Current transformers are generally used to make measurement currents greater than 5A suitable for kilowatt-hour meters and analysers. We can distinguish between 3 types of current transformers:
Traditional current transformers, in a split core version, are ideally suited for use in existing installations without disconnecting the primary conductor. fortop has an extensive range of split core current transformers.
Low power current transformers are mainly used for low measurement currents with high accuracy requirements. They are cost-effective, and the use of short-circuit terminals is not necessary.
Rogowski coils are ideal for measuring high measurement currents and for use around copper busbars.
On this advice page, you will find, by type of current transformer, a handy overview to easily and quickly find the right current transformer for your application or meter/analyser.
Overview of conventional models of current transformers |
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| Description | Compact transformer | Power sensor | Split core current transformer "click and go" | ||||
| Type | RM27 | VCT32 | TQ30 | TQ40-B | TQ40-C | TQ50-E | TQ50-L |
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| Transformer width | 27 mm | 32 mm | 36 mm | 48,8 mm | 48,8 mm | 66 mm | 66 mm |
| Transformation ratio | |||||||
| 35/1A | 35/1A | 60/1A | 100/1A | 200/1A | 250/1A | 250/1A | |
| 64/1A | 64/1A* | 75/1A | 125/1A | 250/1A | 300/1A | 300/1A | |
| - | - | 100/1A | 150/1A | 300/1A | 400/1A* | 400/1A* | |
| - | - | 125/1A | 200/1A | 400/1A | 500/1A* | 500/1A* | |
| - | - | 150/1A | 250/1A | 500/1A* | 600/1A* | 600/1A* | |
| - | - | 200/1A* | - | - | 750/1A* | 750/1A* | |
| - | - | 250/1A* | - | - | 800/1A* | 800/1A* | |
| - | - | - | - | - | 1000/1A* | 1000/1A* | |
| Other specifications | |||||||
| Type of current transformer | Type of current transformer | N/A | Split core | ||||
| Class | 1 | 1/0,5* | 3/1* | 1 | 1/0,5* | 1/0,5* | 1/0,5* |
| Connection of secondary measuring line | Connector 1,5 mm² | 3 m kabel / 0,5 mm² | 5 m kabel / 0,5 mm² | ||||
| Max. cable diameter | 7,5 mm | 16 mm² | 18 mm | 18 mm | 28 mm | 42 mm | 2 x 42 mm |
In addition to conventional current transformers, it is also possible to opt for low power current transformers. Low power current transformers are safer and easier to use than standard current transformers. They contain an internal resistor that prevents the occurrence of high voltages, thereby reducing the risk of sparking and making a short-circuit block unnecessary. Additionally, they provide an output of 333mV, making the installation safer.
Beyond the safety benefits, low power current transformers offer several other advantages. They allow the use of thinner and longer cables without affecting the measurement results. Furthermore, the use of connectors is possible, and they are cheaper and more compact.
Specialist low power analysers or current measurement modules are required for connecting low power current transformers. Below is a clear overview of the different low power current transformers and the analysers or current measurement modules they can be connected to.
For connection to: UMG 96-PQ-L-LP and 800-CT8-LP* |
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| Series | TQ30 | TQ40 | TQ50 | CT | CT-BSC | CT-SC | |||||||
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| Transformation ratio | |||||||||||||
| 3A-300A /333mV |
5A-480A /333mV |
Temporarily unavailable | 50A/333mV | 250A/333mV | 600A/333mV | 1200A/333mV | 20A/333mV | 50A/333mV | 75A/333mV | 100A/333mV | 100A/333mV | 400A/333mV | |
| - | - | - | 100A/333mV | - | - | 2500A/333mV | - | 75A/333mV | - | - | 200A/333mV | 600A/333mV | |
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 250A/333mV | - | |
| Other specifications | |||||||||||||
| Type of current transformer | Split core | Split core | Split core | Solid core | Solid core | Split core | Split core | Split core | Split core | Split core | Split core | Split core | Split core |
| Secondary measurement lead connection | 5 meter fixed |
5 meter fixed |
5 meter fixed |
5 meter fixed |
5 meter fixed |
Screw connection |
Screw connection |
5 meter fixed |
5 meter fixed |
5 meter fixed |
5 meter fixed |
5 meter fixed |
5 meter fixed |
| Max. cable diameter | 18 mm | 28 mm | 42 mm |
0.9 mm 12.3 mm |
19.3 mm | 21 x 51 mm |
50 x 90 mm 80 x 120 mm |
6.1 mm | 9.5 mm | 12 mm | 16 mm | 23.3 mm | 35.3 mm |
| Class | 1 | 0,5 | 0,5 | 0,5 | 0,5 | 0,5 | 0,5 | 0,5 | 0,5 | 0,5 | 0,5 | 0,5 | 0,5 |
* The 800-CT8-LP current measurement module is suitable for connection to the main modules UMG 800 and UMG 801.
Low power current transformers for: 800-CT24* current measurement module |
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| Series | CT24-SC | |||||||||
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| Transformation ratio | ||||||||||
| 50A/333mV | 50A/333mV | 100A/333mV | 100A/333mV | |||||||
| 75A/333mV | 75A/333mV | - | - | |||||||
| Other specifications | ||||||||||
| Type of current transformer | Split core | Split core | Split core | Split core | ||||||
| Secondary measurement lead connection | 25 cm with molex connector | 200 cm with molex connector | 25 cm with molex connector | 200 cm with molex connector | ||||||
| Max. cable diameter | 10.2 mm | 10.2 mm | 12.5 mm | 12.5 mm | ||||||
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* The 800-CT24 current measurement module is suitable for connection to the main modules UMG 800 and UMG 801. |
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Rogowski coils are a special type of current measuring device without a magnetic core. This clearly distinguishes Rogowski coils from traditional current transformers. The Rogowski coils, named after Walter Rogowski, use a wire wound in a helical structure. This coil generates a voltage corresponding to the change in current through the conductor.
One of the advantages of Rogowski coils is that they can measure very high currents without saturating. They are therefore linear over a wide range, with an output signal that is proportional to the measured current. Other advantages include easy installation in difficult locations, the possibility of large through-hole openings, the coils being electrically isolated from the circuit being measured, and a wide frequency range.
Despite the many advantages, Rogowski coils also have disadvantages. For example, they are sensitive to external magnetic fields, and their accuracy can depend on the exact positioning around the conductor. Additionally, their performance can be (adversely) affected by temperature fluctuations.
The table below provides a clear overview of the Rogowski coils.
Overview Rogowski coils |
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| For connection to |
UMG 96-PQ-L-LP |
RogoTrans converter |
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| Max. cable diameter (mm) | 120 mm | 200 mm | 290 mm | 390 mm | 580 mm | 70 mm | 175 mm | 300 mm | |
| Output | 100mV/1kA | 22,5mV/1kA | |||||||
| Max. primary current | 8000A | 8000A | |||||||
| Secondary measurement lead connection | 3 meter fixed | ||||||||
| Article numbers | |||||||||
| JA901971 | JA901972 | JA901973 | JA901974 | JA901975 | JA900249 | JA900250 | JA900251 | ||
Current measurement at a lower level is necessary in many installations. Relatively low values are measured at this low level and the available space is minimal. In addition, the measurements must meet high accuracy (minimum class 1).
The compact RM27 current transformer is the smallest current transformer on the market and has been specially designed for use in combination with digital measuring systems. The small current transformer is also suitable for use on a three-phase automatic switch with a 17.5 mm distance between the phases. The RM27 is supplied with a connector with terminal technology for mounting on secondary connections. Optionally, mounting on a DIN rail or clip for screw mounting is possible.
Features RM27 compact current transformer:
To measure power, the voltage and current values of each phase must be known. The power sensor (VCT) from ELEQ combines three functions in one product: the fused voltage tap, the current transformer and the connection terminal.
The VCT32 from ELEQ combines accurate current measurement and fused voltage branching and a 16mm² connection terminal in one product. By applying the VCT32, the chance of connection errors is minimised, higher safety requirements are met, less installation space is required and the costs for installation are reduced.
Characteristics of current transformer with fused connection (VCT32):
Quickly perform accurate flow measurements in small spaces or existing installations with the TQ line split core current transformers from ELEQ.
Current transformers are easy to install due to the compact design, the hinge construction, and the supplied cable tie around the transformer to mount the insulated conductor. The long color-coded secondary connections ensure that the transformer is seamlessly connected to the energy meter.
The specified power rating applies at the end of the secondary branches and is adjusted to modern energy measurement devices such as the Janitza meters. The transformers meet the requirements of IEC61869-2, which guarantees accuracy.
Features of the TQ series split core current transformers: