EXCITATION CURRENT, SATURATION, TURN RATIO, AND POLARITY TESTS

FOR INSTRUMENT TRANSFORMERS

Long Pong
Doble Engineering Company
INTRODUCTION
There were Doble articles on power factor testing instrument transformers [1, 2], but few covered the excitation
current, saturation, turn ratio and polarity tests in detail. The purpose of this report is to describe the test procedures
in question for instrument transformers, which are the Current Transformers (CTs), Potential Transformers (PTs),
Metering Outfits (MOs) and Couple Capacitor Voltage Transformer (CCVT). This will help the M4000 user in the
assessment of their instrument transformer condition. The benefits of the tests and test result analysis are also
covered.
GENERAL PRINCIPLE
Purpose
In general the same basic theory applied on power transformer in the turn ratio and excitation current testing and
interpretation [1] is applied on the instrument transformers. The purpose of these tests are to assess the condition of
the turn-to-turn insulation and the core. Furthermore it can verify the performance and the terminal identification of
the instrument transformer during commissioning or wiring. For a new instrument transformer, the excitation,
saturation curve and polarity tests should be performed for three main reasons: (1) to confirm the design
specification, (2) check any damage during manufacturing, shipping or construction, and (3) to obtain the reference
test data for future use. For a used instrument transformer, the test should be considered whenever the condition of
the turn-to-turn insulation, core, wiring or the technical specification are unknown or become a concern. The typical
situations that can compromise the instrument transformer condition or performance are the relocation, the rewiring
or when the CT secondary winding was left open in service, the PT secondary winding was left short-circuited in
service,
Preparation for Tests:
Ideally the excitation current, saturation, turn ratio and polarity tests should be performed in conjunction with the
insulation or power factor test, the testing time will be minimum. The test preparation and safety considerations are
the same as the power factor test for the instrument transformers [1]. At this time the excitation and turn ratio tests
can be done either in the Diagnostic screen of DTAf or in the Clipboard of M4000 for all instrument transformers
with the exception of the PT excitation current test. Because in DTAf, the PTs Overall test screen has already the
excitation test lines.
The test should be performed on the highest turn winding, i.e. the test voltage is applied on the winding that has
the highest turn number. This will achieve two goals: minimize the test current allowing to test at higher voltage and
limit the induced voltage on the other winding to a value smaller than the test voltage by the turn ratio factor. For the
same reason, the full winding should be tested if the winding has multiple taps.
CURRENT TRANSFORMER (CT)
Excitation Current Test
TABLE 1
Excitation Current Test Procedure
TEST
Mode
ENG.
GND
GUARD
UST
1
UST
X1
Y3-H2
X3
2
UST
Y1
X3-H2
Y3
If more secondary windings exists, repeat the test on other secondary windings

Test Description
X-Excitation, fig.1a
Y-Excitation, fig.1b

The Figure 1 shows the typical connections of the excitation current test for a common CT. The test voltage is
applied across the full secondary winding. The windings that are not under test voltage are grounded at one end,
however those windings will be induced to the test voltage with the respect of the turn ratio factor.
1

X1

X2 X3

Y1

Y2 Y3

(UST)

Meter
a) X winding testing

H2

H1

H2

H1

X1

X2 X3

Y1 Y2

Y3

(UST)
Meter

b) Y winding testing
Test connection of the excitation current test on typical CT
Figure 1

Test Voltage
The test voltage is limited to the rated voltage of the secondary winding and it can be found on the nameplate in
the class identification. The number fellows the class letter (C or B) designates the rated voltage of the secondary
winding. Thus the test voltage are:
TABLE 2
Test voltage at the CT secondary winding
Application
Class designation
Rated voltage
Test Voltage
(V)
(kV)*
B-0.1
10
0.025
Metering
B-0.2
20
0.025
B-0.5
50
0.050
B-0.9
90
0.090
B-1.8
180
0.180
B-1
C100
K100
T100
100
0.100
Relaying
B-2
C200
K200
T200
200
0.200
B-4
C400
K400
T400
400
0.400
B-8
C800
K800
T800
800
0.800
C1000
K1000
T1000
1000
1.000
* Minimum output voltage of M4000 is about 0.025 kV and the voltage ramp step need to be
modified to 1 or 2 volts to prevent an Over voltage error from happen during voltage ramping.
For example, according to the table 2, the rated voltage of two secondary windings of C800 and B-2 are
respectively 800 volt and 200 volts.
Saturation Curve Test
The CTs performance can be verified by the current excitation tests at multiple test voltages, from 25% to 120%
of the rated voltage of the secondary winding. The tests can be performed either in Clipboard (M4000 software) or
in Diagnostic Tests (DTAf software) and the test results are exported to spreadsheet software, for example Excel, for
making the saturation curve. The export of test data can be accomplished by Printing the test data to a text file and
using Copy and Paste commands between the text file and spreadsheet file.

Turn Ratio Test

TABLE 3
Doble Turn Ratio test procedure for CT
TEST
Mode
ENG.
GND
GUARD
UST
1
UST
Cap. Hook
Cap. nut
2
UST
X1
X3, Y3, H2
H1
3
UST
Y1
X3, Y3, H2
H1
If more secondary windings exists, repeat the test on other secondary windings
Turn ratio = Ctrue / Capp

Test Note
Ctrue, Fig. 2a
Capp. for X, Fig.2b
Capp. for Y

The Figure 2 shows the typical connections of the Doble turn ratio test for a common CT. First the true
capacitance (Ctrue)is measured in the figure 2a, then the apparent capacitance (Capp.) is in the figure 2b and finally the
turn ratio is calculated (Ratio = Ctrue / Capp.). The test voltage is applied across the full secondary winding and the
measurement is made through the TTR capacitor connected on the primary winding (H1).

H2

H1
TTR Cap.

X1

X2 X3

Y1

Y2 Y3

M eter
Ratio = C true / C apparent

Meter

a) True capacitance measurement

b) Apparent capacitance measurement for X winding

Doble turn ratio test circuit for CT

FIGURE 2
Polarity Test
During the turn ratio test, the polarity of the secondary winding can be easily obtained by observing the
capacitance measurement. If the reading is capacitive value with respect to the nameplate turn ratio, then the polarity
of terminal connected to the HV cable is the same as the polarity of the terminal connected to TTR Capacitor. If the
reading is inductive (Clipboard) or negative (DTAf) value, then the polarity of the two terminals are opposite.
Test Result Analysis
In general the test results analysis is performed by comparing the test data to the initial test data, previous test data,
to the nameplate value or similar design test data in the same test condition, especially for test voltage and
frequency. If the tests were performed in different voltages or frequencies, the test results would be difficult to
compare to each other, because of non-linearity of core magnetic circuit. If the CT is designed according to the IEEE
C57.13 standard, then this standard can be used as the guide line in the test data interpretation.
For the excitation current test: Comparing the test data to the initial or previous test data is preferable. No
acceptance criteria has been established yet for this test. However if a problem in the turn-to-turn insulation occurs,
the current would increase drastically (>10%). The watt loss also can indicate the condition change in the core or
winding insulation.
3

For the saturation curve test: The test data can be used to trace the saturation curve which can then be compared to
the initial curve, the manufacturer curve or the standard curve. If the CT is designed according to the IEEE C57.13
standard, the figure 4 of the standard can be used as the reference. In general the measured curve should be
comparable to or above the standard curve. This indicates that the tested CT performs equally or better than the
standards. If it is lower than the standard curve, then the tested CT becomes saturated faster than the standard CT.
This can be caused by the under design, or a problem in the core or winding insulation.
For the turn ratio test: Normally the accuracy rating can be used as the acceptance limit in the test data
interpretation. The accuracy rating values can be found on the nameplate before the class designation letter (B, C, K
or T). They are typically 0.3, 0.6 and 1.2, thus the acceptance limits of the turn ratio deviation should be respectively
0.3, 0.6 and 1.2%, when the test is performed at the rated voltage of the winding. When more test data are
collected, the acceptance limit can be modified for better detection of a problem. However the 1.2% can be used as
the maximum deviation for turn ration of any CT.
POTENTIAL TRANSFORMER (PT)
Excitation Current Test

TEST
1
2

Mode
UST
UST

ENG.
H1
H1

TABLE 4
Excitation Test Procedure
GND
GUARD
X3-Y3-H2
H2
X3,Y3

The Figure 3 shows the typical connections of the excitation current test for
a common PT. The test voltage is applied across the primary winding. The
secondary windings are grounded at one end and will be induced to the test
voltage with the respect of the turn ratio factor.

UST
X3
-

Test Note
H2 accessible, Fig.3
H2 inaccessible and
grounded
H1
X1
X2

Test Voltage
The test voltage is limited to the rated voltage of the primary winding. If
the rated voltage is higher than 12kV, the test is performed at 10kV.

X3
Y1
Y2
Y3
H2

Test connection of the excitation current test on typical PT

FIGURE 3

Saturation Curve Test

For PT has line-to-ground rated voltage 10kV or lower, the PT saturation curve can be verified by the current
excitation tests at multiple test voltages, from 25% to 120% of the rated voltage. The tests can be performed either in
Clipboard (M4000 software) or in Diagnostic Tests (DTAf software) and the test results are exported to spreadsheet
software, for example Excel, for making the saturation curve. The export of test data can be accomplished by
Printing the test data to a text file. For higher rated voltage, the saturation curve can be obtained by using the
external reference and source [2].

Turn Ratio Test

TABLE 5
Doble Turn Ratio test procedure:
TEST
Mode
ENG.
GND
GUARD
UST
1
UST
Cap. Hook
Cap. nut
2
UST
H1
X3, Y3, H2
X1
3
UST
H1
X3, Y3, H2
Y1
If more secondary windings exists, repeat the test on other secondary windings
Turn ratio = Ctrue / Capp

Test Note
Ctrue, Fig. 4a
Capp. for X, Fig.4b
Capp. for Y

The figure 4 shows the typical connections of the Doble turn ratio test for a common CT. First the true capacitance
(Ctrue)is measured in the figure 4a, then the apparent capacitance (Capp.) is in the figure 4b and finally the turn ratio is
calculated (Ratio = Ctrue / Capp.). The test voltage is applied across the primary winding and the measurement is made
through the TTR capacitor connected on the secondary winding.

H1

TTR Cap.

X1
X2
X3
Y1
Y2
Y3
Meter

H2

Ratio = C true / C apparent

a) True capacitance measurement

b) Apparent capacitance measurement for X winding

Doble turn ratio test circuit for PT
FIGURE 4

Polarity Test
During the turn ratio test, the polarity of the secondary winding can be easily obtained by observing the
capacitance measurement. If the reading is capacitive value with respect to the nameplate ratio, then the polarity of
the terminal connected to the HV cable is the same as the polarity of the terminal connected to TTR Capacitor. If the
reading is inductive (Clipboard) or negative (DTAf) value, then the polarity of the two terminals are opposite.
Test Result Analysis
In general the test results analysis is performed by comparing the test data to the initial test data, previous test data,
to the nameplate value or similar design test data in the same test condition, especially for test voltage and
frequency. If the tests were performed in different voltages or frequencies, the test results would be difficult to
compare to each other, because of non-linearity of core magnetic circuit. If the PT is designed according to the IEEE
C57.13 standard, then this standard can be used as the guide line in the test data interpretation.
For the excitation current test: Comparing the test data to the initial or previous test data is preferable. No
acceptance criteria has been established yet for this test. If a problem in the turn-to-turn insulation occurs, the
current would increase drastically (>10%). The watt loss also can indicate the condition change in the core or
winding insulation.
5

For the saturation curve test: The test data can be used to trace the saturation curve which can then be compared to
the initial curve, the manufacturer curve or the standard curve. In general the measured curve should be comparable
or superior to the benchmark curve. This indicates that the tested PT performs equally or better than the standards.
If it is lower than the standard curve, then the tested PT becomes saturated faster than the standard PT. This can be
caused by the under design, or a problem in the core or winding insulation.
For the turn ratio test: In general the accuracy rating can be used as the acceptance limit in the first test data
interpretation. The accuracy rating values can be found on the nameplate for the metering class PT. Their values are
typically 0.3, 0.6 and 1.2, thus the acceptance limits of the turn ratio deviation should be respectively 0.3, 0.6 and
1.2%. When more test data are collected, the acceptance limit can be modified for better detection of a problem.
However the 1.2% can be used as the maximum deviation for turn ration of any PT.
METERING OUTFIT (MO)
Normally the MO consist of potential transformer and current transformer. The first task is to mark out which
terminals are associated to the CT and PT. Then the excitation, saturation, turn ratio or polarity tests and the test
result analysis are performed in the same manner as the CTs and PTs. The figure 5a and b show the typical single
phase Metering Outfit and the figure 5c is three-phase MO.
H1PT/H1CT

CT

H2CT

H1PT/H1CT

H2CT

I1 I1

I2

I2

CT
X1

X2

X3

Y1

X1

X2

X3

Y2
Y3

PT

CT1

CT2

Z1
Z2
Z3
H2PT

PT1

PT2

X1 1 X21 X31 Y 11 Y 21 Y 31 Y 12 Y 22 Y 32 X12 X22 X3 2

Y1/Y2/Y3
Z1/ Z2/Z3

a) Single-phase MO electrical circuit

PT

H2PT
CT1
PT1
PT2
CT2
Secondary Windings Terminal

b) Single-phase MO physical view

c) Three-phase MO schematic

Typical Metering Outfit

FIGURE 5
TABLE 6
Single-phase MO test procedure
TEST
Mode
ENG.
GND
GUARD
UST
1
UST
H1PT/H1CT
Y3, Z3
H2PT
2
UST
X1
H2CT
X3
3
UST
Cap. Hook
Cap. nut
4
UST
H1PT/H1CT, H2CT
Y3, Z3
Y1
5
UST
H1PT/H1CT, H2CT
Y3, Z3
Z1
6
UST
X1
X3, H2CT
H1PT/H1CT
If more secondary windings exists, repeat the test on other secondary windings
Turn ratio = Ctrue / Capp

Test Note
PT1 Excitation
CT Excitation
C true
(PT) C app. through TTR Cap.
(PT) C app. through TTR Cap.
(CT) C app. through TTR Cap.

TABLE 7
Three-phase MO test procedure
TEST Mode
ENG.
GND
GUARD
UST
1
UST
I1, I 1
X31 ,Y31 ,Y32 , X32
P
2
UST
I2, I 2
X31 ,Y31 ,Y32 , X32
P
3
UST
X11
I1 , X31 ,Y31 ,Y32 , X32
X31
4
UST
X12
I2 , X31 ,Y31 ,Y32 , X32
X32
5
UST
Cap.Hook
Cap. nut
6
UST
I1, I 1
P, X31 ,Y31 ,Y32 , X32
Y11
7
UST
I2, I 2
P, X31 ,Y31 ,Y32 , X32
Y12
8
UST
X11
I1 , X31 ,Y31 ,Y32 , X32
I1
9
UST
X12
I2 , X31 ,Y31 ,Y32 , X32
I2
If more secondary windings exists, repeat the test on other secondary windings
Turn ratio = Ctrue / Capp

Test Note
PT1 Excitation
PT2 Excitation
CT1 Excitation
CT2 Excitation
C true
(PT1) C app. through TTR Cap.
(PT2) C app. through TTR Cap.
(CT1) C app. through TTR Cap.
(CT2) C app. through TTR Cap.

COUPLING CAPACITOR VOLTAGE TRANSFORMER (CCVT)

The CCVT consist of two main components: the coupling capacitors and the transformer circuit as shown in the
figure 6. The excitation current and saturation curve tests can applied only on the transformer. So the test procedure
and test data analysis are exactly the same as a PTs.
Excitation Test: The figure 7 shows the connection of excitation current test. The test voltage should not exceed
the rated voltage of the transformer and normally less than 5kV.
TABLE 8
Excitation curent Test Procedure for CCVT
TEST
Mode
ENG.
GND
GUARD
UST
1
UST
1
X3
2
Test voltage should not exceed 5 kV
B1

Test Note
On transformer

B1
UST

Coupling
Capacitors
CAR

POT 1

Unit Terminal
3
X1
5

4
2
Transformer
Typical CCVT Circuit
FIGURE 6

CAR

POT 1

X2
X3

X1

X2

X3

Excitation current test on transformer

FIGURE 7

Turn Ratio Test

TEST
Mode
1
UST
2
UST
3
UST
or
UST
Turn ratio = Ctrue / Capp

TABLE 9
Doble Turn Ratio Test Procedure for CCVT
ENG.
GND
GUARD
UST
Cap. Hook
Cap. nut
B1
X3
X1
B1
X3
X2
B1
4
3

UST

Test Note
Ctrue, Fig. 2 a)
Capp. for X1, Fig. 8
Capp. for X2
Capp. for X1, Fig. 9

UST
3
5
4

X1
X2
X3

3
5
4

Ratio = C true / C apparent

Capp. measurement on unit terminal

FIGURE 8

Capp. measurement on transformer terminal

FIGURE 9

The figures 8 and 9 show the typical connections of the Doble turn ratio test for a common CCVT. First the true
capacitance (Ctrue)is measured in the figure 2a, then the apparent capacitance (Capp.) is measured in the figure 8 or 9,
and finally the turn ratio is calculated (Ratio = Ctrue / Capp.). The test voltage is applied on the top of coupling
capacitors and the measurement is made through the TTR capacitor connected on either transformer or unit terminal.
For some CCVT, the identification of the transformer and unit terminals can differ from the figures above. But the
basic idea is to apply the test voltage across a full secondary winding (3 to 4 or X1 X3). Do NOT use the terminals
3-5 or X1 X2, because this will put the two secondary windings in series with opposite polarity. If this test
connection would be made, the capacitance measurement would be very small or inductive.
Polarity verification
During the turn ratio test, the polarity of the secondary winding can be easily obtained by observing the
capacitance measurement. If the reading is capacitive value with respect to the nameplate ratio, then the polarity of
the terminal connected to the HV cable is the same as the polarity of the terminal connected to TTR Capacitor. If the
reading is inductive (Clipboard) or negative (DTAf) value, then the polarity of the two terminals are opposite.
Test Result Analysis
Excitation current or saturation curve test: This applies only to the transformer unit. In general the test results
analysis is performed by comparing the test data to initial test data or to the manufacturer data if available.
Turn ratio test: Most of the metering class CCVT is complied with the standard accuracy of 0.3% [4]. At this time
this limit (0.3%) can be used as the acceptance limit for turn ratio test. When more test data are collected, this
acceptance limit can be modified if necessary. For other class CCVT, the 1.2% should be sufficient to use as the
guide line of the acceptance limit [5].

CONCLUSION
As demonstrated in the case studies, the standard tests that apply to the power transformer apply as well to the
instrument transformers. Furthermore the M4000 test set can be used beyond the insulation testing and extended to
the performance tests such as the saturation curve and polarity verification.

CASE STUDIES
1.

Current transformer
Westinghouse 15kV, 500A, type KT-15, class 0.3B2.0 Epoxy current transformer vintage 1982 was tested in
Clipboard M4000 software according to the test procedure described in this paper and the following results were
obtained:
TABLE 10
Current transformer test data
Test ID
KV
MA
Watts
%PF Cap/Ind.
1 Excitation
0.050
19.43
0.572
76.3
8.145 H
2
0.100
41.5
3.216
77.16
10.087 H
3
0.125
56.72
4.85
68.99
8.008 H
4
0.150
79.07
6.793
59.16
6.041 H
5
0.175
108.8
9.005
50.44
4.6304 H
6
At rated voltage
0.200
153.7
11.738
42.02
3.4537 H
7
0.225
204.7
14.49
36.27
2.7145 H
8
0.250
276.8
17.755
30.98
2.0872 H
9 C. True
10
37.26
0.335
0.09
9876 pF
10 C. App
0.2
0.007
0 NA
99.1 pF
Doble Turn Ratio = C.true/ C. App with deviation from nameplate
99.7 0.3%
11 Inverted Polarity
0.2
0.007
0 NA
0.07119 MH
The tests at line #10 and #11 were performed in the same condition with exception of opposite polarity connection
as shown in the figure 10. The 0.07119 MH (Henry, inductance unit) of test #11 indicates a clear indication of
opposite polarity for this test connection: between the HV cable and the TTR capacitor connection.

H2

H1

X1

X2

X3

Y1

H2

H1

Y2 Y3

X1

X2

X3

Y1

Y2 Y3

M eter

M eter

a) Test #10 with same polarity connection

b) Test #11 with opposite polarity connection

Doble Turn Ratio Test

FIGURE 10
9

According to the class designation, the turn ratio deviation of 0.3% is acceptable. The measured saturation curve
is produced in the figure 11. The measured curve above the IEEE standard curve indicates that the CT saturation is
much superior to the standards. This results is expected, because the standard curve is for C or K class transformer
(relaying application) while the CT under test is metering class.

Measured

0.3

IEEE

Voltage (kV)

0.25
0.2
0.15
0.1
0.05
0
0

50

100

150
200
Current (mA)

250

300

350

Saturation curves for CT

FIGURE 11
2.

Current Transformer

In December 2001, the following report [7], from AskDoble email discussion forum, demonstrated the
usefulness of the saturation test to detect the insulation problem in a current transformer.
VELCO recently tested bushing current transformers for a 115kV breaker and
found all CT's in one bushing would not pass the saturation test. The C800
class CT's could not develop more than approximately 200 volts before an
arc-over created a primary short preventing further development of voltage.
It was found that the shorting of the CT clamping bracket to the CT
cover/can effectively created a primary short across both CT's in the one
bushing. The point of connection between the clamp and the cover created
arcing and a significant buildup of heat during the test.
3. Current Transformer
The Doble turn ratio test was performed on ABB IMBE-145-A4 current transformer, in Clipboard M4000
software according to the test procedure described in this paper. A 160kV, 2600 pF grading capacitor was used
instead of Doble TTR capacitor. The following results were obtained:
TABLE 11
Doble turn ratio test result from ABB IMBE-145 CT
Measurement
kV
MA
Watts
1
CTRUE
10
9.756
0.315
2
CApparent
0.5
0.024
0
Doble Turn Ratio
Nameplate CT accuracy = 1.2%
Measured ratio error =

C(pF)
2587
6.399
404.3
1.1%

The measured turn ratio error within 1.2% of CT accuracy was an acceptable condition.
10

4.

Coupling Capacitor Voltage Transformer (CCVT)

Trench Electric 69kV, type TEVF, 0.6 Class [6], CCVT vintage 1999 was tested in Diagnostic screen of DTAf
according to the test procedure described in this paper. The following test results were obtained:
TABLE 12
Doble turn ratio test results from Trench electric 69kV, type TEVF, CCVT
Specimen&Connection
kV
mA
Watts
%PF
1 C. True
10
36.25
0.308
0.08
2 C.App. : X1-X3
10
0.104
0.001
0.1
3 C.App. : Y1-Y3
10
0.104
0.001
0.1
4 C.True
10
36.27
0.353
0.1
5 C.App. : X2 - X3
10
0.06
0
0
6 C.App. : Y2 - Y3
10
0.061
0
0

Tested Winding
X1-X3
Y1-Y3
X2-X3
Y2-Y3

C(pF)
9617
27.47
27.48
9622
16.04
16.05

TABLE 13
Doble turn ratio calculation from table 12
Nameplate
Ratio = C.True / C.App.
Ratio
Error %
Ratio
C.True
C.App.
27.470
350
0.026
350.091 9617
27.480
350
-0.01
349.964 9617
16.040
600
-0.021
599.875 9622
16.050
600
-0.083
599.502 9622

The measured turn ratios for all windings were obtained almost right on the nameplate values with less than 0.1%
error. This error was well below 0.6, the CT class accuracy. So these test data were acceptable and can be used as
reference in the future.

REFERENCE
1.

Doble Engineering M4000 Insulation Analyzer User Guide, Chapter 7 Test Procedures

2.

Marshall F. Turley and Mollie A. Launer, Testing of Coupling Capacitors (an Update), Proceedings of the
2000 International Conference of Doble Clients - Sec 3-9

3.

Doble Engineering M4000 Insulation Analyzer User Guide, Chapter 3 External Reference/Source Test
(Optional Software)

4.

A. Sweetana R. W. Flugum, A New Metering Accuracy Capacitive Potential Device, IEEE Transaction, Vol.
PAS-85, No. 5, pp. 499-510, May 1966

5.

A. Sweetana, Transient Response Characteristics of Capacitive Potential Devices, IEEE Transactions On

Power Apparatus and Systems. Vol. PAS-90, pp. 1989-2001, Sept.-Oct. 1971

6.

Trench Electric, Instruction Manual for Capacitor Voltage Transformers and Coupling Capacitors, Bulletin
IM300-05, November 1988

7.

Jeffery M. Wright 115 kV Gas Breaker - CT Testing, AskDoble Email Discussion Forum, posted on
December 13, 2001 12:26 PM

11