Advanced Meter School

August 21-23, 2012

INSTRUMENT
TRANSFORMER
SIZING

2012
David L. Johnson

What is an instrument
transformer?
A current transformer (CT) is used for measurement of
electric currents. Current transformers, together with voltage
transformers (VT) or potential transformers (PT), are
known as instrument transformers. When current in a circuit
is too high to directly apply to measuring instruments
(meters), a current transformer produces a reduced current
accurately proportional to the current in the circuit, which can
be conveniently connected to measuring and recording
instruments (meters). A current transformer also isolates the
measuring instruments (meters) from what may be very high
voltage in the monitored circuit. Current transformers are
commonly used in metering and protective relays.


Why ?


When ?
How ?
Why ?
High Currents: over 200 amps


High Voltage: over 240 volts
When ?

Industrial


Commercial
Service greater than 200
amps
How ?
Overhead Service
Underground Service
Secondary
Primary
Window (doughnut)


Styles
Spade
Primary C.T.
P.T. or V.T.
288/2.4=
120 volts
2.4/1 P.T.
277/480 volt
service
4-wire wye

P.T. or V.T.
4/1 P.T.
480/4=
120 volts
480 volts
service
3-Wire Delta
C.T. Ratio
200/5 = 40/1
400/5 = 80/1
600/5 = 120/1
800/5 = 160/1
1000/5 = 200/1



2.4/1 277/2.4=116 volts
4/1 480/4=120 volts
Potential Transformer
(P.T.)
60/1 7200/60=120 volts
Understanding Ratios


The relation between two similar
magnitudes with respect to the number
of times the first contains the second:
the ratio of 200 to 5, written 200:5 or
200/5.
Example:
200/5: For every 200 amps that flow
through the primary winding (window),
the meter will receive 5 amps. From the
secondary side of the C.T.
Name Plates
200 :5A
RF = 4.0 @ 30C AMB
RF = 3.0 @ 55C AMB
R.F.
Rating factor : The amount by which
the primary load current may be
increased over its name plate rating
without exceeding the allowable
temperature rise. Temperatures are
measured in C (celsius).


Rating Factors



Examples:
200/5 with a R.F. 2.0 = 400 max amps
200/5 with a R.F. 3.0 = 600 max amps
200/5 with a R.F. 4.0 = 800 max amps
400/5 with a R.F. 2.0 = 800 max amps
400/5 with a R.F. 3.0 = 1200 max amps
400/5 with a R.F. 4.0 = 1600 max amps
Etc
200/5 with R.F. 4.0
200 :5A
RF = 4.0 @ 30C AMB
RF = 3.0 @ 55C AMB
1200/5 with R.F. 1.5


1200
RF 1.5 @30C








Q: Is it important to consider R.F.s?






A: Yes. Your billing depends on
accuracy.
KVA
Converting KVA to amps
KVA x 1000 / line to line voltage / sq rt of 3 (1.732)
Examples:

500 x 1000 / 480 / 1.732 = 601 amps
500 x 1000 / 208 / 1.732 = 1387 amps
1500 x 1000 / 480 / 1.732 = 1804 amps
1500 x 1000 / 208 / 1.732 = 4163 amps





Transformer Rated Meters





Meter Form # 3s: Class 20 Meter

3s : Single Phase Service.

Service Type: Secondary 120 volt 2-Wire.

Service Type: Single-Phase Primary C.T. and P.T.



Transformer Rated Meters



Meter Form # 4s: Class 20 Meter

4s: Single Phase Service.

Service Type: 120/240 3-Wire with 2 C.T.


Transformer Rated Meters





Meter Form # 5s: Class 20 Meter

5s : Three Phase Service.

Service Type: 120/240 4-Wire Hi Leg

Service Type: 240 volt 3-Wire.

Service Type: 480 volt 3-Wire.

*Meter also known as Form 45s

Transformer Rated Meters



Meter Form # 9s: Class 20 Meter

9s : Three Phase Service.

Service Type: 120/208 volt 4-Wire Wye

Service Type: 277/480 volt 4-Wire Wye.

Service Type: Primary C.T. and P.T.

How to Determine the Correct Size C.T.
Transformer Rated Meters are rated for 20 amps
Transformer Size: KVA
Power Formula: KVA x 1000 / line to line voltage / 1.732
Rating Factor: 2, 3, 4
Meter: 20 amps max
C.T. Ratio: 200, 400, 600, etc
Wire Size: 2/0, 4/0, 250, 350, etc





Questions / Answers