Selecting ANSI Class Metering Current Transformers
144
H
B0.1 B0.2 B0.5 B0.9 B1.8
0.3
0.6
0.9
1.2
2.4
ANSI METERING CLASS @ 60 Hz
CURRENT
RATIO
50:5
PERCENT
ACCURACY
BURDEN IN
OHMS
TURNS RATIO
One of the most common uses of current transformers are in metering and power usage, where a 5 Amp second-
ary current transformer is applied to a panel meter or a power meter for displaying amperage or recording power.
When extremely accurate measurement is required, or when revenue is generated from a power meter, ANSI class
current transformers are generally selected. The following table describes the characteristics of the ANSI class
transformer.
The primary selection criteria is the burden placed on the secondary of the transformer. This is the impedance
of the instrument that is connected to the transformer. This value is generally given in ohms or VA (volt-amps).
For ANSI class transformers, the headings at the top of the table B0.1 through B1.8 organize the accuracy of
the transformer according to the burden placed on the secondary. For example B0.1 means a burden of 0.l
ohms.
The accuracies listed under the burden values are given in percent. These values are for a full scale reading.
Percent accuracy means that the reading received from the transformer at the burden listed will be within the
percentage given of ideal. Hence, a 50 to 5 turns ratio transformer with 50 Amps through the window will
output 5 amps +/- 0.3% in the secondary into a 0.1 ohm burden. The current in the secondary will be some
where between 4.985 and 5.015 amps.
When the instrument connected gives the burden to the transformer in VA (volt-amps) the table can be used to
determine accuracy. Since the transformer has a 5 amp secondary, using Ohm’s Law, the impedance can be
determined. A burden of 5 VA must be equal to the current squared times the impedance in ohms. Thus, 5VA /
(5X5) = 0.2 Ohms. Thus, the accuracy of this transformer-meter system would be 0.6%.
If the impedance calculated or chosen falls between headings, use interpolation to determine accuracy.
In general, the lower the burden, the higher the accuracy.
It is critical to understand that the accuracy ratings are for a full scale reading. This accuracy will only be
maintained from 20% full scale and up. Below this, and the accuracy worsens greatly. Always strive to select
transformers so that the majority of readings will be within the 20 to 100% full scale range.
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