Instrument Transformers Information

Instrument transformers are used to step-down current or voltage to measurable values. They provide standardized, useable levels of current or voltage in a variety of power monitoring and measurement applications. There are two basic types of instrument transformers. Current transformers are used to step-down current in a predicable fashion with regard to both current and phase. They are often used as inputs to current-powered instruments. Voltage transformers produce a secondary voltage that is substantially proportional to the primary voltage, but that differs in phase by an angle that is approximately zero for an appropriate direction of the connections. Often, voltage transformers are used as potential transformers or in combination with current transformers. Some instrument transformers have a waterproof case or are rated for outdoor use. Others meet U.S. military specifications (MIL-SPEC) or standards for electric metering from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

There are several classes of instrument transformers. Commercial class devices are well-suited for low power current monitoring. ANSI class devices are designed for power monitoring which requires high accuracy and minimum phase angle error.  Multi-ratio transformers are used in three-phase systems to measure current or voltage. Split core transformers include a hinge and locking snap that allows attachment without interrupting the current-carrying wire. Wound primary transformers have primary windings that usually consist of more than one turn. By contrast, toroidal or donut transformers do not include an internal primary winding. Bar current transformers are toroidal transformers in which a bus bar is permanently inserted through the window of the toroid. PC-mounted instrument transformers have a small footprint and are used to measure current or voltage on computer boards. Devices that detect under current or over-currents are also available. Noncontact current transformers can measure current waveforms without coming into electrical contact with the circuit.

Instrument transformers are used mainly in measurement and protective equipment. They are also used to provide energy to protective relays. Accuracy, the degree to which instrument transformers produce a current or voltage that is proportional to monitored value, varies among devices. Highly accurate current transformers are used to measure turn-on, turn-off and conducting performance in power semiconductor switches. Current transformers are also used in the design of switch-mode power supplies, the development of power electronics, and lightning simulation tests for surge arrestors. In addition, current transformers are used in capacitor discharge surge testing, the development of motor controllers and electronic variable speed drives, the monitoring of laser tube and diode pulse currents, current injection, the measurement of harmonics in main power cables, and in electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing.

• Solid-State ac Power Sources for Transformer Testing
  instrument translates directly into efficient tests and cost savings. What makes these new test sets possible today is the advances in high-power solid-state electronics. Solid-state variable-voltage and frequency power supplies have been around for over 30 years. But these units were small, bench-top...
• Isolation Transformer to Perform Line Leakage or Functional Run Tests
  reference point for your. leakage measurements for some of the tests that are required, it is not an earth ground. reference. Test Instrument Protection. Finally we are recommending that an isolation transformer or an isolated power source be. used as the source of supply for powering up the DUT whenever...
• Understanding Transformer Standards at Home and Abroad (.pdf)
  applies to an end product such as an instrument or a piece of electronic equipment, or occasionally to a component used for a specific application. Transformers are generally not UL listed; doing so would restrict the use of that transformer to a very narrow purpose....