Editorial Technical Reference

Current Transformer (CT)

This page explains how Current Transformer (CT) is classified within Electrical Equipment Manufacturing. Technical values and manufacturer relationships are research references; confirm the current specification and supplier evidence for each order.

Technical Definition & Core Assembly

A device that transforms high primary current into a lower, measurable secondary current for metering and protection purposes.

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Current Transformer (CT)

Definition
A current transformer (CT) is an essential component within an energy meter that safely isolates and scales down high-magnitude alternating currents from power lines to standardized low-level signals suitable for measurement by the meter's electronics. It enables accurate monitoring of electrical consumption without direct high-voltage connections. The CT operates on the principle of electromagnetic induction, where the primary winding carrying the line current induces a proportional current in the secondary winding, typically stepped down to 1A or 5A, maintaining a precise ratio for measurement accuracy. This component is used in electrical equipment manufacturing, specifically as a part of energy metering systems. It is designed to meet various specifications, including rated primary current from 5 to 5000 A, rated secondary current of 1 to 5 A, accuracy classes from 0.2 to 5P, rated burden from 2.5 to 30 VA, rated frequency of 50 to 60 Hz, rated short-time thermal current of 10 to 50 kA, rated dynamic current of 25 to 125 kA, insulation level from 0.72 to 36 kV, operating temperature range from -40 to 85 °C, degree of protection from IP54 to IP65, rated continuous thermal current of 120 to 150% of rated primary current, and weight from 1 to 50 kg. These parameters are referenced to IEC 61869-2 and IEC 60529 standards. The CT is constructed with a silicon steel core, copper winding, insulating resin, and protective housing. Selection of a CT should be based on the maximum load current, and the burden must match the connected device. For accurate metering, an accuracy class of 0.2 is typical, while 5P is used for protection. The rated secondary current of 5 A is standard for metering, while 1 A is used for long cable runs. The CT must withstand fault currents for 1 second, and its insulation level must be appropriate for the system voltage. The operating temperature range and degree of protection are important for outdoor installations. Always verify model-specific values and standards with the legal manufacturer or supplier before procurement.
Working Principle
The current transformer operates on electromagnetic induction. The primary winding, which carries the line current, is wound around a silicon steel core. This current creates a magnetic flux in the core, which induces a current in the secondary winding. The secondary current is proportional to the primary current divided by the turns ratio. Typically, the secondary is designed to output 1 A or 5 A at rated primary current. The accuracy of this transformation is defined by the accuracy class, such as 0.2 for metering or 5P for protection. The CT must be operated within its rated burden and frequency to maintain accuracy. If the secondary circuit is opened while the primary is energized, dangerous voltages can occur, so proper shorting is required.
Common Materials
Silicon steel core, Copper winding, Insulating resin, Protective housing
Technical Parameters
ParameterTypical rangeNotes & selection driver
Rated Primary Current5–5000 ASelect based on maximum load currentIEC 61869-2
Rated Secondary Current1–5 A5 A for standard metering, 1 A for long cable runsIEC 61869-2
Accuracy Class0.2–5P0.2 for metering, 5P for protectionIEC 61869-2
Rated Burden2.5–30 VAMust match connected device burdenIEC 61869-2
Rated Frequency50–60 HzStandard power grid frequenciesIEC 61869-2
Rated Short-Time Thermal Current10–50 kAWithstands fault current for 1 sIEC 61869-2
Rated Dynamic Current25–125 kAPeak withstand capabilityIEC 61869-2
Insulation Level0.72–36 kVRated insulation voltageIEC 61869-2
Operating Temperature Range-40–85 °CExtended range for outdoor useIEC 61869-2
Degree of ProtectionIP54–IP65IP65 for outdoor, IP54 for indoorIEC 60529
Rated Continuous Thermal Current120–150 %Percentage of rated primary currentIEC 61869-2
Weight1–50 kgDepends on voltage class and ratio

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM
  • Magnetic Core Part
    Provides the magnetic path for flux linkage between primary and secondary windings
    Material: Silicon steel
  • Primary Winding Part
    Carries the line current to be measured
    Material: Copper conductor
  • Secondary Winding Part
    Produces the stepped-down current output for measurement
    Material: Copper conductor
  • Insulation System
    Provides electrical isolation between windings and to ground
    Material: Epoxy resin or oil-impregnated paper

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for Current Transformer (CT).

Applied To / Applications

This component is essential for the following industrial systems and equipment:

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Complementary Systems
Downstream Applications
Specialized Tooling

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Operational Limits
pressure: Atmospheric to 1.5 bar (typical enclosure rating)
other spec: Primary current range: 1A to 5000A, Frequency: 50/60 Hz ±10%, Accuracy class: 0.1 to 3.0
temperature: -40°C to +85°C (operating), up to +120°C (short-term)
Media Compatibility
✓ Dry air (indoor electrical panels) ✓ Mineral oil (transformer applications) ✓ SF6 gas (high-voltage switchgear)
Unsuitable: Corrosive or conductive fluids (direct contact)
Sizing Data Required
  • Primary current (nominal & maximum)
  • Secondary current (typically 1A or 5A)
  • Burden (VA rating of connected instruments)

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Failure Mode & Root Cause
Insulation Breakdown
Cause: Thermal aging from overcurrent, moisture ingress, or contamination leading to dielectric failure and short circuits.
Open-Circuit Secondary Winding
Cause: Mechanical stress from vibration, thermal cycling, or poor connections causing broken conductors or high-resistance joints.
Maintenance Indicators
  • Audible humming or buzzing indicating core saturation or loose laminations
  • Visible discoloration, bulging, or oil leaks (in oil-filled CTs) suggesting overheating or insulation failure
Engineering Tips
  • Implement regular infrared thermography scans to detect abnormal heating at connections and windings before failure
  • Ensure proper burden matching and avoid open-circuiting secondary windings under load to prevent dangerous voltage spikes and insulation stress

Indicative industry ranges for design and RFQ preparation. Confirm the exact figures and applicable standard with the manufacturer before specifying.

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards

Applicable Standards
IEC 61869-2: Instrument transformers - Part 2: Additional requirements for current transformers ANSI C57.13: Requirements for Instrument Transformers DIN EN 61869-2: Instrument transformers - Part 2: Additional requirements for current transformers

Quoted from the published standard.

Manufacturing Precision
  • Accuracy class: ±0.2% for metering CTs (e.g., Class 0.2)
  • Ratio error: ±0.5% for protection CTs (e.g., Class 5P)
Quality Inspection
  • Ratio and phase angle test
  • Dielectric withstand voltage test

Manufacturers of Current Transformer (CT)

12 companies list this product among what they make. Company figures are quoted from each company's own website; every card states where the relationship came from.

Huayi Electric Co., Ltd.
Wenzhou, Zhejiang, CN
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Listed there as: “15-24kv Cast Resin Instrument Transformer”
View source page ↗ heag.cn · checked 2026-08-22
Liyond
Zhejiang, CN
Founded 2001
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Listed there as: “Instrument Transformer”
View source page ↗ liyond.com · checked 2026-08-22
Lugao Power Co.,Ltd
Xiangyang, Hubei, CN
Founded 2016nearly 60 employees staff3000 square meter
ISO9001 SGS CCC CE
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Listed there as: “Instrument Transformer”
View source page ↗ liugaopower.com · checked 2026-08-22
Beijing Hua Tian Mechanical-Electrical Institute Co., Ltd.
Beijing, CN
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Listed there as: “Instrument transformer”
View source page ↗ bhthv.com · checked 2026-09-12
CNC Electric
Zhejiang, CN
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Listed there as: “Instrument Transformer”
View source page ↗ cncele.com · checked 2026-08-28
Coilcore
Guangzhou, Guangdong, CN
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Listed there as: “Instrument transformers”
View source page ↗ coilcore.com · checked 2026-08-30
Greegoo Electric
Zhejiang, CN
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Listed there as: “MV Instrument Transformer”
View source page ↗ greegoo.com · checked 2026-08-26
Hangyou Electric
Chuzhou, Anhui, CN
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Listed there as: “Current Transformer (CT)”
View source page ↗ amorphousbus.com · checked 2026-09-14
Henan Energy Electric Equipment Co.,Ltd
Henan, CN
Also makes: Power Transformer
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Listed there as: “Instrument Transformer(CT&PT)”
View source page ↗ hzecglobal.com · checked 2026-08-27
Shenzhen Chuangyin Co., Ltd.
Shenzhen, Guangdong, CN
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Listed there as: “Instrument Transformers”
View source page ↗ chuangy.com · checked 2026-08-31
Transmart Industrial Limited
Foshan, Guangdong, CN
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Listed there as: “Instrument transformers”
View source page ↗ transmart.net · checked 2026-09-09
Wukai Electric (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd.
Jiangsu, CN
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Listed there as: “Instrument Transformer”
View source page ↗ wukai-electric.com · checked 2026-08-29
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between accuracy class 0.2 and 5P?

Accuracy class 0.2 is used for metering applications, providing high accuracy with a limit of error of 0.2% at rated current. Class 5P is for protection, allowing a composite error of 5% under specified fault conditions, ensuring reliable operation of protective relays.

Why is the secondary current typically 1A or 5A?

Standard secondary currents of 1A and 5A are chosen to match common metering and protection devices. 5A is standard for short cable runs, while 1A is used for long cable runs to reduce power losses and burden on the CT.

What happens if the secondary circuit of a CT is opened?

If the secondary circuit is opened while the primary is energized, the CT can produce a very high voltage across the open terminals, posing a safety hazard and potentially damaging the insulation. Always short-circuit the secondary before disconnecting devices.

How do I select the correct CT for my application?

Select a CT based on the maximum load current, required accuracy class, system voltage, burden of connected devices, and environmental conditions. Verify that the CT's rated primary current is greater than the expected load, and that the burden does not exceed the CT's rated burden. Always consult the manufacturer's datasheet.

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records.

Preliminary Technical Classification
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