Current Transformer Accuracy Under %5 Load Level

AI Thread Summary
Current transformers (CTs) exhibit varying accuracy based on load levels, with manufacturers providing specifications primarily for loads above 5%. Below this threshold, accuracy can be uncertain, leading to potential readings of 0.00mA in the secondary circuit when primary currents are low, such as 50A in a 4000/5A CT. Some manufacturers label this as an "unstable zone," indicating that performance may not be guaranteed. Special accuracy classes (0.2S and 0.5S) have lower limitations of 1%, but conventional classes maintain a 5% threshold. Additionally, low burden conditions can also contribute to accuracy loss, raising concerns about the reliability of readings in such scenarios.
HakanEryurt
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Hello , I would like to ask one question. Current transformers has one of the major component in electricity but we know that per load level, VA, temperature ext accuracy of these transformers can change. CT manufacturers gives accuracy diagrams for different load levels from %5 load to full load. But what is happening when the load level is lower than %5. For example if you have 4000/5 current transformer to measure current and if you have load that can go down for sometime to 50A in primary, is it possible that you can have 0.00mA in secondary?

Some CT manufacturers written specs as <%5 zone unstable zone, where there is no value for accuracy or there is no warranty that CT's are working probably. Is there any technical study that investigate <%5 load conditions?
 
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Yes, for conventional measuring transformers with accuracy class of 0.1, 0.2, 0.5,1,3 and 5 this limitation is %5 but for special current transformers with accuracy class of 0.2S and 0.5S this limitation is %1. Error limits for measuring current transformer cores is defined by DIN VDE 0414-1 and IEC 60185

For Measuring core rated output: 2.5 – 5.0 – 10 – 15 – 30 VA; burden output factor = 0.8

Classes: 0.1 – 0.2 – 0.5 – 1: valid in the range of 25 % and 100 % of the rated burden.
Classes: 0.2 s and 0.5 s: For special applications (electrical meters that measure correctly between 50 mA and 6 A, i.e. between 1% and 120% of the rated current of 5A)
Classes: 3 – 5: valid in the range 50% to 100% of the rated burden Label: measuring cores are identified by a combination of the rated output with the overcurrent limit factor and with the class, e.g.

15 VA class 0.5 FS 10
15 VA class 0.5 ext. 150%

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Thank you for your answer. So if you have Class 0.5 current transformer for reactive power compansation, and if utility has 0.5s current tranformer for billing your compansation will not work properly and you can be charged for reactive energy.

But I need to understand why we read 0.00mA or very less current compared to primer in current transformer when there is 50A primer current in 4000/5A current transformer. Where are we loosing this secondary current?

As far as I understood these classes are specified in maximum burden. So my second question is if have a CT of 30VA burden and if we have load of max 0.3VA . Is there any accuracy loss also due to low burden?
 
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