Module 6
Instrument Transformers
1. Essential part of metering and protective relaying
2. Basic function is to change the magnitude of primary voltage and current to secondary values to 120V
and 5A or 1A
3. To provide isolation between primary and secondary circuit for equipment and safety personnel
Types of Instrument Transformers
A.Voltage (Potential) Transformer
B.Current Transformer
C.Coupling Capacitor Voltage Transformer (CCVT) and Capacitive Voltage Transformer (CVT) -used for
high voltage levels above 100 kV
D.High-Accuracy Instrument Transformers
1. Voltage (Potential) Transformer
VTs are designed for connecting line-to-line or line-to-neutral. Purpose is to provide isolated secondary
voltage that is exact proportionate representation of primary voltage.
Transformers draw core-magnetizing current from the primary circuit, and a constant error result
independent of the burden connected to it. Variable error results due to load or burden current flowing
through the impedance of Trans. Total error = constant error + variable error.
Accuracy classes are based on the requirement that the TCF (Transformer Correction Factor) be within
specified limits when the power factor of the metered load is between 0.6 and 1.0 lagging for a specified
burden and at voltages from 90% to 110% of rated transformer voltage.
The ratings of VTs contains the following:
• Insulation class and basic impulse level
• Rated primary voltage and ratio
• Accuracy ratings at standard burdens
• Thermal burden, that is, the maximum burden the transformer can carry at rated secondary voltage without
exceeding its temperature rise, above 30°C ambient
2. Current Transformers
Current transformers are used in many applications in the industry, both for metering and for feedback. All
loads connected are designed to accept max 5A current. Common applications of current transformers
include power metering, motor current monitoring, and variable-speed-drive monitoring.
Wound type
In this type more than one primary turn is frequently used to obtain low exciting current and high accuracy.
The usual current ratings for this type of transformer are 800 A and below.
Bar-primary type
In this type, the primary consists of a single bar extending through the core, which is connected in series
with the circuit conductor. This type of construction is suited to withstand the stresses of heavy overcurrent.
Usual current rating = 1200A or above.
Window type
The window-type CT contains no primary winding. The CT has an insulated hole through the core and
secondary windings. The circuit.
The current rating of the primary winding of a current transformer is determined by the maximum value of
the load current to be measured. For example, if the current Rating is 400 A with a secondary rating of 5A,
the ratio is 400:5 or 80:1. secondary winding has 80 times as many turns as the primary.
CT accuracy standards
1. Accuracy standard for metering CTs, and
2. Accuracy standard for relaying CTs.
Accuracy Classes for Metering
The ANSI accuracy classes for metering state that the transformer correction factor (TCF) should be within
specified limits when the power factor of the metered load is from 0.6 to 1.0 lagging for a specified standard
burden, at 100% of rated primary current. CTs for metering service have accuracy classes of 0.3%, 0.6%,
and 1.2%.
3. Current and Potential Transformers
Power Metering
Current transformers are used with potential transformers for power metering from a utility to a customer.
Power, or wattage, is found by V x I.
Two possible connections of a simple single-phase wattmeter.
(A) Instrument measures load plus power consumed in potential circuit.
(B) Instrument measures load plus power consumed in current coil.
4. Protective Relays
Classification of Relays
• Protective relays
• Auxiliary(slave)relays
• Programming relays
• Verification relays
• Monitoring relays
Protective relays can be further divided by input, operating principles, and performance characteristics:
The input can consist of current, voltage, pressure, temperature, frequency, and so on.
The operating principles can consist of thermal, electromagnetic, product of voltage and current,
percentage, restraint, and so on
The performance characteristics can consist of time delay, directional, differential, distance, phase or
ground, comparison of operating quantities, and so on.
The evolution of protective relays:
• Electromechanical and induction relays (first generation)
• Static relays (second generation)
• Solid-state relays with integrated circuits(third generation)
• Microprocessor relays (fourth generation)
Find the ANSI/IEEE Standard Device Numbers or IEEE Standard C37.2-2008.
21 -Distance Relay
25 -Synchronizing or Synchronism-Check Device
27 -Undervoltage Relay
32 -Directional Power Relay
40 –Field (over/under excitation) Relay
50 -Instantaneous Overcurrent
51 -AC (Inverse) Time Overcurrent Relay
59 -Overvoltage Relay
67 -AC Directional Overcurrent Relay
87 -Differential Protective Relay
