Today’s control circuits are sophisticated and may have a lot of high tech components. However, no matter how sophisticated things get, most control panels need transformers to change voltage and current levels. Whether it is a high output or 1a or 5a current transformer, these components are still vital parts in many industrial applications today. Here are some tips for choosing the right CT’s for your facility.
What is a CT?
CT’s or current transformers perform an important job in industry today. They are wired differently from voltage transformers and are commonly used to limit or monitor current in control and other circuits. You can buy CT’s in a wide range of current ratings. Also, it is possible to order custom designed and manufactured CT’s when needed.
Is One Enough?
In some cases, you may need more than one 1a or 5a current transformer. For example, suppose you have a three-phase, four conductor circuit. Your panel feeds need a CT for each phase, and since it is three phase power, you need 3 CT’s.
In some cases, 2 CT’s are sufficient. Some circuits (delta configuration) do not use a neutral conductor, so they are three wire systems. Many of these setups only require 2 CT’s.
You might think each single phase circuit would require just one 1a or 5a current transformer. However, this is not always the case. 120-volt circuits only have one hot conductor, so they only need one CT. On the other hand, a 240-volt ungrounded circuit requires a CT for each of the two hot conductors.
There are some cases where you may need more or less CT’s than you think. This is why you should consider consulting with a CT manufacturer supplying transformers to businesses. They have years of experience and can help you choose the best CT for your applications.