 LPCT Configuration [ Application note ]

Figure 5: Selection of LPIT option in X1

P3 LPCT configuration

Unlike CTs that need to meet the application CT requirements, LPCTs do not have any.

LPCT suitability needs to be calculated according to the two following main rules:

1. Select or check the LPCT suitability

The maximum short circuit (IfMax) must be below the LPCT protection rated accuracy limit:
• IfMax < Ikpr

2. In eSetup easergyPro (at least V3.0.0), under General/ Scaling

Figure 5: LPCT setting

The LPCT secondary nominal voltage (Usr) must be 22,5 mV

a. Select the LPCT rated primary current (Ipr) in “LPCT rated nominal current”
b. Set the primary nominal current (In) in “Protection nominal current”

The nominal current In must be:

• Below the LPCT rated accuracy limit divided by 25: In < Ikpr/25
• Below the LPCT rated extended primary current: In < Iepr whenever possible
• Above 20% of the LPCT rated primary current In > Ipr/5
• As close as possible to the nominal load current and among the standardized
values.

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 [ Application note ] Easergy P3 LPCT Configuration

For example, with a multipurpose LPCT with a 100 A rated primary current, a 1250 A extended
primary current and an accuracy limit of 16000 A:

Example 1: Maximum short circuit of 10 kA and a nominal current of 200 A

1. The maximum short circuit must be below the LPCT rated accuracy limit:
a. IfMax < Ikpr: 10 kA < 16 kA (OK)
2. The maximum nominal current to be set in the P3 relay must be:
a. Below the LPCT rated accuracy limit / 25: In < Ikpr/25: 16000/25 = 640 A (OK)
b. Below the LPCT rated extended primary current: In < Iepr: < 1250 A (possible)
c. Above 20% of the LPCT rated primary current In > Ipr/5: 20 A (OK)
d. As close as possible to the nominal load current and among the standardized
values:
a. 100, (125), 150, 200, (250), 300, (400), 500, (600), 750, 1000 and (1250)

200 A to be chosen (fine for measurement and protection)

Example 2: Maximum short circuit of 20 kA and a nominal current of 400 A

1. The maximum short circuit must be below the LPCT rated accuracy limit: IfMax < Ikpr: 20
kA < 16 kA

This is NOT OK, a different LPCT must be chosen, for example, a multipurpose LPCT with a
100 A rated primary current, a 1250 A extended primary current and an accuracy limit of 25000 A

2. The maximum nominal current to be set in the P3 relay must be:

e. Below the LPCT rated accuracy limit / 25: In < Ikpr/25: 25000/25 = 1000 A (OK)
f. Below the LPCT rated extended primary current: In < Iepr: < 1250 A (possible)
g. Above 20% of the LPCT rated primary current In > Ipr/5: 20 A (OK)
h. As close as possible to the nominal load current and among the standardized
values:
a. 100, (125), 150, 200, (250), 300, (400), 500, (600), 750, 1000 and (1250)

400 A to be chosen (fine for measurement and protection)

Example 3: Maximum short circuit of 50 kA and a nominal current of 1500 A

3. The maximum short circuit must be below the LPCT rated accuracy limit: IfMax < Ikpr: 50
kA < 16 kA

This is NOT OK, a different LPCT must be chosen, for example, a multipurpose LPCT with a
100 A rated primary current, a 1250 A extended primary current and an accuracy limit of 50000 A

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4. The maximum nominal current to be set in the P3 relay must be:

i. Below the LPCT rated accuracy limit / 25: In < Ikpr/25: 50000/25 = 2000 A (OK)
j. Below the LPCT rated extended primary current: In < Iepr: < 1250 A (not possible
but optional)
k. Above 20% of the LPCT rated primary current In > Ipr/5: 20 A (OK)
l. As close as possible to the nominal load current and among the standardized
values:
a. 250, 500, 1000, (1250), 1500, 2000, (2500), 3000

2000 A to be chosen (fine only for protection)

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Electrical equipment should be installed, operated, serviced,
Phone: +33 (0) 1 41 29 70 00 and maintained only by qualified personnel. No responsibility
Fax: +33 (0) 1 41 29 71 00 is assumed by Schneider Electric for any consequences
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Publishing: 10/2020

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