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Differences Between Current Transformer and Potential Transformer
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Differences Between
Current Transformer and Posts List

Potential Transformer
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Current and potential (Voltage) transformers are both disadvantage

instrument transformers. These transformers are designed to s-of-

meet the specific need of measurement and instrumentation microgrids/)
systems. But they have some differences between them.
Main PLC
The main differences between current transformer and Components
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1. Definition ain-plc-
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The major difference between a current transformer and a
potential transformer Types of Wind
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transformer/) is the definition. A current transformer steps Type 1, 2, 3,
down the current of the primary circuit to conventional and 4
standard levels for measuring and controlling purposes. The Explained!
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and controlling purposes.
How to Check
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The primary winding of the potential transformer is connected Working or
in parallel with the monitored circuit, while the primary winding Not!
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of the current transformer is connected in series.
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The secondary windings of potential and current transformers
proportionally transform the primary levels to typical values of Advantages
120 V and 5 A. Monitoring devices such as wattmeters, power- and
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factor meters, voltmeters, ammeters, and relays are often Disadvantage
connected to the secondary circuits. s of
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5. Primary winding stress

The primary winding is subjected to the same dynamic and
thermal stresses as the rest of the primary system when large
short-circuit currents and voltage transients are present. For
current transformers, it is the maximum asymmetrical peak
current that can be detrimental, and for potential transformers,
it is the magnitude of overvoltage, both of which are dependent
on the duration of the event causing the disturbance. It must
also be sized to safely carry the maximum continuous current
without exceeding the insulation system’s temperature class.

6. Damage conditions
When a potential transformer’s secondary winding is shorted,
the resulting high current will produce high winding losses.
Consequently, if the transformer is not properly protected, it
will be damaged and may become a fire hazard.

A current transformer hooked up to a live feeder should never

h it d i it d Thi ld lt i hi h
have its secondary open-circuited. This would result in a higher
level of magnetization, which in turn would induce a high
potential across the secondary terminals. This will endanger
working personnel and will destroy the current transformer
(owing to excessive core loss).

7. Level of magnetization


The magnetization level of a potential transformer depends on

supply line voltage but the magnetization level of a current
transformer depends on the current through its secondary.

8. Applications
A current transformer is used in conjunction with current
measuring devices (like an ammeter). On the other hand, a
potential transformer is used in conjunction with voltage
measuring devices (like a voltmeter)

9. Variants
The current transformer is divided into four categories,
including bushing, bar, split-core, and wound-type. The
potential transformer is also divided into three categories,
including electromagnetic, capacitive-coupled, and optical type.

10. Effect of change in

frequency
The reduction of frequency results in an increase in the core
flux of a potential transformer, with a corresponding increase in
the exciting current Io and reduction in reactance volt drops.
The effect of frequency variation is less important than that of
variation of load and load power factor in a current
transformer. The variation of magnetizing and iron-less
magnetizing force, with the variation of frequency, is
comparatively small if the frequency variation does not exceed
10-20 kHz, so an approximation, may be considered
independent of frequency.

11 Transformation ratio
11. Transformation ratio
The transformation ratio in a current transformer is high, while
in the potential transformer, the ratio is low.

12. Core
The current transformer is designed with silicon steel
lamination, but a potential transformer is designed with top-
quality steel operating at low flux densities.


13. Primary current

In a current transformer, the primary current doesn’t depend
upon secondary side circuit conditions. On the other hand, in
the potential transformer, the primary current relies on
secondary side circuit conditions.

14. Burden
The current transformer doesn’t rely on the secondary burden,
whereas the potential transformer depends on the secondary
burden.

15. Windings
Primary windings of a current transformer have typically fewer
turns but primary windings of a potential transformer have a
large number of turns.

16. Circuit symbols

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