A voltage transformer (VT) and a current transformer (CT) are essential components in electrical power systems used for measuring and monitoring voltage and current, respectively.
A voltage transformer, often referred to as a potential transformer (PT) or simply a VT, is a device used to step down high voltage levels to a lower, standardized voltage suitable for measurement and protection equipment. VTs typically have a high turns ratio to accurately transform high voltage (HV) to a lower voltage (LV), such as from 11 kV or 33 kV down to 110 V or 220 V. They ensure that voltage levels presented to meters, relays, and protective devices are safe for operation and accurate in measurement. Voltage transformers also provide electrical isolation between the high-voltage primary circuit and the low-voltage secondary circuit.
The main difference between a VT and a CT lies in their function and design. A VT steps down voltage levels, providing a scaled-down version suitable for measurement and control purposes. In contrast, a CT steps down current levels, producing a proportional current in the secondary winding that accurately reflects the primary current flowing through the circuit being monitored. While both transformers are used in electrical power systems, their primary purpose and the nature of the signals they handle—voltage for VTs and current for CTs—distinguish their roles in system operation and measurement.
CTs and PTs, or voltage transformers (VTs), serve distinct roles in electrical power systems, primarily based on whether they step down current or voltage, respectively. A current transformer (CT) steps down high currents to a lower, standardized value suitable for measuring and monitoring equipment. CTs are essential for accurate measurement of current flow in power systems, ensuring that devices like ammeters, protective relays, and energy meters receive signals proportional to the primary current. They operate based on Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction, where the primary current induces a current in the secondary winding that is proportional in magnitude and phase angle to the primary current.