Auto-transformers

1.1 Introduction

Two-winding transformers have already been discussed, and in such transformers,

the two windings are electrically isolated and emf is induced in the secondary
winding due to mutual induction.
There also exists other type of transformers in which part of the winding is common
to both the primary and secondary circuits.
The auto-transformer using a single winding on an iron core, with a part of the
winding common to both primary and secondary, is frequently used.
In an auto-transformer, the two windings are electrically connected and it works on
the principle of induction and conduction.

Step-down Autotransformer

The figure above depicts an autotransformer in which only one winding is wound on
a laminated magnetic core.
It also shows that a single winding is used as primary and secondary and a part of the
winding is common to both primary and secondary.
Autotransformers can also be classified as step-up and step-down transformers
because voltage can be stepped up and stepped down using these transformers.
The input and output are electrically connected and the input and output currents
are superimposed in the common part of the winding.
Superimpose - place or lay (one thing) over another, typically so that both are still
evident or to put or join as an addition (usually followed by on or upon).
In an auto-transformer only a part of the kVA input is transferred from the primary
to the secondary side by transformer action, while the remainder is transferred
directly from the primary lines to the secondary lines.

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1.2 Conventional two-winding Transformer connected as an Auto-transformer

A conventional two-winding transformer can be changed into an auto-transformer

by connecting the primary and secondary windings in series.
Depending upon how the connection is made, the secondary voltage may add to, or
subtract from, the primary voltage.
The basic operation and behaviour of a transformer is unaffected by a mere change
in external connections.
Consequently, the following rules apply whenever a conventional transformer is
connected as an auto-transformer:
i. The current in any winding should not exceed its nominal current rating.
ii. The voltage across any winding should not exceed it nominal voltage rating.
iii. If rated current flows in one winding, rated current will automatically flow in the
other winding (reason: The ampere-turns of the windings are always equal).
iv. If rated voltage exists across one winding, rated voltage automatically exists
across the other winding (reason: The same mutual flux links both windings).
v. If the current in a winding flows from H1 to H2, the current in the other winding
must flow from X2 to X1 and vice versa.
1.3 Applications of Auto-transformers

Auto-transformers are used when a (turns ratio) is nearly equal to unity and where
there is no objection to electrical connection between primary and secondary.
Hence, such transformers are used:
i. To give small boost to a distribution cable to correct for the voltage drop.
ii. As auto-starter transformer to give up to 50 to 60 % of full voltage to an
induction motor during starting.
iii. As furnace transformers for getting a convenient supply to suit the furnace
winding from a 230-V supply.
iv. They can be used as variac.
v. As interconnecting transformers in 132 kV/330 kV system.
vi. In control equipment for single-phase and three-phase electrical locomotives.

vii.
viii.
ix.

In power applications to interconnect systems operating at different voltage

classes, for example 132 kV to 66 kV for transmission.
In industry to adapt machinery built (for example) for 480 V to operate on a 600
V supply.
For providing conversions between the two common domestic mains voltage
bands in the world (100 - 130 and 200 - 250).

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x.

xi.

On long rural power distribution lines, special auto-transformers with automatic

tap-changing equipment are inserted as voltage regulators, so that customers at
the far end of the line receive the same average voltage as those closer to the
source. The variable ratio of the auto-transformer compensates for the voltage
drop along the line.
In audio applications, tapped autotransformers are used to adapt speakers to
constant-voltage audio distribution systems, and for impedance matching such
as between a low-impedance microphone and a high-impedance amplifier input.

1.4 Advantages of Auto-transformers

Following are the advantages of an auto-transformer:

i. Core/iron loss and copper loss are lowered.
ii. Efficiency of an auto-transformer is therefore better as compared to that for a
normal transformer.
iii. Saving of copper.
iv. Leakage flux is lower than in normal transformer due to the common winding
and therefore the leakage impedance is lower.
v. The voltage regulation is superior to that of a normal transformer.
vi. Due to smaller size, cost is less compared to two-winding transformer.
vii. Volt-ampere rating is more compared to a two-winding transformer.
viii. It is possible to get smooth and continuous variation of voltage.

1.5 Disadvantages of Auto-transformers

In spite of various advantages of autotransformers, following are the disadvantages

of an auto-transformer:
i. There is a possibility of high short-circuit currents for short circuit on the
secondary side due to low impedance.
ii. If the value of a differs greatly from unity the economic advantages over a twowinding transformer decreases.
iii. Main disadvantage is the direct connection between the low-voltage and highvoltage windings.
iv. If primary is supplied by a high-voltage, then an open-circuit in the common
winding bc would cause a dangerously high-voltage on the low-voltage-side.
v. It is economical only if the voltage ratio is less than 2.

1.6 Principles of Operation of Auto-transformers

The relative amounts of power transformed or inductively transferred and powers

conductively transferred depend upon the ratio of transformation.

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Figure 1.1 (a) shows the schematic diagram of an auto-transformer with N1 as the
total primary turns between a and c tapped at N2 turns for a lower-voltage
secondary output between b and c.
The primary impressed voltage is V1, input current is I1, secondary load voltage is V2
and load current I2.
Neglecting voltage drop due to leakage impedances,

=
=
=

where E1 and E2 are the induced e.m.f. and a is turns ratio or the ratio of
transformation.

Fig. 1.1: [Step-down Auto-transformer]

The currents in the two parts of the winding are I1 and I2 I1.
If the excitation current is ignored, the difference I2 I1 may be found algebraically.
As the m.m.fs in the two windings will exactly balance each other,
( ) = ( )
=

=
=

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Power transferred inductively is:

( ) =

That is

The remainder

times the output power is transferred by transformer action.

times the output is transferred conductively through electrical

connection.
It is interesting to find out the saving in copper with respect to a two-winding
transformer with the same input-output specifications.
Assuming the same current density in the windings and the same core flux for both
cases.
Conductor material:

( ) + ( )
=

+
=

( )

=
=
=

The above equation shows that more nearly V2 approaches V1, the greater is the
savings.
However, the saving in total cost is less than indicated by the same equation due to
the fact that the core is as large as with the normal transformer.
For a voltage ratio 2:1, approximately 50 percent saving in copper would be affected,
and the overall saving in cost may be 30 to 40 percent.
However, the auto-transformer has a disadvantage in that the low-voltage side has a
metallic connection to the high-voltage side contrary to the two-winding normal
transformer.
Thus a fault on the h.v. side may subject the l.v. side of the auto-transformer to the
high voltage of the h.v. line.

1.7 Equivalent Circuit

The auto-transformer may be considered as a two-winding transformer when the

part ab of the winding (Figure 1.2(a)) can be taken as the primary with impressed
voltage Vab and primary current as I1 and bc as the secondary with the output voltage
V2 and current I2 I1.
The turns ratio:

==

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As the exciting current is negligible, the voltage equation can be written as in a twowinding transformer.
Thus considering assumed directions of currents and voltages, we may write
= ( ) + [{ + ( ) } + { + ( ) }]
where r1, r2, x1, x2 are resistances and leakage reactance as marked in Figure 1.2(a).

The equivalent circuit of the step-down transformer of Figure 1.2(a) can be drawn
incorporating the exciting branch referred to voltage V1 as shown in Figure 1.2(b).

Fig. 1.2: [Step-up Auto-transformer]

Again

= +

So

= + ( + )

Where

= + ( )
= + ( )

Let the power be fed from the low-voltage side.

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Then it is a step-up auto-transformer, bc is now the primary winding and ab is the

secondary winding with directions of currents reversed (Figure 1.2(a)).
For the voltage equation referred to the secondary side,
( ) = + ( + )

= +

As

= + ( + )

The voltage equation from the primary side, i.e., V2 side, can be written as
=

+ ( + )

from the current ratio = .

The equivalent circuit is shown in Figure 1.2(b).

It may be noted that the exciting current in Figure 1.1(a) flows in the entire winding
of N1 turns while that in Figure 1.2(a) flows only in N2 turns.
As such the exciting current in the second case is a times that in the latter case.

Further, as the input voltage in the second case is

times that in the first case, the

values of the resistance in the core-loss branch and reactance in the magnetizing
branch are both reduced to

times.

As in a two-winding transformer, the parameters of an auto-transformer can be

determined by open-circuit and short-circuit tests with reference to the equivalent
circuits of Figures 1.1(b) and 1.2(b), respectively.

1.8 Relative Characteristics of an Auto-transformer and a 2-winding Transformer

A 2-winding transformer can be used as an auto-transformer by connecting them in

series electrically and magnetically.
However, their ratings and characteristics will be different.
Referring to Figures 1.1 and 1.2,



=
=
( )

( )
=

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Full-load losses are same in both cases as the current and voltage distribution in the
sections of the windings remain unchanged when a 2-winding transformer is
connected as an auto-transformer.

Therefore, as the rating of an auto-transformer is times the rating of a 2-winding

transformer,
. . . .

=
. . . .

The ohmic drop at full-load is the same in both cases. If the impedance drop is
referred to h.v. side of the auto-transformer, the p.u. or p.c. drop in the autotransformer is with respect to V1 while that in the 2-winding transformer is with

respect to = (

).

If the impedance drop is referred to l.v. side of the auto-transformer, then the

winding current is = (

), so the impedance with respect to I2 is to be

reduced times in the case of an auto-transformer.

Therefore,
. . . .

=
. . . .

As regulation is proportional to p.u. or p.c. impedance drop,

Now p.u. or p.c. short circuit current is reciprocal of p.u. or p.c. impedance drop
respectively.
Therefore,

. . . .

=
. . . .

The auto-transformer may be connected star or delta or may be Scott connected.

1.9 Variable Auto-transformer

A variable auto-transformer is often used when we wish to obtain a variable ac

voltage from a fixed voltage source.
The transformer is composed of a single-layer winding wound uniformly on a
toroidal iron core.

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A movable carbon brush in sliding contact with the winding serves as a variable tap.
The brush can be set in any position between 0 and 330 0.
Manual or motorized positioning may be used (Figure 1.3).

Fig. 1.3: [Cutaway view of a manually operated 0 140 V, 15 A variable autotransformer showing (1) the laminated toroidal core; (2) the single-layer winding; (3)
the movable brush. (Courtesy of American Superior Electric)]

As the brush slides over the bared portion of the winding, the secondary voltage E2
increases in proportion to the number of turns swept out (Figure 1.4).

Fig. 1.4: [Schematic diagram of a variable auto-transformer having a fixed 90% tap]

The input voltage E1 is usually connected to a fixed 90 percent tap on the winding.
This enables E2 to vary from 0 to 110 percent of the input voltage.
Variable auto-transformers are efficient and provide good voltage regulation under
variable loads.
The secondary line should always be protected by a fuse or circuit-breaker so that
the output current I2 never exceeds the current rating of the autotransformer.

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1.10

Examples/Exercises

1.10.1 A 20-kVA, 2 300/230-V, two-winding transformer is to be used as an autotransformer with a source voltage of 2 300-V. At full-load, unity power factor,
calculate the power out, power transformed and conducted. If the efficiency of the
two-winding transformer is 96 % at power factor 0.6, determine the efficiency for
auto-transformer under the same condition(s).
=
=

=
=

= .
= .

Fig. 1
At point (b) of Figure 1: {

: + = .
}
: + =

Auto-transformer rating:
= = ( )(. ) =
or
= = ( )(. ) =
NB: The power output at full-load, unity power factor is 220 kW. Here winding bc
acts as the primary and ab as the secondary.
= = ()(. ) =
or
= = ( )(. ) =
=
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 = = =
=
NB: Of the 220 kVA, only 20 kVA is transformed from the primary to secondary by
means of transformer action.
The remaining 200 kVA is transferred from source to the load by direct conduction.

Fig. 2
If the windings are differentially coupled, as in Figure 2 above, it makes a vast
difference in the transformer output.
At point (b) of Figure 1: {

: = .
}
: =

Auto-transformer rating:
= = ( )(. ) =
or
= = ( )(. ) =
NB: The power output at full-load, unity power factor is 180 kW. Here winding bc
acts as the primary and ab as the secondary.
= = ()(. ) =
or
= = ( )(. ) =
=

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 = = =
=
=

= ( ) . = (. ) ( )(. ) =
NB: Since the auto-transformer operates at rated voltage and current, the loses
remain constant at 500 W.
For 220 kVA:

=
=
= . = . %
( )(. ) +

For 180 kVA:

=
=
= . = . %
( )(. ) +

1.10.2 A single-phase auto transformer has a voltage ratio 320 V:250 V and supplies a load
of 20 kVA at 250 V. Assuming an ideal transformer, determine the current in each
section of the winding and draw a labelled diagram indicating the directions of
current flow. (Ans: 62.5 A; 80 A; 17.5 A)
. = = =
=

= .
=

= = . = .

Fig.3:

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1.10.3 An auto-transformer supplies a load of 3 kW at 110 volts at a unity power factor. If

the applied voltage is 230 volts, calculate:

Fig.4
The current in the primary, secondary and common winding.

1.10.3.1

= = = . = = = .

= =

= =

= .
= .

= = . . = .
1.10.3.2

The power transferred to the load inductively.

= ( ) = ( . )
= = .
1.10.3.3

The power transferred to the load conductively.

= () = (. )
= = .
1.10.3.4

The percentage copper saving.

% = (. )() = . % = %
1.10.4 A single-phase auto-transformer is connected to a 250-V supply and supplies 2.7 kW
to an impedance of (12 + j9) . Ignore the internal impedance drops, determine:
1.10.4.1

The secondary current. (Ans: 15 A)

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= =

= =

The secondary terminal voltage. (Ans: 225 . V)

1.10.4.2

= = ( + ) = .
1.10.4.3

The primary current. (Ans: 13.5 A)

=

=
1.10.4.4

()()

= .

The current in the common branch. (Ans: 1.5 A)

= = . = .

1.10.5 Determine the saving in the volume of copper used in an auto transformer compared
with a double-wound transformer for:
1.10.5.1
A 220 V: 165 V transformer. (Ans: 75 %)

= = = .

= ( )( )
= ( . )( )
= (. )( )
= %
%

1.10.5.2

A 400 V: 100 V transformer. (Ans: 25 %)

Voltage- and Current Transformers (VTs and CTs)

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= = = .

= ( )( )
= ( . )( )
= (. )( )
= %
%

Voltage- and Current Transformers (VTs and CTs)

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Voltage Transformers (VTs)

Voltage transformers (also called potential transformers) are high-precision

transformers in which the ratio of primary voltage to secondary voltage is a known
constant, which changes very little with the load.
Furthermore, the secondary voltage is almost exactly in phase with the primary voltage.
The nominal secondary voltage is usually 115 V, irrespective of what the primary voltage
may be.
This permits standard instruments and relays to be used on the secondary side.
NB: In the case of voltage transformers and current transformers, the load is called
burden!
Voltage transformers are used to measure or monitor the voltage on transmission lines
and to isolate the metering equipment from these lines (Figure 1.1 below).

Fig. 1.1: [Potential transformer installed on a 69 kV line. Note the distributed

capacitance between the windings]

The construction of voltage transformers is similar to that of conventional transformers.

However, the insulation between the primary and secondary windings must be
particularly great to withstand the full line voltage on the HV side.

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In this regard, one terminal of the secondary winding is always connected to ground to
eliminate the danger of a fatal shock when touching one of the secondary leads.
Although the secondary appears to be isolated from the primary, the distributed
capacitance between the two windings makes an invisible connection which can
produce a very high voltage between the secondary winding and ground.
By grounding one of the secondary terminals, the highest voltage between the
secondary lines and ground is limited to 115 V.
The nominal rating of voltage transformers is usually less than 500 VA.
As a result, the volume of insulation is often far greater than the volume of copper or
steel.
Voltage transformers installed on HV lines always measure the line-to-neutral voltage.
This eliminates the need for two HV bushings because one side of the primary is
connected to ground.
For example, the 7000 VA, 80 kV transformer shown in Figure 1.2 below has one large
porcelain bushing to isolate the HV line from the grounded case.
The latter houses the actual transformer.
The basic impulse insulation (BIL) of 650 kV expresses the transformers ability to
withstand lightning and switching surges.

Fig. 1.2: [7000 VA, 80.5 kV, 50/60 Hz potential transformer having an accuracy of 0.3% and a
BIL of 650 kV. The primary terminal at the top of the bushing is connected to the HV line
while the other is connected to ground. The secondary is composes of two 115 V windings
each tapped at 66.4 V. Other details: total height: 2565 mm; height of porcelain bushing:
1880 mm; 250 L; weight: 740 kg (Courtesy of Ferranti-Packard)]

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Current Transformers (CTs)

Current transformers are high-precision transformers in which the ratio of primary to

secondary current is a known constant that changes very little with the burden.
The phase angle between the primary and secondary current is very small, usually much
less than one degree.
The highly accurate current ratio and small phase angle are achieved by keeping the
exciting current small.
Current transformers are used to measure or monitor the current in a line and to isolate
the metering and relay equipment connected in series with the line, as shown in Figure
1.3 below.
The nominal secondary current is usually 5 A, irrespective of the primary current rating.
Because current transformers (CTs) are only used for measuring and system protection,
their power rating is small generally between 15 VA and 200 VA.
As in the case of conventional transformers, the current ratio is inversely proportional to
the number of turns on the primary and secondary windings.

Fig. 1.3: [Current transformer installed on a 69 kV line]

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A current transformer having a ratio of 150A/5 A has therefore 30 times more turns on
the secondary than on the primary.
For safety reasons current transformers must always be used when measuring current in
HV transmission lines.
The insulation between the primary and secondary windings must be great enough to
withstand the full line-to-neutral voltage, including line surges.
The maximum voltage the CT can withstand is always shown on the nameplate.
As in the case of voltage transformer (and for the same reasons) one of the secondary
terminals is always connected to ground.

Fig. 1.4: [500 VA, 100 A/5 A, 60 Hz current transformer, insulated for a 230 kV line
and having an accuracy of 0.6% (Courtesy of Westinghouse)]

Figure 1.4 above shows a 500 VA, 100 A/5 A current transformer designed for a 230 kV
line.
The large bushing serves to isolate the HV line from the ground.
The CT is housed in the grounded steel case at the lower end of the bushing.
The upper end of the bushing has two terminals that are connected in series with the HV
line.
The line current flows into one terminal, down the bushing, through the primary of the
transformer, then up the bushing and out by the other terminal.
The internal construction of a CT is shown in Figure 1.5 and a typical installation is shown
in Figure 1.6 below, respectively.

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Fig. 1.5: [Current transformer in the final process of construction

(Courtesy of Ferranti-Packard)]

Fig. 1.6: [Current transformer in series with one phase of a 220 kV,
3-phase line inside a substation]

By way of comparison, the 50 VA current transformer shown in Figure 1.7 is much

smaller, mainly because it is insulated for only 36 kV.

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Fig. 1.7: [Epoxy-encapsulated current transformer rated 50 VA, 400 A/5 A, 60 Hz and
insulated for 36 kV (Courtesy of Montel, Sprecher & Schuh)]
Safety precautions (Opening the secondary of a CT can be dangerous)

Care must be taken that the secondary of a current transformer is not disconnected
from its load while current is flowing in the primary, as the transformer secondary will
attempt to continue driving current across the effectively infinite impedance.
This will produce a high voltage across the open secondary (into the range of several
kilovolts in some cases), which may cause arc.
The high voltage produced will compromise operator and equipment safety and
permanently affect the accuracy of the transformer.

Toroidal Current Transformers

When the line current exceeds 100 A, we can sometimes use a toroidal current
transformer.
It consists of a laminated ring-shaped core that carries the secondary winding.
The primary is composed of a single conductor that simply passes through the
centre of the ring (Figure 1.8) below.
The position of the primary conductor is unimportant as long as it is more or less
centred.
If the secondary possesses N turns, the ratio of transformation is N.
Thus, a toroidal CT having a ratio of 1000 A/5 A has 200 turns on the secondary
winding.
Toroidal CTs are simple and inexpensive and are widely used in low-voltage (LV) and
medium-voltage (MV) indoor installations.

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Fig. 1.8: [Toroidal transformer having a ration of 1000 A/5 A, connected

to measure the current in a line]

They are also incorporated in circuit-breaker bushings to monitor the line current
(Figure 1.9) below.

Fig. 1.9: [Toroidal transformer surrounding a conductor inside a bushing]

If the current exceeds a predetermined limit, the CT causes the circuit-breaker to

trip.

Physical configuration

Physical CT configuration is another important factor in reliable CT accuracy.

While all electrical engineers are quite comfortable with Gauss' Law, there are some
issues when attempting to apply theory to the real world.
When conductors passing through a CT are not centred in the circular (or oval) void,
slight inaccuracies may occur.
It is important to centre primary conductors as they pass through CTs to promote
the greatest level of CT accuracy.

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Fig. 1.10: [Current transformers used in metering equipment for three-phase 400 A
electricity supply]

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Examples/Exercises:
1.1 A potential transformer rated 14 400 V/115 V a current transformer rated 75 A/5 A are
used to measure the voltage and current in a transmission line. If the voltmeter indicates
111 V and the ammeter reads 3 A, calculate the voltage and current in the line.

The voltage on the line is:

= (

) =

The current in the line is:

= ( ) =

1.2 A current transformer has one turn on the primary winding and a secondary winding of
300 turns. The secondary winding is connected to an ammeter with a resistance of 0.25
. The resistance of the secondary winding is 0.35 . If the current in the primary
winding is 750 A, determine:
1.2.1 The reading on the ammeter.

= ( ) = () = .

1.2.2 The potential difference across the ammeter.

= = (. )(. ) = .
1.2.3 The total load in VA on the secondary.
= + = . + . = .
= = (. )(. ) = .
= = (. )(. ) = .
= + = . + . = .
= = (. )(. ) = .
= = (. )(. ) = .

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1.3 The current transformer in Fig. 1.7 has a rating of 50 VA, 400 A/5 A, 60 Hz. It is
connected into an ac line, having a line-to-neutral voltage of 14.4 kV, in a manner similar
to that shown in Fig. 1.3. the ammeters, relays, and connecting wires on the secondary
side possess a total impedance (burden) of 1.2 . It the transmission-line current is 280
A, calculate:
1.3.1 The secondary current.

= = = = .

= = (. )() = .
1.3.2 The voltage across the secondary terminals.
= = (. )(. ) = .
. .
1.3.3 The voltage drop across the primary.
= = (. )(. ) = . = . .
, .
.

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Introduction of Instrument Transformers

Instrument Transformers are used in A.C. system for measurement of electrical quantities
i.e. voltage, current, power, energy, power factor, frequency. Instrument transformers are
also used with protective relays for protection of power system.

Basic function of Instrument transformers is to step down the A.C. System voltage &
current. The voltage & current level of power system is very high. It is very difficult & costly
to design the measuring instruments for measurement of such high level voltage & current.
Generally measuring instruments are designed for 5A & 110V. The measurement of such
very large electrical quantities, can be made possible by using the Instrument transformers
with these small rating measuring instruments. Therefore these instrument transformers
are very popular in modern power system.
Advantages of Instrument Transformers
i. The large voltage & current of A.C. Power system can be measured by using small
rating measuring instrument i.e. 5 A, 110 120 V.
ii. By using the instrument transformers, measuring instruments can be standardized.
Which results in reduction of cost of measuring instruments. More ever the
damaged measuring instruments can be replaced easy with healthy standardized
measuring instruments.
iii. Instrument transformers provide electrical isolation between high voltage Power
circuit & measuring instruments. Which reduces the electrical insulation
requirement for measuring instruments & protective circuits & also assures the
safety of operators.
iv. Several measuring instruments can be connected through a single transformer to
power system.
v. Due to low voltage & current level in measuring & protective circuit, there is low
power consumption in measuring & protective circuits.
Types of Instrument Transformers
Instrument transformers are of two types:1. Current transformer (C.T.)
2. Potential transformer (P.T.)
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Current Transformer (C.T.)

Current transformer is used to step down the current of power system to a lower level to
make it feasible to be measured by small rating Ammeter (i.e. 5A ammeter). A typical
connection diagram of a current transformer is shown in figure below.

Primary of C.T. is having very few turns. Sometimes bar primary is also used. Primary is
connected in series with the power circuit. Therefore, sometimes it also called series
transformer. The secondary is having large no. of turns. Secondary is connected directly to
an ammeter. As the ammeter is having very small resistance. Hence, the secondary of
current transformer operates almost in short circuited condition. One terminal of secondary
is earthed to avoid the large voltage on secondary with respect to earth. Which in turns
reduce the chances of insulation breakdown and also protect the operator against high
voltage. More ever before disconnecting the ammeter, secondary is short circuited through
a switch S as shown in figure above to avoid the high voltage build up across the
secondary.
Potential Transformer (P.T.)
Potential transformer is used to step down the voltage of power system to a lower level to
make is feasible to be measured by small rating voltmeter i.e. 110 120 V voltmeter. A
typical connection diagram of a potential transformer is showing figure below.

Primary of P.T. is having large no. of turns. Primary is connected across the line (generally
between on line & earth). Hence, sometimes it is also called the parallel transformer.
Secondary of P.T. is having few turns & connected directly to a voltmeter. As the voltmeter
Voltage- and Current Transformers (VTs and CTs)

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is having large resistance. Hence the secondary of a P.T. operates almost in open circuited
condition. One terminal of secondary of P.T. is earthed to maintain the secondary voltage
with respect to earth. Which assures the safety of operators.
Difference between C.T. and P.T.
Few differences between C.T. & P.T. are listed below:Sl.
No.

Current Transformer (C.T.)

Potential Transformer (P.T.)

Connected in series with power circuit.

Connected in Parallel with Power

circuit.

Secondary is connected to Ammeter.

Secondary is connected to Voltmeter.

Secondary works almost in short circuited

condition.

Secondary works almost in open

circuited condition.

Primary current depends on power circuit

current.

Primary current depends on

secondary burden.

Primary current & excitation vary over wide

range with change of power circuit current

Primary current & excitation

variation are restricted to a small
range.

One terminal of secondary is earthed to avoid One terminal of secondary can be

the insulation break down.
earthed for Safety.

Secondary is never to be open circuited.

Voltage- and Current Transformers (VTs and CTs)

Secondary can be used in open circuit

condition.

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