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Rojony Khatun Author
Rojony Khatun
CalculatorToolsProjectExpert
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Małgorzata Koperska, MD Steven Wooding
Last updated: September 30, 2025

CT Ratio Calculator: Compute Primary & Secondary Current

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C.T.R

CT Ratio Calculator

Calculate the CT secondary current from the primary current and the CT ratio, or find the correct CT ratio for your system. Includes formulas, tables, and examples.

ct secondary current from primary

div The CT ratio (Primary/Secondary) shows how high primary current can be safely cut to a normal secondary (1 A or 5 A). Calculate with the following formula: \[ I s = I p X S sec /P ct \] where I p is the current of primary, P ct is the primary rating of the CT, and S sec is the secondary rating of the CT. The right CT ratio is essential to maintain use of correct measurements and shielding of electrical systems.

Formula & Table Summary:

  • Secondary Current: I_s = I_p × (S_sec / P_ct)
  • Required CT Primary: P_ct = I_p × (S_sec / I_s)
  • Primary-Equivalent from Measured Secondary: I_p_eq = I_s × (P_ct / S_sec)
  • Converter Table (Input → Output):

    InputFormulaOutput
    CT ratio & Primary CurrentI_s = I_p × (S_sec / P_ct)Secondary Current
    Primary & Desired SecondaryP_ct = I_p × (S_sec / I_s)Required CT Primary
    Measured Secondary & CT RatioI_p_eq = I_s × (P_ct / S_sec)Primary Equivalent

current transformer ratio formula

High primary current Current Transformer (CT) ratios specify the safe scaling of high primary current to standard secondary current (typically 1 A or 5 A) to use as a meter and protection. CT ratios are expressed as primary / secondary e.g. 400/5. To compute secondary current: product of the primary current and secondary rating/CT primary rating. The key part in selecting the correct CT ratio is to make sure that the primary rating is at least the maximum expected primary current and that the secondary has the standard ratings. It has formulae and converter tables, sample calculations, keywords that are low competition, image metadata, frequently asked questions as a JSON file, ready-to-use TailwindCSS calculator snippet to make instant evaluations. These resources simplify computation of CT ratios, make them accurate and accessible to both electrical practitioners as well as to students.

ct primary secondary conversion

ScenarioInputCalculationResult
Example ACT 400/5, I_p = 200AI_s = 200 × 5 / 4002.5 A
Example BCT 800/5, I_p = 300AI_s = 300 × 5 / 8001.875 A
Choose CTI_p = 120A, desired I_s = 5AP_ct = 120 × 5 / 5 = 120 → next standard150/5 recommended
Back-CalcMeasured I_s = 4A, CT 400/5I_p_eq = 4 × 400 / 5320 A

Frequently Asked Questions - CT Ratio Calculator:

What does a CT ratio mean?

CT ratio Primary/Secondary shows how primary current is stepped down to a standardized secondary (e.g., 400/5).

How to get CT secondary current?

I_s = I_p × (S_sec / P_ct). Example: CT 400/5, I_p 200A → I_s = 2.5A.

What are common CT secondary ratings?

1 A and 5 A.

How to choose CT primary rating?

Pick CT primary ≥ expected max primary current and standard secondary (1/5A). Round up to next standard.

How to compute primary-equivalent from measured secondary?

I_p = I_s × (P_ct / S_sec).

Why choose 1A vs 5A secondary?

1A reduces burden current and wiring size; 5A is common for protection circuits.

What happens if CT is overloaded?

CT can saturate and give inaccurate readings; never open-circuit secondary under load.

Can CT ratio be fractional?

CT ratios are typically whole numbers; fractional secondary currents arise if primary current isn’t an integer multiple.

How to handle multiple primary turns?

Effective primary = N×current; formula applies using effective primary current.

Where to find CT standard sizes?

Refer to CT manufacturer catalogs; common primaries: 5,10,20,50,100,150,200,400,800 A etc.

Rojony Khatun

Rojony Khatun

CalculatorToolsProject

Rojony Khatun is the creator of a free online tools website designed to simplify everyday and engineering-related calculations for students, professionals, and hobbyists. The platform offers a wide variety of basic and advanced calculators across key categories, including Electrical Calculators, Electronic Calculators, and Time & Date Calculators, helping users solve problems quickly and accurately.