 Current-transformer ratio error

Current-transformer ratio error quantifies the amplitude mismatch between primary electric current and the value inferred by multiplying secondary current by a nominal ratio. For positive RMS magnitudes $I_p,I_s$ and marked primary-to-secondary ratio $K_n$, define the inferred-primary fractional error asA negative value means that nominal scaling underestimates the primary current. This explicitly states the error convention; a reported correction can have the opposite sign.

The true ratio is $K=I_p/I_s$. The current-transformer ratio correction factor used in NIST's report convention isNIST distinguishes marked ratio, true ratio, ratio correction and ratio correction factor in its terminology section.^[ref] Error and correction are approximately negatives for small errors, but their exact fractional relationship is nonlinear.

For an original example, take $K_n=200$, a reference primary current of $500\mathrm{A}$, and secondary current $2.49\mathrm{A}$. Nominal scaling gives $498\mathrm{A}$, so ${ϵ}_I=-0.004=-0.4\%$. The correction factor is $500/498\approx 1.004016$. Multiplying the nominal indication by that factor recovers 500 A; simply adding 0.4% would leave a small second-order residual.

A simplified secondary-referred equivalent circuit makes burden dependence visible. Let $I_p/K_n$ divide between the measured secondary current and a current-transformer excitation current. With excitation admittance $Y_e$ and total secondary series impedance $Z_t$,This original linearized model gives amplitude error approximately $-\mathrm{Re}(Y_e{Z}_t)$ and phase shift approximately $-\mathrm{Im}(Y_e{Z}_t)$ when $|Y_e{Z}_t|\ll 1$. The core response can be nonlinear; the formula is not a universal calibration curve. NIST's equivalent circuit shows the separate magnetizing, leakage and burden terms that motivate such a model.^[ref]

A proposed ratio test compares primary and secondary magnitudes against a reference at stated current, frequency and current-transformer burden. Record polarity and phase separately: a correct magnitude ratio does not establish a correct active power reading. The pair of ratio and current-transformer phase displacement measurements determines the relevant complex transfer at that operating point.