The Basics of Instrument Transformers Part 1

Understanding the potential transformer (PT), a conventional, single-phase transformer that

has its primary and secondary windings on a common coreFind more articles
about Transformers
May 1, 2009Electrical Construction and Maintenance

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Understanding the potential transformer (PT), a conventional, single-phase transformer that has its primary
and secondary windings on a common core

With any switchboard or switchgear lineup, you can order ammeters, voltmeters, frequency
meters, etc. These meters come with factory-installed instrument transformers, which are
needed to convert the measured parameter to that suitable for the meter itself. Knowing
what these transformers are and how they work will help you when specifying and/or
installing them in existing equipment.
In this first part of this multi-part series, we'll talk about the potential transformer, or PT, as
it's more commonly known.

What's a PT?
Basically, a PT is a conventional, single-phase transformer that has its primary and
secondary windings on a common core. The most popular type of PT provides 120V at the
secondary when nameplate-rated voltage is applied to its primary. It's important to note
that a PT is designed so that its secondary voltage has a fixed relationship, or ratio, with its
primary voltage.
Table 1 (click here to see Table 1) lists commercially available Pts for application with
100% of rated primary voltage across the primary winding when connected line-to-line or
line-to-ground. Table 2 (click here to see Table 2) lists commercially available Pts for lineto-line service that may be applied line-to-ground or line-to-neutral at a winding equal to
the primary voltage rating divided by 3. Most new installations have a single voltmeter
connected to a selector switch, which is used to select the specific phase-to-phase
measurement (e.g. A-B, B-C, and A-C).

Pts are capable of continuous and accurate operation when the voltage applied across the
primary is within 10% of rated primary voltage. Pts are normally identified for polarity by
marking the primary terminal H1 and the secondary terminal X1. These points may also be
identified by distinctive color markings.
According to the IEEE Buff Book (ANSI/IEEE Standard 242), standard accuracy
classifications of Pts range from 0.3 to 1.2, representing the percent ratio corrections to
obtain a true ratio. These accuracies are high enough so that any standard PT will be
adequate for protective relaying purposes as long as it is applied within its open-air thermal
and voltage limits. Table 3 (click here to see Table 3) lists standard burdens for Pts with a
secondary voltage of 120V.
In normal practice, you should not exceed the thermal burden limits specified by the PT
manufacturer, if you want to avoid questionable PT accuracy and reduced life. Per the Buff
Book, thermal burdens are given in volt-amperes and may be arithmetically calculated by
adding the volt-ampere burdens of the devices connected to the PT. If the sum is within the
rated thermal burden, the PT will perform satisfactorily over the range of voltages from 0%
to 110% of nameplate voltage.

Choosing a PT
Suppose you've been asked to install a voltmeter and selector switch on an existing mediumvoltage switch to measure current and voltage on a 4,160V, 3-phase power line feeding a
large industrial motor. You would take the following steps in determining what's required:
1.

Calculate the PT ratio

We know the phase-to-phase voltage is 4,160V. Most voltmeters are self contained and
come with scales ranging from 150V to 750V. When you need to measure higher voltages,
the PT reduces the measured voltage to that suitable for the voltmeter. The scale is then
proportioned to read the actual higher voltage being measured. Let's say you decide on a
voltmeter having a 150V full-scale indication. You can determine the PT ratio by dividing
the phase-to-phase voltage, which is 4,160V, by the voltmeter full-scale range, which is
150V. This simple calculation results in a value of 27.7, which you would interpret as an
approximate 28:1 ratio. The next higher standard PT ratio (see Table 2) is 40:1, and you
would choose this ratio PT.
2.

Verify the selection

To make sure you've chosen the PT with the correct ratio, you should calculate its secondary
voltage. This is done by dividing the phase-to-phase voltage by the ratio (4,160V 40),
which yields 104V. This is well within the limits of the chosen voltmeter.
3.

Connect the PT and voltmeter

You would connect the PT and voltmeter as shown in the Figure (click here to
seeFigure) above. Where balanced system load and, therefore, balance voltage are
anticipated, you would normally connect the Pts in open delta. Where line-to-neutral
loading is expected, you would more often connect them wye-wye, particularly where
metering is required. If you have an ungrounded power system, you can use Pts for ground
detection by connecting them wye-broken delta. Note the PT's primary fusing, which
protects the power system by de-energizing a failed PT. Usually, a current-limiting fuse (or
its equivalent) is used in the primary connection to an ungrounded power system leg or
conductor.