Q. What do you mean by Instrument transformers?

These are generally of two types, potential transformers (PTs) and current transformers (CTs). They are designed in such a way that the former may be regarded as having an ideal potential ratio, whereas the latter has an ideal current ratio. The accuracy ofmeasurement is quite important for ITs that are commonly used in ac circuits to supply instruments, protective relays, and control devices.

PTs are employed to step down the voltage to a suitable level, whereas CTs (connected in series with the line) are used to step down the current for metering purposes. Often the primary of a CT is not an integral part of the transformer itself, but is a part of the line whose current is being measured. In addition to providing a desirable low current in the metering circuit, the CT isolates the meter from the line, which may be at a high potential. Note that the secondary terminals of a CT should never be open-circuited under load. The student is encouraged to reason and justify this precaution. One of the most useful instruments for measuring currents in the ampere range is the clip-on ammeter combining the CT with one-turn primary and the measurement functions.