- June 18, 2021
- Posted by: Dyaneshwar Nirmale
- Category: Digital Meters
Accurate measurement of energy is going to play a critical role in power saving in the near future. It is estimated that electrical consumption will increase by over 70% by 2030. The good news is that energy measurement and energy efficiency solutions could bring about 57% reduction in CO2 emission in the time to come. The current two-blog series discusses how to install metering equipment at a metering project site to ensure accurate measurement and reliable monitoring of energy consumption.
Energy measurement is the job for multifunction meters. While most meters used in homes are self-contained. The entire energy enter used is passed through the meter which has an in-built current transformer. However, this setup is used only when the power being used in under 200 Amperes.
When the power used is more than 200 Amperes, its measurement requires transformer-rated meters. These meters use current transformers to measure power consumption. A number of factors must be considered when installing transformers for a metering project. Apart from correct installation procedures, the transformers must be compatible with the power measurement software which comes with the meters. In this blog we discuss the details of correct installation of current transformers on metering project site.
Installation of the current transformer
Ensure that the load and direction are correct
Ensure that the current transformers are connected to the right phases and facing in the right direction. Check the labeling on the CT to know which direction the CT should face. Installing the CT backwards will yield negative kW amd kVAR readings.
Verify the channel and wiring
Install the CT on the correct channel. If the wires are quite long, deploy colour-coded wires to ensure that your CT is installed on the right channel. In many cases, unused current channels are left open and do measure values. In case you do not wish to take a reading of open channel values, just short the CT inputs using a little wire.
Paralleling the CTs can help increase the number of circuits to be monitored. While the CTs, are paralleled, they should fulfill the following criteria:
- All paralleled CTs must be located on the same voltage phase
- The CTs must have the same Amperage rating
- The formula Amperage rating X number of CTs can be used to calculate the CT values ins SUT.
Check software compatibility
Do note that the CTs should be compatible with the software that accompanies the Newtek multifunction meters. Adjust the settings in the metering software to match the CT, or choose a CT that is compatible with the software. For other factors to be considered in choosing a current transformer, refer to our blog here. Ideally, the load in the CT should be between 10% to 100% of the CT scale rating.
Connect the CT to the meter
Different CTs have specific wiring configurations for connecting to the meter. When using Newtek Multifunction meters, make sure you are correctly following the instructions for polarity. Here, the which wire is connected to the positive CT terminal and the black wire is connected to the negative CT terminal. If the CTs are wired backwards, it will yield negative kW and kVAR readings.
Where to find quality current transformers in India
The availability of reliable and good quality current transformers is often a problems for businesses. CTs tend to be vulnerable to damage from harsh service conditions and damage from fall during installation. In such cases, replacing the broken CTs as quickly as possible is also a major challenge.
Newtek Electricals has been working for over a decade to resolve these key issues for Indian businesses. Our current transformers come with a special nylon casing that protects them from fall while offering higher temperature tolerance. Additionally, Newtek nylon casing current transformers have much lesser outside diameter than any other conventional CT. The compact design saves space and makes it easier to install the CTs in panels. Lastly, a well-designed production process allows Newtek to supply transformers to customers in the shortest possible lead time.
To quickly deploy durable, reliable and high-performing current transformers at your metering site, write to us at sales@newtekelectricals.com or call us right now on +91 – 93728 62651, 93728 62635