5P10 & 5P20 Class CTs: They are generally used for Over current (Instantaneous and IDMT

relays) and E/F protection of Feeders,

Transformers etc.
(i) 5 signifies the % limit of composite error.
(ii) P signifies the Protection core,
(iii) 10, 20 signify the quantum of fault current as
multiple of the rated current or ALF(Accuracy Limit Factor)
up to which the CT shall have the defined percentage of
composite error i.e. 5%. During fault condition the fault
current is many times the rated current. Standard Accuracy
Limit factors as per IS: 2705 and IEC60044-1 are 5, 10, 15,
20 & 30.
Accuracy limit factor is inversely proportional to the rated
VA burden i.e. if the connected VA burden is lower than the
rated one, the limit of accuracy shall be maintained beyond
the declared one.
The formula for actual ALF;
ALF(ACT)= ALF(RTD) x {Sin+Sn(Rated Burden)}/{ Sin+Sa (Actual
Burden)}.
Example:- Calculate actual Accuracy limit factor if
secondary burden is reduced to 1/3rd, if CT rated as 200/5
A,5P10,15VA and Rct =0.15Ω?
ALF Rated=10(From CT data 5P10),
Sin (Burden due to internal resistance of the CT) =
(5A)squre x 0.15=25 x 0.15=3.75VA,
Sn (Rated burden) = 15VA (From CT data), Sa(Actual Burden) =
15/3= 5VA,
ALF(ACT) = ALF(RTD) x {Sin+Sn(Rated Burden)}/{ Sin+Sa(Actual
Burden)}
ALF(ACT) = 10x (3.75+15)/(3.75+5) = 10x18.75/8.75 = 21.42
It is clear from the above example that the ALF increases if
the connected actual burden is lower than the rated one. The
CT in this condition shall maintain accuracy up to fault
current of 21.42 times of rated current as against 10 times
the rated current and shall not saturate till then.
PS Class CTs: Though abbreviation PS is not elaborated
anywhere, however it may be called as Protection Special
Class CT core. This core is used particularly where current
balance is precisely required to be maintained. In
Differential protection, balance is the prime requirement
between secondary currents of associated CTs of either side
of the equipments. Differential and restricted E/F
Protection of Transformers and Overall Differential
Protection of Generators need such CTS.
The 5P10P or 5P20 class CTs cannot match the Characteristic
as that of PS class. The core of PS class is such that very
high current is needed for saturation of the core. Knee
point voltage of the CT is of valid importance. The

developed voltage across the relay terminals should be lower

than the Knee point Voltage of the CTs.
From: Er.K.K.Murty, B.E.(Hons)Electrical,FIE.
Retd.Chief Engineer(Testing & Commnu),M.P.State Electricity
Board.
Jabalpur.
Email ID:kkmurty05@yahoo.com