What type of transformers are current transformers typically categorized as?

Current transformers are typically categorized as current limiting transformers. They are designed to produce a secondary current that is proportional to the primary current flowing through the system, allowing for precise measurement and protection in electrical circuits.

Current transformers function by providing a means to safely monitor high current levels within power systems without directly connecting measurement devices to those high currents. Instead of stepping voltage up or down, their primary purpose is to limit the current to a manageable level for measurement and monitoring applications. They have a much higher ratio of turns in the primary coil compared to the secondary coil, thereby allowing them to generate a low enough current that can be safely handled by measurement devices.

This characteristic makes current transformers essential for applications in both substations and industrial power systems, enabling safety and accuracy in electrical measurements.