CURRENT TRANSFORMER TESTING SWP

1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE

The purpose of this Standard Work Practice (SWP) is to 4. KEY TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
standardise and prescribe the method for testing Current
Standard PPE.
Transformers used for substation protection and indication
All Test Equipment shall be tested, tagged and within calibration
systems.
date.
The requirements for Revenue Metering applications are not
Typical equipment: Digital Voltmeter, Digital Ammeter, 200 amp
included in this SWP.
clip on ammeter, 10 amp clip on ammeter, Standard CT, 240V
2. STAFFING RESOURCES Variac, 50 amp current source, 2KV Mag Test Transformer,
Electrical Fitter/Mechanic and Competent Assistant with Ohmmeter, Analogue Ammeter and 6 volt battery for polarity test,
decade bridge or milli-ohmmeter, HV Test Set with dead man
Switching and Access authorisations for the roles they are
switch, Insulation Resistance Tester (minimum 5000volt),
required to perform and be competent in, or instructed in, the Ratiometer, Phase angle meter.
operation of the test equipment to be used.
Safety Barriers.
Required Training and Certificates
Switching and Access Operating Equipment: PEDs, Live Line
Current certification Working Safely On or Near Electrical
Tester, Class 0 gloves. All equipment to be inspected and
Network Infrastructure - 2941492. confirmed within test date prior to use.

3. DOCUMENTATION Additional PPE Required

AS 1675 – Current Transformers – Measurement and Protection. Class 00 gloves, hearing protection, safety eyewear.

AS 60044.1 – Instrument Transformers – Part 1: Current

Transformers
AS 62271.1 - High-voltage switchgear and control gear, Part 1

Current Transformer Manual / Manufacturer’s Drawings Electrical

Safety Rules 2022 - 6503074
HazChat - On-Site Hazard Assessment
ITP - Current Transformer
SP0506 Substation Primary Plant and Secondary Systems Field
Testing SWP

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 CURRENT TRANSFORMER TESTING SWP

5.3 Record identification details

5. WORK PRACTICE STEPS

5.1 Carry out an onsite risk assessment Manufacturer’s name, manufacturer’s type description and
manufacturer’s serial number.
Prior to performing this activity any hazards associated with
Plant number.
prerequisite tasks at the worksite shall be identified and assessed
with appropriate control measures implemented and documented Description, ie. post-type, bar-primary etc.
in accordance with HazChat on-site risk assessment.
Rated voltage and insulation level.
If any risks cannot be managed or reduced to an acceptable level,
Rated transformation ratios (multiple secondary cores).
do not proceed with the task and seek assistance from your
supervisor. Rated burden in ohms or VA.

5.2 All work to be done with CT de-energised Performance classification of all ratios, for example:

a) 0.5 M (Accuracy Classification 0.5, Class M)

All of the tests described in this SWP should be carried out with
Class M Metering CT, AS 1675
the CT de-energised and appropriate control measures in place
(eg. barriers, matting) to prevent inadvertent contact with b) 0.5 ME 2 (Accuracy Classification 0.5, Class ME, Rated
adjacent live plant or breaching exclusion zones. Furthermore, Accuracy Limit Factor 2)
the Electrical Safety Rules 2022 - 6503074 is applicable at all Class ME Metering CT, AS 1675
times for isolation and earthing.
c) 15 VA class 0.5 (Accuracy Class 0.5, Rated Output 15 VA)
Issue a Test Permit and follow the requirements of Electrical Metering CT, AS 60044.1
Safety Rules 2022 - 6503074.
d) 15 VA class 0.5 ext. 150% (Accuracy Class 0.5, Rated
As described in Substation Primary Plant and Secondary Systems Output 15 VA, Extended Primary Current 150%)
Field Testing SWP SP0506, particular safety risks applicable to Metering CT, AS 60044.1
Current Transformers include:
e) 15 VA class 0.5 FS 10 (Accuracy Class 0.5, Rated Output 15
 Contact with high voltage at CT primary connections. VA, Instrument Security Factor 10)
Metering CT, AS 60044.1
 High fault current at CT primary connections.
f) 10 P 150 F20 (Rated Composite Error 10%, Class P, Rated
 Open circuit CT secondary terminals. Secondary Reference Voltage 150 volts, Rated Accuracy
 Unearthed CT secondary winding. Limit Factor 20)
Class P Protection CT, AS 1675
 Open DLA test terminal.
g) 0.05 PL 950 R3 (Maximum secondary exciting current 0.05
Amps when excited at the knee point voltage, Class PL,
Rated Knee Point Voltage 950 volts, maximum Secondary

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 CURRENT TRANSFORMER TESTING SWP

Winding Resistance 3 ohms. 5.5 Measure primary and secondary winding insulation
Class PL Protection CT, AS 1675 resistance

h) 30 VA class 5P 10 (Accuracy Class 5P, Rated Output 30 VA, Test voltages as defined in the Maintenance Acceptance Criteria
Accuracy Limit Factor 10) Standard are to be used when measuring the insulation resistance
Class P Protection CT, AS 60044.1 of the primary CT winding.

i) 30 VA class 5PR 10 (Accuracy Class 5PR, Rated Output 30 Insulation resistance tests as listed below are to be applied for
VA, Accuracy Limit Factor 10) one minute duration each:
Class PR Protection CT, AS 60044.1
 Primary (HV) to Secondary plus Earth. All secondaries to
j) 30 VA class 5PX 10 (Accuracy Class 5PX, Rated Output 30
be connected together and earthed. It may be necessary to
VA, Accuracy Limit Factor 10)
guard out surface leakage current with a guard located
Class PX Protection CT, AS 60044.1(Class PX replaces
halfway down the HV insulator in order to achieve an
Class PL)
acceptable IR value.
It is important to record the ratio at which the performance
 Secondary to Earth @ 1kV. All secondaries to be
classification is stated, eg. 10 P 150 F20 at 200/5, since the
connected together. No guard.
performance of the CT is different at different ratios.
 Secondary to Secondary @ 1kV. Each secondary to be
tested to all of the other secondaries connected together in
5.4 Visual inspection of CT condition turn. No guard.

Inspect the CT for any sign of oil leaks both externally and in the Plant and equipment should not be commissioned unless the
CT secondary connection box. Confirm oil level/gas pressure is test result meets the C4 criteria defined in the Maintenance
correct before testing commences. Acceptance Criteria document. Plant may only be
commissioned at C3 or P2 level with specific approval from
Inspect the external surfaces and ensure the CT is clean and dry.
Engineering Field Support RPEQ Engineer. Plant may not be
Check primary and secondary connections for adequate labelling. commissioned at a P1 level.
The connections should be legibly and adequately marked.
5.6 Check secondary winding resistance
Check that the DLA test tap cover is in place (if applicable).
With a high precision ohmmeter, test the resistance in the
secondary core. For multiple core CTs all ratios should be tested.
Be sure to record the temperature at which the measurements are
carried out and the lead resistance of the measuring device. Refer
to 5.8 below for comments on measuring winding resistance from
a marshalling box or intermediate terminals rather than the CT
secondary terminals.

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 CURRENT TRANSFORMER TESTING SWP

Alternatively, use a stable DC current source (typically 100 mA) to The applied test voltage may have to be varied depending on the
pass current through the entire secondary winding and measure saturation characteristics of the core so as not to overload the test
the DC voltage drop across each tap at the CT secondary equipment due to excessive magnetising current.
terminals. From the current and voltage, calculate the winding
AS1675/AS60044.1 specifies the primary currents to be used
resistance.
when verifying compliance with the specified accuracy class. For
Note: For protection CT’s the secondary resistance metering CTs, this is up to 120/125% of the rated primary current,
measurement can be checked against the resistance stated on for protection CTs this is up to the Accuracy Limit Current.
nameplate classification.
Note that due to field test equipment limitations it will often not be
Winding resistance measurement is carried out prior to excitation possible to inject sufficient current in the CT as specified in
current measurement so that any residual magnetism caused by AS1675/AS60044.1, in these cases use an injection current as
DC testing will be removed. high as practicable but be aware that the test results obtained are
a verification of ratio only and do not demonstrate compliance with
5.7 Check ratio and polarity composite error designation.

Ratio and polarity tests can be carried out using either primary The ‘flick test’ may be used to determine the polarity of a CT:
current injection or secondary voltage injection. For multiple ratio
Caution:
CT’s, tests shall be carried out on all ratios as marked on the
Due to the likely generation of sparks as the lead is brushed to
manufacturer’s nameplate.
the battery positive, ensure there are no flammable substances
For primary current injection, a current is applied to the primary present during this test.
side of the CT and corresponding secondary current
measurements are made at each tapping of each core. Polarity a) Connect the secondary terminal ‘s1’ to the positive terminal
can be checked by the use of a phase angle meter. of an analogue meter on the DC millivolt range.
For secondary voltage injection, a voltage can be applied to the b) Connect the secondary terminal ‘s2’ to the negative terminal
secondary core tapings and a corresponding voltage measured on of the meter.
the primary. Polarity can be checked by the use of a phase angle
c) Using a six-volt dry cell battery, connect the negative terminal
meter.
to the primary connection ‘P2’.
Alternatively, a transformer ratiometer can be used to check the
d) Connect the HV terminal ‘P1’ to the battery positive terminal
transformation ratios and polarities. Note that when using a
with a short, sharp movement while watching the meter
ratiometer, the voltage output leads which are normally connected
deflection on the analogue meter - the deflection on the
to the HV of a transformer are connected to the secondary of a
meter should be in the positive direction.
CT, and the measurement leads which are normally connected to
the LV of a transformer are connected to the primary (HV) of a e) A more definite deflection will normally be seen as the battery
CT. positive terminal is dis-connected from P1 (again with a
short, sharp movement) after the CT has been charged for a

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 CURRENT TRANSFORMER TESTING SWP

short time - the deflection on the meter should be in the 400/300/1 CT of class 2.5 P 1000 F 20 at 400/1 would require in
negative direction. excess of 1000 volts to test, it may be more practicable to apply
the excitation voltage to the 300/1 tapping which requires 75% of
5.8 Measure secondary excitation current the voltage.

A sinusoidal voltage is applied to the secondary of the CT and the Note that the autotransformer effect would still generate 133% of
excitation current of the CT measured. RMS reading instruments the applied voltage on the 400/1 tapping; hence care must be
should be used during these measurements. taken not to overstress the insulation of this tapping (considered
to be 2 kV maximum for 1 minute unless otherwise stated).
Note that some instruments such as a CPC100 use "mean
rectified" values for a magnetisation curve. A waveform with a Prior to measuring the excitation current, increase the applied
high harmonic component (such as caused by a CT approaching voltage from zero to a value to saturate the core (i.e. the excitation
saturation) will have a mean rectified value significantly lower than current increases significantly with only a minor change in applied
the rms value. Since AS60044-1 defines rated knee point in terms voltage).
of rms voltages and currents, the CPC knee point will be lower
Over a period of 1 minute, reduce the applied voltage to zero,
than the actual knee point (i.e. the CT could appear to fail even
taking care to avoid any steps in the voltage as zero is
though it is okay).
approached. The excitation characteristic is measured as the
Note: It is preferred to apply a voltage and measure the current voltage is decreased. Slowly reducing the voltage in this manner
rather than inject a current and measure the voltage because demagnetises the core.
Class P, PX and PL CT performance is referenced to voltage.
The secondary excitation current is measured when 100, 75, 50,
Note: All other cores are open circuited, including the primary. 25 and 10% of the voltage below is applied to the CT secondary
winding:
Note: A step up mag curve transformer may be required to
produce sufficient applied voltage. Vapplied = VA / Isn x F
(for metering CTs to AS1675 or AS60044.1)
Note: It is permissible to measure winding resistance and
excitation current from the CT marshalling box or intermediate or = Usn + F x Isn x Rs
terminals rather the CT secondary terminals. Allowance needs to (for class P CTs to AS1675)
be made for the additional secondary wiring resistance that is or = VA / Isn x F + F x Isn x Rs
introduced in this process. If the CT fails to meet performance (for class P and PR CTs to AS60044.1)
specifications when measured from the marshalling box, then a
repeat test from the CT secondary terminals must be carried out. or = Rated Knee Point Voltage
(for class PL CTs to AS1675 or class PX CTs to
The voltage used to excite the CT should be applied across the AS60044.1)
entire winding of a tapped secondary. When this voltage would
exceed the capability of the test equipment, a lower voltage may where: VA = Rated Burden in VA;
be applied across a portion of the winding. For example, a Usn = Rated Secondary Reference Voltage;

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 CURRENT TRANSFORMER TESTING SWP

Isn = Rated Secondary Current; The knee point of the magnetising curve is defined as the point
whereafter a 10% increase in voltage causes the secondary
F = Rated Accuracy Limit Factor;
exciting current to increase by 50%.
Rs = Secondary Winding Resistance.
5.9 Carry out DLA Tests

Refer to the Standard for Minimum Commissioning Test

The secondary exciting current at 100% of the applied voltage
Requirements if DLA testing is required. DLA testing is described
described above should not exceed:
in a separate SWP.
Imax = F x Isn x e/100
Seek guidance from EFS for any clarification.
(for metering CTs to AS1675 or AS60044.1,
and class P CTs to AS1675 or AS60044.1
5.10 Carry out Partial Discharge Tests
and class PR CTs to AS60044.1)

or = Maximum Secondary Exciting Refer to the Standard for Minimum Commissioning Test
Current (for class PL CTs to AS1675 or Requirements if PD testing is required.
class PX CTs to AS60044.1)
Seek guidance from EFS for any clarification.
where F = Rated Accuracy Limit Factor and
Isn = Rated Secondary Current and On-line partial discharge testing is required to be carried out on all
e = Composite Error in percent oil filled current transformers. At system voltage, there must be no
partial discharge detected.
For example, a 400/5 CT of class 2.5 P 100 F 20 with 1 ohm
winding resistance will have a maximum excitation current of 5.11 Carry out HV Testing
Imax = 20 x 5 x 2.5 / 100 = 2.5 amps at 100 + (20 x 5 x 1) = 200
volts. Refer to the Standard for Minimum Commissioning Test
Requirements if HV withstand testing is required.
Similarly, a 1000/1 CT of class 0.05 PL 950 R3 will have a
maximum excitation current of 50 mA at 950 volts. Seek guidance from EFS for any clarification.

A 100/5 CT of class 0.5 M 15VA would have a maximum A CT shall withstand a power-frequency r.m.s. test voltage applied
excitation current of 5 x 0.5/100 = 25 mA when excited with 15/5 = for 1 minute between the primary and all secondary terminals
3 volts. connected to earth.

After readings have been taken, a Voltage vs. Current curve can All CTs should be subjected to the above test as part of the
be plotted. Note that some CTs use a combination of different manufacturer’s routine testing; otherwise, the test must be carried
types of core steel to improve performance at lower currents – this out on site.
may appear as an additional non-linearity in the magnetising
curve.

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 CURRENT TRANSFORMER TESTING SWP

Where switchgear HV insulation is partly or wholly assembled on 5.12 Schedule of Tests

site (eg. installing recloser bushings), then 100% of the test
Refer to the Standard for Minimum Commissioning Test
voltages in the table below are to be used.
Requirements for the schedule of tests required. Seek guidance
80% of the test voltages in the table below are to be used when from EFS for any clarification.
the test is a repeat of routine testing at the manufacturer’s works
unless express permission is obtained from the manufacturer to
use a higher voltage.

75% of the test voltages in the table below are to be used when
aged or refurbished plant is tested.

The requirements of the test are satisfied if no disruptive

discharge occurs.

Following the HV test, repeat the Primary to Secondary plus earth

insulation resistance measurement to confirm insulation integrity.

Nominal voltage Highest Voltage Rated Short term

of system (Un) for equipment Power-frequency
kV r.m.s. (Um) kV r.m.s. withstand voltage
(PFWV) kV r.m.s.
<1.1 2.5
3.3 3.6 16
6.6 7.2 20
11 12 28
22 24 50
33 36 70

Where Un > 33kV, refer to AS 62271.1 for applicable test values.

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 CURRENT TRANSFORMER TESTING SWP

5.13 Measure Secondary Loop Resistance g) Short and earth any unused cores at marshalling box;

Prior to energisation, the loop resistance of the CT secondary h) Check that there is only a single earth on any star
circuit should be measured across an open test link as close to connections;
the CT as possible. This loop includes the CT secondary winding,
i) Check nameplate is in place;
marshalling box wiring, cabling, panel wiring and relay
/transducer/meter resistance and is only carried out for the in- j) Check that secondary circuits are continuous and correct as
service ratio. Note that backfeeds through other phases must be per AC schematic;
avoided when measuring loop resistance or an open circuit neutral
k) Check that all secondary terminals are tight;
could be masked – remove all three phase links then measure the
loop resistance one phase at a time. Also note that if CTs are l) Check that core allocation is correct, i.e. protection cores are
summed (eg. breaker and a half schemes) each CT loop used for protection functions.
resistance is measured with the other CTs disconnected.

5.14 Primary Injection

Primary injection is the subject of a separate SWP, however it is

noted that primary injection should be carried out for any balance
type protection (eg transformer differential, restricted earth fault,
bus differential). Primary injection is not normally carried out for
plain overcurrent/earthfault protection unless being used to
confirm ratio.

5.15 Complete pre-commissioning checklist

CTs being placed in service for the first time require that the
following items are checked prior to energisation:

a) Check DLA link closed, DLA tap cover in place;

b) Check primary connections correct;

c) Check bonding connection from primary terminal to CT cap is

in place if required;

d) Check gas pressure / oil level;

e) Check earth connection to CT base and marshalling box;

f) Set ratios;

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