In electrical installations what is the advantage of using a current transformer?

Answer 1

It allows complicated or multiple link ups of lights or similar and reduces heat in circuits and all can be controlled with one switch. Also reduces the chance of electrocution.

Answer 2

Current tranformers and "potential " ( voltage) transformers are vital for the operation of "Protective Relays" in power-systems .

If a "short-circuit" occurs in a circuit that is conducting an electrical force equivalent to thousands of mechanical horse-power, there results an enormous "destructive" power-surge if the circuit is not interupted in a fraction of a second.-- It's "melt-down" time!!!

An "over-load" Protective Relay will "repond "to the surge in current "measured" by a current transformer, operate, and automatically "trip" a circuit-breaker which opens the circuit.

Answer 3

Power is equal to voltage times current. Power loss is proportional to the square of the current.

It is more efficient to transport electric power at high voltage and use a transformer to step dow the voltage where it will be used.

As an example, if you double the voltage for a given power requirement, you reduce the current by half. Because power loss is proportional to the square of the current, you reduce power loss by 75 percent.

Answer 4

Current transformers convert high currents to low currents.

This lower current can be used for displays, instrumentation etc.

Modern devices convert directly to industry standard signals such as 4-20mA used extensively in control systems.

Answer 5

You had BETTER pick A B's answer. Current transformers are VITAL in protective relaying for the moden power system.

Answer 6

used commonly in instrumentation to proportionally reduce current so that measurements can be taken.
ie electric metering. easier and safer to work with smaller currents