Current Transformer Safety Tips

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Current Transformer Safety Tips

13 March 2019
 Categories: , Blog


In many industrial applications and equipment setups, current transformers are utilized.

These transformers are much like regular voltage transformers that are used in the home. The difference, however, is that a current transformer has one winding, instead of multiple ones. Furthermore, it does not work with voltage but with current.

No matter what you're using your current transformer for, you may at some point have to install a new one. If this task befalls you, follow a few key safety tips to prevent dangerous accidents from happening.

Avoid this Dangerous Attachment

One thing to be very careful of with your current transformer is never attaching it to the wrong thing. While any wrong or incorrect connection can cause problems, be especially careful not to attach an unburdened current transformer to a conductor that is carrying current.

If you make this mistake, the voltage level will exceed what is safe. The worst thing is that this problem usually doesn't make itself known right away. Instead, it will gradually wear down the current transformer, which could eventually lead to a fire or other serious problem.

While this attachment should definitely be avoided, other wrong attachments can prove hazardous as well. For that reason, if you're not fully confident in what you're doing, let a professional service handle the job.

Don't Open-Circuit the Current Transformer at the Wrong Time

In addition to being careful about what you attach your current transformer to, you should also take care when opening the current transformer.

One of the most dangerous things you can do is to open-circuit the transformer when it is not properly prepared. If the transformer is connected to a conductor, open-circuiting can cause electrical shock, which poses a serious risk to the person doing the circuiting.

In general, short-circuiting is always going to be the safer option with your current transformer.

Be Careful About Clamping

One final thing to be careful of is what you clamp your current transformer to and how you clamp it.

In general, most current transformers should not be clamped to an incompatible cable. Also, most transformers should not be clamped using packing materials. These can cause dangerous friction and other problems.

As you can see, there is a lot to be wary of and cautious about when dealing with current transformers. For that reason, when in doubt, always seek professional help. Dealing with live currents is certainly nothing to experiment with.